Heaven Dou Palace.
"What?! All the men we sent out… dead?"
Xue Qinghe's expression stiffened.
"How many were there on the other side?"
The messenger swallowed nervously. "O–only… one."
"One?"
"It was a boy. Lucien, a student of Tiandou Royal Academy. Only twelve years old… but already a Soul Sect."
The name echoed in Xue Qinghe's head. Twelve. A Soul Sect. That drunkard from the Royal Academy was such a monster? He had originally just wanted to test whether Xue Beng had any capable protectors—but instead, he unearthed a peerless genius.
Xue Qinghe's gaze grew sharp. "Arrange a meeting. I want to see this Lucien with my own eyes."
Talent like that must be won over.
…
…
"Gulp, gulp… ha!"
Lucien was back at his residence, lazily drinking while leaning on the table. Ye Lingling sat close by, holding a delicate orchid in her hands.
"Lingling," Lucien slurred, pointing with swagger, "the orchid I gave you—eat it, and your spirit power will shoot up like a rocket!"
"Rocket…?" Lingling tilted her head but didn't ask further. She was long used to hearing strange words whenever he was drunk.
"You too, Goose!" Lucien turned to Dugu Yan with a grin. "After you eat that herb, the two of us… will give birth to eight!"
Dugu Yan: "…"
Before she could scold him, Lucien suddenly stiffened. He had already wrapped both girls in his arms, then his free hand reached instinctively for the sword strapped to his back.
The black blade gleamed coldly. His drunken eyes sharpened. "Who's there?"
"Brother Lucien, don't misunderstand!"
A calm voice came from the shadows. A robed youth stepped into the light, flanked by two attendants. His manner was refined, his smile poised.
"My name is Xue Qinghe," he said lightly. "And I've heard that Brother Lucien favors fine wine. Why not try from my altar?"
He produced a porcelain jar with practiced ease. The scent of rich liquor instantly filled the courtyard. Even a few meters away, the fragrance was intoxicating.
Lucien's brow lifted. "Oh? You came bearing wine?"
"Merely as a gesture," Xue Qinghe replied smoothly. "I hope to be friends."
"Hah! Friends—I love it!"
Lucien clapped his shoulders, swinging him into a hearty embrace.
And then—
Bang!
An invisible force shoved them apart. For just an instant, Lucien's daze cleared. He and Xue Qinghe exchanged a flickering look. Both had felt it—that irresistible surge of power, like something awake within Lucien's sword.
But the moment passed. Both masked their reactions as if nothing had happened.
"Come inside!" Lucien grinned. "Let's drink!"
"Brother Lucien, I… I don't drink."
"How can you call yourself my brother if you don't drink with me? How boring!"
Lucien's eyes narrowed in displeasure, and Xue Qinghe hesitated. But he quickly forced a smile. "Alright then. Just for today, I'll drink with Brother Lucien!"
"That's better!" Lucien slapped his chest approvingly, then leaned in far too close.
Xue Qinghe's lips twitched. "Uh, Brother Lucien, two grown men wrapping around each other like this—it's not… proper."
Smack!
Lucien slapped his rear with a drunken laugh. "What's wrong with that, eh?"
Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan exchanged speechless glances. Was their Lucien… actually bent? Too close! Too intimate!
…
…
After three rounds of liquor, Xue Qinghe was flushed and dazed. Before he knew it, his body had slumped directly into Lucien's arms.
"Since we're brothers…" Lucien's voice slurred, "next time… we'll even bathe together!"
Xue Qinghe nearly sobered on the spot.
"Er—Brother Lucien, it's getting late!" He scrambled upright. "I'll be leaving for now. Next time… next time!"
The chill dawn wind biting his face was like salvation. That evening, Lucien had pawed him head to toe. Every second felt dangerous. If her cover slipped and her true identity as a woman was exposed… it would be disaster.
But still—the memory of that mysterious, irresistible force that pushed them apart lingered in her chest.
…
…
Back inside, Lucien lay sprawled on his bed, the ebony sword clutched in his arms.
"You don't like her, huh?" he muttered.
Yes—he felt it clearly. That force earlier had come from the sword itself. A warning.
He didn't understand why. Didn't know its meaning. But with a sigh, he shrugged it off.
"What's the point of thinking too much? Isn't it better to drink?"
"Gulp, gulp…"
[Ding! Host detected drunk. Second spirit ring age +50 years.]
…
…
Back at Tiandou Royal Academy, in the Academic Affairs Office—
A thick file sat on the desk. Its title read: The Importance of Actual Combat Experience for Soul Masters.
Meng Shenji, chief of the Academic Council, lowered his spectacles. "Teacher Qin Ming, are you suggesting that the Emperor Team participate in the soul fighting competition?"
"Yes, Chief!" Qin Ming answered quickly. "Practical combat is essential for every soul master. I plan to take the Royal Fighting Team across various cities, competing in the Great Spirit Arenas. This will not only temper them but also broaden their experience."
In truth, Qin Ming had crafted this plan overnight with one selfish thought: An excuse to escape the advanced class.
Teaching Lucien every day—enduring his endless drinking—was a nightmare. Who knew when his drunkenness would spill over and bring disaster? For the first time, Qin Ming felt teachers had the most dangerous job in the world.
If leaving with the Emperor Team spared him from Lucien's torment, even temporarily, it was worth it.
Meng Shenji nodded with approval. "Very good. On behalf of the Academic Affairs Council, I approve your proposal."
Qin Ming's heart leapt. Joy surged. Escape at last!
But then—
"Wait." Meng Shenji adjusted his glasses. "Teacher Qin Ming, this time, you'll bring Lucien with you."
Qin Ming froze solid. From paradise to hell in one instant.
"Chief!" he stammered. "Lucien isn't a member of the Royal Fighting Team. It may be inappropriate—"
Meng Shenji's smile was calm but resolute. "Nonsense. Lucien is also a student of Tiandou Royal Academy. His strength is undeniable. Bringing him will only make your journey smoother. Besides, he too requires real combat experience."
Qin Ming's mouth twitched. He needs combat experience? He's probably seen more blood than me!
"Chief, I—"
"No discussion." Meng Shenji cut him off, tone final. "This is the decision of the Council. You will follow it."
Qin Ming's spirit deflated like a pricked balloon. "…Yes. I obey."
"Good! Teacher Qin Ming, this proposal reflects well on you. If you return smoothly, I see a high likelihood of your admission to the Academic Council next year."
Qin Ming's forced a smile. "Thank you, Chief!"
The moment he left the room, his face collapsed into pure despair.
"Return smoothly? With Lucien there? Hah!"
A cold wind howled outside, echoing his thoughts.
F*ck.