The Duel Was Set, Reputation Tarnished

The two walked back towards the hall.

In the hall, the three were still chatting amicably, the atmosphere was good, but a slight sense of estrangement could still be seen.

After all, the three of them had only just become acquainted, not to mention that none of them were the enthusiastic and lively type, and they lacked Dugu Yan as a mediator.

Upon seeing the two return, all three turned their gazes towards them.

Especially seeing that Dugu Yan's initial irritation had disappeared, everyone was curious about what Han Li had said to her.

As soon as Dugu Yan stepped into the hall, she shook off Han Li and went straight to Ye Lingling, a smile returning to her face.

Soon, under Dugu Yan's guidance, the previous topic was quietly ignored, and the conversation turned to other things.

Han Li lingered in the hall for only a short while before taking his leave, not wanting to disturb their conversation.

He went around to the back of the house and saw Dugu Bo leisurely drinking tea.

"Why are you here? Didn't Yan Yan say she'd introduce you to the Ye Family's young lady?"

Dugu Bo glanced at him, wondering why he wasn't staying in front and was instead looking for this old man.

"I've come to ask my Grandfather about the Ye Family."

Han Li sat down opposite him without ceremony and poured himself a cup of tea.

"The Ye Family? What? You've taken a fancy to them?"

Dugu Bo put down his cup and observed his expression.

"I suppose so. After all, the Nine Heart Begonia is a force to be reckoned with."

Han Li took a small sip of the fragrant hot tea, looked up and smiled.

"Nine Heart Begonia, it's not good to touch it, especially given your current status. Acting rashly could cause a big commotion."

Dugu Bo's expression turned serious, and he spoke earnestly.

"Yes, I know. I just wanted to know. Don't worry, I never do things I'm not sure about."

Han Li poured him some tea to show that he knew what was important.

"So you've taken a fancy to another girl from the Ye Family?"

Dugu Bo stared at him for a long time before suddenly speaking.

"Cough cough cough."

Han Li had just taken a sip of tea, was startled by his words. He spat out the tea, choked, and coughed several times before he recovered.

"What are you saying, old man? Ye Lingling was brought here by Sister Yan, okay? I've never met her before. And what do you mean by 'again'?"

Han Li glanced at the old man opposite him with an annoyed look, casting a dissatisfied glance at him.

"That's not important. Anyway, I can't control you. With your personality, if you didn't fancy the Ye Family's girl, would you be asking about the Ye Family's affairs?"

Dugu Bo looked as if he already knew the truth, and showed no anger or anything like that.

His granddaughter is even giving him money, and she's doing it willingly. What right does he have to interfere?

At least this kid is really good to his own people. Look, Yan Yan is almost a Soul Emperor. If you changed your grandson-in-law, no one else would have this ability.

"Never mind, you'll find out later. Just tell me first."

Han Li was too lazy to explain; even if he said no, Dugu Bo wouldn't believe him.

"Yeah, I knew it. Come on, let me tell you..."

Seeing that he no longer objected, Dugu Bo began to talk to him about the Ye Family. —Han Li stayed at the DuGu Family until dinner before returning to the Spirit Hall.

According to the agreement he made with Qian Daoliu before setting off, putting aside the matter of Qian Renxue, he had to stay in Heaven Dou Imperial City for at least seven days.

Over the next few days, he also had to investigate and evaluate the work of the local Spirit Hall personnel.

Of course, it's just for show, but the process still has to be followed.

Fortunately, he had already made plans and allowed enough time.

After returning to his room, Han Li summoned his Good Son and inquired about the situation of several people he was particularly concerned about before entering into cultivation.

Over the next few days, Han Li's schedule was packed. He was so busy that he barely had time to breathe. He wasn't exactly exhausted, but he was mentally drained and his face was practically frozen from smiling.

Sure enough, he was still not used to this kind of occasion, and he was actually looking forward to Qian Renxue challenging him to a duel soon.

It's unclear whether Qian Renxue did it on purpose, but the two occasionally met in the following days and even had a routine encounter, but she didn't mention the battle at all, behaving just like the real Xue Qinghe.

Finally, on the seventh day at noon, Salas came to tell him that everything was over, which made Han Li breathe a sigh of relief.

That same evening, Qian Renxue sent word that the time and place for the battle had been chosen.

The day after tomorrow, during the day, we will choose a manor under Xue Qinghe's name.

At that time, she would invite him to go out of the city for sightseeing in the name of the Heaven Dou Crown Prince. The people there were all people who had been infiltrated by the Spirit Hall over the years, so they were absolutely reliable.

She also specifically told Han Li that he didn't need to worry about the spies; she would send someone to take care of it, and he only needed to bring his strength.

When Han Li heard the message she sent over, he smiled. Putting everything else aside, he was quite confident.

As for Qian Renxue's claim that she would arrange everything, Han Li naturally, well, didn't quite trust her.

Fortunately, this was not a big deal for him; he could just have his Good Son monitor him from all angles.

As for if they are indeed discovered, the person who is discovered should first consider escaping the pursuit of the three, along with the Snake Lance, the Pufferfish, and Dugu Bo.

Near Heaven Dou City, unless the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect sends out its top combat forces in full force, it can only be said that anyone who comes will die.

As for the Spirit Hall Saint Child, who looks to be the same age as his daughter and is simply out on official business, whose strength is unknown, Ning Fengzhi probably wouldn't be that cautious.

With the date set, Han Li had nothing else to do, and since he had a free day in between, he spent it shopping with the girls.

During the few days that Han Li was on official business, Dugu Yan and her friends had a blast.

In Spirit City, because of Han Li, they spent most of their time cultivating. Even when they went out to play occasionally, they always felt that their teachers and higher-ups were watching them, and they always felt a little restrained.

Now that they've arrived in Heaven Dou City, firstly Han Li is busy and can't take care of them for the time being, and secondly, Dugu Bo dotes on his granddaughter, so he's also very lenient with the other girls.

Now, with Ye Lingling as an excuse, the four of them explored almost the entire surrounding area in just a few days.

Even Ye Lingling's condition has improved a lot these past few days because she has someone with her.

In the afternoon, for some unknown reason, Qian Renxue also came over under the identity of Xue Qinghe and joined the group's actions.

Of course, she could only choose to stay far behind the group with Han Li, not much different from being a guard.

What brings you here?

Han Li lowered his voice, his face beaming with a smile, but his words and expression had nothing to do with each other.

"I didn't want to either, but this is my father, oh, Xue Ye sent me here. As for Dugu Yan, it's too late. You can't get too close to Ye Lingling."

"With your public appearance this time, your information has already leaked. I won't say anything about Dugu Yan yet, because no one knows when you two made contact."

"But Shui Bing'er, the matter of the Skywater Academy can't be kept from others. He asked me to come and check the situation to prevent Ye Lingling from being tricked by you. If that happens, he won't be able to handle things with the Ye Family."

Xue Qinghe also had a smile on his face, but his eyes were full of mockery.

His reputation was ruined. Han Li's expression remained unchanged, but in his heart he fiercely condemned the group of people who dug up his past.