Chapter 294: Qian Renxue's Visit
After Ning Fengzhi and his companions joined Tianxing Academy, Yang Potian quickly returned to his more relaxed routine. His days were filled with training, working on his future plans, spending time with Ye Lingling to deepen their relationship, guiding others in their training, and occasionally sparring with fellow academy members.
Meanwhile, the world outside was undergoing unprecedented changes. The Spirit Empire's latest soul-hunting campaign was an all-out effort, wiping out nearly every significant opposition force on the continent.
With both royal families eliminated, along with most military leaders and nobles, the empire's vast armies were left without direction, scattering like headless flies. Provinces, kingdoms, and dukedoms across the continent quickly began establishing their own rule without any centralized power to keep them in line.
Capitalizing on this disarray, Bibi Dong mobilized the Spirit Empire's forces, launching a swift invasion led by high-ranking elders and Titled Douluo commanders. Under the imposing threat of the Spirit Empire's armies, most territories surrendered without resistance, many pledging allegiance on sight.
With the current pace of conquest, experts predicted that Bibi Dong could unify the entire Douluo Continent within a year. Some believed that if it weren't for the continent's vastness, this timeline could be even shorter. The whispers grew louder—an unprecedented unification was imminent, and Bibi Dong seemed poised to become the first emperor to rule over a united Douluo Continent.
With most soul masters now aligning with the Spirit Empire, they were more powerful than ever. The few regions still outside their control included the Almos Mountains near the far north and the coastal city of Hanhai. But even Hanhai City's resistance seemed like only a matter of time.
Yet, despite Tianxing Academy's position as one of the largest forces in the soul master world, the Spirit Empire's attitude toward them remained ambiguous. Neither recruiting nor targeting them, the Spirit Empire's silence felt almost detached.
As the dust settled, Ning Fengzhi and his companions gradually adapted to life at Tianxing Academy. Gone were Ning Fengzhi's luxurious robes, replaced with simple attire that gave him the appearance of a scholarly teacher. Bone Douluo's tall frame and prominent bone structure made him look rather intimidating in plain clothes, almost as if he might frighten any child who looked at him too long. Sword Douluo, on the other hand, seemed as refined as ever, with his long robe and silver hair, resembling a wise sage.
Yang Potian paid little attention to these minor adjustments, choosing to spend his free time with Ye Lingling rather than meddling in their affairs.
Two months later, however, an unexpected visitor arrived at Tianxing Academy.
The woman was dressed in elegant golden robes and carried a long golden sword on her back. With striking features and a graceful build, she turned heads wherever she went. This was none other than Qian Renxue.
Throughout her life, Qian Renxue had rarely shown her true face to the public. Even during the coup in Heaven Dou Palace, only a few, including Tang San, had caught a glimpse of her real appearance.
Upon reaching the academy, Qian Renxue immediately demanded to see Yang Potian, leaving those around her exchanging bewildered looks.
Seeing her dignified manner, Yang Invincible and the others couldn't help but wonder who she was. "Where did such a beautiful young lady come from?" muttered one of them. "What could she possibly want with Potian?"
Niugao, equally curious, asked, "Young miss, Potian is currently in seclusion. May I ask what business you have with him?"
Qian Renxue's expression turned icy. "Niugao, I was told that Yang Potian was supposed to wait here for my news. How could he be in seclusion right now? Bring him out immediately."
Being a Titled Douluo himself, Niugao's patience was running thin in the face of her haughty demeanor. "Young lady," he replied with restraint, "I'll arrange for someone to inform him. Please wait here for a moment."
Qian Renxue's face darkened. "How arrogant of Yang Potian, daring to make me wait for him! Outrageous."
At that moment, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo arrived, their expressions turning grim upon seeing her. Ning Fengzhi narrowed his eyes. "You're Qian Renxue of the Spirit Empire, aren't you?"
Qian Renxue's lips curled in a mocking smile. "Ah, Teacher, it's been a long time. I didn't expect to meet you here at Tianxing Academy. Nor did I expect you would join them, bringing the once-proud Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to an end."
Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo bristled with anger at her words, recognizing her as a key player in the clan's downfall. Seeing the tension rise, Yang Invincible intervened, attempting to defuse the situation. "Everyone, this is Tianxing Academy. Fighting here would be inappropriate."
Learning of Qian Renxue's identity, Yang Invincible became even more cautious. "Lady Qian Renxue, may I ask why you've come seeking Potian? Perhaps we can relay the message on your behalf."
Qian Renxue's face darkened again. "I'm here to hold Yang Potian accountable. He's been avoiding me ever since borrowing my sword last time."
Yang Invincible and the others exchanged silent looks, taken aback by her candid response. After a brief discussion, they decided it was best to take her to the mountain's summit to meet Yang Potian.
As fate would have it, Yang Potian was at the summit, enjoying a moment with Ye Lingling on a cliffside as they watched the snow.
Seeing this, Qian Renxue's face filled with anger. "So, Yang Potian, this is your so-called 'seclusion'—spending your time carefree with your girlfriend?"
Yang Potian looked up, puzzled at her sudden appearance. "My, what's wrong, Miss Qian? I don't recall offending you. How did you go from calm to furious in just a few months?"
Qian Renxue's expression hardened. "You have the nerve to ask? If it weren't for you causing my body to be corrupted by dark energy, I wouldn't be in this state. And you? You disappeared without a trace!"
"Didn't I tell you?" Yang Potian replied. "You could easily purify any dark energy by using the Angelic Temple and the Angelic Holy Sword. It shouldn't have been a problem at all."
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