"I shouldn't have come!"
Xue Qinghe thought, feeling indignant.
Facing a table full of delicacies, he had no appetite, simply because across from him, Wang Li and Dugu Yan were still sweetly interacting even while eating, while he, Xue Qinghe, was all alone, like an extra bright, giant light bulb.
"Alas!"
Xue Qinghe sighed heavily.
Wang Li also thoughtfully asked with concern:
"Your Highness, why the sigh? Are these dishes not to your liking?"
Xue Qinghe glared at Wang Li. He suddenly realized that this kid could be truly annoying at times. Was he sighing because the dishes weren't to his liking? He was sighing because he was stuck between Wang Li and Dugu Yan, like an eyesore of a third wheel.
However, this did not fit his persona. He raised his head and, filled with worry, said:
"I was thinking that although our Heaven Dou Empire also produces many talents, the new generation of Spirit Masters is always inferior to Spirit Hall, and even Star Luo Empire can suppress us."
"And this time, Spirit Hall has three prodigies known as the Golden Generation. All of them are high-level Spirit Ancestors now, and perhaps in two years, some of them will break through to Spirit King."
"That is, in the next All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Competition, they will be the biggest opponents for our Heaven Dou Royal Team."
At this point, Xue Qinghe's eyes held deep meaning:
"Among those three prodigies, one is the personal disciple of the current Supreme Pontiff. Her talent is top-notch, her strength is formidable, and the current Supreme Pontiff dotes on her immensely."
"I originally thought that this time, we would again suffer a crushing defeat. But fortunately, you appeared. Your talent may not be as good as the Golden Generation, and your resources may not be as good as the Golden Generation, but at the same age, they definitely do not have your spirit power."
"Wang Li, I know it's a bit much to ask, but I hope you can defeat the Golden Generation in the next All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Competition, especially that personal disciple of the Supreme Pontiff, to uphold the prestige of our Heaven Dou Empire. I never dared to imagine it before, but now it's possible!"
After listening, Wang Li gradually had some guesses. This was a story about a mother who, ignoring her own biological daughter, adopted a disciple as a daughter, and then the biological daughter got angry and wanted to spite her mother…
What Wang Li guessed was essentially the truth of the matter. Defeating the Golden Generation was not difficult. What if Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan had high talent? He had a cheat.
Not to mention two years from now, even now, he could easily crush them while giving them one hand.
The key, however, was Bibi Dong's reaction.
Since that was the case, 'you want to use me, and I'll use you too,' Wang Li said righteously:
"Your Highness, as one of the members of the Heaven Dou Royal Team, I will definitely go all out in the Grand Soul Master Tournament two years from now."
"With my current cultivation speed, perhaps in two years, I can also become a high-level Spirit Ancestor. However, defeating Spirit Hall's Golden Generation, especially the Supreme Pontiff's disciple among them…"
"Will it make the Supreme Pontiff and Spirit Hall have an issue with me, making it difficult for me to move in the Spirit Master's world in the future?"
At these words, Xue Qinghe's expression became serious. Looking at Wang Li, he solemnly said:
"What is there to fear? I, my Imperial Father, and the entire Heaven Dou Empire will support you from behind. If you win, you are a hero. Anyone who wants to harm a hero is an enemy to the entire Heaven Dou Empire!"
Wang Li did not expect Xue Qinghe to react so strongly. Of course, he also cooperated very well and immediately said with impassioned generosity:
"With Your Highness's words, Wang Li will certainly go all out, defeat the Golden Generation, and uphold the prestige of our Heaven Dou Empire!"
Seeing Wang Li being drawn into his rhythm, Xue Qinghe felt an inexplicable sense of accomplishment. His thoughts quickly drifted, drifting further and further, flying higher and higher.
He hadn't returned to Spirit Hall for thirteen years, all for the great cause of Spirit Hall, but his position had been replaced by someone else.
He thought to himself:
"I cannot affect the great cause of Spirit Hall, but it should be very interesting to see your Golden Generation, to see your personal disciple, defeated by others. If Wang Li can truly accomplish this, he might be taken as a trusted subordinate in the future."
Wang Li was also thinking. Actually, Xue Qinghe was Qian Renxue. If he wanted himself to defeat the Golden Generation in the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Competition two years later, given his status and influence, at least for the next few years, he shouldn't encounter many enemies or malice from Spirit Hall.
After a few more years, his strength would greatly increase. At that time, the sky would be high for birds to fly, and the sea wide for fish to leap. There would be few people on the entire continent who could threaten him.
...
The meal was not finished. Midway through, an attendant from the Imperial Palace came and took Xue Qinghe away.
Wang Li and Dugu Yan also met the Teacher, Zhi Lin, who came to pick them up to return to the Academy.
Upon seeing Zhi Lin, Wang Li and Dugu Yan politely greeted him:
"Teacher!"
Zhi Lin nodded, then looked at them and said:
"Your vacation can only be suspended. It seems Wang Li's talent has already aroused the apprehension of Spirit Hall. Even Salas couldn't help but want to bring you into Spirit Hall."
"Hmph, trying to force you into submission while we were away, what audacity! In any case, let's return to the Academy first. We will definitely report to His Majesty and make Spirit Hall give you an explanation."
Wang Li knew that the source of all this seemed to be Salas, but in reality, it was Qian Renxue. However, he did not expose it. Firstly, if he exposed it, not necessarily anyone would believe it, and it would be difficult to explain. Secondly, if he exposed it, it would not benefit him and would invite retaliation.
Dugu Yan, unaware of the truth, was very disgusted with Salas:
"That hateful Salas! When my grandfather comes out of seclusion, he must make him pay the price!"
Zhi Lin knew very well in his heart that facing the massive Spirit Hall, even the Poison Douluo was powerless.
He saw that Wang Li was very calm, and thus admired him even more, speaking again:
"First, let's go back to the Academy. Once we are back at the Academy, with me, Teacher Meng Shenji, and Teacher Bai Baoshan, Salas wouldn't dare to act presumptuously."
Wang Li smiled slightly and replied:
"Alright, Teacher. It just so happens that for the next few months, we will all be cultivating inside the Academy."
One must be good at finding good things in bad things. At least this matter, for him, Wang Li, was actually profitable.
Immediately, Wang Li and Dugu Yan followed Zhi Lin back to Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
At the same time, on the other side!
Returning to the Imperial Palace, Xue Qinghe arrived at a magnificent hall. Upon seeing the old man wearing a crown, he respectfully bowed and loudly said:
"Your son greets Imperial Father!"
This old man was precisely Emperor Xue Ye of the Heaven Dou Empire. At this moment, he spoke:
"Qinghe, I already know about what happened this afternoon. You did very well. Spirit Hall, Salas, are becoming more and more presumptuous."
Hearing this, Xue Qinghe also said:
"Such a vast Spirit Hall actually cannot tolerate a true genius appearing in our Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Imperial Father arranged for your son to win over Wang Li, and your son took it to heart. I truly did not expect such a thing to happen!"
A fierce glint flashed in Emperor Xue Ye's eyes, but it was immediately replaced by a hint of apprehension. Then he said in a deep voice:
"Contact your Teacher, Sect Master Ning of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. This time, together with my Imperial Family, exert some pressure on Spirit Hall. At least, let them know our determination to protect Wang Li. If we cannot even protect the geniuses of our Academy, how will more geniuses pledge their loyalty in the future?"
Xue Qinghe respectfully accepted the order:
"Your son accepts the decree."