Inside Xu Tianran's study, a momentary silence fell.
Emperor Xu Jing was still in a coma. Jing Hongchen's choosing to inform Xu Tianran about the Illustrious Virtue Hall matter at this time already subtly indicated his choice.
Xu Tianran naturally understood the implication behind Jing Hongchen's words.
Slightly lowering his gaze, countless thoughts raced through Xu Tianran's mind. Even though he harbored ambitions, he knew that unifying the continent was not something that could be accomplished in a short time.
Externally, there was a formidable opponent like Shrek Academy; internally, others coveted the throne. As long as Xu Jing did not die, he remained merely the Crown Prince. On major matters, those ministers were not necessarily all aligned with him.
He had originally thought that in recent days, the two assassinations in Mingdu had stirred public outrage among the citizens, and perhaps he could take advantage of the momentum to make some moves to solidify his position as Crown Prince.
But now, with Jing Hongchen's support, Xu Tianran suddenly had no other worries. In the open, he had Illustrious Virtue Hall's backing; in the shadows, the Holy Spirit Cult would handle certain matters for him; and by right, he was the Crown Prince of the Sun Moon Empire, legitimate.
Under these circumstances, even if others made some moves in secret, they would not easily shake his position.
If, as Jing Hongchen said, Illustrious Virtue Hall could usher in a technological revolution in a short time, he was willing to patiently wait. After all, he understood the principle that to do a good job, one must first sharpen one's tools.
After a moment of silence, Xu Tianran raised his head to look at Jing Hongchen. "In that case, please expedite the improvements, Hall Master. In the future, Illustrious Virtue Hall's affairs will remain a priority for the empire. This prince will send people to help rebuild Illustrious Virtue Hall. Afterward, we will quietly await the Hall Master's good news."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Jing Hongchen slightly cupped his hands. "This minister will certainly spare no effort."
"Mm. It's getting late, and Hall Master Hongchen still has to worry about Illustrious Virtue Hall's reconstruction. This prince will not detain you further."
Jing Hongchen had already obtained Xu Tianran's promise. Hearing the subtle dismissal, he knew Xu Tianran still had words to exchange with Feng Ling, so he did not linger and turned to leave.
The door closed once more. Xu Tianran withdrew his gaze and turned to look at Feng Ling. "It has been hard on Vice-Sect Master Feng to make this extra trip."
Feng Ling likewise looked at Xu Tianran. "Now that Illustrious Virtue Hall is assisting, it seems Your Highness no longer needs me to act."
Xu Tianran shook his head. "Originally, inviting Vice-Sect Master Feng into the palace was indeed because there were matters requiring your sect's handling. Although it is no longer necessary now, there is still another matter..."
With Xu Jing gravely ill, Xu Tianran's inviting someone from the Holy Spirit Cult into the palace at this juncture was certainly not for sightseeing.
Whether acting against Xu Jing or against other princes, it was all to consolidate his position. But now with Illustrious Virtue Hall's support, some actions that could easily leave traces and invite criticism no longer need to be risked.
As the Vice-Sect Master of the Holy Spirit Cult, Feng Ling naturally discerned Xu Tianran's intent, which was why she had spoken those words earlier.
"These recent attacks on Mingdu once stirred intense public anger. This prince fears that after some time passes, the citizens of Mingdu will put this matter behind them."
Xu Tianran leaned back slightly, drawing out his words meaningfully. "Only through constant reminders can public sentiment be made useful."
Feng Ling's eyes flashed as she understood Xu Tianran's meaning. He needed the Holy Spirit Cult to create the illusion that the three original empires would occasionally provoke the Sun Moon Empire.
In this way, when the continental war began in the future, the citizens of the Sun Moon Empire would naturally support Xu Tianran's unification of the continent.
Thinking of this, Feng Ling glanced at Xu Tianran again. He was indeed a qualified, ambitious man, ruthless in pursuing his goals. The days for the citizens under his rule would likely not be too peaceful.
Of course, these matters had nothing to do with her.
"This is easy to arrange. However, the matter of Shrek Academy's night attack on Mingdu cannot simply be let go..."
"Does Vice-Sect Master Feng have old acquaintances with those from Shrek Academy?" Xu Tianran probed upon seeing her reaction, but when Feng Ling turned to look at him, he did not pursue further.
"Shrek Academy has bullied our Sun Moon too much; naturally, we cannot let this rest. Since Vice-Sect Master Feng is interested, why not have Vice-Sect Master Feng lead the palace worshippers to handle this matter?"
"Thank you, Your Highness." Feng Ling said this and, unable to wait any longer, stood up hurriedly, bid a quick farewell, and left the study.
Watching Feng Ling's departing figure, Xu Tianran slightly closed his eyes, raised a hand to rub his brow, and then a pair of hands gently rested on his shoulders.
"You heard everything?"
"Yes, Your Highness." The one responding to Xu Tianran was Ju Zi, who had been in the study all along. Dressed in gorgeous palace attire, she lowered her gaze slightly to massage his shoulders.
"What do you think of the credibility of what Jing Hongchen said?"
"Ju Zi does not know." Ju Zi shook her head.
"Forget it. You have never entered Illustrious Virtue Hall; judging this matter is indeed difficult for you."
"It is Ju Zi who has disappointed Your Highness." Ju Zi stopped her hands and knelt beside Xu Tianran.
"Get up. When has this prince ever intended to blame you?" Xu Tianran shook his head. "Since Illustrious Virtue Hall still needs some time, this prince can take this opportunity to take control of military affairs."
"No matter when, only having the army in hand brings true peace of mind." Xu Tianran slightly closed his eyes, lost in thought about something. "It is getting late; escort this prince back to the sleeping palace."
"Yes, Your Highness."
For some people, many things happened this night, but for others, it was just an ordinary night.
The next morning, Lin Jiayi rarely appeared at the student dormitory building. He stopped to confirm once, then walked to a dormitory door and knocked lightly.
After a moment, there was no sound from inside the dormitory.
"Knock knock knock—"
Lin Jiayi frowned slightly and raised his hand to knock again. "Lin Xiao, still not awake?"
As his voice fell, there was still no movement from the room. Glancing around, Lin Jiayi decided not to wait any longer. However, just as he turned to leave, he heard Lin Xiao open the door.
"Sorry, Teacher. I was just making a soul tool and couldn't step away for a while."
Lin Jiayi turned back, his eyes lighting up. "It's fine; it was I who disturbed you."
Lin Xiao shook his head. "Teacher, come in and sit."
"Alright." Lin Jiayi did not refuse. But as soon as he entered Lin Xiao's dormitory, he frowned again.
Lin Xiao's dormitory was too clean, clean to the point of almost no traces of habitation, with few personal items, as if Lin Xiao was always prepared to leave at any moment.
Only on the nearby table was an unfinished soul tool, apparently just started, using the alloy that Lin Xiao had previously shown.
"Teacher, sit wherever."
Lin Jiayi nodded, his gaze falling on the table again. "This is?"
Lin Xiao followed Lin Jiayi's gaze. "This is a soul tool related to my martial soul. I've only just begun trying."
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