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Approaching noon, Feng Xiao finished his training, changed into a brand new moon-white long robe, and slowly walked to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's special banquet hall.
Sunlight streamed through the painted dome, illuminating the entire building with golden splendor.
Exquisite Spirit Beast patterns were carved on the white marble pillars, and the highly polished marble floor reflected the elegant figures of the passing attendants.
"As expected of the Empire's foremost academy," Feng Xiao sighed inwardly, such a luxurious banquet venue could probably only be afforded by the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
As he paused to admire the surroundings, an attendant in a dark-patterned brocade robe quietly approached, bowed, and said, "Honored guest, the Crown Prince has been waiting for a long time, please follow me."
The attendant led Feng Xiao through winding corridors, the walls on both sides hung with portraits of outstanding students from various generations, none of whom Feng Xiao recognized.
They finally stopped in front of a carved sandalwood door.
"Your Highness, Young Master Feng has arrived," the attendant reported softly.
"Please come in," Xue Qinghe's warm, jade-like voice came from within the room.
As the door slowly opened, a delicate, elegant scent of snow lotus wafted out.
Feng Xiao straightened his collar and calmly stepped into the private room.
The interior was elegantly furnished, with exquisite tea sets placed on a small table, and a plum forest outside the window, offering a serene and pleasant view.
Xue Qinghe sat gracefully in the main seat, his moon-white brocade robe radiating a soft glow in the sunlight, exuding imperial nobility in every gesture.
His slender fingers gently caressed the rim of a teacup, his gaze gently fixed on Feng Xiao.
"Greetings, Crown Prince," Feng Xiao bowed respectfully, his movements impeccably standard.
"Feng Yao, there's no need to be so formal," Xue Qinghe raised a hand in a gesture, the gold embroidery on his cuff shimmering with subtle light as he moved, "Please be seated."
After Feng Xiao sat down, Xue Qinghe personally poured a cup of clear tea and asked casually, "May I ask where Feng Yao studied? This mastery of the zither and spirit power control doesn't seem to be self-taught.
Feng Yao's story truly piques my curiosity." He changed the subject, "However, to achieve such accomplishments in just a few years, your talent must be extraordinary."
Feng Xiao took the teacup with both hands, his fingertips feeling the warmth emanating from the cup wall: "Replying to Your Highness, this junior indeed has no formal master." He took a light sip of the clear tea and continued, "After awakening my Spirit at the age of six, I was fortunate to work in a teahouse in Nuoding City and gained the appreciation of Manager Ning.
Upon graduation, he gifted me a recommendation letter to the Moon Pavilion, which led to my current fortune."
"So, you are a highly talented student of Madam Yue Hua," Xue Qinghe suddenly smiled, "No wonder both your etiquette and musical skills are so outstanding." He paused meaningfully, "Speaking of which, Feng Yao and my teacher have a certain connection."
Feng Xiao knew perfectly well that from the moment he stepped into the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, all his information had probably already been laid out on this 'Crown Prince's' desk.
He calmly set down his teacup: "Your Highness flatters me.
However, where does this connection come from? Please enlighten me, Your Highness."
Xue Qinghe toyed with the teacup in his hand: "To be able to recommend you to study at the Moon Pavilion, that Manager Ning must be a relative of my teacher." He looked up at Feng Xiao, his gaze as warm as a spring breeze, yet with an unmistakable hint of probing, "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has always had a keen eye for talent."
The dancing shadows of plum blossoms outside the window cast mottled light and shade on the ground between them.
Feng Xiao felt the probing in the other's words, and the corners of his mouth curved into a perfectly appropriate arc: "So that's how it is.
No wonder Manager Ning had such profound insights into the art of music."
"How about I introduce you to my teacher sometime?" Xue Qinghe lightly tapped the teacup with his fingertip, his tone gentle but with an undeniable hint of probing.
Feng Xiao's face showed difficulty, and he gave a wry smile as he cupped his hands: "Thank you for Your Highness's kindness."
"Oh?" Xue Qinghe raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of playfulness flashing in his eyes, "You don't seem willing to meet my teacher?"
Feng Xiao sighed softly, his fingertips unconsciously stroking his knee: "It's quite embarrassing to say.
Manager Ning's kindness to this junior is as vast as a mountain, but…" He looked up, his eyes revealing sincere helplessness, "This junior is naturally undisciplined and not suited for great responsibilities.
Having a three-foot zither in hand is already enough for me.
Compared to becoming a Sect Spirit Master, this junior would prefer to be an ordinary instructor at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy or the Moon Pavilion."
These words made an almost imperceptible hint of joy flash in Xue Qinghe's eyes.
He elegantly picked up the teacup, using the misty steam to conceal the calculations in his eyes.
He was perfectly clear about the current situation — the Huang Dou Battle Team, nominally led by Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan.
Although the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was on good terms with the Empire, Yu Tianheng was, after all, a direct descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and his choice between the Empire and the Sect was self-evident.
As for Dugu Yan, behind her stood Poison Douluo Dugu Bo, and this Titled Douluo had a deep friendship with Prince Xue Xing.
That imperial uncle was his most steadfast opponent in court.
If he could bring someone like Feng Xiao, who was exceptionally talented and had no Sect background, under his wing… Xue Qinghe mused inwardly.
Not only could he balance Yu Tianheng's influence in the team, but he might even be able to win over Dugu Bo through him.
After all, according to intelligence, Dugu Bo and his granddaughter greatly admired this young zither player.
"Everyone has their own aspirations, and I naturally respect Feng Yao's choice," Xue Qinghe put down the teacup, his voice as warm as jade, "However, with your talent, it would be too much of a pity to merely be an instructor."
Feng Xiao was about to respond, but Xue Qinghe elegantly raised a hand, smiling as he interrupted: "Let's save the small talk for another day.
Today, let's first taste the imperial chef's skills that I specially brought from the palace."
As soon as he finished speaking, the carved wooden door of the private room was gently pushed open.
A line of attendants in plain palace attire entered, each carrying a gilded food tray.
In an instant, exquisite imperial dishes filled the entire table:
Crystal clear shrimp dumplings shimmered enticingly on a celadon plate;
Golden crispy roasted squab was served in a gilded bowl, its aroma wafting;
Emerald green jade soup was served in a white jade bowl, like a pool of spring water.
The leading attendant bowed respectfully: "Your Highness, as per your instructions, the dishes are all prepared."
Xue Qinghe nodded slightly, picked up his ivory chopsticks, and gestured: "Feng Yao, please."
"Thank you for Your Highness's hospitality," Feng Xiao bowed with his chopsticks.
During the meal, the two elegantly enjoyed the exquisite imperial cuisine.
Xue Qinghe occasionally used tea as wine, discussing elegant musical matters with Feng Xiao; Feng Xiao responded appropriately, neither losing his manners nor appearing obsequious.
The curling blue smoke from the gilded incense burner added a touch of transcendent artistic conception to this lunch.
After the last dessert was cleared, Feng Xiao appropriately stood up, bowing formally: "Thank you for Your Highness's gracious hospitality.
However, I have team training this afternoon, so I won't trouble you further."
Xue Qinghe sat upright in the main seat, a perfectly appropriate smile on his lips: "Feng Yao's diligent cultivation pleases me greatly." With that, he gave a look to the attendant beside him.
The attendant understood, bowed, and led the way: "Young Master Feng, please follow me."
As the door gently closed, Xue Qinghe picked up his teacup, his gaze still lingering in the direction Feng Xiao had departed.
The sunlight outside the window gilded his profile, but it couldn't penetrate the depths of his eyes.
"Innate spirit power level four, reaching level twenty-seven at twelve years old…" He murmured softly, his fingertips slowly caressing the rim of the cup, "Even more rare is this composure in the face of honor or disgrace."
The tea reflected his slightly upturned lips.
This seemingly gentle and jade-like Crown Prince, at this moment, had eyes that sparkled with the appreciation of discovering an unpolished gem, and the excitement of a chess player seeing a brilliant move.
"A natural genius, a humble gentleman," Xue Qinghe drained the clear tea in his cup, "Interesting…"
In the afternoon, sunlight streamed onto the training ground, dividing the ground into alternating light and shadow.
As Feng Xiao slowly walked in, holding 'Fuxi', he found that the Huang Dou Battle Team was already engaged in group combat training.
"Xiao Feng!" Dugu Yan was the first to notice him, immediately interrupting her practice with Yu Tianheng, her emerald-like long hair tracing a graceful arc in the air.
She quickly walked over, her eyes filled with undisguised concern: "What did the Crown Prince want with you? Did he not make things difficult for you?"
Before Feng Xiao could answer, a sharp blue electric light suddenly exploded not far away.
Yu Tianheng walked over with a cold face, his Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Spirit not yet fully retracted, fine electric arcs still coiling around him.
"Yanzi, leaving the team without permission during training, is this your example as vice-captain?" His voice was colder than usual, but his gaze was fixed intently on Feng Xiao.
Dugu Yan frowned unhappily: "Tianheng, I just…"
"Just caring about a new team member?" Yu Tianheng interrupted her, a sarcastic curve to his lips, "Right, after all, he's the 'young talent' personally appointed by the Crown Prince."
The atmosphere in the training ground instantly solidified.
Stone Grind and Stone Grind exchanged glances, Yu Feng exaggeratedly shrunk his neck, and even the usually silent Oslo cast a surprised look.
Feng Xiao calmly stroked the zither strings, then slowly said with a smile: "Captain Yu is right.
It was I who disturbed everyone's training." He turned to Dugu Yan, gently but firmly saying: "Sister Yan, let's finish the training first.
Whatever it is, we can talk after training."
Dugu Yan opened her mouth, wanting to say something more, but she gave in to Feng Xiao's calm gaze.
She glared fiercely at Yu Tianheng, and as she turned to return to the team, her emerald hair swung in a sharp arc.
Yu Tianheng snorted coldly, electric arcs crackling around him.
As he turned away, Feng Xiao keenly noticed that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon descendant's fists remained tightly clenched, his knuckles turning pale.
"Interesting, they really do have similar significant personality flaws," Feng Xiao thoughtfully caressed the zither case.
It seemed that Qian Renxue's coming here to win him over was not without reason; as the captain of the Royal Fight, he did not hold the Crown Prince in high regard, and he was not removed simply because there was no better replacement.
Feng Xiao slowly walked to the edge of the training ground, sat cross-legged in his usual spot, smiled slightly, and didn't think much more.
The zither music gradually began, flowing like water into the rhythm of the training ground, yet no one noticed the hidden sharpness within the notes.
The blazing afternoon sun shone down on the training ground, making the entire area exceptionally bright.
Qin Ming stood at the side with his arms crossed, his sharp gaze sweeping over the Huang Dou Battle Team members who were currently training.
Soon, his brows furrowed slightly — the training atmosphere today was clearly off.
Yu Tianheng's Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Spirit raged wildly around him, each attack more fierce than usual, but lacking the precision control of before.
A bolt of lightning even deviated from its intended trajectory, nearly hitting the observing Yu Feng.
"Hey! Captain, watch out!" Yu Feng jumped away exaggeratedly, his golden hair slightly standing on end from the electricity.
On the other side, Dugu Yan, though her movements were still fluid, clearly showed resistance when coordinating with Yu Tianheng.
The skill Connection was half a beat slow, leading to obvious flaws in their offensive.
A hint of understanding flashed in Qin Ming's eyes.
As someone who had been through it, he knew all too well what this subtle atmosphere meant.
His gaze unconsciously shifted to Feng Xiao, who was playing the zither by the side of the field — the young man remained calm and composed, his zither music as usual, seemingly completely unaffected by the tense atmosphere in the field.
"These children…" Qin Ming shook his head inwardly.
As a teacher, he should have intervened, but facing Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan, who both had deep backgrounds, his nominal role as an instructor actually gave him little authority.
Moreover, this involved personal feelings…
Qin Ming sighed, so he decided to change his approach: "Everyone, gather!"
When the team members gathered, Qin Ming said with a stern face: "Today's coordination training was a complete mess! Since you can't calm down, we'll switch to individual training, continue as per the usual plan."
This arrangement cleverly separated the two.
Yu Tianheng opened his mouth as if to say something, but under Qin Ming's unusually strict gaze, he still turned and walked to his usual training spot.
Dugu Yan pouted, her emerald hair swinging as she went to the other side.
Feng Xiao's zither music never stopped.
At this moment, Qin Ming looked at Feng Xiao and understood something.
Why Feng Xiao could achieve such accomplishments, even exploring the uses of various Spirits, came down to only two words: focus.
He understood that so-called team cooperation was only temporary, and friends were sometimes just passers-by on life's journey.
Although order was restored to the training ground, everyone could feel that some subtle changes had quietly taken place within this team.
The evening afterglow bathed the training ground in gold, as Feng Xiao sat cross-legged in the corner, his fingertips playing a melodious tune on the 'Fuxi' zither strings.
The zither music flowed like a babbling brook, blending with the warm light of the setting sun, forming a serene ambiance.
Suddenly, a piercing voice shattered the tranquility.
"Feng Xiao!"
The zither music abruptly stopped.
Feng Xiao frowned, slowly opened his eyes, and saw Dugu Yan fiercely pulling Yu Tianheng's arm.
Her emerald-like long hair was slightly disheveled from the intense movements, and her jade-green eyes were filled with anger.
"What are you doing? Are you crazy? Disturbing someone's cultivation is a major taboo for Spirit Masters!" Dugu Yan hissed in a low voice, her grip unwavering.
Yu Tianheng still had unscattered blue electric arcs coiling around him, his handsome face slightly distorted by anger.
He shook off Dugu Yan's hand, his voice cold and hard: "Don't interfere, I have something to ask him."
Feng Xiao calmly placed 'Fuxi' back into its case, and as he stood up, his moon-white long robe swayed gently in the evening breeze: "What are Captain Yu's instructions?"
The other team members in the training ground stopped their movements, Yu Feng exaggeratedly covered his mouth, Stone Grind and Stone Grind exchanged glances, and even the usually indifferent Oslo cast a look of concern.
Dugu Yan stood between the two, her emerald long hair moving without wind: "Tianheng, you…"
"Yanzi, this is between him and me," Yu Tianheng interrupted her, electric light flashing in his eyes, "Feng Xiao, do you dare to fight me? A pure Spirit Master duel."
The setting sun's afterglow stretched the shadows of the three, weaving a complex pattern on the training ground.
Feng Xiao's gaze shifted from the furious Dugu Yan to the battle-ready Yu Tianheng, and finally rested on the zither case in his arms.
"Why not?"
Feng Xiao replied softly, a faint, almost imperceptible curve on his lips, his fingertips lightly tapping the zither case, producing a crisp sound.
This calm response stirred an invisible ripple within the training ground.
Dugu Yan suddenly turned her head, her emerald-like long hair tracing a sharp arc in the air.
Her jade-green eyes widened, filled with disbelief: "Xiao Feng, you…"
Yu Tianheng sneered, and dazzling blue electric light suddenly burst forth from around him, the crackling electric arcs illuminating his handsome face in flickering light and shadow.
He was about to speak, when suddenly —
"Smack!"