Within the royal palace, trees swayed gracefully, and lush greenery surrounded them, creating a serene and picturesque environment.
Xue Qinghe guided Qin Jian and Ning Rongrong along the winding paths, introducing the scenery as they walked.
"You've joined later than most, so the etiquette class has already been running for ten days. You might find today's session a bit challenging to keep up with..."
Then Xue Qinghe smiled and added, "But don't worry. I'll guide you through it."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Qin Jian replied politely before asking, "You mentioned today's class involves dance training. What exactly does that entail?"
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong perked up, clearly curious.
Xue Qinghe chuckled. "What we teach in the royal family, of course, is court dance. With so many royal engagements, court dance is an essential skill. Have either of you learned it before?"
Court dance... a form of social interaction. Isn't that just ballroom dancing?
Qin Jian, having traversed worlds, was unfazed.
However, Ning Rongrong seemed uneasy. "I... I've never learned it," she admitted.
"Don't worry, I'll teach you." Xue Qinghe's response came swiftly, as though waiting for her to say those exact words.
"Oh..." Ning Rongrong glanced at Qin Jian, hesitant. "Qin Jian, do you know how to dance?"
"Uh, I might know a little..." Qin Jian scratched his nose, his tone modest.
Xue Qinghe laughed lightly. "Court dance is different from ordinary dancing. It's not about aesthetics but about social interaction. Qin Jian, since you haven't lived in the palace, you've likely never seen this style of dance. It's better if I teach it."
Qin Jian glanced at Xue Qinghe, his expression somewhat peculiar.
It seemed Xue Qinghe was particularly eager to teach Ning Rongrong court dance, which would naturally draw them closer—perhaps uncomfortably so for strangers. What's their game here...?
At last, the three arrived at the etiquette training hall.
The grand palace hall was filled with small groups of students seated in pairs or trios—royal princes, princesses, and noble children, most likely.
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince!"
The moment Xue Qinghe entered, everyone stood and bowed in respect.
"Please, no need for formalities," Xue Qinghe responded warmly.
Stepping aside, Xue Qinghe introduced the newcomers. "Today, we welcome two new students: Ning Rongrong, the little princess of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and Qin Jian, the personal disciple of Sword Douluo. Everyone, give them a warm welcome."
A round of polite applause followed—not too enthusiastic, but not dismissive either.
"Wow! Such a beautiful girl!"
A boy around twelve or thirteen suddenly dashed out from the crowd, extending his right hand toward Ning Rongrong. "Hi, I'm Xue Beng, the fourth prince of the empire. Let's get to know each other!"
Xue Beng?
Qin Jian's interest was piqued. His eyes narrowed as he assessed this infamous master of disguise.
Ning Rongrong didn't extend her hand. Instead, she merely nodded, her demeanor calm and composed.
Given her status as the little princess of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, higher than that of an imperial prince, her response wasn't impolite.
But Xue Beng's expression darkened. "What? You're looking down on me?"
Qin Jian raised an eyebrow and stepped forward. "Fourth Prince, as a young lady, it's not appropriate for Rongrong to shake hands casually."
"It's just etiquette! Don't you people understand anything?" Xue Beng retorted, glaring at Qin Jian with his nose in the air. "And who are you?"
His performance was overly dramatic—but for a twelve-year-old, it wasn't bad.
Before Qin Jian could respond, Xue Qinghe intervened with a frown. "Xue Beng, mind your manners. This is Qin Jian, Sword Douluo's personal disciple."
"Oh? Sword Douluo's disciple?"
Xue Beng's interest was piqued. "Then you must be pretty skilled. Let's spar!"
Qin Jian adjusted his sleeves calmly. "I'm here to learn etiquette, not to fight."
"Ha! Coward!" Xue Beng sneered, his disdain evident.
"Well said!"
At that moment, a regal female voice rang out from the doorway. "You're here to learn etiquette, not to pick fights. Prince Xue Beng, you're punished to stand as discipline today."
"Huh?"
Xue Beng's smug expression instantly collapsed. "Yes... Teacher Yue."
"Teacher Yue?" Qin Jian's thoughts stirred. Could this be Tang Yuehua?
He immediately turned toward the door and saw an elegant, noble woman enter gracefully, followed by two equally stunning young women.
Qin Jian's eyes widened in surprise. He couldn't discern the woman's age. At first glance, she seemed no older than her twenties, but her deep, all-knowing gaze revealed wisdom far beyond her apparent years.
Draped in a silver court gown, she exuded grace and dignity. There was no trace of soul power emanating from her, clearly indicating she wasn't a Soul Master.
"This is Tang Yuehua, the founder of the Moon Pavilion, the Heaven Dou Empire's court etiquette academy," Xue Qinghe explained.
As expected—Tang Yuehua!
Qin Jian's eyes gleamed.
Although she couldn't break through Rank 10 in her lifetime, she possessed the rare innate domain of aristocratic grace. Many nobles sent their children to her academy to learn.
To think she would personally teach in the royal palace!
"Last time, we covered the basics of court dance. Today, you'll practice in pairs. Choose your own partners. Those who fail will face the same punishment."
Tang Yuehua's strict tone left no room for negotiation.
The room bustled as the twenty or thirty students quickly paired up.
"Qin Jian, I can find you a partner to guide you through the dance, and I'll take care of Ning Rongrong," Xue Qinghe offered kindly.
Qin Jian glanced at Xue Qinghe.
Even knowing their true identity as a woman, he felt strangely opposed to the idea of letting them partner with Ning Rongrong.
"I want to dance with you, Qin Jian! I don't want to partner with anyone else!"
Ning Rongrong clung to Qin Jian's sleeve, whispering anxiously. "If we get punished, so be it. It's just standing against the wall, right?"
Qin Jian shrugged apologetically at Xue Qinghe. "Rongrong doesn't want to partner with anyone else. Sorry, Your Highness."
Xue Qinghe blinked in mild surprise but soon regained their gentle demeanor. "I was presumptuous. You two can observe for now. If Teacher Yue penalizes you, I'll speak on your behalf."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Qin Jian said with a nod.
As the pairs began to practice their court dance, Qin Jian and Ning Rongrong stood awkwardly to the side.
"Qin Jian, what should we do? Teacher Yue is already criticizing groups and sending them to stand as punishment. She's so fierce!" Ning Rongrong whispered nervously.
Qin Jian pondered for a moment. "Rongrong, I don't know this court dance... but I do know a much more beautiful type of social dance. Want to learn?"
"More beautiful than theirs?"
Ning Rongrong's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Teach me! Teach me!"
Qin Jian smiled. "Alright, first, place your left hand on my right shoulder..."
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