"My surname is Lu, and my given name is Jingming. As for elders, I'm quite confident in my own strength."
Lu Jingming replied with a smile, simultaneously making a "finger snap" gesture, looking perfectly at ease.
Xue Qinghe paused slightly, then couldn't help but chuckle. In his opinion, someone of Lu Jingming's age probably hadn't even reached adulthood yet. How powerful could he possibly be? However, Xue Qinghe didn't believe he had misjudged him. Lu Jingming's demeanor was undeniably genuine, and his attire was meticulously crafted. The material of his clothes was no less refined than the imperial-grade fabrics he wore. Furthermore, the storage soul tool on his hand all indicated Lu Jingming's extraordinary status.
Still, the surname Lu... Xue Qinghe searched carefully through his memories. The Star Luo Empire didn't seem to have any prominent families or sects named Lu. Therefore, he speculated that Lu Jingming must have come from some reclusive sect, as such hidden sects were not uncommon across the vast continent.
After a brief yet in-depth conversation, Xue Qinghe confirmed that Lu Jingming was indeed traveling alone, without any guards accompanying him. Moreover, from Lu Jingming's conversation and various subtle details, it wasn't hard to deduce that he came from a very distinguished background, backed by an undoubtedly extraordinary force. For example, during their conversation, Xue Qinghe inadvertently brought up a topic that only top-tier powers were privy to. Yet, Lu Jingming not only knew about it but could also discuss it fluently with him.
Based on this alone, Xue Qinghe was convinced that Lu Jingming had a noble lineage, and his backing force was powerful with a long-standing heritage. This further solidified his belief: Lu Jingming came from a reclusive sect within the Star Luo Empire.
Of course, Xue Qinghe, relying on the immense power of the Spirit Hall behind him, didn't believe that Lu Jingming's backing could surpass his own. However, this didn't prevent him from contemplating recruiting Lu Jingming. After all, gaining a potential ally was always a good thing. Especially since the Porcupine Douluo had secretly informed him that Lu Jingming had actually ignored the soul power suppression he released. Although the Porcupine Douluo hadn't used his full strength, as a Titled Douluo, even a hint of his oppressive aura was not something ordinary people could easily withstand. The fact that Lu Jingming, at such a young age, could do so indicated that his strength should not be underestimated, and his confidence was not unfounded.
As Xue Qinghe and Lu Jingming leisurely enjoyed their tea and conversation, a gentle knock came at the door.
"Come in!" Xue Qinghe's brow furrowed slightly but quickly relaxed, returning to his gentle expression.
The door slowly opened, and a young girl with short golden hair gracefully walked in. The girl's appearance was delicate and lovely, as charming as a flower blooming in spring. The moment she entered, she eagerly said, "Big Brother Crown Prince, I heard there's a filth point outside the city, and many people are rushing there. I want to go see it too."
However, when the girl's gaze fell upon Lu Jingming, who was seated opposite Xue Qinghe, she instantly froze, her steps halting. Nevertheless, she quickly recovered, a blush appearing on her face, and she hastily said, "I'm sorry, Big Brother Crown Prince, I didn't know you had a guest."
"It's nothing, little sister. This is Lu Jingming, Brother Lu, he is my friend, not an outsider."
Xue Qinghe introduced with a smile, skillfully drawing closer to Lu Jingming. Though they had only just met, his words made it sound as if they had been close friends for years.
"Young Master Lu, Xue Ke was rude just now!" Xue Ke recalled her impetuous manner earlier, and her pretty face flushed even deeper. She was a disciple of the Moon Pavilion Master Tang Yuehua, and her mastery of imperial etiquette was impeccable. At this moment, she gracefully curtsied to Lu Jingming.
"It's nothing, Your Royal Highness. Your straightforward nature is quite unique," Lu Jingming replied with a smile. He knew that this Princess Xue Ke was highly favored in the Heaven Dou Empire. Even Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe, genuinely adored Xue Ke as if she were her own younger sister. He was somewhat curious to see what expression Xue Ke would have once she learned Qian Renxue's true identity. After all, Qian Renxue had been disguised as Xue Qinghe since childhood and had spent many years with Xue Ke; this emotional bond was not false.
Of course, although Lu Jingming wanted to watch the show, he wouldn't cause trouble for no reason.
"Since Young Master Lu is Royal Brother's friend, there's no need to be so formal. Just call me Xue Ke," Xue Ke said with a sweet smile, her voice soft.
Xue Qinghe heard this and couldn't help but look at Xue Ke in surprise. His sister was spoiled by Emperor Xue Ye and could sometimes be quite willful, causing even him, the Crown Prince, occasional headaches. In the entire Heaven Dou Empire, there were truly few people whom Xue Ke would look at differently.
However, when he caught a glimpse of Lu Jingming's appearance, he immediately understood. Even with his self-control, he couldn't help but be momentarily distracted when he first saw Lu Jingming, let alone Xue Ke.
Although Xue Ke wasn't purely a face-value admirer, everyone appreciated beauty. Coupled with the fact that Lu Jingming was a friend recognized by Xue Qinghe, he must be exceptionally outstanding. With such looks, it was enough for Xue Ke to treat him specially.
"Little sister, what news have you heard?" Xue Qinghe didn't dwell on this and turned to ask.
"Mm, I heard that Heaven Dou Imperial Academy lost a Soul Saint at that filth point, and then they invited the three academy deans from Heaven Dou Royal Academy to take action. I also heard that Sect Master Ning is quite interested in this, so I thought of asking Big Brother Crown Prince to take me along to see it. I've never seen what a filth point looks like before," Xue Ke said affectionately, holding onto Xue Qinghe's arm, acting cute. Her adorable demeanor made Xue Qinghe look helpless.
"Since even the teacher has been alerted, then let's go take a look. Brother Lu, would you like to join the fun?"
Xue Qinghe had no way to deal with the pouting Xue Ke, and at the same time, he became a bit more interested in this incident. So he turned to Lu Jingming and asked.
"Such an exciting event, of course I can't miss it," Lu Jingming replied without hesitation. He knew very well that the filth point would undoubtedly be very lively and interesting next. How could he miss such a scene?
"Alright then, we'll go find the teacher now. A filth point, after all, has many dangers, so we must not be careless," Xue Qinghe said with a smile. He knew that the Porcupine Douluo and the Serpent Lance Douluo by his side couldn't easily make a move, as it would easily expose their identities. By staying with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan group, protected by the Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, he and Xue Ke could ensure their safety.
Not long after, Xue Qinghe brought Lu Jingming and Xue Ke to Ning Fengzhi, the Bone Douluo, and the Sword Douluo, who were just preparing to depart for the filth point. As for the Serpent Lance Douluo and Porcupine Douluo, they didn't follow along, as it would be difficult for them to conceal their presence in front of the Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo.
Xue Qinghe stated his intention to Ning Fengzhi about going together, and Ning Fengzhi immediately nodded and replied, "I see. Then let's go together."
Ning Fengzhi was quite satisfied with this disciple, Xue Qinghe. The reason he took Xue Qinghe as a disciple was precisely because he had high hopes for Xue Qinghe's future ascension to the throne. Xue Qinghe was like an important investment for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Once Xue Qinghe ascended the throne, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan could become the guardian sect of the Heaven Dou Empire, and the returns at that time would be immeasurable.
Originally, Ning Fengzhi didn't want to get too deeply involved with the Heaven Dou Empire, but the series of actions by the Clear Sky宗 caused the pressure on the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to increase daily, forcing him to bind himself closely with the Heaven Dou Empire.
Thinking back, when the former Pope of the Spirit Hall was severely wounded and killed by the Clear Sky Douluo, Spirit Hall immediately launched retaliatory actions against the Clear Sky Sect. As one of the Upper Three Sects, sharing a common destiny, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect immediately gathered their forces, preparing to face the pressure from Spirit Hall alongside the Clear Sky Sect.
However, just as they were ready, the Clear Sky Sect retreated at the last moment, withdrawing without a fight, sealing their mountain gate and hiding from the world. They not only abandoned the sect's external forces but also betrayed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect. This turn of events put the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect in an extremely awkward position, forcing them to face the immense pressure from Spirit Hall alone.
Therefore, Ning Fengzhi reluctantly took Xue Qinghe as a disciple to deepen his relationship with the Heaven Dou Empire and resist the threat from Spirit Hall.
Lu Jingming looked at the extraordinary middle-aged man in white, Ning Fengzhi, before him, with a strange look in his eyes. He had to admit that Ning Fengzhi's luck was truly bad. First, he encountered the Clear Sky Sect, a sect that harmed its allies, and then he took Xue Qinghe, a "special" disciple.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan placed all their hopes on Xue Qinghe, but who would have thought that Xue Qinghe was actually Qian Renxue in disguise? One couldn't help but sigh, Ning Fengzhi's judgment of people was indeed problematic. Whether it was trusting the Clear Sky Sect, taking Xue Qinghe as a disciple, or even later siding with Tang San, all these decisions seemed to have some issues.
Ultimately, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan paid a heavy price: the Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo died in battle, and the sect's power suffered severe damage. Even ten thousand years later, although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan still existed, it received little attention on the Douluo Continent, almost without any presence. The only gain might have been Ning Rongrong's successful ascension to godhood, but the Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda martial soul was not passed down. Moreover, gods cannot interfere with mortal affairs, so having one more god, Ning Rongrong, provided no practical benefit to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Coupled with the previous investment in Xue Qinghe, how could Xue Beng, who later ascended the throne, give the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan much preferential treatment? It could be said that every choice the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan made resulted in more losses than gains. Ning Fengzhi's judgment of people was truly hard to describe.
Although they had the merit of assisting the rising emperor, losing the Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo meant that in the Douluo Continent, where strength reigned supreme, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, later renamed the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, probably didn't fare too well. As for expecting the Sea God Tang San to repay his life-saving grace, he didn't even care about the Tang Sect he himself created, even holding back a hand, with the true inheritance in the immortal herbs of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. How could he care about the fate of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?
Of course, the book containing the immortal herb poisons and some hidden weapon inheritances is now in Lu Jingming's hands, but he isn't interested in them.