Chapter 525: Two major sects suffered heavy losses!

"Are you a soul master?" Lu Yu asked.

"Nonsense." The middle-aged man sneered, and five spirit rings slowly rose behind him. "However, considering you are so young, you already have four spirit rings, which is not bad. But you are still far from it."

Lu Yu's face darkened, and a gleam of unwillingness to admit defeat flashed in his eyes: "Soul beasts are ownerless, whoever can hunt them will own them!"

The middle-aged man smiled and was about to say something, but the purple-striped ground bear was unwilling to wait any longer. It let out an angry roar and pounced towards the two men.

"It looks like it doesn't intend to let us chat." The middle-aged man waved his staff lightly and sneered, "Boy, just don't die here."

Lu Yu did not answer again. He quickly mobilized his soul power, and the sword in his hand emitted an even more intense blue light, colliding head-on with the sharp claws of the purple-striped ground bear.

"Don't hold me back!" the middle-aged man whispered from behind, and with a wave of his staff, several flames turned into arrows and shot towards the purple-striped ground bear.

Lu Yu snorted coldly, the sword in his hand became brighter and brighter, and his figure shuttled between the attacks of the purple-striped ground bear like a ghost, constantly looking for opportunities to attack its weaknesses.

"Damn it! This guy's strength and defense are too strong!" Lu Yu gritted his teeth, feeling anxious.

"Don't force it. This purple-striped ground bear has a fatal weakness." The middle-aged man's voice came with a hint of impatience. "The armor below its neck is weak. Try there!"

Lu Yu's eyes lit up when he heard this. He adjusted his body shape and used his soul skill "Flowing Light Step" to quickly get behind the purple-striped ground bear, then turned his sword and stabbed it in the back of the neck.

The purple-striped ground bear let out a shrill roar, its body shook violently, and it fell to the ground with a thud.

Lu Yu panted and raised his hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead. He turned around and looked at the middle-aged man, and said coldly: "The soul ring is mine."

The middle-aged man raised his eyebrows and smiled: "Boy, you are quite capable. Okay, I'll give you this soul beast. However, next time you meet a stronger one, I'm afraid you won't be so lucky."

Lu Yu did not respond, but sat down cross-legged, silently mobilized his soul power, and began to absorb the soul ring of the purple-striped ground bear. The surroundings suddenly became quiet, and only the soul ring emitted a faint light, illuminating the shadows deep in the canyon.

In the early morning, the sun shines through the thin mist and gently shines on the exquisite and elegant gate of Tianshui College. Inside the college, there are green trees, flowers and fragrance, and a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

The short-haired girl Xuewu stood outside her mother Shui Ningyan's office door, her hands clenched into fists, looking a little nervous. She knocked gently on the door, and a gentle but majestic voice came from inside: "Come in."

Xuewu pushed open the door and walked in. Inside the room, Shui Ningyan was sitting behind the desk, flipping through a stack of documents. She was wearing the uniform of Tianshui College. The blue and white robe was embroidered with delicate water patterns, which made her look noble and elegant. The years had left a faint mark on her face, but it also added a bit of mature charm.

"Mother." Xuewu called softly.

Shui Ningyan raised her head and looked at her daughter gently: "Xuewu, what's wrong? Is there anything you want to talk to your mother about?"

Xuewu bit her lip, as if she was making up her mind: "Mother, I would like to ask you...please make an exception for me."

Shui Ningyan frowned slightly: "Oh? Make an exception? Tell me about it."

Xuewu took a deep breath and spoke out her thoughts: "Mother, do you know Lu Yu? He is the freshman in Tiandou Royal Academy. His performance in the Soul Master Competition is simply amazing! His control-type martial spirit and strategy are simply unmatched. I think if our Tianshui Academy can recruit him, then we will definitely win the next Soul Master Competition!"

Shui Ningyan frowned even more tightly when she heard this: "Xuewu, your idea is good, but do you know how difficult it is? Lu Yu is now a student of Tiandou Royal Academy. How can we snatch him away easily? Moreover, Tianshui Academy has always adhered to the principles of justice and fairness. Wouldn't such behavior bring shame to our academy?"

Xuewu was anxious: "But mother, Lu Yu is really talented! He..."

"That's enough!" Shui Ningyan suddenly interrupted her, with a hint of displeasure in her tone, "Xuewu, when did you become so eager for quick success? Is winning a soul master competition really that important? We at Tianshui Academy train soul masters, but more importantly, people! People with noble character and firm beliefs! Not machines that will do anything to win!"

Xuewu was stunned by her mother's words. She didn't expect her mother to be so angry. She lowered her head and choked up a little: "I'm sorry, mother. I was wrong. I just... I just want to do something for the college."

Shui Ningyan watched her daughter bow her head and admit her mistake, and the anger in her heart gradually subsided. She stood up, walked to Xuewu, and gently patted her shoulder: "Xuewu, I know you are a good child. You care about the college, which is a good thing. However, we must use the right way to achieve our goals. Remember, no matter what, we must not lose our principles and bottom line."

Xuewu raised her head, tears glistening in her eyes: "Mother, I understand. I will work hard to cultivate, improve my strength, and bring honor to Tianshui College."

Shui Ningyan nodded with relief: "That's right. Okay, go ahead and prepare for the next training."

Xuewu responded and turned to leave the office. She walked out of the door, closed it gently, and then leaned against the wall, feeling mixed emotions. She knew her mother was right, but she couldn't help but feel sorry for Lu Yu. It would be great if such a talented soul master could really join Tianshui College.

However, reality is always cruel. Xuewu knew that she could only bury this regret in her heart, continue to work hard to practice, and contribute her strength to Tianshui College.

As the days passed, the students of Tianshui College were all practicing hard. Xuewu was no exception. In addition to completing the college's courses and tasks every day, she would also practice extra. She knew that only through unremitting efforts could she improve her strength and win glory for the college in the future soul master competition.

On this day, Xuewu was practicing soul skills in the training ground of the academy. She held a short sword in her hand and moved nimbly across the field. The sword light was like lightning, leaving silver tracks wherever it passed. Her short hair fluttered gently with her movements, making her look particularly heroic.

Suddenly, a familiar figure came into her sight. It was Lu Yu! He was standing at the edge of the training ground, watching her practice calmly.

Xuewu was startled and almost dropped the dagger in her hand. She quickly steadied herself, put away the dagger, and walked in front of Lu Yu: "Why are you here?"

Lu Yu smiled slightly: "I came here to visit. I heard that Tianshui College is one of the famous soul master colleges on the mainland. I want to come and see the training environment here."

Xuewu felt an inexplicable excitement in her heart: "So what do you think of our academy?"

Lu Yu looked around: "Very good. The training facilities here are very complete, and the students have a strong cultivation atmosphere. Moreover, I heard that the students of Tianshui College have very high qualities and character."

Xuewu was secretly proud when she heard this: "Of course. Our Tianshui College is one of the best spirit master colleges on the continent, and the spirit masters we train are all outstanding."

Lu Yu nodded: "Well, I believe it. However, I heard that you once proposed to your dean that you want to recruit me to Tianshui College?"

Xuewu's face suddenly turned awkward: "This... This was just an impulse. I knew it was wrong, so I never mentioned it again."

Lu Yu looked at her embarrassed look and couldn't help laughing: "It doesn't matter. In fact, I also want to join Tianshui College. However, I am now a student of Tiandou Royal College, so..."

Xuewu heard this and a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes. But she quickly cheered up: "It doesn't matter. I believe that no matter where you are, you will become an outstanding soul master. I will also work hard to practice and strive to compete with you in the future soul master competition!"

Lu Yu smiled and nodded: "Okay. I look forward to that day."

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"

Following the announcement from the guards outside the door, Lu Yu and Meng Shenji immediately turned around and looked towards the direction of the gate.

A young man in gorgeous clothes walked in slowly. He was tall and slender, with a handsome face, and a look of nobility and majesty. He was the Crown Prince Xue Qinghe of the Tiandou Empire.

Lu Yu and Meng Shenji looked at each other, then bowed in unison: "Greetings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

Xue Qinghe raised his hand slightly, and said in a gentle but powerful voice: "Teachers, there is no need to be polite. Please stand up."

The two men stood up, Meng Shenji stood respectfully aside, while Lu Yu observed the future heir of the Tiandou Empire with a slight gleam in his eyes.

Xue Qinghe's gaze stayed on Lu Yu for a moment, with a gentle smile on his face: "Teacher Lu Yu, I haven't seen you for a long time. I hope you are well."

Lu Yu smiled slightly, cupped his hands and said: "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. Everything is fine."

Xue Qinghe nodded gently, then turned his gaze to Meng Shenji: "Teacher Meng Shenji, I heard that you have been practicing in seclusion recently. How are the results?"

Meng Shenji bowed slightly and said, "Thanks to the cultivation resources bestowed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, I have made some breakthroughs."

Xue Qinghe nodded with satisfaction: "Very good, both teachers are pillars of our Tiandou Empire. I hope you can continue to work for our Tiandou Empire."

Lu Yu and Meng Shenji responded in unison: "We will do our best to live up to the high expectations of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Xue Qinghe smiled and looked at the two of them. Suddenly, his eyes fell on Lu Yu again, and his tone was a little friendly: "Teacher Lu Yu, you and I are destined to be together. In the future, you don't need to be polite in front of me."

As soon as these words came out, everyone present was shocked. You know, Xue Qinghe is the crown prince of the Tiandou Empire, and his status is extremely noble. Even the ministers in the court dare not slack off in front of him on weekdays. But at this moment, he actually helped Lu Yu up personally and told him not to be polite in the future. This undoubtedly gave Lu Yu a great face.

Lu Yu's heart was also slightly moved. He didn't expect Xue Qinghe to think so highly of him. He bowed again and said, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness. I am very grateful."

Xue Qinghe smiled and waved her hand: "Teacher Lu Yu, you are too polite. I know you are a talented person. I hope you can give me more advice in the future."

Lu Yu responded respectfully: "I will do my best to serve His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Xue Qinghe nodded with satisfaction, and then changed the subject: "By the way, I heard that Shrek Academy performed well in the Soul Master Competition recently. Is that true?"

Lu Yu's heart was slightly moved. Xue Qinghe must have had his own intentions when he mentioned this. He nodded slightly: "It is true. Shrek Academy is indeed a team that cannot be underestimated."

Xue Qinghe frowned slightly: "I heard that Captain Tang San is so powerful that even the Golden Generation of Spirit Hall is quite afraid of him."

Lu Yu smiled slightly: "Your Highness the Crown Prince is well-informed. Tang San is indeed a genius, but the other members of Shrek Academy should not be underestimated."

Xue Qinghe nodded gently: "I know that this Soul Master Competition is of great significance to our Tiandou Empire. I don't want to see any accidents happen."

Lu Yu understood Xue Qinghe's meaning. He bowed slightly and said, "I understand. I will pay close attention to the developments of Shrek Academy to ensure that it will not become a stumbling block for our Tiandou Empire."

Xue Qinghe nodded with satisfaction: "Very good, with Teacher Lu Yu here, I feel relieved."

At this moment, there was a sudden sound of hurried footsteps outside the door. A guard in black hurried in and knelt on one knee: "Your Highness, something bad has happened!"

Xue Qinghe's expression changed slightly: "Why are you so flustered?"

The guard took a deep breath and said, "Reporting to His Royal Highness, the Spirit Hall suddenly launched an attack on the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex Family and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. The two major sects suffered heavy losses!"

As soon as these words came out, everyone present was shocked. The Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex Family and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect were both well-known sects on the Douluo Continent, and they were very powerful. They did not expect that they would be suddenly attacked by the Spirit Hall.

Xue Qinghe's face was as gloomy as water: "How dare the Spirit Hall be so arrogant! I want to see what you want to do!"

He turned to look at Lu Yu and Meng Shenji: "Teachers, what do you think about this?"

Lu Yu frowned slightly: "Your Highness, the Spirit Hall's move is obviously well prepared, and the target is probably not just the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex Family and the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect."

Meng Shenji also nodded in agreement: "Yes, the Spirit Hall is ambitious and has been secretly accumulating strength. This sudden attack must have a bigger plot."

A cold light flashed in Xue Qinghe's eyes: "I know the ambition of the Spirit Hall, but it is too early to annex my Tiandou Empire!"

He stood up, his eyes firm: "I have decided to immediately summon the ministers of the court to discuss countermeasures, and at the same time strengthen the guard of the imperial city to prevent spies from the Spirit Hall from infiltrating the city."

Lu Yu and Meng Shenji responded in unison: "I obey your command."

Xue Qinghe nodded slightly, then strode out of the room. Lu Yu and Meng Shenji followed closely behind him and headed to the meeting hall together.