Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 90: Xue Qinghe's Recruitment Attempt

Since Yang Potian's confession, Ye Lingling's demeanor seemed to have changed; she no longer appeared as cold as before, and her spirits were visibly lifted. In the past, Lingling was always calm and reserved, never showing a smile. But now, she could occasionally be seen chatting and laughing with Dugu Yan.

Potian soon resumed his daily training routine. Mornings were dedicated to practicing spear techniques, followed by meditation in his dorm in the late morning, and physical conditioning in the afternoons. He pushed himself to the point of near exhaustion, then recuperated in a medicinal bath before having dinner.

However, Potian no longer visited the Great Spirit Arena, claiming he was using the time for extra meditation.

After dinner each evening, Potian enjoyed spending time with Ye Lingling. Sometimes they would talk, and other times they would stroll around the academy grounds together, enjoying the peace and quiet. Life was calm, without any major incidents.

Occasionally, however, some odd situations arose. For instance, the captain of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy battle team had apparently heard of Potian's recent breakthrough to an advanced Soul Elder level, as well as his formidable combat skills, and sought him out to invite him to join the academy's team.

This team captain, named Chen Jinshui, was a Level 41 Soul Elder with the Powerful Ox spirit. He was quite tall and reportedly the son of a noble military family. One day, Chen Jinshui and several others knocked on Potian's door.

When Potian opened it, he saw unfamiliar faces—though they looked somewhat recognizable as Heaven Dou's upper-level students. The leader, Chen Jinshui, stood over six feet tall.

Chen Jinshui wasted no time. "Yang Potian, I'm Chen Jinshui, captain of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy team. I've heard of your strength, and I'd like to invite you to join our team. With you as a substitute, we'd have a great chance at the upcoming Advanced Spirit Master Tournament in Star Luo City."

Potian was momentarily puzzled. Who was this guy, inviting him to join some team as a substitute?

In the end, Potian simply replied, "Captain Chen, I appreciate the offer, but I have no interest in joining a team right now."

"I'm sincerely inviting you," Chen Jinshui insisted. "And even as a substitute, if you have any requests, feel free to ask."

"Sorry, but I'm not interested in being a substitute, and I don't want a main spot either," Potian replied coolly.

One of Chen Jinshui's lackeys stepped forward. "Who do you think you are, talking to our captain like that? If it weren't for your strength, we wouldn't bother with you. Believe me, I could take you down right now."

Potian ignored him, instead looking directly at Chen Jinshui. "I don't know where you got your information, and I don't care what your intentions are. I have no relation to you or your team, nor do I want one. So please leave."

Chen Jinshui's face twisted with frustration. "And if I insist on bringing you into the team?"

Potian smirked dismissively. "Then I'd like to see if you have the ability."

"Why don't we settle this in the arena? If you can best me, I'll hand you the captaincy."

"No need. I have zero interest in your captaincy, nor in an arena fight."

Potian then stepped forward, reaching out to grab Chen Jinshui.

Chen Jinshui tried to block, but his resistance was as flimsy as paper—Potian's hand broke through, gripping his shoulder with the weight of a mountain, leaving him unable to move.

Before Chen Jinshui could summon his spirit, Potian spoke in an unwavering tone, "If you so much as twitch, believe me, I'll snap your neck."

Though Potian's face bore a smile, his tone was unyielding, leaving no room for argument.

Chen Jinshui swallowed hard, letting out a reluctant, "My apologies, Yang. It was rude of me to bother you."

"We're all classmates, so there's no need for apologies. Just don't come to me again." With that, Potian returned to his dorm, and Chen Jinshui felt the heavy pressure lift from his shoulders, as though nothing had happened. Understanding that Potian's strength far exceeded his own, Chen Jinshui left with his lackeys, reluctant to provoke him further.

Potian couldn't help but wonder where this unexpected invitation had come from, as he doubted someone of Chen Jinshui's caliber could have gathered this information alone.

Two days later, Xue Qinghe arrived at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy once more, this time alone.

When Potian arrived at the lakeside where Xue Qinghe was waiting, he was instantly on guard. "Your Highness, what business brings you here?"

"Oh, nothing major. I just felt like seeing you," Xue Qinghe replied with a slight smile.

Potian raised an eyebrow. "Your Highness, you're not one to visit for no reason. Whatever you have to say, let's be straightforward. There's no one else around."

Xue Qinghe's smile widened. This Yang Potian is sharp, he thought.

"My reason for summoning you is simple—I would like to invite you to work for me."

"Your Highness, aren't I already serving you by forming the Heaven Dou team?"

"I thought you were smarter than that," Xue Qinghe replied, his expression shifting. "You know what I mean."

"Fine, I won't beat around the bush. If we were to serve you, what would the Po Zhi Clan stand to gain? Besides, why should we involve ourselves in the affairs of the royal court?"

"The Po Zhi Clan lives well with your medicinal expertise, but you would do well to plan for the future. Otherwise, one day you may face disaster."

At this, Potian began to understand Xue Qinghe's intent. "Your Highness, I've told you my life's goal is to elevate the Po Zhi Clan. Can you help me achieve that?"

Xue Qinghe replied proudly, "I can offer you precisely that, more than anyone else ever could."

Potian shook his head. "The Po Zhi Clan can work for you, but only if you're Emperor of Heaven Dou. Anything less and it's meaningless."

"So, if I become Emperor, you'll serve me?"

"Exactly. I admire your vision and ambition, but only as Emperor could you fulfill your promise to the Po Zhi Clan."

Xue Qinghe looked thoughtful. "In that case, why not seek an alliance with my father, Emperor Xue Ye?"

Potian laughed softly. "Emperor Xue Ye is powerful, but time takes its toll. If he were to be poisoned or die, that would be a problem."

Xue Qinghe's eyes flickered at the mention of poison, his gaze suddenly sharp.

Before he could respond, Potian continued, "If the Po Zhi Clan is to collaborate, we prefer true allies—like the unified spirit clans with shared purpose."

"And what does it mean to be 'true allies' with the Po Zhi Clan?"

"Take the four single-attribute clans, for example. They train, fight, and live together as one."

As Potian said this, he stepped closer, grasping Xue Qinghe's hand and resting a hand on his shoulder.

Caught in thought, Xue Qinghe had let his guard down and was startled to find Potian's hand on his shoulder, pressing gently like they were close brothers. Realizing what had happened, Xue Qinghe backed away, almost like a frightened animal.

Seeing Potian's puzzled expression, he explained awkwardly, "I've always lived alone and rarely come into contact with others."

Potian suppressed a smile. "Your Highness, that's a problem. It sounds like a condition. I suggest you seek treatment with the Po Zhi Clan; we'll have you cured in no time."

"No need. The palace physicians and even Sect Master Ning have assured me that I'm in perfect health. I'm just a bit… solitary by nature."

Potian's expression turned serious. "Your Highness, as the crown prince, it's your duty to uphold the stability of the empire and ensure the continuation of the royal bloodline. Marriage and heirs are vital for you."

Xue Qinghe smiled calmly. "Rest assured, Yang. I'm well aware of my responsibilities."

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to," he said, turning to leave before Potian could respond.

Watching Xue Qinghe's retreating figure, Potian thought to himself, So, my little angel, will you still dare to scheme against me? But what was the real meaning behind her words today? Her talk of danger and planning for the future—was it a warning or a threat?

(End of Chapter)

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