Goodbye Xue Qinghe

Time flew by.

It had been three months since they had last stayed at the Dugu Clan.

After Dugu Chen and the others spent some time at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Eye, they returned to Heaven Dou City. Although the cultivation environment there was better, even the finest place became dull after too long.

Dugu Chen was now an eleven-year-old youth. Due to his high rank, he had already grown to around 1.75 meters tall, becoming a handsome young man. If not for the lingering childishness on his cheeks, people would likely mistake him for a fourteen- or fifteen-year-old.

Having finished his morning lessons, Dugu Chen turned around and looked back in surprise. His teacher was in the pavilion, fussing with a tea set.

Dugu Chen walked over to Dugu Bo. "Teacher, why have you come to your disciple's place today?"

"What? This is this old man's home. Do I need to report to you brat wherever I want to go?"

Seeing Dugu Bo blowing his beard and glaring, Dugu Chen could only plead for mercy. "This disciple misspoke. Teacher may go wherever he wishes."

Dugu Bo was not actually angry. He poured a cup of brewed tea for himself and Dugu Chen, then said, "Today, Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe came to pay a visit together. Tell me, what sort of attitude should this old man take toward them?"

Hearing this, Dugu Chen lowered his head and pondered for a moment before saying, "If Ning Fengzhi asks about the Immortal Herbs, Teacher can simply say they have already been used on this disciple. It does not matter whether he believes it or not. As for Xue Qinghe's overtures, Teacher only needs to accept them."

Dugu Bo nodded after hearing Dugu Chen's suggestion. Since he had already decided to stand on Xue Qinghe's side, there was no need to be overly polite with him.

It was still that same reception hall. Dugu Chen studied the old man standing beside Ning Fengzhi.

The old man wore a spotless snow-white robe. His beard and hair were both white, while his long silver hair was neatly combed down his back. He had an ancient, unadorned appearance, yet his face was as tender as a baby's. His expression was indifferent, and when his eyes swept over someone, it felt as though even their skin stung.

He merely sat there quietly without speaking. Yet even standing there, he still gave off the feeling that among heaven and earth, he alone reigned supreme.

This should be the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School's other guardian elder—the Level 96 Titled Douluo known as the continent's number one in attack, Sword Douluo Chen Xin.

Sensing Dugu Chen's scrutiny, Chen Xin looked over at him and examined him from head to toe. His expression froze for a moment, and his lips moved slightly.

Ning Fengzhi's hand gripping the armrest tightened involuntarily. He secretly glanced at Dugu Chen, and a flash of burning desire passed through his eyes.

When Chen Xin examined him, Dugu Chen felt as though he had been completely seen through. He knew that he had probably been exposed.

Ning Fengzhi spoke, breaking the silence in the hall. "Brother Dugu, you truly have taken in an excellent disciple! Fengzhi heard that your disciple broke through to Soul Elder at such a young age. With such talent, even the Clear Sky Douluo of old was far inferior."

Hearing Ning Fengzhi praise his disciple, Dugu Bo was delighted inwardly, though his words showed no mercy. "Chen'er is mischievous. He merely has some talent for cultivation—how could he compare to the geniuses of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School?"

Hearing the two praise each other so extravagantly, Dugu Chen awkwardly curled his toes against the floor.

Fortunately, Xue Qinghe, who sat beside Dugu Chen, noticed his embarrassment and spoke up. "Qinghe has heard that Lord Dugu is an expert in medicinal principles. My father's health has been poor these past few years, and he wishes to invite Your Lordship to serve as a royal guest advisor."

On the surface, he was inviting him to become a royal guest advisor; in truth, he wanted Dugu Bo to join the Crown Prince's side. Once Dugu Bo was won over, Xue Xing would no longer have the qualifications to contend with Xue Qinghe. Then, once she gathered most of the empire's power into her own hands, even if Xue Ye did not wish to pass the throne to Xue Qinghe, he would have no choice.

"This... this old man has long been used to drifting freely like an idle cloud and wild crane. I fear I must disappoint Your Highness's goodwill." Dugu Bo did not agree, but neither did he refuse outright.

Xue Qinghe was not someone in a hurry. She understood the principle of taking things slowly. Not refusing immediately was already a good sign.

"It is no matter. The royal family's gates will always remain open to Your Lordship."

After saying that, Xue Qinghe spoke no further, and the hall returned to its quiet atmosphere. Seeing that Ning Fengzhi had something to discuss privately with Dugu Bo, Xue Qinghe tactfully said, "When I met Brother Dugu last time, I felt an immediate affinity. Why not let Brother Dugu show Qinghe around?"

Looking at Xue Qinghe as she gazed at him, Dugu Chen could not help feeling that something was strange.

"Then I shall respectfully accept. Your Highness, please."

Watching Dugu Chen lead Xue Qinghe away, Ning Fengzhi spoke.

"Brother Dugu, are the Immortal Herbs truly gone?"

Just as they had expected, Ning Fengzhi had indeed come for the Immortal Herbs.

"Alas... I will not hide it from Sect Master Ning. The Dugu Clan has long suffered under the Lifebound Poison of the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor. As a result, this old man's son and daughter-in-law both died when their poison flared up. Yanyan, too, was deeply poisoned from the moment she was born. Fortunately, after this old man cultivated them for many years, I obtained several spirit medicines and managed to cure Yanyan's poison. But this old man's poison had already seeped into my bones, so I came up with the method of storing poison in a Soul Bone. Only then did I exchange a Nine-Rank Purple Ganoderma with your school for a Soul Bone and cure the poison throughout my body. Those medicines truly are gone."

Dugu Bo vividly recounted his family's troubles, then appropriately revealed his Level 95 Soul Power. This showed that the herbs had already been used up, while also serving as a show of force to keep Ning Fengzhi from taking desperate measures.

When Dugu Bo revealed his cultivation, Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo both became far more solemn. A Level 95 Poison Douluo was someone no power in the world would be willing to offend.

Since Dugu Bo had put it this way, Ning Fengzhi had no other option but to continue fostering goodwill with him.

In the pavilion of Dugu Chen's small courtyard.

Dugu Chen looked at Xue Qinghe, who sat opposite him, and asked, "Your Highness seems to have something on your mind. Why not say it aloud? You may feel better afterward."

Xue Qinghe looked at the teacup in her hand. Without even raising her head, she asked in return, "What could possibly be on my mind? Can I not simply make friends with Brother Dugu and have some tea when there is nothing wrong?"

As she spoke, Xue Qinghe raised her head to look at Dugu Chen. "Brother Dugu, do you have any aspirations?"

"Your Highness may simply call me by my name. I cannot bear being called Brother Dugu."

Upon hearing Dugu Chen's words, Xue Qinghe felt an inexplicable surge of irritation. She glared at him. "Are you saying I'm old?"

"?" Dugu Chen stared at her in dumbfounded disbelief, goosebumps rising all over his body.

Was that something a crown prince should say? Was she going to silence him next?

As though noticing his gaze, Xue Qinghe's movements paused. Perhaps years of disguising herself as someone else and wasting the best years of a young woman's life had made her irritated whenever her age was mentioned. Then, she regained her composure and smiled naturally.

"Then from now on, this elder brother will call you Brother Chen! And stop calling me Your Highness. Call me Brother Xue instead!"

Dugu Chen's mouth twitched. "Then many thanks, Brother Xue."

Dugu Chen's quick understanding made Xue Qinghe smile faintly. "Does Brother Chen have any goals? Why not come help this elder brother in the future?"

Dugu Chen listened to Xue Qinghe's offer and inwardly grumbled. That was way too casual. He didn't even make any grand promises. Am I not worth it?

Dugu Chen shook his head and said, "My ambitions do not lie in court politics. I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you, Brother Xue."

Xue Qinghe laughed carelessly. "It seems my humble temple is too small to hold you. Tell me about your ambitions for the future and broaden your big brother's horizons."

Dugu Chen looked directly into Xue Qinghe's eyes and said firmly, "To become the youngest Titled Douluo, to become invincible across the continent, and to break through Rank 100 and become a god."

Seeing the determination in the young man's eyes, Xue Qinghe could not help but fall into a daze. He will definitely be able to do it. A thought suddenly surfaced in his heart.

Looking at the high-spirited, arrogantly confident youth before him, Xue Qinghe suddenly wanted to bring him under his command. Only a genius like this was worthy of being won over by him.

Suppressing the strange thought in his heart, Xue Qinghe nodded. "That's true. With such outstanding talent, becoming a god at Rank 100 is still only a legend. Don't become too obsessed with it, little brother. I believe you can become the youngest Titled Douluo on the continent."

So he didn't believe in my latter two goals.

Dugu Chen nodded. "I don't believe rumors arise from nothing. Doesn't Spirit Hall worship the Angel God?"

"Chen, do you believe what Spirit Hall says?"

"I do!"

"Then what do you think the Angel God is like?"

"That person should be the kindest, most beautiful, and most holy person in the world!"

At that, he smiled, his eyes narrowing into crescents. "It seems Chen isn't such an honest fellow either. I wonder how many girls you'll charm into your hands in the future."

As he spoke, he even gave him a look that any man would understand.

Dugu Chen shook his head with a bitter smile. Aren't you the one who's been delighted by the flattery? How am I slandering your innocence for no reason?

"Brother Xue, you can't just say things like that. If I can't find a girlfriend in the future, you'll have to take responsibility!"

Xue Qinghe nodded decisively and said solemnly, "Rest assured, Chen. I know what kind of person you are. If you can't find a girlfriend then, just come to your big brother."

"Then it's settled. I'll remember that," Dugu Chen said.

"After saying so much, I still don't know what Brother Xue's ambition is."

"Of course, it is for Father Emperor to remain healthy and for the Heaven Dou Empire to grow ever stronger," Xue Qinghe answered without hesitation, though a trace of confusion flashed through his eyes.

Dugu Chen nodded. Yeah, right. You're probably hoping Xue Ye dies sooner rather than later.

"I don't want to know the Heaven Dou Crown Prince's dream. I want to know Xue Qinghe's dream."

Xue Qinghe froze at those words, his heart growing even more confused. What was his dream? To seize the Heaven Dou Empire? To prove something to that person? He did not know. Suddenly, he felt that the past dozen-odd years of his life had been so empty.

Seeing Xue Qinghe's expression, Dugu Chen lifted his teacup. "No matter what Brother Xue's dream may be, I'll use tea in place of wine to wish that all your wishes come true."

Xue Qinghe came back to himself. Looking into Dugu Chen's eyes, warmth rose in his heart. He lifted his teacup and clinked it against Dugu Chen's, smiling as he said, "Then I wish Chen great success in cultivation."

The two drained their tea in one gulp and smiled at each other.

Looking at the youth before him, Xue Qinghe felt that today had been the most relaxing day since coming to the Heaven Dou Empire. His heart felt warm. So, I have a friend now.

From childhood until now, he had always been alone. He thought he had grown used to loneliness, but today, the youth before him had disturbed his calm heart several times. Having a friend did not seem so bad.

Resting his head on one hand, Xue Qinghe watched the youth animatedly recount his first Soul Combat. A gentle smile rested on Xue Qinghe's face as the soft sunlight fell across it, leaving him feeling exceptionally relaxed.