When "Xue Qinghe" — in reality, Qian Renxue in disguise — arrived, a warm smile appeared on Ning Fengzhi's refined and elegant face.
"Qinghe, you've come."
He knew very well that since the incident occurred at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy — "Xue Qinghe's" own domain — there was no way the crown prince wouldn't show up.
Originally, Ning Fengzhi was "Xue Qinghe's" mentor. Now that Xue Beng was dead, "Xue Qinghe" no longer had any competition for the throne.
Once Emperor Xue Ye passed away, he would naturally become the next emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire.
So, Ning Fengzhi's attitude toward "Xue Qinghe" was noticeably warmer than before.
Standing nearby, Qi Lin raised his hand in greeting when he saw Qian Renxue arrive.
"Brother Xue, we meet again."
"Indeed."
"I didn't expect something like this to happen after just one day," Qian Renxue said with feigned emotion, though a flicker of joy flashed in her eyes.
She truly felt that Qi Lin was her lucky star. If that idiot Xue Beng hadn't brought people to cause him trouble, he wouldn't have been crushed by a falling meteor. And if he hadn't died, she wouldn't have become the sole heir to the throne.
She had wanted to kill Xue Beng for a long time.
But that good-for-nothing playboy spent his days bullying men and harassing women — utterly harmless to her. And after having already killed two imperial princes, she had refrained from going too far and spared him.
Yet to think — Xue Beng had actually been killed by a falling meteor.
Was even the heavens on her side?
"Rongrong, it's been a long time. You've grown so much."
Qian Renxue then greeted Ning Rongrong.
As Ning Fengzhi's disciple, she naturally knew Ning Rongrong — the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
"Brother Xue, I'm surprised you still remember me," Ning Rongrong said with a graceful smile.
"Haha, how could I forget?" Qian Renxue replied calmly.
After a few pleasantries, Qian Renxue turned serious as she looked at Ning Fengzhi and Qi Lin.
"Rongrong, Brother Qi Lin, ladies — first, on behalf of the Heaven Dou royal family, I'd like to apologize. What happened with Xue Beng was largely due to our failure to discipline him properly."
"Though he is now dead, rest assured — the royal family will give you a proper explanation."
Her voice was calm and resolute.
Standing beside her, Ning Fengzhi nodded in approval at "Xue Qinghe's" righteous tone.
"Qinghe, in that case, why don't you accompany me to see His Majesty in a while?"
Hearing this, a flash of joy lit up Qian Renxue's eyes.
With Ning Fengzhi by her side to put pressure on Emperor Xue Ye, she would be able to maneuver much more effectively.
Most of the students who died alongside Xue Beng were the children of nobles and officials who either secretly supported him or remained neutral.
Now that this incident had happened, it was the perfect excuse to eliminate them — and use their empty positions to promote her own people.
Back in the main hall, Qian Renxue asked curiously, "Brother Qi Lin, when I arrived, you seemed to be confronting Bone Douluo. What was that about?"
Qi Lin smiled. "Oh, nothing much. I just gave a brief demonstration."
He then gave a quick summary of what had occurred.
As she listened, Qian Renxue's expression shifted from indifferent to serious — even shocked.
"Brother Qi Lin, are you saying…"
"…that the soul power training method you developed can allow auxiliary-type soul masters to gain real combat capabilities?"
How was that even possible?
Qi Lin was still so young!
Qian Renxue looked at him with disbelief. The idea seemed absurd. How could auxiliary soul masters possibly gain fighting power?
It was completely unheard of!
But when she noticed how calm Ning Fengzhi and the others looked, she realized…
Qi Lin might really have done it!
He had actually developed a training method that could give auxiliary-type soul masters battle strength.
Taking a deep breath, Qian Renxue forced herself to stay composed. But when she looked at Qi Lin again, her gaze burned with undisguised admiration.
"Brother Qi Lin, you've given me yet another incredible surprise."
Qi Lin was secretly pleased but kept a composed expression as he made a casual pressing motion with his hand in the air.
"Don't get excited. Just basic stuff."
Though Qian Renxue had calmed down, she still looked at him with passionate admiration.
"Brother Qi Lin, don't be modest. If this is just 'basic stuff,' how are so-called 'masters' supposed to survive?"
Yu Xiaogang: I feel targeted!
At her words, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo all nodded in agreement.
They, too, could see clearly.
If Qi Lin's training method spread across the continent, it might not overturn the current power structure — but it would certainly transform the awkward position of auxiliary soul masters.
And the one affected most would undoubtedly be the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan — the number one auxiliary clan in the world!
As for Qi Lin, the creator of this method — he would go down in history!
"By the way, Brother Qi Lin," Qian Renxue asked after a moment, "do you have any plans to share this training method with others? Who have you taught it to so far?"
Qi Lin gestured toward Xiao Wu and the others. "I'm not the type to hoard knowledge. But my method does have a threshold."
"With my personal guidance, students can achieve results in a year or two. Without me, it could take three to five years — maybe longer."
Upon hearing this, everyone felt even more confident in the method's authenticity.
If it had been something anyone could master right away, they would've doubted its effectiveness.
At that moment, Ning Fengzhi spoke up. "Teacher Qi Lin, this training method is extremely important to my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Would you consider selling us a copy?"
"Of course, we won't let you suffer any loss."
Qian Renxue quickly added, "Please sell one to me as well. Price is not an issue — I won't let you be shortchanged either."
Qi Lin stroked his chin thoughtfully. "That's fine. As for the price… you can decide."
He didn't mind if they gave a lot.
But if they gave too little — he'd definitely remember.
After that, the group chatted for a while longer.
Then, a figure suddenly hurried in from outside and whispered a few words to Qian Renxue.
She listened, then turned to look at the others — her eyes settling on Qi Lin.
"Brother Qi Lin, my father has summoned me to the palace. I'm afraid I must excuse myself."
Qi Lin waved casually.
"Go on."
Qian Renxue turned to Ning Fengzhi.
"Teacher."
Ning Fengzhi smiled and stood up.
"Teacher Qi Lin, I'll take my leave as well."
"If you're ever free, you're welcome to visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
Qi Lin smiled. "Certainly. I'll be sure to visit."
Ning Fengzhi nodded with a smile, then turned to Qian Renxue.
"Qinghe, let's go."
"Yes, Teacher!"