NOVEL NEXT Chapter 53: Chapter 53: Xue Ke's Admiration
Nan Feihuang hadn't expected that in this world, no one had thought of implementing something as simple as a work-for-relief program.
No wonder it would take them millennia to make any real technological progress.
Xue Qinghe looked at Nan Feihuang with genuine admiration. "Feihuang, your work-for-relief suggestion has been invaluable. While it doesn't completely solve the disaster, it's kept the losses to a minimum."
Nan Feihuang gave a knowing smile. "But there's more to it than that, Brother Xue. Have you considered the other benefits?"
Xue Qinghe's confidence showed as he continued, "Of course! First, by organizing disaster relief through local work projects, we're giving people a way to earn an income and secure their basic needs, fulfilling the purpose of aid. Second, it creates public works and infrastructure in the region, which will contribute to long-term economic and social growth."
He had already listed two points, and Nan Feihuang nodded. "Very true, Brother. But there's also a crucial third benefit: by providing people with work, we reduce surplus rural labor in these areas, which helps maintain social stability. This policy accomplishes three things at once. It even encourages people to rely on their own efforts instead of waiting for handouts."
In this world, even ordinary people had martial souls. If someone's martial soul was a sickle, they could reap crops faster; if it was a hoe, they could till land more efficiently. And if it was a shovel or saw, they could build homes more easily.
People who couldn't become powerful soul masters could still find their place. As a leader, one had to harness everyone's potential to drive social progress.
"Haha, well said, Feihuang. Teaching a man to fish, instead of giving him a fish, indeed." Xue Qinghe patted Nan Feihuang on the shoulder. "Brother, I genuinely enjoy discussing these things with you. Come by more often. I do have other matters today and came mainly to thank you. Now that I have, I'll take my leave."
Nan Feihuang nodded. "Of course, Brother Xue. If you need my help with anything, you know where to find me."
Watching Xue Qinghe and Nan Feihuang in deep conversation, Xue Ke's eyes shone with admiration. She couldn't quite follow their discussion, but she understood one thing—they were both extraordinary.
Xue Ke was a devoted "brother's girl," always looking up to Xue Qinghe. She had hoped her future husband would be like her brother, and Nan Feihuang was practically a mirror image of him.
Handsome, wise, a crown prince, and with talent far beyond the average soul master, Nan Feihuang was practically a better version of her brother. Just four months of being around him, and she already found herself drawn to him.
When they'd first met, Xue Ke had told herself she'd try to develop feelings for him over their three years together. She wasn't sure she'd fall in love, but she wanted to like him, at least.
She had worried that three years wouldn't be enough, but now, after only a few months, she could feel her heart slipping.
After seeing Xue Qinghe off, Nan Feihuang turned to her. "Princess, I'm heading to the Heaven Dou Arena for practical training with Teacher Qin and the others. If you're free, you're welcome to join us, but if you'd rather return to Yuexuan, I'll take you there."
"Brother Feihuang, Yuexuan is off today. I'd like to go with you." Xue Ke's voice softened as she spoke, her cheeks tinged pink.
Nan Feihuang chuckled. "Alright, then let's go."
Taking her hand, he led her toward Heaven Dou City.
But it wasn't just Xue Ke trying to develop feelings—Nan Feihuang was also trying to like her. Xue Ke was sweet, gentle, and kind-hearted. However, her talent for cultivation was sorely lacking. It was to the point where even a mystical herb wouldn't be able to help. At ten years old, she still had only one ring, and it was unlikely she'd reach two rings by twelve.
In the future, Nan Feihuang knew he'd look after her, but she might never be like Lü Lingqi, standing beside him on the battlefield.
When the gap between two people grows too wide, even love can stagnate. Nan Feihuang might come to care for her, but whether he would truly love her—he didn't know.
As dusk fell, Nan Feihuang and Xue Ke reached the entrance of Heaven Dou Arena, the liveliest place in the city come nightfall.
After a day's work, people gathered here to watch spirit masters battle, marveling at dazzling spirit skills while letting out deafening cheers.
Qin Ming and the rest of the group were already waiting for them.
"Teacher Qin, I'm not late, am I?" Nan Feihuang asked.
"No, right on time." Qin Ming had only just arrived himself. What he appreciated most about his students was their diligence in training and their sense of time—they understood the value of it without him having to remind them.
Noticing Xue Ke at Nan Feihuang's side, Qin Ming and the others respectfully bowed, "Greetings, Your Highness."
Among them, only Nan Feihuang, Yu Tianheng, and Dugu Yan could rival Xue Ke in status; their parents were all Title Douluo. The others, however, were from lesser nobility. Qin Ming himself was a commoner and had only received a viscount title upon reaching the Spirit King level.
And it was a title without any real power.
"Teacher Qin, classmates, please don't stand on ceremony. I'm here today just to cheer on Brother Feihuang. Please, think of me as a regular classmate," Xue Ke said softly.
Her down-to-earth attitude earned her the respect of everyone present.
"Teacher Qin, am I teaming up with Wen Ruo for another two-man match today?" Nan Feihuang asked. This wasn't his first time at the arena, after all.
In these four months, he had been here at least dozens of times, mainly for one-on-one and two-man matches. So far, he held a record of 21 solo wins and 18 two-man wins, both undefeated.
The Great Spirit Arena was an important place for a spirit master to prove their worth. With its complete system, it was considered an independent faction, unaffiliated with either empire or the Spirit Hall. It was a wealthy, self-sustaining entity.
Famous spirit masters from the arena could become stars nationwide, gaining not only wealth but also widespread recognition. And unlike most places, the arena offered a relatively fair battleground.
Spirit rank was one thing, but real skill was another. In the Great Spirit Arena, it was one's combat ability that mattered most.
Any spirit master entering the arena was simply referred to as a "fighter." After winning the first battle, they earned a badge, and each subsequent victory granted them points. Once enough points were earned, the badge would be upgraded. This badge represented one's rank in the arena and was recognized across the continent in all major cities. The higher one's badge rank, the greater the rewards from battles.
Badge levels were classified by precious metals, starting from the lowest iron badge, or Iron Fighter. The ranks ascended from Iron to Copper, Silver, Gold, Amethyst, Sapphire, Ruby, and finally Diamond.
With his undefeated streak, Nan Feihuang's points had surpassed a thousand, elevating him to Silver Fighter status.
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