Xue Qinghe turned around and looked at Chen Jin, clad in red.
"Brother Chen Jin, it seems that snow antelope wasn't meant for us today."
Xue Qinghe spoke, breaking the quiet of the woods.
Chen Jin remained calm and brushed the dust from his palms.
"There will always be prey, but you've been holding back what's on your mind for a long time, Your Highness. You can say it now."
Xue Qinghe looked at Chen Jin.
The faint light filtering through the woods fell across his face.
He suddenly smiled.
"Brother Chen Jin, you really are a straight talker."
"Since there's no one else here, I won't beat around the bush."
Xue Qinghe took two steps forward and stood in a clearing.
"I'm sure you can see the Heaven Dou Empire's current situation clearly."
"The empire may look vast, but in truth, it's riddled with factions, with nobles great and small each ruling their own roost."
"The imperial family, in particular, lacks a powerhouse who can truly keep the situation under control."
"As the empire's crown prince, I need to recruit genuine talent to serve the empire."
Xue Qinghe stopped and turned to look Chen Jin straight in the eye.
"Although Blazing Fire Academy ranks among the best of the Five Elemental Academies, it's still only an academy."
"Its horizons are too narrow to hold a divine phoenix like you, soaring through the nine heavens."
"Chen Jin, I need you."
"How about working for me?"
Xue Qinghe extended his invitation.
His expression was sincere, his tone inviting.
His status as crown prince gave him that confidence.
After hearing him out, Chen Jin's expression did not change at all.
He walked over to a dead log and sat down, resting his hands on his knees.
"Work for Your Highness?"
Chen Jin