Douluo; Zhongli Adventures in Mortal World with Paimon

"Guest Elder, what do you think?" 

"Xue Qinghe" glanced sideways slightly, the corner of her eye catching Zhongli as she spoke. 

Her cheeks were slightly flushed, likely due to the high levels of people in the arena combined with the hot weather. 

Zhongli was momentarily stunned, then withdrew his gaze and touched his chin, saying, "The current situation is dire and extremely tense." 

"It looks evenly matched and will be difficult to determine a winner anytime soon." 

Paimon, seemingly accustomed to this, rolled her eyes and said, "Zhongli, can't you just be straightforward?" 

"I think the girls of Skywater Academy will win this match! Simple as that!" 

Paimon stood with her hands on her hips, looking rather smug. 

"Oh?" 

"Do you have any basis for this conclusion, Paimon?" 

Zhongli crossed his arms, his expression unchanging. 

Making a claim without evidence is hard to believe. 

Only with reasoning and evidence can one draw conclusions. 

Hearing this, Paimon was momentarily taken aback, then pointed to the audience around them. 

"Almost all the spectators are cheering for Skywater Academy. Naturally, Paimon supports them too!" 

Paimon's statement caused Zhongli's eye to twitch. 

Were these spectators truly supporting strength? 

This basis was clearly not valid. 

"I also think Skywater Academy will win," said "Xue Qinghe," as if lost in thought. 

As a Soul Emperor close to reaching the rank of Soul Sage, her judgment was sharp enough. 

Despite Shrek Academy's fierce attacks, they had yet to yield any significant results. 

In contrast, Skywater Academy was playing steadily, first altering the battlefield environment to enhance the power of their soul skills. 

As time passed, the situation favored Skywater Academy more and more. If Shrek Academy didn't launch a strong attack soon to take down Tianshui Academy's main force... 

"So, even Qinghe supports Skywater Academy!" 

"Indeed, even if none of the spectators support Shrek, I'll side with all the spectators!" 

"..." 

Zhongli nodded without further comment. 

In the original timeline, even after being strengthened by celestial herbs, Shrek still only managed a "draw" against Skywater Academy. 

One could argue that Skywater Academy was the only team to truly defeat Shrek Academy. 

Even the Spirit Hall team couldn't achieve that. 

Now, with Shrek suffering significant nerfs, how could they possibly win? 

"From now on, all support and funding for Shrek Academy is to be revoked!" 

"Starting next year, reassess the qualifications of advanced soul master academies!" 

At that moment, Xue Ye spoke with a calm expression. 

Since Shrek Academy had become an adversary, there was no reason to nurture a potential threat. 

Being able to establish an academy in the high-value land of Heaven Dou City wasn't simply due to Liu Erlong's financial resources. 

It wasn't. 

It was only because of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's influence that Liu Erlong's academy was approved. 

Moreover, every advanced soul master academy registered within the empire was eligible to receive government subsidies. 

The subsidies for a single advanced academy were significant! 

As for the upcoming reassessment, it was obvious who the target was. 

"Your Majesty is wise!" 

The three board members beamed with joy, offering their flattery. 

Hearing this, Xue Ye's expression darkened as he glanced at Meng Shenji and the others, refraining from speaking further. 

These three had changed—they now had disciples of their own and had seemingly forgotten their allegiance. 

That said, Xue Ye didn't doubt their loyalty. 

These three had been his closest companions during his time as a prince. 

That was also why they could joke with him freely. 

Xue Ye's dislike of Shrek Academy wasn't without reason. 

First: During Xiao Fei Lian's apprenticeship, representatives from all major powers and advanced academies of the Heaven Dou Empire had attended. 

No one dared cause trouble at Heaven Dou Royal Academy—except Shrek Academy. 

It should be noted that Xue Ye was the dean of Heaven Dou Royal Academy. 

To disrupt such an important event was a blatant challenge! 

Second: Qin Ming's defiance toward Heaven Dou Royal Academy. 

After nurturing Qin Ming for over a decade, the return they received was estrangement. Leaving resources aside, he turned into an ungrateful ingrate! 

Not pursuing the matter was already an act of great leniency. 

Who knew he'd stir up even more trouble... 

Third: ... 

As an emperor with no personal strength, Xue Ye had to weigh his decisions carefully. 

While Shrek Academy's relationships were intricate, they couldn't compare to a sect like the Body Sect or a figure like the Martial God Douluo. 

Xue Ye knew exactly which side to align with. 

Unlike Ning Fengzhi, who liked to hedge his bets across multiple parties, Xue Ye's perspective was clear: strength is strength, and weakness is weakness. 

As if struck by a sudden thought, Xue Ye addressed "Xue Qinghe": 

"Qinghe, while matches can be watched anytime, there are certain matters you must dedicate time to pondering." 

"???" 

The crowd froze, unsure of what Xue Ye meant. 

Meng Shenji and the others stroked their beards thoughtfully, choosing to remain silent. 

"I heard you and Lord Martial Godfrequently visit the Seven Treasures Hotel. Its food must be exceptional." 

"What Father says is true. The food at Teacher's establishment is indeed excellent!" 

"Xue Qinghe" cupped her hands in acknowledgment. 

Ning Fengzhi, her nominal teacher, was part of Xue Ye's strategy to draw the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan closer to the royal family. 

It also helped secure "Xue Qinghe's" position as crown prince. 

"Good..." 

Before Ning Fengzhi could say anything, Xue Ye continued: 

"That girl Chi Yu is the most outstanding talent the academy has ever produced. She deserves the best treatment the academy can offer!" 

"And of course, good food is part of that!" 

"Take her to enjoy some fine dining!" 

"And make sure you go often!" 

Xue Ye had clearly been giving this a lot of thought. As a ruler, his responsibilities were vast, yet here he was, teaching his crown prince how to court someone. 

Too difficult... 

"Xue Qinghe" was momentarily stunned but quickly realized what was going on. 

It seemed Zhongli had been correct—Xue Ye wasn't doubting her; he simply wanted to draw Chi Yu into the royal fold. 

Cupping her hands respectfully, "Xue Qinghe" said, "Yes, Father!" 

"I will keep your teachings in mind." 

Apart from Paimon, everyone seated in the VIP area was shrewd and calculating. 

Xue Ye's unabashed words were not lost on them. 

They cast cautious glances at Zhongli, relieved to see no change in his expression, though their unease remained. 

Prince Xue Xing looked ashen, his lips trembling as if he wanted to speak but couldn't. 

If Xiao Feilian truly ended up with "Xue Qinghe," there would be no hope left for Xue Beng. 

Xue Xing had considered this possibility and urged Xue Beng to take action. 

Unfortunately, Xue Beng couldn't even meet Xiao Feilian. 

Every attempt was thwarted by one of the three teaching elders, who promptly chased him away. 

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