When Chen Yi and the others returned, the two Elders—already notified—were waiting for them in the main hall. Upon hearing that Shui Bing'er had not only successfully hunted the 20,000-year-old Ice Soul Ring in the Extreme North but had also obtained the qualifications to inherit the Ice God's legacy, everyone was overjoyed.
After Chen Yi revealed Snow Empress's true identity, even the usually composed Sect Master could not hide his anxiety. The fact that the ruler of the Extreme North, wielder of immeasurable power, was now accompanying, protecting, and guiding Shui Bing'er was undoubtedly a tremendous opportunity for her.
The Sect Master, rather than showing contempt or suspicion due to Snow Empress being a Soul Beast, demonstrated the proper attitude and skills befitting a Sect Master. He immediately bestowed upon Snow Empress the titles of Honorary Guest Elder and Special Instructor for Ice Attributes, personally processing her identity cards and permits needed for unhindered travel in the human world. The Snow Empress had no objections to the arrangement; all she wanted was to protect the Ice God's heir close at hand. With formal identification, all sorts of trivial annoyances could be avoided.
…
Time flowed quietly like water. Under Snow Empress's guidance, Shui Bing'er deepened her understanding of, and cultivation in, Extreme Ice at a rapid pace.
Meanwhile, Chen Yi continued his own cultivation.
One day, this peace was interrupted by an unexpected, yet wholly logical, visitor.
"Xue Qinghe, greeting Grand Elder."
Dressed in the attire of a prince, Xue Qinghe bowed respectfully to the Elders in the main hall. Behind him were Bai Baoshan—one of the three Education Commissioners of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy—and a group of spirited young soul masters, former members of the Royal Battle Team.
The Grand Elder stroked his beard and smiled, hinting they could dispense with formalities:
"It is an honor to personally welcome Your Highness. May I ask what brings you to our sect?"
Xue Qinghe smiled warmly, handing over a letter stamped with the imperial seal of the Heaven Dou Empire.
"Grand Elder, you are too kind. During our academy exchange at Suotuo City, our Royal Battle Team did seem a bit lacking. My father feels that the cultivation of the Empire's younger generation of soul masters cannot be accomplished behind closed doors alone. We must learn from the strengths of others."
"Therefore, the Emperor has especially ordered that the Royal Battle Team is to be stationed at your academy for ongoing exchange and learning. We sincerely hope your guidance will not be withheld."
The Grand Elder accepted the letter, finding its contents nearly identical to what Xue Qinghe had said—an earnest formal request, in the name of the Heaven Dou royal family, for an official exchange.
"The Heaven Dou royal family's foresight is a blessing to the Empire. Since His Majesty and His Highness have shown such trust in me, Vice Dean Qing Yu and I will do our utmost to live up to it."
"However, the cultivation approach of our sect may differ from that of the Royal Academy. The students will need to adapt quickly."
Xue Qinghe respectfully pressed his hands together:
"That's only right. We will fully cooperate with your arrangements."
The Grand Elder nodded and instructed the teacher beside him:
"Please escort our guests from Heaven Dou Imperial Academy to the prepared guest rooms, and help them become familiar with the environment."
The head instructor, Bai Baoshan—sharp and insightful—immediately ushered out the eager royal battle team members and teachers. In a moment, only the two Elders and Chen Yi remained in the hall—joined by the quietly appearing Sect Master.
Xue Qinghe's elegant composure rippled like water. A soft golden light radiated out, transforming her form. When the glow faded, a stunningly beautiful woman with golden hair and eyes stood in her place—Qian Renxue. She bowed respectfully.
"I am Qian Renxue. Please pardon my previous disguises—it was a matter of necessity."
The Sect Master regarded her calmly and spoke slowly:
"Renxue, such formality isn't required. There is cooperation between our sect and yours. Naturally, we must trust and support one another. Concealing one's identity—sometimes, the situation demands it."
"But I must ask, apart from these surface-level exchanges, is there a deeper reason for Xue Ye sending you here as Crown Prince?"
Qian Renxue straightened, a sharp glint in her golden eyes.
"Xue Ye's true intent is to test me and see my aspirations. Recently, relations between the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Heaven Dou royal house have chilled."
"Ning Fengzhi has tried various stratagems, but Xue Ye, he leveraged his connection with your sect—especially with Chen Yi—to forge a deeper bond."
"Looks like Ning Fengzhi has been quite busy," observed the Grand Elder, stroking his beard, his eyes revealing understanding. The deterioration between the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Heaven Dou royal house was entirely predictable. Realizing the unreliable nature of the Clear Sky Sect, Ning Fengzhi was bound to seek a new, stable ally—and the powerful Heaven Dou royal house was the obvious target. The process, however, would not be easy.
Qian Renxue nodded, her tone complex when mentioning her "teacher":
"My teacher truly is an extraordinary figure. In the meantime, their sect has been dispatching envoys and experts to constantly seek alliances with the various kingdoms and duchies within the Empire."
"Simultaneously, they've infiltrated the noble classes of the capital and other regions, offering substantial benefits, even secretly supporting some as spokesmen."
She paused, a faintly mocking smile on her lips.
"Unfortunately, the Heaven Dou nobility—especially those with military power—have always viewed their monopoly over the military as sacred, and are extremely wary of sect interference in court politics, avoiding it at all costs."
"Moreover, the recent prominence of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile sect has only heightened their vigilance. So, while Ning Fengzhi's actions have caused ripples, their actual impact is…very limited."
The Sect Master listened quietly, unsurprised by Ning Fengzhi's maneuvers. Recovering nimbly after the Clear Sky's betrayal and making strategic adjustments was precisely what a competent leader would do.
"Furthermore—" Qian Renxue's gaze moved to Chen Yi, "the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is no longer monolithic. Some prominent elders have started bypassing Ning Fengzhi, secretly reaching out to the Spirit Hall."
"Just a few days ago, Ning Fengyu secretly tried to contact Chen Yi through me."
As she mentioned Chen Yi, her eyes lingered on him a little longer. The young man before her exuded an ever-deepening aura, a sense of unity with the world itself, quietly astounded her.
It seems I'm not the only one who's progressed in these years...
Sensing this, the Grand Elder grinned mischievously:
"Oh? The elders of the sect are starting to reach out and seek new paths. Looks like Ning Fengzhi is getting uneasy as well."
With decades of managing sect affairs, the Grand Elder was intimately familiar with all the various undercurrents and power struggles. Without Ning Fengzhi's tacit approval, these elders would never have dared to so openly extend their influence. This was likely Ning Fengzhi's way of hedging and balancing multiple bets, given his inability to open up the external situation.
"But that's to be expected," the Elder added. "Ning Fengzhi has always been extraordinary, leading the purist faction to second place among the three main schools. He used to be blinded by attachments, but now, having regained his senses, his choices are only natural."
The Sect Master nodded approvingly, then asked,
"Miss Qian, beyond the information you've shared, is there anything else substantial you'd like to discuss?"
Qian Renxue hesitated briefly, embarrassment flickering across her gaze. She then spoke solemnly:
"There is one more matter. To strengthen the unity of the Empire and ensure our alliance remains stable, Ning Fengzhi once…yes, once used some 'special' methods on the Emperor Xue Ye."
"Based on my investigations and judgment, Xue Ye's body likely won't last much longer. When the heavenly throne changes hands, there could be chaos."
"As a junior, I sincerely hope your sect can help maintain stability."
She did not outright ask the Spirit Hall to intervene. On the surface, the Spirit Hall still maintained its neutrality and transcendence; directly interfering in the imperial succession would sever all ties and destroy the impartial reputation built over so many years.
It was well known that Xue Qinghe, as the heir, enjoyed a close relationship with Chen Yi, Young Sect Master of the Body Sect. When a new Emperor ascended, it was only reasonable—and not at all blameworthy—to seek the support of prominent sects to maintain stability.
The Sect Master and Grand Elders exchanged glances, seeing understanding—and some amusement—in each other's eyes. At times, clinging too much to surface reputation and rules only hinders progress and leads to unnecessarily circuitous routes.
"This will not be difficult," the Elder replied calmly.
"The smooth ascension of the Heaven Dou Emperor is in our sect's best interests. When the time comes, we will provide appropriate support."
His gaze then returned to Qian Renxue:
"Spirit power at level 69…not bad. You're not far from breaking into the Soul Sage rank."
"It truly is remarkable for Miss Qian, burdened with such weighty responsibilities, to progress so much in your cultivation."
Qian Renxue humbly replied:
"This junior is untalented. In recent years, I've been preoccupied with secular matters and have neglected my cultivation. It's really shameful."
Her words were half sincere, half self-deprecating. Since her previous duel with Chen Yi, she had become far more diligent and invested in cultivation than she'd been in the original novel.
She turned her gaze to Chen Yi, who had been silent so far.
"Brother Chen, at this rate your soul power will soon catch up to mine. It's honestly embarrassing."
Feeling the self-satisfaction hidden in her eyes, Chen Yi half-smiled.
"Then it seems you really are untalented. Even with elixirs, you've only gained seven levels in three years!"
Since the alliance between the Body Sect and Spirit Hall, Qian Daoliu had naturally come to realize that the Body Sect possessed a secret to greatly boost soul master power. After multiple negotiations and exchanges of benefits, the Body Sect finally produced magical elixirs. Chen Yi could easily guess who ultimately benefited most from them.
His words were direct enough that Qian Renxue's smile froze for a moment. A dangerous, competitive fire kindled in her eyes as she looked at Chen Yi, then she broke into a bright—if dangerous—smile.
"Brother Chen's advice truly is precious. In that case…may I ask for further guidance from you today?"
"Perhaps my 'untalented' abilities will produce some results after all."
Chen Yi exchanged a glance with the two Elders—who were clearly anticipating the show—then shrugged.
"Sure."
Qian Renxue's golden eyes glimmered. She turned and strode toward the spacious training grounds outside the hall.
"Please."
…