Douluo Continent: Naru Sacred Heart, Snow Shines Forever

On that day, the person I expected finally came to my door.

Qin Ming led Chen Jieqi to the Education Committee hall, explaining as they walked, his tone slightly helpless.

"Xiao Qi, a guest of extremely high status has asked the Education Committee for help to meet you in person."

Chen Jieqi nodded calmly, without saying anything more.

He had a premonition that his talent, strength, and insights would sooner or later alarm the core of the empire.

Soon after, we entered the magnificent hall of the Education Committee.

As far as the eye could see, three education committee members were respectfully surrounding a young man.

"As expected, it did alert 'her'!"

Chen Jieqi thought to himself, but his gaze remained impassive as he focused on the young man.

The man was dressed in a moon-white court robe embroidered with silver patterns, with a jade belt around his waist. His long hair was tied up high with a jade crown, with only a few strands hanging down by his ears, making him appear elegant and noble.

He had a handsome and gentle face, with a fair complexion that was just right. His relaxed eyebrows and eyes exuded a kind and gentle charm, and his smile was like a spring breeze, making him seem like a harmless and gentle young master.

This is none other than the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire—

Xueqing River.

However, only Chen Jieqi himself knew that beneath this exterior lay the young master of the Spirit Hall—

A thousand feet of snow!

The closer they got, the stronger the throbbing in their hearts became—an instinctive resonance stemming from their shared martial spirit.

Chen Jieqi suppressed his distracting thoughts, stepped forward steadily, and bowed respectfully to the three education committee members:

"Hello, three education commissioners. Mr. Qin Ming, is there something you need to see me about?"

Looking at the boy before them, who was not even twelve years old yet had already reached the Soul Master level, the three education committee members stroked their beards, their smiles warm, their eyes filled with undisguised satisfaction and amazement.

The head of the Education Committee, Meng Shenji, stepped forward and spoke gently.

"Xiao Qi, there's no important matter that I called you here today. His Majesty heard that a young man of extraordinary talent has arrived at the academy, and he specially ordered His Highness the Crown Prince to come and offer his regards."

He stepped aside to make way for the young man behind him and introduced him loudly:

"This is His Highness the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire—Xue Qinghe."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jieqi stepped forward, his posture respectful yet neither servile nor arrogant, and bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

"Chen Jieqi, a student of the Royal Battle Academy, greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Xue Qinghe's gaze sharpened slightly, lingering briefly on Chen Jieqi.

The young man before them stood tall and straight, his temperament as pure as the first rays of dawn. He lacked the impetuousness of ordinary genius disciples, instead exuding a composure and restraint beyond his years.

In particular, the faint, divine aura emanating from it intensified the stirrings in "his" heart; this pure power of light filled her with longing.

Suppressing the restlessness in his heart, Xue Qinghe's smile softened, and his tone was just right, humble and modest.

"Chen Jieqi...a good name."

"A promising young man with a calm and composed demeanor, he will surely become a pillar of our Heavenly Dou Empire in the future."

He paused, his tone becoming deliberately friendly and promising:

"I am a few years older than you, may I call you Xiao Qi?"

If you don't mind, please call me Brother Xue.

"From now on, on your path to becoming a Soul Master, just focus on your cultivation. If needed, the Empire and I will be your strongest support."

The three education commissioners nodded imperceptibly, secretly praising the move.

"His Highness the Crown Prince is indeed benevolent and virtuous, and has the demeanor of treating the virtuous with respect. He will surely be a wise ruler in the future."

"Of course, thank you, Brother Xue."

Chen Jieqi responded, his tone carrying just the right amount of respect and intimacy.

And this was part of his plan.

Chen Jieqi knew that once his talent was exposed, it would inevitably attract the covetousness and attention of various forces.

While the existence of Dugu Bo as a "nuclear deterrent" can largely prevent ordinary petty criminals or sects from escaping,

But he would never dare to gamble on the Spirit Hall, much less on that "mad pope" Bibi Dong.

Although his martial soul wasn't a six-winged angel, its pure light attribute and divine aura were even stronger, regardless of the potential risks brought about by attribute restraint.

It was the "flavor" attribute that stimulated Bibi Dong, reminding her of certain special past events she didn't want to recall. It was like a time bomb that could explode at any moment.

As a pioneer of the "Gou Dao" (a martial arts philosophy), Chen Jieqi naturally wouldn't ignore this blatant risk.

Therefore, taking the initiative to contact this "little angel Qian Renxue" became a logical choice. The two had no connection and no history of enmity, making her the safest person to leverage.

On the surface, Xue Qinghe, as the Crown Prince of the Heavenly Dou Sect, would treat this genius of the Imperial Dou Sect with courtesy and respect, and try to win him over.

Privately, whether Qian Renxue wanted to subdue him for her own use or to secretly compete with Bibi Dong, she would subconsciously protect him.

This was the first layer of insurance Chen Jieqi had laid for himself.

He had even considered an even more extreme possibility in his mind: if the two people's martial souls could truly merge, it would be equivalent to having a "get-out-of-jail-free card".

Of course, this is on the premise that the identity of "Qian Renxue" can be balanced; otherwise, it may be another form of "protection".

This was Chen Jieqi's first step in his plan: to protect himself.

The second step is to seek development.

......

After the polite greetings from the Education Committee ended, Chen Jieqi accompanied Xue Qinghe and the three Education Committee members to the East Palace.

Inside the side hall, gilded decorations shimmered like jade, the air was filled with the fragrance of imperial wine, and a scene of prosperous revelry unfolded.

After several rounds of drinks, the palace doors were suddenly and violently forced open.

Avalanche, his brocade robe disheveled and reeking of alcohol, staggered in, making a ruckus.

"Big brother, I heard you invited that genius boy from Huang Dou?"

"I'd like to see who this person is!"

His gaze swept over Chen Jieqi's white outfit, his brows furrowed, and his tone became harsh.

"It's you? Chen Jieqi?"

Is it impressive to defeat Yu Tianheng?

It's just some shady, unorthodox methods of showing off.

Which member of the Heavenly Dou royal family isn't of higher birth and stronger than you?

"You, a commoner, dare to sit here?"

Before he finished speaking, he raised his hand and smashed a full glass of strong liquor on Chen Jieqi's desk. The liquor splashed and soaked most of Chen Jieqi's clothes.

The three education commissioners' expressions changed drastically. Just as they were about to reprimand them, Xue Qinghe gently pressed their hands down.

Seeing this, Xue Beng became even more arrogant, circling around to stand in front of Chen Jieqi, looking down at him condescendingly, his breath reeking of alcohol.

"A commoner is just a commoner; they don't even have a decent soul bone."

I have a century-old wind wolf skull here. I'll take pity on you and give it to you!

Having said that, he took out the soul bone box from the soul tool.

He swung his wrist violently, smashing it straight at Chen Jieqi's face.

however,

Chen Jieqi was only slightly taken aback.

The holy light suddenly tightened, snapping the straps of the box. The trajectory of the bone box changed abruptly, and it smashed back into Avalanche's face.

The movement was so fast that bystanders assumed it was an avalanche that caused the accident.

"Bang!"

The avalanche struck his nose, causing blood to gush out instantly. He grimaced in pain and took two steps back.

The entire hall fell silent; even the dancers stopped moving.

Chen Jieqi looked up, a gentle smile on his face.

"Your Highness Avalanche, now that the soul remains have been sent out, they should be properly preserved."

Your skill was truly remarkable; you caught it with pinpoint accuracy...

"I wonder, Your Highness, are you going to give this to me, or to yourself?"

The avalanche was both infuriating and painful, and a muffled sound came from his throat.

That's enough.

Xue Qinghe's voice finally turned cold as he forcibly carried the battered avalanche away.

The tension inside the hall dissipated, and the sounds of music returned.

Meng Shenji quickly stepped forward, with an apologetic expression.

"Xiao Qi, I'm sorry to have startled you. His Highness was indeed out of control today."

Xue Qinghe poured wine for Chen Jieqi, his eyes revealing approval.

"Xiao Qi, I'm sorry you had to see this."

Chen Jieqi gently swirled the new wine glass and responded with a faint smile:

"Brother Xue, you flatter me. It was merely His Highness's indiscretion after drinking."

He knew in his heart that the avalanche's disruption was no accident...