Chapter 42: If Nothing Unexpected Happens, Then Something Will Definitely Happen
Since Han Li entered through official procedures, there were no obstacles in his way.
Listening to the staff member's explanations, Han Li slowly replaced his written knowledge of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy with what he was now seeing in person.
This wasn't his first time touring an academy.
Back in Nuoding Academy, he had free access to roam as he pleased, and after arriving at Spirit City, he had personally visited both the primary and advanced Spirit Hall academies.
But in terms of sheer environment, neither of them could compare to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.
Rather than calling this place an academy, it was more like an enormous garden, a full scale scenic resort.
The layout of Spirit Hall Academy was built entirely for efficiency, making every space serve its function but compared to this place?
Well… there was simply no comparison.
Despite Han Li's arrival, no one in the academy paid much attention.
Visitors like him, noble children scoping the place out before enrollment, showed up at least once or twice a month.
At most, some students would sigh in admiration at how yet another handsome noble would soon be joining their ranks.
But that was it.
And Han Li thought the same.
Of course… he might end up disappointing those noble ladies just a little.
This was just his first visit he wasn't about to start name dropping people just yet.
Instead, at the end of his tour, a small bag of gold soul coins mysteriously found its way into the staff member's hands.
In a tone of mild embarrassment, Han Li expressed his interest in seeing the academy's top talents in action from a distance, of course.
He promised not to interrupt anyone or spread gossip later on.
After three seconds of intense internal debate, the staff member gave in, agreeing to let Han Li observe from afar but only for ten minutes.
A mutually beneficial agreement was reached.
After leading Han Li through several turns, they entered a nearby building overlooking one of the training grounds.
"This is it. You can watch from this window but only for ten minutes. Understood?"
The staff member glanced at Han Li, who had already moved toward the window.
"Thank you. This is more than enough I simply wanted to observe my future teammates."
A hint of arrogance flickered across Han Li's face as he responded.
"Hmm… well, suit yourself. I won't disturb you."
The staff member remained seated, watching Han Li's proud demeanor with mild amusement.
Another self important noble.
He'd seen plenty of these types before nobles who thought no one could match them.
Still, the kid had paid well, so he let it slide.
A Closer Look
Meanwhile, Han Li's right eye glowed faintly as he focused on the training grounds.
From what he saw…
They weren't really training.
They were playing around.
Compared to his own intensive combat drills, this was laughably inefficient even Xiu'er could outperform them.
Thanks to the portraits Salas had provided, Han Li easily identified each person.
More importantly…
He arrived just in time.
That purple haired girl looked completely unimpressed with that big oaf bothering her.
Perfect timing.
And that black veiled girl… her demeanor was exceptional.
So this was the legendary Nine Hearted Begonia spirit?
Her healing capabilities seemed even stronger than his personal healer back in Spirit Hall.
Good. He liked that.
After a few more minutes of silent observation, Han Li turned away from the window and faced the staff member.
"Alright, let's go. They qualify to be my teammates."
The staff member blinked.
Was this kid boasting, or was he actually confident?
"There's still time left. You sure? Just so you know no refunds."
"Yes. I've seen enough." Han Li nodded.
"Alright, then. Hope to see you on the training field someday."
The staff member let out a sigh, accepting his fate.
"You will."
Han Li replied seriously.
(Just kidding.)
The staff member chuckled but didn't press further.
Instead, they headed back toward the main gate.
As they walked, the staff member regained his professional demeanor, passionately explaining more about the academy.
Han Li could tell the man was genuinely proud of being part of this place.
That kind of pride couldn't be faked.
Of course…
Neither could the way he instantly pocketed those gold soul coins.
Han Li held back a laugh.
The return trip was much faster since they skipped the sightseeing.
Just as the academy gate came into view, Han Li assumed his day would end smoothly.
Then
A group of people suddenly appeared at the entrance.
At the front was a young man, holding the hand of a girl, followed by four or five guards clearly an important figure.
The staff member beside Han Li whispered urgently:
"You're in luck. That's His Highness, the Crown Prince."
He nodded toward the young man.
"And the girl beside him? That's the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's little princess."
His voice dropped lower.
"Memorize their faces. Under no circumstances should you offend them."
Han Li calmly nodded, then turned to observe the two.
The Crown Prince and the Princess
Heaven Dou's Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe.
Salas had included his portrait in the intel probably for safety reasons.
Han Li studied him briefly.
Just like the portrait, he was…
Unremarkable.
His features were forgettable.
Even his temperament seemed too mild for a royal he looked more like a scholar than a prince.
Then again… that made sense.
After all, Xue Qinghe was never the real Crown Prince.
Qian Renxue's disguise was actually pretty convincing.
Han Li then shifted his gaze to the girl beside him.
Short chestnut brown hair, fair skin, and a light blue dress gave her a cute, innocent look.
Even while being led by Xue Qinghe, her eyes never stopped darting around, quietly analyzing everything.
Clearly, she was scheming something.
Han Li smirked.
Interesting.
She seemed playful, even mischievous.
Perhaps her father, Ning Fengzhi, hadn't forced her into learning stiff noble etiquette yet.
Or…
Maybe this was her domain, so she saw no need for pretense?
He filed the observation away for later.
Eye Contact
As Han Li prepared to leave quietly, keeping a low profile, the Crown Prince's group passed through the academy gates.
And then
Their gazes all landed on him.
At the same time.
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