Faced with Ning Fengzhi's bid, Xue Qinghe hesitated. On one hand, the price had already reached an absurd height; on the other, Ning Fengzhi was his teacher. Competing against him directly would break the facade of the respectful disciple that Xue Qinghe had worked so hard to maintain.
At that moment, Lin Mu gently nudged Xue Qinghe's arm with his elbow and whispered, "Your Highness, there's no need to bid anymore."
Xue Qinghe was taken aback, looking at Lin Mu with confusion.
"I asked Your Highness to intervene because I couldn't stand the sight of it, but it was only a temporary fix," Lin Mu explained calmly. "Ultimately, I can't change this world by myself. Since Sect Master Ning made the bid, the girl will be safe. Given the reputation of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, she'll have a place to live and won't have to worry about food or clothing."
Lin Mu knew this wasn't Blue Star. Even if they saved this fox girl today, there would be cat girls, rabbit girls, and others tomorrow. Buying her would only lead to the logistical nightmare of settling her down. If they simply set her free, she would likely be recaptured, rendering the 200,000 gold soul coins a waste. Letting Ning Fengzhi take responsibility was the most pragmatic move.
"Then we shall do as you say, Brother Lin."
Xue Qinghe's eyes flickered. Hearing the explanation, he felt a strange sense of relief. He had initially suspected Lin Mu of having some peculiar fetish, but the reality was far different. Lin Mu was honest and straightforward, yet he possessed a streak of cold pragmatism, a touch of evil in his efficiency.
"Brother Lin, if you truly wish to change this world, why not work with me?" Xue Qinghe asked, his tone sincere and heartfelt. He, too, despised the corruption of the empire; if Lin Mu stood by his side, he would be the sharpest sword in his hand, purging the rot from the world.
"Thank you for the offer, Your Highness, but I need time to consider it," Lin Mu replied evasively.
In the original story, Xue Beng's ascension to the throne was purely due to Tang San's efforts. From Lin Mu's perspective, neither Bibi Dong nor Xue Beng were ideal rulers. But Qian Renxue wasn't perfect either, she was too stubborn and lacked genuine affection for those beneath her.
"As long as you're thinking about it, my door is always open," Xue Qinghe said, undeterred. A glint of determination flashed in his eyes; he wouldn't let this talent escape his grasp.
Once Xue Qinghe stopped bidding, the fox girl was officially won by Ning Fengzhi.
"Brother Lin, I need to greet my teacher. Come with me." Before Lin Mu could respond, Xue Qinghe grabbed his arm and led him out.
As they stepped out of the VIP red zone, they bumped into Prince Xue Xing, who was also departing. Seeing Xue Qinghe, the Prince flashed a mocking smile. "I never expected the Crown Prince to have such... refined tastes. I'm truly impressed!"
He then glanced at Lin Mu. For the past month, Xue Qinghe had been frequenting the Heaven Dou Royal Academy to win over this young powerhouse. Such effort suggested Lin Mu's strength was formidable. It was a shame Lin Mu had already sided with the Crown Prince; otherwise, Xue Xing would have tried to recruit him for his own comeback.
Facing the mockery, Xue Qinghe kept his gentle smile. "Uncle, you jest. I merely felt pity and couldn't bear to see her tormented."
Lin Mu chuckled inwardly. 'If Xue Qinghe actually had that kind of hobby, his female body would be his own greatest obstacle.'
Prince Xue Xing caught the sarcasm in the Crown Prince's voice. His expression darkened, and with a cold snort, he turned and walked away.
"Your Highness, it's been a while. I didn't expect you to have befriended such a young talent." A gentle voice came from behind. It was Sect Master Ning Fengzhi, walking toward them with Sword Douluo at his side.
"Greetings, Teacher," Xue Qinghe said, bowing respectfully.
Ning Fengzhi nodded, his gaze shifting to Lin Mu. "And what might this young friend's name be?"
"Lin Mu," he replied coldly.
Ning Fengzhi paused. As the leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, rarely did anyone treat him with such indifference, especially while he was standing next to a Title Douluo.
"Teacher, he is the new leader of the Royal Fighting Team at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy," Xue Qinghe introduced. "Brother Lin, this is Sect Master Ning and His Excellency, the Sword Douluo."
Lin Mu didn't react. He had no interest in sucking up to anyone.
Ning Fengzhi was genuinely surprised. This youth looked no older than twenty-three, yet he held the position previously held by Qin Ming, a Soul Emperor. That meant Lin Mu was at least a Soul Emperor himself. A twenty-three-year-old Soul Emperor was a genius that would undoubtedly reach Title Douluo status, perhaps even surpassing Sword Douluo one day.
"Young friend Lin Mu, you aren't much older than my own daughter, yet you lead the Royal Fighting Team. I am impressed," Ning Fengzhi complimented. He then added with a smile, "Are you interested in that fox girl? If so, I'd be happy to give her to you as a favor."
"Sect Master Ning is too kind, but I have no interest in her," Lin Mu shook his head. "Under the protection of your sect, she'll be fine."
Even the stoic Sword Douluo looked at Lin Mu with newfound admiration. This kid had talent and character. Ning Fengzhi's mind immediately raced, if he could recruit Lin Mu, he would be the perfect protector for Ning Rongrong.
"We hit it off well today. Would you be willing to visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?" Ning Fengzhi invited.
"I'm sorry, I have to train the Royal Fighting Team. I don't have the time," Lin Mu replied without a second thought.
Seeing his teacher poaching his man so openly, Xue Qinghe added quickly, "Teacher, Brother Lin also needs to prepare for the Continental Soul Master Competition. He's booked solid."
"Ah, then I was being presumptuous," Ning Fengzhi said gracefully. "But the door is always open should you find the time."