Chapter 19: The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan - Xue Qing He’s Proposal - Douluo's spirit bead sword

Chapter 19: The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan - Xue Qing He’s Proposal "Qing He, what brings you to see your teacher today? Is there something you wish to discuss?" Ning Feng Zhi inquired. "Not particularly, Master. I was recently appointed as the Crown Prince, and I came to express my gratitude to you. It is thanks to your guidance that I have achieved this position," Xue Qing He replied politely. "There is no need for that. It's all due to your own efforts," Ning Feng Zhi smiled gently. He had initially taken Xue Qing He as a disciple out of the political interest between their family and the Heaven Dou royal family. However, he now felt quite pleased with him. Xue Qing He excelled in both cultivation talent and political acumen. With the untimely demise of the other two talented princes and the fourth prince, Xue Beng, being a wastrel, it was almost certain that Xue Qing He was the inevitable successor to the throne, barring any unforeseen events. "There is another matter I wish to inform you about, Master. Recently, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan dispatched their leading young disciple, Yu Tian Heng, to enroll at our Heaven Dou Royal Academy. What are your thoughts on this, Master?" Xue Qing He suddenly asked. Ning Feng Zhi was slightly taken aback, not expecting Xue Qing He to bring up such a sensitive issue. The intricate dynamics between clans and nations couldn't be summed up in just a few words. However, it also highlighted the trust Xue Qing He had in Ning Feng Zhi. "The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan is certainly sending a message," Ning Feng Zhi noted. "Of the top three sects, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has always been an ally of the Heaven Dou Empire. The Clear Sky School seems to lean towards the Star Luo Empire, while the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has maintained neutrality. Yet, it seems they might be showing a tendency to align." "Do you mean that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan intends to support our Heaven Dou Empire? But, why? In terms of royal power and overall national strength, the Star Luo Empire surpasses the Heaven Dou Empire. If they were to choose sides, shouldn't they favor Star Luo?" Xue Qing He asked, whether in genuine curiosity or feigned ignorance. Ning Feng Zhi shook his head. "You've misunderstood, Qing He. Remember this saying: 'Adding flowers to brocade can never match sending charcoal in snow.' For the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, supporting Heaven Dou is their most ideal choice.” “Firstly, they could gain favor from His Majesty. Secondly, it allows them to maintain a balance of power between the two empires, preventing Star Luo from becoming too dominant. Taking advantage of chaos ensures the best survival path for their clan." As Xue Qing He listened and nodded in agreement, Tian Lin also found Ning Feng Zhi's explanation reasonable. However, there was likely a third factor — the Spirit Hall. Perhaps that old dragon Yu Yuan Zhen had realized that the Spirit Hall's power was growing excessive and feared they might someday act against the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. With only one titled Douluo in their family, they would not stand a chance against the Spirit Hall, necessitating the need to seek protection from the two empires. Xue Qing He cupped his fist in thanks. "Thank you for your guidance, Master. But aren't you concerned that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan might replace the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan in my father's favor? I heard that on Yu Tian Heng’s first day at the academy, he easily defeated disciples from our clan. Aren’t they flaunting their strength?" The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, as supporters of the Heaven Dou Empire, naturally sent disciples to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy to strengthen ties. Gu Ran, who once battled Tian Lin, was now a student at the academy. "Hmph, that old dragon is ambitious, but he’s far from replacing our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan!" Gu Dou Luo exclaimed, slapping his chair in anger. There was no helping it; his disciple, Gu Ran, was the one who got beaten. Both Gu Ran and Yu Tian Heng were twelve years old. Gu Ran was now at the twenty-third level, while Yu Tian Heng had already reached the twenty-sixth level. In terms of spirit power and spirit quality, Gu Ran was no match for Yu Tian Heng. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's dominance in beast spirits was well-known across the continent. "Enough, old Bones. Even if you get angry, what good will it do? This generation of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragons has twin stars, Yu Tian Heng and Yu Tian Xin. You know how formidable they are, and indeed, our clan's young members can't compare to theirs," Chen Xin advised his old friend. Just as Gu Rong was about to retort, Xue Qing He interjected, "Your words are too hasty, Sword Douluo. I believe your disciple excels more than those brothers." "I propose we have Tian Lin, our junior disciple, also enroll at our Heaven Dou Royal Academy. With his talent, surpassing Yu Tian Heng is just a matter of time, which will surely bolster the prestige of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan." Tian Lin frowned. So this was what Qian Ren Xue had been aiming for all along. Disguised as a proposal for the clan's honor, her words sounded pleasant, but in reality, she was positioning herself as part of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan? Ning Feng Zhi stroked his chin thoughtfully, pondering deeper implications. He assumed Xue Qing He had taken a liking to Tian Lin’s potential, seeking to build a closer relationship. He was quite pleased with this development because that’s exactly how he had maintained a close friendship with the current Snow Night Emperor, who was the Crown Prince at the time. In the future, Tian Lin, as a guardian Douluo, would certainly have the authority to represent the clan leader. Befriending a future emperor would only bring benefits. Seeing Ning Feng Zhi’s expression, Tian Lin realized the situation was not in his favor. Xue Qing He wasn’t merely aiming to strengthen ties between the Heaven Dou Empire and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. As a spirited and ambitious Saintess intent on unifying the continent, she likely aimed to dismantle both the empire and the clan. She seemed more interested in subduing him. As Tian Lin was about to voice his objections, "I agree!" Suddenly, Chen Xin, without any apparent reason, concurred on behalf of Ning Feng Zhi. "I've been seeking a place for Tian Lin to temper his heart, and the Royal Academy suits that purpose. It is filled with indulgent nobles." Turning to Tian Lin, he said, "As a swordsman, you should learn to fend off temptations from extravagance. Crown Prince Qing He, I entrust my disciple to you. Keep an eye on him. If he shows any sign of corruption, have someone inform me immediately, and I’ll break his legs!" "Since Uncle Jian has decided, I won’t oppose it either. Tomorrow, you can take Tian Lin with you," Ning Feng Zhi remarked, seizing the opportunity. Tian Lin felt a wave of despair. His master and Ning Uncle were pushing him into the fire. Delighted, Xue Qing He saw that he ultimately managed to acquire this powerful spirit-wielding talent. She said, "Rest assured, Master, Sword Douluo. I will take good care of my junior disciple." "Wait, I object! I don’t want Sword Brother to leave!" Ning Rong Rong protested, trying to save Tian Lin from this predicament. Alas, like Tian Lin, she was powerless against the clan’s three great figures. Their decision left no room for rejection!