Tiandou Empire Palace!
An armored soldier bent down and reported, "Your Majesty the Emperor, I have accurately conveyed the venue of the friendship tournament to the deans of each academy!"
Emperor Xue Ye, seated on the throne, nodded slightly and said, "Good!"
The former hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "Your Majesty the Emperor, that..."
Xue Ye saw through the soldier at a glance and said again, "If there is anything else, just speak plainly!"
With affirmation, the soldier then reported, "That's how it is, Your Majesty the Emperor. According to our investigation, during this period, the princes at Heaven Dou Royal Academy have not been attacked!"
"We preliminarily judge that the assailant has likely called off the assassination action!"
Xue Ye narrowed his eyes and asked, "Are you suggesting that the imperial palace is now secure enough that the princes can return?"
The former nodded and agreed, "Yes, Your Majesty the Emperor!"
Upon hearing this, Xue Ye immediately spat out two words, "Foolish!"
"If this is a façade deliberately created by the attackers, wouldn't all the princes be in danger?"
"Moreover, on what basis do you believe that the imperial palace is sufficiently safe??"
If the opponent was a Title Douluo level powerhouse, killing these princes without attracting attention would be all too easy!!
After all, aside from Qing He, none of the princes had a Title Douluo personally protecting them!
The soldier turned pale with fright, immediately knelt down, and said with his head buried, "It is... it is due to my lack of consideration. Please forgive me, Your Majesty the Emperor!!"
To this, Xue Ye merely let out a cold "Hmph!"...
"Until it is certain that the imperial palace is secure, let the princes stay at Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Do you understand?"
The former naturally did not dare to show the slightest disobedience and immediately nodded, "Yes, as Your Majesty the Emperor commands!!"
Only then did Xue Ye wave his hand, "You may leave!!"
Signaling to the soldier, he carefully exited the grand hall...
It was only when the hall was completely empty that Xue Ye uttered in a cold voice, "Truly a bunch of incompetence!!"
He understood profoundly that no matter how powerful the army, it was insignificant before a Soul Master!
Therefore, the royal household must prioritize the cultivation of outstanding Soul Masters!
Otherwise, it would only be a matter of time before Spirit Hall overthrew them!
Just then, Xue Qinghe approached...
He addressed in a respectful tone, "Father Emperor!"
The Title Douluo behind him paid his respects, "Emperor Xue Ye!"
Xue Ye looked at the latter and signaled, "I have some matters to discuss with Qing He alone, you may leave!"
"As you wish, Your Majesty the Emperor!"
Without any hesitation, the Title Douluo vanished into thin air...
Then, Xue Ye turned his attention back to Xue Qinghe and asked, "Qing He, I have heard that you went to Heaven Dou Royal Academy a few days ago and spoke with Prince Xue Xing. Is that true?"
Xue Qinghe did not hide anything and confirmed, "Yes, Father Emperor, it is true!"
Xue Ye's gaze became much sharper as he asked again, "Qing He, you should be well aware that Xue Xing has always had reservations about you. What exactly made you take the initiative to approach him?"
If Qing He lied, he would be detected immediately!!
Upon hearing this, Xue Qinghe replied without changing his demeanor, "Father Emperor, Uncle indeed has his suspicions about my identity, but this is also for the consideration of the royal household!"
"Since I have inherited the position of Crown Prince, I will need Uncle's support to take complete control of the Tian Dou Imperial Family in the future!"
"For this reason, it's necessary to make things clear!"
Xue Ye just stared at him and continued to ask, "What was the outcome?"
Xue Qinghe shook his head somewhat disappointedly, "Uncle has quite an objection to my opinions, and no matter what, the rift can't be bridged!"
After a pause, he added guiltily, "Of course, it could also be because I'm not yet excellent enough to earn Uncle's recognition!"
Ensuring there was no abnormal reaction from the former, Xue Ye then explained, "Qinghe, you're mistaken. It's precisely because of your exceptional talent, far surpassing your peers, that Xue Xing suspects you!"
"However, I believe this misunderstanding will be cleared up before long!"
Xue Qinghe nodded slightly, "Yes, Father Emperor, I have always thought the same!"
He had only just interacted with Prince Xue Xing, and Xue Ye, far away in the imperial palace, immediately became aware of it...
It seemed that the Title Douluo responsible for protecting him did indeed also have the intent to surveil!
Xue Ye did not seem to want to continue on the topic and shifted the conversation, "Alright, let's not talk about this. Tomorrow is the friendly competition, what are your thoughts?"
Xue Qinghe showed confusion, "Father Emperor, what do you mean by 'thoughts'?"
Xue Ye didn't answer the question and instead clarified, "This friendly competition will be held in Martial Soul City!"
"And apart from the members of the Spirit Hall Golden Generation, there will also be outstanding students from Heaven Dou Royal Academy and the Five Great Elemental Academies participating!"
"Who do you think will win the final victory among these academies?"
Hearing this, Xue Qinghe pondered thoughtfully...
Then he answered, "Although the Spirit Hall Golden Generation has a great reputation, Qinghe believes that it's just for show!"
"The students of the first team of Heaven Dou Royal Academy are no weaker than the members of the Spirit Hall Golden Generation!"
Who knew that Xue Ye would sigh...
"Once, I thought the same, until the Spirit Hall teams repeatedly defeated the Heaven Dou Royal Academy teams, claiming victory in multiple competitions!"
"Only then did I realize something!"
"That is the gap in Soul Master cultivation between Spirit Hall and Heaven Dou Royal Academy isn't small at all!"
Xue Qinghe furrowed his brows, "Why do you say that, Father Emperor? Do you also think that Spirit Hall is going to win this time?"
Xue Ye gave a noncommittal response, "Although Heaven Dou Royal Academy has abundant resources and numerous senior teachers, top experts like Title Douluos are extremely rare!"
"In contrast, Spirit Hall has many Title Douluos who understand better how to cultivate powerful Soul Masters!"
"Without any exaggeration, I don't think Heaven Dou Royal Academy will come out victorious in this friendly competition!"
Of course, he still held a sliver of hope...
Xue Qinghe didn't expect the former, as the emperor, to say such things...
He couldn't help but speak reassuringly, "Father Emperor, Qinghe believes you should have faith in the students of the first team of Heaven Dou Royal Academy!"
"Not to mention their excellent talents, there are even disciples from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect among them!"
"This might give them an edge in the friendly competition!"
Xue Ye's attitude showed no change, remarking offhandedly, "Perhaps. If they do win, I will naturally reward them handsomely!"
If they truly could defeat Spirit Hall, both Heaven Dou Royal Academy and the Five Great Elemental Academies would receive his full support!
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