My Son Is Supremely Gifted and Diligent-A Blessing to Heaven Dou!
But Qian Renxue immediately thought of the constraints of her real identity, her delicate brows furrowing slightly, and added:
"However, I need some time to make arrangements. I must ask Emperor Xue Ye for leave from tomorrow's court assembly. After all, as the Crown Prince, if I were to suddenly disappear, it would inevitably arouse unnecessary suspicion and trouble, and my years of hard work might be in jeopardy."
Bibi Dong heard her daughter agree, the ripples of jealousy in her heart seemed to be soothed a little, especially when she heard Qian Renxue emphasize "together," a sense of satisfaction of being needed quietly grew within her.
However, upon hearing that she was going to ask Xue Ye for leave, Bibi Dong's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
In her view, the throne of the Heaven Dou Empire was nothing more than an empty title that would be overthrown sooner or later. Qian Renxue wasted more than a decade Role Play of another person, which was too frustrating and inefficient.
Given the current power of the Spirit Hall, coupled with the potential shown by her and Lin Xia, it is not impossible for Sheer Force overthrow it.
The Pope's domineering nature and his heartache for his daughter's "sacrifice" instinctively displeased her.
However, when Qian Renxue's "plan" and a hint of pride that was barely Frisk in her eyes, Bibi Dong ultimately suppressed her disapproval.
The estrangement of many years had just melted away, and she was unwilling to create further discord due to differing beliefs.
"Um."
Bibi Dong nodded slightly, her voice revealing little emotion, only a hint of indulgence.
"Since you have already made arrangements, then so be it. Just handle it properly as soon as possible."
Bibi Dong held Lin Xia's hand tightly, as if it were her anchor point at this moment.
The following day, in the Golden Throne Hall Palace of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Morning Sun streamed through the tall, carved window frames, illuminating the smooth, mirror-like gold-brick floor.
Civil and military officials, dressed in court attire, stood solemnly on both sides, creating a dignified and respectful atmosphere.
On the high throne, Xue Ye of the Heaven Dou Emperor sat upright. Although he was getting older, he still carried the majesty of an emperor between his brows.
Crown Prince Xue Qinghe stood tall and straight like a pine tree, in front of all the officials, in the position closest to the throne.
His face held the perfect balance of gentleness and composure befitting a crown prince, showing no sign of the earth-shattering transformation he had undergone the previous night, a sublimation of his Martial Soul Origin.
As the court session drew to a close and several important military and political matters were handled, Xue Qinghe stepped forward, bowed respectfully towards the throne, and spoke in a clear and melodious voice, conveying his reverence for his father, the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, I have something to report."
"What is it, my son?"
Xue Ye was always very satisfied with this capable and gentle "son," and spoke in a kind tone.
"Father, you are wise."
Xue Qinghe raised his head, a perfectly measured mix of excitement and earnestness befitting a "Soul Master" on his face.
"Your Majesty, I have been diligently cultivating recently and have fortunately achieved a breakthrough!"
"Therefore, Your Majesty wishes to request a leave of absence to go out Soul Hunting!"
"Oh?!"
Upon hearing this, Xue Ye's majestic face immediately broke into a smile of surprise, and his body involuntarily leaned forward slightly.
"Excellent! Excellent! My son is exceptionally talented and diligent; he is truly a blessing to our Heaven Dou!"
As Soul Master, one naturally knows what Soul Ring means to a Soul Master, and the joy in one's heart is beyond words.
The court officials also offered timely praise and congratulations.
Xue Qinghe maintained a humble demeanor and continued:
"Thank you for your praise, Father. However, with a breakthrough imminent, Soul Ring is of utmost importance, and such a ring cannot be obtained from ordinary Soul Beast. Your son needs to venture deep into the areas where Soul Beast gather to seek opportunities. Therefore, I humbly request Your Majesty's permission to temporarily leave the court for a period of time to hunt for Soul Ring deep within the Star Dou Forest."
His tone was earnest and frank, and he cited the need to acquire Soul Ring to break through his Soul Power as a legitimate reason for leaving the court. This was reasonable and in line with the identity of a genius Soul Master pursued power, as well as the diligent image he had always cultivated in Xue Ye's mind.
Xue Ye looked into his "son's" eyes and saw the Covet for power and the confident radiance of a strong person, and his heart was filled with joy.
In his view, the stronger the Crown Prince, the more stable the empire's future. He laughed loudly, almost without hesitation:
"Granted! My son, go ahead! I and my ministers will handle all matters of the empire. You just focus on your breakthrough and find the most suitable and powerful Soul Ring to enhance the prestige of our Heaven Dou Army! If you need any manpower or resources, just let me know!"
"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty! Your son will certainly live up to your expectations!"
Xue Qinghe bowed deeply, his lowered eyes flashing with a mixture of cold smug satisfaction at his successful plan and warmth at the thought of traveling with his mother and brother.
As the court session ended, Xue Qinghe walked steadily out of the Golden Throne Hall amidst the respectful gazes of the officials.
Sunlight shone on his tall, straight back, illuminating the gold thread on his python robe, making it gleam.
Meanwhile, Bibi Dong summoned Meng Shenji and said directly:
"Don't disturb us during this time. Xiao Xia and I are going into seclusion for a while and won't see anyone."
Upon hearing this, Meng Shenji nodded. After confirming that Bibi Dong had nothing else to say, Meng Shenji bowed and disappeared into the depths of the courtyard, the heavy door gently closing behind him.
Bibi Dong's invisible barrier silently enveloped the entire temporary residence, its strength enough to thwart any attempts by her Soul Power to probe it.
The air was thick with a more intimate and tense atmosphere, a lingering effect left after the Pope's imposing presence had faded.
"Let's go, Xiao Xia."
Bibi Dong's voice was deep and direct. The coldness in her purple eyes, which had been present when she gave orders to Meng Shenji, had been replaced by a profound focus.
She took Lin Xia's hand, her fingertips cool yet strong. A gentle Soul Power enveloped the two of them, and their figures, like ink merging into water, silently escaped from the core area of Heaven Dou City without disturbing anyone, or even causing a ripple.
On the outskirts of the city, at the edge of a sparse woodland, the afterglow of the setting sun cast long, thin shadows of the two people.
Lin Xia could clearly feel the Soul Power fluctuations within Bibi Dong's body, which had become even more condensed and vast after being harmonized by the Aromatic Silk Beauty. It was like an undercurrent surging beneath a calm sea, powerful yet restrained.
The wait was short, and a slight disturbance was felt in the air.
Three figures sped towards them from the direction of the official road. The one in the lead had golden hair that still shone in the twilight, and a tall and straight figure. It was Qian Renxue, who was disguised as Xue Qinghe.
Half a step behind her were the Pufferfish Douluo and the Snake Lance Douluo, both Titled Douluo with solemn auras and wary eyes scanning their surroundings.
Qian Renxue's gaze immediately Lock-On onto Lin Xia and Bibi Dong.
Upon seeing the two of them, a smile appeared on Qian Renxue's lips.
However, she did not stop and walked straight up to them. Then she turned to the two Douluo behind her and spoke in a cold, commanding tone that left no room for doubt.
"Chi Xue, She Long."
"Your subordinates are here!" the two men replied, bowing.
"You all follow behind, keeping your distance. Do not show yourself, and do not approach, unless summoned by me."
Qian Renxue's tone was resolute, leaving no room for negotiation.
"Yes, young master!"
Without the slightest hesitation, the Pufferfish Douluo and the Snake Lance Douluo responded in unison.
The two figures retreated like Gui Mei, disappearing into the depths of the dense forest in a few flashes, their presence completely concealed, as if they had never existed.