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After Emperor Xue Ye's passionate congratulatory speech, the golden royal procession slowly parted.
Twelve pure white Heaven Dou warhorses pulled a gilded chariot, on which a three-meter-high viewing platform was built, with Heaven Dou Empire flags hanging all around, flapping in the morning breeze.
"Qinghe, Minister Feng, come with me onto the chariot," Xue Ye beckoned kindly, and Feng Xiao personally helped "Xue Qinghe" board the chariot.
At the same time, the captains of the various academies invited to board the chariot—Feng Xiaotian of Shenfeng Academy, Huo Wu of Blazing Academy, Shui Bing'er of Tian Shui Academy, and others—all had unconcealed excitement on their faces.
The chariot slowly started, the Royal Knights formed ranks to clear the way, their silver armor shining like waves in the sunlight.
On both sides of the road, the common people of Heaven Dou City cheered, throwing flowers like rain towards the chariot.
Emperor Xue Ye stood in the center of the high platform, occasionally waving to his subjects; Qian Renxue maintained the humility expected of a Crown Prince, yet subtly exchanged a knowing glance with Feng Xiao.
"Long live the Heaven Dou Empire! Long live Heaven Dou Royal Academy!"
Deafening cheers swept through the entire street like a tide.
The people waved blue and silver flags, and children stood on tiptoes, throwing flowers towards the slowly moving chariot.
Feng Xiao stood on the viewing platform, shoulder to shoulder with elites from various academies like Huo Wu, Shui Bing'er, Feng Xiaotian, and Ning Rongrong, forming a vibrant backdrop behind Emperor Xue Ye and Crown Prince "Xue Qinghe."
Huo Wu, in her fiery red dress, was filled with pride in her heroic eyes; Shui Bing'er maintained her elegant posture, her ice-blue hair gently fluttering in the wind; Feng Xiaotian waved cheerfully to the crowd, eliciting screams; Ning Rongrong stood beside Feng Xiao, occasionally glancing at him, seemingly still recalling the events in Spirit City.
As for Tang San's matter, Emperor Xue Ye tacitly chose to downplay it.
Within the Heaven Dou Empire's territory, Spirit Hall's wanted order was nothing but a piece of paper.
The Royal Family and the Upper Three Sects all knew very well—on the chessboard of opposing Spirit Hall, these forces were indispensable pieces.
The enemy of an enemy was naturally an ally.
As Feng Xiao pondered, he suddenly felt a familiar gaze upon him.
Looking up, he saw Qian Renxue slightly tilting her head, her gilded eyes glowing softly in the sunlight.
The moment their eyes met, Feng Xiao playfully winked, a smile curving his lips in a way only they understood.
Qian Renxue suppressed her laughter, elegantly turning back.
She maintained the dignified demeanor expected of a Crown Prince, waving to the cheering populace.
Sunlight spilled onto his perfect profile, his gentle smile showing no flaws.
As the sun climbed higher, golden sunlight bathed every corner of Heaven Dou Imperial City.
The vast procession finally stopped in front of the main gate of the Imperial Palace, the gilded palace gates gleaming in the sunlight.
To publicize this hard-won victory, Xue Ye specially arranged for the procession to circle the main streets of Heaven Dou City, ensuring the good news spread to every corner of the imperial capital.
In front of the palace gate, the Royal Guard stood in neat formation, their silver armor shining.
Emperor Xue Ye slowly dismounted with the help of his attendants, then turned to face the elites from the various academies: "You are all pillars of Heaven Dou, and today, I have specially arranged a banquet in the Hall of Purple Harmony to celebrate your achievements."
The academy teams quickly assembled into formation.
Feng Xiao stood at the forefront of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy team, his peripheral vision catching Ning Rongrong being quietly instructed by Ning Fengzhi; Huo Wu and Shui Bing'er stood side by side, the two proud daughters of Heaven still maintaining an elegant competitive stance; the three Shrek members led by Ning Rongrong stood a little further away, their faces showing complex emotions.
Amidst the loud announcements of the ceremonial officer, everyone followed Xue Ye through the three palace gates.
Feng Xiao intentionally slowed his pace, maintaining an appropriate distance from Qian Renxue.
"Captain Feng, please follow me," a palace attendant respectfully led the way, interrupting Feng Xiao's thoughts.
He withdrew his gaze and followed the others into the magnificent Hall of Purple Harmony.
The hall was already filled with delicacies, and the fine wine in the glazed cups reflected the bright pearls on the hall's ceiling, shimmering with an inviting glow.
After Emperor Xue Ye's passionate congratulatory speech, it was finally time for the most anticipated part: the conferment of honors.
The entire Hall of Purple Harmony instantly fell silent, all eyes fixed on Feng Xiao.
This young Spirit Master had not only led Heaven Dou Royal Academy to victory but had also earned the honorary Elder title from Spirit Hall—the Heaven Dou Empire naturally could not fall behind.
"Minister Feng," Xue Ye's voice echoed through the hall, "The glory you have brought to the Empire, I will engrave it in my heart."
He raised his hand, and an attendant immediately presented a gilded tray, on which rested a jade seal and a sash, symbols of nobility.
"I hereby confer upon Feng Xiao the title of Guest Minister of the Heaven Dou Empire, to be treated with the courtesy of a Duke."
Inside the grand hall, there was an uproar.
All the guests involuntarily widened their eyes, exchanging shocked glances.
Spirit Masters who could receive such an honor were truly rare—the last one to enjoy such courtesy was none other than Poison Douluo Dugu Bo, renowned throughout the world for his poison.
Feng Xiao's expression was composed as he slowly rose under everyone's gaze.
He placed his right hand over his chest and knelt on one knee, performing a standard Spirit Master's salute.
The light from the bright pearls on the gilded hall ceiling shone upon him, making his white robe appear exceptionally dazzling.
"Thank you for Your Majesty's grace."
His voice was neither humble nor arrogant, echoing perfectly through the grand hall.
As he rose, Feng Xiao keenly noticed the flash of brilliance in Ning Fengzhi's eyes, and Emperor Xue Ye's seemingly pleased but deeply profound gaze.
Even Dugu Bo, standing in the corner, had put down his wine pot, a hint of amusement flashing in his emerald eyes.
Ning Fengzhi, seated in the VIP section, his eyes flickering, unconsciously slowly rotated the scepter in his hand.
He thoughtfully glanced at "Xue Qinghe" standing beside Xue Ye, sighing inwardly: Even the Empire has begun to attach such importance to Feng Xiao's potential, choosing to show goodwill rather than recruit him.
"That old poison Dugu Bo is quite shrewd," Gu Rong whispered to Chen Xin beside him, feigning a toast.
Chen Xin nodded slightly: "The Empire has already begun to treat that child as an equal."
He glanced in Dugu Bo's direction, "Of course, this is also because of Dugu Bo's existence."
Everyone with discerning eyes in the hall knew full well—this exceptionally high-level conferment could only have passed so smoothly as a result of prior communication with Dugu Bo.
Given Qian Renxue's relationship with Prince Xue Xing, if Dugu Bo hadn't intervened, Prince Xue Xing would surely have jumped out to object on the spot.
But at this moment, the Prince, who was always keen to find fault, merely drank silently, saying nothing about the conferment.
The moment Feng Xiao received the jade seal, his peripheral vision swept across the entire hall.
He saw a hint of Elder's satisfaction in Dugu Bo's eyes; although Prince Xue Xing's expression wasn't good, he didn't object either.
Dugu Bo had made it very clear to him that it was better to tacitly accept this rather than antagonize Feng Xiao over a mere title.
Opposing him wouldn't cause Feng Xiao any loss, but it would make Feng Xiao support the Crown Prince even more.
This seemingly simple conferment ceremony was, in fact, a tacit understanding between various forces.
Feng Xiao's lips curved slightly—since everyone was being so accommodating, he naturally had to "repay" this generous gift properly.
As Emperor Xue Ye's voice fell, an attendant immediately presented a gilded city defense map.
He lightly tapped his finger on the central area of Heaven Dou City, outlining a spacious mansion in a prosperous area adjacent to the Imperial City.
"This villa is bestowed upon Minister Feng," Xue Ye's voice carried an undeniable authority, "This location is a vital point of the Imperial City, convenient for travel, and perfectly befits the status of my Heaven Dou Guest Minister."
There was another low gasp of surprise in the hall.
The mansion's location was prestigious, its symbolic meaning self-evident.
Attendants immediately presented the deed and keys, handing them to Feng Xiao under everyone's gaze.
After all the academies' rewards had been distributed, the ceremonial officer loudly announced: "The celebration banquet officially begins!"
With this announcement, music immediately filled the hall.
Dancers in light gauze fluttered in like butterflies, and waiters carrying delicacies and fine wines shuttled among the tables.
The bright pearls on the gilded candelabras illuminated the entire hall as if it were daytime, and the fine wine in the glazed cups shimmered with an amber glow.
Feng Xiao sat in the seat reserved for the Guest Minister, toying with the newly acquired jade seal in his hand.
He could feel various gazes from all directions—some envious, but more were inquisitive.
And when he looked up, he met Qian Renxue's gesture of raising a cup from afar.
The two toasted each other across the distance, everything unspoken.
After three rounds of wine, the banquet grew lively.
Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling sat at a side table, their jade fingers lightly tracing the rim of their glazed cups, their gazes unconsciously drifting towards Feng Xiao on the other side of the dance floor.
At this moment, in the center of the hall, noble youths were dancing gracefully to the melodious music, their luxurious robes fluttering, yet failing to arouse the slightest interest in the two women.
"Lingling, look at him..." Dugu Yan took a small sip of fruit wine, a hint of sadness flashing in her purple eyes.
Ye Lingling followed her gaze, just as Feng Xiao seemed to sense it and looked up.
The moment their eyes met, Feng Xiao suddenly rose and quickly walked towards Crown Prince "Xue Qinghe"'s seat, respectfully bowing and engaging in conversation.
"This coward!" Dugu Yan snorted softly, her purple eyes filled with annoyance.
She watched Feng Xiao standing beside the Crown Prince, using the excuse of conversation to avoid their gazes, and couldn't help but pout her red lips.
Ye Lingling's fingertips unconsciously caressed the rim of her cup, watching Feng Xiao and the Crown Prince conversing happily, and softly said, "He certainly knows how to find a shield..."
The two exchanged glances, both seeing the same disappointment in each other's eyes.
The music in the hall was still melodious, the dancing still graceful, but it could no longer stir their interest in the slightest.
Dugu Yan defiantly drank her wine in one gulp, while Ye Lingling lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes casting a shadow on her face.
From a distance, though Feng Xiao was conversing with "Xue Qinghe," his peripheral vision took in the reactions of the two women.
Qian Renxue sat gracefully on the gilded chair, her fingertips lightly caressing the rim of her wine glass, a meaningful smile curving her lips.
As she raised her cup, she lowered her voice and transmitted a message to him.
Her gilded eyes sparkled with cunning in the candlelight, and her tone was clearly teasing.
Feng Xiao maintained a respectful expression on his face, but secretly rolled his eyes.
"Keep pretending, keep pretending," he muttered to himself, "If I really went, I'm afraid a certain jealous person would throw a tantrum."
"Your Highness jests," Feng Xiao bowed slightly, his voice just loud enough for nearby attendants to hear, but under the cover of his sleeve, his fingertips lightly brushed Qian Renxue's thigh.
Qian Renxue coughed as if shocked, narrowing her eyes, the shyness in her eyes barely concealed by her Xue Qinghe disguise.
Feng Xiao smiled.
This young master, who was noble and aloof in front of outsiders, was becoming more and more childish in private.
Oscar's eyes lit up as he watched the people dancing gracefully on the dance floor, and he bravely extended his hand to Ning Rongrong: "Rongrong, may I have this dance?" His face held a shy smile, his eyes full of anticipation.
Ning Rongrong hesitated for a moment, but still placed her hand in his.
However, when the music began, Oscar immediately realized his mistake—as a food system Spirit Master, he usually lacked physical exercise, let alone learning noble dances, which required coordination.
If it were Tang San, who was skilled in Tang Sect movements, he might have been able to learn on the spot, but for him, it was simply too difficult.
"Ah, sorry!" Oscar accidentally stepped on Ning Rongrong's skirt again, fumbling to help her but accidentally touching her hair ornament.
A few giggles from noble ladies nearby made his ears turn red.
Ning Rongrong maintained a polite smile on her face, but a hint of embarrassment had already surfaced in her eyes.
As the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, although she wasn't a master dancer, she had learned basic etiquette dances.
Being led stumbling by Oscar at this moment was truly awkward.
When the last note fell, Ning Rongrong almost fled back to her seat.
She straightened her wrinkled skirt, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"Rongrong..." Oscar followed her, his voice full of guilt.
He scratched his head, unsure how to make amends.
Ning Rongrong took a deep breath, suppressing the displeasure in her heart: "It's okay, Oscar."
She forced a smile.
This scene clearly fell into the eyes of Qian Renxue and Feng Xiao.
Feng Xiao subtly nudged Qian Renxue's arm with his own, and the moment their eyes met, Qian Renxue understood.
Her lips curved slightly, a hint of cunning flashing in her gilded eyes.
As she raised her cup, her lips moved slightly, transmitting a message to her person.
Soon, the previously suppressed snickers in the hall became more blatant, and the whispered discussions among the nobles grew louder.
"It seems the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School chose an unsuitable dance partner today."
"The eldest daughter of the dignified Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, actually with a commoner Spirit Master..."
"That kid doesn't even know basic dance steps, truly a laughingstock."
"School Master Ning must be utterly humiliated."
These harsh words reached Ning Rongrong and Oscar's ears, every single one.
Ning Rongrong's knuckles turned white as she clutched her skirt, her eyes slightly red.
Oscar stood beside her, looking at everything helplessly, his face filled with regret.
Feng Xiao and Qian Renxue exchanged a knowing glance, both seeing the satisfaction of a successful plan in each other's eyes.
This seemingly accidental small incident was precisely the first step of their meticulously designed plan.
Ning Fengzhi remained in his seat, his palm gently caressing the scepter in his hand.
His deep gaze silently watched his daughter's embarrassing moment, his face showing no emotion.
As a Sect Master, he understood the rules of the noble circle all too well—if Oscar truly wanted to become Rongrong's partner, such embarrassment would only be the beginning.
This was both a trial and a test.
The snickers and discussions in the hall grew increasingly harsh, and Oscar's face gradually paled.
His clenched fists loosened and tightened again, finally letting out a slow, heavy breath.
As he turned, he forced a smile at Ning Rongrong, his voice so soft it was almost inaudible: "Rongrong... I'll head back to the academy first."
Too many complex emotions were hidden in that smile—unwillingness, inferiority, and deep self-reproach.
Without waiting for Ning Rongrong's response, Oscar had already turned and left, his figure appearing particularly thin against the backdrop of the gilded hall.
He deliberately avoided the crowd, but his steps grew faster and faster, as if he wanted to escape this suffocating place.
Ning Fengzhi watched Oscar's retreating figure, a thoughtful glint in his eyes.
And from a distance, Feng Xiao and Qian Renxue exchanged a knowing glance—the first step of the plan had already succeeded.