Fortunately, this type of life did not last for long. After the major factions learned that Ning Fengzhi had a valued direct disciple, Xu Yang returned to his previous routine. However, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched, though he wasn't sure if this was merely a result of his own paranoia.
Unfortunately, this period of normalcy didn't last for long. A month later, after Xu Yang had just absorbed the Eastern Purple Qi and was about to go for a meal, a maid came to inform him that Ning Fengzhi wanted to see him.
Thinking it was probably another gathering of nobles, Xu Yang's face immediately fell.
Because of the corruption of the Heaven Dou Empire, most of the nobles here are just like those described in novels, arrogant, domineering, and unreasonable, very contemptuous of civilians, and can show all kinds of ugly faces for the sake of profit.
After learning that Xu Yang was Ning Fengzhi's disciple, many nobles began fawning over him, using various underhanded tactics. Some sent their slave girls or even children to try to seduce him, and others tried to poison his food and drinks. If it hadn't been for Ning Fengzhi's reminder and Xu Yang's unwavering willpower, he would have fallen victim to their schemes.
These nobles were aware that Xu Yang must be a genius to have caught Ning Fengzhi's attention. His martial soul and innate soul power were surely remarkable. They sought to secure a stable and powerful martial soul inheritance for their families, believing that if one of their daughters could become pregnant by him, their lineage would benefit. They were also well aware that as long as they didn't touch the core of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect wouldn't be able to do much to them.
"Why do they have to treat me like this, when I'm just a child?" Xu Yang thought bitterly.
Since then, Xu Yang had developed a deep aversion to the nobility, firmly refusing to engage with them. But reality forced him to attend these gatherings, as he had no choice.
"Sigh!"
With a sigh, Xu Yang washed up and changed his clothes before leaving the room.
"Master, can I skip this gathering? These nobles are really disgusting!" As soon as he entered the room, Xu Yang began to complain to Ning Fengzhi.
Ning Fengzhi looked at Xu Yang's expression and smiled helplessly. He was aware of the tactics used by these nobles and didn't like them either, but some things were inevitable. Some experiences were necessary for growth.
"This isn't a gathering. You'll be accompanying me to the Heavenly Dou Imperial Palace to meet Emperor Xue Ye and your future junior disciple!" Ning Fengzhi replied.
"As long as it's not another gathering…" Xu Yang breathed a sigh of relief, already guessing who this "junior disciple" would be.
After a simple tidying up, Xu Yang, Sword Douluo Chen Xin, and Ning Fengzhi set off in a carriage toward the imperial palace. The journey was smooth, and as soon as they entered Heavenly Dou City, Xu Yang pulled open the carriage curtain and looked out.
He had been to Heavenly Dou City several times by now, and it truly lived up to its status as the capital of the Heavenly Dou Empire. Everything about it was top-tier, with few commoners dressed in simple clothes. Most people were wealthy merchants or nobility, exuding an air of aristocracy. From time to time, students from the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy could be seen running and playing.
Of course, there were also scenes of nobles oppressing commoners. At first, Xu Yang had wanted to intervene, guided by his conscience from his past life. However, after witnessing it repeatedly, he had grown numb to it. He couldn't save everyone—what he could do was limited, and ultimately, it was a result of the social structure, something he couldn't change.
Soon, they arrived at the imperial palace. As they passed through the gates, they saw a wide avenue, comparable to an eight-lane highway in later times. Both sides were lined with rare and carefully trimmed greenery, enhancing the overall beauty of the surroundings. The buildings around them were made from the finest stone, showcasing the grandeur of the empire.
"Only royal families enjoy such luxury," Xu Yang commented, looking around in awe.
Ning Fengzhi only shook his head in response, not offering any further comment.
Eventually, they were taken to a palace, a side hall that Xu Yang didn't recognize. In the center was a large stone table laden with fine pastries, food, and drinks. Emperor Xue Ye was chatting with Prince Xue Xing. All four of the emperor's sons were present, except for the youngest, Prince Xue Beng, who was only two or three years old. The other three princes were scattered around, not gathered together.
Xu Yang noticed that one of them, a boy a year or two older than him, was casting a resentful look at Ning Fengzhi. Though the boy tried to conceal it, Xu Yang could still detect the hostility.
"That's the second prince, Xue Luo Chuan," Ning Fengzhi explained, noticing Xu Yang's gaze. "He started resenting me after hearing that I planned to take Xue Qinghe as my disciple. He even threw a tantrum and destroyed everything in his room. His heart is narrow—fortunately, I didn't choose him."
Xu Yang was about to warn Ning Fengzhi when he heard his voice in his ear. Ning Fengzhi had clearly noticed Xue Luo Chuan's gaze and had investigated the reactions of the other royal family members. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so informed about the matters in the prince's palace.
Xu Yang nodded without speaking, his attention now shifting to a black-haired boy standing next to the golden-haired one. The boy wore a fake smile and appeared humble, following the golden-haired boy closely. His attire was not as luxurious as the others, looking rather modest. He resembled a servant or guard to the golden-haired prince.
But Xu Yang's interest wasn't piqued by his appearance. Instead, it was the sensation of his martial soul resonating with the boy's. It felt like they were connected in some way. Xu Yang had only felt this before in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's library, a sign that their martial souls were in perfect harmony. This meant they could perform a soul fusion technique together.
"Could it be… Qian Renxue?!" Xu Yang thought, recalling the martial soul attribute he knew so well. The Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul was a divine soul, and the only person in the continent known to possess it was from the Qian family. The only one in Heavenly Dou City with this martial soul was Qian Renxue.
Indeed, Qian Renxue seemed to sense the resonance, smiling and nodding toward Xu Yang before continuing to follow behind Qian Renxue.
Xu Yang returned the gesture with a slight nod and then followed Ning Fengzhi to meet Emperor Xue Ye.
"Your Majesty, it's been a long time!" Ning Fengzhi greeted with respect.
"Xu Yang, pay your respects to His Majesty," Ning Fengzhi added, and Xu Yang quickly followed suit, bowing respectfully.
"Sect Leader, is this your disciple? He's truly impressive!" Emperor Xue Ye said with a smile after receiving their greetings.
"This disciple is mischievous, causing Your Majesty to worry!" Ning Fengzhi replied with a smile.