Chapter 126 - 18

Chapter 18: Xue Qinghe's DoubtsAt this moment, the young man's gaze naturally shifted to Tang San, who was beside Ning Fengzhi, and he spoke warmly:"This must be the Brother Tang San whom Uncle Ning often mentions and holds in such high regard?"Although Tang San did not know the other person's exact identity, seeing his bearing and his relationship with Ning Fengzhi, he knew he was no ordinary person. He immediately cupped his hands politely in response:"I don't deserve such praise, you flatter me."Ning Fengzhi smiled as he introduced the two:"Little San, let me introduce you. This is the current Xue Qinghe, His Highness Xue Qinghe."The Crown Prince?Tang San felt a slight chill in his heart, but he remained calm on the surface. Neither humble nor arrogant, he bowed slightly again in a more formal gesture:"So it is His Highness the Crown Prince. Tang San meant no disrespect."Xue Qinghe quickly stepped forward, reaching out to support him. His smile became even more cordial, and his words were filled with admiration and an unconcealed intent to recruit him:"Brother Tang, please, rise.Although I was unable to witness your heroic bearing on the field personally, I have heard Uncle Ning praise you many times.Seeing you today, you truly live up to your reputation.We are of similar age, so why bother with these empty formalities?If you don't mind, just call me Big Brother Xue. Calling me 'Crown Prince' only makes us feel like strangers."Under Ning Fengzhi's guidance, the three of them took their seats and began to exchange pleasantries while sipping fragrant tea, creating a seemingly harmonious atmosphere.The conversation naturally revolved around the tournament that had just ended. Xue Qinghe was generous with his praise for Shrek Academy, and especially for Tang San's performance.However, during the conversation, both Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi keenly noticed that no matter how they guided the topic, Tang San never once proactively mentioned his father, who was famous across the continent.Xue Qinghe couldn't help but cast an inquiring glance at Ning Fengzhi, who also gave an imperceptible shake of his head, indicating that he was equally puzzled.After a brief moment of contemplation, Xue Qinghe decided to take the initiative.He sighed softly, his tone filled with sincere regret and admiration, as he steered the conversation toward Tang Hao:"Brother Tang, speaking of which, your father, the Clear Sky Douluo, was such a peerless hero who shook the world back then!Although I was young and unable to see him at his peak, whenever I hear him mentioned, I feel a sense of longing.It's just a pity... Sigh, heaven is jealous of genius. Later he actually... vanished without a trace. It is truly a great loss for our entire Spirit Master world."As he spoke, he carefully observed Tang San's reaction.To his and Ning Fengzhi's surprise, the Tang San in the simulation reacted with startling indifference upon hearing these words.He only nodded slightly, picked up his teacup for a small sip, and replied in a polite but distant tone:"Big Brother Xue overpraises him. My father's past is like a passing cloud, not worth mentioning."He had absolutely no intention of following the topic, as if what he had heard was just a distant story that had nothing to do with him.Xue Qinghe was even more astonished and had no choice but to cast another look toward Ning Fengzhi, silently asking for help.Ning Fengzhi sighed inwardly, knowing that the groundwork and plans they had originally envisioned would likely be difficult to realize. He weighed his words and asked directly:"Little San, are you... really not at all curious about what happened to your father back then, his experiences, and his later whereabouts?There might be many hidden details that are unknown to others."The Tang San in the simulation put down his teacup, looked up at Ning Fengzhi, that indifferent smile still on his lips, and said calmly:"Uncle Ning, I appreciate the kindness of you and Big Brother Xue.However, regarding my father's past, everything he experienced, and the choices he made... I am already fully aware of them.Thank you both for your concern."[You're aware, but I'm not! They clearly know important insider information, perhaps even related to the truth about Father and Mother. You guys should keep talking!]The observing Tang San almost shouted out in his consciousness, his heart filled with anxiety and helplessness.Even with Tang San's habitually calm and composed personality, he was being driven to lose his composure by his simulated self.He longed to understand everything about his father and mother, and this was clearly a perfect opportunity, yet it was being brushed aside so lightly by his simulated self.Hearing such a certain answer from the simulated Tang San, Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi exchanged a very discreet look.Both saw a flash of astonishment in each other's eyes, as well as a deeper level of regret and helplessness.Since it had come to this, the two, who were well-versed in social interaction, did not dwell on the topic further to avoid causing Tang San's resentment.They naturally shifted the conversation to other matters, and the atmosphere returned to a surface-level harmony and enthusiasm.After several rounds of tea, time passed quietly.Seeing that the timing was right, Xue Qinghe extended an invitation to Tang San:"Brother Tang, our conversation has been very pleasant, and it's already near noon without me realizing it. Why don't we have lunch together before you head back?"Tang San politely declined, "Thank you for the kind offer, Big Brother Xue.It's just that the academy still has classes, and my companions are waiting for news. It's better if I head back first."A perfectly measured look of regret crossed Xue Qinghe's face, but he did not insist, showing an attitude of full understanding.He smiled slightly and elegantly took out an exquisitely carved Gold Medallion about the size of a palm from his robes.On the medallion, the royal emblem of the Heaven Dou Empire was faintly visible, shimmering with a gentle and noble luster under the light coming through the window."In that case, I won't keep you any longer."Xue Qinghe handed the Gold Medallion to Tang San, his tone sincere."Take this medallion; consider it a token.In the future, if you encounter any difficulties within Heaven Dou City or the Empire, no matter how big or small, you can come to the palace to find me with this."Ning Fengzhi, who was by their side, also spoke up at the right moment, saying in a gentle tone: "Little San, take it.Qinghe is being sincere and has no other intentions."Seeing that Ning Fengzhi also said so, Tang San knew that further refusal would seem affected, so he took the Gold Medallion with both hands.He thanked Xue Qinghe again: "In that case, Tang San will accept it with gratitude. Thank you, Big Brother Xue."After putting the Gold Medallion away properly, Tang San bid them farewell.Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe saw him to the door of the teahouse together, watching as that tall and straight figure disappeared into the crowd on the street.Suddenly, as if remembering something, Xue Qinghe turned to Ning Fengzhi and asked with a hint of inquiry in his tone:"Teacher, I seemed to hear in your conversation with Tang San just now that he has a master who is not Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang?I wonder what kind of expert this 'master' is, to be able to teach such a disciple and pass on those self-created Spirit Skills?"Hearing Xue Qinghe's question, a flash of amazement and complexity couldn't help but cross Ning Fengzhi's eyes. His gaze seemed to pierce through the teahouse window, seeing that stunning and independent figure."Him..."Ning Fengzhi spoke slowly, his tone carrying a hint of emotion,"His name is Fu Shiyan.He is a... person who has never entered the field of vision of the major powers, yet can be called a peerless genius."He paused slightly and looked at Xue Qinghe, "Speaking of which, this master of his is about the same age as you, Qinghe."Hearing this, Xue Qinghe's interest in Tang San's mysterious master grew even stronger.In fact, during the meal just now, when he accidentally learned from the conversation between Ning Fengzhi and Tang San that those stunning self-created Spirit Skills were actually taught by this master, he had already taken note.Now hearing Ning Fengzhi say that this person's age was actually similar to his own, he couldn't help but be even more curious.Ning Fengzhi did not keep him in suspense and recounted the information he knew:"He should be around twenty-six years old this year.""His Spirit is the same as Tang San's, also Blue Silver Grass. However, according to my observations, his Blue Silver Grass seems to have undergone some extremely beneficial mutations, far beyond what ordinary Blue Silver Grass can compare to.""This person is born extraordinarily handsome, with a temperament that is transcendent and refined.To tell you the truth, Qinghe, when I first saw him, I actually had a momentary feeling that he did not seem like someone from the mortal world."(Still a bit inferior compared to the readers)"However, compared to his appearance, his talent is what truly commands admiration, one could even say... it is terrifying."Hearing this, although Xue Qinghe still maintained a proper smile on his face, he was dismissive in his heart.[Twenty-six years old? Only three years older than me. Terrifying talent? In this world, could there really be someone whose talent surpasses mine, Qian Renxue?]However, Ning Fengzhi's next words were like a thunderclap, causing the composure on Xue Qinghe's face to instantly freeze and a massive wave to surge in his heart.