"Long time no see, Your Highness." Tianlin had no ill feelings toward Xue Ke—perhaps because she'd studied etiquette under Tang Yuehua, she was always courteous and not arrogant.
She had a saying: Nobility is not etched in one's skin or blood but is the medal one earns through character.
Before entering Moon Pavilion, Xue Ke was raised almost entirely by Qian Renxue. Tianlin didn't know why Qian Renxue taught her so well—could it be that after being siblings for so many years, real feelings developed?
Xue Ke turned to her classmates. "Let me introduce him—Oslo was just kidding. This is our empire's pride, the soul of the Royal Battle Team, the youngest viscount, a disciple of Sword Douluo, and my brother's best friend—Jun Tianlin."
On hearing this, the others looked at Tianlin in surprise and gave noble salutes.
Since the Royal Battle Team's championship, all its members have been in the spotlight. Even Oslo, a minor noble, could make friends among them. Everyone could see the potential of every member—especially Tianlin, always the strongest.
"So, you're Sword Prince—I've heard so much about you!" At that moment, a gentle, beautiful voice came.
A graceful, noble woman descended the stairs, followed by two beautiful girls.
She looked about twenty-seven or twenty-eight, but her eyes were deep and wise—Tianlin had only seen that look in Ning Fengzhi before.
She wore a silver palace dress, perfectly tailored. In the original story, Tang San wasn't wrong—among all the women Tianlin had seen, only Bibi Dong's temperament could match hers.
"You must be Lady Yue, owner of Moon Pavilion. I am Jun Tianlin—Uncle Ning asked me to come," Tianlin said.
Tang Yuehua was a bit surprised. Ning Fengzhi had registered Tianlin here, saying he'd be hard to handle after leaving Slaughter City.
Yet now, she sensed no violent aura from him. She'd prepared all kinds of lessons for nothing.
"Lady Yue, I'm here to apologize and withdraw from your class," Tianlin said apologetically. "During my two years of training, I've learned to control my aura and no longer need further lessons here."
"I can see that." Tang Yuehua smiled serenely. Her composure was unmatched on the whole continent.
"This is a letter from Uncle Ning for you—it also contains some important matters." Tianlin's real purpose was to deliver the letter under the pretense of apologizing.
The letter was handwritten by Ning Fengzhi, containing important information—some even related to the Soul Hunt. The Spirit Hall would never let the once-great Clear Sky Sect live in seclusion.
Tang Yuehua read the letter. The intel was indeed critical—not for her to decide alone. But she remained calm. "I've received the letter. Please thank Sect Master Ning for me later."
"Today is Moon Pavilion's performance day. Even if you're not taking classes, you can still listen. It's good for your heart. I'll be performing myself today."
"Then it would be rude to refuse," Tianlin replied. He wanted to see how Tang Yuehua would relay the message to Tang Xiao. She couldn't possibly not inform her brother. Yet, after all these years, neither the imperial family nor the Seven Treasure Sect had managed to find the Clear Sky Sect through her. She must have some secret method.
As showtime approached, the hall filled with nobles. Tianlin even spotted Prince Xue Xing, whose eyes never left Tang Yuehua—he coveted her.
"Prince Xue Xing still hasn't given up. I heard he once proposed but was rejected. If not for her mysterious background, with his character, he'd have tried to force her," Oslo whispered.
"That's because Lady Yue is my father's old friend. Even my royal uncle wouldn't dare force her," a familiar voice said behind them.
Tianlin stood up. "Brother Xue, you're here?"
It was Xue Qinghe, gazing at Tianlin with both affection and anger.
"Why am I here? To see you, of course. Two years ago you vanished without a word. I even asked your Master, but he only said you went training, never where!"
She'd come specifically for Tianlin. Tianlin was amazed at how well Xue Qinghe controlled the city—he'd only just arrived, and Xue Qinghe already knew.
In just two years, her power had grown greatly.
"Brother Xue, don't be mad. I'll explain everything later—the show's about to start," Tianlin said awkwardly.
He could imagine how long Qian Renxue had looked for him, and how worried she'd been.
"Fine, but afterward, come back to the Eastern Palace and explain everything!" Xue Qinghe said, sitting beside Tianlin.
"Uh, Your Highness, I didn't mean anything just now—Prince Xue Xing is just a bit flirtatious," Oslo said nervously.
"Don't worry, Oslo. I know my uncle's character. For Tianlin's sake, I won't hold it against you. But remember—words bring trouble. If someone else hears, I can't protect you," Xue Qinghe warned.
Oslo breathed a sigh of relief. "Yes, thank you, Your Highness!"