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The morning light was faint, and a thin mist hung in the air.
Feng Xiao slowly exhaled a turbid breath, and the blue spirit power swirling around him receded like a tide. He patted his robe, and "Fuxi" gleamed with a cool, clear light in the morning sun.
The moment he stepped out of the Ni Tai Training Field, a purple figure happened to turn the corner of the corridor. Dugu Yan leaned lazily against a carved stone pillar.
"Good morning, Sister Yan," Feng Xiao said, a slight smile on his lips.
"Morning," Dugu Yan replied languidly, then continued, "Hurry up and get ready. We're going to the Education Committee soon."
Feng Xiao, holding "Fuxi," looked puzzled and asked, "What happened?"
"Why are you feigning ignorance?" Dugu Yan's purple eyes glanced sideways, the Bi Lin Snake Venom shimmering faintly on her fingertips. "Such a big commotion yesterday—Shrek expelled, Teacher Qin dismissed, Yu Tianheng withdrawn from school…" She suddenly lowered her voice, "The three Education Committee members submitted an impeachment against Prince Xue Xing overnight, and now Emperor Xue Ye has transferred the academy's jurisdiction to the Crown Prince."
Feng Xiao thoughtfully stroked the strings of his instrument: "What does that have to do with us?"
"Silly boy," Dugu Yan suddenly leaned closer, her fragrant breath brushing his ear. "A new leader is about to take office, and the team needs to re-elect a captain. The Crown Prince is worried about not having an opportunity to cultivate his trusted followers. I think this captain position… it's definitely yours."
Feng Xiao shook his head and chuckled, "Sister Yan, you're joking. I'm not interested in power struggles."
"But you defeated Yu Tianheng with the strength of a three-ring Spirit Master. Besides you, is there anyone else who can be this captain?" Dugu Yan chuckled softly.
Upon hearing this, Feng Xiao showed a helpless, bitter smile, his slender fingers unconsciously plucking the strings: "Sister Yan, why do I feel like you're a bit gloating?"
Dugu Yan's purple eyes narrowed slightly, and she playfully toyed with a wisp of poisonous mist, teasing, "What? Is being the captain personally appointed by the Crown Prince an insult to you?" She suddenly lowered her voice, "Or are you afraid of offending Senior Dugu?"
"This…" The strings beneath Feng Xiao's fingertips trembled slightly. "Senior Dugu has been kind to me. Isn't this going against him?"
"Silly boy," Dugu Yan suddenly chuckled, the Bi Lin Snake Venom reflecting an enchanting light in the sun. "Senior Dugu making a move against a few children yesterday was already an exception. In the future, he won't help them with such matters again." She paused meaningfully, "As long as you don't try to kill Xue Xing, it won't count as going against Senior Dugu."
Feng Xiao nodded thoughtfully, "Fuxi" shimmering with a halo in the morning light: "I understand." He bowed slightly, "Then please allow me to change first. I'll go to the Education Committee shortly."
Dugu Yan watched his retreating back, her purple hair gently swaying in the morning breeze. In the distance, a skylark flew over the golden dome of the Education Committee, heading towards the rising sun.
After a simple wash and a quick breakfast, Feng Xiao arrived at the Education Committee. The morning light filtered through the stained glass, casting colorful shadows on the gilded door.
"Knock, knock, knock—"
His slender fingers gently knocked on the door, and Dream Machine's gentle voice immediately came from inside: "Come in."
Pushing the door open, Feng Xiao was slightly startled. The Huang Dou Battle Team members were already lined up, and Xue Qinghe sat at the head, his moon-white long robe making him appear gentle and refined like jade. The three Education Committee members stood respectfully behind him, and Zhilin was winking at him.
"Crown Prince, please forgive me." Feng Xiao quickly stepped forward, "Fuxi" making an elegant arc in his arms. "This student is late."
Xue Qinghe smiled and raised his hand, saying gently, "It's alright. The team members have just explained that your cultivation method is unique, and you spend more time in meditation. It seems you had another breakthrough last night?"
Feng Xiao subtly withdrew his hand into his sleeve: "Your Highness is discerning." He glanced out of the corner of his eye and saw Dugu Yan winking slyly at him.
Bai Baoshan stepped forward at the opportune moment, his round face full of smiles: "Since everyone is here, why don't we—"
Xue Qinghe, however, suddenly stood up, his waist jade pendant clinking crisply. He walked to Feng Xiao's front and, to everyone's surprise, personally helped Feng Xiao, who was still in a bowing posture, to stand: "I summoned you all here today to discuss an important matter."
Xue Qinghe had a gentle smile on his face, his gaze slowly sweeping over everyone present: "What happened yesterday was truly my fault; I failed to detect the changes in time." His tone was sincere, as if he truly regretted Prince Xue Xing's actions.
Feng Xiao stood with downcast eyes, his mind as clear as a mirror—how could this "Crown Prince" not know about Shrek's arrival? It's just that for Qian Renxue, Shrek's value was truly limited. Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing came from Star Luo, and Ning Rongrong was the young Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School; all of them were difficult to win over. As for Tang San and the others…
"Yu Xiaogang's entanglement with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Flender's and Liu Erlong's affection…"
Feng Xiao gently stroked the strings, pondering inwardly. These intricate relationships were destined to make Shrek a tasteless chicken rib.
There weren't many people left to win over, and they were all very young. To make such a long-term investment with no visible returns and go against all the noble lords did not actually align with Qian Renxue's interests. So, taking advantage of the situation to trick Dugu Bo's card out of Xue Xing's hand was also a good choice.
Xue Qinghe's voice pulled his thoughts back: "Three Education Committee members, do you have a suitable candidate to recommend for the position of leader?"
Feng Xiao glanced at Dugu Yan's thoughtful expression. Compared to those young people with complex backgrounds, a Spirit Master like himself, with no foundation, might be more to this "Crown Prince's" liking. Moreover, Dugu Bo was a Spirit Master of extremely strong strategic significance.
Feng Xiao's lips curled into an almost imperceptible smile. He could feel Xue Qinghe's scrutinizing gaze on him, the hidden scrutiny and curiosity in that gaze far more complex than the superficial gentleness.
Just as Feng Xiao's thoughts drifted, Dream Machine's old but steady voice rang out: "Your Highness, this old man recommends Teacher Sun Buyu for the position of leader."
Xue Qinghe's gaze gently swept over the Royal Fight members: "What do you all think?"
Everyone responded in unison: "We respectfully obey the arrangements of Your Highness the Crown Prince and the Education Committee." Their voices echoed in the spacious office.
"Very good." Xue Qinghe nodded slightly, his waist jade pendant gently swaying with his movements. "Then the position of leader will be held by Teacher Sun. As for the captain candidate…" He deliberately paused, his gaze shifting among the crowd.
In an instant, all the team members' eyes focused on Feng Xiao. His record of defeating a four-ring Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Spirit Master with a three-ring body still seemed unbelievable. If they hadn't witnessed it themselves, anyone would have thought it was an Arabian Nights tale.
"It seems you are the popular choice," Xue Qinghe's eyes flashed with a hint of deeper meaning. "Feng Yao, what do you think?"
Feng Xiao felt the burning gazes around him, and a hint of helplessness flashed in the depths of his eyes. He took a step forward and bowed gracefully: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness and fellow classmates. Feng Xiao is willing to serve."
"Good!" Xue Qinghe clapped his hands and chuckled softly, the golden embroidery on his sleeves shimmering in the sunlight. "Then I look forward to Captain Feng leading the Huang Dou Battle Team to shine brightly in the Elite Competition of Advanced Soul Master Academies of the Entire Continent."
"I will not disappoint Your Highness's expectations." Feng Xiao bowed again, concealing the deep thoughts in his eyes as he lowered his gaze. He knew that from this moment on, he had officially stepped into this game of power.
Xue Qinghe gently flicked his sleeve and rose, the bright pearls on his jade belt shimmering with a warm luster in the morning light: "Today, it's rare for me to have leisure time out of the palace. Feng Yao, would you be willing to accompany me on a tour of Heaven Dou City?"
Feng Xiao's eyes flickered, and he instinctively brushed the strings, causing Fuxi to emit a clear, melodious tremor in his arms: "It is my honor to accompany Your Highness for a stroll." His lips curved slightly, "It's a good opportunity to relax from the fatigue of continuous cultivation these past few days. I am truly blessed by Your Highness."
"Feng Yao is indeed extraordinary." Xue Qinghe's eyes flashed with a hint of appreciation. "Not only has his spirit power advanced remarkably fast, but he has also mastered Lady Yuehua's court etiquette so perfectly."
"Your Highness overpraises me," Feng Xiao bowed gracefully, the ice-blue hidden patterns on his cuffs faintly visible.
Just then, Sun Buyu rushed over. Hearing that he had been entrusted with such an important task, he bowed repeatedly in excitement: "Thank you, Crown Prince, for your cultivation! I will do my utmost!"
After Sun Buyu led the Royal Fight members away, Feng Xiao followed Xue Qinghe into the gilded carriage. Four snow-white steeds neighed, their heads held high, and the Heaven Dou imperial emblem carved on the carriage shaft gleamed in the sunlight.
As the carriage curtains fell, Feng Xiao keenly noticed the sound-insulating spirit tool hidden within the carriage walls. Xue Qinghe personally poured a cup of clear tea and pushed it towards him. Amidst the swirling tea aroma, those seemingly gentle eyes held an unfathomable undercurrent.
The carriage smoothly traveled along the wide streets of Heaven Dou City. Xue Qinghe's slender fingers gently caressed the rim of the teacup, and he asked, seemingly casually, "I heard Feng Yao has a rather close relationship with Poison Douluo Senior Dugu?"
Feng Xiao's fingertips lightly plucked a string, producing a clear, melodious note: "Senior Dugu is kind to people and has given me much guidance." He looked up to meet Xue Qinghe's scrutinizing gaze, the amber eyes reflecting the sky and clouds outside the window.
"Kind?" Xue Qinghe chuckled softly, his fingertips tracing the rim of the teacup, "There aren't many people who can make this Poison Douluo look at them differently, but even he wouldn't have guessed that Feng Yao only has innate level four spirit power, would he?"
Feng Xiao's heart stirred, and the strings trembled unconsciously. He feigned apprehension and said, "Your Highness, please forgive me."
Xue Qinghe smiled meaningfully and said softly, "What crime is there? Don't be nervous, Feng Yao. Your guqin skills are extraordinary. May I ask where you learned them?"
"It's just a rough, inherited family skill," Feng Xiao said humbly, while tapping the body of the guqin with his fingertips. A wisp of ice-blue spirit power quietly seeped into the strings. "Compared to that, I'd like to know why Your Highness is so interested in me?"
Upon hearing this, Xue Qinghe's eyes flashed with surprise, then turned into admiration: "Feng Yao is indeed straightforward." He picked up his teacup and took a sip. "I have always valued talent, especially hidden talents like Feng Yao."
The carriage was now passing through Heaven Dou City's most bustling market, and the noisy sounds of people drifted through the windows. The shouts of vendors and the laughter of children intertwined, yet they only made the silence inside the carriage more pronounced.
Feng Xiao suddenly spoke: "Having come this far, I also understand what it means to assess the situation. If Your Highness needs a convenient 'guqin,' this student… happens to be skilled in playing music. But if Your Highness wants a 'blade'…"
Xue Qinghe pondered, "What's the difference?"
"A guqin is 'loved' by nobles, while a 'blade' will eventually break," Feng Xiao said slowly, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes.
Xue Qinghe's pupils contracted slightly, then he smiled brightly: "What a keen assessment of the situation." He put down his teacup, the jade bottom clinking against the sandalwood tea table, making a crisp sound. "Then, Feng Yao, would you be willing… to play a song for me?"
Feng Xiao understood, his fingertips flowing over the strings: "With pleasure. However…" He looked up directly at Xue Qinghe, "This student looks forward more to playing a duet with Your Highness."
"A duet? Why?" Xue Qinghe asked, puzzled.
"I need to help Your Highness resolve some doubts," Feng Xiao said softly.
Upon hearing this, a hint of expectation flashed in Xue Qinghe's eyes. Feng Xiao placed "Fuxi" horizontally and lightly plucked the strings with his fingertips. "Om—" A low, deep sound wave echoed within the carriage.
In just an instant, Xue Qinghe's face showed astonishment. The deep bass still produced a strange resonance in his chest, as if his internal organs were trembling slightly with the sound waves. As Feng Xiao's slender fingers continuously moved across the strings, a peculiar warm current began to flow through his meridians.
"What a wondrous guqin melody! It can actually resonate with my internal organs and temper my body with music. What a brilliant idea! Is this how he cultivates?" Xue Qinghe felt it carefully, thinking to himself.
As Feng Xiao's fingertip speed changed, he could feel that the warm current actually started to circulate his spirit power. Soon, he was amazed to find that his spirit power had undergone a change.
"This is… meditation? No, no…"
As the guqin music ceased, Xue Qinghe immediately felt a sense of lightness within him. He looked at Feng Xiao with immense satisfaction, clearly understanding Feng Xiao's action and intention. This was not only Feng Xiao's pledge of allegiance but also Feng Xiao demonstrating his value.
Feng Xiao, however, felt a tingling sensation all over his body. Although he knew that the Xue Qinghe in front of him was a woman, outwardly she was still a man, and being looked at with such intense eyes by a man…
"Your Highness's lungs have a slight ailment. You should know that 'joy harms the heart,' 'anger harms the liver,' 'pensiveness harms the spleen,' 'grief harms the lungs,' and 'fear harms the kidneys.' Your Highness thinks and grieves too much, so you need to be careful. Your subordinate has already adjusted it for you," Feng Xiao said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Xue Qinghe's face flashed with a hint of unnaturalness, and he immediately changed the subject: "This is the first time I've experienced the profoundness of guqin music. I never expected that its sound could also have an auxiliary healing effect."
Seeing Xue Qinghe change the subject, Feng Xiao understood and smiled: "Spirit Masters often use the method of inducing vomiting to expel toxins, which involves vibrating the internal organs with spirit power. The essence of guqin music is also the power of vibration. The two have a similar effect."
Gradually, Xue Qinghe's expression became serious. Although the Spirit Bone within his body concealed him very well, the fact that Feng Xiao could use guqin music to regulate these minor issues in his body indicated…
Xue Qinghe scrutinized Feng Xiao, trying to discern something on his face, but Feng Xiao's face showed no hint of surprise.
"Could it be that his guqin music didn't detect it?" Xue Qinghe thought to himself.
"Is Your Highness still uncomfortable anywhere?" Feng Xiao met Xue Qinghe's gaze without the slightest evasion.
Xue Qinghe shook his head slightly, his gaze still subtly scrutinizing Feng Xiao, trying to find some flaw, "I just feel much lighter inside. If it weren't for Little Feng, I wouldn't have known I had these issues within my body."
"It's good that Your Highness is fine," Feng Xiao said with a caring smile.
Seeing the genuine concern in Feng Xiao's eyes, Xue Qinghe couldn't help but feel a warmth in his heart.
"Then what did you mean by playing a duet just now?" Xue Qinghe asked, puzzled.
"Did Your Highness not feel the circulation path of the spirit power within your body just now?" Feng Xiao asked, looking surprised.
"I did indeed feel some changes in my spirit power, but what does that have to do with the circulation path?" Xue Qinghe asked, puzzled.