NOVEL NEXT Chapter 40: Chapter 40: The Understanding Snow Ke
Arriving at the grandiose Heaven Dou Imperial Palace, which was ten times more luxurious than the palace of the Gulei Kingdom, Nan Feihuang couldn't help but marvel at the sheer magnificence. It was, after all, the imperial capital of a kingdom that spanned half of the Douluo Continent. The imposing presence of the imperial guards alone was leagues beyond what the Gulei Kingdom's palace guards could ever hope to match.
The Gulei Kingdom, after all, wasn't known for its military strength.
In the grand hall of the palace, Emperor Xue Ye was already seated on the dragon throne, waiting for Nan Feihuang's arrival. Nan Feihuang stepped forward, performing a formal salute. "Nan Feihuang of the Gulei Kingdom greets Your Majesty!"
Despite being in the presence of the Emperor, Nan Feihuang didn't need to kneel. As the crown prince of a neighboring kingdom and the son of a Titled Douluo, a respectful bow of cupped hands was sufficient.
Emperor Xue Ye gazed down at the young prince. Though barely ten years old, soul masters matured faster than ordinary people. And with Nan Feihuang's unique physique, he already looked like a boy of thirteen or fourteen.
His handsome features and vibrant spirit radiated youthful energy. And as for his talent—said to have inherited the remarkable abilities of his mother—it was reported that he had already reached the rank of a Grandmaster. Xue Ye nodded in satisfaction. "Rise, Feihuang. Indeed, you live up to your reputation as my future son-in-law. Your father spoke highly of you during the marriage proposal, and it seems he wasn't exaggerating. I am pleased to have such an outstanding young man join my family."
"Your Majesty flatters me," Nan Feihuang replied humbly. "Princess Xue Ke is of noble lineage and outstanding beauty. I consider it a great honor to be engaged to her. In addition to coming here to study at your esteemed academy, I also hope to have more opportunities to spend time with the princess and deepen our bond."
"Haha, well said! You're thoughtful indeed," Emperor Xue Ye laughed. "Qinghe, give Feihuang a token for the Eastern Palace."
"Yes, Father," Xue Qinghe replied, taking a token from his robe and handing it to Nan Feihuang. "This is the token for my Eastern Palace. With it, you can enter the palace at any time. My little sister has been living nearby under my care. However, she doesn't always reside within the palace. Occasionally, she stays at Yuexuan, so if you wish to see her, you may visit her there."
Nan Feihuang accepted the token with a nod. "Thank you, Brother Xue."
Emperor Xue Ye waved his hand, signaling the end of the formalities. "Very well. Qinghe, after this, take Xue Ke and Feihuang to familiarize themselves with the academy."
"Yes, Father. Feihuang, come with me."
"Your Majesty, Nan Feihuang takes his leave."
As they exited the palace hall, a graceful figure approached them. She first bowed respectfully to Xue Qinghe. "Big Brother."
It was none other than Princess Xue Ke. Emperor Xue Ye had sent for her earlier, as it would be inappropriate for her not to welcome her betrothed.
In the three years since they had last met, Xue Ke had matured significantly. If Nan Feihuang's appearance now resembled that of a young boy in his early teens, Xue Ke looked like a girl in her late teens, exuding a delicate and refined elegance.
Yuexuan truly lived up to its reputation as an excellent finishing school. Girls matured faster than boys, and Xue Ke was an exceptional student. In these three years, she had grown to understand many things.
"Brother Feihuang, long time no see," Xue Ke greeted with a smile.
Her expression was more complicated than when they last met. At six years old, she hadn't fully understood what it meant to have a fiancé, thinking it was simply someone to play with and perhaps share a bed with someday. But now she knew better. They were to become life partners, a relationship that involved mutual respect, marriage, and eventually, children.
To be honest, Xue Ke didn't dislike Nan Feihuang. She had enjoyed playing with him, but liking him as a future husband? That feeling hadn't quite developed. After all, they had barely spent any time together.
Still, she didn't reject the engagement. As a princess, Xue Ke was well aware of the reality of her position. Her talent for cultivation was limited. Moreover, as a girl, her father forbade her from getting involved in political matters.
With neither talent in martial skills nor involvement in politics, her placement in Yuexuan to learn etiquette, music, and dance was clearly meant to groom her for a strategic marriage alliance.
As a princess, enjoying the privileges of her noble birth meant also accepting the responsibilities that came with it—chief among them, not having full control over her own life.
Since she would eventually be married off for political reasons, being engaged to someone she didn't dislike was already a fortunate outcome.
Nan Feihuang was handsome, kind-hearted, and incredibly talented, without the spoiled, arrogant traits common among nobles. To marry such a person, what more could she ask for?
Understanding this, Xue Ke had no objections when her father suggested she spend more time with Nan Feihuang to build their relationship. She would do her best to learn to love him, making this marriage not just a union of convenience but one filled with mutual affection.
"Princess Xue Ke, three years have passed, and your grace has only grown," Nan Feihuang complimented her, his thoughts mirroring hers. He didn't love Xue Ke yet, but he hoped that in time, he could come to genuinely care for her.
Given her refined temperament and gentle demeanor, developing feelings for her wouldn't be difficult.
Xue Ke smiled warmly. "Thank you, Brother Feihuang. Come, Big Brother and I will take you to the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. We'll give you a proper introduction."
"I'll be in your care, Princess." The three of them then left the palace and boarded a carriage.
The Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was located on the mountain just outside the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace.
The opulence of the academy was nearly on par with the palace itself, sprawling across the entire mountain. Its size and luxury were staggering.
"Feihuang, we'll first take you to meet the three deans of the academy. Be respectful; they're all Soul Douluo above rank 80," Xue Qinghe reminded.
"Understood, Brother Xue. This place is truly vast and magnificent, much more beautiful than our Gulei Kingdom's royal city," Nan Feihuang couldn't help but exclaim.
His words were sincere. The Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was practically the size of a small city. That this was just an academy spoke volumes about the wealth and extravagance of the Heaven Dou Empire.
"Of course," Xue Qinghe replied. "The students here are all from noble families. They wouldn't survive a life of hardship."
When he mentioned the nobles, there was a trace of disdain in his voice. Heaven Dou Academy, which had once been established to cultivate talent for the empire, had over time become a haven for pampered nobles. Few students here cared about true cultivation. Most relied on their family's wealth to forcefully raise their levels, leaving their combat abilities pitifully lacking.
"Big Brother, I'm also a student of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. I just don't attend classes as often because I focus on etiquette," Xue Ke couldn't help but interject.
Xue Qinghe chuckled and ruffled her hair. "Of course, my little sister is different. You are the true embodiment of noble grace."
Xue Ke beamed with pride, clearly pleased by the praise.
Before long, they arrived at the academy's administrative hall, where the three deans of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy resided.
Upon hearing that Xue Qinghe had arrived, the deans came out to greet them. Along with the familiar short and stout Baibaoshan, there were two others—one tall and thin like a bamboo pole, and the other of average build.
Nan Feihuang silently chuckled to himself. A short and round one, a tall and skinny one, and a perfectly average one. Together, they balanced each other out. What a combination.
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