A_nobody
patreon
Chapter 90: Xue Qinghe's Recruitment
🕑 Added 2024-11-28 12:22:55 +0000 UTCSince that confession, Ye Lingling's attitude seemed to have softened. Her overall demeanor had improved significantly. She used to be indifferent, rarely smiling, but now she occasionally joked and laughed with Dugu Yan.
Yang Podi had returned to his normal training routine. He practiced his spear techniques in the morning, meditated in his dormitory during the late morning, and spent the afternoons strengthening his body. Each day, he pushed himself to exhaustion, finishing with a medicinal bath before dinner.
However, Yang Podi had stopped going to the Great Soul Arena, stating that he needed time for meditation. After dinner, he liked to visit Ye Lingling. Sometimes they would chat, and other times, they would take leisurely walks around the academy. Life seemed peaceful, without any major events.
Occasionally, there were unusual incidents. For instance, the captain of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy team had heard rumors about Yang Podi reaching the advanced Soul Elder rank and possessing formidable combat power. This captain, a tall and imposing figure named Chen Jinshui with a martial soul of the Mighty Divine Bull and the rank of a Level 41 Soul Ancestor, approached Yang Podi, hoping to recruit him for the academy's team.
One day, a group of unfamiliar students knocked on Yang Podi's dormitory door. When he opened it, he saw several individuals he vaguely recognized as students from the elite class. Leading the group was Chen Jinshui, who stood at an impressive height of nearly 1.8 meters.
Chen Jinshui immediately spoke, "Yang Podi, I'm the captain of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy team. I've heard of your strength and would like to invite you to join our team. As a substitute, you could participate in the advanced Soul Master Competition in Star Luo City next year."
Hearing this, Yang Podi was puzzled. Where did this fool come from? Inviting me to join their team and as a substitute, no less?
Politely but firmly, Yang Podi replied, "Captain Chen, I'm sorry, but I have no intention of joining any team at the moment."
Chen Jinshui persisted, "I sincerely invite you, and even as a substitute, you can make any requests you have."
Yang Podi shook his head, "I'm not interested in being a substitute or even a main team member."
One of Chen Jinshui's followers interjected rudely, "Who do you think you are to talk to our captain like that? If it weren't for your strength, we wouldn't even bother coming here. Believe me, if you keep this up, I'll make sure you regret it!"
Ignoring the lackey's threats, Yang Podi focused on Chen Jinshui. "I don't care how you learned about me, nor do I care about your intentions. I have nothing to do with you or your team, nor do I wish to. Please leave."
Chen Jinshui's face darkened at the refusal. "What if I insist on recruiting you?" he asked coldly.
Yang Podi smiled disdainfully. "That depends on whether you have the ability to make me."
"Let's take this to the academy's arena," Chen Jinshui challenged. "If you're stronger than me, you can have my position as captain."
Yang Podi waved him off. "Not necessary. I'm not interested in your captaincy or your team. There's no need for a duel."
He stepped forward, reaching out to grab Chen Jinshui. The latter tried to block, but his defenses were as fragile as paper. Yang Podi's hand landed on Chen Jinshui's shoulder with the force of a mountain, rendering him immobile.
Before Chen Jinshui could summon his martial soul, Yang Podi's calm yet firm voice warned him, "Move again, and I'll break your neck."
Though Yang Podi smiled, his tone left no room for doubt. Realizing he was outmatched, Chen Jinshui swallowed hard and said, "I apologize for disturbing you, Yang Podi."
"There's no need to apologize," Yang Podi replied with a faint smile. "Just make sure you don't bother me again."
With that, Yang Podi returned to his dormitory, and the pressure on Chen Jinshui vanished. It was as if nothing had happened. Reflecting on the encounter, Chen Jinshui realized Yang Podi was far more powerful than he had imagined. Though he had some connections, he decided not to provoke someone like Yang Podi again.
Two days later, Xue Qinghe arrived at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, this time alone. Unlike before, there were no elders or Ning Fengzhi accompanying him. They met by the lake on the academy grounds.
When Yang Podi arrived and saw Xue Qinghe by himself, his expression turned wary. "Your Highness, what brings you here?"
"Nothing major," Xue Qinghe said with a faint smile. "I just wanted to meet with you."
"Your Highness, you wouldn't come all this way without a reason. If there's something to say, let's get straight to the point. After all, it's just the two of us here."
Xue Qinghe chuckled softly, admiring Yang Podi's straightforwardness. "I'll be frank. I hope you can serve me."
Yang Podi responded, "Isn't organizing the Heaven Dou Royal Academy team already serving Your Highness?"
"I thought you were a clever man," Xue Qinghe replied. "You should know what I truly mean."
Yang Podi's expression hardened. "Your Highness, let's be honest. What would my clan gain from serving you? We are living well enough. Why should we get involved in the court's struggles?"
"Your clan's medicine refining skills do ensure a good life for you," Xue Qinghe acknowledged. "But you should always be prepared for unforeseen dangers. Otherwise, disaster might strike."
Understanding the underlying message, Yang Podi asked, "Your Highness, my life's goal is the revival of the Breaking Clan. Can you help me achieve that?"
Xue Qinghe, exuding confidence, replied, "I am the only one who can help you accomplish that goal."
Yang Podi shook his head. "The Breaking Clan would only serve you if you became Emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire. Otherwise, it would be meaningless."
"You mean if I ascend the throne, your clan will support me?"
"Exactly. Your Highness possesses great vision and ambition, but without the throne, you cannot truly empower the Breaking Clan."
Xue Qinghe frowned slightly. "Why not ally with my father, Emperor Xue Ye?"
Yang Podi smirked. "Emperor Xue Ye is indeed powerful, but he is past his prime. Should he fall victim to poison one day, what then?"
The mention of poison caused Xue Qinghe to flinch, his eyes widening in surprise.
Before Xue Qinghe could respond, Yang Podi continued, "If you want to ally with the Breaking Clan, treat us as brothers, like the single-attribute clans."
"And what would it take to be considered brothers with your clan?"
"Like the single-attribute clans, we should fight together, train together, and even live together."
Yang Podi moved closer to Xue Qinghe, clasping his hand and patting his shoulder in a gesture of camaraderie. Xue Qinghe, deep in thought, didn't react immediately. When he realized what had happened, he pulled away as though startled.
Noticing Xue Qinghe's reaction, Yang Podi suppressed a laugh and said, "Your Highness, this is a problem. Such behavior could indicate illness. I recommend visiting our clan for treatment. We guarantee results."
Xue Qinghe, embarrassed, replied, "I'm perfectly healthy. The imperial physicians and Ning Fengzhi have both examined me. I'm just not fond of physical contact."
Yang Podi's tone turned serious. "Your Highness, as the crown prince, your health and the continuation of the royal bloodline are critical. Marriage and children are of utmost importance."
Xue Qinghe smiled faintly. "Rest assured, Yang Podi. I understand these matters well."
"It's getting late," Xue Qinghe added, abruptly changing the subject. "I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away.
Watching his retreating figure, Yang Podi thought to himself, This little angel won't dare scheme against me again. But what did she mean by her warning? Was it a reminder or a veiled threat?
