43: Chapter 43 There are no absolute positions, only absolute interests.

The next day.

Feng Qingyang sent people to deliver two letters to Blazing Academy and Tianshui Academy respectively.

The content of the letters was extremely concise, stating only that there was an important matter to discuss, and inviting the two principals to come to Shenfeng Academy for a talk.

After receiving the letters, the two principals, although suspicious, still arrived as promised.

In less than an hour, the two principals arrived at the reception hall of Shenfeng Academy one after the other.

"Old man Feng, why are you in such a rush to find us? What exactly is the matter?"

The one who spoke was a red-haired old man.

He was dressed in a fire-red robe and was in high spirits; he was none other than Principal Huo Chen of Blazing Academy.

Beside Principal Huo Chen was an old woman wearing a water-blue long dress. She had a gentle temperament and was none other than Principal Shui Wuyue of Tianshui Academy.

Although she did not speak, her eyes were full of doubt.

"The two of you, please sit down first."

Seeing them arrive, Feng Qingyang immediately stood up to welcome them and personally poured tea for them.

After the three of them were seated.

"I wonder if you two still remember our original shared ideal?"

Feng Qingyang took a light sip of tea and spoke slowly.

"Of course I remember." Principal Huo Chen raised an eyebrow, "You didn't just call us here today to reminisce, did you?"

"Haha, of course not!"

Feng Qingyang no longer beat around the bush, stood up, and walked to an open area.

"Awooo—"

A wolf's howl rang out, a terrifying aura suddenly erupted, and nine spirit rings fell in succession beneath his feet.

"Titled Douluo!"

Principal Huo Chen and Principal Shui Wuyue stood up from the sofa in shock simultaneously, their faces filled with disbelief.

"This... how is this possible!" Principal Huo Chen exclaimed, "Old man Feng... did you achieve a Breakthrough?"

Although Principal Shui Wuyue did not speak, a storm was raging in her eyes, which were usually calm and waveless.

As old friends who had known each other for decades, they knew Feng Qingyang's situation too well.

Ten years ago, the Cultivate of the old man Feng had stagnated at the Peak of Spirit Douluo; without an Opportunity, it was unlikely he would ever achieve a Breakthrough in this lifetime.

"That's right. This is exactly the benefit brought by the matter I want to discuss with you two today."

Feng Qingyang restrained his aura, withdrew the nine spirit rings one by one, and said in a calm tone.

Principal Shui Wuyue's eyes flickered: "Dean Feng, what do you mean by that?!"

"To tell you the truth, I met a noble person. The fact that I can now achieve a Breakthrough to Titled Douluo is entirely due to that Lord's grace."

"Not only that, even my grandson Feng Xiaotian has undergone earth-shaking changes recently."

Feng Qingyang paused deliberately and smiled mysteriously: "As for the specific changes, you will see them with your own eyes at tomorrow's exchange competition."

This series of words left Principal Huo Chen and Principal Shui Wuyue completely stunned.

"Dean Feng, at this point, stop beating around the bush. Who exactly is that Lord?"

Principal Shui Wuyue calmed down first, staring at Feng Qingyang.

Feng Qingyang's expression became serious, and his tone was extremely respectful: "His Highness the Holy Son of Spirit Hall!"

"Spirit Hall?" Principal Huo Chen's expression sank suddenly, "Old man Feng, have you defected to Spirit Hall?!"

"Do you know what Spirit Hall has done over the years?"

"They have suppressed our elemental academies at every turn. How can you do this and still face the friendship of our three great elemental academies over the years?"

"Principal Huo, please calm down." Feng Qingyang waved his hand unhurriedly.

"To be precise, I am following His Highness the Holy Son of the future, not the current Spirit Hall."

"His Highness the Holy Son promised that as long as one is willing to follow him, one can obtain unimaginable resources."

"My Breakthrough and Feng Xiaotian's changes are all Opportunities bestowed by Your Highness."

"I invited the two of you here today," Feng Qingyang looked at them with burning eyes, "just to ask if you are willing to follow His Highness the Holy Son with me?"

"Absurd!" Principal Huo Chen said angrily: "Feng Qingyang! Have you forgotten our shared stance as the three great elemental academies?"

"All these years, we have maintained our independence precisely because we do not want to be involved in disputes!"

"How can you do this and still face our friendship of many years?!"

"Stance?" Feng Qingyang laughed instead of getting angry, "Old man Huo, you've been stuck at the Peak of level 88 for a long time, right?"

He then looked at the silent Principal Shui Wuyue: "Principal Shui, you are the same, right?"

"Are you really content to stop here? To watch helplessly as your own Cultivate makes no progress at all?!"

Feng Qingyang's words were like a heavy hammer, striking hard at their hearts.

Titled Douluo, this was the Realm that all Spirit Masters dreamed of!

How could they not want a Breakthrough?

But for Spirit Master Cultivate, the further one goes into the Late Stage, the more difficult it becomes.

Without a special Opportunity, it is very likely that one will never be able to cross that natural chasm in their lifetime.

Seeing that the two were wavering, Feng Qingyang continued:

"Besides, think about your juniors. Whether it is Huo Wu and her brother, or Shui Binger and her sisters, they are all rare and talented seedlings."

"If they can be appreciated by His Highness the Holy Son, their future achievements will likely far exceed what you and I can imagine."

These words struck a chord in their hearts.

As elders, their greatest wish was for their juniors to stand out.

If it were truly as Feng Qingyang said, that following His Highness the Holy Son could yield such huge benefits, then it would indeed be worth serious consideration.

Principal Shui Wuyue gently pressed Principal Huo Chen's arm, signaling him to calm down.

She looked at Feng Qingyang: "Dean Feng, this matter is of great importance. We need time to consider."

"Of course." Feng Qingyang nodded understandingly, "However, time waits for no one. After the academy exchange competition, I hope the two of you can give me a clear answer."

After sending the two away, Feng Qingyang stood alone in front of the window of the reception hall.

Watching their receding figures, a meaningful smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

He knew these two old friends too well.

In the face of absolute interests, no one could refuse such a temptation.

...

On the way out of Shenfeng Academy.

Principal Huo Chen and Principal Shui Wuyue walked side by side, both with quite solemn expressions.

"Principal Shui, what do you think?"

Principal Huo Chen was the first to break the silence, his tone carrying a bit of irritability.

"It is a fact that Dean Feng has achieved a Breakthrough to Titled Douluo; this is beyond doubt. As for the His Highness the Holy Son he mentioned..."

Principal Shui Wuyue frowned slightly, paused, and continued:

"At tomorrow's exchange competition, we might as well observe Feng Xiaotian's performance carefully."

"If it is really as Dean Feng said, and Feng Xiaotian has made huge progress in a short period of time, then this matter is worth deep consideration."

Principal Huo Chen nodded, his face still looking rather grim.

As they spoke, the two had already reached the academy gate.

Upon parting, Principal Shui Wuyue suddenly said:

"Principal Huo, why don't we do this: after the exchange competition, we will discuss it again."

"After all, this concerns the future of the academy, and we must act with caution."

"Good." Principal Huo Chen nodded heavily, "Then we shall talk about it later."

Watching Principal Shui Wuyue's departing figure, Principal Huo Chen stood in place, not moving for a long time.

His heart was filled with contradiction.

On one hand, the interests mentioned by Feng Qingyang were very tempting.

On the other hand, he was unwilling to go against the stance that the three great elemental academies had held for many years.

"Perhaps, this really is an Opportunity..."

Principal Huo Chen muttered in a low voice, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

At this moment, he suddenly understood Feng Qingyang's choice a little bit.

Wasn't their shared ideal to carry forward their respective elemental academies?

Principal Huo Chen's gaze gradually became firm.

Even if not for himself, for Huo Wu and her brother, for the future of Blazing Academy.

Perhaps he... really should seriously consider Feng Qingyang's words.