Douluo: Ma Hongjun The Ancestor Phoenix!

At the end of the conversation, Xue Qinghe realized that the people in front of him had a poor opinion of the Royal Academy, so he chose not to say anything more.

Before leaving, he specifically called Tang Yuehua over.

"Aunt Yuehua, I'll cover all the expenses for these young brothers tonight. Please take good care of them."

Xue Qinghe bowed politely, his tone gentle and respectful.

"Since you're a guest of His Royal Highness, how could Yuehua neglect you? Please rest assured, Your Highness."

Tang Yuehua tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a pleasant smile on her face. She seemed to be in a very good mood.

"Here's my contact information. If you ever need anything in the future, feel free to reach out."

"I have important matters to attend to today. Forgive me for not being a better host. If there's another opportunity, I'll make it up to all of you."

Xue Qinghe's attitude was impeccable. He didn't have the slightest air of superiority, making everyone feel at ease around him.

Ma Hongjun, however, knew very well why he had to leave.

After suddenly learning the truth about Xue Beng, Xue Qinghe—naturally cautious and suspicious—couldn't help but grow wary.

Once he suspected anything, he would definitely act.

Qian Renxue would never allow her years-long undercover mission to be ruined. She'd rather eliminate anyone remotely suspicious than risk exposing herself.

"Your Highness, go handle your business. We're in no rush," Ma Hongjun said with a gentle smile.

The moment he stepped out of the private room, Xue Qinghe's expression turned grim.

"Go investigate everything Xue Beng has done in Tiandou Royal Academy over the past few years."

"I always thought he was just impulsive and brainless. I didn't expect him to hide so well."

"The three top instructors at the academy are all under my control. Once talented students enroll, they're most likely drawn into my faction. With the strength of these students, it's no wonder he'd put himself in danger."

His voice was cold, a calculating gleam flashing through his eyes.

In his mind, Xue Beng had become a rival—an old fox just as cunning and dangerous as he was.

After this incident, Xue Qinghe could no longer afford to underestimate him.

"Yes."

A low, raspy voice echoed from the shadows and then vanished.

Back in the private room, the tension had lifted the moment Xue Qinghe left. Everyone relaxed and began chatting and laughing again.

"Xue Qinghe truly lives up to the title of Crown Prince. His bearing is impressive," Oscar remarked with some admiration.

Dai Mubai snorted and curled his lips with disdain.

"Don't be fooled by that calm and polite exterior. Who knows what he's really like in private?"

"Come on, Boss Dai," Oscar teased, "just admit you're jealous he's more handsome than you."

Ning Rongrong chuckled but then spoke up seriously.

"I actually think Boss Dai has a point."

"I don't know much about royal affairs, but my father once told me a few things."

"The emperor had more than just two sons. But in recent years, the princes have been dying one after another under mysterious circumstances."

"In the end, only Xue Qinghe, Xue Beng, and my best friend Xue Ke were left."

"Xue Ke has a gentle nature and no interest in the throne. That leaves only two real contenders—Xue Qinghe and Xue Beng."

"If anything happens to one, it's a huge opportunity for the other."

As she munched on snacks, Ning Rongrong casually revealed some royal secrets of the Tiandou Empire.

Oscar was stunned.

Having grown up as an orphan, he couldn't fathom the bloody infighting of a royal family.

"Xue Beng is just a notorious playboy. He has no shot at the throne," said Xiao Wu.

Though she wasn't familiar with court politics, she knew plenty about Xue Beng.

Ever since she was expelled from Tiandou Royal Academy, she'd made a point of keeping tabs on him.

All so that one day, she could defeat him and make him feel the humiliation he had once forced on her.

After Ning Rongrong's revelation, Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing both fell silent.

They were reminded of their own families—families where no one could escape the constant struggle for power.

Even the closest of siblings might be forced to turn on each other just to survive.

Both Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing had endured years of brutal trials.

Because of their talents, they'd been harshly suppressed by their own kin.

It wasn't until they had the courage to leave that they began to feel truly alive.

Ma Hongjun noticed the change in their expressions.

The red-haired boy gently took Zhu Zhuqing's hand and held it tight. Warmth slowly spread through her cold fingers.

Zhu Zhuqing looked up at him. There was still pain in her eyes.

"We're a family now. And family means standing by each other."

"From now on, whoever among us wants to claim the throne, the rest of us will stand behind him—wholeheartedly."

Ma Hongjun looked seriously at Dai Mubai as he held Zhu Zhuqing's hand.

Dai Mubai had been recalling bitter memories, his face somber.

But when he saw the sincerity in Ma Hongjun's gaze, he was suddenly struck with a realization.

He was no longer the third prince struggling alone in the mud.

He had companions—true friends—who supported him unconditionally.

A smile reappeared on his face. He patted Ma Hongjun's shoulder firmly, saying nothing more.

Oscar had been with Dai Mubai for a long time. Though he didn't know Dai's full background, he'd always had a feeling.

Seeing Dai Mubai relax, Oscar quickly chimed in.

"Then I'll handle logistics. My big sausage uncle will make sure we never run out of sausages!"

He thumped his chest proudly, making everyone burst into laughter.

"Then I'll be the one charging at the front. With you all behind me, there's nothing to fear!"

The girl with scorpion braids looked up. Her eyes were full of trust.

These people in front of her were her chosen family—the ones she would place her life in the hands of.

Everyone's expressions changed subtly.

Ning Rongrong seemed to notice something. She looked at Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing, a thoughtful glint flashing across her delicate face.

She spoke up with conviction.

"In that case, I'll help you raise an army. My Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect can absolutely do it."

She waved her hand confidently, her spirit radiant.

Seeing the support from his companions, Dai Mubai gave a bitter smile.

"Forget it. I don't want to sit on that throne. It's exhausting and too restrictive."

He shook his head.

Most importantly, his clan and the Zhu clan had always married within their ranks.

With his status and past, he didn't dare have expectations for Zhu Zhuqing. He could never compete with his other brothers.

Zhu Zhuqing looked up, a spark lighting her eyes.

Since that moment of realization, she had understood the value of power.

She wanted to become someone who could truly support Brother Hongjun.