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As the black-clad figures receded like a tide, the Royal Knights swiftly regrouped, and the leading teachers from various academies finally breathed a sigh of relief. But soon, everyone's gaze simultaneously fell upon Tang San, not far away—it was now clear for whom this sudden attack had been intended.
Dugu Bo turned to look at the Royal Fight team, a warning glint in his snake-like eyes: "Get in the carriages, all of you. Do not wander around during the rest period. If you get kidnapped, this old man might not be able to save you." He swept his gaze over everyone meaningfully, "Some things, it's best to understand them in your heart and not bring trouble upon yourselves."
"Yes, Your Excellency." The Royal Fight team bowed in unison, their expressions solemn as they returned to their carriages. Only Feng Xiao and Dugu Yan remained where they were.
Feng Xiao looked thoughtfully at Dugu Bo: "Senior, with your status as a Titled Douluo, do you still need to be so cautious?" In his memory, the Poison Douluo from the original story was a ruthless character who dared to directly confront Gui Mei.
Dugu Bo glared at him impatiently: "Yan Yan has now cut ties with that kid from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family, so this old man is just a helpless old fellow." As he spoke, he gave Dugu Yan a meaningful look, "Who knows, I might even have to beg that eunuch someday. How can I not be more cautious?"
Upon hearing this, Feng Xiao quickly smiled apologetically: "Senior is truly far-sighted." He knew full well that Dugu Yan and Yu Tianheng's relationship breaking down was indeed thanks to his "indispensable efforts."
Dugu Bo snorted lightly, looking at the Royal Knights who were regrouping in the distance: "Kid, do you know how many Titled Douluo there are on the entire continent?" He lowered his voice, "Of the many people present today, besides that old fellow from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, do you see anyone daring to say half a word more?" As he spoke, he looked at Dugu Yan with affection, "This old man is old, I always have to consider Yan Yan's future more."
These words made Feng Xiao's heart tremble. He suddenly realized that this Poison Douluo, who seemed to act recklessly, actually knew better than anyone how to survive in the cracks between various forces.
Feng Xiao's gaze fell on the luxurious yellow carriage not far away, and he whispered to Dugu Bo: "Senior, I'm going to check on the Crown Prince's side."
Dugu Bo pursed his lips and said dismissively: "What's there to see about that kid? He hangs out with Ning Fengzhi, that old fox, all day. He probably knows more inside information than you do."
Before Feng Xiao could respond, Dugu Bo's gaze shifted to Dugu Yan, his eyes instantly softening, and his voice unconsciously became a few shades lighter: "Yan Yan, you go back to the carriage and rest first. You must perform well in the upcoming competition."
Then he turned and glared at Feng Xiao, a cold glint appearing in his eyes: "You brat, remember this, if you encounter those people from Shrek on the field, beat them to death! Especially that little beast from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family." The old poisoner sneered sinisterly, "I want to see what face Yu Yuanzhen, that old scoundrel, will have left to flaunt in the Spirit Master's world!"
Feng Xiao's lips curved slightly, and he nodded imperceptibly, likely because the Blue Lightning side hadn't given Dugu Bo any explanation.
"Grandpa!" Dugu Yan's pretty face flushed slightly, and she couldn't help but let out a coquettish whine, a hint of annoyance flashing in her purple eyes.
"Alright, alright, Grandpa won't say anymore," Dugu Bo quickly waved his hand, looking at his granddaughter with doting affection, his figure then dissipating like smoke into the air.
Dugu Yan secretly glanced at Feng Xiao, seeing him looking thoughtfully into the distance, and couldn't help but lightly bite her lower lip before turning and walking quickly towards the carriage.
Feng Xiao slowly approached the luxurious carriage with gilded trim. Inside the carriage, Qian Renxue was frowning deeply, her fingers tightly gripping a celadon teacup, with such force that fine cracks appeared on the cup, and her fingertips turned white from the effort.
"Young Master, that kid is here." From the shadows, Snake Lance Douluo's voice quietly sounded.
Qian Renxue's fingertips trembled slightly, and she slowly released the already overstressed teacup. When she lifted her gaze again, all emotion had vanished from her eyes, leaving only a calm like water: "Invite him in." Her voice was as cool and clear as ever, as if her earlier loss of composure had never occurred.
Led by a servant, Feng Xiao slowly stepped into the carriage. Inside the spacious compartment, Qian Renxue sat, disguised as Xue Qinghe, but a hint of irritation was unmistakable in her brows.
"Your Highness seems to be in a rather displeased mood?" Feng Xiao's lips curved slightly, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.
Qian Renxue gave him an impatient glance, her voice deliberately lowered to Xue Qinghe's tone: "The Royal Knights were attacked, how could this Crown Prince be in a good mood?"
"Although it was an act to flush out the enemy," Feng Xiao chuckled, "the target of the attack, however, aligns perfectly with Your Highness's thoughts."
Qian Renxue's pupils contracted slightly, and a complex expression appeared on her face: "You know everything?"
Feng Xiao's smile deepened, a cunning glint in his eyes: "To be able to perfectly impersonate the Crown Prince of a nation, and to harbor the same hatred for the target of this attack..." He deliberately drew out his words, "It only shows that Your Highness has an extraordinary background. However—"
"However what?" Qian Renxue's voice suddenly turned cold.
"It seems some power has fallen into other hands." Feng Xiao said softly, his gaze pointedly sweeping towards Spirit City outside the carriage.
A cold light flashed in Qian Renxue's eyes, and her jade fingers unconsciously tightened, but she ultimately did not retort.
"To be able to mobilize two Titled Douluo at the same time," Feng Xiao continued, his voice gradually lowering, "I suppose only that female Supreme Pontiff, whom I've never met, could have such a feat. Let me guess, given Your Highness's age—"
"Enough!" Qian Renxue suddenly snapped, her disguised male voice almost breaking. She stared intently at this young man who always seemed to see through her thoughts, her chest heaving violently. The air in the carriage seemed to instantly solidify.
Seeing this, Feng Xiao immediately raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, a fawning smile on his face: "Alright, alright, I won't say anymore." He then changed the subject, his tone becoming a bit more serious, "However, there's something that might change Your Highness's view on this attack."
Qian Renxue stared at him coldly, not saying a word.
"Your Highness, guess what interesting thing I saw outside just now?" Feng Xiao blinked, deliberately playing coy.
Qian Renxue frowned tightly, finally unable to resist cursing: "Spit it out!"
Feng Xiao unhurriedly lowered his voice: "The leading teachers from all the academies actually recognized the attackers' origins, yet not a single one dared to step forward and accuse them."
"Of course they wouldn't dare..." Qian Renxue subconsciously replied, then suddenly her expression froze, and a flash of understanding appeared in her eyes.
"You mean—" Her voice unconsciously softened, "the true purpose of this attack wasn't to kill Tang San, but to test the attitudes of various forces towards her?"
Feng Xiao nodded in approval: "Perhaps she truly wanted to eliminate Tang San, but even if it didn't succeed—" He paused meaningfully, "it could also reveal some interesting reactions. For example, now, everyone is as silent as a cicada in winter. If someone truly dared to step forward—like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, next time, she might have to kill a chicken to scare the monkeys."
Qian Renxue's pupils contracted slightly, and her fingertips unconsciously stroked the edge of the teacup. Feng Xiao's words made her suddenly realize the deeper meaning behind Bibi Dong's actions.
Feng Xiao gently stroked the Fuxi Zither in his arms and smiled: "Your Highness has a deep friendship with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. If you truly wish to bring this force under your command..." He paused meaningfully, "I'm afraid you'll need to have a good talk with her."
Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue's slender fingers unconsciously clenched her sleeve. The image of that figure, high on the Supreme Pontiff's throne, appeared in her mind. She took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling slightly. After a long moment, she slowly released her tightly clenched fists, her voice returning to its usual calm:
"I understand."
These simple four words contained too many complex emotions. Feng Xiao knew that the grievances between these mother and daughter would ultimately need to be resolved by themselves.
A brief silence fell in the carriage, their gazes met, and an invisible string seemed to gently vibrate in the air.
Feng Xiao suddenly chuckled, a probing glint in his eyes: "Speaking of which, I'm quite curious... How exactly did she ascend to that position?"
Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue's brows unconsciously furrowed again, and a sharp glint flashed in her eyes: "What exactly are you trying to say?"
Feng Xiao shook his head slightly: "Just pure curiosity." He lowered his gaze, his tone a bit lighthearted, "I'm looking forward to meeting her, it will help me understand you better."
Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue's heart suddenly trembled, and her golden pupils contracted slightly. She gazed at Feng Xiao's smiling eyes, a strange flutter rising in her chest, but her face still maintained a cold expression:
"From her, all you'll learn is disappointment."
Feng Xiao gently stroked the zither strings: "Perhaps. But..." He looked up directly at Qian Renxue, his gaze gentle and firm, "No gold is pure, no man is perfect. True understanding, isn't it choosing to accept even after seeing the full truth?"
The zither's notes softened, and Feng Xiao's voice was almost inaudible: "Or is Your Highness afraid?"
Qian Renxue's breathing hitched, and her fingertips unconsciously dug into her palm. These words were like a sharp sword, striking directly at the softest corner of her heart. The emotional wall she had built over the years actually trembled slightly at this moment.
"The matter between us..." Before Qian Renxue could finish, Feng Xiao gently pressed the zither strings, interrupting her unfinished words.
He looked up and gazed at her, his eyes filled with gentle firmness: "I will not interfere with your choices." His voice was as soft as a spring breeze brushing the zither strings, "Whatever decision you make, I will stand by you."
Qian Renxue's breathing hitched slightly, and her fingertips unconsciously curled up. Feng Xiao's words were like a clear spring, quietly moistening the long-dry corners of her heart.
"Who wants your support?" she mumbled softly, but her tone was no longer as cold and hard as before.
Feng Xiao looked at Qian Renxue, who was currently wearing Xue Qinghe's elegant appearance but revealing a maiden's unique shyness, and couldn't help but clear his throat to cover his awkwardness. The bashful expression on the handsome face belonging to the Heaven Dou Crown Prince truly made him feel a bit at a loss.
"Ahem, that..." Feng Xiao uncomfortably averted his gaze, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the zither strings, "Your Highness should return to your original appearance first. The way you look right now..." He gestured vaguely, his lips twitching slightly.
Qian Renxue also realized the problem at this moment and immediately laughed. A golden light flashed, and Xue Qinghe's disguise receded like a tide, revealing her original captivating beauty. But her flushed earlobes and flickering eyes still betrayed her inner turmoil.
"Serves you right." She chided softly, but her voice had returned to its usual coolness. Only the slightly upturned corners of her lips revealed her good mood at the moment.
In the shadows, She Long and Ci Xue exchanged glances, both seeing incredible shock in each other's eyes.
Was this still the Young Master they had guarded since childhood? The Qian Renxue who was always calm and composed, perfectly hiding her emotions behind a mask, when had she ever shown such a vivid appearance?
Ci Xue transmitted his voice: "Should we avoid them?"
"The more moments like this, the more we must protect the Young Master. What if someone discovers us?" She Long transmitted his voice.
The two looked at each other and nodded, becoming even more vigilant of their surroundings. They were afraid that something might disturb the rare soft atmosphere in the carriage. How many years had it been since they first saw the Young Master reveal her true emotions, instead of the flawless "Xue Qinghe"?
The Heaven Dou Empire's Spirit Master team continued its journey towards Spirit City, encountering no further incidents during the rest of the trip. To ensure safety, Qian Renxue specially mobilized three thousand elite armored soldiers from various cities along the way to strengthen the escort, and also urgently dispatched orders to Heaven Dou City to send several high-level Spirit Masters to reinforce them.
The Shrek Academy A group of people also became more low-key in the team.
After several days of travel, the mighty procession finally arrived at Spirit City. Due to Spirit Hall's special regulations, Xue Qinghe ordered the armored troops and Royal Knights to encamp outside the city, personally leading the fifteen Spirit Master teams into the city.
Compared to the vast Heaven Dou City and the bustling Soto City, Spirit City's scale was indeed dwarfed, its area not even a tenth of Heaven Dou City's. However, the awe this city brought to the Spirit Masters was no less than that of any capital.
The city walls of this city were built entirely to main city specifications, reaching a height of eighty meters. The majestic walls were constructed from massive granite blocks, over thirty meters thick, gleaming with a cold, bluish-gray luster in the sunlight.
Most remarkably, Spirit City had a unique hexagonal structure, with each of its six walls featuring a giant relief sculpture that mirrored the emblem on Spirit Hall's tokens, symbolizing six supreme Spirits. The guards patrolling the walls were exclusively Spirit Hall's direct Spirit Masters, their uniform attire particularly striking in the sunlight. The entire city resembled a meticulously carved work of art, everywhere showcasing Spirit Hall's profound heritage and supreme authority.
Stepping into Spirit City, a sense of solemn emptiness immediately enveloped them. The wide streets had sparse pedestrians, and shops were few and far between.
A bishop in a scarlet robe had long been waiting. Under his respectful guidance, over two hundred participating teachers and students were accommodated in an elegant hotel in the west of the city.
Feng Xiao, holding his Fuxi Zither, strolled along the streets of Spirit City. As he walked further, he suddenly discovered an interesting layout—the entire Spirit City was built against a mountain, forming a constellation-like arrangement around a majestic peak.
The mountain was not particularly high, but it possessed an inherent sense of majesty. The mountain body had been meticulously sculpted, with several winding stone steps vaguely visible leading to the summit. Most striking was the building on the summit, whose exterior was covered in golden material, gleaming and shining in the sunlight, like a sacred crown placed upon the mountaintop.