Here Again

Seven days have passed since Wu Yuan hurriedly left the small courtyard in Heaven Dou City.

During these seven days, life in the courtyard seemed to return to its usual rhythm.

The early morning is for cultivating Soul Power and honing basic physical strength; the afternoon is for studying each other's understanding of Martial Soul or practicing combat; and in the evening, Fu Shiyan will give guidance on the gains and losses of the day.

Tang San's control over the Blue Silver Grass became increasingly refined, Dai Tianyu's guidance of the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's power was also improving, and Oscar was engrossed in practicing his two newly acquired Self-Created Soul Skill.

Xiao Wu remains the same lively and energetic girl who always pesters Tang San to spar.

However, this tranquility was shattered on the morning of the eighth day.

As usual, Fu Shiyan got up very early and was sitting alone in a stone tea chair under the old tree in the front yard.

The morning mist had not yet completely dissipated, and the air carried a coolness and the freshness of grass and trees.

A cup of tea sat before him, steaming gently, but he didn't touch it. Instead, he stared blankly at the vines climbing the courtyard wall.

His fingertips tapped unconsciously on the smooth stone tabletop, as if he were pondering something.

Just then, a clear and rhythmic knocking sound came from the courtyard gate.

Fu Shiyan frowned almost imperceptibly.

Who could it be at this hour?

With a slight thought, the branches beside the courtyard gate stretched out as if they were alive, skillfully unlatching the door latch.

The door opened.

Standing outside the door was a young man dressed in a moon-white robe, with his blond hair neatly combed and his face handsome and gentle.

With a perfectly measured smile on his face and an air of composure, he was none other than Xue Qinghe, the eldest prince of the Heaven Dou Empire.

The moment Fu Shiyan saw him, the corner of her mouth twitched almost imperceptibly.

A hint of helplessness flashed across his eyes.

He really didn't want to deal with this "guest" on this quiet morning.

Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe, seemed completely oblivious to her master's subtle unwelcome.

She strode in calmly, without her usual conspicuous entourage; she was alone.

She walked straight to the opposite side of the stone table, her gaze lingering on Fu Shiyan's face for a moment before she gracefully smoothed her clothes and sat down with an elegant posture.

Her movements were fluid and graceful, perfectly showcasing the etiquette cultivated by the Heaven Dou Imperial House over many years.

"I apologize for visiting so early in the morning; I hope I haven't disturbed Mr. Fu's peaceful retreat."

Xue Qinghe spoke, his voice gentle and mellow, carrying the unique reserve and politeness of a member of the royal family.

Fu Shiyan didn't respond immediately, but just looked at her quietly.

Fu Shiyan had no idea what was wrong with this woman, coming to his place so early in the morning.

He had no intention of playing any role-playing games with her, like being courteous to a scholar or secretly observing him.

After all, in the lineage he knew, while external factors were important in the destruction of the Spirit Hall, its internal factors, especially the series of blunders by the woman in front of him, her mother Bibi Dong, and Hu Liena, who could be called the "Three Idiots of the Spirit Hall," were the key to its self-destruction.

If any one of these three had been a little more clear-headed and decisive, many things would never have escalated to such an uncontrollable point.

Qian Renxue, or rather Xue Qinghe, seemed unconcerned about Fu Shiyan's silence.

Her gaze swept across the stone table, and she noticed that only Fu Shiyan had a cup of tea in front of him, which deepened her smile.

She casually reached out and took another clean teacup from the table, then naturally picked up the copper kettle warming on the small stove.

She skillfully scalded the cups, placed the tea leaves, and poured the tea from a high position while simultaneously pouring it out from a low position.

His series of movements were fluid and graceful, clearly demonstrating his extensive knowledge of the tea ceremony.

This is probably one of the results of her hard work during her long career of disguise.

Soon, a cup of clear, Qing Ya tea was ready in her hands.

She gently picked it up, brought it to her lips, first inhaled its fragrance, and then took a small sip, her posture incredibly elegant.

She has her reasons for coming today.

Yesterday, She Long, the Serpent Snake Lance Douluo She Long had planted in the city to monitor the area around this small courtyard, reported a message to her.

Just seven days ago, a strange man knocked urgently on the door.

The man exuded a powerful aura and introduced himself as "Wu Yuan, Commander of the Guards of the Tianxing King Mansion," saying he had important matters to discuss with the "Young Master" immediately.

Snake Lance Douluo dared not get too close, because he could vaguely sense the hidden aura emanating from the Academy Memory Core that made his heart tremble.

He only caught a glimpse of the man introducing himself from a distance, and then his figure being quickly led into the courtyard.

About three hours later, the man named Wu Yuan hurriedly left.

The four characters "Tianxing King Mansion" stirred something within Qian Renxue.

As the eldest prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, she naturally knew about the Tianxing King of the Star Luo Empire, who had participated in the struggle for the throne but ultimately failed and "died of illness" seven years ago.

Why would the commander of the guards of a deceased Star Luo Empire Prince travel thousands of miles to Heaven Dou City in search of the so-called "Young Master"?

Does the title "Young Master" imply that the Tianxing King still has descendants?

The owner of this small courtyard is Fu Shiyan.

A young man whose background she had not been able to investigate beforehand, yet whose abilities were astonishing.

All the clues seemed to be pointing to one possibility.

This led her to some kind of misunderstanding.

Of course, this was only the stated reason that prompted her to come.

The deeper reasons are ones she herself is unwilling to delve into.

Ever since their last meeting, after confirming that Fu Shiyan possessed at least the strength of Soul Emperor, and most likely Soul Saint, the feeling of being left far behind by her peers had deeply affected her.

She even went back and, for the first time ever, doubled her efforts in her studies for a period of time.

Upon hearing the Snake Lance Douluo report again about Fu Shiyan's potential involvement in the secrets of the Star Luo Empire, she almost involuntarily wanted to use this as an excuse to observe him more closely.

There are too many mysteries surrounding this person.

Why is someone only three years older than me, yet has such a much higher Soul Power Level?

Could he also be a descendant of gods, carrying Deity inheritance?

After returning last time, Snake Lance Douluo suggested reporting information about Fu Shiyan to the Worship Hall, but she stopped him.

She harbored a deep-seated pride and wanted to try and subdue this person using her own skills.

As for those occasional, blurry, and unsettling fragments of so-called "future memories" that flash through her mind, she plans to return to Spirit City in person after some time to ask her grandfather, Qian Daoliu, about them.

Perhaps it was some kind of revelation from the Angel God?

These complex thoughts intertwined, which is why she sat opposite Fu Shiyan, calmly sipping her tea.

"Your Highness, the First Prince"

Fu Shiyan finally spoke, breaking the silence.

His tone was flat, but if you listened carefully, you could detect a subtle hint of impatience.

Qian Renxue's overbearing and familiar manner left him speechless.

"What urgent matter brings you here at this early hour?"