Douluo: The Melee Archer with Maxed Luck
Chapter 45

Flattery from Afar Pays Off, Qian Renxue's Resolve

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Flattery from Afar Pays Off, Qian Renxue's Resolve

In the secret chamber beneath the main residence of the Crown Prince's Residence.

Qian Renxue was somewhat surprised to hear Broad Hill's words. She knew quite well that Broad Hill had taken on a disciple. She also had some intelligence on Han Li, and Qian Daoliu occasionally wrote to her, mentioning related matters in his letters.

But she still had not expected Han Li to reach level twenty already. His talent was even more terrifying than that of her Twin Martial Souls "sister."

"Grandfather Broad Hill, if I remember correctly, he's only a little over seven, not even eight yet, right?"

A powerful curiosity rose within Qian Renxue. Her grandfather had mentioned in his letters that, whether in terms of strength or intellect, Han Li would become her most capable assistant in the future.

"Mm, seven years and five months. But he isn't level twenty now—he's already level twenty-three. Don't forget, he was the one who discovered that Whale Rubber could effectively strengthen the body during the early stages. This time, the Second Soul Ring he absorbed was as high as three thousand five hundred years. Even if his cultivation slows down later, he'll definitely reach level thirty by the age of nine."

Broad Hill spoke proudly when mentioning his disciple.

"That is indeed impressive. His level is almost catching up to where I was at his age."

Though Qian Renxue was praising him, her emotions did not fluctuate much. Han Li cultivated very quickly, but compared with her at the same age, his level was still somewhat lower.

"Haha, if he can catch up to you, Little Snow, I'll be laughing in my sleep."

Broad Hill laughed as well. Though Qian Renxue's words sounded a little odd, he knew that she had Innate Soul Power of level twenty. For her to compare his disciple to herself at the same age was already extremely rare.

Seeing Broad Hill's delighted expression, Qian Renxue smiled in response. "Then it seems I should find time to return to Spirit City and meet this 'little martial uncle' of mine."

"Huh? Didn't you meet this afternoon already?" Broad Hill asked in surprise.

"We met this afternoon? No, we didn't."

Qian Renxue was bewildered as well, searching through the people she had met that afternoon in her mind.

"That can't be right. I was chatting with him before dinner, and he said that when he visited Heaven Dou Royal Academy this afternoon, he ran into you and Ning Fengzhi's daughter. He was also quite impressed by the Xue Qinghe you were pretending to be."

Seeing that Qian Renxue's expression did not seem fake, Broad Hill poured out everything he had learned while chatting with Han Li.

Ning Rongrong and me? Visiting the academy? Han Li? Xiao Yan?

With Broad Hill's hint, Qian Renxue finally pulled the matching image from her memories.

"So it was him. I really didn't recognize him. Grandfather Broad Hill, your disciple is truly... well, cautious. I asked him for his name at the time, and he told me it was Xiao Yan. He even acted like I had won his loyalty over."

Qian Renxue spoke somewhat speechlessly. She had often heard from Qian Daoliu's letters that Han Li's way of thinking and behavior were somewhat different from ordinary people's. But she had not expected him to give a false name even when facing the crown prince at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, then put on an act before him, looking utterly innocent.

"Xiao Li's personality is indeed a little different from most people's. I'll have a proper word with him when I return."

Broad Hill smiled awkwardly. He had not expected Han Li to pull something like this, and in front of Qian Renxue, no less. The key was that he had not explained it to him beforehand, which was rather embarrassing.

But then he recalled what Han Li had said afterward and quickly added, "Still, he thinks very highly of you. What was it again? Oh, right—'A gentleman as fair as jade, unmatched beneath the heavens.' He also said your bearing was excellent, that you treated people with great warmth, and that your methods had the air of someone in a position of power."

"'A gentleman as fair as jade, unmatched beneath the heavens.' He certainly has a good eye."

No matter what, Qian Renxue was only a teenage girl. Moreover, she was in front of someone close to her. Having long lived in a repressed state, she did not hide her emotions.

Even though Han Li's praise had been directed at the Xue Qinghe she disguised herself as, she could not help smiling. Receiving such an evaluation meant that her disguise was flawless.

Mm, she would not hold Han Li's deception against him for now. After all, he was in Heaven Dou City, so he was merely being cautious. It was perfectly understandable.

Still, he had left behind some small flaws. Later, she would find an excuse to transfer the guards and that staff member away from the academy, and change the registered name to Xiao Yan as well. Only then could she ensure there were no loose ends, Qian Renxue thought secretly.

"Little Snow? Little Snow?"

Seeing Qian Renxue lost in thought, Broad Hill waved a hand in front of her eyes.

"Are you too tired? I'll be staying in Heaven Dou City for a few more days. How about you rest today, and I'll come see you another day?" Thinking she was tired, Broad Hill took the initiative to suggest it.

"No, Grandfather Broad Hill. I was just thinking about something. It's nothing." Qian Renxue awoke from her thoughts and gave him a sweet smile.

Speaking of which, among the Worship Hall's offerings, aside from her grandfather, Broad Hill was the one closest to her. The others loved her dearly as well, but they were all rather steady by nature.

Only Broad Hill would not care at all and would "secretly" accompany her out to play when she was little. That was why she had been so happy upon seeing him. Unfortunately, she had grown up, and she was carrying out an undercover plan. She could no longer be as willful as before.

"Little Snow, if one day you grow tired of this, then come back. No one will blame you. You should have been shining brilliantly like an angel. It doesn't matter if you don't carry out this mission."

Broad Hill noticed the deeply hidden trace of loneliness in her eyes and spoke directly.

Hearing Broad Hill's words, Qian Renxue's eyes grew slightly moist. She could tell that he meant every word.

She hurriedly turned her head away and held back the sting in her nose. After a while, she turned back with a smile, putting on a relaxed expression. "Don't worry, Grandfather Broad Hill. I can do it. This is the last plan Father left behind. I don't want to give up on it so easily. Besides, I want to prove to that woman that this plan isn't entirely useless."

Looking at her, Broad Hill sighed. He did not bring up the matter again, instead changing to a lighter topic. From time to time, laughter from the two of them echoed through the secret chamber.

It was not until the sky outside had begun to brighten that Pufferfish reentered the secret chamber and reminded them that it was about time. Only then did Qian Renxue reluctantly escort Broad Hill to the door of the room.

Though she had not slept the entire night, there was not the slightest trace of drowsiness on Qian Renxue's face. Instead, she seemed even more energetic than before, and her mood had clearly improved greatly.

"All right, Your Highness, I'm leaving first. Over the next few days, I'll be taking Han Li around Heaven Dou City, so I won't come see you for now. Take care of yourself. And remember what I said—no one will blame you, understand?" Broad Hill pulled up his hood again and spoke softly before leaving.

"Mm, I understand, Offering Broad Hill."

This time, Qian Renxue did not reveal her emotions again. She had already returned to the guise of Xue Qinghe, and before Pufferfish and Snake Lance, proud as she was, she did not wish to show weakness, nor would she. She was the prodigy of the Qian Family, the future master of Spirit Hall.

"Good, then I'll be going. Before I leave, I'll have someone send word again."

After speaking, Broad Hill turned around and looked toward Pufferfish and Snake Lance.

"You two, protect His Highness well."

"Yes, My Lord." Pufferfish and Snake Lance nodded heavily.

With that, Broad Hill said no more. Before the sky fully brightened, he concealed his aura and headed in the direction of Spirit Hall.

Qian Renxue—no, Xue Qinghe—ignored the two Titled Douluo and stood in the courtyard for a long time, until the servants cautiously came over to remind him that it was time to wash up.

Only then did he turn around, smiling at the servants as usual, and began a new day.

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