Emperor Xue Ye's voice echoed through the grand hall as he sat tall upon his golden throne, flanked by Ning Fengzhi on his right and Salas on his left.
"Each qualified team for the upcoming tournament represents the future hope of our empire," he proclaimed, his voice steady and regal, resounding with authority.
"As a reward for your excellence, I shall confer the title of Viscount upon each team captain, and the title of Baron to their teammates. Your respective fiefdoms will be formally granted upon graduation."
Salas's face darkened as he listened to the generous rewards laid out by Emperor Xue Ye. He immediately stepped forward to object—but Emperor Xue Ye silenced him with a wave of the hand, as casually as one might brush aside a buzzing fly.
"If any team from the Titan Duo Empire claims final victory, their titles of nobility will certainly be upgraded by one rank. Additionally, their academy will receive the Imperial prefix and enjoy full financial support from the empire."
Gasps and murmurs spread through the hall as the gathered noble families exchanged stunned glances. The emperor's generosity wasn't just unexpected—it bordered on absurd.
Tang Yin, however, wasn't fooled.
"The Emperor is clearly trying to win over our Lanba Academy. With Ning Fengzhi's growing optimism about our team—and the fact that Ning Rongrong is one of our students—plus Headmaster Liu Erlong's ties to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Lanba has suddenly become a highly valuable political asset."
This was nothing but favoritism, he thought.
Don't mistake it for kindness—the old fox was shrewd to the marrow.
"Lanba Academy, Tianshui Academy, Blazing Academy, Thunderclap Academy, and finally Godwind Academy—you five have stood out among the many. I hope you perform at your best in the qualifying round."
The emperor's voice rang with generousity.
"In addition, the three most outstanding students across all teams will be granted a soul beast of their choosing—courtesy of the empire—for your next advancement. You may choose a soul beast under 30,000 years old."
Tang Yin raised an eyebrow, pleased by the offer. He didn't need it personally, but the girls could definitely benefit from it.
After that, Tang Yin's mind wandered off as he mentally checked out. The rest of Emperor's speech faded into a monotonous stream of blah blah blah...
Once the ceremony ended, the Lanba Team, along with the other academies, exited the arena feeling refreshed and motivated by the empire's generous rewards.
Tang Yin was just about to head back toward Lanba Academy when someone stepped into his path—Huo Wu.
He raised an eyebrow, curious. "What's she up to?" But Huo Wu didn't say a word. A whole minute passed in awkward silence, her lips pressed tight.
Finally, Tang Yin broke it with polite grace.
"Miss Huo Wu, is there a reason you're blocking my way? Do you perhaps need something from me?" he asked with a charming smile.
That smile seemed to break her composure. Huo Wu froze, her eyes wide for a moment—then, with a frustrated huff, she stomped her foot, turned around, and walked off... though she kept glancing back at him every few steps.
Tang Yin watched her go, chuckling softly.
"She clearly likes me... but her pride's putting up one hell of a fight."
Three days later…
Tang Yin was deep in his cultivation, calmly circulating his Mysterious Heaven Technique, when a loud knock shattered the stillness of the dorm room.
He opened his eyes—
A familiar face popped through the doorway, grinning like a mischievous old fox.
"Little Freak!" Dugu Bo barged in, grinning like a madman as he patted Tang Yin's back with far too much enthusiasm. He asked excitedly, "That hidden weapon you gave me—what was it called again? Cluster life-chasing ball or something?"
Tang Yin arched a brow. "Soul Chasing Ball," he corrected, deadpan.
"Yeah, yeah, Soul Chasing Ball, that's the one!" Dugu Bo waved it off with a gleeful chuckle. "Used it on an old enemy of mine—it almost blew the old bastard to bits! Hah! You got any more? I already used one."
Tang Yin sighed, shooting him a half-glare. "You old troublemaker… Didn't I tell you to use those only in an emergency? Who told you to go picking fights like you're still twenty? I only had two. You've used one already."
Dugu Bo's eyes widened theatrically. "What?! You're just going to let your Grandpa die out there? If that geezer takes revenge, do you want Yan Yan to be sad and crying over my grave?"
Tang Yin smirked and closed his eyes again, sinking back into meditation. "Don't try that act on me. I gave one to your oh-so-precious granddaughter too. If you want another, go beg Yan Yan for hers."
Dugu Bo's expression twisted into mock betrayal. "Heartless brat!" he grumbled, but seeing Tang Yin already tuning him out, he huffed and stomped off, muttering under his breath.
Tang Yin smirked. "Give you more? You'd just go stirring up trouble again. I already handed them all over to the girls. You old man treated yours like playthings—keep that up and see if I ever give you another."
Finally, Peace returned to the room… for now.
One month later…
The Lanba Team strode confidently toward the Imperial Hunting Grounds, their steps light but purposeful. Suddenly, they were halted by a group of armored guards standing at attention.
"Identification cards, please."
After a quick inspection and confirmation of their credentials, the guards respectfully stepped aside and opened the massive steel gate with a clank of authority.
"I'm the captain assigned to receive you. Please follow me."
The group followed him through the secure path leading to a large temporary camp, the location for the upcoming Qualifying Round. This part of the tournament was no longer open to the general public—only teams who had made it through the preliminary rounds were allowed to spectate.
Soon, they arrived at a guarded area where a Lanba Team banner hung proudly, fluttering in the breeze. Armed soldiers patrolled the perimeter to ensure the safety and order of the event.
The captain turned and addressed them seriously, "To avoid any unnecessary trouble, each team that made it into the Qualifiers has been assigned a separate resting area. This camp is designated for your team."
He motioned toward the camp behind him and said, "The Qualifying Round begins early tomorrow. Since there won't be any opening ceremony, I recommend getting some proper rest tonight."
With a respectful nod, he turned on his heel and departed, leaving the Lanba Team to settle into their quarters.
Not long after, Tang Yin spotted Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe striding in his direction. Straightening his posture, he walked over with poise to greet them personally.
"Uncle Ning, Brother Xue—good to see you. You've arrived early too, I see."
Before he could say more, Xue Qinghe stepped forward and embraced him warmly, clearly eager to see him.
"Brother Tang Yin, I came to visit you," Xue Qinghe said with concern. "How are things? Have you managed to adapt here?"
Tang Yin smiled gently. "It's a great place. Thank you for your concern, Brother Xue."
Xue Qinghe looked like he wanted to say more, but before he could, Ning Fengzhi interjected.
"Where's Rongrong?" he asked, eyes gleaming with warmth. "It's been a while since I last saw her—I miss her."
Xue Qinghe/Qian Renxue clenched her fist slightly, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face, though she quickly composed herself. Tang Yin noticed and smirked subtly at the reaction before gesturing for them to follow.
He led them to the girls' camp quarters, where Ning Rongrong spotted them and rushed over with excitement.
"Dad! What are you doing here?" she beamed, throwing her arms around him.
Ning Fengzhi chuckled at Rongrong's excited, childish behavior before being respectfully greeted by Zhu Zhuqing and the other girls.
Moments later, Liu Erlong, Zhao Wuji, and Flender arrived, having heard the commotion. They offered formal greetings to Sect Master Ning Fengzhi, who stood beside a composed and unfamiliar figure.
With a polite smile, Ning Fengzhi gestured to his companion. "This is my disciple, Xue Qinghe," he introduced.
After brief pleasantries, they made their way to the academy's meeting room, where Ning Fengzhi revealed the true purpose of his visit.
"I've come to offer my support to your Lanba Academy. I intend to send several talented disciples from my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to study here, should you be willing to accept them."
The room grew quiet.
Liu Erlong remained composed, but a trace of unease flickered in her eyes, the words stirring a storm within her heart.
(Lanba had never been meant for political alliances or sect favors. It was born from her defiance—against her clan, against tradition, against heartbreak.
She had created it to stand on her own, far away from the heartbreak of Yu Xiaogang and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. She'd built it as a haven for geniuses from humble origins, not noble bloodlines.)
Now, with a powerful sect offering support, she felt herself at a crossroads… and she didn't know what to do.
Liu Erlong glanced at Tang Yin, eyes quietly seeking his guidance.
Sensing her conflict, Tang Yin stepped forward and walked to her side. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Then, turning to Ning Fengzhi, he spoke with calm sincerity:
"We are truly grateful for your support, Sect Master Ning. It would be an honor to welcome disciples of your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to Lanba Academy."
Tang Yin continued respectfully, "With your assistance, we will be able to improve our teaching resources and, more importantly, expand our reach.
Lanba Academy was founded to provide hope and opportunity to gifted individuals from ordinary backgrounds. Your support will help us honor that mission on a greater scale."
Nearby, Xue Qinghe stood silent. Her gaze lingered on Tang Yin, lips pressed together in discomfort as she watched him stand so close to Liu Erlong, speaking with such warmth.
She shook her head, as if to dispel the uneasy thoughts. It must be just a brother-sister type of relationship, she told herself firmly, though a faint hint of unease still lingered.
Liu Erlong gave Tang Yin a grateful glance before turning to discuss the next steps with Ning Fengzhi. After scheduling a day for further discussions, Ning Fengzhi stepped outside, followed closely by Xue Qinghe.
Tang Yin walked gracefully toward Xue Qinghe "Brother Xue, I promise to win this tournament to thank you for the care and support you've given me these past days. I truly consider you a friend, and I'm grateful to have befriended you."
He embraced Xue Qinghe once more, who returned the gesture with a warm smile before they parted ways.