"How could that be? This matter is all thanks to Uncle Ning's intervention. Otherwise, I would have had a very difficult time handling it. After all, he is a prince, holding a high position and great power in the Heaven Dou Empire. Although the Upper Three Sects is powerful, that is within the Soul Master World. Under the imperial authority, we still have to exercise some restraint."
"However, even without your intervention, Uncle Ning, I am confident I can make Prince Xue Xing back down."
Upon hearing this, Ning Fengzhi looked puzzled and asked curiously, "What method? Could you tell me about it?"
Yu Tianheng's gaze shifted slightly as he said, " Uncle Ning, speaking of which, I have a very close relationship with His Highness Xue Qinghe, the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, and he has taken great care of me."
As he spoke, he carefully took out a token from his robes— the Crown Prince's Token. The token felt heavy in his hand, crafted entirely from superior black iron, its surface engraved with exquisite and intricate dragon patterns. Under the light, it shimmered with a cold luster, highlighting the holder's noble status and supreme power.
Yu Tianheng handed the Crown Prince's Token to Ning Fengzhi, a proud yet humble smile on his face, "You see, this is what His Highness the Crown Prince bestowed upon me. With this token, I can freely enter and leave the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace without restriction."
After a pause, Yu Tianheng continued, "Although Prince Xue Xing holds great power and prestige in the Heaven Dou Empire, he is ultimately just a subject. His Highness the Crown Prince, on the other hand, is the heir apparent. With his token in my possession, even a prince must bow his head, or else he will be considered disobedient."
"To disobey the crown prince in public is a very troublesome matter."
A barely perceptible hint of surprise flashed in Ning Fengzhi's eyes, but he quickly regained his gentle and refined expression. As the Crown Prince's teacher, he naturally knew the weight of the Crown Prince's Token, which practically symbolized the power of half the empire.
Ning Fengzhi took the Crown Prince's Token and examined it carefully. As he looked at it, he nodded slightly. After confirming that it was genuine, he nodded and said, "It is indeed the Crown Prince's Token. It is truly enviable that Your Highness values it so highly."
" Uncle Ning, you flatter me. The Crown Prince and I are merely friends, while you are His Highness's teacher. After the Crown Prince ascends the throne, you will be the Imperial Tutor, second only to the Emperor, a position far more prestigious than mine."
Upon hearing this, Ning Fengzhi's smile grew even more sincere, and he said, "It is truly a blessing that you, my nephew, have such a deep friendship with His Highness the Crown Prince. In the future, if there is anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask. My Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect School will certainly do its utmost."
Yu Tianheng understood the attempt to win over Ning Fengzhi, and he also realized that as the sect leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect Ning Fengzhi's power and resources were not to be underestimated. If he could reach some kind of cooperation with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, it would be of great benefit to him and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
He replied with a smile, "Then thank you in advance, Uncle Ning. If there is an opportunity in the future, I hope to cooperate with Uncle Ning more often and contribute to the prosperity of the Soul Master World and the Empire."
The two exchanged a smile, their eyes revealing their anticipation for future cooperation.
After a brief conversation, Yu Tianheng, along with the catwoman Yu Linglong, got up and left the Heaven Dou Auction House.
As dusk settled over the streets and alleys of Heaven Dou Outer City, Yu Tianheng, bathed in the last rays of the setting sun, led Yu Linglong through the vermilion gates of the Blue Lightning Martial Arts Hall. The copper bells on the eaves tinkled softly, startling a few white doves that fluttered over the blue bricks and gray tiles.
"This will be your residence from now on." Yu Tianheng turned to look at Yu Linglong, his black robe fluttering slightly in the wind, his gaze calm and unwavering. "Don't worry about safety. Blue Lightning Martial Arts Hall is my territory, protected by powerful guards. Outsiders won't be able to find this place."
Yu Linglong's cat ears twitched slightly, and her two-colored vertical pupils curiously and warily surveyed the antique building. In the courtyard paved with bluestone slabs, several ancient pine trees stood tall, and faint ripples could be heard from afar.
Yu Tianheng spent 500 Heavenly Mandate Points from the system shop to buy a mid-grade spirit sword and handed it to Yu Linglong.
"You need a sword to cultivate the ' Startling Swan Sword Art.' Here, I'll give you this one. I hope you'll practice diligently." He gently placed his hand on Yu Linglong's shoulder. "Remember, only with great strength can you stand firm in this world."
Yu Linglong lowered her head, stroking the hilt of the longsword, her fingertips trembling slightly. This was the first time she possessed her own cultivation method, the first time someone had so solemnly given her the hope of power. She raised her head and nodded firmly. "I will try my best!"
A moment later, Mu Zi, the head steward of the Blue Lightning Martial Arts Hall, came to meet Yu Tianheng.
Yu Tianheng pointed to Yu Linglong and said, "This is Yu Linglong. From today onwards, she will join the Blue Lightning Martial Arts Hall and become a member of the academy. However, she has her own cultivation method, so there is no need to interfere too much. Of course, she should also receive her share of the pills and resources needed for the early stages of Martial Dao cultivation."
That's all for now. Take good care of her.
Mu Zi nodded, then looked curiously at Yu Linglong standing next to Yu Tianheng.
I discovered that she was very beautiful, and she even had cat ears on her head and a long tail behind her.
How come this is different from a normal person?
Mu Zi's heart skipped a beat.
Seeing this, Yu Tianheng explained, " Yu Linglong is due to a mutation that occurred during her Martial Soul Awakening. Afterwards, she developed cat-like features and suffered a lot because of it, not much better than you."
"You must take good care of her from now on, understand?"
"Yes, Master!" Mu Zi assured him.
After explaining everything, Yu Tianheng got up and left the martial arts school.
Mu Zi led Yu Linglong towards the backyard of the martial arts school, where the disciples lived. Mu Qing pointed to a room near her own and said, "That's your room. I live next door. Feel free to come and ask me anything."
Yu Linglong nodded gently to indicate that she understood, then hugged her longsword tightly and walked towards the side room, her cat tail swaying slightly involuntarily. She knew that from this moment on, the gears of fate had begun to turn.
Under the cover of night, Yu Tianheng returned to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
After resting for a night, Yu Tianheng got up and went to the training ground specially prepared for the members of the Imperial Fighting Team.
At this moment, the rest of the Imperial Fighting Team had arrived early, including Dugu Yan. They were all cultivating on their own, with Yu Tianheng being the last to arrive.
However, no one said anything to him, after all, Yu Tianheng was much stronger than them, and even without cultivation, he was the strongest.
Yu Tianheng beckoned to Dugu Yan, who was cultivating, signaling her to come over.
Seeing this, Dugu Yan assumed that Yu Tianheng had something important to say, so she immediately rushed over.
Upon arrival, Dugu Yan hurriedly asked, "Why did you call me here in such a hurry?"
Yu Tianheng then took out a wooden box from behind his back and handed it to her. "Yesterday I went to the Heaven Dou Auction House and saw this necklace. I suddenly felt that it suits you very well."