"Yu Xiaogang?"
"Xiaogang?"
This time, even the Xue Emperor was stunned, frowning deeply. He certainly knew the name Yu Xiaogang, and had learned of the recent Qianfeng City incident. Once called the "disgrace" of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, his name had once echoed across the land—almost becoming the latest joke among soul masters everywhere.
How could the renowned clown of the soul master world be recommended as a "great talent" by Ning Fengzhi, the head of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?
Yu Yuanzhen, who had been feeling low, instantly brightened at the mention of his son's name. He looked at Ning Fengzhi, unconsciously straightening up, his eyes shining with unconcealed pride and excitement after years of repression.
His son had actually been highly praised by the clan master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan! He felt a sense of relief, as if the suffocating pressure had finally lifted.
Tang Xiao, following Ning Fengzhi's words, deliberately emphasized:
"So it's Grandmaster. Even my late brother Tang Hao left his son to study under this 'Grandmaster'!"
To Yu Yuanzhen, this sounded even better. Even the son of Clear Sky Douluo was a disciple of his Xiaogang—surely a sign of his son's worth!
In that instant, Yu Yuanzhen felt his face glowing, his posture straightened, and his previously gloomy face lit up with a bright smile. In places he didn't know, his son was already "promising," praised by Ning Fengzhi and closely connected with the Clear Sky Clan.
Xue Ye saw everyone's reactions, but remained calm, smiling as he asked:
"Oh? I've heard of this Yu Xiaogang… this 'Grandmaster'. But what special talent does he have to earn such high praise from Sect Master Ning?"
Ning Fengzhi, not hearing the subtle doubt in Xue Ye's voice, maintained a calm expression and even spoke with a hint of scholarly reverence:
"Your Majesty, if I may report—Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang, though his own martial spirit is sealed and his soul power limited, possesses exceptional wisdom, especially in the study of martial spirit theory."
"He has spent half his life integrating ancient and modern knowledge, proposed the 'Ten Core Competencies of Martial Spirits' theory, and has become famous throughout the world, cited in countless academies, inspiring untold generations of soul masters."
"His insights into martial spirit essence, soul ring absorption, soul skill compatibility, and the path of soul master cultivation are often unique and thought-provoking."
"Even more praiseworthy, his idea that 'there are no useless martial spirits, only useless soul masters' has inspired countless ordinary talents to strive for greatness. Its social and spiritual significance is immeasurable..."
Ning Fengzhi's tone was steady as he listed Yu Xiaogang's well-known "theoretical contributions" and "achievements," offering praise without reservation.
Yu Yuanzhen listened, eyes shining, nodding lightly and clenching his fists in excitement on his lap.
In the eyes of outsiders, his son now seemed to have many "achievements" and "good names." Xiaogang, you've really done it. You finally proved yourself with wisdom and theory!
Xue Ye listened patiently, though in his heart he was already impatient, well aware of how much substance lay behind Ning Fengzhi's words. Was this speech for Ning Fengzhi's daughter? Even a ten-year-old could see through it—could the leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan not?
When Ning Fengzhi finished, Xue Ye slowly spoke:
"From your words, I gather that this Grandmaster has many works on 'theory'. So, what exactly are you proposing, Sect Master Ning?"
Ning Fengzhi drew a deep breath, as if making a momentous decision, and faced Xue Ye:
"Your Majesty, in my humble opinion—"
"He who gains the Grandmaster, gains the world!"
As soon as these words left his mouth, Xue Ye's pupils shrank, and his fingers around the teacup tightened.
Beside him, Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo Chen Xin closed their eyes in pain. They knew Ning Fengzhi well enough to realize that by saying this, he was staking his entire reputation on this support for Yu Xiaogang. If Yu Xiaogang's true nature was ever exposed, Ning Fengzhi's words today would become the laughingstock of the world, and his personal reputation would be destroyed.
Tang Xiao also stared blankly at Ning Fengzhi, the corners of his mouth twitching uncontrollably. Just mentioning that Tang San was Yu Xiaogang's disciple had already made him feel nauseous. That Ning Fengzhi could say, "He who gains the Grandmaster, gains the world," with a straight face—it was simply unimaginable. This was truly a shocking statement.
What kind of psychological fortitude did this require? Or was it simply shamelessness? At this moment, Tang Xiao was left with only one thought:
"This Ning Fengzhi… is truly ruthless!"
The smile on Xue Ye's face finally faded as he set down his teacup.
"Is that so? Sect Master Ning's words are truly shocking. I must admit, I don't quite understand your meaning."
Ning Fengzhi, finally opening up, quickened his speech and laid out an even more concrete plan.
"Your Majesty, I am not exaggerating. Grandmaster is truly talented, yet currently trapped in unknown Academy—it's a great loss to both the Empire and the soul master world."
"In my humble opinion, the Empire should invite Grandmaster to Heaven Dou City with the highest ceremony, appoint him as a national teacher, and also as the Empire's Education Commissioner, responsible for all soul master education. With advanced theory and educational reform, we can constantly cultivate outstanding talents for the Empire's future."
"Moreover, I propose that the Crown Prince, as the future emperor, should worship Grandmaster as his teacher and learn higher-level theoretical knowledge, bringing immeasurable benefit to the kingdom's future rule."
"I guarantee on behalf of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan: Grandmaster will surely be a good teacher and friend to His Highness, and a pillar of the Empire's future!"
Ning Fengzhi was fully committed, proposing not just to make Yu Xiaogang a national teacher and education commissioner, but even the future emperor's tutor, tightly binding Xue Qinghe to him.
Upon hearing this, a trace of hidden peace in Xue Ye's eyes finally turned to anger.
A theoretical clown as the Empire's national teacher? In charge of soul master education? The prince, tutored by such a figure? If this truly happened, the Empire would become the biggest laughingstock on the continent.
Moreover, the Body Sect's young master, Chen Yi, had publicly denounced Yu Xiaogang as worthless. If the Empire then honored him with high office, it would be a slap in the face to the Body Sect.
If Chen Yi took offense, what would become of the Empire's relationship with the Body Sect? With Spirit Hall watching and the Body Sect growing ever stronger, provoking such a power was like skating on thin ice.
At that moment, Xue Qinghe's eyes were also filled with rage and killing intent. To ask him to acknowledge such a disgraceful teacher? If Chen Yi learned of this, how would he laugh at him?
He wanted nothing more than to defeat Yu Xiaogang immediately, not be turned into a continental joke!
Meanwhile, Yu Yuanzhen, overjoyed at the thought of his son being offered such high honors, looked at Xue Ye with eyes full of hope.
"Just agree, Your Majesty; this is a good thing. There's no need to hesitate."
Xue Ye suppressed the discomfort in his heart, regaining imperial composure, though his tone grew colder.
"I understand Sect Master Ning's passion for talent, and Grandmaster is indeed remarkable… but if such an important position were suddenly granted without merit, it would be hard to convince the people, and is not the Empire's way."
"Let's do this—first grant him the honorary title of 'Royal Scholar'. If he renders meritorious service, he can be promoted. What do you say?"
This was a clear refusal, offering only an honorary title as a substitute.
Ning Fengzhi, understanding the Emperor's stance, had never really expected full agreement. He had asked for a high price, knowing the Emperor would bargain down. The real aim was the title.
He still maintained a thoughtful look, as if genuinely considering the Emperor's proposal. After a while, he spoke.
"Your Majesty's approach is wise and safe. But…"
"I believe, with Grandmaster's talent, his future achievements will be no less than the princes of the Empire."
This was an indirect request for a hereditary title of "Prince"!
Xue Ye's face lost all warmth as he stared at Ning Fengzhi, his voice calm and unwavering.
"Grandmaster may well become a pillar of the Empire, but as yet he has achieved nothing. My mind is made up: I grant him the title 'Blue Lightning Marquis', with all the honors and salary of a marquis, and a residence to match. What do you think?"
"Blue Lightning Marquis" was just an ordinary marquis rank, with a surname attached. It sounded less like a recognition of Yu Xiaogang's talent than a nod to the Blue Lightning Clan.
Ning Fengzhi's face instantly darkened. He had aimed for a "Prince" to shake the government and the opposition; instead, he got only a "Marquis"—an immense gap and a public slap in the face.
But seeing the coldness in Xue Ye's eyes, Ning Fengzhi's heart sank. He realized he had touched the Emperor's bottom line. After all, Xue Ye was the Emperor; to truly anger him would ruin the plans of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the three clans.
Realizing this, Ning Fengzhi suppressed his displeasure and forced a slightly awkward smile.
"Your Majesty, I was too hasty. 'Blue Lightning Marquis'… is very good, very good."
"Thank you for your kindness to Grandmaster, Your Majesty."
With Ning Fengzhi's final compromise, Xue Qinghe finally let out a sigh of relief and quietly unclenched his fists. The plan he had just concocted in his mind—to immediately defeat Yu Xiaogang with his Snake Lance Douluo—could be put on hold. A marquis was bad enough, but far better than "national teacher" or "emperor's tutor."
Meanwhile, Yu Yuanzhen frowned at the title "Blue Lightning Marquis." In his view, his son, praised by Ning Fengzhi as a "great talent," should teach the prince and influence the Empire's future.
But then he thought—this was a title from the Empire, a mark of honor. His son was still "young"; in the future, with true talent and practical achievements, he could rise to prince. Wasn't that even better?
With that thought, Yu Yuanzhen's dissatisfaction lessened, though he still felt the Emperor was stingy. He then blurted out:
"Your Majesty! The title 'Blue Lightning Marquis' sounds too much like our Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and doesn't reflect my son's unique talent. My son Xiaogang is wise and talented… how about changing it to 'Marquis of Wisdom'? That would suit him better."
This time, the hall fell silent. Xue Ye was at first surprised, but couldn't help but nearly laugh at such a foolish request! He simply stared at Yu Yuanzhen, not bothering to answer.
Turning to Ning Fengzhi, he asked flatly:
"What do you think, Sect Master Ning?"
At this moment, Ning Fengzhi's expression was truly unsightly. He internally cursed Yu Yuanzhen's foolishness. Did he not know that "Wisdom" had become nearly sacred since the Body Sect's Grand Elder earned the title "Wisdom Brain Douluo"? It symbolized the pinnacle of spiritual power and intellect.
And Yu Xiaogang? To dare lay claim to "Wisdom"… that was not just arrogance, it was courting death.
If "Marquis of Wisdom" were really used, the Body Sect would raze the Blue Lightning Clan before the jokes even started.
Ning Fengzhi suppressed his urge to fling his sleeve and leave, forcing a few words through gritted teeth:
"Thunder Douluo is joking. 'Blue Lightning Marquis'… is very good."
...
Bonus chapter at 500 PS