Just then, Ning Rongrong turned to Xiao Wu with a beaming smile. "This is Xiao Wu. Her Spirit is the Soft Bones Rabbit, and she is a Level 42 close-combat Battle Spirit Master. Sister Xiao Wu's close-combat strength is incredible. If we didn't use our Spirits, I don't think any of us could defeat her, except for Huo Feng." Xiao Wu bowed slightly to Ning Fengzhi but stayed quiet.
Finally, Ning Rongrong pointed to Zhu Zhuqing. "And this is Zhu Zhuqing. Her Spirit is the Hell Civet, and she is a Level 41 agility-attack system Battle Spirit Master." Like Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing gave a polite bow.
By now, the crowd was quickly thinning out as spectators left the Great Spirit Arena. Ning Fengzhi nodded and smiled at the group. "I am truly delighted to have met such talented young people today. You should all head back to the Academy now. Huo Feng, would you mind staying behind for a private word?"
"Okay," Huo Feng agreed. He was a bit startled but didn't hesitate. Ning Fengzhi had always been kind to him, and as Rongrong's father, he deserved respect.
Ning Rongrong pouted and stuck out her tongue. "Dad is so biased; he pays more attention to Huo Feng than to me!"
Ning Fengzhi chuckled and patted her shoulder. "I have serious business to discuss with him. You should behave yourself back at the Academy; now, hurry along."
Once the rest of the Shrek Academy members had left, Ning Fengzhi led Huo Feng toward Emperor Street, the most prosperous district in Heaven Dou City. As they walked through the bustling streets, Huo Feng asked, "Uncle Ning, what can I do for you?"
"I'm taking you to meet someone," Ning Fengzhi replied with a mysterious smile. "Even though you don't know him, he has heard a lot about you."
Huo Feng was usually careful about getting too close to sect leaders like Ning Fengzhi. He knew they were always looking for talent, and it would be awkward to turn down a formal recruitment offer. However, his curiosity was piqued.
Soon, they arrived at an antique-style teahouse. It was a quiet, three-story building with a refined atmosphere. There were only a few customers inside, making it the perfect place for a private talk. They headed to a private booth on the second floor, and Ning Fengzhi pushed open a folding screen to reveal a young man waiting for them.
The man looked to be about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old. While he wasn't quite as handsome as Huo Feng, he had a dignified air with a straight nose and a square mouth. He wore a clean, blue cloth robe and had his long black hair tied back neatly. Despite his simple clothes, he possessed an unmistakable aura of authority.
When Huo Feng saw him, a realization hit him like a lightning bolt. Xue Qinghe! No, this must be Qian Renxue! He knew from the original story that Qian Renxue was currently disguised as the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire. Though he had never seen her true face, he knew exactly who was standing in front of him.
"Uncle Ning, you've arrived," the young man said, bowing respectfully.
"Qinghe, how many times have I told you? There's no need for such formality between us," Ning Fengzhi said warmly.
The young man smiled. "I can't help it. You are my elder and my teacher. If my father knew I was being disrespectful to you, he'd probably break my legs." His gaze then shifted to Huo Feng. "And this must be Brother Huo Feng, the one Uncle Ning praises so highly."
"I wouldn't dare accept such high praise," Huo Feng replied, nodding politely.
Ning Fengzhi stepped between them to introduce them properly. "Huo Feng, this is His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe of the Heaven Dou Empire."
Huo Feng feigned a look of surprise, though he had already guessed the truth. He noticed that "Xue Qinghe" did bear a slight family resemblance to Emperor Xue Ye and Prince Xue Beng. "So it is the Crown Prince. Huo Feng pays his respects," he said, bowing with a calm and balanced demeanor.
Xue Qinghe smiled warmly. "If Uncle Ning hadn't told me, I'd find it hard to believe you're only fourteen. When I was your age, I was just an ignorant youth. It's a pleasure to meet you. Please, just call me Big Brother Xue. Let's not worry about titles today."
"Alright, let's sit down and talk," Ning Fengzhi suggested. "The green tea here is excellent. Huo Feng, you should try some."
As they sat, Xue Qinghe personally poured tea for both of them. The room was peaceful, and the aroma of the tea was incredibly refreshing. Despite Ning Fengzhi saying they had serious business, they mostly spent the time chatting casually.
Huo Feng was impressed by Qian Renxue's acting. Her disguise was flawless; she was knowledgeable, well-spoken, and moved with a sense of calm grandeur. It was no wonder the imperial family hadn't suspected a thing for all these years. During the conversation, she never explicitly tried to recruit him, but her words subtly hinted that there would always be a place for him within the imperial family. Huo Feng played along, pretending not to notice the hidden meanings.
"Brother Huo, why don't we have lunch together?" Xue Qinghe suggested as noon approached.
Huo Feng shook his head. "Thank you, but I really should get back to the Academy."
Xue Qinghe didn't push him. Instead, he reached into his storage device and pulled out a heavy gold medallion with the character for 'Heaven' engraved on it. "Since you have to go, take this. If you ever need anything, just bring this to the imperial palace and find me."
Huo Feng hesitated, acting as if he wasn't sure if he should accept such a valuable gift. Ning Fengzhi smiled and nudged him. "Take it, Huo Feng. It's just a personal symbol of his friendship; it doesn't carry any official weight."
Huo Feng finally smiled and accepted the medallion, tucking it into his Spirit storage ring. Both Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe walked him to the door of the teahouse to see him off.
As they watched Huo Feng walk away, Xue Qinghe whispered, "Teacher, you were right. He truly doesn't act like a boy of only fourteen."
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