Thud-!
Flesh struck the ground with a dull sound.
The Mad Lion Duo lay with their skin split and flesh torn, drenched in blood.
A trace of horror still lingered in their eyes.
Several support Soul Masters with healing abilities gathered around them, unleashing their Soul Skills to treat the pair.
Fortunately, although their injuries looked horrific, the spear tip had not pierced any vital organs head-on. Their lives were not in danger.
"Let us congratulate the winners of today's Soul Fighting match, the Blue Silver Twin Stars!"
"They have set the Soul Fighting Arena's record for the fastest acquisition of a Gold Badge, the longest winning streak, and a victory across the greatest gap in Soul Power Level!"
"Give them a roaring cheer!"
Thunderous cheers and hysterical screams rang out.
Tang San Niang naturally slipped her arm through her brother's.
The siblings stepped down from the stage.
"You two, an honored guest wishes to see you." The referee bowed respectfully.
The Great Soul Arena was an independent third-party organization jointly founded by the seven great sects, unaffiliated with any regime.
Anyone its referee called an honored guest must therefore have a formidable background.
"Lead the way."
Tang Yin nodded.
Come to think of it, the Clear Sky Sect had a share in the Great Soul Arena, too.
However, because the Clear Sky Sect had withdrawn into seclusion, its rights and interests had been temporarily frozen. They would only be reinstated upon its return.
A lavishly furnished VIP Room.
Tang Yin and Tang San Niang pushed open the door and entered.
"My young friends, I, Xue Qinghe, have been awaiting you for some time."
Xue Qinghe rose to greet them, a warm, friendly smile naturally settling on his face.
"So it's Your Highness the Crown Prince. Forgive our discourtesy."
Tang Yin cupped his hands in greeting.
Encountering Qian Renxue here had rather surprised him.
Was this what they meant by the mountain coming to me when I wouldn't go to the mountain?
Tang San Niang surveyed him curiously with her azure eyes.
This young man with such a noble bearing was actually the crown prince?
Following her brother's lead, Tang San Niang bowed, neither servile nor arrogant.
Xue Qinghe was full of admiration.
"Had I not confirmed it repeatedly, I would have found it hard to believe you two are only twelve. When I was twelve, I was merely an ignorant youth."
"I'm delighted to meet you. Calling me Crown Prince is far too formal. If you don't mind, we can address one another as siblings."
"Would you take off your masks and let your Brother Xue see your true faces?"
The information revealed in Xue Qinghe's words sent a sudden chill through Tang San Niang's heart, and she unconsciously tightened her hold on her brother's arm.
With her intelligence, it was not difficult to guess.
He had already seen through the siblings' identities.
Someone who could occupy the position of crown prince was naturally no ordinary person.
Fortunately, there was no enmity between the Clear Sky Sect and the Heaven Dou Empire.
In fact, her father's words had suggested that the two were allies of sorts. At that thought, Tang San Niang breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as he was not from Spirit Hall, everything could be discussed.
Tang Yin and Tang San Niang removed their masks one after the other.
Two flawless faces, bearing a seventy-percent resemblance, appeared before Xue Qinghe.
Tang Yin's face was as fine as jade, while Tang San Niang possessed beauty fit to topple a nation. They were truly two peerless young talents.
Even Pufferfish and Snake Lance, standing to the side, could not help glancing over.
"What a golden boy and jade maiden!"
Xue Qinghe's eyes shone with admiration.
"Tang Yin and my younger sister, Tang San Niang, greet you, Brother Xue."
"My dear younger brother and sister, there's no need to be so polite. Please, sit."
The three took their seats, and Xue Qinghe attentively poured tea for the siblings. The tribute tea brought from the palace filled the room with fragrance; merely breathing it in brought a refreshing comfort that seeped into the heart.
"How much do you two know about your origins?"
Xue Qinghe went straight to the point. She was accustomed to taking control of a conversation from the outset.
The talent these siblings had displayed was rarely seen anywhere in the world.
Naturally, she had already thoroughly investigated their background.
She even knew that the renowned Clear Sky Douluo had disappeared six years ago.
The Tang siblings now had no one to rely on and were still young, making this the perfect time to bring them under her thumb.
If she could recruit them and put them to use,
it would greatly benefit her grand undertaking of unifying the continent under Spirit Hall, like adding wings to a tiger.
As the saying went, those who cherished heroes valued heroes. Compared to her grand undertaking, a trifling feud over her father's murder could be set aside.
How very filial!
Truly worthy of the wise, benevolent crown prince who thirsted for worthy talent.
She had played the role for so long that she had become too deeply immersed in it.
Faced with an attitude identical to that of the original course of events, Tang Yin could not help wondering whether Qian Renxue truly had the ability to govern a nation and bring it peace.
Tang Yin grumbled inwardly, but kept his expression unchanged and feigned ignorance.
Xue Qinghe was naturally happy to answer the siblings' questions and bring them closer to her.
Over the course of their conversation,
the three gradually grew familiar with one another.
"With your talent and brilliance, you could certainly pursue further studies at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy and serve the nation in the future. Wouldn't that be splendid?"
Tang Yin said, "Your Highness is absolutely right. My sister and I have that intention as well. However, the Heaven Dou Royal Academy only admits nobles. I'm afraid we-"
As the saying went, one task need not trouble two masters. Since they had already met,
there was naturally no need to wait for the old man to make arrangements.
Although Tang Yin suspected Tang Hao was surely still hiding nearby, secretly watching the siblings' every move,
what if he was not?
After all, with Tang Yin now added as a variable, many things were no longer certain.
Hearing this, Xue Qinghe could not have been happier.
So this is how it feels to gather all the world's finest talents into my net? I, Qian Renxue, truly am a great sovereign of my generation!
"Excellent! An admission slot is a trifling matter. The empire thirsts for worthy talent, so rest assured, Brother Tang Yin."
Xue Qinghe laughed heartily and took a gold token from her robes. It had a smooth, warm texture and contained a trace of energy, with the Heaven Character engraved upon it.
"This is my personal identity token. Keep it safe, Brother Tang Yin. Once you arrive in Heaven Dou City, you may use it to come see me at any time. I will arrange your admission then."
"Thank you, Crown Prince!"
"Hmm?" Xue Qinghe feigned displeasure.
Tang Yin smiled. "Thank you for looking after us, Brother Xue."
Xue Qinghe smiled faintly and extended an invitation.
"It's getting late. Brother Tang Yin, Sister San Niang, why don't we have dinner together?"
Tang Yin was just about to politely decline.
The announcer's shout rose from the Soul Fighting Arena below.
"The next Soul Fighting match: Evil-Eyed White Tiger versus Soft Bone Rabbit! Will both contestants please enter the arena!"
Huh???
Tang Yin and Tang San Niang froze, instinctively turning to look down at the Soul Fighting Arena.
Wasn't Xiao Wu watching the matches down there with Sister Huo Wu?
How had she become a contestant?
And she was even facing Dai Mubai!
"Someone go find out what happened."
Xue Qinghe immediately gave the order.
Soon, a guard hurried over and reported,
"Your Highness, Evil-Eyed White Tiger tried to flirt with her, but she mocked him instead. Humiliated and furious, he challenged her to a wager match."
At this, Xue Qinghe frowned slightly, a trace of disgust appearing in his eyes.
"What a lust-addled scoundrel!"
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