Chapter 269

A gentle breeze swept across the back mountain.

Qian Renxue's gaze was fixed on the figure lying on the bench, her slender white hands clenching tightly.

His long, pale golden hair cascaded over his shoulders like ocean waves, and his handsome, gentle profile seemed to gradually overlap with the kind and gentle figure in his memory. However, a hint of indifference lingered on that familiar face...

She stood there, stunned, her throat bobbing, her hands trembling slightly inside her sleeves.

Lu Cheng seemed unaware of her arrival, his gaze lingering on the people fighting ahead.

It was Dugu Yan, who was in the process of training and coordinating in battle, who was the undisputed captain of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy First Team, and she generously gave one of the immortal Immortal Herb to her companions as well.

"Pay attention to the rhythm, don't just focus on brute force." Lu Cheng said calmly, his figure still lying steadily on the bench. With just a light tap of his fingertip, a pale golden Soul Power cut directly into the battle.

Dugu Yan, who was fighting against a Power Attack System Soul Master, froze. She felt as if her smooth Jade Phosphorous Serpent Poison Soul Power had hit a soft wall, and her attack instantly became chaotic.

"The gaps between Soul Skill combos are your weaknesses. Although your poison control has a wide range, your Soul Power bursts out too concentrated, making you vulnerable to Agility Attack System."

As Lu Cheng calmly explained, he pointed to a spot in the distance. Osler, who was attempting a sneak attack from the other side, felt an invisible pressure envelop him, slowing his movements and allowing Dugu Yan's teammates to counterattack.

"Remember, teamwork is about sticking together, not one person standing out alone."

Lu Cheng's gaze swept over the other two team members who were trying to flank them. He took a sip of tea and said calmly, "Your positioning is too deliberate; your intentions are obvious. Remember, as Agility Attack System Soul Master, you must learn to utilize the environment and create illusions for the enemy."

He slowly sat up straight and put down his teacup. "Dugu Yan, you are Control System and the core of the team. Your task is not to kill the most enemies, but to control the rhythm of the entire battlefield. The timing of releasing the poison mist must be coordinated with the burst points of your teammates. Who is your secondary attacker? What are their attack habits? How many times have you practiced skill combos?"

"It's a complete mess... I don't know what kind of incompetent teachers you had before. There's definitely a reason why Heaven Dou Royal Academy has fallen to this state."

Although Lu Cheng's tone was normal and his complaints were not laced with anger, many disciples were still sweating profusely. These were questions that Teacher Qin Ming had never taught before, and they all went straight to the heart of the matter.

Faced with this great Buddha's criticism, they dared not say much. Even if Xue Ye were here, he would probably just smile wryly upon hearing this. In truth, he was the highest-ranking person in the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, even surpassing the three major teaching committee members. They could only listen obediently when scolded.

Dugu Yan wiped the sweat from her forehead, and upon hearing this, she immediately exchanged a glance with a Power Attack System Soul Master holding a spear beside her, and the two simultaneously adjusted their positions.

The disciple with the spear-wielding Martial Soul was named Bai Mao, Martial Soul was the Ice Spear. He was a level 47 Power Attack System Soul Master, and he replaced Yu Tianheng in the Power Attack System position...

Lu Cheng nodded slightly.

He glanced sideways at Qian Renxue in the distance, casually waved his hand, and said indifferently, "That's enough for today. Remember to meditate when you get back, reflect on your mistakes, and by this time tomorrow, I want to see your progress."

"Yes!" Dugu Yan, Osler and the others bowed respectfully. Although they looked tired, the excitement in their eyes was hard to hide. The progress they had made today was really great. Teamwork was indeed very important. Before, they were just cooperating haphazardly.

"Dragon God, are these all experiences you summarized when you won the championship in the past?" After the training ended, Dugu Yan also playfully joined the group and asked with a smile.

"Grandpa Dragon God..."

Lu Cheng nearly spat out his tea, glaring at Dugu Yan with annoyance, but also shaking his head helplessly. "What kind of teamwork can this thing do? Back in the tournament, a friend and I crushed everything. In ordinary battles, one person is enough. Teamwork... heh, only you noobs would team up."

"..."

Osler chuckled and carefully massaged Oslo's back from behind. Seeing such a person was an honor for them, so they naturally had to strike while the iron was hot and build a good relationship.

It wasn't until they all turned and left that they noticed the Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe, who had been standing quietly not far away.

Dugu Yan quickly took the lead and bowed. "Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

As if startled awake, Qian Renxue quickly concealed the complex emotions in her eyes and revealed a warm smile, "No need for formalities. You've all worked hard."

Dugu Yan and the others naturally didn't notice anything amiss, and continued laughing and joking as they turned and left.

Once the surroundings returned to silence, Lu Cheng stood up from the bench, brushed off his sleeves, and without looking at Qian Renxue, turned and walked towards a pebbled path leading to a secluded courtyard in the woods, leaving behind a calm statement. "Follow me."

Qian Renxue's heart skipped a beat, her throat bobbed, and she looked at the figure again. She didn't know if her identity had been seen through, but now that the other party had spoken, she had no choice but to follow, even if she had to bite the bullet. The usually shrewd and gentle Crown Prince was now as nervous as a child in front of an elder.

The courtyard is quiet and secluded, with a few green bamboos leaning against the wall and a simple tea set on the stone table.

Lu Cheng sat leisurely on a bench, poured himself a cup of tea, and remained calm.

Qian Renxue stood at the courtyard gate, her mind seemingly filled with uncertainty, a mixture of anxiety, nervousness, and perhaps Sisi of hope that Rui Rui feared would be shattered.

Finally, as if having made up her mind, she took two steps forward and stepped into the courtyard. She stopped a few meters from the stone table, and the flawless mask that had been hidden for over a decade—the mask of "Xue Qinghe"—reappeared on her face. She bowed slightly and spoke respectfully in a clear voice, "Xue Qinghe, Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, greets Your Majesty the Dragon God. Having heard of Your Majesty's return, Qinghe has come to pay his respects."

Lu Cheng did not respond immediately. He took a leisurely sip of tea, his gaze falling on the slightly rippling turquoise water in the cup. After a long while, he finally raised his eyelids, his deep eyes glancing indifferently at Qian Renxue, as if all pretense had been torn away, and everything about Qian Renxue was completely exposed before him.

The sound wasn't loud, but it was as powerful as Thunderous Might.

"Qian Renxue, how dare you even deceive your godfather?"