Faced with Ning Fengzhi's bid, Xue Qinghe hesitated slightly.
On one hand, the price had already become quite high. On the other hand, Ning Fengzhi was her teacher, and competing against him would not align with the persona she was pretending to maintain.
At that moment, Lin Mu gently elbowed Xue Qinghe's arm and said in a low voice, "Your Highness, there's no need to bid any further."
Xue Qinghe was startled and looked at Lin Mu with some confusion.
"The reason I asked Your Highness to step in was mainly because I couldn't stand to watch," Lin Mu said. He paused briefly before continuing flatly, "But treating the symptom doesn't cure the root cause. Ultimately, this isn't something I can change with my own strength alone."
"This place, after all, is not kind," he added. "Even if we spent the money to buy this fox-girl today, in the future there would still be cat-girls, rabbit-girls, and so on."
Furthermore, if they successfully bid for this fox-girl, accommodating her would prove very troublesome.
Yet, if they let her go, she would most likely be captured again, wasting nearly two hundred thousand gold spirit coins for nothing.
Therefore, this fox-girl was essentially a considerable nuisance. Letting Ning Fengzhi win the bid was actually the most prudent course of action.
"Then I'll follow Brother Lin's advice."
Xue Qinghe's eyes flickered subtly. Upon hearing this explanation, she inexplicably felt a trace of relief.
Earlier, she had suspected Lin Mu harbored some peculiar fetish. She never imagined this was the actual reason.
This guy was upright and magnanimous, it seemed—just somewhat ruthless in his actions, carrying a hint of deviance.
"Brother Lin, if you truly harbor thoughts of changing this world, why not strive together with me?"
Xue Qinghe stared fixedly at Lin Mu, her tone sincere, carrying an implication of heartfelt candor.
She, too, detested these murky and corrupt practices. If Lin Mu could stand by her side, he would become the sharpest blade in her hand, purging all evil.
"I appreciate Your Highness's kind intentions. I need some time to consider it," Lin Mu demurred.
From an objective standpoint, the reason Xue Beng in the original work could succeed to the throne was entirely due to Tang San's efforts.
Xue Beng was essentially a dog that won by lying down.
Moreover, Xue Beng hadn't merely pretended to be a profligate; he was inherently a profligate.
From Lin Mu's personal perspective, neither Bibi Dong nor Xue Beng qualified as competent rulers.
The problem, however, was that Qian Renxue wasn't particularly suitable either. Her personality was somewhat excessively stubborn, and she was also starved for affection.
"Whenever Brother Lin has made up his mind, you are always welcome."
Xue Qinghe didn't feel discouraged; instead, a glint of sharpness flashed in her eyes. This guy wouldn't escape her grasp.
With Xue Qinghe no longer competing in the bidding, the fox-girl was naturally won by Ning Fengzhi.
"Brother Lin, I need to go greet my teacher. Why don't you come along with me?"
Without waiting for Lin Mu's reply, Xue Qinghe tugged at his arm and led him toward the exit.
Just as the two stepped out of the red-section seating area, they happened to run into Prince Xue Xing, who was also preparing to leave, in the corridor.
Upon seeing Xue Qinghe, Prince Xue Xing's face twisted into a sardonic grin. "I never imagined His Highness the Crown Prince would also possess such refined tastes," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Truly an eye-opener for this prince!"
As his words fell, he cast a glance at Lin Mu standing beside Xue Qinghe.
Over the past month, Xue Qinghe had grown quite close to a certain young expert, even visiting the Heaven Dou Royal Academy with increasing frequency—presumably in an attempt to recruit this person.
Such painstaking effort proved that this individual's strength could not be underestimated.
A pity he had already sided with Xue Qinghe; otherwise, he might have been worth recruiting himself, adding a few more chances to turn the tables.
Faced with Prince Xue Xing's mockery, the warm smile on Xue Qinghe's face remained unchanged. "My uncle jests," he replied calmly. "I merely witnessed her pitiable state and could not bear to see her tormented by someone."
Seeing the two locked in verbal combat, Lin Mu chuckled inwardly. If Xue Qinghe truly possessed such an interest, her body itself would be the greatest obstacle.
Prince Xue Xing naturally caught the sarcasm in Xue Qinghe's words. His expression darkened slightly. With a cold snort, he flicked his sleeves and departed.
"Your Highness, it's been a while. I never expected you to have befriended such a young expert."
A gentle voice came from behind. Ning Fengzhi was approaching with Sword Douluo at his side, a faint smile on his face.
"Greetings, Teacher."
Xue Qinghe immediately bowed respectfully to Ning Fengzhi.
Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly, his gaze falling upon Lin Mu, who stood nearby. "And how should I address this young friend?" he inquired.
"Lin Mu."
Lin Mu's reply was rather indifferent, causing Ning Fengzhi to pause momentarily.
As the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, accompanied even by Sword Douluo, this person displayed such utter nonchalance.
"Teacher, he currently holds a position at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy and serves as the new team leader of the Royal Team."
Xue Qinghe first briefly introduced Lin Mu's circumstances, then addressed Lin Mu: "Brother Lin, these two are Sect Master Ning of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and His Excellency Sword Douluo."
Yet Lin Mu still offered no response whatsoever. He had no interest in currying favor with anyone.
Surprise flickered in Ning Fengzhi's eyes.
This man was so young—appearing only around twenty-three—yet he actually served as team leader of the Royal Team. The previous team leader, Qin Ming, had been a Spirit Emperor. This man must be at least a Spirit Emperor as well.
A twenty-three-year-old Spirit Emperor... Such talent was simply astounding. Barring unforeseen circumstances, he would surely become a Titled Douluo in the future, perhaps even surpassing Sword Douluo.
"So you are Young Friend Lin Mu. Judging by your age, you cannot be much older than my daughter, yet you have already become the Royal Team's leader. I am filled with admiration."
After offering this flattery, a flash of insight struck Ning Fengzhi; he suddenly recalled something.
Based on his understanding of Xue Qinghe, the Crown Prince should not have been interested in a fox-girl. The reason he participated in the bidding was likely to recruit this person.
At this thought, the smile on Ning Fengzhi's face deepened. "Could it be that Young Friend also has an interest in that fox-girl?" he continued. "If the young friend fancies her, Ning would be delighted to play matchmaker and gift her to you."
"Sect Master Ning is too kind. I hold no particular interest in her," Lin Mu shook his head, speaking frankly. "Moreover, being able to obtain the favor of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect should provide her with a place to call home—at the very least, she won't lack for food and clothing."
Upon hearing this, Ning Fengzhi's eyes betrayed a flicker of surprise. He had originally assumed Lin Mu was a kindred spirit; he never expected the young man to be so magnanimous.
Even the usually impassive face of Sword Douluo showed a slight ripple of emotion, and a hint of appreciation crept into his gaze as he regarded Lin Mu.
Countless thoughts swirled within Ning Fengzhi's mind. This youth possessed not only exceptional talent but also such moral character.
If he could recruit this person into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, then Ning Rongrong would have a guardian.
Thereupon, he extended an invitation to Lin Mu: "I feel an instant kinship with Young Friend today. I wonder if you would be willing to visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect as a guest?"
"My apologies, but I still need to instruct the Royal Team. I have no free time at the moment."
Lin Mu did not hesitate for a moment, declining decisively.
Seeing Ning Fengzhi attempting to poach from right in front of her, a trace of displeasure surfaced in Xue Qinghe's eyes.
She echoed, "Teacher, Brother Lin still needs to prepare for the Soul Master Tournament. He truly has no time to spare."
"Ning was indeed abrupt. If Young Friend has leisure in the future, you are always welcome to visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect," Ning Fengzhi said, his expression warm.