Heading to the Education Committee building, Marco passed through the tree-lined paths of the academy and arrived at the solemn office building. As the conference room door opened, Marco saw that aside from Chief Education Committee Member Meng Shenji, Second Seat Bai Baoshan, and Third Seat Zhi Lin, there was also a young man with an elegant demeanor and a gentle smile seated inside—the current Crown Prince of the Heavenly Dou Empire, Xue Qinghe.
"Marco is here, please come in," Chief Meng Shenji greeted with a smile, his tone carrying a hint of warmth.
Xue Qinghe also stood up, stepping forward with composed strides, his face wearing a perfectly measured enthusiastic smile: "Brother Marco, it's been a while. I've heard that your cultivation has advanced recently—truly commendable. I was just discussing with the three Education Committee members how the Royal Fight Team has shown significant improvement under your leadership."
Marco felt a slight stir in his heart but showed no expression on his face. He calmly entered the conference room, first offering a slight bow to the three Education Committee members, then addressing Xue Qinghe with neither humility nor arrogance: "Your Highness flatters me. Such minor progress is hardly worth mentioning. May I ask if Your Highness's visit to the academy is for some important matter?"
After everyone had taken their seats again, attendants served fragrant tea. Xue Qinghe gently stirred the tea lid and smiled: "There are indeed some matters. First, I am conveying an intention on behalf of His Majesty." His tone was gentle yet carried undeniable authority. "The opening ceremony of the Pan-continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament is scheduled to take place in Heaven Dou City nine months from now. His Majesty hopes to invite your father, Lord Ye, to attend the opening ceremony as a special guest, to demonstrate the empire's emphasis on the Soul Master Realm. I wonder what Li Mianxia thinks of this?"
Marco understood clearly—this was the empire showing goodwill toward his father and the Ye family, as well as a political overture. He replied calmly: "Thank you for the great favor from His Majesty and Your Highness. This matter concerns the empire's grand ceremony, and I will convey it to my father as soon as possible. However, my father has never been fond of noisy occasions, so whether he ultimately attends will be for him to decide."
"Naturally," Xue Qinghe nodded with a smile, seeming unsurprised by Marco's response. "Li Mianxia is a pillar of the empire. It is out of respect and sincerity that His Majesty asked me to first inquire about his intentions. Regardless of whether Li Mianxia ultimately attends, the empire's sentiments will not change."
This topic seemed to reach a temporary conclusion, and the atmosphere in the conference room relaxed slightly. Xue Qinghe picked up his teacup, gently blew on the tea foam, and casually changed the subject: "Speaking of which, there has been quite a lot of discussion in Heaven Dou City recently about a newly emerging Soul Master academy called Shrek Academy. Have you heard of it, Brother Marco?"
Marco felt a slight tension inwardly but showed no change in expression: "I've heard a little. I understand they took over the former Blue Tyrant Academy and have now renamed it Shrek Academy."Exactly," Xue Qinghe set down his teacup, his tone carrying a perfectly appropriate regret: "I heard from Chief Meng Shenji that Shrek Academy originally intended to join our Heavenly Dou Royal Academy. Teacher Qin Ming also strongly recommended them, but due to some misunderstandings... they ultimately didn't proceed. It's truly regrettable." As he spoke, his gaze swept over the three Education Committee members with a hint of reproach, but that reproach was tempered with understanding—perfectly measured.
Meng Shenji sighed and continued, his tone filled with helplessness and sorrow: "Your Highness is wise. This matter is indeed regrettable. It was originally an excellent opportunity for exchange recommended by Qin Ming. Although Shrek Academy is small, its teaching methods are said to be quite unique. It's all because the Fourth Prince was too impulsive in his youth, causing some unpleasantness..." Bai Baoshan and Zhi Lin also showed regretful expressions, shaking their heads repeatedly.
Xue Qinghe turned his gaze back to Marco, his tone becoming even gentler with a hint of consultation: "I heard that when you went to Suotuo City for training recently, you had contact with the students of Shrek Academy and even trained together for several days? You must have a more direct understanding of them. In your opinion, how would you evaluate the talent and strength of these Shrek Academy students?"
Marco's mind raced. Xue Qinghe had indeed taken notice of Shrek Academy, and his information was so thorough that he even knew about details like their joint training sessions. Was this reported by Qin Ming, or did he have other sources of intelligence? Maintaining a calm expression, he evaluated in an objective and slightly appreciative tone: "Your Highness is well-informed. Indeed, during our time in Suotuo City, we had several days of exchange with some students from Shrek Academy. To be fair, their talents are truly outstanding, worthy of being called geniuses. No wonder Teacher Qin Ming strongly recommended them."
He paused briefly before continuing with detailed analysis: "The captain Dai Mubai, with his Evil Eye White Tiger Spirit, is an assault type with solid Soul Power. His combat style is fierce and formidable, showing leadership qualities. The vice-captain Tang San is a control type. Although his Martial Soul appears to be ordinary Blue Silver Grass, this young man possesses extraordinary talent and exceptional practical combat ability."
At this point, Marco deliberately emphasized his tone, providing a detailed description: "What's particularly worth mentioning is Tang San's astonishing attainment in combat techniques. He has created several unique Self-created Soul Skills: an elusive footwork that's unpredictable and hard to track; a mysterious hand technique and Crane Control Technique that can easily neutralize opponents' force and counter attacks; and an incredibly precise Hidden Weapon technique that's hard to defend against. These Self-created Soul Skills are quite powerful, combined with his Blue Silver Grass control, making him nearly unmatched among Soul Masters of the same level. Even when facing opponents with slightly higher Soul Power, he can still put up a good fight."
He intentionally described Tang San's "Self-created Soul Skills" in detail, attributing them to Tang San's natural talent. This approach both aligned with surface understanding and concealed the secrets of the Tang Sect.
"Oh? Self-created Soul Skills? And multiple ones?" A faint trace of surprise flashed in Xue Qinghe's eyes, quickly replaced by strong interest. "To create so many exquisite Soul Skills with just the Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul - this young man is indeed extraordinary. It seems he also has unique insights in Martial Soul theory." He naturally attributed this to Tang San's brilliant talent and possible unique theoretical guidance.
Marco nodded and continued supplementing information about other members: "Not only that, among them is also the young princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, Ning Rongrong. Your Highness knows about the auxiliary capabilities of her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Additionally, there's a food system Soul Master named Oscar, who is said to be... a once-in-a-century case of Innate Full Spirit Power."
"An Innate Full Spirit Power food system Soul Master?!" This time, Xue Qinghe finally showed clear surprise. Though still restrained, Marco could sense the subtle fluctuations in his aura. The three Education Committee members beside him were even more visibly shaken!
"What?! Innate Full Spirit Power in a food system?!" Chief Meng Shenji abruptly rose from his seat, his face filled with shock and disbelief, along with profound distress. "How... how is this possible! A food system Martial Soul with Innate Full Spirit Power? This is a talent that appears only once in a century in the Soul Master Realm!"
Education Committee member Bai Baoshan was heartbroken, pounding his chest in frustration: "What a waste! What a colossal waste! Such a peerless genius actually... actually remains outside our institution! If we could have brought him into our academy and provided careful guidance, he would surely have become a pillar of the Heavenly Dou Empire's Soul Master Realm! This... this is simply a tremendous loss!"
Zhi Lin, also on the Education Committee, repeatedly stamped his feet in regret, his face flushed red: "What a pity! Such a shame! If only we had been more determined back then, handled the situation more flexibly, perhaps... Ah! This is entirely our failure, a disservice to the academy and to the Empire!" The reactions of the three committee members fully demonstrated the rarity and importance of an Innate Full Spirit Power food system Soul Master, while also indirectly confirming the astonishing talent of Shrek Academy's students.
Xue Qinghe quickly reined in his surprise, returning to his usual composure, though a trace of solemnity and contemplation now lingered deep in his eyes. He lightly tapped the table, pulling the three committee members out of their lament and self-reproach, then turned his gaze back to Marco. His tone seemed even more casual, yet carried a barely detectable probing note: "From what Brother Marco says, this Shrek Academy truly hides dragons and tigers, with geniuses emerging in succession. Especially that Tang San – to achieve such accomplishments with a Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul, even creating multiple powerful Spirit Abilities on his own – his talent and temperament are indeed exceptional. I wonder what deeper insights Brother Marco might have about him? What is his role within the team, and what is his future potential?"
Here it comes! Marco thought to himself. Xue Qinghe had indeed developed strong interest in Tang San, and his questions were becoming more specific. Was it because of the Twin Spirits? Or because of his identity as Tang Hao's son? Or perhaps both?
Marco pondered for a moment before offering an evaluation that appeared comprehensively complimentary yet subtly edged: "This Tang San is not only exceptionally talented, but also extremely meticulous in his thinking, with remarkable adaptability in critical moments – truly the brain of the team. Those Self-created Soul Skills of his are not only astonishingly powerful, but he wields them as naturally as moving his own limbs, as if tempered through countless trials. In battle, they often prove decisive in turning the tide. Among his peers, his overall strength ranks at the absolute top tier."
After listening, an elusive glint flashed through Xue Qinghe's eyes, deep within which seemed to lie appreciation. "There are probably only a handful of young people across the entire continent who would earn such evaluation from Brother Marco. It appears this Tang San is truly outstanding among men, with both talent and temperament of the highest order. What a pity that such a genius couldn't be utilized by our Heavenly Dou Royal Academy – truly a great regret."His tone carried just the right amount of regret, making it difficult to discern his true thoughts." But Marco could sense that Xue Qinghe's interest in Tang San had far surpassed what would be directed toward an ordinary genius.
After exchanging a few more casual remarks about tournament preparations, academy development, and the empire's Soul Master education—all relatively unimportant topics—Xue Qinghe gracefully rose to his feet and smiled. "My discussion with Brother Marco today has been most enlightening, and I've gained a deeper understanding of that Shrek Academy. As there are official duties at the court awaiting my attention, I shall take my leave now."
The three Education Committee members and Marco promptly stood to see him off.
"Your Highness, take care on your way," Chief Meng Shenji said.
Xue Qinghe nodded at Marco, his gaze profound and meaningful. "With the tournament approaching, I look forward to seeing the Royal Fight Team's performance, especially yours, Brother Marco. With you on our side, I am confident our Heavenly Dou Royal Academy will shine brilliantly and awe all contenders." With that, he left the conference room, surrounded by his attendants.
After seeing Xue Qinghe off, Chief Meng Shenji glanced in the direction he had departed, then turned his eyes to Marco and sighed, his tone complex. "The matter of Shrek Academy is already settled; regret is pointless. What matters most now is the tournament nine months from now. The academy will devote all its resources to support you. I hope you will live up to expectations and bring glory to our Heavenly Dou Royal Academy."
Marco nodded, his voice calm yet filled with confidence. "Rest assured, Education Committee, we will spare no effort to bring honor to the academy."
Leaving the Education Committee's conference room, Marco walked along the tranquil, tree-shaded path of the academy. Sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting dappled spots of light, but his mind was turbulent with thoughts. Xue Qinghe's interest in Shrek Academy, especially in Tang San, far exceeded the ordinary. That attention carried an indescribable sense of scrutiny and calculation. Had Tang Hao's son been discovered? Or had the Spirit Hall already taken notice of this Twin Spirits genius? Or perhaps this undercover Crown Prince had deeper motives? His detailed inquiries into Tang San's strength and potential were certainly not merely out of admiration for talent.
Marco gazed in the direction of Shrek Academy, his eyes as deep as a still pond. "Undercurrents are already beginning to stir. After this Pan-continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, peace is destined to be disrupted. The eyes of various forces are likely already focused here. Tang San, oh Tang San, you 'genius,' are already at the center of the vortex." He then chuckled self-deprecatingly, thinking, I'm probably already caught up in it myself.
He took a deep breath, suppressing his thoughts. No matter what, improving his own strength was the fundamental priority.
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