Douro Continent

Chapter 474 With all artifice washed away, a state of perfect harmony and fulfillment (Part 2)

What was even more surprising was that the young man gave him a sense of familiarity. He couldn't explain why; it wasn't because of his aura, but rather a kind of innate intuition.

After making a brief inquiry among the surrounding nobles about the young man in white but receiving no answer, Xue Qinghe became even more determined to associate with him. Not because of her sister's pleas yesterday, but for a talent who might become a pillar of the empire's future.

Tang San played the harp quietly, his heart was calm, just like the tranquility he exuded.

A year has passed. A year ago, how could he have imagined that he would be playing a musical instrument in front of everyone today? When he first started learning from his aunt, he was full of doubts.

However, after a month, Tang San realized that the path his father had pointed him in was absolutely correct.

Cultivating in the City of Slaughter is for training the mind. The same applies to Moon Pavilion.

As he gradually calmed down here and recalled everything that had happened in the past four years, and his entire growth process, he found himself mentally exhausted.

This year allowed him to rest his body and mind to the fullest. Although he didn't deliberately cultivate, everything he had learned over the years gradually became integrated and understood in this tranquil state. Even the Du Meridian, the last line of defense of the eight extraordinary meridians, began to loosen.

Level 57, that's Tang San's current soul power level.

In five years, he advanced from level 42 or 43 to level 57, averaging three levels per year. This sounds like a far cry from his cultivation speed during his two years at Shrek Academy. But in reality, after level 40, the amount of soul power required for each level increase is incomparable to what it used to be.

At twenty years old and level fifty-seven, Tang San had undoubtedly surpassed the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation by a significant margin. Most importantly, he was no longer the Tang San who possessed various skills and needed to control them.

Instead, Tang San fused all his abilities into one, taking the most crucial step towards becoming a strongman.

From the undisguised admiration in his aunt's eyes over the past few months, Tang San knew that it was time for him to leave. Only the thought of seeing his father stirred ripples in his usually calm heart.

He had waited far too long for that unknown truth. Although he already had some guesses, how could he be certain unless his father told him?

Tang San knew that he had a long, long road ahead of him, but this year at Yuexuan was undoubtedly a turning point in his life. He had already passed through his adolescence, and his twentieth birthday was approaching; he had come of age.

The graduation ceremony concluded successfully, and each student received their graduation certificate from the head of the school, Tang Yuehua, before joyfully embracing their loved ones.

When Tang Yuehua finished all this, Tang San's task for the day was also completed. She walked to Tang San's side and said, "You did a good job today, true to your word."

Tang San smiled slightly, gently stroked the strings, letting the last lingering melody dissipate, and said, "Thank you."

Just then, a clear voice rang out, "Aunt Yuehua, could you introduce her to me?"

Tang Yuehua turned around and saw that Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, dressed in casual clothes, was walking over accompanied by Xue Ke, an elegant and poised recent graduate.

She had known Xue Ke's identity for a long time, as had most of the other students. She also noticed Xue Ke's special treatment of Tang San. Even when Tang San took away her original performance rights, this princess showed no displeasure.

"Your Highness," Tang Yuehua said with a slight bow.

Xue Qinghe quickly returned the greeting, "Aunt Yuehua, what are you doing? This junior cannot accept such a gesture."

Tang Yuehua chuckled and said, "Stop calling me 'Auntie,' am I really the youngest?"

Xueke, standing to the side, said playfully, "Of course the teacher isn't old. You're like my older sister."

Tang Yuehua smiled and said, "You're quite the smooth talker, aren't you?" As she spoke, she slightly stepped aside so that Xue Qinghe and his sister could clearly see Tang San. "Let me introduce you. This is my nephew, Tang Yin."

Upon hearing the word "nephew," a glint of light flashed in Xue Qinghe's eyes. Tang San had been quietly observing this Crown Prince who had once left a good impression on him.

Five years later, the crown prince has become more composed. His appearance has not changed much, but his reserved and refined temperament is still very endearing.

His gestures and movements bear a resemblance to Ning Fengzhi's; it's unclear whether he deliberately imitated him.

Judging from the change in his expression after his aunt introduced him, he must know her true identity. And since his aunt didn't try to hide it from him, she must trust this Crown Prince quite a bit.

On the surface, Tang San remained calm, but in his mind, he had already analyzed the situation extensively. He was pondering whether or not to reveal his identity to the Crown Prince.

The thought flashed through his mind for a moment, but Tang San quickly suppressed it. He knew that even if Xue Qinghe was trustworthy, now was not the time. He needed to verify his suspicions with his father, and if he truly needed the Crown Prince's help in the future, he could confess to him then. In any case, his current appearance would ensure that he wouldn't be recognized.

Xue Qinghe was also observing Tang San. As he drew closer, he became increasingly drawn to Tang San's serene and elegant demeanor, especially when Tang Yuehua said he was her nephew. He was greatly surprised. As the Crown Prince, just as Tang San had judged, he was one of the few who knew Tang Yuehua's true identity. The gossip circulating about Tang Yuehua and Emperor Xue Ye was nothing but a joke.

"Tang Yin, this is His Highness Xue Qinghe, the current Crown Prince of the Tiandou Empire," Tang Yuehua introduced to Tang San.

Tang San smiled and gave Xue Qinghe a slight bow, "Greetings, Your Highness." He also smiled and nodded to Xue Ke beside Xue Qinghe, as a greeting. After all, they were classmates, so there was no need for further formalities.

If it were the old Tang San, he would never have given Xue Ke, who kept trying to get close to him, any courtesy. But after a year of his aunt's guidance, he had learned how to bury his true emotions deep within.

Xue Qinghe smiled and said, "I've long heard from my younger sister that Yuexuan has produced another young talent, and seeing him today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved. Brother Tang Yin, let's get together sometime."

Despite his princely status, Xue Qinghe communicated with Tang San in a commoner's tone, truly demonstrating his respect for talent. Xue Ke, standing nearby, couldn't help but say, "Big brother, you must invite me along. I'd like to ask Tang Yin for more knowledge about the harp."

Xue Qinghe smiled and said, "If Brother Tang Yin has no objections, then I have no objections either." This simple sentence fully expressed his respect for Tang San, undoubtedly winning him favor.

Tang San maintained his smile, "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint Your Highness. I've just graduated and I have to go on a long trip. If fate allows, I will certainly pay you a visit when I return."

Xue Qinghe was stunned for a moment. He did not expect Tang San to refuse him without hesitation under such circumstances. But when he met Tang San's sincere gaze, he immediately understood that the other party was not making excuses, but really had something to do.

With a slight smile, Xue Qinghe said, "Then I'll be waiting for you to come back. I won't disturb you any longer, little sister, we should go back now." As she spoke, Xue Qinghe took the initiative to raise her hand to Tang San and shake hands, the simplest and most casual etiquette among nobles.

Tang San raised his hand and shook hands with Xue Qinghe. Instantly, a gentle wisp of soul power flowed from Xue Qinghe's palm. Tang San's heart stirred. Judging from the other party's soul power, this Crown Prince's strength was not weak! In his previous experience, he had never seen Xue Qinghe make a move.

If Tang San was slightly surprised, then Xue Qinghe was utterly shocked. The soul power he transferred into Tang San's hand was very gentle; even though Tang San wasn't a soul master, it wouldn't harm him. But he was horrified to discover that the soul power he had transferred into Tang San's body had vanished silently.

He encountered no resistance and felt nothing else; it seemed that once the soul power entered Tang San's body, it had no further connection with him.

How did he do that? This young man really seems to be a direct descendant of the Clear Sky Sect, and probably an extremely outstanding elite. This was Xue Qinghe's first thought. Of course, he wouldn't test Tang San any further, so he naturally let go of his hand, smiled, and led his sister away.

As Xue Ke left, her large eyes still shone with a lingering reluctance. If she hadn't already known Tang San's commoner identity, she probably would have confessed her love to him without hesitation. What girl her age wouldn't be attracted to a handsome, dashing young man with such a perfect demeanor?

After the guests left, Tang Yuehua chuckled as she watched Tang San packing up his harp. "It seems Xue Ke has really fallen for you. Last time she even asked me what level of noble status a commoner needed to marry a princess. She was clearly referring to you."

Looking up at his aunt's teasing smile, Tang San said helplessly, "Aunt, you know I'm not thinking about these things right now."

Tang Yuehua smiled and asked, "Do you have a close female friend?"

Tang San hesitated for a moment, but still nodded.

Tang Yuehua looked at him in surprise. "My goodness, you're really precocious. I remember you told me that you started cultivating with your father at the age of fourteen. Could it be that your confidante is someone you knew before?"

(End of this chapter)