Chapter 40: Unpleasant Parting, Preparing to Act
"Oh?"
Qian Renxue looked at Ning Bei in surprise. She had thought that the aristocrats and sect disciples would all fear the Spirit Hall like wolves or tigers. She had intended to use her identity as a prince to remind him of the threat the Spirit Hall posed to the Tiandou Empire and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, hoping to use that as an excuse to ask for the method to enhance the children's soul power. She didn't expect Ning Bei to have such an opinion on the Spirit Hall.
"Brother Ning, your view really shocks me. After all, the Spirit Hall is an enemy to the major sects and the two empires."
Ning Bei gave her a deep glance before speaking.
"For those organizations that fear being absorbed by the Spirit Hall, yes, the Spirit Hall is an enemy. But if one can establish a long-term and stable cooperation with the Spirit Hall, it doesn't necessarily have to be an enemy, do you agree, Brother Xue?"
Qian Renxue's expression changed rapidly, and she felt as though Ning Bei was hinting at something, but she couldn't quite figure it out. Could he know her true identity? But if not, was it appropriate for her, a prince of the Tiandou Empire, to speak this way?
She decided to end the conversation for now and plan her next move later.
"Hmph, Brother Ning, you're still young and don't know the full extent of the Spirit Hall's dangers. Let's talk some other time. Perhaps you should ask your father for his opinion."
With a look of indignation, she left the private room.
Ning Bei, seeing this, couldn't help but curl his lips. "You've gotten quite good at pretending."
Indeed, Ning Bei had wanted to remind Qian Renxue, letting her know that he already knew her true identity. With Di Tian around, he wasn't afraid of her tearing off the mask.
Ning Bei had already decided to help Qian Renxue become the key figure in the Spirit Hall and the two empires. With the enhanced Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, he could ensure that Qian Renxue would be cautious and maintain a good cooperative relationship. This was far better than being dragged into a war with the Spirit Hall due to the schemes of some little brat.
Of course, that crazy woman Bibi Dong had to be dealt with as well. Who knew what dangerous things she would do?
After ending this meeting, Ning Bei planned to return to the sect.
On the other side, after returning to the Crown Prince's residence, Qian Renxue was deep in thought about the conversation she had just had.
"What exactly happened? Did he figure out my identity, or is he simply admiring the actions of the Spirit Hall?"
As she thought, a shadow suddenly appeared beside her.
"Young Master, that boy's soul power fluctuation has reached level 55. It's terrifying."
This news disrupted Qian Renxue's thoughts, and her pupils widened.
"What? Is this true? How is that possible?"
Don't blame Qian Renxue for being so shocked. After all, she, with her Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul, was a soul master with innate soul power at level 20. Even so, she, almost 13 years old, had yet to reach the Soul King level, while Ning Bei had already surpassed her by a large margin.
The shadow was one of the two Title Douluos sent by the Qian Clan to protect Qian Renxue, the one using the Serpent Spear.
He nodded, confirming the news was true.
"Master, there's no mistake. Should I catch up to him and eliminate him?"
Qian Renxue stopped him with a raised hand.
"We can't let him continue growing, but not like this. If he dies after I invited him to dinner, I can't remain the prince, and everything I've worked for will be ruined. Once I become the crown prince, I'll find the right opportunity."
"Understood, Master."
The Serpent Spear Douluo thought for a moment. He agreed with Qian Renxue's reasoning. Besides, killing Ning Bei wasn't urgent. A 50th or 60th-level soul master didn't pose much of a threat to someone like him.
After merging into the darkness, a trace of coldness appeared in Qian Renxue's eyes.
"Kid, don't blame me for being ruthless. Who told you to be so strange? It's one thing if you knew my identity, but now your soul power is increasing so quickly."
Back at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi immediately called Ning Bei into his study.
"How did it go, Bei'er?"
"You were right. The Martial Soul Awakening ceremony this morning has already been exposed. Xue Qinghe wants to know the method to enhance children's soul power."
Although Ning Fengzhi had suspected this, hearing Ning Bei confirm it caused a flicker of coldness in his eyes.
"It seems I've been too kind, and the rats in the sect are too restless."
"So, how did you handle it?"
Ning Bei shrugged.
"Just like I said before, I told him I'm not involved in management and don't know anything."
Ning Fengzhi nodded, reassured by Ning Bei's handling of the situation.
"You don't need to worry too much. If he wants to ascend to the crown prince position, he won't start a conflict with us. Go get some rest."
After bidding farewell to Ning Fengzhi, Ning Bei walked back to his room, thinking about how he would eventually confront Qian Renxue and work towards a mutually beneficial relationship.
His soul sense scanned the black-golden scales in the necklace, and Ning Bei felt a bit more at ease. Even if Qian Renxue didn't trust him and wanted to take action, he had Di Tian as his trump card. If worse came to worst, he could summon the Black Dragon, and no matter the tactics—porcupine or Serpent Spear—it wouldn't work against him.
First, he would capture those two weaker Title Douluos and then confront Qian Renxue to discuss terms. That was one option.
While thinking, Ning Bei unknowingly reached his residence, and suddenly felt something wrap around his feet.
Looking down, he saw it was Ning Rongrong, a little ball of fluff.
"Brother, you're finally back! I want to hear a story! The story of the God King sacrificing his lover!"
Seeing her bright eyes, Ning Bei smiled, leaving all the trivial matters behind. He picked her up.
"Alright, let's go. I'll tell you a story, Rongrong."
Carrying Rongrong back to her room.
"Last time, the God King was knocked down, and with a face full of anticipation, he looked at his lover..."
The next morning, Ning Bei planned to go to the Sunset Forest town to visit the long-unseen Dugu Yan. The last time they met, she had already reached level 35 in soul power. Following Ning Bei's and Dugu bo 's advice, she planned to focus on refining her soul power before consuming the Three-pattern Qingling Dan and Purple Heart Breaking Obstacle Dan.
As he arrived at the small courtyard, a purple figure opened the door just in time, seemingly about to go out. Upon seeing Ning Bei's familiar figure, her eyes lit up, and she hurriedly ran into his arms.
"Ah Bei, you're back!"
Feeling her soft body, Ning Bei teased, "Fat Yan, seems like the food's been good lately. You've gained a few pounds."
A familiar, deadly pinch on his waist made him grimace.
The girl puffed up her cheeks and pulled away from Ning Bei.
"Are you asking for a beating? I've actually lost a few pounds!"
Ning Bei cursed himself inwardly for his big mouth but quickly flashed a smile on his face.
"Right, right, I misjudged, Yan has definitely lost a lot of weight."
Seemingly forgetting what she was about to do, Dugu Yan let Ning Bei in, her green eyes curiously studying him.
"Are you a Soul King now?"
"Yep, I found a 20,000-year-old Golden Sunflower, and my soul power has increased quite a bit."
"Really? That's great!"
Her happiness was evident as she heard about the improvement of the one she cared about.
(END CHAPTER)
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