Xue Qinghe's Invitation

"How did you manage to absorb a seven-thousand-year Third Spirit Ring? And your Soul Power rose way too much, didn't it? I only reached rank thirty-two after absorbing my Third Spirit Ring."

After hearing Dugu Yan's whisper, Ning Bei smiled smugly.

"What? Still thinking you can surpass me? In your next life, bratty little sister."

But the moment Ning Bei finished speaking, the puffed-up Dugu Yan gave the soft flesh at his waist a full three-hundred-and-sixty-degree twist.

It hurt so much Ning Bei grimaced, suddenly remembering that women also possessed this innate Self-Created Soul Skill.

He rubbed his waist, sighing to himself that women really couldn't be offended lightly.

He took out a Jade Bottle from his Storage Necklace and placed it in Dugu Yan's hand.

"Here, Yanzi."

Dugu Yan took the Jade Bottle and looked at Ning Bei curiously.

"What is this? Medicine?"

Since he figured Dugu Bo and his granddaughter counted as his own people now, aside from the Pill Pagoda's ability to manufacture medicine and nurture Soul Beasts, there was no need to be overly guarded against them in other matters.

Although Dugu Bo's behavior was sometimes a bit beneath the dignity of a Titled Douluo, he was loyal enough. In the original story, he had even confronted Spirit Hall for Little Rascal. Ning Bei figured he probably wouldn't trick him, so he planned to let Dugu Yan use the Mind Awakening Pill.

Little Rascal would later have his own team, and Ning Bei couldn't remain all alone either.

"This is a Mind Awakening Pill. It can increase the cultivation speed of Soul Masters below Soul King by forty percent, and it doesn't have any real side effects. It was refined by the alchemists of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

After Dugu Yan heard that, her beautiful eyes went wide.

She thought, You had something this good, and after we've known each other for so long, you're only taking it out now?

Ning Bei seemed to understand what Dugu Yan meant.

"This Elixir was only developed recently. I didn't have it before either."

Only then did Dugu Yan withdraw her glare and ask curiously:

"Does it really have such a miraculous effect? Then won't we be able to reach rank forty very soon?"

"Whether it's real or not, you'll know once you try it. But just take it yourself. Don't tell anyone except your Grandfather."

Dugu Yan nodded hard. She still understood the principle of not flaunting wealth.

"I know. I won't go around blabbing."

Then she gave Ning Bei a firm, sweet kiss on the cheek.

That kiss left Ning Bei completely stunned.

Oh no. She likes me.

Dugu Yan happily took the Elixir and went back to the dormitory to cultivate, while Ning Bei walked back with a heavy heart.

He had only wanted to win over the currently promising Dugu Yan and Dugu Bo, who was a Titled Douluo. But if he had to sell his body, that would be a different price entirely.

"How did it turn into this? I'm only nine years old! I haven't even thought about these problems yet! If Old Poison Demon finds out I stole his little cabbage, he'll probably come after me with his life on the line."

Little did he know, Dugu Bo had long since noticed the signs in his granddaughter. He had merely tacitly allowed the two of them to interact. He was also very optimistic about Ning Bei's future, and judging from Ning Bei's crafty little look, if the two of them ended up together in the future, they definitely wouldn't be taken advantage of by outsiders.

Just as Ning Bei was walking back, a man who looked like a steward appeared in front of him.

"Young Master Ning, the Crown Prince requests your presence."

The steward's words interrupted Ning Bei's thoughts. Ning Bei looked at his respectful manner.

"Is that so? Lead the way."

Although he wondered why Qian Renxue was looking for him, he did not refuse. No matter what, he was someone she wanted to win over. Once he understood that, there was nothing to fear.

They arrived at a teahouse, and the steward led Ning Bei into a private room.

"Brother Ning, long time no see."

Qian Renxue, dressed as a man, still wore a warm smile on her face. Without showing a trace of intent, she drew the two of them closer and washed away the unfamiliarity from not having seen each other for a long time.

"That's right, Big Brother Xue. Long time no see. You must be pretty busy."

"No matter how busy I am, I still have to make time to sit down with Brother Ning."

As she spoke, she invited Ning Bei to take a seat, personally warmed a cup of tea, and pushed it in front of him.

"Good tea."

Ning Bei pretended to savor a sip and did not drink it all at once. That was not something someone with his cultured-person persona should do.

Qian Renxue also took a small sip, then looked at Ning Bei with a smile.

"Oh? Brother Ning understands tea at such a young age?"

Hearing this, Ning Bei scratched his head awkwardly. How had the topic ended up on this track? He had just been casually saying a couple of words.

"I don't understand tea, but with Big Brother Xue's status, the tea you bring out must be good tea. That much can't be wrong."

Ning Bei's blunt words made Qian Renxue smile.

"Brother Ning truly is an amusing person."

After a round of idle chatter, the two of them put away their playful expressions.

Qian Renxue looked at Ning Bei with a grave expression.

"Brother Ning, what do you think of my Imperial Father preparing to appoint a Crown Prince?"

Ning Bei thought to himself, Here it comes. This is the real business.

Then he looked at Qian Renxue without batting an eye.

"Big Brother Xue is the legitimate eldest son, and he treats worthy men with courtesy. Naturally, he's the only choice for Crown Prince."

"Oh? Does Brother Ning truly think so?"

Ning Bei rolled his eyes inwardly. What the hell are you testing me for?

"Of course. Otherwise, my father wouldn't have become Big Brother Xue's teacher, would he?"

"Oh? In that case, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will also support me becoming Crown Prince?"

Ning Bei gave Qian Renxue a deep look, then continued, "Of course. Spirit Hall is powerful now, and even the Clear Sky Sect has been forced to seal its mountain. As one of the Top Three Sects, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect naturally has to huddle together with the Heaven Dou Empire for warmth. Supporting Big Brother Xue in becoming Crown Prince will also help bring our sect closer to the empire."

"Is that true?"

A delighted expression appeared on Qian Renxue's face, as if she were extremely pleased. As for whether she was truly happy inside, Ning Bei understood perfectly well.

I said right to your face that Spirit Hall has wolfish ambitions, and you can still be happy? That would be a ghost story. He had deliberately made things uncomfortable for Qian Renxue. It served her right for constantly testing him back and forth like this.

"Naturally it's true. In the Heaven Dou Empire, other than Big Brother Xue, no one is suited for the position of Crown Prince."

"Then I hope Brother Ning will put in a few good words for me before Teacher."

"Of course, of course."

"Brother Ning is truly a dragon and phoenix among men."

"Not at all, not at all. Big Brother Xue is the one with the bearing of an emperor for the ages."

After the two foxes flattered each other for a while, at Qian Renxue's invitation, they had dinner together. Since their current goals were aligned, the atmosphere at the table was naturally very harmonious.

After eating and drinking his fill, Ning Bei bid farewell to Qian Renxue and headed toward the academy.

Qian Renxue watched Ning Bei's departing figure, her gaze gradually turning cold. All forces that opposed Spirit Hall would eventually become her enemies. She only hoped that when the time came, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would know how to read the situation.

Just then, a black shadow appeared beside Qian Renxue.

"Young Master, that boy's cultivation has already reached rank 37. Compared to the last time we met, he has improved greatly."

When Qian Renxue heard this, her eyes narrowed, and she asked in disbelief, "Is that true?"

"Absolutely true. I sensed it carefully just now. It was indeed the fluctuation of rank 37 Soul Power. Should we make a move and eliminate him?"

After Qian Renxue listened, she pondered for a while, then shook her head at him.

"No need. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect may not necessarily become an enemy in the end. If, after I become the Heaven Dou Emperor, I can draw them into our ranks, they will be a great help to Spirit Hall in sweeping across the continent. If you eliminate Ning Bei, they will definitely suspect Spirit Hall. When that happens, there will be no room left to maneuver."

"Yes. Understood, Young Master."

With that, the figure once again disappeared into the darkness.