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"Young Master, whether you believe it or not, this is the truth," Qing Luan Douluo explained. "The political issues you just inquired about—even if it were me, I couldn't come up with such a perfect solution in such a short time."
"Moreover, upon closer inspection, his solutions subtly reflect the shadow of industrial integration."
Xue Qinghe was reluctant to believe that a teenager could manipulate the wealthy merchants of Tiandou City so skillfully.
So, he countered, "Third Grandfather, what if he only came up with these solutions after seeing the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's industrial integration and incorporating those ideas? Or perhaps he received guidance from that master?"
Qing Luan Douluo gently shook his head, maintaining a smile as if he had already seen through Xue Qinghe's thoughts. "Young Master, why trouble yourself over such trivialities? Not all talented individuals in the world are elderly scholars well-versed in books. It's entirely possible that genius can emerge from a village child."
"Have you ever considered why Ning Tianchen didn't go directly to the Spirit Hall regarding the matter of evil soul masters but instead sought out you, the Crown Prince?"
Being too close to the situation, Xue Qinghe truly couldn't see any flaws in this reasoning.
Qing Luan Douluo offered his speculation—though it was only conjecture. "The eradication of evil soul masters has always been handled entirely by the Spirit Hall. The two empires have almost completely ignored the matter."
"I think there's a small chance—perhaps five percent—that Ning Tianchen is using this matter to uncover your identity. However, it's more likely that the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Spirit Hall are at odds. To avoid drawing unnecessary attention, they've chosen to shift the potentially offending aspects onto you."
Xue Qinghe thought for a moment and concluded that the first possibility was unlikely.
He had replaced the original Xue Qinghe long before Ning Tianchen was old enough to remember anything.
It was possible that Ning Fengzhi suspected his identity, but Ning Tianchen definitely did not.
"Third Grandfather, there's no need to panic. Even if they discover something, there's nothing they can do about it." Xue Qinghe was confident that any potential cracks or loose ends from the past had long been dealt with.
Without evidence, as long as he didn't expose his identity, he wouldn't fall from power.
"As for Ning Tianchen's request for investigation, I'll write a letter back and have Grandfather look into it first."
Qing Luan Douluo nodded and added, "Young Master, there's one more important matter. Sword Dao Chen Xin and Gu Rong both broke through today. A Level 97 Sword Dao Chen Xin—I'm afraid I wouldn't be a match for him."
The breakthrough of two Title Douluo simultaneously wasn't a small event. With Qing Luan Douluo's sharp perception, he immediately sensed it.
---
A shabby-looking carriage approached the gates of Tiandou City.
As expected, the carriage was stopped by the city guards.
"Halt! You must pay one gold spirit coin as an entrance fee to enter the city."
"Hey, dare to charge me an entrance fee? Are you asking for death?" Ma Hongjun cursed loudly from inside the carriage but made no further moves.
"Hongjun, Tiandou City is the political center of the empire, the land under the emperor's feet. Don't act rashly. Xiao San, show them your soul master identification. Let's get into the city as soon as possible," Flender reminded.
Without Ning Rongrong, the Shrek Academy group had no idea where Tiandou Imperial Academy was located.
In their minds, larger academies were generally located within the city.
Thus, they entered the city.
After traveling for half an hour, they still hadn't found any trace of Tiandou Imperial Academy.
Tang San couldn't help but suggest, "Teacher, Principal, wandering around aimlessly isn't helping. Why don't we get out and ask someone for directions?"
Yu Xiaogang nodded. "Yes, we should ask someone."
"It's my fault. I should've asked Qin Ming first," Flender said apologetically.
Getting out of the carriage, the Shrek group was immediately captivated by the sight before them.
A massive building stood in front of them, with a large square in front for leisure and entertainment.
"What a huge building! Could it be the palace of some noble?" Ma Hongjun gaped, mesmerized by the luxurious structure.
This castle was probably even larger than the emperor's own quarters!
Passersby who overheard him couldn't help but sneer. "What a country bumpkin, not even knowing about the Seven Treasures Mall."
"Country folk shouldn't be here."
Because of Ma Hongjun's comment, the Shrek group was mercilessly mocked by passersby.
Tang San clenched his fists, feeling deeply irritated by these people's sense of superiority.
"Damn bastards! If this were Star Luo City, I'd teach you a lesson," Dai Mubai muttered under his breath.
Despite their irritation, these passersby had indirectly informed them of the building's name.
"Seven Treasures Mall. It's likely related to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and has the word 'commerce' in its name—it must be a commercial center," Yu Xiaogang, being the clever one, quickly deduced its purpose.
"Since we're already here, let's go take a look around. Once we officially enter Tiandou Imperial Academy, we won't have this kind of free time," Flender clapped his hands and led the group toward the Seven Treasures Mall.
---
Upon entering the mall, everyone marveled at its ingenious design.
Various shops were neatly arranged side by side. Standing in the central area of the first floor, one could easily locate the desired shop using the navigation map.
"Boss Dai, there's delicious food over there. Should we go check it out?" Ma Hongjun swallowed hard, tugging at Dai Mubai's sleeve.
"Xiaogang, who on earth came up with this shopping mall concept? Even I can't resist spending money here," Flender exclaimed, his shock evident.
In fact, while they were still talking, the academy's teachers had already started spending.
Yu Xiaogang sneered. "It's all just superficial nonsense. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect excels at these flashy gimmicks."
---
The Seven Treasures Mall was so vast that even if they only spent a moment in each shop, it would take more than a day to explore fully.
Seeing their wallets being emptied, Yu Xiaogang quickly called everyone to attention. "Don't forget our main purpose. Moreover, even if we become teachers at Tiandou Imperial Academy tomorrow, our first month's salary won't arrive until next month."
Hearing they'd have to live frugally for a month, Zhao Wuji and the others immediately stopped spending.
They couldn't compare to Yu Xiaogang, who still received ten gold spirit coins monthly from the Spirit Hall.
Leaving the mall, the Shrek group looked at the "useless" items in their hands and felt instant regret.
Only Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai still wore smiles.
After all, the money they spent had already entered their stomachs in the form of food.
Tang San shared his discovery with the group. "Teacher, I just went to the top floor of the mall. In the eastern direction, there's a large academy occupying a vast area. Inside, it seems they're constructing a teaching building."
"Xiao San did well," Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but praise him.
Hearing this, Flender was overjoyed. "That must be Tiandou Imperial Academy! I didn't expect Qin Ming to act so swiftly—the academy is already preparing to build a teaching area for us from Shrek Academy!"
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