Chapter 23: The Invitation of Xue Qinghe

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“A big shot? Could it be that disciple of Father’s again—the one called Xue Qinghe?”

Ning Rongrong immediately remembered the person who had taken her father as his teacher. She often crossed paths with him and had committed him to memory.

Ning Xi, however, rarely went out. She spent all day immersed in books, or else lost in thought while studying things no one else could understand.

She had probably met Xue Qinghe when she was only two or three years old, and even then, they had done little more than exchange a simple greeting.

“What is he like?” Jun Han suddenly asked.

Ning Rongrong took the initiative to introduce Xue Qinghe. “He’s Father’s disciple, and a prince of the Heaven Dou Empire. He’s rather handsome, too. He used to come find Father quite often to discuss all sorts of matters.”

“His personality is decent as well. He gives people the impression of being courteous and amiable.”

Jun Han nodded and said nothing more.

The three of them entered the main hall. The seats on the high platform were already occupied. Several middle-aged men stood beside Xue Qinghe, along with a few elders of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

“Father, Master, Grandpa Bone, Your Highness Xue Qinghe, and all the elders.” Ning Xi smiled faintly and greeted them.

Jun Han likewise greeted Ning Fengzhi and the others.

This was the first time Xue Qinghe had seen this unfamiliar face, and he could not help feeling somewhat puzzled.

He had never seen this person before.

Ning Rongrong, however, paid no attention to such formalities. She was often around these people, and they all doted on her, so she threw herself directly into Ning Fengzhi’s arms and said coquettishly, “Hello, Father! Hello, Grandpas!”

Ning Fengzhi gave a helpless smile. “Rongrong, get down quickly. Don’t be rude. Learn from your sister.”

He patted her head, then turned toward Jun Han. “Jun Han, this is His Highness Xue Qinghe, Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire. He is also my student.”

“Qinghe, this is the newest disciple of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and Uncle Bone’s disciple as well—Jun Han.”

Jun Han revealed a polite, unembarrassed smile. “Greetings, Your Highness.”

Jun Han studied him, while Xue Qinghe studied him in return.

Seeing that Jun Han had not bowed, Xue Qinghe did not take offense. He merely smiled gently. “It is rare for Grandpa Bone to accept a disciple. Not bad.”

“Both Grandpas have taken disciples. That is truly cause for celebration.”

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The fact that Bone Douluo had thought highly enough of this person to take him as a disciple showed that his talent was extraordinary.

Xue Qinghe then shifted his gaze away from him and looked toward Ning Xi. “Little Sister Xi, it has been a long time since we last met. You and Little Sister Rongrong have both grown prettier and prettier.”

Indeed, Xue Qinghe could no longer remember when he had last seen Ning Xi.

He had met Ning Rongrong quite frequently, but he had seen Ning Xi far less often. This time, upon hearing that she had awakened the Seven Kill Sword, he had taken a particular interest in her.

After all, those who possessed the Seven Kill Sword were exceedingly rare, especially one with such astonishing innate soul power.

If he could build a good relationship with her and bring her over to his side, she would be an excellent choice.

As this thought crossed his mind, a trace of absolute confidence involuntarily passed through Xue Qinghe’s heart.

A dark glimmer flashed briefly in his eyes, so fleeting that almost no one noticed it.

Almost no one—except Jun Han, who silently took note of every one of his abnormalities.

“Your Highness Qinghe is too kind. You are quite handsome yourself.” A trace of distance colored Ning Xi’s voice.

“Haha, I brought you all some gifts today. Consider them New Year’s presents.” Xue Qinghe beckoned to the person beside him, who quickly placed the items next to him.

He rose from his seat and took out something that looked familiar to Ning Xi. “These are three storage soul tools. They can store items and are activated simply by injecting soul power. With a thought, you can sort everything inside.”

Sword Douluo watched the scene unfold, finding it strangely familiar.

Bone Douluo and Ning Rongrong nearly burst out laughing, but managed to hold it back in the end.

Most of the disciples in their sect already possessed one of these.

“Ahem, Qinghe, you are too thoughtful,” Ning Fengzhi said with a light cough.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Ning Xi accepted the gift with a smile, her expression showing no emotional fluctuation.

Seeing Ning Xi accept it, Xue Qinghe’s smile deepened considerably. “Teacher, it is only right that I do this. Besides, with talents as remarkable as Little Sister Xi and the others, why not have them study at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy?”

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had never established an academy of its own. They preferred to recruit talented individuals directly from outside.

Children who awakened other martial souls were likewise sent to other academies for their education.

This was because the direct descendants of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect all possessed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda and were auxiliary soul masters. The subjects they were best at teaching were naturally those related to the auxiliary system.

Auxiliary soul masters found it difficult to survive independently and required the protection of powerful attack-type soul masters and others. For that reason, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had never established an auxiliary academy.

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Moreover, auxiliary soul masters had always been relatively rare. Even if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect wished to establish an auxiliary academy, it would most likely end up contributing talent to other sects.

Put simply, Ning Rongrong could continue studying here. As for Ning Xi and Jun Han, both already had teachers guiding them and had no particular need to attend an academy.

But Xue Qinghe ignored that point entirely.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect also possessed unique cultivation methods and secret techniques. The most famous among them was the Secret of Distracting Control.

This secret technique enabled soul masters to use multiple soul skills simultaneously and enhance various attributes of their companions, allowing the disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to play a far greater role in battle.

Training in the Secret of Distracting Control required extraordinary concentration and perseverance. Yet once mastered, it would bring a tremendous increase in strength to the disciples.

“Little Sister Xi and this young brother could attend together. It would also make it easier for us to communicate in the future.

“As the highest institution of learning in the empire, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy gathers countless elite students. It possesses abundant resources and formidable teachers, making it an ideal place to study and grow.”

Xue Qinghe continued speaking, but he did not forget to observe Ning Fengzhi’s expression.

Ning Fengzhi fell into deep thought. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect naturally lacked nothing in terms of cultivation resources, but considering the importance of social interaction, attending the academy would be far better than remaining in the sect all the time.

The problem was that Heaven Dou Imperial Academy contained too many nobles, most of whom knew nothing of proper etiquette.

They understood the situation clearly, but would not say so openly.

His own disciple had probably taken a liking to his daughter’s talent. That was understandable.

Moreover, neither Ning Xi’s nor Jun Han’s martial soul was the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, so they did not need to remain here for their entire education.

“I think it is feasible. Over the past year, I have taught Xi’er quite a bit, and I was already thinking of sending her to another academy to gain some experience,” Sword Douluo said, moving closer to Ning Fengzhi.

“Fengzhi, the bastard is right. After spending several months with Jun Han, I have nothing left to teach him. That child learns anything the moment he is shown it. Why not let the two of them go in and take a look?”

Bone Douluo likewise moved closer and spoke in a voice only the three of them could hear.

“…”

The corner of Xue Qinghe’s mouth twitched. He had already heard them.

At the same time, however, he was even more eager to bring the two of them in.