Lu Mingfei starts from Douluo.

"Your Highness, how are you feeling today?" Meng Shenji stepped forward and bowed.

"How is Brother Xue's health?" Lu Mingfei asked with concern.

"It's alright, cough, I feel a bit better than a few days ago." Xue Qinghe nodded slightly.

But Meng Shenji's furrowed brows did not relax. He could sense that Xue Qinghe's life force was still weak and showed no signs of improvement.

There have been many rumors about Xue Qinghe in the Heaven Dou Empire over the years, including comments about him being ruthless, cunning and treacherous.

However, Meng Shenji understood that this was just a necessary tactic for those in power. Xue Ye had done something similar before. Putting all that aside, Xue Qinghe was an impeccable heir to the empire, valuing talent and treating scholars with respect, and never showing mercy when necessary.

Furthermore, Xue Qinghe had promised them that he would reform the Royal Academy's admission system and rectify the privileges of the nobility, which is why the three old men chose to join his ranks, hoping to make the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy better.

But now this flame of hope is about to be extinguished before it can even burn. The thought that the future of the Heavenly Dou Empire will fall into the hands of Prince Xue Xing and a纨绔 (spoiled brat) like Xue Beng makes him feel that the future is bleak.

"Your Highness, I'm going to the Imperial Hospital to review the medical records from the past few days. Mingfei, please sit here for a while." Meng Shenji didn't sit down. After speaking, he bowed and took his leave. He knew a few old guys who might still have a solution.

After Meng Shenji left, Xue Qinghe dismissed the surrounding servants, leaving only the two of them in the courtyard.

Neither of them spoke, and they were both unsure of what to say or perhaps waiting for the other to speak.

Lu Mingfei felt that he was bad at talking and had low emotional intelligence. He was afraid that if he opened his mouth and angered Xue Qinghe to the point of death, he would never be able to leave this palace.

Xue Qinghe had so much to say, but suddenly didn't know where to begin. Should he talk about this Soul Hunt? Should he say he was about to die? Or should he say that you don't need to be sad for me?

Interestingly, although they have known each other for seven years and their relationship seems very close to outsiders, since Lu Mingfei was "picked up" by Xue Qinghe to enter the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, the number of times they have had face-to-face conversations alone is very small.

Both of them thought about many things for a while, and although their thoughts may not have been exactly the same, they were probably both sighing in their hearts.

The courtyard remained quiet, so quiet that you could hear the leaves falling in the wind, until the boy came to his senses and Xue Qinghe finally spoke first.

"Brother Lu, congratulations! A Soul King at the age of 13, unprecedented and likely to be surpassed ever before," Xue Qinghe said with a smile.

"Brother Xue, you're joking. I'm still far from good enough." Lu Mingfei scratched his head. They had exchanged similar conversations countless times in the past. When he opened his mouth, they were both a little stunned, and then they couldn't help but look at each other and laugh.

Those two are as obsequious and disgusting as ever.

"It's a pity, I probably won't be able to see Brother Lu's amazing performance in the Soul Master Competition next year." Xue Qinghe shook his head, his tone quite regretful. In fact, he regretted saying it as soon as he said it, but it seemed that they hadn't talked about anything else besides cultivation over the years.

He suddenly felt a little guilty, because he seemed to have never known what Lu Mingfei liked besides cultivation. No, perhaps he had never liked cultivation at all.

So he might actually be quite annoying?

"Don't say such discouraging things. You're fine now, aren't you? You'll be alright." Lu Mingfei blinked and quickly offered a few words of comfort. The tone, which sounded like he was giving his last words, really gave him the creeps.

"I know my own body best." Xue Qinghe sighed and looked at the flowers that were still blooming vibrantly in the courtyard.

"Look at these flowers. They seem to be blooming in winter, but they were actually transplanted from the greenhouse. They will wither overnight."

"My body is actually the same, it's just that people are forcing me to keep it up," Xue Qinghe said with a wry smile, seemingly a little tired from talking for so long, and took a few breaths.

"Brother, can you stop saying such discouraging things?" Lu Mingfei thought to himself. As everyone knows, negative emotions are contagious, and he suddenly felt a little depressed too.

"I'm sorry for saying all this, I hope it made you worry about me?" Xue Qinghe smiled as she looked at Lu Mingfei's depressed expression.

"I just wanted to say that it's not that serious yet, it's just a minor illness." Lu Mingfei felt that Xue Qinghe's understanding was a little unsettling today. Was this the legendary saying that a dying person's words are kind?

…etc.

Lu Mingfei licked his lips, suddenly feeling something was off. A dying man was actually advising him to let go? Had his aura of misfortune deteriorated to the point that even a dying man couldn't bear to look at him?

"Brother Lu has always been so kind. I'm so sorry for all these years," Xue Qinghe suddenly apologized.

Upon hearing this, Lu Mingfei panicked. He had heard that when a person is about to die, a scrolling light appears on their face, and they repent for the sins of their life. Could it be that Xue Qinghe was suddenly experiencing a moment of lucidity before death?

Chapter 141 Don't Die

"Actually, I'm quite annoying, aren't I?"

Xue Qinghe had probably given up on himself and actually started to reflect on his actions. He looked at Lu Mingfei with sincere eyes.

Hearing this, Lu Mingfei felt guilty and immediately changed his gaze, laughing awkwardly, "What are you talking about, Brother Xue? Let's rest for a while."

Xue Qinghe shook his head, and although he was weak, he continued, "Actually, I hate myself too. In my position, I have to consider everything, including what I like and dislike, what I should and shouldn't do."

"Actually, you already know, right?"

"Know what?" Lu Mingfei tilted his head.

"Things like courting, befriending, flattering, and scheming."

Lu Mingfei was a little confused. Was this person treating tomorrow as the end of the world?

"It's alright." Lu Mingfei scratched his head, giving him some face. He couldn't very well say something like "you're just too lame" to his face.

"Then I really have to thank Brother Lu for his understanding over the years." Xue Qinghe chuckled self-deprecatingly. "Actually, I've already started to regret it a little."

"Brother Lu, do you know what I regret?"

Lu Mingfei almost rolled his eyes, thinking to himself, "I'm not a mind reader, who knows how many despicable things you've done?"

"What's there to regret? What's done is done, there's no use in regretting it now," Lu Mingfei comforted him. "Thinking about these trivial things all day long, does she really think she's some kind of delicate flower?"

Xue Qinghe sighed softly, "I regret stopping on that road back then."

"There's no difference, because I'll still be enrolled in school in the city, and you'll still know me." Lu Mingfei shrugged. He would still stay in Tiandou City, and other things would only change to a limited extent.

“Yes, how much could change from our respective positions? That’s why I feel sorry; I’m really repulsive.” Xue Qinghe shook his head: “Perhaps we are not suited for this city.”

Hypocritical.

Lu Mingfei was practically bursting with complaints. He thought to himself, "If we weren't in this city, how would Xue Qinghe even know me with his abilities?" But he was too lazy to bother with Xue Qinghe anymore.

"Brother Lu, you'll be leaving after the competition ends next year, right?" Xue Qinghe asked.

Lu Mingfei nodded. There was no point in hiding it: "You have to walk your own path from now on."

“I knew it long ago, this city can’t keep someone like Brother Lu.” Xue Qinghe suddenly thought of something and couldn’t help but laugh: “I wonder if Teacher will regret it then.”

"No, no, it's not that bad." Lu Mingfei quickly waved his hand. Xue Qinghe was really audacious today, daring to say anything, even making up stories about Ning Fengzhi. He must have been fed up with him by now.

"There's only us here, no one else. If he dares to do it, why shouldn't I dare to say anything?" Xue Qinghe said dismissively. "Sister Rongrong has always kept you in her heart. I don't believe Brother Lu doesn't know that. If you didn't dislike the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, how could you turn a blind eye to this?"

Lu Mingfei was a little confused. Why did they always assume he would have feelings for an elementary school student? You guys are perverts, but he isn't!

Besides, he wouldn't necessarily dislike the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, would he? Wouldn't it be better if things remained peaceful on the surface?

Lu Mingfei shook his head and sighed helplessly: "I've never had those kinds of feelings for Rongrong. Can't Brother Xue really see that?"

Xue Qinghe knew this, but he couldn't understand why Lu Mingfei could be so insincere with him but not with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.

Actually, Lu Mingfei could answer this question: Can a lollipop used to trick a little girl be the same as a bone used to trick a big bad wolf?

However, Xue Qinghe didn't dwell on it too much, as this was actually more to his liking: "This is good too. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is indeed not suitable for someone like Brother Lu. Teacher's desire for control is too strong."

Xue Qinghe secretly stabbed Ning Fengzhi twice in the lower back, and was in a good mood.

Lu Mingfei didn't understand the meaning behind Xue Qinghe's words, but nodded in agreement.

The fact that the head of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, a support-type sect, has been able to stand firm for hundreds of years must mean he has a special way of manipulating people's hearts. He has never dared to underestimate Ning Fengzhi's methods. On another note, he would never become a live-in son-in-law.

"Cough, cough, cough." Xue Qinghe coughed a few times; he had talked a lot today.

"Brother Xue, are you alright?" Lu Mingfei quickly poured a glass of water from the table next to him and handed it to him. He was so engrossed in their conversation that he almost forgot Xue Qinghe's health was failing. "Let's stop talking now, you should rest."

"It's nothing." Xue Qinghe took the cup, took a sip of water, and shook his head. "I'm afraid I might not have the chance next time. In Tiandou City, the only person who would say these things to me is probably Brother Lu."

“I’ve always felt that it wasn’t a coincidence that I stopped the carriage back then. I’ve always felt that we are actually the same kind of people.”

Same kind? You mean as unlucky as me?

Okay, you've schemed your whole life but still got poisoned. You're really unlucky. I accept the title of "loser" for you.

"We have no friends, no family, and no colleagues to confide in. Aren't we all truly alone?" Xue Qinghe spoke slowly, then closed his eyes, as if he were tired. There were faint traces of moisture at the corners of his eyes, but a relieved smile appeared on his face.

Lu Mingfei remained silent. He could hear Xue Qinghe's steady heartbeat; she was simply asleep, so he didn't disturb her and just sat quietly.

Even though Xue Qinghe is poisoned, he's still not behaving himself and even poked at his lungs.

He was all alone. Although he tried very hard not to think about it, how could such a thing really be ignored?

Ultimately, he's far worse off than Xue Qinghe. At least Xue Qinghe is still at home, while he might not even be able to go home.

He looked at the smile on Xue Qinghe's lips and felt inexplicably annoyed.

"Xue Qinghe." Lu Mingfei stood up and suddenly called out Xue Qinghe's name.

Xue Qinghe was dozing off when he heard the noise. He suddenly frowned and slowly opened his eyes.

The next moment, a golden light flashed before his eyes, and a low murmur sounded in his ear, like a majestic roar.

"Don't...die."

Xue Qinghe was stunned. A supreme majesty that reached his very soul was suddenly revealed before him, irresistible and unyielding.

Centered on Lu Mingfei, a vast, spherical domain instantly formed, and the world seemed to come to a standstill.

This was the ability he awakened the first time he met the little devil; it was not the power of words, but the power of life.

He had conducted experiments, and therefore almost never revealed them to outsiders.

But today he just felt that Xue Qinghe deserved a beating. He had caused him so much trouble over the years, why should he just let it go like this?

Chapter 142 The Isolated Island

When Meng Shenji returned to the Crown Prince's palace with the medical records to pick up the person, he was completely dumbfounded.

What does it mean that the crown prince, who was lying on his deathbed, suddenly got up? And what's with his rosy complexion?

What exactly did he miss? Could it be that the Crown Prince had been faking illness all along?

Putting aside how she managed to act so convincingly before, even if she stopped acting now, she shouldn't be so stupid as to suddenly revert to this energetic state, almost like she's been resurrected on the spot, right?

The three stared at each other, Meng Shenji clearly wanted an explanation from the Crown Prince, but Xue Qinghe shook his head and gestured for Lu Mingfei to look for him. Lu Mingfei looked at Meng Shenji somewhat guiltily, hoping that he would take the blame for him.

It's really not a big deal. With his current strength, he could easily retreat even if he faced Tang Hao. He just demonstrated a medical skill, so it's not a big problem.

In fact, over the years, he had come to regard Xue Qinghe as a bad friend. Under such circumstances, he would not sit idly by and watch him die just to hide this little thing.

However, it's always better to keep a low profile. The title of "Number One Genius on the Mainland" was already troublesome enough. If he were to be given a title like "Divine Doctor" on top of that, the trouble would be unimaginable.

Xue Qinghe was also confused at first. He was really prepared to "die", but now he couldn't die. Not only could he not die, but he also had to face several troubles, which gave him a headache just thinking about it.

But the most urgent thing was to find an excuse. After discussing it, the two immediately decided that Meng Shenji was the most reasonable scapegoat.

Meng Shenji was naturally indifferent to such matters, but he was still somewhat surprised when he heard that Lu Mingfei had cured Xue Qinghe.

But he didn't ask any more questions. Lu Mingfei had been hiding it all along, and he had his reasons. This time, he only revealed it to save the Crown Prince. It was an immense favor to the Heavenly Dou Empire. It was nothing to be a shield.

"Father, thanks to the divine medicine from the Dream God Education Committee, I am now completely recovered." Xue Qinghe bowed to Emperor Xue Ye.

"Qinghe, I'm so glad you're alright." Emperor Xueye was also very worried. Two of his sons had died suddenly and mysteriously. If Xue Qinghe had also died, he would most likely not have survived the avalanche. The consequences would be unimaginable.

"Commissioner Meng Shenji, you deserve great credit this time. I wonder where this miraculous medicine came from?" Emperor Xueye looked at Meng Shenji. The higher one's position, the more afraid one is of death, especially since Xue Qinghe almost died. No one would not want to recruit someone with such medical skills.

"Your Majesty, my old friend has been traveling the continent for many years. This time, he came to me to ask about the Star Dou Great Forest, which is why he left this divine medicine, which just happened to save the Crown Prince's life." Meng Shenji shook his head. Having lived to such an old age, he could easily tell a lie.

"If that's the case, if the divine physician visits again, please inform him that you may come to the palace for a chat, so as to express the royal family's gratitude." Emperor Xueye nodded, but in fact he was half-believing and half-doubting.

It was too much of a coincidence. He had every reason to suspect that the whole thing was a play staged by the Crown Prince, but what was the purpose of this play? It was completely inexplicable.

No one would do something so stupid, let alone his crown prince.

So until the very end, he was still more inclined to believe that the Crown Prince had indeed survived a great calamity.

Without pressing the matter further, Emperor Xueye bestowed more funds upon the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy and then instructed Xue Qinghe to return home to recuperate.

Lu Mingfei also took his leave with Meng Shenji, leaving the palace and boarding a carriage to return to the Tiandou Royal Academy.

As for Xue Qinghe, he returned to his bedroom and study, breathed a slight sigh of relief, and waved away the servants. Two figures then appeared behind the bookshelves in the study.

"Young Master, what should we do now?"

"Yes, the High Priest instructed you to make a proper cleanup and leave immediately."

Xue Qinghe shook his head: "We can't leave, at least not now."

Not long ago, the true situation in the Star Dou Great Forest was even worse than the intelligence brought back by the advance team.

Even though Qian Daoliu, a peerless figure among mortals, was not present in person, he still felt that power beyond human limits in the Angel Temple, which was definitely at the demigod level.

And this time, two such beings appeared, both of them incredibly terrifying.

That's why he personally intervened and persuaded Bibi Dong to cancel this absurd plan to seize the country. Clearly, the safety of the entire continent was more important than the so-called Martial Soul Empire.