Prince Xue Xing scoffed, his tone brimming with disdain and doubt:
"Sect Master Ning, the soul beasts of Star Dou hold grudges more fiercely than any others. They probably haven't settled the score for all those years humans hunted them! This so-called 'cooperation' might be nothing but lip service, while in secret they're still plotting revenge against humanity! In my opinion, we'd best stay out of these muddy waters, lest we draw the flames onto ourselves!"
"You are mistaken, Your Highness."
Chen Xin's brows knitted tightly, his tone carrying an unquestionable gravity.
"The conflict between soul masters and soul beasts has lasted ten thousand years. Countless lives have been lost in this struggle. If soul spirits truly can resolve this accumulated hatred, it would be an enormous blessing for the entire continent. If Heaven Dou retreats now, we will only let Star Luo and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan establish contact with Star Dou ahead of us. Once they surpass us in cultivating soul masters, the empire's influence will only weaken further. The consequences would be far worse than 'wading into muddy waters'!"
The argument in the pavilion gradually grew heated. The wind scattered peony petals across the courtyard, sending them drifting onto the stone table, yet no one spared them a glance.
Xue Ye watched the others argue without reaching an agreement, tapping his fingertips lightly against the stone table as a decision gradually took shape in his mind.
He raised a hand to interrupt the argument, his voice solemn as iron:
"Enough. There is no need to argue further. Qinghe, you will represent Heaven Dou and lead one hundred elite soul masters to the Eastern Branch Hall. You must uncover the truth about soul spirits, particularly their effect on a soul master's potential. Sect Master Ning, you