A_nobody
patreon
Chapter 126: Deceiving the Little Angel
🕑 Added 2024-12-25 17:54:30 +0000 UTCAfter hearing Yang Podi's words, Tang San seemed to fall into a rage. "Yang Podi, I've already said it: I hope you respect my teacher. Otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite to you."
Yang Podi couldn't help but shake his head. "Fellow student, from beginning to end, I haven't disrespected your teacher. I don't understand what you mean or why you're saying this. I was merely expressing my thoughts."
"If even that is considered disrespecting your teacher, then I don't know what would count as respect."
After saying this, Yang Podi bowed to Prince Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi. "Your Highness, Sect Master Ning, I need to return to my cultivation. I will take my leave."
Ning Fengzhi spoke up, "Wait a moment. Tang San, you should calm down as well."
"Student Yang Podi, Tang San is a disciple of the Clear Sky Sect. I hope you two can exchange ideas."
Yang Podi glanced at Ning Fengzhi and then at Tang San. "Sect Master Ning, I don't quite understand what you mean by exchange ideas. My Breaking Clan has nothing to do with the Clear Sky Sect anymore. As for matters regarding the team, His Highness has the final say. I have no objections."
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi remained silent. However, Bone Douluo beside him spoke, "Yang Podi, I hope you show respect for the strong. The world is far more dangerous than you imagine."
Yang Podi gave a slight bow to Bone Douluo. "Senior Bone Douluo, I don't quite understand your words."
"Since I entered the Education Committee building, I don't believe I've disrespected anyone, whether it's this Yu Xiaogang teacher or this Tang San fellow student. From beginning to end, I've made my stance very clear. I formed a team to train the students and achieve good results, fulfilling my earlier agreement with His Highness."
"I have confidence in my team and my teammates. Does refusing to merge with the first team mean I disrespect the strong?"
"Or must Teacher Yu Xiaogang be the team leader, and must he lead us to be considered respectful?"
At this point, Xue Qinghe also seemed to notice something was amiss and quickly spoke, "Student Yang Podi, you may return to your cultivation. The second team will remain unchanged."
Yang Podi bowed to everyone and then left the Education Committee building alone.
Inside the building, Xue Qinghe addressed Yu Xiaogang, "Teacher Yu, I think you should temporarily work with Qin Ming as the first team's leader. With the current students in the first team and the Shrek students you've brought, your capabilities will surely shine."
Yu Xiaogang realized the situation was beyond remedy and could only leave the building with Tang San.
After Yu Xiaogang left, Xue Qinghe, appearing somewhat apologetic, said to Ning Fengzhi, "Teacher, I'm sorry about what happened today. Given the current situation of the second team, it's difficult for me to intervene too much."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "It's fine. However, this youngster from the Breaking Clan is quite interesting. Whether in personal spirit power or team-leading abilities, he's exceptional. You're fortunate to have such talent under your command, Qinghe."
After a brief conversation, Ning Fengzhi left the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy with Bone Douluo.
However, Xue Qinghe seemed to have thought of something and turned to the three Education Committee members. "Please summon Student Yang Podi again. I'd like to have a private conversation with him."
The three committee members, though puzzled, still sent someone to call Yang Podi.
After Yu Xiaogang and Tang San left, Tang San, noticing Yu Xiaogang's frustration, said, "Teacher, don't worry. Even without Yang Podi's second team, our first team will still win the championship."
Yu Xiaogang shook his head. "Xiao San, I believe in your ability to achieve great results. But I still think it's a pity about the second team—they genuinely had the potential to win the championship."
Meanwhile, Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo, having left the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, sat in their carriage. Ning Fengzhi appeared lost in thought, prompting Bone Douluo to speak up, "Fengzhi, what is that brat Yang Podi's intention in rejecting our proposal? Doesn't he know that the odds of winning would increase greatly?"
Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "It's no longer just about winning a Soul Master competition. It's about the stances of the Breaking Clan and the Defense Clan. My intention was to have Yu Xiaogang lead the team, incorporating Yu Tianheng of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and Ning Heng from our clan. Combined with Tang San of the Clear Sky Sect, the team would be dominated by the upper three sects."
"But this youngster would rather disband his team than cooperate with us. This shows that the Breaking Clan and the Defense Clan probably won't lead the charge against the Spirit Hall. These clans clearly have smart people among them."
Bone Douluo thought for a moment. "Fengzhi, should I secretly eliminate that brat? He's clearly not on the same page as us."
Ning Fengzhi pondered for a moment before responding, "It's too late now. Given his status in the Breaking Clan, they've likely arranged protection for him. If they catch wind of this, it would lead to an all-out feud with the Breaking Clan and the Defense Clan. Combined with the old monster Dugu Bo, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would be in an impossible position."
"What should we do now?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled slightly. "Let's wait and see. Yu Xiaogang and Tang San won't let this go. Plus, their ties with the Clear Sky Sect aren't so easily severed."
"Bone Uncle, could you discern Yang Podi's spirit power level?"
Bone Douluo shook his head. "That kid must have some kind of artifact to conceal his aura. But I have a feeling he's at least a high-level Soul King, or possibly even a Soul Emperor."
"A high-level Soul King? A Soul Emperor? That's impossible—he's only eighteen. If that's true, their second team indeed has no need to rely on Yu Xiaogang. This Soul Master competition might get interesting."
When Yang Podi received Xue Qinghe's message, he felt a bit exasperated. What on earth was this little angel up to now?
However, when he arrived at the Education Committee building and saw Xue Qinghe alone, he began to understand.
Seeing Xue Qinghe, Yang Podi spoke directly, "Your Highness, you summoned me again. May I know the reason?"
Xue Qinghe smiled slightly. "Student Yang Podi, I must apologize for today. The matter of the Soul Master competition is significant, and Sect Master Ning and Teacher Yu's suggestions were reasonable. That's why we disturbed you."
"Your Highness is too modest. I'm just a minor figure. How could I possibly oppose Sect Master Ning?"
After a round of polite but superficial exchanges, the conversation finally reached its main point.
Xue Qinghe hesitated for a moment before asking, "Student Yang Podi, what is the Breaking Clan's stance toward the Spirit Hall?"
Yang Podi thought for a moment before responding gravely, "The Breaking Clan has grievances against the Spirit Hall but not to the extent of a life-and-death feud. We despise the Spirit Hall, but we hate the Clear Sky Sect even more."
Xue Qinghe's expression turned strange. "Are you not afraid that such words will offend the Heaven Dou Empire, given our opposition to the Spirit Hall?"
Yang Podi shook his head. "This world is full of clever people but few fools. Our Breaking Clan has grievances with the Spirit Hall, but given their current strength, no single sect dares face them alone."
"I understand Sect Master Ning's intentions clearly. If we dared to lead the charge against the Spirit Hall, our fate would likely be worse than the Clear Sky Sect's."
Xue Qinghe maintained his peculiar demeanor. "You fear the Spirit Hall. Are you not afraid of the Heaven Dou Empire?"
Hearing this, Yang Podi felt exasperated. "Your Highness, that's not fair. Am I not currently cooperating with the Heaven Dou Empire? Or, rather, am I not currently collaborating with you, Your Highness? Isn't that sincerity enough?"
Xue Qinghe shook his head. "Indeed, we are cooperating. But this partnership doesn't necessarily appease my father. Emperor Xue Ye's satisfaction depends on your actions."
"Whether Emperor Xue Ye is satisfied or not is ultimately up to you, Your Highness."
"But why should I say anything on your behalf? Our relationship isn't that deep yet."
Yang Podi shook his head. "This isn't about relationships; it's about strength. Our Breaking Clan and Defense Clan have two titled Douluo, not to mention our ally, Senior Dugu Bo. To put it bluntly, even if I refuse to show face to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan today, who could do anything to me?"
Xue Qinghe's expression turned frosty. "You do have strength, but what does that have to do with me?"
"Of course, it matters. Who wouldn't want a stronger partner? Otherwise, what qualification do we have to collaborate with Your Highness?"
The two fell into silence once more as Xue Qinghe seemed to assess their cooperative prospects.
Yang Podi spoke again. "Your Highness, I have some information as a token of sincerity for our cooperation. However, I also hope for a gesture of sincerity in return."
Xue Qinghe smiled faintly. "Student Yang Podi, what sincerity are you asking for? And is your information worth it?"
"My information is invaluable to you, Your Highness. Moreover, I guarantee no one else will hear about it."
After some thought, Xue Qinghe asked, "What sincerity do you require?"
"I heard that Emperor Xue Ye will offer substantial rewards for this Soul Master competition. I'd like Armo Mountain as my fief. What does Your Highness think?"
Xue Qinghe sneered. "Armo Mountain is in the northernmost part of our Heaven Dou Empire, nearly at the Extreme North. Are you trying to escape that far?"
"Your Highness, my information is absolutely worth the price."
"Let's hear it. If it's worth it, I'll agree."
Yang Podi gave Xue Qinghe a serious look. "I've heard that Prince Xue Beng has been pursuing my sister and was poisoned by Dugu Yan. I wonder how severe his injuries are."
Xue Qinghe looked exasperated. "My fourth brother can be immature. I hope you'll understand."
Yang Podi shook his head. "Prince Xue Beng isn't immature. I'd say he's quite clever. I've also heard he once pursued Dugu Yan. The genius students of Shrek Academy had just joined the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy and nearly got expelled after clashing with him. Adding his circle of influential friends, I'd say he's far from naive."
Xue Qinghe's face shifted. "What do you mean by that?"
"I'm merely admiring Prince Xue Beng's methods. It's just a pity that some people can't see it."
Xue Qinghe seemed to catch onto something, momentarily lost in thought.
Meanwhile, Yang Podi, as if unintentionally, moved closer to Xue Qinghe. Filled with sympathy, he placed his hand on Xue Qinghe's, remembering the golden-haired woman he had seen in the Great Star Dou Forest. He couldn't resist stroking it twice, sighing internally at its smoothness.
Xue Qinghe snapped back to reality and quickly withdrew his hand, seemingly startled.
However, upon seeing Yang Podi's concerned expression, Xue Qinghe found it hard to get angry.
Suppressing his amusement, Yang Podi spoke again. "Your Highness, what do you think of my sincerity?"
Xue Qinghe, trying to conceal the awkwardness, nodded. "Your sincerity is excellent. After the Soul Master competition, Armo Mountain will be your fief."
"But since you've already provided the information, could you also offer a solution?"
Yang Podi smiled knowingly. "I've heard that the Star Luo Empire imposes strict rules on its princes, especially forbidding them from colluding with the Spirit Hall. Surely, Prince Xue Beng, as a royal of the Heaven Dou Empire, wouldn't fall for the Spirit Hall's temptations."
"Of course. While my fourth brother may be immature, he understands such matters."
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Yang Podi prepared to leave. However, before departing, he suddenly added, "Your Highness, regarding the leadership of the second team, I believe having me as leader might cause complications. Teacher Li Xiang has been diligent with the team, so I suggest he becomes the deputy leader. Additionally, Senior Dugu Bo is very concerned about his granddaughter, so I plan to invite him as another deputy leader. What does Your Highness think?"
After some thought, Xue Qinghe finally said, "Teacher Li Xiang and Senior Dugu Bo are both excellent choices. If they serve as the second team's deputy leaders, I doubt anyone would object."
"Thank you, Your Highness, for your understanding. I'll take my leave now."
After saying this, Yang Podi left without looking back.
