"I shouldn't have come!"
Xue Qinghe thought bitterly to himself.
Faced with a table full of delicacies, he had no appetite at all. Across from him, Wang Li and Dugu Yan did not forget to show sweet affection even while eating. Meanwhile, Xue Qinghe sat alone, like an oversized, glaring light bulb.
"Sigh!"
Xue Qinghe let out a heavy sigh.
Wang Li, ever thoughtful, asked with concern:
"Your Highness, why the sigh? Are the dishes not to your taste?"
Xue Qinghe shot Wang Li a glare. Only then did he realize that this kid could truly be annoying at times. Was it really about the food? It was because he was stuck between Wang Li and Dugu Yan, like an awkward third wheel.
But that did not fit his persona. He lifted his head, his expression filled with worry, and said:
"I was thinking about our Heaven Dou Empire. Although we also produce many talented individuals, our younger generation of soul masters has always been inferior to the Spirit Hall's. Even the Star Luo Empire can press down on us."
"This time, the Spirit Hall even has three prodigies known as the Golden Generation. Each of them is already a high-level Soul Ancestor. Perhaps in two years, one of them will break through to become a Soul King."
"They will be your greatest opponents in the next Continental Advanced Soul Master Tournament."
At this point, Xue Qinghe's gaze grew meaningful.
"Among those three prodigies, one is the personal disciple of the current Pope. She has exceptional talent, great strength, and is deeply favored by the Pope."
"I originally thought that this time, we would once again suffer a crushing defeat. But fortunately, you appeared. Your talent may not surpass the Golden Generation, and your resources may not match theirs, but at the same age, they certainly did not possess your level of soul power."
"Wang Li, I know this is asking much, but I hope that in the next Continental Advanced Soul Master Tournament, you will defeat the Golden Generation,especially that personal disciple of the Pope,and bring glory to Heaven Dou. In the past, I wouldn't have dared to hope for such a thing, but now, there is a possibility."
After hearing this, Wang Li gradually formed a guess in his heart. It sounded like a story where a mother ignores her biological daughter, takes in a disciple from outside and raises her as her own, and then the biological daughter grows resentful and wants to compete out of spite.
In truth, Wang Li's guess was essentially the truth of the matter.
Defeating the Golden Generation would not be difficult. Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan might be talented, but what of it? He had his advantages.
Let alone in two years,if it were now, even with one hand, he could easily defeat them.
The real issue lay in Bibi Dong's reaction.
Since you want to use me, I'll use you as well. Wang Li said righteously:
"Your Highness, as a member of the Heaven Dou Royal Team, I will certainly give it my all in the tournament two years from now."
"With my current cultivation speed, perhaps in two years I can also become a high-level Soul Ancestor. However, defeating the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation, especially the Pope's disciple,"
"Would that cause the Pope and the Spirit Hall to hold a grudge against me and make it difficult for me to move forward in the soul master world?"
Upon hearing this, Xue Qinghe's expression turned solemn. Looking at Wang Li, he said firmly:
"What is there to fear? I, my father the Emperor, and the entire Heaven Dou Empire will stand behind you. If you win, you will be a hero. Whoever dares to act against a hero will be making an enemy of the entire Heaven Dou Empire!"
Wang Li had not expected such a strong reaction from Xue Qinghe, but he cooperated fully and replied passionately:
"With Your Highness's words, Wang Li will certainly give his all, defeat the Golden Generation, and bring glory to Heaven Dou!"
Seeing Wang Li fall into his rhythm, Xue Qinghe felt an inexplicable sense of accomplishment. His thoughts drifted farther and farther.
He had not returned to the Spirit Hall for thirteen years, all for its grand cause. Yet his own position had been replaced.
He thought to himself:
"I cannot interfere with the Spirit Hall's greater cause, but watching your Golden Generation, watching your personal disciple, be defeated by someone else,that should be quite interesting. If Wang Li truly accomplishes this, he may become a trusted confidant in the future."
Wang Li was also thinking. Xue Qinghe was actually Qian Renxue. If he truly wanted Wang Li to defeat the Golden Generation in two years, then with his status and influence, Wang Li would likely face little hostility from the Spirit Hall in the coming years.
After a few more years, when his strength increased significantly, the world would be vast and open,few on the continent would be able to threaten him.
…
The meal was not finished. Halfway through, a royal enshrinement from the palace arrived and took Xue Qinghe away.
Wang Li and Dugu Yan also met Zhi Lin, the education committee member who had come to escort them back to the academy.
Upon seeing Zhi Lin, both greeted him politely:
"Education Committee Member!"
Zhi Lin nodded and said:
"Your holiday must be suspended. It seems Wang Li's talent has already drawn the Spirit Hall's vigilance. Even Salas could not resist trying to recruit you."
"Hmph. Taking advantage of our absence to pressure you into submission,how bold. In any case, return to the academy first. We will report this to His Majesty and demand an explanation from the Spirit Hall."
Wang Li knew that although it appeared to be Salas at the center of this incident, the true source was Qian Renxue. However, he did not expose it. First, even if he did, not many would believe him, and it would be difficult to explain. Second, exposing it would bring him no benefit and might invite retaliation.
Dugu Yan, unaware of the truth, was extremely disgusted with Salas.
"That hateful Salas! When my grandfather comes out of seclusion, he must pay the price!"
Zhi Lin understood clearly that even facing the vast Spirit Hall, Poison Douluo would be hard-pressed.
Seeing how calm Wang Li was, he admired him even more and said:
"Return to the academy. Once there, with me, Meng Shenji, and Bai Baoshan present, Salas will not dare to cause trouble."
Wang Li smiled slightly and replied:
"Understood, Education Committee Member. It just so happens that in the next few months, we will be cultivating inside the academy."
One should always find opportunity in adversity. At least for Wang Li, this incident could still be turned to his advantage.
Thus, Wang Li and Dugu Yan followed Zhi Lin back to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Meanwhile, elsewhere,
After returning to the palace, Xue Qinghe entered a magnificent hall. Upon seeing the elderly man wearing a crown, he respectfully bowed and said loudly:
"Your son greets Father Emperor!"
This elderly man was the Emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire, Emperor Xue Ye. He spoke:
"Qinghe, I have already learned of this afternoon's events. Well done. The Spirit Hall,and Salas,have grown increasingly arrogant."
Hearing this, Xue Qinghe said:
"The vast Spirit Hall cannot even tolerate a true genius emerging from our Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Father Emperor tasked me with winning Wang Li over, and I took it seriously. I truly did not expect such an incident to occur."
A flash of killing intent crossed Emperor Xue Ye's eyes, but it was soon replaced by a trace of apprehension. He said in a low voice:
"Contact your teacher, Sect Master Ning of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. This time, join forces with our imperial family to exert some pressure on the Spirit Hall. At the very least, they must understand our determination to protect Wang Li. If we cannot even protect the academy's geniuses, how can we inspire more talents to pledge loyalty to us in the future?"
Xue Qinghe respectfully accepted the order.
"Your son obeys the decree."
First chapter posted. The second chapter is not finished yet. The recent plot may not be particularly exciting, but I feel it is necessary to write. The current Qian Renxue is easier to deal with compared to Bibi Dong.
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