Chapter 52: Xue Qinghe

Chapter 52: Xue Qinghe

Zhong Yan sat on the ground, his mind repeatedly recalling those dragon-like eyes. Suddenly, a hand reached out before him. Looking up, he saw Sword Douluo smiling gently.

Zhong Yan grasped the hand, and as Sword Douluo helped him up, Zhong Yan smiled and teased, “Grandpa Sword, how much strength did you hold back?”

Chen Xin was momentarily stunned, but then he laughed sincerely. “Not a little—I used at least fifty percent of my power.”

Chen Xin now accepted Zhong Yan wholeheartedly. When Zhong Yan called him “Grandpa,” he did not object. This young prodigy was now on the same front as him. With such talent and character, it wouldn’t be long before his strength matched and surpassed Chen Xin’s own. By then, if he still dared call me Grandpa Sword, it would be him reaching beyond his station.

At that moment, a disciple from the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda Sect hurried over to Ning Fengzhi’s side and whispered something. Ning Fengzhi gave a brief instruction, and the disciple left. Within a minute or two, another sect disciple arrived and stood by Ning Fengzhi, waiting.

“Young friend, what did you gain from this battle?” Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo approached the two.

“Thanks to Sect Master Ning for generously providing the arena for my duel with Sword Douluo. I gained much,” Zhong Yan replied.

“Then you should freshen up. Hot water has been prepared. Follow our sect disciples inside. We have distinguished guests arriving.” Ning Fengzhi smiled slightly at the mention of “distinguished guests,” but Zhong Yan caught a hint of unease beneath it.

“Distinguished guests?”

“The Crown Prince of the Heavenly Dou Empire, also my student—Xue Qinghe.”

Zhong Yan’s eyes lit up the moment he saw Bone Douluo.

“Bone Douluo, can your spirit beast summon a Gundam?”

“What Gundam?” Bone Douluo looked puzzled.

“Oh, Gundam, that’s Susanoo—I mean…”

“!!!”

...

“Uncle Jian, what do you think of this child?”

“Without mincing words, he is the most talented soul master in the entire Douluo Continent. Soon, this boy will stand at the forefront and declare to the world that his era has arrived.”

...

With a complex mix of emotions, Zhong Yan donned the Emperor’s robe and followed the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda Sect disciple to a grand hall.

Pushing open the door, he saw a square table where Ning Fengzhi was chatting casually over tea with a handsome young man. Under their watchful eyes, Zhong Yan slowly approached and sat down, pouring himself a cup of tea.

“This must be the newly appointed Holy Son of the Spirit Hall. Indeed, a fine-looking individual,” Xue Qinghe said with a hint of rivalry in his tone.

Their animosity was understandable to Ning Fengzhi. The Spirit Hall’s relations with the two great empires had been tense for some time. Moreover, a Holy Son arriving at the sect supported by the Heavenly Dou Empire naturally sparked suspicion. Now, Zhong Yan had clearly sided with the Spirit Hall.

However, Ning Fengzhi had no idea of Xue Qinghe’s true reason for disliking Zhong Yan.

Zhong Yan sighed, feeling helpless and uncertain. All three present were affiliated with the Spirit Hall, yet the situation was complicated.

Life is no easy path, sighed the Emperor.

“Your Highness, there is no need for such suspicion. I came only to see Sword Douluo. Rest assured, I have no interest in politics or power.”

“Is that so? I find that hard to believe.”

“I came alone.”

“Sometimes, fewer people make things easier,” Xue Qinghe said deliberately, word by word. Ning Fengzhi worried they might come to blows, though who would win was uncertain. Such a conflict, if leaked, would only add fuel to the already fragile nerves among the three great powers.

“Qinghe, rest assured. You may return and confidently report to the Emperor that the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda Sect remains firm in its stance.”

Regardless of whether my attitude changes, I have indeed stood my ground.

“Teacher, I understand your meaning. I am not doubting you, but the identities of the three present are too sensitive. Even if I trust you, the world will have its doubts.”

“In that case, how about I visit Your Highness’s residence as a guest?”

Xue Qinghe raised his teacup, took a slow sip, then his left index finger twitched on the armrest.

A minute later, he said, “Very well, Holy Son, you are invited to pay a visit.”

Zhong Yan agreed simply because he needed a private meeting with Xue Qinghe. Bi Bidong had entrusted him with a task.

Xue Qinghe knew Zhong Yan’s request came because the woman from the Spirit Hall had surely sent a message through him. Hmph. That woman—better to meet, lest my grandpa scold me for not going. If not for his nagging, I wouldn’t bother seeing the messenger.

Probably only Ning Fengzhi truly pondered the impact of the Spirit Hall’s Holy Son visiting the Heavenly Dou Empire’s Crown Prince. Alas, if this news spreads, who will focus on the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda Sect? It is indeed a perfect distraction, but what about the Xingluo Empire?

(End of chapter)