“I really want to meet him.” Jiang Mian smiled slightly. He jumped out of the carriage and deliberately blocked Xue Qinghe's carriage's path.
“Where did this commoner come from, daring to obstruct His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s imperial procession!”
A warrior riding a tall horse, dressed in light armor, charged out from the side of the carriage. He held a whip and swung it directly at Jiang Mian.
Jiang Mian's figure didn't move an inch. He raised his hand, grabbed the whip, and forcibly pulled the warrior off his horse.
“Stop all of you.” Xue Qinghe appeared at just the right moment. He stood on the carriage and looked at Jiang Mian amiably: “This young brother has blocked this Crown Prince’s carriage, is there some injustice you wish to air?”
Jiang Mian looked at this elegant and amiable Crown Prince, dressed in luxurious attire, and couldn't help but secretly smile. Qian Renxue's disguise was too convincing.
However, the only flaw was, what kind of Crown Prince has skin as delicate as a girl’s?
Fortunately, the imperial nobility valued appearances, so Xue Qinghe, impersonated by Qian Renxue, being so handsome was acceptable.
“Nothing, just wanted to see His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s esteemed face.” Jiang Mian’s lips curved slightly upward as he said, “I am from Spirit Hall, and I apologize for the disturbance.”
Spirit Hall, keyword triggered.
“You look very familiar to me,” Xue Qinghe’s eyes flashed with a hint of light, and he smiled very gracefully: “Perhaps I saw you when I was handling matters at Spirit Hall.”
“For the dignified Crown Prince of the Empire to be so approachable, a country like this truly cannot help but prosper.” Jiang Mian cupped his hands and praised Xue Qinghe a few times.
Xue Qinghe humbly said, “Thank you, but there are still many areas where I haven’t done well, and I hope everyone can supervise me, this Crown Prince, more, so that together we can make the Heaven Dou Empire even more prosperous.”
“Good.”
Cheers erupted all around, one after another, indicating that Xue Qinghe was truly skilled at winning over the people's hearts.
“My friend, if you have time, I’d like to invite you for tea.” Xue Qinghe smiled slightly and said, “After all, I can’t let you block my carriage for nothing, can I?”
“Then it would be disrespectful not to accept.” Jiang Mian laughed.
“Go to Yingchun Teahouse and inform the owner, the usual.” Xue Qinghe gestured for him to proceed: “Shall we meet there later?”
“Okay.” Jiang Mian returned to his carriage, obediently clearing the path for Xue Qinghe. The surrounding commoners, eager for a spectacle, some even cursed Jiang Mian for being unworthy of drinking tea with Xue Qinghe.
Jiang Mian chuckled. An invisible spirit power suppression instantly stunned the commoners present, leaving them speechless. Those young fellows who had just cursed Jiang Mian now felt such immense pressure that their legs trembled uncontrollably, and a foul odor instantly spread throughout the entire street.
Just releasing a little spirit power scared them so much they wet themselves?
“Look, no wonder he dared to block His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s carriage; he truly has the capability.”
“Yes, yes, as soon as this young man arrived, I could tell he was no ordinary person. Didn't I tell you so?”
“It seems His Royal Highness the Crown Prince already knew of this senior's strength, otherwise how could he have agreed to drink tea with him?”
“Don’t gossip about the Crown Prince behind his back; that’s a great disrespect!”
The surrounding commoners discussed animatedly, but Jiang Mian paid them no mind and drove his carriage away.
“Do you know where the teahouse is?” After traveling a short distance, Jiang Mian turned back and awkwardly looked at the two beautiful women.
“I know.”
A steady, clear male voice suddenly came from the adjacent street. Jiang Mian focused his gaze and saw a handsome man, dressed in a white robe with dark golden hair, appear beside his carriage at some point.
Yu Tianheng?
The captain of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy team, and even more, the direct descendant of the continent's number one Beast Spirit, the Lan Dian Ba Wang Long Sect.
“Yu Tianheng, it's a pleasure to meet you.” Jiang Mian cupped his hands and said with a smile, “Brother’s name is like thunder to my ears; I’ve heard about you even in Spirit Hall.”
“Jiang Mian.” Yu Tianheng smiled slightly: “The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has spared no effort to slander you, but recently, for some unknown reason, all news about you has been suppressed by Spirit Hall. So, you’ve joined Spirit Hall.”
“You can’t put it that way.” Jiang Mian sat on the edge of the carriage, his eyes gradually turning cold: “Now, others are the butchers, and I am the fish on the chopping block. If I don't save myself, what else can I do?”
“Don’t worry.” Yu Tianheng smiled: “I’m not concerned about the rumors surrounding you. I just admire you as a person and want to be friends with you.”
Jiang Mian and Yu Tianheng exchanged glances, both understanding each other's thoughts perfectly. If Jiang Mian were not a heaven-blessed genius, how else could Spirit Hall have spared no effort to help him suppress the rumors?
“Alright, but first, tell me where the Yingchun Teahouse is.” Jiang Mian said, “You, my friend, are quite interesting.”
“Do you need me to take you there?”
In fact, Yu Tianheng had already noticed Jiang Mian when he blocked Xue Qinghe’s carriage. When Jiang Mian released his spirit power at that time, Yu Tianheng judged that Jiang Mian’s level would definitely not be lower than forty.
And how old was Jiang Mian? Less than fourteen!
Even if Yu Tianheng didn't know Jiang Mian's true identity, just by looking at Jiang Mian's appearance, he could tell that he was definitely not old.
“No need, just tell me the location.” Jiang Mian directly refused Yu Tianheng: “If you want to be friends with me, then when I have time, I will definitely go to Heaven Dou Royal Academy to chat and drink tea with you.”
“Alright.” Yu Tianheng knew that such matters couldn't be forced. He nodded, pointed to Jiang Mian's left, and mumbled a lot to him.
Jiang Mian was utterly confused, but fortunately, Zhu Zhuqing had an almost photographic memory. She quietly poked Jiang Mian's back, and Jiang Mian immediately understood. After thanking Yu Tianheng, he drove the carriage towards Yingchun Teahouse.
“This kid, his intentions are truly impure.” After Jiang Mian had driven some distance away, he complained: “He deliberately spoke unclearly, just wanting to force me to let him lead the way. What kind of guy is he?”
“Hmph.” Hu Liena crossed her arms, her legs crossed, and said with disdain, “He clearly just wants to climb up our social ladder.”
“It shouldn’t be.” Jiang Mian’s lips curved upward. Although he wasn't clear about Yu Tianheng's true purpose, he could guess it with fair accuracy.
It was about planning for the future; the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had always been suppressed by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
“We’re here.” Jiang Mian stopped the carriage in front of the teahouse. He led the two women slowly into the teahouse, and before he could even speak, a soldier in light armor came up to him: “Mr. Jiang Mian, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is waiting for you in the private room on the second floor.”
“Please lead the way.” Jiang Mian cupped his hands and said.
“Please.” The soldier moved swiftly and efficiently. Jiang Mian, with Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena, followed closely behind him.
“Your Royal Highness, the guests have arrived.” The soldier walked to a finely textured birch door, knocked on it, and then discreetly stepped aside to guard the Crown Prince's safety.
“Come in.” Xue Qinghe’s gentle voice entered Jiang Mian’s ears.
Jiang Mian pushed open the door and led the two into the private room. The moment they entered, a lavish atmosphere assailed them. The room was exquisitely decorated, and even its nooks and crannies exuded nobility.
Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing were both well-traveled, but this was their first time seeing such an extravagantly furnished room, not to mention Jiang Mian, who was a country bumpkin.
“Please sit.” Xue Qinghe sat upright, holding a teacup and carefully savoring its exquisite flavor: “This is the first batch of Lion Peak tea this year, picked when the buds emerged in the night. Even I only managed to get two catties.”
“What a privilege today.” Jiang Mian smiled slightly and sat opposite Xue Qinghe. Xue Qinghe looked up, subtly glanced at Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing, waved his hand, and said, “Two ladies, please don’t be restrained, do sit.”
“Thank you.” Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena were naturally well-mannered. They sat to the side, trying not to disturb Jiang Mian and Xue Qinghe’s conversation.
“For His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to only take a mere two catties, isn’t that too hard on yourself?” Jiang Mian, though seemingly ordinary, unexpectedly possessed a master's skill in tea ceremony. His series of movements flowed like water, even impressing Xue Qinghe.
“The yield was small this year, there’s nothing to be done.” Xue Qinghe put down his teacup and said calmly, “Jiang Mian, are you still going to hide your identity?”
“Since His Royal Highness already knows my origin, you should understand my relationship with that person.” Jiang Mian said calmly, “My news could disappear so quickly, I imagine it couldn’t have happened without His Royal Highness’s support.”
Xue Qinghe’s hand, holding the teacup, paused slightly, but almost instantly, he recovered as usual: “No need to say more. What level are you now?”
“Approaching fifty-sixth level.” Jiang Mian said, “I came here this time to help this Miss Zhuqing obtain her fourth spirit ring.”
“I have a friend who just reached level fifty. Could I trouble you to take her to acquire her fifth spirit ring?” Xue Qinghe said calmly, “There will be a generous reward afterward.”
“I’m only at level fifty. How can His Royal Highness trust me to take your friend?” Jiang Mian asked, “You’re trusting me too much, aren’t you?”
“Since this Crown Prince can suppress news for you, I know some inside information.” Xue Qinghe stopped there: “So, what do you think?”
“It would be disrespectful not to accept.” Jiang Mian said, “May I ask when your friend, Your Royal Highness, can meet me?”
“Tonight.” The Crown Prince put down his teacup and stood up to leave. The elegance in his eyes was gone, replaced by indifference and resolve, though only Jiang Mian could perceive this change.
“Where do we wait for her?” Jiang Mian asked.
“The Heaven Dou Grand Auction House will be very lively tonight. If you're interested, you can go and take a look.” Xue Qinghe avoided answering directly. He casually tossed a token to Jiang Mian and said, “Auction with this token, and all the money will be charged to my name.”
“Thank you, Your Royal Highness.” Jiang Mian unceremoniously accepted the token. Since Xue Qinghe mentioned the Heaven Dou Grand Auction House, it meant his friend would meet him there.
Xue Qinghe turned and left. Jiang Mian smiled, “Zhuqing, Nana-jie, shall we go to the Grand Auction House to take a look?”
“Since His Royal Highness is so generous, it would be a shame not to go.” Hu Liena smiled charmingly and said, “It’s still early, should we wait a bit before going?”
“Let’s go now.” Jiang Mian said.
“I have no objection.” Zhu Zhuqing nodded: “Besides, the auction house is crowded and complex. Since Jiang Mian drank tea with this Crown Prince today, it’s hard to guarantee that no one will target us, especially…”
“Especially the people from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.” Jiang Mian quickly replied, “Ning Fengzhi is Xue Qinghe’s teacher. Even if Xue Qinghe doesn’t have disciples from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School around him, there must be people secretly monitoring him. So, Zhuqing is afraid that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will try to harm us.”
“That’s right. There are many socialites inside the Grand Auction House. Even if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School wanted to act, they would have to consider their reputation, wouldn’t they?” Zhu Zhuqing said.
“The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School should have been destroyed long ago.” Jiang Mian clenched his fists. Bibi Dong’s Spirit Hunting plan was still six years away, and Jiang Mian didn't want to wait that long.
Once he reached Titled Douluo, the first thing he would do, leading the Spirit Beast army, was to flatten the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. There was no talk of endless cycles of revenge.
Jiang Mian's belief was: if a person respects me by a foot, I respect them by ten feet; if a person bullies me for a moment, I will annihilate them for an eternity!
Vengeful, that's Jiang Mian!
At the entrance of the Grand Auction House, Jiang Mian, holding the Crown Prince’s token, smoothly entered. They didn't even wear masks, and were simply led by a charming service lady to a VIP private room.
This was the Crown Prince's exclusive treatment. Jiang Mian, holding the Crown Prince's token, was treated as if the Crown Prince himself had arrived wherever he went.
“This sofa is quite comfortable.” Hu Liena leaned back on the sofa, looking out at the entire auction house, which was completely visible. As expected of a VIP private room, it was excellent.
Jiang Mian sat to the side and said indifferently, “This His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is truly generous.”
“The entire Heaven Dou Empire will be his in the future. This small amount of money probably isn’t even on his mind.” Hu Liena picked up the fruit on the table and began to taste it: “Jiang Mian, I didn’t expect you to be quite famous outside.”
“Nana-jie, you jest. Those are all old matters, not worth mentioning.” Jiang Mian chuckled. Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Jiang Mian, then busied herself cutting and eating fruit.
“Is Mr. Jiang Mian here?” A soft yet clear voice came from outside the door. Jiang Mian’s lips curved slightly upward; he had guessed correctly.
“Come in.” Jiang Mian said.
With a creak, the door slowly opened, and a beauty, as if a celestial fairy had descended to the mortal world, appeared before the three. Her golden hair cascaded like a waterfall, and she wore a white dress, with two prominent mounds subtly visible, making it impossible to look away.
“Hello, I am the Crown Prince’s friend.” Qian Renxue walked into the room and slowly closed the door. Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing immediately sat up straight. They felt an unprecedented sense of crisis, simply because the newcomer was too beautiful, simply breathtaking!
Jiang Mian was also a little surprised. He hadn't expected Qian Renxue to be so beautiful. She truly inherited Bibi Dong's genes perfectly; both mother and daughter were stunning.
“My name is Jiang Mian, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Jiang Mian did not stand up, and said with a smile, “May I ask your name?”
“My name is Qian Renxue, you can call me Xue’er.” Qian Renxue said faintly. She had been lurking in the Heaven Dou Empire since childhood, and very few people in Spirit Hall knew her true identity, which was why she dared to reveal her name so boldly.
As expected, Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing had never heard that name. They looked at Qian Renxue with wary expressions. Jiang Mian chuckled and said nothing.
“You don’t want to help me?” Qian Renxue looked at Jiang Mian’s ambiguous attitude. Her emotions were well-hidden, but a hint of anger still flashed in her eyes.
“Help, absolutely help.” Jiang Mian laughed heartily and explained, “I was just wondering what kind of spirit ring Miss Xue’er needs.”
“I just broke through to Spirit King and haven’t made any plans yet.” Qian Renxue said sincerely.
Jiang Mian looked at the stunning beauty before him and felt only regret. She possessed the Seraphim Spirit with innate full spirit power at level 20, an extremely high starting point, but her cultivation progress had slowed due to her long-term undercover mission in the Heaven Dou Empire. Otherwise, with her talent, she would probably have broken through to level sixty by now.
“Alright, then I’ll take the liberty of making arrangements for Miss Xue’er.” Jiang Mian smiled: “Tomorrow we’ll set off to find spirit rings for Miss Xue’er and Zhuqing. For now, let’s see what good things are being auctioned here.”
Qian Renxue thanked him. As soon as she sat down, she heard the host below shout:
“Distinguished guests, thank you for waiting! Our highly anticipated auction is about to begin!”