After putting away the blueprints for the curved plow, Xue Qinghe changed the subject and asked casually, "Mr. Lin, as a businessman, I'm truly curious why you chose to attend the Heaven Dou Royal Academy Heaven Dou Royal Academy. After all, it's Soul Master Academy, which isn't really suitable for you."
This question went straight to the heart of the matter, carrying a hint of scrutiny that could not be avoided. Qian Renxue was naturally suspicious, so she was bound to ask this question, and Lin Yan was prepared for it.
Lin Yan's voice deepened slightly as he said, "It's because I am still a Soul Master!"
Before he finished speaking, Lin Yan's mind stirred, and his Soul Power slowly circulated within his body. Instantly, a Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul with dazzling leaves emerged from his palm. At the same time, two bright Yellow Soul Ring rose from beneath his feet, pulsating around his body.
Of course, Lin Yan had disguised this Yellow Soul Ring; otherwise, with two Purple Soul Ring, he wouldn't have been able to leave the Crown Prince's residence today.
Xue Qinghe ( Qian Renxue )'s gentle smile froze instantly, and an incredulous light flashed in his eyes! He stood up abruptly, his gaze fixed on the two Soul Ring on Lin Yan's body.
" Soul Grandmaster?! Two Hundred-Year Soul Ring?!" Even with Qian Renxue's composure, she couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice.
She had previously investigated Lin Yan and knew that his rank was not high when he dropped out of the Nuoding Academy. Later, he founded Hundred Herbs Hall, so she assumed that his focus had shifted to business. She never expected that this boy, who was only about twelve years old, would not only achieve great success in business, but also reach such a terrifying level of Soul Master cultivation!
Soul Grandmaster under twelve years old, possessing two Hundred-Year Soul Ring! This talent is monstrous anywhere! Even the Spirit Hall Golden Generation at this age probably wouldn't be much different, right?
His previous assessment of Lin Yan was far too conservative! At this moment, Qian Renxue's evaluation of Lin Yan instantly rose to a new level. A young man with such terrifying cultivation talent, and also possessing an amazing business acumen... his value far exceeded her imagination!
After the initial shock came a deeper question. With such talent, why was he previously unknown? And why did he choose to enter the Heaven Dou Royal Academy? Was it to obtain better resources? Or... was there another motive?
Lin Yan withdrew his Martial Soul and Soul Ring at the opportune moment, and the study returned to calm, but the shock he brought lingered for Jiujiu.
"It seems I underestimated Mr. Lin." Xue Qinghe slowly sat down, the shock on her face having subsided, and she once again donned her gentle mask, but a hint of seriousness and inquiry appeared deep in her eyes. "With Mr. Lin's abilities, he is indeed qualified to enter the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, and may even attract the attention of the academy's higher-ups."
He didn't press Lin Yan about his specific purpose for entering the academy. For such a young and talented Soul Grandmaster, wanting to develop on a better platform was a perfectly valid reason. Further questioning would only seem deliberate and easily arouse her suspicion. In any case, once Lin Yan entered the academy, he would be within her sights, and she would have plenty of time and means to investigate.
"Your Highness flatters me," Lin Yan said modestly, inwardly relieved. Demonstrating his strength was not only a way to deal with questioning, but also a form of intangible deterrence and a way to increase his own leverage. It seemed to be working well.
"In that case, Mr. Lin, please settle down in the city for now." Xue Qinghe regained her composure. "Once I have verified the effectiveness of this 'Curved Plow,' I will send someone to inform you, regardless of success or failure."
"Yes, then I will await Your Highness's good news." Lin Yan rose and bowed again. "I take my leave."
Xue Qinghe nodded and watched Lin Yan leave the study under the guidance of the butler.
The moment the study door closed again, the gentle and refined smile on Xue Qinghe's ( Qian Renxue ) face vanished instantly, replaced by an icy indifference and a deep contemplation in his eyes. He gently stroked the blueprints of the curved plow in his hand, his gaze sharp as a hawk.
After a moment of silence, he spoke softly to the empty corner of the study, " Uncle Ying."
As soon as the words were spoken, the shadow in the corner of the study twisted, and a figure shrouded in a black robe appeared silently like Gui Mei, kneeling on one knee, its aura almost blending into the surrounding environment.
"Investigate. I need all his information!" Xue Qinghe's voice was devoid of any emotion, completely different from the gentle and refined Crown Prince just moments before.
"Yes, young master." The man in black robes responded in a low voice, his figure disappearing back into the shadows as if he had never been there.
Silence returned to the study. Xue Qinghe walked to the window, gazing at the setting sun outside, his eyes deep and unfathomable.
" Lin Yan... founder of the Hundred Herbs Hall, Soul Grandmaster under twelve years old, possessing two Hundred-Year Soul Ring, and capable of producing something as beneficial to the country and its people as the Curved Plow... just how many secrets are you hiding?" He muttered to himself, a meaningful smile curving his lips. "Interesting. I hope you can truly be of use to me, otherwise..."
He didn't say the rest, but that fleeting, chilling killing intent was enough to say it all.
On the other side, Lin Yan walked out of the Crown Prince's residence accompanied by the steward. Only after feeling the gaze behind him, which seemed to pierce through one's heart, disappear did he breathe a slight sigh of relief. Dealing with someone like Qian Renxue was no different from walking on the edge of a cliff; every step had to be taken with extreme caution.
"The first step has finally been taken." He glanced back at the magnificent mansion and murmured to himself.
Next, we just wait for the results.
He believed that as long as the effects of the curved plow were verified, entering the Heaven Dou Royal Academy should not be a problem. After entering the academy, how to approach Dugu Yan and eventually make contact with Dugu Bo were all things Lin Yan needed to consider.
Now, Lin Yan is preparing to find a place to rest properly. She hasn't had a proper rest in a month, and Lin Yan really misses the feeling of lying on a soft bed.
Night slowly falls on Heaven Dou City, and the lights come on, adorning this vast city with a dreamlike quality.
Lin Yan slept soundly that night.