Think Deeply

Under the curious gazes of the crowd, Mo Qingkuang sat down in the position of the eighth seat and, to everyone's surprise, began meditating right there.

He wasn't worried about anyone disturbing him during his cultivation. If someone did, it would only reflect poorly on the Blue Flame Royal Academy's magnanimity and tarnish their reputation.

As Mo Qingkuang entered his cultivation state, the commotion gradually subsided. Everyone else also returned to their respective seats to continue their own cultivation.

Ning Xian, having recovered some of her true qi, looked at Mo Qingkuang, who had single-handedly and with clever words put the entire Blue Flame Royal Academy in a dilemma. She bit her lip in frustration and took the ninth seat.

Meanwhile, Xu Kong, who had been watching all along, regained his usual calm demeanor, looking as composed as ever like a gentleman. However, instead of returning to his position at the top of the mountain to cultivate, his figure flickered and disappeared from the Spirit Ascension Array, heading somewhere unknown.

Although Mo Qingkuang appeared to be meditating, his mind was clear. As soon as he sat down, he mentally called out to Mo Fan, eager to show off, "Ancestor, how did I do just now?"

Cultivating a divine-grade technique allowed him to continue his cultivation without actively controlling his true qi.

Mo Qingkuang wasn't worried about going into qi deviation due to an unsettled mind, as he still had the thousand-year cold jade, the imperial heirloom of the Tianxuan Empire, which he had temporarily borrowed for a year.

When he initially borrowed it, the empress had only agreed to lend it for a year. After he emerged from seclusion a year later, no one from the palace came to reclaim it.

He had even asked his ancestor, Mo Fan, whether he should return it, but Mo Fan had casually dismissed the idea, saying, "What's the rush? The creditor hasn't even reminded us yet. Just pretend we forgot."

Following Mo Fan's suggestion, Mo Qingkuang had no objections. Who would willingly give up such a treasure?

Thus, the thousand-year cold jade remained with Mo Qingkuang, making the chances of him going into qi deviation nearly zero, no matter how recklessly he behaved.

Upon hearing Mo Qingkuang's eager report, the soul within the ring, Mo Fan, stirred. Mo Qingkuang's actions today had indeed impressed him.

Whether it was choosing Ning Xian as his target or using his sharp tongue to deter the Blue Flame Royal Academy from challenging him in a wheel battle, it had all made Mo Fan feel gratified. Mo Qingkuang had finally matured. Initially, Mo Fan had thought Mo Qingkuang was up to his old tricks, coveting the beauty of the academy's top beauty, Ning Xian.

But now, it seemed that Mo Qingkuang had learned to think things through, which would save Mo Fan a lot of trouble in the future.

"Very good, you've grown up," Mo Fan said with satisfaction.

Hearing his ancestor's praise, Mo Qingkuang was overjoyed. Ever since his ancestor had appeared, he had never praised him before. It was always scolding him for being stupid or preparing to scold him.

But Mo Qingkuang had accepted all of it, secretly noting down these stupid actions and carefully pondering over why they were considered stupid.

Luckily, after scolding him, his ancestor would still explain things to him, which had allowed Mo Qingkuang to make rapid progress in a short time.

Now, Mo Qingkuang was a thoughtful, emotional repetition machine. As Mo Fan would put it, the puppet system had been upgraded, forming the first generation of artificial intelligence.

Though still somewhat immature, it had developed its own way of thinking.

"It's all thanks to your excellent guidance, ancestor," Mo Qingkuang said with a flattering smile.

Mo Fan laughed and scolded, "If you know how to speak, then speak more often!"

Both of them laughed heartily, feeling much better.

Mo Qingkuang pondered for a moment before voicing his biggest doubt, "Ancestor, did you notice anything strange about Xu Kong's demeanor earlier?"

Mo Fan understood what Mo Qingkuang was getting at. Strange demeanor? Of course, Xu Kong's demeanor was strange.

Even without looking, Mo Fan knew what Xu Kong's thoughts would be.

Although Mo Qingkuang's talent wasn't as high as his, it was almost unmatched among the younger generation of Blue Flame. If he were to grow stronger, he would inevitably become a significant threat to the Blue Flame Empire.

After Mo Qingkuang defeated Ning Xian, Xu Kong had already harbored murderous intent. Not saving Ning Xian was a true reflection of his thoughts.

Mo Fan didn't reveal the answer, since Mo Qingkuang had already learned to think for himself. It was best not to spoon-feed him everything. "Hmm, what do you think?"

"Ancestor, Xu Kong has always given me the impression of being gentle and approachable, beloved and respected by all students of Blue Flame Royal Academy. Given his sense of responsibility, it's impossible for him to stand by and do nothing," Mo Qingkuang said.

"With his strength, it would have been easiest for him to save Ning Xian, not me. But he didn't come to her rescue. At the same time, I faintly felt that when I saved Ning Xian, he seemed somewhat disappointed."

At that moment, Xu Kong, who had just fended off Ji Han, was closest to Ning Xian and Mo Qingkuang. Moreover, being the fastest with his void spirit body, he could have easily saved Ning Xian with just a spatial movement. But he didn't.

This confused Mo Qingkuang greatly. How could Xu Kong not save a fellow student? Even Mo Qingkuang himself would help a fellow student from the Imperial Academy in distress, if conditions allowed.

Mo Fan laughed, "You observed well. Given that, think about what would have happened if you hadn't managed to save Ning Xian."

"The result would be..." Mo Qingkuang started, then suddenly froze. He was shocked, "Ancestor, you mean, he would have watched Ning Xian die or get severely injured?"

"Exactly, Qingkuang. First and foremost, Xu Kong is the most loyal subject of the Blue Flame Empire. Secondly, he's the adopted son of the Blue Flame Emperor. Only then is he the senior brother of Blue Flame Royal Academy," Mo Fan explained. "Do you understand now?"

Mo Qingkuang was greatly shaken. He finally understood what Mo Fan was implying.

Xu Kong's loyalty lay with the Blue Flame Empire. He cherished the students and protected the academy's reputation because they were valuable to the empire.

But what if their absence held more value to the empire? Mo Qingkuang believed that Xu Kong would definitely act accordingly.

Ning Xian, who had almost as much influence in the academy as Xu Kong, was the goddess of countless students. If Xu Kong didn't save her and Mo Qingkuang couldn't save her in time, Ning Xian would be in grave danger. Falling from seven or eight feet without true qi protection would result in severe injury or even death.

In that scenario, the blame would fall on Mo Qingkuang, and Ning Xian's countless admirers would overwhelm him.

This would also give the top-ranking experts an excuse to act against him.

No matter how fast Mo Qingkuang was, he couldn't escape being besieged.

If Mo Qingkuang was killed, it would be the best outcome. If not, Xu Kong could destroy his cultivation talent amidst the chaos.

Even if news reached Tianxuan, there would be no clear evidence to blame. After all, it was Mo Qingkuang who made the first move, causing the injury or death of Ning Xian after the match had been decided, which would inevitably incite public outrage.

***

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