As the battle concluded, the host announced the end of the event.
At this point, spectators had already begun to leave the venue, one after another.
Initially, they were somewhat dissatisfied with how abruptly the battle had ended, but after hearing Han Li's earlier explanation, the atmosphere became lively.
The battle had been personally analyzed by the Holy Son of Spirit Hall, complete with a brilliant tactical breakdown. Wasn't that more interesting than simply watching soul masters fight in the regular Great Soul Arena?
The combination of elite skills and tactics — this was what the Soul Master Tournament was all about.
Even though they only learned about it afterward, it didn't stop most people from boasting when they returned home, saying, "I knew it all along."
Doesn't that mean, I = Holy Son? That's what they call great minds think alike.
As for the ticket price? In one word: worth it.
Up in the stands, Emperor Xue Ye, after giving instructions to the three board members, was preparing to leave.
Suddenly, a soul master from the Heaven Dou Empire, responsible for the tournament, hurried toward the stands. After saluting, he leaned in close to Xue Qinghe and whispered something.
Since Xue Qinghe was the nominal person in charge of the tournament, it made sense to report to him.
Those who were about to leave also stopped in their tracks, curious about what had happened. If it weren't something important, the soul master wouldn't have been so bold.
As Xue Qinghe listened to the report, his expression gradually darkened.
Han Li, eavesdropping on the conversation, blinked. Nice acting, bro. You're pretending this is the first time you've heard about it.
The soul master was reporting none other than the two disputes that had occurred between the Royal Battle Team 2 and other academies before the opening ceremony.
The conflict with Canghui Academy wasn't a big deal — even Han Li didn't take them seriously. Despite the previous incident with Blue Tyrant Academy, his attitude remained the same, as he believed the higher-ups would take measures.
But the more pressing issue involved Skywater Academy. Disputes aside, the key was the information revealed earlier by Dugu Yan, which had now spread after some brewing.
Just moments ago, a noble acquaintance, ever the gossip, came to confirm the news with Han Li, prompting him to quickly send someone to investigate.
The investigation's findings sent cold sweat down the man's back, and he hurried to the stands.
If he didn't report it immediately and the issue ended up tarnishing the empire's reputation, he'd be lucky to escape with his life.
Fortunately, his direct superior was the crown prince, so the consequences might not be too harsh. Hence, the current scene.
Seeing Xue Qinghe, known for his gentle demeanor, now wearing a grim expression, Emperor Xue Ye furrowed his brows.
"Qinghe, what's happened again?"
Even Emperor Xue Ye seemed helpless. How could so many issues arise during just the opening ceremony? He even added again to his question.
Upon hearing his inquiry, Xue Qinghe briefly glanced in Han Li's direction.
Emperor Xue Ye, recalling Han Li's calm attitude earlier, shook his head slightly and said, "It's alright, Qinghe. There's nothing that can't be said. Everyone here is a guest of honor, and they might be able to help resolve the issue."
"Yes, Father."
Xue Qinghe bowed slightly, then relayed the report in full.
When Skywater Academy was mentioned, everyone's eyes turned to Han Li, who was still smiling, showing no significant reaction.
"That's the situation," Xue Qinghe concluded with a sigh, once again glancing at Han Li.
"Your Majesty and Crown Prince need not be concerned," Han Li said calmly.
"It's merely a minor argument. I have a good relationship with the head of Skywater Academy. She's a reasonable person, and the disputes between the students won't affect the competition."
Han Li acted as though the matter had nothing to do with him and that he would calmly handle the situation later.
Those present couldn't help but twitch at his blatant lie, but they understood the underlying message: It's a minor issue.
Emperor Xue Ye glanced at Han Li and then at Ning Fengzhi.
"As for what Dugu Yan said about Flender, is it true?"
Ning Fengzhi, who hadn't wanted to get involved initially, saw Han Li staring at him and thought for a moment before speaking up. "When Rongrong enrolled, I had someone investigate. There were no discrepancies."
He had indeed conducted an investigation. At the time, he had even sent a letter, nominally about helping to discipline his daughter, but there was also an implied warning.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xue Ye took a deep breath.
You're a great ally, aren't you? As long as it doesn't threaten your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, right? You knew about this ticking time bomb and still let him into the academy?
Seeing the guilty expressions on the faces of the three board members and the crown prince, Emperor Xue Ye realized that, aside from the two members of the Star Luo Imperial Family they had specifically scrutinized, they hadn't done thorough background checks on anyone else. Most of this negligence could be attributed to the influence of Ning Rongrong on the team.
Who could have imagined that the precious jewel of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would end up in such a disreputable academy, alongside such unworthy teachers and teammates?
And there's even someone from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan mixed in. Even if he's a discard, he's still one of theirs.
So, all that's missing is someone from the Clear Sky Clan, and the three upper clans would all be gathered in my Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, right?
Thankfully, that guy Tang San, despite his surname, only has Blue Silver Grass as his martial soul. Otherwise, Emperor Xue Ye might truly start questioning everything.
"Since that's the case, expel Flender and Zhao Wuji from the academy. No — expel all the teachers who joined after them as well. And investigate Qin Ming thoroughly."
"Release a statement in my name, explaining that this incident occurred due to the interference of malicious individuals, which led to the royal family being deceived. Also, make sure to properly appease the nobles."
Xue Ye was truly furious. This was like chipping away at the foundation of the Heaven Dou Empire, and he strongly suspected that Ning Fengzhi was behind it, with Ning Rongrong serving as a mere smokescreen.
"Han Li, holy son, what about the Spirit Hall?"
After issuing his orders, Xue Ye suddenly remembered that the Spirit Hall was also implicated in this matter.
"Your Majesty need not worry. You can handle it as you see fit. After all, they are still teachers at the Royal Academy. As for the wanted man, Salas, I'll leave that to you. Is that acceptable?"
Han Li turned his gaze toward Salas, who stood behind him.
Salas, despite his many years of experience, couldn't tell if the Holy Son expected him to launch a thorough investigation or let the issue slide. However, in front of others, he didn't dare question Han Li. He simply nodded decisively.
Xue Ye, of course, was very satisfied with this.
Indeed, the best way to solve a problem is to deal with the people causing it.
To Xue Ye, Han Li passing the matter to Salas was a way of stepping back. Moreover, Han Li only mentioned the wanted Zhao Wuji without uttering a word about Flender, clearly giving him a face. This made Han Li far more agreeable than Ning Fengzhi.
Xue Qinghe has chosen the right friend, Xue Ye mused. When there's an issue, Han Li gives face. Perhaps one day, when both of them hold supreme power, they'll bring peace to the Heaven Dou Empire for a century.
As both sides were feeling quite content, Ning Fengzhi unexpectedly spoke up. "Holy Son Han, if I remember correctly, Zhu Zhuqing used to be a member of Emperor Battle Team 2, didn't she? She mysteriously disappeared before, so how did she end up on Skywater Academy's team?"
"Oh, are you asking about Zhuqing? I found her in the Star Dou Forest. Judging by her path, she was probably trying to return to the Star Luo Empire through the forest. However, she was gravely injured at the time, and I saved her. Only later did I learn her true identity."
"But this should have nothing to do with you, Sect Master Ning, right? This is a matter between me and the Star Luo Empire. Unless, of course, you have some insights. Or perhaps you're well-connected with the Star Luo Empire and could help me build a bridge?"
Han Li casually fabricated a wild story, then looked at Ning Fengzhi with an eager expression, as if genuinely expecting him to help.
"No, nothing like that. I was just curious since Rongrong had mentioned her before. Holy Son Han saving a beauty is quite a touching story."
Your storytelling skills are terrible, and your attempts to sow discord are amateurish, Ning Fengzhi thought to himself, though outwardly he smiled and complimented him.
As for the Heaven Dou Empire officials nearby, they pretended to be oblivious. After all, from start to finish, no one mentioned Zhu Zhuqing, the catalyst of this whole situation.
Han Li's brazen act of bringing Zhu Zhuqing along was something they were more than happy to witness.
In fact, after today, they would likely take the initiative to send this information to the Star Luo Empire. Ideally, they hoped it would lead to conflict. Even if no fighting ensued, the more strained the relationship between the two sides, the better for them.
As for Han Li's story, whether others believed it or not, they would treat it as true.
Of course, the fact that he had abducted Zhu Zhuqing from the academy would require a thorough investigation. There was likely a traitor involved.
If he could abduct Zhu Zhuqing today, who's to say he couldn't take Xue Qinghe tomorrow? Xue Ye didn't even want to imagine the consequences.
They probably wouldn't dare break into the palace, but the defenses around the Crown Prince's residence—though numerous and dense—might have less combat potential than the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, which was guarded by the three board members and many teachers.
"Alright, that's settled then. You can draft a plan and let Qinghe decide the specifics."
Xue Ye directed this to Xue Qinghe and the three board members.
He had already begun gradually delegating power. Although still limited, it was a signal he was sending.
"Yes, Father / Your Majesty."
Xue Qinghe and the three board members bowed. After exchanging farewells, everyone dispersed.
A lot had transpired today, and they all needed time to reorganize their thoughts—especially Yu Yuanzhen.
Not adept at handling such political matters, he decided to return and consult with the elders who had accompanied him, to ensure he didn't get entangled in the situation. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan now relied solely on him, and he couldn't afford to fail.
As for Blue Tyrant Academy...
He sighed, thinking of his younger brother's illegitimate daughter, Liu Erlong, and his estranged son.
Living in the house he had given him as a coming-of-age gift, and with Yu Tianheng having sent information earlier, did his son think Yu Yuanzhen knew nothing?
Should I go visit him?
Yu Yuanzhen was torn.
After some time, he sighed again and returned to the clan's residence.
Let's wait and see. His disciple Tang San was now entangled with various factions, and Xue Ye had his eye on him. With Yu Xiaogang as the bridge, there was no rush to get involved. Waiting a little longer might not be a bad idea.
If Tang San could indeed play a decisive role, it would give Yu Yuanzhen a legitimate reason to bring his son back into the family fold. Yu Yuanzhen held on to that hope.
No matter what, even if he was incompetent, that was still his son.
...
As for Han Li, he had already returned home right after the event, without even giving Salas a chance to question him.
After all, he had already taken advantage of the situation to claim Flender's fortune, and he didn't care about what happened next. The upcoming Skywater Academy battle uniform show with his four girls was far more interesting.
Just as expected, he had barely sat down when he heard their voices outside. The courtyard door creaked open.