In Heaven Dou City, the afternoon sun slanted through the carved lattice windows, casting patches of light and shadow across the rosewood table.
Yang Fan was poring over an old book on the table, occasionally turning a page with unhurried fingers.
He had borrowed this history book from Spirit Hall's branch in Heaven Dou City, using the token Ning Rongrong had given him.
He had once read the history books compiled by the Heaven Dou Empire. Much of what they contained had clearly been embellished, but two words could still be made out between the lines: "devouring people."
The Heaven Dou Empire's history was a tale of devouring people, built upon a feudal alliance of vassal lords founded on enfeoffment and slavery, and played out over thousands of years.
Thinking of the catgirl sold at auction in the original story, and of the brothels and pleasure houses frequented by the three notorious rogues of Douluo, he couldn't help shivering.
Spirit Hall's history book was much the same, except it wasn't ordinary people devouring one another—it was Soul Masters devouring people.
If Spirit Hall unified the land, it would surely usher in an era of the Angel God's supremacy and the supremacy of Soul Masters. Those without Soul Power would probably be no different from slaves.
The scene in which Blind Douluo awakened his Martial Soul in the original story offered a glimpse of Spirit Hall's attitude toward commoners.
Spirit Hall ultimately represented the interests of Soul Masters. It would take at least another twenty thousand years, until the Douluo Federation arose without gods interfering, for anyone to truly stand from humanity's perspective.
"I wonder when someone in this era will finally cry out, 'Long live the people!'"
Yang Fan closed the book with a sigh.
As soon as the words left his mouth, a steady, unhurried tread sounded from the staircase.
The footsteps were measured and rhythmic, each one seeming to fall in time with some invisible melody. They carried an effortless air of nobility and composure.
"Your Highness."
The Soul Sage guarding the stairwell immediately dropped to one knee, his voice lowered in heartfelt reverence.
Yang Fan put away the old book on the table and turned toward the doorway.
With the faint scent of aloeswood drifting in, a tall, slender figure crossed the threshold and entered the room at a leisurely pace.
The newcomer looked to be around eighteen. He wore a moon-white brocade robe patterned with subtle designs, intricate cloud-and-thunder motifs embroidered in silver thread along the collar and cuffs. They gleamed softly in the sunlight.
He was exceptionally handsome, with sword-straight brows, bright eyes, a high nose, and a naturally warm smile. His whole being resembled a piece of warm jade, painstakingly shaped by time and utterly without flaw.
This was the Heaven Dou Empire's Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe.
Xue Qinghe's gentle gaze settled on the young man behind the table.
For an instant, as their eyes met, the air seemed to still.
Yang Fan remained perfectly calm, a gentle smile on his lips.
It wasn't the quiet of someone pretending to be profound, but the composure of one unmoved by favor or disgrace.
His dark eyes were like a bottomless lake, reflecting the image of the Crown Prince before him.
"It's been a while. I heard Rongrong came by and caused trouble for you the other day?"
Xue Qinghe's voice was clear and pleasant, like a spring breeze. He stepped forward and held out his hand to Yang Fan.
Yang Fan looked at the hand extended toward him, his expression calm as still water.
Half a year ago, the intermediary who had helped him work with the Heaven Dou Imperial Family and establish himself in Heaven Dou City had been this person—or rather, this woman.
As a transmigrator, he knew better than anyone who this refined and elegant Crown Prince truly was: the heir to Spirit Hall, Qian Renxue.
A ruthless woman, starved for affection and desperate to recruit worthy talent.
He had never meant to get involved with her, but everything had happened by such a strange coincidence.
By chance, he had seen Ye Rou being harassed by Xue Beng. By chance, after he intervened, Xue Qinghe had stepped in to smooth things over and helped him take Ye Rou on as a maid.
Too many coincidences ceased to be coincidences. Yang Fan knew that the rare Soul Silver had probably piqued her curiosity.
Qian Renxue's greatest trait was her hunger for talent.
Ning Fengzhi, Dugu Bo, Tang San... She had tried to recruit many talented people, only for them all to end up on the opposite side and stab her in the back.
"You were only here last week. That hardly counts as a long time."
Yang Fan extended his hand without hesitation and clasped Xue Qinghe's.
Their hands met briefly, then they let go.
"Yang, you know that one day apart feels like three autumns." Xue Qinghe's tone grew warmer. "I heard today that my little sister Rongrong came by yesterday, so I thought I'd come over and see you."
As he spoke, his gaze never left Yang Fan's face. His sincerity and concern were beyond reproach.
Yang Fan gestured toward the seats. "If Your Highness doesn't mind, why not sit down and have some tea? It's a long story, so I'll give you the short version."
"You're as interesting as ever."
Xue Qinghe smiled and slowly took the seat opposite him.
At this very moment, just like yesterday.
Yesterday, Ning Rongrong, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's darling little demoness, had sat here. Today, it was Xue Qinghe, the Heaven Dou Crown Prince who was actually Spirit Hall's disguised Saintess.
An incense stick's time later
After hearing him out, Xue Qinghe picked up the teapot and poured a cup of tea for each of them. "At yesterday's appraisal, Brother Yang and little sister Rongrong both showed keen eyes. You truly opened mine. I only regret that I wasn't there to host the contest myself."
He took a small sip of tea and gave Yang Fan a thoughtful look.
"On the surface, yesterday's contest between you two ended in a draw, but in my view..." Xue Qinghe paused, the corner of his mouth curling into a meaningful smile. "Your eye for 'seeing past appearances and recognizing what lies within' had the slightest edge, Yang."
Hearing the Crown Prince's assessment, Yang Fan remained composed and replied humbly, "Your Highness flatters me. Miss Rongrong is simply young and inexperienced."
"I know about the Withered-Prosperous Root. If that girl Rongrong wants it, she can have it. And since you took a liking to this ring that can hold living things, I'll give it to you as well."
As he spoke, Xue Qinghe took a refined rosewood box from his sleeve and gently pushed it toward Yang Fan.
When the lid opened, a fiery-red piece of metal lay inside: the Fire-Patterned Profound Gold Yang Fan had sent to the Crown Prince's residence after yesterday's contest.
"I'll give this Fire-Patterned Profound Gold to you as well, Brother Yang." Xue Qinghe met his gaze, his words sincere. "To leave a treasure buried in dust is to waste it. Since you have an eye for recognizing a jewel, it could not hope for a better home."
Yang Fan's heart stirred slightly. Qian Renxue's gesture was no ordinary reward. It was an exceptionally deft attempt to win him over.
After a brief silence, Yang Fan didn't refuse. He stepped forward and accepted the rosewood box with both hands.
He looked up to meet Xue Qinghe's gentle gaze and bowed solemnly.
"Your Highness, I'll remember your generosity." His voice was quiet, yet firm as metal and stone. "Since Your Highness trusts me, I'll accept these gifts. If you ever need anything, Your Highness Xue Qinghe, I won't refuse."
"Excellent! That's exactly what I was hoping to hear, Brother Yang!"
Xue Qinghe clapped his hands and laughed, his face bright with satisfaction.
For half a year now, Yang's Treasure Pavilion had relied on the person before him to reach its current standing.
Yang Fan alone would have struggled to protect such wealth.
Whether it was Ye Rou, who had a talent for business, or the guards with Soul Sage cultivation, Yang Fan knew where they came from, even if he never said so.
When clever people crossed swords, a touch was enough.
He had also been observing Xue Qinghe—or Qian Renxue—for half a year. She was genuinely capable, and her conduct was exemplary. Holding on to this powerful ally while he was still developing could only benefit him.