It did not take long before the people Meng Shenji mentioned arrived together: Tiandou Crown Prince Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi, the sect leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
They did not make a grand entrance. Xue Qinghe had only a few bodyguards by his side, while Ning Fengzhi had only one companion,but this person was extremely tall, easily over 2.4 to 2.5 meters. Despite his towering stature, he seemed supported purely by bones rather than muscle. His cheeks and eye sockets were deeply sunken, his hair sparse, and his appearance gave off an unpleasant aura.
Meng Shenji, Bai Baoshan, and Zhi Lin immediately stepped forward to pay their respects:
"Your Highness, Sect Leader Ning, Your Excellency!"
Xue Qinghe was a young man, around his twenties, handsome and gentle in expression. As Meng Shenji had described, he was elegant and amiable, naturally inspiring goodwill.
In this regard, he was quite similar to Ning Fengzhi. Though their builds and appearances differed, their elegant and approachable demeanor was nearly identical,a true reflection of a master-student relationship.
At this moment, Xue Qinghe spoke gently:
"There is no need for excessive formality, three committee members. I and my teacher arrived suddenly and may have intruded; please forgive us. It is just that we heard the reports: the genius of Tiandou Royal Academy, who at twelve years old already possessed level forty soul power, has returned from the Star Dou Forest and has now reached the Soul Ancestor rank. The guidance of the three of you is commendable. On behalf of the Emperor and the Tiandou Empire, I thank you!"
Hearing this, Meng Shenji, Bai Baoshan, and Zhi Lin all smiled wryly. Finally, Meng Shenji said:
"Your Highness, we do not dare claim credit. This was cultivated by Lord Biling. Wang Li was away for three years, and when he returned, he already possessed level forty soul power."
At this, Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi had yet to speak when the Bone Douluo, Gu Rong, could not help but comment:
"That old poison master who only knows how to play with toxins actually raised such an outstanding disciple?!"
Then his domineering gaze swept past the three committee members and fell directly on Wang Li.
Wang Li felt immense pressure coming from all directions, but his expression remained unchanged. His back stayed straight, his legs firm,like a grass stalk enduring wind, frost, and rain, standing tall and unyielding.
At that moment, a powerful voice rang out from afar:
"What's the matter, old bone? You're dissatisfied? How could I not raise an outstanding disciple? If you can, raise one yourself!"
As the voice fell, Dugu Bo in his gray robe descended from the sky, carrying Dugu Yan, landing on the campus.
Originally, Dugu Bo had not intended to appear with Xue Qinghe alone, but with Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong present, the situation was entirely different.
Ning Fengzhi's outward demeanor was always elegant and amiable, sincere to outsiders. But Dugu Bo knew that was only a facade.
To the disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi was an excellent sect leader. But toward outsiders, when the time came to act ruthlessly, he would show no hesitation.
When Dugu Bo appeared, Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi, regardless of their thoughts, immediately gave him proper respect:
"Lord Biling!"
The three committee members also addressed him as "Lord Biling," but Gu Rong retained his usual demeanor, even mockingly saying:
"You old poison master, how dare you come out in the sun today!"
Dugu Bo glanced at him arrogantly and said:
"I brought my granddaughter to see her fiancé. Mind your own business!"
As he finished speaking, everyone saw Dugu Yan move to Wang Li's side, their gestures intimate. Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi's faces both showed subtle and meaningful expressions.
At this moment, Xue Qinghe stepped forward with a gentle smile, reclaiming the initiative:
"Two Lords, we are here today to meet the genius student of Tiandou Royal Academy, Wang Li, who became a Soul Ancestor at twelve. He should come out so we may make his acquaintance."
With Xue Qinghe speaking, all eyes turned to Wang Li. Encouraged by the three committee members, Wang Li stepped forward and saluted in order:
"Your Highness!"
"Sect Leader Ning!"
"Your Excellency!"
"Grandfather…"
Dugu Bo froze for a moment. Yesterday he had been called "senior," and today "grandfather." This boy was clever in every way.
He had already recognized it in his heart, and now it was acknowledged verbally,this bond was confirmed.
Afterward, Xue Qinghe carefully examined Wang Li, and a look of admiration appeared in his eyes. He spoke as if recounting a story:
"Wang Li, from Wangjia Village, Noding City, Fasnuo Province, southwest Tiandou Empire. A completely ordinary origin, yet with only a level-three variant Blue Silver Grass, you entered Noding Junior Soul Master Academy, then Lejia Intermediate Soul Master Academy, and Tiandou Senior Soul Master Academy. Three years ago, you earned the favor of Lord Biling. Now, three years later, at twelve years old, you are level forty-one, a Soul Ancestor. Remarkable, truly remarkable!"
Wang Li's expression remained unchanged. Now that Xue Qinghe was Crown Prince, future ruler of the Tiandou Empire, accessing his records was easy.
There was nothing he needed to hide. Yet a level-three variant Blue Silver Grass paired with a twelve-year-old Soul Ancestor did seem incongruous. Wang Li spoke calmly:
"Your Highness flatters me. I never expected to achieve this. Back then, I only thought that I must make something of myself.
"When I was young, I lost my mother, and by age three, my father. At that time, I carried farming tools taller than myself to the fields just to have a meal the next day.
"I thought my whole life would be like that. But at six, my martial soul awakened. I had level-three soul power. Even though it was only the variant Blue Silver Grass, I was thrilled.
"This was my chance to rise. My chance to succeed. I grabbed it with everything I had. You were born into wealth and privilege and have never experienced my life. You think I am a genius, but I have never thought that. I simply sweated and bled. A twelve-year-old Soul Ancestor at level forty-one can be anyone,it only depends on whether they are willing to give everything, even their life, to achieve it!"
Wang Li's words, told by himself, carried an extreme impact.
Xue Qinghe, seemingly recalling something, showed an apologetic expression and gently said:
"Wang Li, I did not intend to investigate your past. Your birthplace, Wangjia Village, has been granted a ten-year exemption from all taxes by imperial decree.
"The local city lord personally delivers food, vegetables, and clothing every year to the villagers.
"Nearby security officers also patrol more frequently, eliminating bandits, wild beasts, and soul beasts that might harm the villagers.
"Even Noding Junior Soul Master Academy and Lejia Intermediate Soul Master Academy have received imperial commendations for producing such an outstanding soul master as you."
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