Chapter 75: The Heaven Dou Crown Prince

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Upon returning to the Dio Province, but before reaching the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Yu Tianheng suddenly approached Qin Ming. In a resolute tone, he said: 

"Teacher Qin, I would like to request some time off to return to the sect for intensive training. I wish to cultivate my spirit power, hone my spirit abilities, and strive to break through level forty as soon as possible. I want to obtain a spirit ring and become a Spirit Ancestor!" 

Qin Ming was quite surprised. However, as a seasoned teacher, he couldn't ignore the relationship dynamics between Wang Li, Dugu Yan, and Yu Tianheng. Matters of the heart were beyond his ability to intervene. 

Although he wanted to persuade Yu Tianheng to stay and continue training with the team, the determination on Yu Tianheng's face left him with no choice. After hesitating, Qin Ming finally said: 

"Alright, but don't put too much pressure on yourself. Wang Li has the full support of Bi Lin's mentorship, and he's relentless. Every time, he pushes past his limits to absorb spirit rings." 

"I admire his dedication, but his recklessness is not something I recommend for you. It's far too dangerous, often putting him on the brink of life and death." 

Yu Tianheng nodded, then bid farewell to Qin Ming and the other members of the Heaven Dou Imperial Battle Team. Alone, he embarked on his journey back to the sect. 

As for Wang Li and Dugu Yan, the two parties directly involved, they didn't feel much about the situation. Wang Li wouldn't simply hand Dugu Yan over, and since Dugu Yan had fallen for Wang Li, she wouldn't be interested in Yu Tianheng anymore. 

Even so, Wang Li and Dugu Yan wished Yu Tianheng success in breaking through to Spirit Ancestor level. After all, they were teammates. During the battle against the Gluttonous Root Demon, Yu Tianheng had contributed significantly. 

Meanwhile, the other team members—Shi Mo, Shi Mo's brother, Yu Feng, Oslo, and Ye Lingling—felt a mix of emotions and some apprehension. 

Wang Li had already become a Spirit Ancestor, and he was so young. Now, Yu Tianheng was planning to return to his sect for secluded cultivation, aiming to break through level forty, obtain a spirit ring, and also become a Spirit Ancestor. 

These individuals had been called geniuses since childhood. To not step up now would be disgraceful. Watching Wang Li absorb his fourth spirit ring left them envious, no matter how much they tried to deny it. 

Inspired by Wang Li and motivated by the recent experience of helping him hunt for the spirit beast needed for his fourth ring, all the members of the Heaven Dou Imperial Battle Team were determined to reach Spirit Ancestor level as soon as possible. 

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*The Next Day – Heaven Dou Imperial Academy Main Campus* 

News of Qin Ming's return with the team quickly spread to the three Education Committee members. Dream God Machine, Bai Baoshan, and Zhi Lin all valued the team highly and personally came out to greet them. 

Upon seeing the three Education Committee members, Qin Ming stepped forward and respectfully saluted them: 

"Honored Committee Members, I've returned. I am pleased to report that I successfully assisted Wang Li in hunting the spirit beast needed for his fourth spirit ring. Wang Li is now officially a Spirit Ancestor!" 

"Good, good, good..." 

The three Committee members beamed with joy. For someone of Wang Li's age to become a Spirit Ancestor was an unprecedented achievement, potentially setting a record for the fastest Spirit Ancestor breakthrough on the continent. More importantly, he was a student of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. 

Dream God Machine's gaze swept over the group, and after a brief pause, he asked, 

"Where is Tianheng?" 

Qin Ming sighed slightly and explained, 

"He requested leave to return to his sect for secluded cultivation. He wishes to break through level forty as soon as possible, obtain a spirit ring, and become a Spirit Ancestor." 

Dream God Machine, Bai Baoshan, and Zhi Lin exchanged glances. Having lived for decades, they found it unexpected but not entirely surprising. Dream God Machine spoke up: 

"That child is a proud and determined individual. I hope he can approach this matter with the right mindset. While pressure can drive motivation, cultivation should still follow a gradual and steady pace."

"By the way, Qin Ming, your trip to the Star Dou Forest to hunt spirit beasts must have been arduous. Allow the students to take a few days off to rest." 

"As for Wang Li, I've reported his achievement to the headmaster of our academy, who is also the current Emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire. His Majesty was extremely pleased. Our Heaven Dou Empire, and our Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, have produced such a remarkable young talent." 

"Unfortunately, due to his busy schedule, His Majesty cannot meet Wang Li personally. However, he has sent the Crown Prince in his stead. Since you returned today, the Crown Prince should be arriving tomorrow." 

"Wang Li, stay in the academy for now. Tomorrow, you will accompany the three of us to meet the Crown Prince." 

Upon hearing this, everyone's gaze turned toward Wang Li, filled with both admiration and amazement. 

On the surface, Wang Li appeared surprised, but inwardly, he fully understood the implications. As his strength grew, it was inevitable that he would attract the attention of the upper echelons and the leaders of various factions. 

However, he had no reason to fear. With his increasing power, his ability to protect himself had significantly improved. Moreover, he had the backing of Dugu Bo, a titled Douluo. 

As long as he didn't openly insult the Heaven Dou Crown Prince, there wouldn't be any major issues. The only tricky part was that this so-called Crown Prince was most likely not the real Xue Qinghe but rather a disguised Qian Renxue. 

The web of relationships was too convoluted: Qian Renxue, the offspring of Spirit Hall's current Pope, Bibi Dong, and the previous Pope, Qian Xunji. 

Wang Li found it troublesome but quickly adjusted his mindset. Since the Crown Prince was presenting themselves as Xue Qinghe, Wang Li would treat them as such. If goodwill was offered, he would accept it graciously. If attempts were made to recruit him, he would feign gratitude. 

Ultimately, he knew that once his strength reached a certain level, he wouldn't need to care about anyone's approval or follow anyone's orders. 

Outwardly, Wang Li furrowed his brows slightly, feigning nervousness, and said: 

"Honored Committee Members, I understand. However, when meeting the Crown Prince, are there any specific protocols or important details I should be aware of?" 

Dream God Machine smiled warmly, fully understanding Wang Li's concerns. After all, Wang Li came from an extremely humble background. With no family connections or powerful lineage, he hailed from a small village in a remote part of the Fansuo Province, at the westernmost edge of the Heaven Dou Empire. 

For someone of such origins to make it to the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was nothing short of miraculous. His unblemished background and clear record made him an ideal citizen of the Heaven Dou Empire. Without any interference from clans or sects, it was no wonder Emperor Xue Ye was delighted and sent his heir to meet Wang Li, extending goodwill and attempting to foster an alliance. 

Dream God Machine chuckled and reassured him: 

"Don't worry. The Crown Prince is refined and approachable, not one to dwell on formalities. Just maintain basic respect. Besides, the three of us will accompany you to meet the Crown Prince and will certainly put in a good word for you!" 

Wang Li appeared to let out a breath of relief, then smiled and said: 

"Thank you very much, Honored Committee Members!" 

With this, the hunt for spirit beasts was officially concluded, marking a significant milestone for Wang Li. His achievements had now caught the attention of both the Heaven Dou Emperor and Crown Prince. After all, a twelve-year-old Spirit Ancestor was an unprecedented rarity on the continent. 

(End of Chapter)