The following day, Ning Fengzhi received even more detailed intelligence.
"Yesterday morning, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe visited the Heaven Dou Royal Academy library. Is the disciple of that old poison-user, Dugu Bo, really studying in the academy's grand library?"
The report did not mention Zhao Liuyun's specific soul power level, summarizing him only with the four words "genius youth." The intelligence personnel judged that the Crown Prince's trip was most likely related to this Zhao Liuyun.
A prospective guest official for the Ye family, and a future son-in-law—
Fragmented information about Zhao Liuyun flashed through Ning Fengzhi's mind. He tapped his finger lightly on the desk and said in a deep voice, "Qinghe went there specifically for this person."
To one side, Gu Rong pondered for a moment. "Fengzhi, since he is the Ye family's designated son-in-law, the possibility of him being recruited by the Imperial Family is slim to none."
"But to make Xue Qinghe step forward personally, sparing no effort to collect ancient texts and cater to his interests... this person's talent must be extraordinarily high."
Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly and picked up the thread. "High enough that even a Crown Prince, who is accustomed to seeing geniuses of all stripes, would take notice. Even if the hope is faint, he couldn't help but try to recruit him."
The Ye family's selection of a son-in-law would surely involve layers of screening; this Zhao Liuyun was bound to be a person of good character and diligent spirit. But for his talent to actually ignite a desire in Xue Qinghe to compete for him—
This person has the potential of a Titled Douluo!
"Why hasn't my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan birthed such a brilliant junior?" Ning Fengzhi asked himself, a trace of regret crossing his brow.
Within the clan, aside from Ning Rongrong, no one in the younger generation truly showed the potential to strike at the Titled Douluo realm. Yet, limited by the martial soul restrictions of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Tower, she was destined to stop at the Soul Saint level. They hadn't found suitable talent outside either, so where would the pillar of the next generation stand?
"Fengzhi, should we...?" A cold light flashed in Gu Rong's eyes, his withered palm making a gentle slicing motion across his throat. He had habitually turned to a dark thought.
Ning Fengzhi felt a slight stir of intent, but he immediately cut away that wicked thought, emphasizing, "Uncle Bone—schemes and intrigues cannot be sustained for long; the grand and righteous path is the foundation of our existence. This person is the only disciple that old poison-user has ever taken."
Dugu Bo might not kill indiscriminately, but that didn't stop him from killing thousands. If this sole disciple died, would the clan even survive the aftermath?
"Hehe, just a joke. How to decide is naturally up to you as the Clan Master." Gu Rong let out a dry laugh, raising his hand to rub his bald head to hide his previous embarrassment.
"Let me think—" Ning Fengzhi stroked his forehead, a hint of helplessness in his expression.
This matter could not be ignored. At the very least, he had to go "join the fun" personally and use the opportunity to form a good connection. Conveniently, Xue Qinghe had taken him as a teacher.
With his mind made up, Ning Fengzhi immediately issued an order: "Order the hidden sentries in the city to closely monitor Zhao Liuyun's movements. When the time is ripe, we shall go and have a 'chance encounter'."
Although Gu Rong possessed the Bone Dragon martial soul, he controlled the power of space. They could teleport there when the time came so as not to miss the opportunity.
"As you command." The intelligence personnel in the shadows bowed and accepted the order, their figures dissolving like smoke.
Having finished, Ning Fengzhi stood up and walked toward the library of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
"Where is Fengzhi going?" Gu Rong asked curiously.
Ning Fengzhi said calmly, "To find a few ancient texts related to cultivation to give as a gift."
As the saying goes, one can never be too polite with gifts. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had a long heritage and profound foundations; the variety of soul masters under their banner was comparable to the Spirit Hall. He wouldn't dare say their collection could rival Spirit Hall's, but it was certainly not inferior to the private collections of the two Great Empires' imperial families.
Zhao Liuyun cultivated in quiet seclusion, silently accumulating soul power. After waiting half a month and breaking through to Level 38, he finally set out for the appointment.
He figured that after half a month, Qian Renxue should have obtained the collection from Spirit Hall. Thinking to himself, Zhao Liuyun walked with light steps.
"Is this the Crown Prince's Mansion?"
Zhao Liuyun had flipped through many geographical maps and had long ago memorized the detailed layout of Heaven Dou City. Before long, he stood before a magnificent estate.
The guard at the gate was strict. The soldiers wore heavy refined-iron armor, each an elite selection. Of course, a crowd of ordinary soldiers couldn't stop even a single glance from Zhao Liuyun. What truly concerned him were the soul masters hidden within the Crown Prince's Mansion. Those two Titled Douluos from Spirit Hall were very likely inside.
"I am Zhao Liuyun, here at the Crown Prince's invitation." Announcing his name in a loud voice, Zhao Liuyun was about to follow the attendant through the door when he suddenly sensed a slight shift in light and shadow not far away.
[Battle Instinct] suddenly sent a warning; a terrifying sense of crisis swept through his body. It was a power he absolutely could not contend with!
Although his External Spirit Bone, the Demonic Dragon Silver Pupil, had not manifested, its long-term fusion made Zhao Liuyun exceptionally sensitive to spatial fluctuations. He turned his head, and in the blink of an eye, two figures had appeared on the field.
On the left was an old man who was little more than skin and bones. His face was like withered wood, his muscles and skin shriveled, and his eye sockets were deeply sunken. His skeletal frame was shockingly large; at a height of two and a half meters, he seemed to be supported entirely by a set of massive bones.
On the right was a middle-aged man. His face was like polished jade, refined and elegant, wearing a white robe untainted by a speck of dust. Though he appeared to be over forty, he still exuded a heroic aura, with his soul power condensed and unreleased.
The two happened to be in the city. Upon receiving the news, they mobilized immediately and caught up just at this moment.
"Level 38." Gu Rong's eyes fixed on him, his heart jolting. He immediately used sound transmission to inform Ning Fengzhi.
The boy was not yet twelve years old, yet he was already on the verge of reaching the Soul Ancestor realm. To have such a prodigious figure—
Most shocking of all was— "He was able to sense our arrival in advance!"
Gu Rong informed the Clan Master of this discovery as well. His gaze was like lightning as he scrutinized the boy, but he saw only a look of full curiosity in the youth's clear eyes.
Ning Fengzhi remained impassive, but he was clicking his tongue in wonder internally. Why hadn't such a genius been born in his clan? Thinking of this, he felt a particular pang of heartache.
"Greetings to Bone Douluo, greetings to Clan Master Ning." The guards were the first to bow in greeting, their posture respectful. These two were frequent guests at the Crown Prince's Mansion; they were well-acquainted.
The 'shit-stirrers' of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan...
Zhao Liuyun thought to himself. No matter what happened, they had to have a hand in it. He had long had his suspicions, and hearing the guards confirm their identities only validated his previous associations. Was it just a coincidence? He didn't think so.
Ning Fengzhi was famously smooth and meticulous in his dealings. This visit was likely intentional. [Battle Instinct] stopped its warning the moment he identified the newcomers.
In a flash of thought, Zhao Liuyun simply maintained a calm expression. He bowed slightly and said in a neither humble nor arrogant tone, "Zhao Liuyun, disciple of the Jade Phosphor Douluo, greets Clan Master Ning and Bone Douluo."
"What a youth of outstanding talent, truly extraordinary poise!" Ning Fengzhi praised. His refined and elegant aura was as comforting as a spring breeze.
Meanwhile, inside the Crown Prince's Mansion, Qian Renxue—who had received the report—couldn't help but press her hand to her forehead and frown. These two had arrived at a truly inconvenient time.
She was the Young Master of Spirit Hall. To cultivate trusted aides for the future, she had chosen this time to befriend him. In the future, when the empire was replaced, as long as the Ye family had people "above," they could remain safe and sound. Xue Qinghe had never thought about recruiting him right now. When someone had a family to lean on and a Titled Douluo teacher's support, how could they possibly be swayed by your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?
Xue Qinghe quickly composed her expression and walked briskly out the door. Although internally annoyed, she still wore a perfectly measured look of respect: "Teacher, Bone Douluo, your presence honors me. Please forgive my lack of a proper welcome."
She then turned to Zhao Liuyun and called out warmly, "Brother Liuyun."
After a round of pleasantries, Xue Qinghe personally led the group into the mansion.
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