Marco paused briefly in the corridor, waiting until his mind had completely settled before turning back to the Hall of a Hundred Flowers. The hall remained brightly lit and filled with laughter and chatter, but he keenly noticed that the atmosphere around where his parents stood seemed somewhat different.
He saw Ning Fengzhi conversing cheerfully with Li Zhaoyan and his wife Ye Qingwan. Ning Fengzhi wore his usual gentle smile, his demeanor elegant and composed. Li Zhaoyan appeared calm and responded appropriately, while Ye Qingwan stood quietly by her husband's side, maintaining a proper smile. Sword Douluo Chen Xin stood silently behind Ning Fengzhi, his sword-like sharp aura impossible to ignore despite his silence.
Marco approached unobtrusively, just in time to hear Ning Fengzhi say to his parents: "...My daughter Rongrong is rather mischievous. She caused some offense on the street yesterday, I hope Brother Li and Madame Li won't take it to heart." His tone was sincere, his posture humble, giving full face to the Lis.
Li Zhaoyan smiled faintly and cupped his hands: "Patriarch Ning, you exaggerate. It was merely childish play, not worth mentioning. Rather, if my son has been discourteous in any way, I hope you will be forgiving."
"Brother Li is too modest." Ning Fengzhi's gaze turned to Marco who had just approached, the admiration in his eyes growing stronger. "Your son Marco, with his steady bearing and exceptional talent, is truly rare in my experience. Heroes indeed emerge from among the youth!"
This extremely high praise caused several people who had been watching the exchange to glance over, their eyes filled with surprise and curiosity as they looked at Marco.
Marco quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Patriarch Ning flatters me undeservedly. My cultivation is shallow and I still need to study and train diligently. I dare not accept the title of 'hero'." His attitude remained humble, showing no trace of pride despite Ning Fengzhi's praise.
Just then, a warm, clear voice interjected: "Teacher, Sword Douluo, Senior Li, Aunt Ye." Crown Prince Xue Qinghe approached with a smile, his steps measured. He first paid respects to Ning Fengzhi as his teacher, then greeted Sword Douluo and the Lis, his etiquette perfect and demeanor refreshing.
"Qinghe is here." Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly.
Xue Qinghe's gaze then fell upon Marco, his smile gentle: "This must be Senior Li's son, Brother Marco? I've been hearing many people speak of a young talent at today's banquet, and seeing you now, the reputation is well-deserved."
"Your Highness flatters me." Marco returned the courtesy equally respectfully, though inwardly he grew wary. This crown prince gave him a different feeling from Ning Fengzhi's gentleness - this was a deeper, more elusive smoothness.
Xue Qinghe seemed particularly interested in the Li family. When speaking with Li Zhaoyan, his topics not only involved Soul Master cultivation but also cleverly inquired about Li Zhaoyan's affairs in Heaven Dou City and the Li family's future development plans. His words subtly conveyed intentions of recruitment, praising Li Zhaoyan as a pillar of the empire and expressing hope that he would serve the empire more diligently, while also sharing expectations for Marco's future, saying the empire needed such young talents.
"...The entire Li family consists of outstanding talents. If you can wholeheartedly assist His Majesty and serve the empire, your future prospects will undoubtedly be limitless." Xue Qinghe's words carried a persuasiveness that was difficult to refuse.
Li Zhaoyan's response was neither haughty nor humble, expressing respect for the imperial family and the Crown Prince while making no explicit commitments. He merely stated that as a Soul Master, it was his duty to cultivate diligently, and if capable, he would naturally contribute to the empire.
Ning Fengzhi listened with a smile, occasionally interjecting a few words of encouragement for the younger generation and hopes for harmony between the sects and the empire. The atmosphere appeared cordial and harmonious.
Marco stood quietly by his parents' side, listening to their conversation as thoughts stirred within him. He could naturally discern Xue Qinghe's intent to recruit and understood that while Ning Fengzhi seemed neutral, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School maintained close ties with the Heaven Dou Imperial Family. Every word in such occasions carried hidden meanings, making him feel even more mentally drained by these social niceties.
The banquet lasted until late at night before gradually dispersing. After bidding farewell to the guests, the Li family's carriage slowly made its way along the quiet streets back to their residence. Inside the carriage, the flickering lamplight contrasted with the tranquility outside.
Leaning against the soft cushions, Li Zhaoyan closed his eyes to rest for a moment before opening them and looking seriously at Marco across from him. "Marco, what are your thoughts on today's events?"
After a moment of contemplation, Marco replied, "Sect Leader Ning handles affairs with smooth diplomacy - he appears gentle but is truly unfathomable. As for the Crown Prince... his recruitment intentions were quite evident."
Ye Qingwan also sighed softly, "The relationship between the imperial family and the top three sects is intricate and complex. Although our Li family has some foundation, becoming too deeply involved would not be beneficial."
Li Zhaoyan nodded, his gaze profound as he looked at Marco. "Marco, remember this. Whether it's Ning Fengzhi or Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, they are all figures standing at or near the pinnacle of power. Their appreciation or recruitment may bring temporary glory, but it also means endless troubles and responsibilities."
He paused before continuing, "Ning Fengzhi is a true old fox. Today he appeared to praise you sincerely, but in reality, he was observing you, and even our Li family's stance. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has immense influence - one must be exceptionally cautious when dealing with them, and maintaining appropriate distance is advisable."
"As for the Crown Prince," Li Zhaoyan lowered his voice, "imperial matters run deeper than the sea. The crown prince's position may seem stable, but undercurrents surge beneath the surface. Our Li family only needs to remain loyal to the empire and fulfill our duties, without taking sides too early or getting involved in unnecessary conflicts. Your talent is your greatest asset, but it's also what easily attracts covetous eyes. Before you have sufficient strength, concealing your brilliance and focusing on improving yourself is the right path."
Marco listened carefully to his father's teachings, committing these words deeply to heart. He had never been particularly interested in power struggles to begin with, and his father's warnings further strengthened his resolve. "Father, rest assured, I understand. My ambition lies in reaching the peak of Soul Master cultivation, pursuing ultimate strength. I have no interest in these power games. I will be cautious from now on and stay away from these whirlpools."
Seeing the clear and determined look in his son's eyes, Li Zhaoyan nodded with satisfaction. "It's good that you understand. I don't expect you to wield great power in the future. I only hope you can possess enough strength to protect yourself and your family, roaming freely between heaven and earth - that would be the best outcome."
Ye Lingling listened nearby, not fully comprehending but obediently remaining silent.
The carriage moved steadily through the night, and the interior returned to silence. Marco gazed out the window at the fleeting specks of light, his path forward becoming clearer in his mind. Power—only absolute power—could truly allow him and his family to stand firm in this complex world, free from being controlled by others. The clinking glasses and hollow pleasantries at the banquet were but fleeting illusions; only the enhancement of Soul Power and the evolution of the Martial Soul were the tangible foundations.
Qing Yu, perched on his shoulder, seemed to sense his master's emotions and gently nuzzled his cheek. Marco smiled faintly, stroking its soft feathers, then closed his eyes to reflect on the brief but sharp encounter with Sword Douluo earlier that evening. That unparalleled, razor-sharp sword intent was a rare experience and tempering for him. The road ahead was long, but he had already taken a solid step forward.
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