One day remains before Shrek Academy officially joins Tiandu Royal Academy. In the privacy of the prince's palace, Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe, sat in regal composure. Below her sat the three heads of Tiandu Royal Academy—Bai Baoshan, Zhílín, and Meng Shenji—and together they discussed important matters.

Thanks to Han Feng's involvement, Qian Renxue had far greater motivation than in the original narrative. Over these years, she had spared no effort, using every means available, and now practically controlled the heart of the Tiandu Royal House. The majority of Tiandu Empire's ministers supported her; the Night Snow Emperor trusted her implicitly, naming her Crown Princess and delegating most affairs to her. She also studied under the Seventh Treasure Glaze Sect's master. Even the academy's deans now followed her lead, treating her as the future emperor. If not for the Emperor's good health, she might already have ascended the throne.

"Have you arranged everything regarding Shrek Academy?" she asked, still smiling politely, though her demeanor now carried a cold, dignified authority.

The academy's deans showed no objection—in fact, they welcomed this transformation. They intended to back Qian Renxue's rise, hoping to claim honor by supporting the dragon's ascent. As elite soul masters (Fenghao Douluo), they cared little for who sat on the throne—as long as it wasn't a ruler they could arouse punishment from—but a true emperor would honor them sparingly. If Qian Renxue were too affable with everyone, they'd have reason to reconsider their allegiance. After all, no emperor rules merely by beloving their people. These three veteran deans knew well: outward respect and inward calculation define true leadership.

"Meng Lao," Qian Renxue added, "what about the matter of the Great Master?"

Meng Shenji hesitated. Although a genius even Bibi Dong praised, the Great Master's wisdom made her wary—could he see through something?

"Your Highness needn't worry," Bai Baoshan replied with a gentle smile. "Dream Elder has already sealed a pact with the others, including Flander, through the Dark Demon. They won't mention it, and the Master will remain unaware."

Qian Renxue finally exhaled in relief and smiled brightly. "With your support, I feel empowered."

The three deans laughed, but their minds churned with curiosity: they watched the princess grow, yet never noticed her hidden private friend. And now that Han Feng had entered Tiandu Royal Academy, the princess refused to meet him? Their suspicions grew—but they knew a smart person never probes old secrets, especially when they concern the heir's character.

Then Meng Shenji furrowed his brow. "Your Highness, there is another development that might interest you."

She braced herself. "Please, tell me."

"I'm sure you know that Han Feng's Shrek team defeated the Imperial Dou Team in the Soto Grand Arena?" he asked.

Qian Renxue nodded.

"Among that team was a girl named Du Gu Yan—the granddaughter of the Poison Douluo. Because her grandmother's Biling Snake Poison was broken by Shrek, the Poison Douluo is now paying them more attention."

Everyone fell silent—given Poison Douluo's volatile nature, she wouldn't take this lightly.

"Was it Han Feng who broke the poison?" Qian Renxue asked.

Meng Shenji confirmed: "No, it was Tang San, a control-type soul master from Shrek team."

It was the first time she'd heard that name. Since the threat wasn't directly against Han Feng, her concern waned quickly.

She probed further: "Does the Poison Douluo intend to strike?"

Meng Shenji shook his head. "I'm afraid not. The Poison Douluo dwells deep within the Setting Sun Forest—we have no reach. Please don't blame me."

Qian Renxue clicked her tongue inwardly. Poison Douluo was notorious; unless the Spirit Hall dispatched a Fenghao Douluo to eliminate the threat, she practically stood outside her influence. But that would raise too much upheaval—and Bibi Dong would never approve.

Outwardly, she reassured Meng Shenji: "No need for regret. Even my father cannot control her, so how could I blame you?"

She continued on diplomatic ground: "Shrek Academy is our guest. If tomorrow they're threatened, please show them royal courtesy."

The three deans readily agreed—though in their minds, the real focus should be protecting Han Feng, not the academy. It was too obvious to ignore.

Clearing her throat, Qian Renxue shifted topics: "What of Prince Xuexing and Prince Xuefeng?"

A flicker of contempt passed across their faces.

"They remain unchanged," Bai Baoshan replied bluntly. "Prince Xuexing wastes time in auctions and arenas, indulging in vanity. As for Prince Xuefeng? He's worse—even more reckless—a pure libertine!"

While they knew the princes held status, they weren't concerned about consequences—after all, they were rivals to the throne. Politics required clarity.

Qian Renxue laughed curtly, uncertain whether to believe it. "Such carefree royals—how enviable!"

But none of them took her words literally. Meng Shenji stated honestly: "They pose zero threat to Your Highness—the whole empire knows Prince Xuefeng is incompetent. He has no backing."

She smiled, but inside she thought: If they're truly inept, then benign; but if worse—covertly capable—then I won't be merciful. Even at the risk of suspicion, I'll send them to join their princes beneath the earth.

If it weren't for the deaths of the second and third princes, some might suspect her ambition. Even with her moves aboveboard, she'd not tolerate potential rivals.

PS: Read Advance Chapters at patreon.com/c/Shinazuki