Just then, a light footstep sounded.
Qian Renxue walked in.
She had changed out of her usual Crown Prince robes and into a pale gold palace gown. It outlined her flawless figure to perfection, lending her an alluring charm beneath her noble elegance.
"Teacher."
She came to Chen Xuan's side and respectfully bowed.
Chen Xuan withdrew his hand and looked at her.
"Is something the matter?"
Qian Renxue smiled sweetly and briefly recounted the rumors circulating around the city and the matters she had dealt with.
"Teacher, you're a famous figure in Heaven Dou City now. Everyone knows your name."
Chen Xuan's expression didn't change in the slightest. He merely gave a quiet "Mm."
It was as though the praise and criticism of the outside world had nothing to do with him.
Watching his composure, Qian Renxue admired him all the more.
This was the bearing of a true strong one: unmoved by gains or losses, untouched by joy or sorrow.
She hadn't seen her teacher for several days, and she'd felt hollow inside, unable to summon any enthusiasm for anything.
Now, simply staying quietly by his side and gazing at his profile swept away her restlessness and emptiness, leaving her inner world peaceful.
"Teacher, I still have a few questions about using Soul Power. I'd like to ask for your guidance."
She found an excuse, hoping to stay a little longer.
Chen Xuan glanced at her and said, "I've already taught you everything you need to know."
"Theory is the foundation. The path ahead is one you must walk and understand for yourself. Only then will it be your own way."
A flicker of disappointment crossed Qian Renxue's beautiful eyes.
She gracefully crossed her legs beneath her skirt and shifted her posture, trying to find a new topic.
"Then... the academy has become so famous. Surely many people will come to enroll. Would you like me to help arrange the admissions?"
"No need."
"Teacher, this Blue Silver Emperor..."
"You..."
Throughout their conversation, Qian Renxue did almost all the talking, while Chen Xuan only occasionally responded.
Silence gradually settled over the air.
Qian Renxue knew she ought to leave. If she stayed any longer, she would only seem inconsiderate.
She stood and said reluctantly, "Then... I won't disturb your cultivation any longer, Teacher."
With that, she left the courtyard, looking back every few steps.
After Qian Renxue had gone, Ah Yin's thoughts sounded once more.
"She likes you a lot."
Chen Xuan didn't answer.
A trace of envy and yearning colored Ah Yin's thoughts.
"I envy you all. You can walk freely, go wherever you want, and see all the world's scenery."
"Unlike me, trapped in this tiny patch of land."
Chen Xuan watched her swaying blades of grass, his voice softening a little.
"Soon, you'll be able to do that too."
Ah Yin's thoughts instantly filled with anticipation and joy.
"Really?"
"Mm."
Chen Xuan rose and looked into the distance.
To bring Ah Yin back to life perfectly and rebuild the strongest possible foundation, he still needed help from one place.
There was something he needed there.
He had already made up his mind.
It was time to pay Dugu Bo a visit.
Time passed slowly.
The outskirts of Heaven Dou City, Sunset Forest.
A faint green miasma hung among the trees. Any ordinary Soul Master who entered this place would succumb to the poison within half an hour.
This was the territory of the Titled Douluo known as "Poison," Dugu Bo.
Two figures walked along the forest path as if strolling through a garden, unfazed by the poisonous mist that could corrode Soul Power.
At the front was Chen Xuan.
At his side, Qian Renxue had changed into a fitted outfit suited for travel. Her golden hair was concealed, and she carried the imposing air of the Crown Prince.
"Teacher, Dugu Bo has an eccentric, arrogant temperament. If he says anything offensive later, please..."
"..."
Before she could finish, Chen Xuan cut her off.
"It's fine."
His tone was as calm as ever.
Qian Renxue said no more and quietly followed behind Chen Xuan, pondering the matter.
Why did her teacher want to meet Dugu Bo?
Before long, a valley shrouded in a poison formation appeared before them.
Qian Renxue stepped forward. Her Soul Power stirred as she called out, "Xue Qinghe of the Heaven Dou Empire has come with his teacher to pay a visit to His Excellency Poison Douluo!"
"..."
Her voice echoed into the valley, but for a long while, there was no response.
Qian Renxue furrowed her brow.
Dugu Bo was being far too high and mighty.
Just as she was about to call out again, a hoarse, aged voice finally drifted from deep within the valley.
"Crown Prince, forgive me for failing to welcome you properly."
"Come in."
As his words faded, the green poisonous mist ahead slowly parted, opening a path.
The two entered the valley. In front of a simple wooden hut stood a lean, lanky old man.
He had long, dark green hair and a withered face. His eyes were a piercing, unsettling green, and a gloomy aura that warned others to keep their distance radiated from him.
He was none other than Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo.
His gaze lingered briefly on Qian Renxue before settling on Chen Xuan beside her. His emerald eyes held an undisguised scorn.
"Crown Prince, I presume this is the Blue Silver Academy's principal, the one everyone in the city has been talking about?"
A hint of curiosity colored Dugu Bo's voice.
"Some theory about Martial Soul Evolution, some claim that will determines Soul Rings. I've lived a long time, but this is the first time I've heard such absurd nonsense."
He gave Chen Xuan an appraising look and shook his head.
"Young man, aiming too high and reaching too far isn't a good thing. Keeping your feet on the ground is the right path."
"I don't welcome you here. Leave."
He dismissed them outright, showing no regard for the Heaven Dou Crown Prince.
At his words, Qian Renxue's face darkened. Anger flashed in her golden eyes.
Who was her teacher? How dare this old poison spew such insults at him?
She was about to lash out, but Chen Xuan spoke first.
He looked calmly at Dugu Bo, as if he hadn't heard a word of what the old man had just said.
"I can cure the poison in your granddaughter."
Those simple words made Dugu Bo's whole body tremble.
His emerald eyes contracted sharply as he stared fixedly at Chen Xuan.
"What... did you say?"
Chen Xuan continued, "In exchange, I want to use your Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well."
At the mention of the "Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well," Dugu Bo's expression changed completely.
That blessed place was his greatest secret. Apart from him and his granddaughter, no third person knew of it!
How had this man found out?
Shock gave way to even deeper wariness and suspicion.
He let out a cold laugh and rasped, "What a boast! First you claim you can cure Yan Yan's poison, then you name the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well. What exactly are you after, boy?"
"Why should I believe you?"
"Crown Prince, take your teacher and leave. I won't say it a second time!"
His tone grew even harsher. He was now convinced that Chen Xuan was a deceitful fraud with ulterior motives.
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