Outside Spirit City.
The Heaven Dou Empire's motorcade was grand and imposing, yet it seemed much quieter compared to when they first arrived.
There were sixteen teams in total, but most had returned to their respective academies after the competition ended.
Over the course of half a month, the carriages traveled north. However, news had grown wings, flying across thousands of mountains and rivers to reach Heaven Dou City ahead of them.
Just as the outline of Heaven Dou City came into view, a sight suddenly caught everyone's eyes.
Thirty miles outside Heaven Dou City, banners fluttered and armor gleamed!
It turned out that Emperor Xue Ye, having learned that the Heaven Dou Academy team would return today, had specially brought his civil and military officials thirty miles out of the city to welcome them, giving them plenty of Face.
This was undoubtedly the highest level of reception in the history of the Soul Master Tournament.
Emperor Xue Ye wore formal court robes. Although his Face was slightly pale from prolonged illness, his eyes were filled with unprecedented fervor and anticipation.
The eyes of the court officials were similarly filled with curiosity.
Recalling the news sent back a few days ago, they still found it inconceivable and hard to believe.
Who could have imagined that such a massive upheaval would occur during a mere Soul Master Tournament? Many even doubted the accuracy of the information.
"They're here!!"
Someone in the crowd suddenly spoke up, and countless gazes shifted forward. A grand motorcade approached and slowly came to a halt.
The leader of the escort knights was shocked by the scene. He immediately dismounted and knelt on one knee.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
The other knights followed suit and bowed.
"Hahaha, rise, everyone!" Seeing this, Emperor Xue Ye's pale complexion reddened slightly. His eyes gazed toward the carriages protected in the center by the escort knights.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" The knights stood up.
At that moment, the members of Heaven Dou Academy stepped out of their carriages. When they saw Yang Yuan, everyone's eyes focused on him.
He was a living legend—not yet fifteen, yet already a Spirit Saint, with a seventh spirit ring that had reached the terrifying hundred thousand year level.
Furthermore, deposing Supreme Pontiff Bibi Dong in front of the Spirit Hall and refusing the invitation of High PriestQian Daoliu—any one of these feats was enough to be sung about for centuries.
After Yang Yuan stepped out, Qian Renxue and Ning Fengzhi followed from another carriage. They paused for a moment until Yang Yuan walked up to stand between them.
The three then walked forward side-by-side.
Qian Renxue bowed respectfully and said, "Your son greets Father."
Emperor Xue Ye stepped forward and patted her shoulder.
"Qinghe, you've worked hard."
Qian Renxue smiled and said, "It is my honor to share Father's burdens."
Emperor Xue Ye couldn't help but laugh heartily, then turned his eager gaze toward Ning Fengzhi and Yang Yuan.
"Ning Fengzhis courtesy name, you've worked hard too!"
Ning Fengzhi gave an elegant smile.
"It was merely Ning Fengzhis courtesy name's duty."
Finally, Emperor Xue Ye looked at Yang Yuan with burning eyes, showing no imperial arrogance.
"Chief Yang Yuan, you have won supreme glory for my Heaven Dou Empire and enhanced our national prestige. This is an unparalleled achievement. Please, accept a bow from me."
After speaking, he prepared to bow.
But just as he was about to bend, he found his body supported by an invisible, gentle force.
Yang Yuan smiled faintly and said, "Your Majesty, you overstate it. The Crown Prince and I are good friends. You are his father, and naturally my elder as well. How could I accept a bow from an elder?"
Hearing this, Emperor Xue Ye was stunned for a moment. He glanced at Qian Renxue beside him and then burst into hearty laughter.
"Good, good, good! For the Crown Prince to have a friend like Chief Yang is truly the fortune of three lifetimes."
Emperor Xue Ye naturally knew the Crown Prince and Yang Yuan were on good terms; it was the Crown Prince who had recommended Yang Yuan to Heaven Dou Academy.
But in his life, Emperor Xue Ye had seen too many people who forgot their roots.
Ultimately, aside from some money and convenience, the Crown Prince hadn't actually given Yang Yuan that much.
He hadn't expected that Yang Yuan would not forget his past friendship with the Crown Prince.
Now that Yang Yuan was like a hidden dragon taking flight, being able to befriend such a supreme powerhouse was undoubtedly a momentous boon for the Heaven Dou Imperial Family.
With this relationship, the Heaven Dou Empire would no longer need to fear the Spirit Hall or the Star Luo Empire.
Qian Renxue smiled slightly and said, "It is indeed my luck to have met Xiao Yuan."
After saying this, she didn't forget to look at Yang Yuan beside her.
Behind the crowd, Dugu Yan watched this scene and suddenly couldn't help but shiver, getting goosebumps all over.
Only one thought remained in her mind: This Crown Prince definitely has a problem. The way she looks at Xiao Yuan is just wrong. No, I must make sure Xiao Yuan stays away from her in the future.
"Sister Yanzi, what's wrong?"
Ning Rongrong asked in confusion.
Ye Lingling also looked over.
Dugu Yan looked at the clueless Rongrong and whispered, "I'll tell you guys when we get back."
The two girls nodded.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
The gazes of the civil and military officials swept over Qian Renxue and Yang Yuan.
Seeing the relationship between the two, those factions that still harbored a sliver of hope for Xue Beng now felt their hearts turn cold.
Meanwhile, "Xue Qinghe's" supporters were beaming with joy, their backs unconsciously straightening.
Standing beside Prince Xue Xing, Xue Beng didn't dare look Yang Yuan in the eye, but his heart was filled with soaring envy and jealousy toward "Xue Qinghe."
He had fantasized countless times that if he had met Yang Yuan before "Xue Qinghe," he would have been even more humble and respectful. Whatever Yang Yuan wanted, he would have granted without exception.
If he were the one who had gained Yang Yuan's friendship, then what would the future Emperor of Heaven Dou have to do with "Xue Qinghe"?
Prince Xue Xing was close to Xue Beng and could naturally sense the change in his emotions, but there was nothing he could do. He could only shake his head in pity.
What was there left to fight for?
With the connection to Yang Yuan, "Xue Qinghe's" ascension to the throne was a done deal.
If Xue Beng behaved himself, he might still be able to become an idle prince like him in the future.
If he didn't, he would likely end up like the other two princes—dying suddenly and mysteriously.
In any case, Prince Xue Xing had no intention of continuing to support Xue Beng.
He still wanted to enjoy a few more carefree years!
...In Heaven Dou City, the wide streets were already packed with people who had rushed over upon hearing the news.
Knights of the Royal Knights held long spears, forming a human wall to maintain order.
"Look, it's His Majesty's carriage! The champion team of the Soul Master Tournament must be back."
"Quick, look! Can you see Chief Yang Yuan?"
"The rumors outside say he reached Spirit Saint at fourteen and even deposed the current Supreme Pontiff."
"I've heard that too. Apparently, some High Priest wanted Chief Yang to be the Supreme Pontiff, and the current Supreme Pontiff attacked him out of jealousy, only to be deposed by Chief Yang instead."
"Huh? Your version is wrong. What I heard was..."
As the grand welcoming party entered Heaven Dou City, the surging crowd grew restless. Countless gazes searched, some with curiosity, others with reverence.
They all knew that today was the day the champion team of the Soul Master Tournament returned. Waiting here, they might just get a chance to see that legendary champion.
Unfortunately, Yang Yuan never stepped out of his carriage the entire time, leaving the onlookers disappointed.
(End of Chapter)
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