Xue Qinghe Offers to Take Lin Ye to the Academy

Just as Ning Fengzhi was about to send Lin Ye back to rest, an attendant hurried inside.

"Sect Master, His Highness Crown Prince Xue Qinghe is here to visit."

"Oh? The crown prince is here?" Ning Fengzhi was a little surprised, then smiled. "Show him in."

A moment later, a handsome young man dressed in casual blue robes walked in, his bearing gentle and refined, his smile as soothing as a spring breeze.

He was Xue Qinghe, crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire.

"Teacher, I hope my unannounced visit hasn't interrupted your discussions." Xue Qinghe bowed respectfully to Ning Fengzhi.

"Not at all. Come, sit." Smiling, Ning Fengzhi pointed to the seat beside Lin Ye.

Only then did Xue Qinghe notice Lin Ye, and a delighted smile immediately spread across his face.

"Ah! Lin Ye! It's been so long. You're back at the sect? No wonder Teacher looked so happy today."

Xue Qinghe was Ning Fengzhi's disciple, while Lin Ye was a disciple of the sect's two Douluos and had grown up in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Naturally, he knew this crown prince who was his "senior brother."

In fact, the two could be said to have grown up together.

Meeting Xue Qinghe's gentle, smiling gaze, Lin Ye understood perfectly, though he merely gave a calm smile.

"Yes, I only just got back. Brother Qinghe, you certainly hear things quickly."

Lin Ye deliberately placed a little extra emphasis on "Brother Qinghe," a flicker of teasing amusement passing through the depths of his eyes.

Of course, he knew that the "crown prince" before him was actually Qian Renxue, the Holy Maiden of Spirit Hall.

But he had never exposed her, only pretending to tease her casually during some of their private, everyday interactions.

"You haven't changed a bit, Lin Ye."

Xue Qinghe's smile remained unchanged as he walked over and sat beside Lin Ye with impeccable grace.

"Now that you're back, are you planning to stay at the sect?"

"No. I want to see the world outside."

Lin Ye glanced at Xue Qinghe as he lifted his teacup. In that fleeting instant, Lin Ye's sharp eyes caught him deliberately correcting an instinctive movement. It had been quick, but he had noticed nonetheless.

He teased in an even tone, "You're as meticulous as ever, Brother Qinghe. Those robes and your jade-like hands really complement each other. You're fussier than a girl."

The hand holding Xue Qinghe's teacup paused almost imperceptibly, and she cursed inwardly. That bastard Lin Ye is at it again! He's definitely doing it on purpose! Every time, he teases me with that 'girl' remark!

Despite her inward cursing, she maintained that perfect, warm smile.

"You still love your jokes, Lin Ye. Men need to mind their appearance too, especially when they're the crown prince."

Watching their exchange, Ning Fengzhi thought it was merely the usual banter between two close brothers.

"Qinghe, you've come at just the right time. Lin Ye was telling me he wants to attend the Heaven Dou Royal Academy."

"Oh? The Heaven Dou Imperial Academy?"

Xue Qinghe immediately perked up and set down his teacup.

"That's wonderful! With your strength and talent, you're more than qualified for the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy! When are you planning to go? Has your recommendation letter been written? The academy's paperwork can be rather troublesome..."

Lin Ye shrugged. "I only just settled it with Uncle Ning. I haven't prepared anything yet."

"I see." Xue Qinghe's eyes lit up as an idea immediately came to him.

He turned to Ning Fengzhi, his manner sincere and carrying a touch of an elder brother's concern.

"Teacher, since Lin Ye is going, it just so happens that I've been planning to visit the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy soon to check on this year's admissions and inspect the new facilities at several Soul Master combat training grounds."

"Why don't... I take Lin Ye and Junior Sister Rongrong myself?"

As she spoke, she patted her chest and promised, "With me handling things personally, the formalities will go much faster. I can also help them secure the best instructors and cultivation resources right away."

Having the crown prince personally escort them would guarantee the highest level of treatment. No one would dare make things difficult for them.

Ning Fengzhi nodded at the offer.

"Ha ha, in that case, we'll leave it to you, Qinghe!"

Ning Fengzhi knew very well how close Lin Ye and Xue Qinghe were.

Although they were not brothers by blood, they had known each other well since childhood and got along as harmoniously as true brothers.

As crown prince, Xue Qinghe was a little older than Lin Ye and had always taken good care of him.

With him making the arrangements personally, Ning Fengzhi could not have been more reassured!

Looking at the springlike warmth of Xue Qinghe's smile, Lin Ye laughed inwardly in amusement.

Qian Renxue, aren't you being a little too eager~

Personally taking us to the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy? Are you afraid we'll slip out of your sight? Or... do you want to "look after" us yourself, up close?

Outwardly, Lin Ye betrayed nothing and returned a broad smile.

"Sorry for the trouble, Brother Qinghe. It's been ages since we last met, so we can catch up along the way."

Xue Qinghe's smile deepened, taking on an indescribable radiance. "No need to be so polite, little brother Lin Ye. It's only right."

Just then, footsteps and girls' laughter sounded outside the hall. Ning Rongrong had returned from showing Zhu Zhuqing around.

Both girls wore happy smiles, clearly having enjoyed themselves.

"Dad! Crown Prince Brother! Have you finished talking?"

Zhu Zhuqing followed quietly behind, her gaze settling on Lin Ye.

Ning Fengzhi rose and announced, "Rongrong, you're just in time. Lin Ye plans to take you and Miss Zhu to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy."

"And Qinghe happens to be visiting the academy for an inspection soon. He's offered to personally take Lin Ye and you to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy and handle all the arrangements!"

"Crown Prince Brother is taking us himself?"

Xue Qinghe smiled gently, his gaze sweeping over everyone present. When she noticed Zhu Zhuqing, a trace of puzzlement flashed in her eyes.

"And who might this be?"

"Zhu Zhuqing, a companion I met during my travels. I plan to take her along too. You don't mind, do you, Brother Qinghe?" Lin Ye asked.

Xue Qinghe stole a glance at a certain part of Zhu Zhuqing's body, a flicker of discomfort passing through his eyes.

"If she's your friend, Lin Ye, then she's naturally a friend of mine as well. Don't worry. I'll arrange everything. There's no time to lose, so I'll have a carriage prepared tomorrow."

The atmosphere in the hall soon grew congenial. Everyone seemed pleased with this perfect arrangement, and Ning Rongrong was already imagining life at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.

Only Zhu Zhuqing, standing quietly beside Lin Ye, sensed something behind the esteemed crown prince's gentle smile—a faint, ice-cold gaze that seemed to linger on her for an instant.

The sensation vanished so quickly that it might have been an illusion.

"Lin Ye, it's been so long since we last played chess, but your skill is still astonishing."

In the rear courtyard, Xue Qinghe and Lin Ye sat across from each other at a chess table, playing a game.

"Heh, it seems you've been making rapid progress too, Brother Qinghe. You must have gained quite a lot recently," Lin Ye said with a faint smile.

Xue Qinghe's smile grew broader. "Compared to you, I still feel woefully inadequate."

Lin Ye stopped beating around the bush and said directly, "Since you say you're no match for me, why don't we spar?"

"Heh, it's been ages. Just what I had in mind."

The moment the words left his mouth, both activated their martial souls, left the chess table, and began fighting.

In the bamboo grove nearby, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo quietly poked their heads out from behind a rocky mound, then cried out in astonishment.

"A Ten Thousand Year Soul Ring?"