Qian Renxue was hesitating.
Tang Lan, putting his arm around her shoulders, led her to the side of the banquet.
That intimate gesture made Qian Renxue stiffen.
No one had ever been this close to her.
"Oh! Thousand-year-old duckbill eight treasures porridge?"
"I'm just hungry, so I'll eat some to fill my stomach first."
A bit of joking around.
It also made Qian Renxue understand—this guy was treating her as a friend, not a "superior."
Relieved, he followed.
How could someone with Tang Lan's monstrous talent be willing to be beneath others? A genius, after all.
They always have a bit of a temper.
This was good too.
With Tang Lan's qualifications, he was worthy of being her friend.
Qian Renxue sat with Tang Lan to eat, and they discussed the confusion of cultivation.
Like good mentors and friends, they got along well.
After a few rounds of drinks.
Qian Renxue casually asked, "Xiao Lan, what do you think of the Martial Soul Hall?"
Tang Lan felt a surge of caution!
He knew the key question had arrived.
After a moment's thought, he spoke with genuine feeling, "A haven for the commoners, a place of fame and fortune for the nobles, and a thorn in the side of the two great empires."
Qian Renxue's eyes widened, staring at Tang Lan in surprise.
This assessment…
Is a bit bold, isn't it?
"Oh? Tell me more."
Tang Lan knew that Qian Renxue was the future leader of the Martial Soul Hall.
So, he spoke freely.
"The Martial Soul Hall believes in the Angel God and takes civilian soul masters as its foundation, resisting soul beasts and fallen soul masters."
"It mediates the hostile relationship between the two great empires, and encourages the empires to fund awakenings for civilians and provide cultivation subsidies for low-level soul masters."
"The spirits of Xiao San and I were awakened for free by the Martial Soul Hall."
"So in my heart, compared to the extravagant hereditary nobles and the arrogant disciples of aristocratic families…"
"You have a better impression of the Martial Soul Hall."
Those words.
They struck a chord with Qian Renxue.
Exactly!
That's right!
This assessment was absolutely spot-on! But as the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, Qian Renxue had to suppress her emotions.
Feigning displeasure, she asked, "So, between the Martial Soul Hall and the Empire, which would you choose?"
In this situation, it was Qian Renxue who posed the question.
It's like the classic "girlfriend or mother-in-law falling into the water" dilemma.
No matter which side you choose, you're wrong.
But!
As a scumbag, Tang Lan actually had the perfect answer—
"Of course, I'm on your side, Qinghe!"
Tang Lan's unwavering attitude, coupled with his handsome face and his own monstrous talent, actually made Qian Renxue's eyes momentarily unfocused.
If she didn't have this disguise...
The decade-long undercover operation allowed her to quickly regain her senses.
Raising a glass.
"To our friendship, cheers!"
"Cheers!"
After downing a glass of strong liquor, Qian Renxue became more relaxed.
"So, Xiao Lan, what are your thoughts on the current situation on the continent?"
Speaking of this… Wouldn't it be great to show off? He blurted out—
"The world's great trends, after division, there must be unification; after unification, there must be division."
"Once an empire becomes strong enough that its rulers feel their status and power don't match, war will begin."
"Currently, the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire occupy half of the continent each. Even with the Martial Soul Hall mediating, this balance won't last long."
"The chaotic era is coming."
Qian Renxue seriously examined Tang Lan.
Who knew this 13-year-old kid understood the continent's situation so well? He truly is a genius for compiling the Tang Sect Encyclopedia.
"In your opinion, which side will the Martial Soul Hall lean towards?" Qian Renxue couldn't help but ask.
Tang Lan shrugged.
"If the Martial Soul Hall supported either side, this continent would have been unified long ago."
"The reason they're maintaining the status quo is either because they don't want to cause a disaster for the living, or..."
"It's about a bigger goal!"
Qian Renxue's eyes narrowed!
She's been found out?
She cautiously asked, "What is this bigger goal?"
Tang Lan didn't respond.
Don't say anything else.
He was afraid that Qian Renxue would get too excited and just spill the beans.
Then how could he keep pretending to be clueless?
"Qinghe came to find me today, she probably has something to tell me, right?" Tang Lan changed the subject.
Qian Renxue looked deeply at Tang Lan.
She didn't press for more questions.
She stood up, poured Tang Lan a full glass of wine, and handed it to him.
They were both intelligent people.
So, she didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point:
"The only possible obstacle to my becoming emperor now is Xue Beng."
"Although Xue Beng acts like a playboy to the outside world, he does have Prince Xuexing's support, so we can't be too careful." "Therefore, I hope, Little Lan, that you can infiltrate Xue Beng's forces and scout things out for my path to the throne."
Tang Lan blinked.
Huh?
Let him go undercover with Xue Beng?
Isn't this letting him… get benefits from both sides!
Is there even a need to hesitate?
"I naturally have no problem with it," Tang Lan asked. "But I wonder how many people know about this hundred-thousand-year soul bone?"
"Don't worry," Qian Renxue said confidently. "I obtained it using another identity, at a great cost. Even my father doesn't know."
That's good.
He downed the wine in his cup and then smashed it on the ground!
Crack—
This sudden action startled Qian Renxue.
The royal guard was also alerted, and a large number of people poured in from all directions.
Leading the charge were those two old men.
Seeing the audience was in place,
Tang Lan shoved Qian Renxue's chest and stormed out, seething with anger.
He cursed as he went,
"A six-hundred-thousand-year soul bone, and you think you can make me your dog?"
"Tang Sect isn't that poor!"
"I don't believe it. Without Heaven Dou Empire's support, Tang Sect will collapse?"
"I'll just move to the Star Luo Empire then!"
After saying that.
He immediately activated his soul bone skill, soaring into the air and flying out of the palace.
He left a group of people behind, all dumbfounded.
Logically speaking.
Flying within the palace without permission should lead to immediate interception.
But Tang Lan had a special status, and he was also the author of the Tang Sect Encyclopedia.
The Imperial Guards didn't dare to act.
Only could ask: "Your Highness the Crown Prince, what do you think?"
Qian Renxue reacted quickly.
With a cold face, she rebuked—
"Let him go!"
"This Crown Prince wants to see if Heaven Dou Empire is surnamed Xue, or Tang!"
"Let's go, we'll go see Father!"
She also left in a hurry.
Leaving a group of people, looking at each other.
Just a moment ago, he was a guest of honor. How could he suddenly change his face like this?
In the crowd.
A maidservant quietly slipped away, unnoticed by anyone.
Putting on a show, of course, required the full performance.
Tang Lan, as if in a fit of rage, announced at the gate of the Tang Sect Academy——
"Except for spirit attribute soul masters, the Tang Sect is temporarily suspending the recruitment of disciples."
The crowd below erupted in an uproar!
"Sect Master Tang, isn't the Tang Sect Encyclopedia supposed to treat everyone equally?"
"Yes, Sect Master Tang, I traveled thousands of miles to get here, all the way from the Star Luo Empire!"
"At least finish today's recruitment, right?"
"Sect Master Tang, you can't do this!"
Upon hearing this, Yu Xiaogang's eyes gleamed.
The opportunity he'd been waiting for… had arrived?
Seeing Tang Lan descend, Yu Xiaogang immediately rushed over, a worried look on his face.
"Sect Master, changing your mind so suddenly will affect your credibility as Sect Master…"
"Stop the nonsense!" Tang Lan waved his hand to interrupt. "I'm going on a long trip. Tell Old Zhao and the others to cease all external transactions. We'll talk when I return!"
He beckoned Jing Ling, who was waiting, to come over and tossed a Boundless Sea Soul Seal into the Blue King.
Ignoring the boiling crowd below, he flew towards Heaven Dou City.
Yu Xiaogang's face was filled with anxiety as he rushed back to the Tang Sect.
It seemed he was going to relay a message.
In reality, he was letting the public opinion at the scene ferment.
Those who had been "stood up" in their attempt to join the group were full of resentment and began to inquire about the news everywhere.
And the matter of Tang Lan falling out with the Crown Prince within the palace.
Also quickly spread.
Not long after, rumors began to spread throughout the streets, suggesting that the Tang Sect had fallen out with the Heaven Dou royal family.
Many people with ulterior motives began to take action.
Undercurrents surged.
Among them, Emperor Xueye was the most bewildered.
Why had his arms dealer suddenly gone on strike?
Seeing the irate Xue Qinghe and the arriving Prince Xuexing, he was truly furious!
"No matter what, the Tang Sect absolutely cannot leave Heaven Dou City!"
"Qinghe, you were too hasty this time!"
"You don't need to concern yourself with Tang Lan's matters."
"Leave it to Prince Xuexing to handle."
Prince Xuexing was overjoyed to hear this!
Especially seeing the rare look of frustration on Qian Renxue's face.
He secretly thought his opportunity had arrived!
Unbeknownst to him… Qian Renxue was thinking – this Tang Lan, he really is reliable.
With just a few words, he'd hooked that old fox, Prince Xuexing.
Truly… 'Perhaps, only a man this outstanding…'
"Nine years old, it's not a problem."
"Perhaps it's better to find an opportunity to be frank with him?"
....
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