Qian Renxue hesitated for a moment—
Meanwhile, Tang Lan wrapped an arm around her shoulder and led her to the banquet table.
The intimate gesture made Qian Renxue's entire body stiffen.
——No one had ever been this close to her before.
Casual Banter
"Oh? Millennial Duckbill Eight-Treasure Porridge?"
"Just in time, I'm starving. Let me have some first."
With some casual banter and jokes, Tang Lan made it clear—
He didn't see Qian Renxue as a superior, but rather as a friend.
Qian Renxue gradually relaxed.
Given Tang Lan's monstrous talent, how could he possibly be content under someone else's rule?
Geniuses always had their own personalities.
This was fine.
With Tang Lan's potential, he was worthy of being her friend.
So, they sat down together to eat, discussing cultivation challenges like mentors and comrades.
A Deliberate Question
After a few rounds of drinks, Qian Renxue casually asked—
"Xiao Lan, what do you think of the Spirit Hall?"
Tang Lan's mind sharpened instantly.
Here it was.
The real question.
After a brief pause, he answered, his voice sincere and heartfelt—
"A sanctuary for commoners, a stage for nobility, and a thorn in the eyes of the two great empires."
Qian Renxue's eyes snapped up, staring at him in surprise.
That's…
…a bold assessment.
"Oh? Elaborate."
Tang Lan knew that the Qian Renxue before him was the future leader of the Spirit Hall.
So, he spoke freely—
"The Spirit Hall follows the Angel God, uses commoner spirit masters as its foundation, and protects against spirit beasts and rogue spirit masters."
"It mediates conflicts between the two great empires, funds spirit awakenings for commoners, and provides cultivation stipends for low-level spirit masters."
"Both Tang San and I had our spirits awakened for free thanks to the Spirit Hall."
"So, in my heart, compared to the indulgent hereditary nobles and the arrogant aristocratic disciples—"
"I have a much better impression of the Spirit Hall."
Hitting the Right Spot
Every word hit home.
Qian Renxue's heart resonated deeply.
Yes!
That's exactly it!
This was the truest evaluation of the Spirit Hall!
But—
As the Crown Prince of Heaven Dou Empire, she had to suppress her emotions.
Feigning displeasure, she asked—
"Then, between the Spirit Hall and the empire, which would you choose?"
At this moment, hearing this particular question from this particular person—
It was no different from the classic "Your girlfriend and your mother both fall into the water—who do you save first?"
No matter which side he picked, he'd be wrong.
But—
As a master manipulator, Tang Lan had the perfect answer—
"Of course, I stand on your side, Qinghe!"
His firm stance, paired with his handsome face and genius-level talent,
Actually made Qian Renxue dazed for a moment.
If she weren't wearing this disguise…
But—ten years of deep-cover infiltration quickly brought her back to her senses.
She lifted her wine cup—
"To our friendship, cheers!"
"Cheers!"
With a gulp of strong liquor, Qian Renxue let her guard down even more.
A Discussion of the Continent's Fate
"Xiao Lan, what's your take on the current state of the continent?"
At this, how could Tang Lan resist flexing his knowledge?
He immediately responded—
"The tides of history follow one principle—
Long periods of division lead to unification, long periods of unification lead to division."
"When an empire becomes strong enough that its rulers feel their power does not match their status—war breaks out."
"Right now, the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire each control half of the continent."
"Even with the Spirit Hall acting as a mediator, this balance won't last much longer."
"Chaos is coming."
Qian Renxue examined Tang Lan carefully.
She hadn't expected this 13-year-old to have such a keen understanding of the continent's geopolitical situation.
As expected of the mastermind behind the Tang Sect Encyclopedia…
She couldn't resist asking—
"In your opinion, which side will the Spirit Hall support?"
Tang Lan spread his hands.
"If the Spirit Hall truly backed one side, the continent would already be unified."
"The only reason things remain as they are is either—
One, they don't want mass casualties.
Or…
Two—they have a much bigger goal."
Qian Renxue's Heart Skips a Beat
Qian Renxue's gaze sharpened instantly.
He guessed it?
She tested him—
"And what do you think that bigger goal is?"
But Tang Lan didn't answer.
If he said too much…
He was afraid that Qian Renxue might get too excited and reveal her true identity on the spot.
How could he keep playing dumb if she spilled everything now?
Tang Lan changed the topic smoothly—
"Qinghe, you must have had a reason for calling me here today, right?"
Qian Renxue gazed at him deeply, then chose not to press further.
She stood up, poured him a full glass of wine, and handed it over.
Both of them were intelligent people.
There was no need for flowery words—
She got straight to the point—
"The only remaining obstacle to my ascension is Xue Beng."
"Although he appears to be an arrogant wastrel, he has Prince Xue Xing backing him. He cannot be ignored."
"That's why I want you, Xiao Lan, to infiltrate Xue Beng's faction and gather intelligence for me."
Tang Lan: Double Dipping?!
Tang Lan blinked.
Huh?
She wanted him to become a spy for Xue Beng?
Wasn't that basically eating from both bowls?!
And that needs hesitation?
"I have no objections, of course." Tang Lan then asked, "But… how many people know about the hundred-thousand-year soul bone?"
"Rest assured," Qian Renxue said confidently. "I acquired it under a different identity, at great cost. Even my father doesn't know."
Time for the Performance
Perfect.
Tang Lan downed his wine in one gulp and then—
Slammed the cup onto the floor!
"Crack—!"
The sudden outburst startled Qian Renxue and alerted the palace guards.
From all directions, a large group of guards rushed in—
Leading them were the two elderly Soul Douluos.
Seeing that the audience was in place—
Tang Lan shoved Qian Renxue in the chest and stormed off furiously.
Cursing as he went—
"A mere 60,000-year soul bone, and you want me to be your lackey?!"
"You think my Tang Sect is that poor?!"
"I refuse to believe that without Heaven Dou Empire's support, Tang Sect will collapse!"
"At worst, I'll take my whole sect and move to Star Luo Empire!"
After shouting, he activated his soul bone ability, soared into the sky, and flew out of the palace.
The Guards Are Stunned
The entire palace was in shock.
Ordinarily, flying within the palace without permission was punishable by immediate takedown.
But Tang Lan was a special case—
As the author of the Tang Sect Encyclopedia, no one dared to act rashly.
One of the imperial guards hesitated and asked—
"Your Highness, what are your orders?"
Qian Renxue reacted instantly, maintaining her cold demeanor—
"Let him go!"
"I'd like to see whether the Heaven Dou Empire belongs to House Xue—or the Tang Sect!"
"Come, we're going to see Father!"
With that, she strode away.
The remaining palace officials exchanged confused glances.
What just happened?!
Just a moment ago, he was a distinguished guest.
Why had they suddenly fallen out?!
Back at Tang Sect
Meanwhile, in the chaos of the palace, a palace maid quietly slipped away—
Unnoticed by anyone.
Since they were putting on a show, Tang Lan had to commit fully.
He stormed into the Tang Sect Academy, looking every bit the furious sect master, and declared—
"Effective immediately, Tang Sect will stop accepting new disciples—except those with spiritual-type martial souls!"
The crowd erupted!
"Sect Master Tang! Didn't the Tang Sect Encyclopedia say you'd treat everyone equally?!"
"Yeah! I traveled all the way from Star Luo Empire!"
"At least let us finish today's recruitment!"
"Sect Master Tang, you can't do this!"
Yu Xiaogang Senses an Opportunity
Yu Xiaogang's eyes flashed with insight.
Was this… the chance he had been waiting for?
As soon as Tang Lan landed, Yu Xiaogang hurried over with a concerned expression—
"Sect Master, a sudden reversal like this could damage your credibility—"
"Enough talking!" Tang Lan cut him off with a wave of his hand.
"I'm leaving for a trip. Tell Old Zhao and the others to halt all external business until I return!"
Summoning Jing Ling, he handed him a Sealed Haotian Token, then took off without another word, flying straight toward Heaven Dou City.
Yu Xiaogang rushed back into the Tang Sect, looking anxious—
As if he were delivering an urgent message.
But in reality—
He allowed public opinion to fester and spread.
Rumors Spread Like Wildfire
The disappointed hopeful recruits grumbled and spread rumors everywhere.
Meanwhile, whispers of Tang Sect falling out with the Heaven Dou Imperial Family also began to spread.
Soon, the entire city was buzzing with speculation—
The Most Confused Person: Emperor Xue Ye
Among all the affected parties, Emperor Xue Ye was the most baffled.
"How did my best weapons supplier suddenly go on strike?!"
With a furious Qian Renxue and a summoned Prince Xue Xing standing before him—
The emperor was truly livid.
"No matter what, Tang Sect must not leave Heaven Dou City!"
"Qinghe, you were too hasty this time!"
"From now on, you will stay out of this."
"Prince Xue Xing will handle Tang Lan."
Prince Xue Xing was ecstatic.
And when he saw Qian Renxue's rare look of frustration, he knew—
His opportunity had finally arrived!
Qian Renxue's Secret Thoughts
But in reality—
Qian Renxue was highly impressed.
Tang Lan had flawlessly executed their plan.
With just a few words, he had lured Prince Xue Xing into action.
He really was…
'Perhaps… only a man this brilliant…'
'The nine-year age gap… isn't really an issue, is it?'
'Maybe it's time to tell him the truth?'
(Chapter End)