With Dugu Bo's help, Nan Feihuang returned to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.
As usual, Dugu Bo dropped him off at the foot of the mountain, avoiding any interaction with others. This solitary man, even after months of association, still preferred his distance from people.
Waiting for him at the base were Xue Ke and Xue Qinghe. The moment Xue Ke spotted him, she excitedly waved her hand.
"Brother Feihuang!"
"Your Highness, it's been a while. You've become even more beautiful." Nan Feihuang smiled warmly.
Though they had met monthly during his short trips back to the academy, Xue Ke's excitement hadn't dimmed. In fact, their time apart seemed to deepen her feelings. She often spent hours in Yue Pavilion, gazing at the moon and thinking of him.
"Brother Feihuang, you're too kind!" Xue Ke's cheeks flushed crimson, her heart fluttering at his praise.
Xue Qinghe stepped forward with a gentle pat on Nan Feihuang's shoulder. "Feihuang, the semester has ended. You should take these two days to return home. I've prepared carriages and luggage for you. Please pass my regards to the Ice Phoenix Douluo. Also…" She smiled meaningfully. "Come back soon."
Nan Feihuang returned her warm smile. "Thank you, Brother Xue. I'll leave tomorrow, celebrate the New Year with my family, and return promptly."
That evening, they shared a meal together, filled with laughter and lighthearted conversation. Afterward, Nan Feihuang and Xue Qinghe discussed the recent political affairs of the empire, a topic they often delved into late into the night.
---
When Nan Feihuang finally returned to his dormitory at the academy, the entire building was dark—except for one room.
His room.
Pushing open the door, he called out with a smile, "Wenruo, I'm back. I brought you a gift."
Sure enough, seated at the desk with a book in hand was Xun Yu, engrossed in his studies. This habit of his had only grown stronger over the months.
Given his unique martial soul, Xun Yu didn't need to practice combat techniques himself. That freed up a significant amount of time, which he spent wisely. In the past four months, he prioritized cultivating his soul power, acquiring theoretical knowledge, and… pursuing Ye Lingling.
But even in his courtship, Xun Yu maintained his composure.
Unlike the typical sycophants vying for Ye Lingling's attention, Xun Yu was neither desperate nor overbearing. Instead, he made his intentions clear and subtly showcased his talents and reliability. His restrained yet determined approach intrigued Ye Lingling, who had grown weary of obsequious admirers.
Looking up from his book, Xun Yu smiled knowingly. "Master, from the look on your face, I take it you secured the immortal herbs?"
"Of course," Nan Feihuang replied, producing the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid. "This is yours."
Taking the herb, Xun Yu examined it carefully before tucking it away. "I'll save it for later. Using it now might draw unnecessary attention. Once we've completed the exchange program and left this place, it'll be safer to consume."
Nan Feihuang nodded. Xun Yu's cautious nature never failed to impress him.
"By the way, Master," Xun Yu said, his tone growing serious. "There's something I need to tell you."
Nan Feihuang raised a brow. "Oh? What is it?"
Xun Yu's next words were as calm as they were startling. "I've arranged for an assassination attempt on both of us during the upcoming journey home."
The room fell silent. Nan Feihuang blinked in surprise. "Did I offend you somehow, Wenruo? If I forgot your name once, surely that doesn't warrant a death sentence."
Though he was joking, Nan Feihuang trusted Xun Yu implicitly. The man's loyalty was beyond question. Furthermore, who warns their target about an assassination they arranged themselves?
Xun Yu chuckled. "Relax, Master. It's all part of a larger plan. Initially, no assassin group dared to accept the job. Who in their right mind would target the son of a Title Douluo? I had to conceal your identity, presenting you as a minor noble, to bait them. And for the record, I've been quite busy during your absence. Some of my men now hold positions in the Heaven Dou administration. They may not be high-ranking officials yet, but they're making progress."
Realization dawned on Nan Feihuang. "Your summoned soldiers?"
Xun Yu nodded. His summoned soldiers, once materialized, didn't require constant soul power expenditure. As long as they weren't killed or exhausted, they could sustain themselves like ordinary humans.
Over the months, Xun Yu had strategically placed some of his soldiers within the empire's bureaucratic system. Though they were still low-ranking, their intelligence and discipline promised steady advancement.
"No wonder you couldn't summon your full contingent during the last fight," Nan Feihuang mused. "You'd already stationed them elsewhere."
Xun Yu smirked. "Indeed. It took time, but some of them have managed to infiltrate the lower ranks of the imperial court. My goal is to have them climb higher, creating a network that can serve you in the future."
Nan Feihuang couldn't help but admire Xun Yu's foresight.
He knew the Heaven Dou Empire's administrative structure mirrored the Han Dynasty from his past life. High-ranking officials managed military and civil affairs, while lower-ranking ones supported these efforts. With Xun Yu's guidance, it was only a matter of time before his men ascended the ranks.
"Master, I know what weighs on your mind," Xun Yu said, his gaze steady. "This humble servant merely wishes to pave the way for your ambitions."
Their conversation stretched late into the night. By the end, Nan Feihuang had a deeper understanding of Xun Yu's plans—cunning yet measured, ambitious yet grounded.
Though Xun Yu's strategies lacked the ruthless venom of someone like Jia Xu, they were no less formidable.