After the morning training session, Marco and his teammates walked together toward the academy cafeteria. Having undergone intense training all morning, everyone was famished and eagerly looking forward to lunch.
"Brother, your performance today was incredible!" Osler said as they walked, his face full of admiration. "You actually managed to hold your own against Teacher Yan Ming like that!"
Yu Tianheng also sighed in amazement. "Indeed, Marco's strength completely exceeded our expectations."
Dugu Yan said softly, "Marco's Azure Flame is truly special. Not only is its combat power strong, but it also has healing properties. I knew about it before, but I never imagined it would be this powerful..."
Marco smiled faintly. "As long as everyone trains hard, you can become stronger too. This afternoon, we'll continue practicing that Soul Power Control Method. It will be beneficial for everyone's cultivation."
The team members nodded one after another, full of anticipation for the afternoon training. Just as they were about to reach the cafeteria, a group of people approaching from a distance caught their attention.
The three academy chiefs—Meng Shenji, Bai Baoshan, and Zhi Lin—were accompanying a young man of noble bearing on a tour of the academy. The young man was dressed in luxurious crown prince attire, with handsome features and an elegant demeanor. His every movement exuded royal grace.
"It's His Highness the Crown Prince!" Yu Tianheng exclaimed in a low voice. "Why has he come to the academy?"
Osler also said in surprise, "It really is Crown Prince Xue Qinghe! And the three chiefs are personally accompanying him!"
Marco's heart stirred, and he thought to himself, "Xue Qinghe... This must be Qian Renxue disguised as the Heaven Dou Crown Prince. Has the Spirit Hall's infiltration plan already begun?"
The three chiefs noticed Marco and his group. Meng Shenji smiled and waved. "Marco, come here for a moment."
Marco and his teammates quickly stepped forward and respectfully bowed to the three chiefs and the crown prince.
Meng Shenji smiled as he introduced Marco to Xue Qinghe. "Your Highness, this is our academy's most outstanding student, the captain of the Royal Fight Team, Marco."
Xue Qinghe's eyes lit up as he carefully examined Marco, inwardly surprised. "What an exceptional young man! Extraordinary temperament and solid Soul Power. No wonder Chief Meng holds him in such high regard."
He spoke gently, "So you are Student Marco. I've long heard that Heaven Dou Royal Academy produced a genius youth who reached the Soul Honour realm at twelve years old. Seeing you today, the rumors truly don't do you justice."
Marco replied respectfully, "Your Highness flatters me. I merely work hard; I can't be called a genius."
Xue Qinghe smiled slightly, thinking to himself, "Not arrogant or impatient, humble and polite—truly rare. If such a talent could..."
He said kindly, "There's no need for such modesty. Chief Meng has mentioned you to me many times, praising not only your outstanding talent but also your diligence and hard work. He says you're the most exceptional student the academy has seen in recent years."
Bai Baoshan added, "Marco is also the captain of the Royal Fight Team, leading the team to achieve excellent results in various competitions."
Zhi Lin also nodded. "More importantly, Marco has upright character, unites his classmates, and is deeply loved by both teachers and students."
The appreciation in Xue Qinghe's eyes grew stronger as he contemplated, "Such a well-rounded talent is truly rare to encounter."
He smiled at Marco and said, "It seems the academy holds you in very high regard. I wonder if Student Marco would accompany us on a tour of the academy? I'm quite interested in your usual training routines."
Marco replied respectfully, "It is my honor to serve as Your Highness's guide."
Xue Qinghe nodded and turned to the three chiefs, "Then we shall trouble Marco with this task."
Meng Shenji said with a smile, "No one knows the academy better than Marco. He is the most suitable guide."
Marco signaled to his teammates to proceed with their meal first while he accompanied the Crown Prince and the three chiefs on a tour of the academy.
"This is our main training ground," Marco introduced, pointing to the spacious field. "We usually conduct physical and Spirit Ability training here."
Xue Qinghe carefully observed the various facilities on the training ground, thinking to himself, "The facilities at Heaven Dou Royal Academy are indeed well-equipped, worthy of being the empire's top academy."
He asked gently, "I heard you conducted combat training this morning?"
Marco nodded, "Yes, Your Highness. Instructor Yan Ming arranged for me to face the other seven team members alone."
A flicker of interest appeared in Xue Qinghe's eyes, "Oh? What was the outcome?"
Meng Shenji chimed in with a smile, "Marco won effortlessly, without even using his full strength."
Bai Baoshan added, "What's even more remarkable is that Marco has developed his own training method that significantly enhances the precision of Soul Power control."
Zhi Lin also nodded, "This method called 'Tree Climbing Training' has shown clear improvements in the team members."
Xue Qinghe thought to himself, "Creating his own training method? This is not something an ordinary Soul Master can accomplish. This Marco is becoming increasingly interesting..."
He said gently, "Developing one's own training method is indeed rare. Would it be possible to see a demonstration?"
Marco replied respectfully, "Of course, Your Highness."
He walked to a large tree, concentrated Soul Power on the soles of his feet, and effortlessly walked vertically up the trunk as if on level ground. At the treetop, he gracefully turned around and descended walking upside down, his movements flowing like water.
Surprise flashed in Xue Qinghe's eyes as he thought, "Such exquisite Soul Power control! This training method is truly unique."
He praised, "Marvelous! This training method indeed greatly enhances Soul Power control."
Marco said modestly, "It's just a minor technique, Your Highness flatters me."
Next, Marco took them to visit the academy's library, laboratories, and specialized cultivation grounds. At each location, he provided detailed explanations of the facilities' functions and usage methods, demonstrating his thorough familiarity with the academy.
Xue Qinghe nodded inwardly, "This Marco not only possesses outstanding talent but also approaches tasks with seriousness and attention to detail. He is truly a rare talent."
After the tour concluded, Xue Qinghe said gently, "Student Marco, thank you for the detailed introduction. It has given me a deeper understanding of Heaven Dou Royal Academy."
Marco replied respectfully, "It is my honor to serve Your Highness."
Just then, Ye Lingling hurried over, her eyes lighting up when she saw Marco, "Brother, so this is where you are. Everyone is waiting for you to eat."
Noticing Xue Qinghe and the three chiefs, she quickly bowed, "Greetings, Your Highness. Greetings, three chiefs."
When Xue Qinghe saw Ye Lingling, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes as he thought, "A Nine Heart Begonia Soul Master? This is another rare talent."
He asked gently, "And who might this be?"
Meng Shenji introduced, "This is Ye Lingling, the Support System Soul Master of the Royal Fight Team. Her Martial Soul is the Nine Heart Begonia."
Xue Qinghe nodded: "So it's the Nine Heart Begonia Soul Master, no wonder her temperament is so unique."
He said gently: "The Royal Fight Team truly has an abundance of talent. Not only is there a genius like Marco, but also a top-tier support like the Nine Heart Begonia."
Ye Lingling blushed slightly and said softly: "Your Highness flatters me too much. I'm just a Support System Soul Master."
She turned to Marco and whispered: "Brother, the food is getting cold..."
Marco took the opportunity to bow to Xue Qinghe and the three chiefs: "Your Highness, three chiefs, if there's nothing else, I'll go have my meal now."
Although Xue Qinghe wanted to continue the conversation, he couldn't insist on keeping them, so he nodded: "Go ahead, don't keep your classmates waiting."
He said gently: "Thank you for being our guide today. I hope we'll have more opportunities to communicate in the future."
Marco replied respectfully: "Your Highness is too kind. You're always welcome to visit the academy."
After speaking, he led Ye Lingling toward the cafeteria.
After walking some distance away, Ye Lingling whispered: "Brother, His Highness the Crown Prince seems to really admire you!"
Marco smiled slightly: "His Highness is just interested in the academy."
He thought to himself: "Qian Renxue's disguise is indeed perfect. If I didn't know the original story, I wouldn't be able to detect any flaws."
When they arrived at the cafeteria, the team members immediately gathered around: "Marco, how did it go? What did His Highness say to you?"
Osler asked curiously: "Does His Highness really admire you?"
Yu Tianheng also sighed: "To be personally received by His Highness is such a great honor!"
Marco said calmly: "His Highness just asked me to be a guide and tour the academy."
Dugu Yan said softly: "Marco is truly amazing, even His Highness looks at you with new respect."
Marco shook his head: "I was just fulfilling my duties as host. Everyone, let's eat quickly. We still have training this afternoon."
Only then did the team members begin to focus on their meals, though they were still excitedly discussing the Crown Prince's visit.
Meanwhile, Xue Qinghe and the three chiefs were strolling in the academy garden.
Meng Shenji asked quietly: "Your Highness, what do you think of Marco?"
Xue Qinghe smiled slightly: "He's truly a rare talent. Not only is he exceptionally gifted, but he also has a steady temperament - neither arrogant nor impatient."
He thought to himself: "Such a genius is truly rare to encounter."
Bai Baoshan sighed: "Marco is indeed outstanding. His unique fighting style completely transcends the scope of conventional Soul Masters."
Zhi Lin also nodded: "More importantly, he can even create his own training methods to help other team members improve. This ability is extremely rare among young Soul Masters."
Xue Qinghe's interest grew stronger: "Self-created training methods? That's interesting."
Meng Shenji explained: "Yes. Marco created a method called 'Tree Climbing Training' that can greatly improve the precision of Soul Power control. The team members have shown significant improvement after practicing."
Xue Qinghe thought to himself: "This Marco is truly extraordinary..."
After pondering for a moment, he said to the three chiefs: "Such a genius should be a key focus of the academy's cultivation."
The three chiefs quickly nodded: "Your Highness is absolutely right. We will definitely focus on cultivating Marco."
Xue Qinghe smiled slightly: "The future of the Heaven Dou Empire needs talents like this."
He thought to himself, "Marco... truly is an interesting talent..."
After the tour concluded, Xue Qinghe left the academy accompanied by the three deans.
After Marco and the team finished their lunch, they continued with their afternoon training. Everyone was still excitedly discussing the Crown Prince's visit, but Marco had already shifted his focus entirely to the training.
"Everyone, concentrate," Marco said seriously. "This morning's battle exposed some issues that we need to address and improve upon."
He analyzed each team member's performance in detail during the fight, pointed out areas needing improvement, and personally demonstrated the correct techniques.
The team members listened attentively and practiced according to Marco's guidance. The training ground was filled with a positive and uplifting atmosphere.
Ye Lingling softly said to Marco, "Brother, it seems you don't really care about His Highness's praise?"
Marco smiled faintly, "Praise is good, but strength is the foundation. Without strength, everything is just empty talk."
He thought to himself, "Qian Renxue's praise is merely part of the Spirit Hall's plan. True strength relies on one's own ability, not on others' approval."
Ye Lingling nodded, "Brother is right. We should focus on improving our strength."
In the following training session, Marco guided the team members with even greater focus. He incorporated some simple techniques from the Six Styles into their training, significantly enhancing their combat efficiency.
As the sun set, the day's training came to an end. Though exhausted, the team members wore satisfied smiles on their faces.
"What a productive day!" Osler exclaimed excitedly. "Marco's guidance was incredibly helpful!"
Yu Tianheng also nodded, "Yes, I feel like my strength has improved quite a bit."
Dugu Yan said softly, "Marco's training methods are truly effective."
Marco looked at the team members, feeling gratified in his heart.