Thank you to our new Patrons: Dog Jay, Christopher Gärtner, Jose cabrera atzin, Luke Matthews, allen pellissery, mark74497 and Charlie Puente-Duany! Your support means the world to me <3 We are up to Chapter 200: Sword Sheathed, Knee Raised on Patreon!
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)
Patrons, don't forget to vote for the next novel to be released!!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The higher the soul power level, the more pronounced the gap between each level becomes.
In the end, this sparring match concluded with Chen Xin emerging victorious.
After leaving the sect, Ning Tianchen first escorted Ning Rongrong back to Seven Treasures Academy. Then, he boarded a carriage and headed toward the Crown Prince's residence.
To uncover the truth about Zhang Erhe, he needed to meet Xue Qinghe. To ensure the sect wouldn't be invaded by the Spirit Hall in the future, he also needed to consult Xue Qinghe.
No matter what, establishing a connection with Xue Qinghe was essential.
At the entrance of the Crown Prince's residence…
Ning Tianchen didn't have any token from Xue Qinghe, so as expected, he was stopped by the guards at the gate.
"The Crown Prince's residence is a restricted area—no unauthorized personnel allowed."
The two doormen exuded a thick aura of soul power. Their strength was at least that of a Soul Emperor.
Ning Tianchen clasped his hands together and said, "Please inform His Highness that Ning Tianchen from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect requests an audience."
Upon hearing the words "Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect," the guards didn't dare delay and immediately relayed the message.
Inside the study…
Xue Qinghe was discussing matters with She Mao and Ci Xue, two Title Douluo.
"Grandfathers, after all this time, haven't you found anything yet?" Xue Qinghe rarely furrowed his brows.
The matter he referred to was the feedback he had received from Qian Dao Liu—the existence of a master within the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
She Mao and Ci Xue were quite familiar with the situation in Tiandou City, but after several months, they still hadn't made any progress.
They too found it strange and shared their findings: "Young Master, whoever caused the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to change its industrial layout must either be a high-ranking member of the sect or someone close to Ning Fengzhi."
"We've almost investigated everyone. It's certain that the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect hasn't added any new elders. We're roughly familiar with the personalities of the existing elders—they don't seem like the type to propose such decisions."
"As for those close to Ning Fengzhi, his wives spend their days shopping in the city or having afternoon tea with other noblewomen; Ning Fengzhi's sons are all useless—they couldn't possibly propose such decisions either."
Xue Qinghe frowned and countered, "Could this master not be hiding themselves?"
She Long replied, "Young Master, I admit this master knows how to conceal themselves, but they can't possibly belong to the groups we've mentioned."
Pretending to be weak while secretly being strong could work for a short period, but over time, one would inevitably become truly weak. A master of such wisdom wouldn't fail to understand such a simple principle.
But who exactly was this person?
Just as Xue Qinghe was growing increasingly frustrated, a guard's voice came from outside the door: "Your Highness, the young master Ning Tianchen from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect requests an audience."
She Mao and Ci Xue quickly concealed themselves to avoid being seen by outsiders.
Xue Qinghe composed himself and responded, "Let him in—I'll wait for him in the study."
There was no response from outside as the guard bowed and retreated.
---
Outside the residence, while waiting to be received…
A handsome young man passed by Ning Tianchen and entered the Crown Prince's residence without obstruction.
Just as he stepped into the residence, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, turned around, and asked, "This young friend looks unfamiliar—are you here to see His Highness the Crown Prince?"
Since the young man hadn't been stopped by the guards upon entering, it was clear he was a frequent visitor of Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.
Ning Tianchen clasped his hands and replied, "Indeed. My name is Ning Tianchen. May I ask for your honorable surname?"
With a raised eyebrow, the young man looked slightly surprised. "So it's you. My surname is Qing, and as for my given name, you'll know it in due time."
Mysterious as ever.
Ning Tianchen muttered inwardly, then quickly clasped his hands again. "May I ask, Brother Qing, if you could inform His Highness of my arrival?"
The young man turned around, spotted the guards rushing over, and waved his hand. "No need—he can come in."
With that, he walked toward a pavilion within the Crown Prince's residence, not in a hurry to see Xue Qinghe.
Under the guidance of the guards, Ning Tianchen arrived at the entrance of the study.
Xue Qinghe, who had already been informed, was waiting at the door to welcome him.
"Brother Tianchen, it's been a while. To be honest, I was just about to finish up my affairs and visit you at Seven Treasures Academy."
After exchanging pleasantries, Xue Qinghe led Ning Tianchen into the study.
"Brother Tianchen, may I ask the purpose of your visit today? If there's anything I can assist with, I won't hesitate."
Ning Tianchen got straight to the point. "I've come to ask Brother Xue for help with an investigation."
"Do you know anything about the massacre committed by Zhang Erhe, the vice-general of Star Luo Empire, thirty years ago?"
"Thirty years ago?" Xue Qinghe was taken aback.
---
After a pause, he smiled bitterly. "Brother Tianchen, I wasn't even born thirty years ago, and it happened in the Star Luo Empire—I naturally have no knowledge of it."
"However, since you're asking, there must be more to it, right? A village massacre isn't a small matter. I'll order someone to search through the palace records later. Once I find the detailed information, I'll send it to you."
Ning Tianchen shook his head.
What he wanted wasn't historical records—if he wanted them, he could simply question Zhang Erhe directly. There was no need for such detours.
"Brother Xue, I'm merely helping someone investigate this case. Based on the current findings, it's highly likely that evil soul masters are involved. It's even possible that they set Zhang Erhe up, causing him to lose control and slaughter the entire village."
Upon hearing the term "evil soul masters," Xue Qinghe abruptly stood up.
As a descendant of the Angel God, eradicating evil soul masters was also his duty.
"Brother Tianchen, are you certain about this?"
Ning Tianchen didn't dare guarantee anything and simply said, "These findings are just speculations without solid evidence. However, evil soul flowers were planted near that village. These speculations might hold some truth."
When it came to evil soul masters, the Spirit Hall would undoubtedly crack down severely. Even after a hundred years, they would investigate the cause thoroughly.
Xue Qinghe immediately expressed his intention to investigate the matter as thoroughly as possible.
Later, Xue Qinghe appeared troubled and asked Ning Tianchen about a few issues that were bothering him.
Ning Tianchen chuckled bitterly. "Brother Xue, you're putting too much pressure on me. Such serious matters—you can simply write a letter and let Uncle Ning answer it."
Xue Qinghe waved his hand dismissively. "Consider it a casual conversation between brothers—don't be formal, speak freely."
---
About half an hour later, Ning Tianchen left the Crown Prince's residence.
Before leaving, Xue Qinghe handed him a token symbolizing his identity. The next time he visited the residence, he wouldn't have to wait at the gate.
Inside the study, Xue Qinghe's gaze unconsciously drifted toward the window as he repeatedly recalled Ning Tianchen's responses.
His expression alternated between enlightenment and deep contemplation.
"Young Master, perhaps the master you're searching for is far away in the distance, yet also right before your eyes," the young man surnamed Qing suddenly appeared beside Xue Qinghe.
Xue Qinghe gathered his thoughts and discerned the meaning behind the other's words. Turning around, he asked, "Third Grandfather, did you hear everything from our conversation earlier? Are you saying that master is him? How is that possible?"
The Third Elder, Qing Luan Douluo, always maintained the appearance of a young man. Unless he actively revealed his soul rings, no one would know that beneath this youthful exterior lay a man of advanced age.
------------------------------------------------------
Support my writing journey: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
40+ Chapters Ahead Guaranteed.