Sparks of passion

Tang San smiled and continued, "I'm currently searching for suitable Godhood Inheritance for Bing'er and the others. I'm thinking of gathering as many clues as possible; perhaps some treasure holds such an opportunity, which is why I'm inquiring about the national treasure. I believe that the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud must contain some immense opportunity."

Qian Renxue thought for a moment, then frowned slightly. "But it's in the hands of Xue Ye. And only he knows where it's hidden."

A cold glint flashed in Tang San's eyes. "Then we'll have to send him away ahead of time. Once he's dead, the Crown Prince will ascend the throne. As the new emperor, you'll have a legitimate reason to take over all the royal treasures. At that time, the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud will naturally be yours."

Qian Renxue nodded, her hesitation replaced by decisiveness.

"Alright, I'll begin planning immediately." Qian Renxue's voice regained its usual calmness and decisiveness. "Xue Ye's health was already poor, and it has deteriorated rapidly in the past year. If we add some special 'medicine,' no one should suspect anything."

Tang San nodded, not asking what the "medicine" was; he didn't need to know the details.

He flipped over and remounted his horse.

Qian Renxue gasped softly, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.

The light in the secluded room shone on her face, making her perfect features appear soft and captivating.

"Fairy Sister." Tang San lowered his head, his lips brushing against her earlobe.

"Hmm." Qian Renxue's muffled voice came from Tang San's shoulder.

"You've become even more beautiful in three years."

Qian Renxue blushed.

She gently bit Tang San's shoulder, with just the right amount of force, leaving a shallow tooth mark.

"Glib-tongued."

Tang San smiled, and the second round of clashes began.

The bed in the secret room creaked again, rhythmically and melodiously.

When Tang San left the Crown Prince's Residence, it was already close to dusk.

His steps were light and unsteady, and he had an indescribable sense of emptiness. There was a hollow feeling, like a well that had been drained of water.

Back at the Dugu Manor, Dugu Bo was lying on a recliner in the garden, eyes closed, enjoying the aroma of tea all around him.

Hearing footsteps, he looked up, saw Tang San's slightly unsteady steps, and a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes as he asked, "You're back? Why did it take you so long?"

"I hadn't seen His Crown Prince for a long time, and we had a very in-depth and passionate conversation, which is why it took so long."

Tang San sat down opposite Dugu Bo, picked up the teapot on the table, poured himself a cup of tea, and drank it all in one gulp.

He put down his teacup and asked, "Grandpa, do you still have any contact with Prince Xue Xing?"

Dugu Bo's brow twitched slightly, and he said, "There's some official contact. They invite me to important holidays. We don't have much contact on ordinary days. Why are you asking this all of a sudden?"

Tang San's voice lowered, tinged with caution. "Grandpa, you know I have a close relationship with the Crown Prince. Prince Xue Xing also has a grudge against the Crown Prince. I'm worried..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was already clear.

Dugu Bo frowned, already harboring suspicions. "Is the Crown Prince planning something?"

Tang San nodded, neither denying nor elaborating.

"There have been some actions, but they're not aimed at Prince Xue Xing. I'm just worried that Prince Xue Xing will ask you to help him fight against the Crown Prince. That would drag you, Grandpa, into the middle."

After a moment of silence, Dugu Bo said calmly, "Don't worry, as long as Prince Xue Xing's life isn't harmed, I won't interfere in their royal family affairs. After all, Xue Xing once did me a favor, and I can only protect his life. I don't want to concern myself with anything else."

Tang San nodded, relieved, and said, "Then I'm relieved. Thank you, Grandpa."

Dugu Bo looked at him, a smile playing on his lips, "You little rascal, you're definitely hiding something from me."

Tang San smiled, a hint of helplessness in his voice, and said, "You'll find out in time."

"Fine, fine, I can't be bothered with your business. It never ends well. This old man just wants a few more days of peace and quiet."

Dugu Bo waved his hand casually.

Then he changed the subject, his tone becoming serious. "So, kid, you really aren't going back to the Clear Sky Sect? The Clear Sky Sect has re-emerged in the Soul Master World and is in dire need of manpower right now. As the son of the Clear Sky Douluo, the Clear Sky Sect can be your biggest backer. As long as you're willing to go back, they will definitely accept you."

Tang San was taken aback, caught in a dilemma.

The Clear Sky Sect is his bloodline, and its strength is also considerable.

But he had no feelings for that sect.

Moreover, Tang San didn't want to be bound by it, so things were fine as they were.

Tang San was silent for a moment, then shook his head. "I don't need it. Besides, I won't go to the Clear Sky Sect willingly. Let's talk about this later and let nature take its course."

"Alright, so what are your plans now?"

Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo sighed and did not offer any further advice.

Tang San thought for a moment and said, "I plan to stay in Heaven Dou City for a while. After the Crown Prince helps me obtain a treasure, Yan Yan and I will continue to search for opportunities. This time, we might be gone for even longer."

He didn't say what the treasure was, nor what the opportunity was.

But Dugu Bo certainly knew that the treasures and opportunities Tang San mentioned were very likely related to the inheritance of gods.

Tang San and Ye Lingling have already been chosen by the gods, but Yan Yan, Xiao Wu, and Shui Bing'er have not. He must be searching for opportunities for them to Godhood Inheritance.

Dugu Bo nodded, picked up his teacup, and raised it towards Tang San. "Alright, if there's anything you need from this old man, just say the word."

Tang San also picked up his teacup and gently clinked it against Dugu Bo's teacup.

"Thank you, Grandpa," Tang San said.

Dugu Bo smiled and drank the tea in his cup in one gulp.

The sun was setting, and twilight was falling.

Tang San raised his head and looked at the starry sky above. The stars were densely packed, like countless eyes watching over the world.

The next morning, Tang San woke up as usual, squeezed by four girls.

This time, Tang San didn't tiptoe; instead, he gave each of them a quick kiss to wake them up.

After washing up, the five of them ate breakfast in the hall.

While eating, Tang San said, "We'll go to the Shrek Academy later. I left halfway through last time, so I don't know how the academy is doing now, or what the other students are up to."

Dugu Yan nodded. "It's time to go back and take a look."

Shui Bing'er sat quietly to the side; she wasn't from Shrek Academy.

"Bing'er, why don't you come with us too?" Tang San glanced at her.

Shui Bing'er nodded and smiled, "Okay."

After breakfast, the five of them left the Dugu Manor and headed towards the Shrek Academy along the streets of Heaven Dou City.

Shrek Academy remained unchanged, its signboard at the school gate gleaming in the morning light, the five characters "Shrek Academy" shining brightly.

Tang San stood at the door, looking at the signboard, a complex emotion welling up inside him.

The five people crossed the playground and arrived at the office building.

Flender's office was on the third floor. Tang San raised his hand and knocked on the door.

"Come in." Flender's voice came from inside, still in that lazy tone.

Tang San pushed open the door and went inside.