In a breakfast shop in the western district, the three of them took their seats.
The shop owner was astonished—never had he imagined the Crown Prince would visit his humble establishment for tofu pudding!
As for the floating creature? He'd heard rumors and wasn't too surprised.
"Two sweet tofu puddings and one salty!"
"You heretic!" ×2
"Xue Qinghe" and Paimon simultaneously glared at Zhongli, their thoughts eerily aligned.
After a brief exchange, "Xue Qinghe" quickly ruled out the correct answer.
There's no way Zhongli could be that Archon!
Rumors said Zhongli was highly knowledgeable, earning Dugu Bo's favor—hence the gifted mansion. Otherwise, this newcomer and his little companion might have ended up homeless.
"Brother Zhongli, I've heard of your erudition. Might we exchange some insights?"
Even toward a "commoner" like Zhongli, "Xue Qinghe" maintained a facade of respect. This was her mask—one she couldn't easily discard.
"Your Highness, Zhongli knows everything about the past five hundred—"
Paimon abruptly cut herself off, as if remembering something, and hastily backtracked.
"Actually, Zhongli knows nothing!"
"Apart from freeloading, he's completely useless!"
Zhongli: "..."
There's a saying I'd like to voice, but perhaps now isn't the time.
"Xue Qinghe" blinked, subtly eyeing Zhongli.
If even his own martial spirit says so, he must truly be ignorant.
"No matter. What would you like to discuss, Your Highness?"
Consider it payment for breakfast.
Zhongli's voice carried a steady, reassuring weight—completely at odds with his supposed lack of strength.
"Oh?"
"Xue Qinghe" was mildly surprised.
Paimon had already given them an out, yet Zhongli stepped forward anyway?
Well then, I won't hold back!
"Brother Zhongli, what are your thoughts on the current Spirit Hall?"
A loaded question right off the bat.
As the Heaven Dou Crown Prince, her inquiry seemed like mere political caution. But as the Spirit Hall's Holy Maiden, this was personal.
"The Spirit Hall, hm…"
Zhongli stroked his chin, deep in thought.
"Zhongli, if you don't know, just say so! Don't trick the Crown Prince—what if he stops treating us?!"
Zhongli, "Xue Qinghe": "..."
Little one, must you be so blunt?
"Forgive my bluntness, but the Spirit Hall's current strategy is sound—yet plagued by internal and external crises."
Zhongli ignored Paimon's outburst. Even food can't shut her up.
"Xue Qinghe" stiffened.
Sound strategy?
Crises?
What does he mean?
Is he truly bluffing, as Paimon implied?
If so, he's scarily convincing.
"Brother Zhongli, could you elaborate on this 'strategy' and 'crises'?"
"First, the strategy."
"On the Douluo Continent, soul masters reign supreme—the most powerful class."
"The Spirit Hall has established branches in every town, even remote villages, across both empires."
"They conduct annual awakenings for commoners, always first to recruit those with talent."
The more "Xue Qinghe" listened, the more her mind reeled.
Didn't Paimon claim Zhongli knew nothing and was just bluffing?
This… this is the opposite of 'nothing'!
He understands far too much!
"The Spirit Hall provides stipends to commoner soul masters—funded by the empires, yet earning their gratitude."
"This systematic approach ensures a steady influx of talent, strengthening the Hall."
"Even average soul masters are valuable—after all, a weak soul master is still a soul master."
"Xue Qinghe" was impressed. Her gaze toward Zhongli shifted entirely.
No wonder even the reclusive Dugu Bo holds him in high regard!
Even gifting him a mansion!
This man is no 'waste'—he's a once-in-a-millennium strategist!
A mere commoner, yet he sees through the deepest machinations. Terrifying!
"Mr. Zhongli, your wisdom rivals the heavens!"
From casual name to honorific—her attitude flipped faster than turning a page.
"I seek your guidance, sir."
"Xue Qinghe" stood, clasping her hands in a student's salute.
"No need for formalities. These are merely my observations."
"Your Highness, if—"
"Sir, please!"
"Xue Qinghe" waved hastily. Playing humble was second nature to her.
"Simply call me 'Qinghe.' Titles create distance!"
They've barely met—distance is expected!
Of course, someone of Zhongli's tact would never say that aloud.
"Very well. Qinghe, please sit. Any questions can be discussed here."
"Understood!"
"Xue Qinghe" bowed again before seating herself.
Her demeanor was impeccable—even the sternest critic would find no fault.
This is the Heaven Dou Crown Prince, future emperor!
Yet so refined, so courteous!
"Sir, you mentioned the Spirit Hall's 'crises.' Could you explain?"
Under that woman's leadership, the Hall thrived.
Why would Zhongli claim otherwise?
"The Spirit Hall recruits regardless of character—any talent is welcomed."
"Xue Qinghe" nodded. She knew this well.
With her grandfather overseeing things, the Hall wouldn't falter.
"Infighting plagues the upper echelons. The Elder Hall and the Pope's Hall are at odds…"
"Hiss—"
"Xue Qinghe" inhaled sharply.
How could a commoner know this?!
Thankfully, Zhongli didn't mention the Sanctuary Hall—or Qian Renxue's shock would've doubled.
"Sir, how are you aware of the discord between the Elder Hall and the Pope's Hall?"
"Even the empires lack such intelligence."
Her tone was casual, as if merely curious.
"Qinghe, what are the martial spirits of past Spirit Hall popes?"
As the Angel God's descendant, she knew this by heart.
"The Seraphim."
"Correct. And Bibi Dong's martial spirit?"
Before "Xue Qinghe" could answer, Zhongli stated coolly:
"She's but a puppet, propped up by others."
"Boom—"
The words struck like thunder. "Xue Qinghe" froze.
He… he even knows this*?!*
"I formally invite you to the Eastern Palace, sir!"
Clasping her hands, she declared with utmost sincerity:
"The day I ascend the throne, you shall be my empire's Prime Minister!"