Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 126: Convincing the Little Angel

After hearing Yang Potian's remarks, Tang San seemed to be on the verge of fury. "Yang Potian, I've already told you—I expect you to respect my teacher, or don't blame me if I show you no courtesy."

Yang Potian couldn't help but shake his head. "Classmate, from beginning to end, I haven't shown any disrespect to your teacher. I don't understand what you're trying to imply, nor why you're saying this. I'm only expressing my thoughts."

"If simply having a different opinion counts as disrespect, then I'm not sure what would satisfy you as respectful."

After these words, Yang Potian bowed to Crown Prince Xue Qinghe and Sect Leader Ning Fengzhi. "Your Highness, Sect Leader Ning, I still have training to attend to, so I'll take my leave."

Ning Fengzhi then interjected, "Wait a moment, and Tang San, calm down."

"Yang Potian, Tang San is a disciple of the Clear Sky Sect. I'd like you two to communicate a bit more."

Yang Potian glanced at Ning Fengzhi, then at Tang San. "Sect Leader Ning, what exactly do you mean by communication? My Potian Clan no longer has any connection with the Clear Sky Sect. Regarding the team arrangements, as long as His Highness makes the decisions, I have no further input."

Ning Fengzhi fell silent at this, but Bone Douluo beside him spoke up, "Yang Potian, I suggest you show respect to those who are powerful. This world is far more perilous than you may think."

Yang Potian gave Bone Douluo a slight bow. "Senior Bone Douluo, I'm afraid I don't quite understand what you mean."

"From the moment I entered the administrative building, I haven't disrespected anyone—not Teacher Yu Xiaogang nor Tang San here. I've been very clear about my position: I'm leading a team to train students and achieve great results, fulfilling my original agreement with His Highness."

"I have confidence in my team and in my teammates. Does refusing to merge with the first team somehow amount to disrespecting the powerful?"

"Must Teacher Yu Xiaogang lead us for it to count as respect for him and respect for the strong?"

At this, Xue Qinghe seemed to notice the tension and quickly intervened. "Yang Potian, you may return to your training for now. Rest assured, the second team will proceed as usual."

Yang Potian bowed to the group before leaving the building alone.

After his departure, Xue Qinghe turned to Yu Xiaogang. "Teacher Yu, I think it would be best for you to lead the first team alongside Qin Ming. With the students already on the first team plus the Shrek students you've brought, I'm sure your talents will shine."

Yu Xiaogang, realizing he could not push further, took Tang San and left.

After Yu Xiaogang's departure, Xue Qinghe spoke apologetically to Ning Fengzhi. "Teacher, I'm sorry about this. Given the second team's current state, I'm afraid I can't intervene too much."

Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "It's no trouble. This young man from the Potian Clan is quite intriguing; both his individual power and leadership abilities are impressive. You're fortunate to have such talent under you, Qinghe."

After a brief conversation, Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo left Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, leaving Ning Rongrong to continue her studies there.

On the carriage ride, Ning Fengzhi seemed lost in thought. Unable to contain his curiosity, Bone Douluo asked, "Fengzhi, what's with that kid, Yang Potian? Why did he refuse our suggestion? Combining the teams would greatly increase the chances of victory."

Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "It's not just about winning a championship anymore; it's a matter of the Potian and Yu Clans' allegiances. I had hoped that with Yu Xiaogang leading the team, joined by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's Yu Tianheng, our clan's Ning Heng, and Tang San from the Clear Sky Sect, the team would be led by the Upper Three Sects."

"But this young man is so resolute that he'd rather disband his team than cooperate with us, which shows that the Potian and Yu Clans likely won't be at the forefront of the battle against Spirit Hall. There are some wise minds in those clans, it seems."

Bone Douluo pondered this. "Fengzhi, maybe I should discreetly eliminate the boy. It's clear he's not aligned with us."

After some thought, Ning Fengzhi replied, "It's too late. Given his status within the Potian Clan, they likely have people secretly protecting him. If word of such an action reached them, it would lead to an all-out feud with the Potian and Yu Clans. And with that old poison master Dugu Bo involved, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan wouldn't come out unscathed."

"So, what do we do now?"

With a faint smile, Ning Fengzhi replied, "We wait and observe. Yu Xiaogang and Tang San aren't likely to give up easily, and their ties to the Clear Sky Sect won't be severed so easily either."

"Bone Uncle, I couldn't sense Yang Potian's spirit power level just now. Were you able to?"

Bone Douluo shook his head. "He's likely carrying a spirit tool that conceals his aura. But I'd estimate he's at least a high-level Spirit King, possibly even a Spirit Emperor."

"A high-level Spirit King? A Spirit Emperor? That's hardly possible; he's only eighteen. If that's true, then his second team could truly be in a position to ignore Yu Xiaogang entirely. This year's Spirit Master Tournament may turn out to be quite interesting."

When Yang Potian received Xue Qinghe's message, he felt a mix of frustration and amusement. What was this "little angel" up to now?

Upon arriving at the administrative building and finding only Xue Qinghe there, Yang Potian seemed to understand.

Facing Xue Qinghe, he spoke directly, "Your Highness, what do you wish to discuss with me this time?"

Xue Qinghe smiled. "Yang Potian, I apologize for today's disturbance. The Spirit Master Tournament is a matter of great importance, and the proposals from Sect Leader Ning and Teacher Yu Xiaogang were indeed well thought out, so it was necessary to bring it up."

"Your Highness, you're too modest. I'm just a small figure—how could I dare to oppose Sect Leader Ning?"

They exchanged a few pleasantries, still avoiding the core topic of their conversation.

Finally, Xue Qinghe asked, "Yang Potian, what exactly is your clan's stance toward Spirit Hall?"

Yang Potian paused, then answered solemnly, "The Potian Clan harbors a deep resentment toward Spirit Hall, but it's not to the point of a fight to the death. We hate Spirit Hall, but we despise the Clear Sky Sect even more."

With a slightly amused look, Xue Qinghe responded, "Are you not afraid of offending my Heaven Dou Empire by saying such things, given our antagonistic relationship with Spirit Hall?"

Yang Potian shook his head. "There are many clever people in the world, but few are outright fools. While the Potian Clan has its enmities with Spirit Hall, none of the major sects would dare to face them alone given Spirit Hall's strength."

"I understand Sect Leader Ning's intentions. If we dared to lead the charge against Spirit Hall, our fate would likely be worse than the Clear Sky Sect's."

Xue Qinghe maintained his curious stance. "You're afraid of Spirit Hall, yet you don't fear my Heaven Dou Empire?"

Yang Potian was exasperated. "Your Highness, with all due respect, aren't we cooperating with the Heaven Dou Empire right now? Or more specifically, aren't we cooperating with you? Isn't that enough sincerity?"

Xue Qinghe shook his head. "While we are collaborating, that won't necessarily silence the imperial court. My father may not be entirely satisfied."

"Whether Emperor Xue Ye is satisfied or not ultimately depends on a word from you, doesn't it?"

"And why should I speak that word? Our relationship hasn't quite reached that point, has it?"

Yang Potian responded, "It's not about the relationship; it's about strength. The Potian Clan and the Yu Clan both have Titled Douluos, and with the Poison Douluo on friendly terms, who would dare challenge us, even if we don't show respect to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan?"

Xue Qinghe's expression darkened. "You may have strength, but what does that have to do with me?"

"Of course it does. Who wouldn't want their ally to be stronger? If we didn't have the strength, how could we qualify to work with you, Your Highness?"

Silence settled over them as Xue Qinghe appeared to consider the terms of their cooperation.

Breaking the silence, Yang Potian said, "Your Highness, I have some information that could solidify our cooperation, but I'd like to see some sincerity from you as well."

Xue Qinghe smiled slightly. "Yang Potian, what do you expect as a gesture of sincerity, and is your information truly worth it?"

"My information would be invaluable to you, Your Highness, and I guarantee it won't reach anyone else."

After a moment of contemplation, Xue Qinghe asked, "What kind of sincerity do you want?"

"I hear that the Heaven Dou Empire is offering major rewards for this Spirit Master Tournament. I would like Armo Mountain as my fief. What do you think, Your Highness?"

Xue Qinghe sneered. "Armo Mountain is in the northernmost part of the empire, almost in the extreme north. Trying to hide that far away?"

"Your Highness, I assure you, my information is worth the price."

"Let's hear it. If it's worth it, I'll agree."

Yang Potian looked at him seriously. "I've heard that Prince Xue Beng has been pursuing my sister and was poisoned by Dugu Yan. How bad is his condition?"

Xue Qinghe was visibly uncomfortable. "Please understand; my fourth brother can be a bit careless."

Yang Potian shook his head. "Far from careless. I'd say he's quite calculating. I also hear he pursued Dugu Yan, and nearly had the Shrek Academy talents driven out of Heaven Dou Academy after a conflict. He even surrounds himself with powerful friends. Careless? That's an understatement."

Xue Qinghe's face changed slightly. "What do you mean by that?"

"I'm just impressed with his tactics, though some may not notice them."

Xue Qinghe seemed to realize something, momentarily stunned.

Yang Potian, now standing a bit closer, placed a sympathetic hand on Xue Qinghe's, recalling the golden-haired figure he'd encountered in the forest. Unable to resist, he gave the hand a quick pat and thought to himself, So soft and smooth.

Xue Qinghe suddenly pulled his hand back, startled, but seeing Yang Potian's comforting expression, he seemed to suppress his irritation.

Yang Potian stifled his laughter and said, "Your Highness, how does my show of sincerity measure up?"

Xue Qinghe, trying to mask his embarrassment, nodded. "Your sincerity is appreciated. After the tournament, Armo Mountain shall be yours."

"However, since you've shared this information, perhaps you have a solution to propose as well?"

Yang Potian looked at him knowingly. "I've heard that in the Star Luo Empire, princes are forbidden from associating with Spirit Hall. Surely Prince Xue Beng, as a Heaven Dou prince, would resist Spirit Hall's influence."

"Naturally. Though my fourth brother can be a bit thoughtless, he understands right from wrong."

After more polite exchanges, Yang Potian prepared to leave but paused. "Your Highness, regarding the second team's leadership, it might be best for Teacher Li Xiang to serve as vice leader, as he's been dedicated to the team's success. Also, with Poison Douluo's concern for his granddaughter, I plan to invite him to join as vice leader as well. Would that be acceptable?"

Xue Qinghe considered this before replying, "Teacher Li Xiang and Senior Dugu Bo are both excellent choices. With them as vice leaders, I doubt anyone will object."

"Thank you, Your Highness. I'll take my leave."

With that, Yang Potian turned and left without looking back.

(End of Chapter)

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