Chapter 2731: Once Again Declining - 1

Emperor Xue Ye felt something was off, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it…

"Perhaps I'm indeed overthinking," he mused, "but we must restrict the number of Soul Masters joining the Martial Soul Hall. Qing He, what do you think we should do?"

Crown Prince Xue Qinghe was startled, then responded with a clasped fist, "Father Emperor, I am of limited learning and seek your guidance!"

It was best to refrain from speaking out of turn at times like these…

Emperor Xue Ye decisively said, "It's simple, we should increase the stipends of the Soul Masters who join the Tiandou Empire Army. If necessary, we can lower the requirements for soul power rank!"

"At the very least, we cannot allow the Martial Soul Hall to hold a monopoly on talents!"

The majority of the Tiandou Empire's army consisted of common soldiers; recognizing the importance of Soul Masters, it was imperative to recruit some as well!!

Crown Prince Xue Qinghe feigned confusion, "But… since the Martial Soul Hall specializes in recruiting Soul Masters, even if we increase the stipend and lower the qualifications, I'm not sure we can match their attractiveness!"

Emperor Xue Ye did not rebut, but instead nodded, "Indeed, but this is also to avoid detection by the Martial Soul Hall!"

If we compete with the Martial Soul Hall for Soul Masters, our purpose would be too obvious!

Crown Prince Xue Qinghe nodded thoughtfully, "I see, I was ignorant!"

Emperor Xue Ye couldn't help but sigh, "Qing He, in this regard, you still need to work harder!!"

Truth be told, he was somewhat dissatisfied with his performance today!

The Crown Prince bowed his head, "I will heed Father Emperor's teachings and strive to do better in the future!"

It looked like Emperor Xue Ye was preparing to restrict the Martial Soul Hall in some way. This matter, he had to report to Grandfather…

…

Seven Treasures Glaze Sect!!

One of the disciples reported with a grave expression, "Report to Sect Master, Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, the Emperor of the Sky Dou Empire, Xue Ye, has sent someone to us again!"

Sitting at the head of the table, Ning Fengzhi sighed in resignation, "Is it about that matter again?"

The disciple confirmed, "Yes, Sect Master!"

Ning Fengzhi waved his hand, "Then go and tactfully decline on my behalf!"

Upon hearing this, the disciple nodded and quickly left…

It was then that Chen Xin teased, "Feng Zhi, Emperor Xue Ye is truly determined to have you be the teacher for Crown Prince Xue Qinghe!"

Gu Rong nodded alongside, lamenting, "Indeed, this must be who knows how many times they've come now!"

"I think, Feng Zhi, it might be better for you to just agree and have some peace!"

Chen Xin expressed disagreement, "Peace? That's not necessarily the case. Do you think Xue Ye would let Xue Qinghe come to the Seven Treasures Glaze Sect for training?"

Gu Rong instinctively said, "No!"

The Crown Prince was after all a Crown Prince; it was unlikely he would stoop to come here!

Chen Xin shrugged his shoulders, "Exactly, so in the end, it would have to be Feng Zhi going to the Tiandou Empire Palace to teach!"

Gu Rong pursed his lips, "True, but what about you, Feng Zhi? Are you not planning to agree?"

Ning Fengzhi shook his head, indicating he was still undecided, "Let's wait and see. If after this time, Xue Ye still has this idea, then I will personally visit the Tiandou Empire Palace and meet with Xue Qinghe!"

"Of course, if he turns out to be a dullard with no talent, then it would be pointless!"

As a Sect Master, he had no interest in wasting time on the inept!

At this, Chen Xin revealed a peculiar expression, "You can rest assured on that point, Feng Zhi. According to the information our disciples have gathered, this Xue Qinghe is exceptionally talented, far surpassing the other princes!"

"This includes his cultivation in Martial Soul as well!"

Nevertheless, Ning Fengzhi's opinion was not swayed, "Whether he's talented or mediocre, only a personal meeting will tell!"

After a pause, he looked puzzled, "By the way, Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, if you are here, where is Rongrong?"

Chen Xin and Gu Rong showed embarrassed expressions…

"Of course... I was practicing... I suppose,"

Seeing their expressions, Ning Fengzhi immediately understood everything...

"Practicing? It's more likely you were bullying other sect disciples again, right?"

Chen Xin coughed and explained, "Well... Rongrong is still young. She'll get better as she grows up!"

Gu Rong agreed, "That's right, that's right. Who knows, in the future she might not even be willing to stay in the sect!"

Ning Fengzhi picked up his teacup and took a sip, "I hope so. Rongrong can't remain stagnant like this forever. After all, she is destined to be the Sect Master of the Seven Treasures Glaze Sect!"

Despite her exceptional talent, she is unwilling to practice!

As a father, he truly felt helpless.

...

Princess Xue Ke exclaimed in surprise, "I never thought Xu Sheng was so vain, but with such looks, it's inevitable!"

Upon hearing this, Tang San couldn't help but widen his eyes...

He realized he had underestimated the extent of her fascination with Xu Sheng. Even his shortcomings would be explained away with all sorts of reasons!

Just then, Tang Yuehua appeared next to them and smiled, "Princess Xue Ke, Tang San, what are you discussing?"

Just a few days ago, Princess Xue Ke wouldn't even spare Tang San a proper glance, but now, they were chatting and laughing together!

This child's social skills were beyond her expectations!

Hearing her voice, both of them turned their gaze and respectfully said, "Tang Chief!"

Then, Princess Xue Ke gave Tang San a meaningful look, "I... I was just discussing some matters of etiquette with Tang San, right?"

Tang San answered in an unclear tone, "Hmm... yes."

He knew very well that lying in front of Tang Yuehua would surely be seen through at a glance!

Tang Yuehua nodded as if understanding, then pressed for details, "I see, then I am curious to hear what aspects of etiquette you were discussing..."

Tang San was suddenly at a loss. He had only entered the Court Etiquette Academy a few days ago and hadn't even learned the basics!

To ask him to respond was somewhat too much to ask...

But it was different for Princess Xue Ke. She answered the question with ease...

Tang Yuehua showed a pleased expression, "Hmm, not bad. It seems Princess Xue Ke has a thorough grasp of this knowledge. Tang San, you should learn more from her!"

Princess Xue Ke's cheeks flushed a few shades redder, "Chief Tang, you flatter me!"

Tang San was earnest, "Yes, Chief Tang!"

Tang Yuehua did not linger on the topic, "Then, continue your conversation. I'll leave you to it!"

Shortly after, Princess Xue Ke curiously said, "Tang San, I feel like Chief Tang treats you quite differently. Could it be that there's some relationship between you two?"

He wasn't from a noble family, yet he was able to enter the Court Etiquette Academy. Nobody would believe there was no connection!

Tang San knew he couldn't keep it a secret, "Yes, as you said, Princess Xue Ke. Chief Tang is my aunt, but please keep this between us!"

Princess Xue Ke said incredulously, "Aunt... aunt?"

Being relatives, there was, of course, a blood relationship, but their appearances were so different!

Tang San looked at her skeptically, "Princess Xue Ke, why do I feel that the way you're looking at me is filled with disdain?"

The exposed Princess Xue Ke quickly shook her head, "No... no, you're overthinking it!"

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