Qian Renxue originally felt that after infiltrating the Heaven Dou Imperial Family for so many years, and with the plan only a few years away from success, it would be a real shame to give up now.
But now, Gui Yuan has completely piqued her curiosity.
The undercover operation is no longer important.
She had already learned a lot about Gui Yuan from her grandfather: Twin Martial Souls, Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring, the ability to copy other people's Martial Soul and Soul Bone, the ability to control a domain, and even the Divine Trial.
Piecing together the information, she developed an unprecedented curiosity about the boy who was nearly ten years younger than her.
Instead of staying in Heaven Dou City waiting for that plan that has no end in sight, it would be better to go back to the Spirit Hall and make contact with him in person.
The next morning, Dugu Yan arrived at the door of Gui Yuan's guest room.
She knocked twice on the door, her voice a little softer than usual. "Brother Gui Yuan, are you up?"
The door opened from the inside, Gui Yuan had already finished washing up, said, "So early?"
Dugu Yan smiled and said, "Didn't you say you would guide my cultivation? I want to learn more while you're still here."
Gui Yuan nodded. "Alright, let's go to the backyard."
The two arrived at the open space in the backyard of the mansion.
Dugu Yan released the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Martial Soul, its tail swaying gently on the ground, while four Soul Ring slowly rose beneath it.
She assumed a fighting stance. "I used to follow a Control System path, but Grandpa said I should switch to Power Attack System, and I feel a little uncomfortable with that."
Gui Yuan stood opposite her, his gaze sweeping over her. "The biggest difference between Control System and Power Attack System lies in the rhythm of attack. Control System wait for opportunities, while Power Attack System create them."
He walked up to Dugu Yan and said, "When you make your move, don't always think about using poison to control your opponent before attacking. Poison is just an auxiliary measure; your attack is the main thing."
Dugu Yan paused for a moment, then nodded seriously.
Over the next few days, Gui Yuan guided Dugu Yan's cultivation every day.
He explained everything in detail, from the way he exerted his power to the connection of his Soul Skill, from close combat to the timing of the use of poison, and Dugu Yan listened very attentively.
She had initially been somewhat arrogant, but after the shock of the previous sparring match, she had completely abandoned her airs and was now humbly accepting guidance like a true student.
Dugu Yan hadn't expected that Gui Yuan, despite his young age, knew so much!
In return, Dugu Yan took Gui Yuan on a tour of Heaven Dou City.
She took him to the weapons street in the north of the city, and then to the snack alley in the south of the city.
She talked much more than usual along the way, and every now and then she would point to a shop and say, "That roast duck is delicious" or "The dim sum here is the best in town."
Gui Yuan did not refuse her kindness. After all, Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan would be considered family members in the future, so it would be good for them to get to know each other better.
Meanwhile, news that Dugu Yan had been traveling around Heaven Dou City with a strange man had also reached the Heaven Dou Royal Academy in the past few days.
Yu Tianheng was sitting on the stone steps outside the training room, wiping his Martial Soul, when Yu Feng ran over quickly, a strange expression on his face.
"Boss, there's something I'm not sure if I should tell you."
Yu Tianheng looked up at him and asked, "What is it?"
Yu Feng hesitated for a moment, but still spoke up, "Sister Yan Sister Yan hasn't returned to the academy these past few days. It seems she's been spending time with some strange young man in the city, and the two of them were chatting and laughing."
Yu Tianheng stopped what he was doing, frowned, and asked, "What did you say?"
"I saw it with my own eyes," Yu Feng said quickly. "You have no idea how radiant Sister Yan's smile was. She rarely smiles at people normally."
Shi Mo then joined in, scratching his head. "Do you think that boy might be a relative of Senior Dugu Bo? Surely Senior Dugu isn't planning a marriage alliance..."
Upon hearing this, everyone present fell silent.
Yu Tianheng's face darkened, and his right hand clenched so tightly that it turned slightly pale.
His breathing became slightly heavier, but he didn't react. He simply said in a low voice, "I'll ask her when Yanzi comes back."
Just then, a figure walked over from a distance.
The man was tall and wore a platinum mentor's robe; he was their teacher, Qin Ming.
"Everyone's here? Perfect timing, I have something to tell you all." Qin Ming walked up to the group. "We're going to the Great Soul Arena in Suotuo City soon. Some nobles want to invite us to play a few matches; it'll be a training mission for us, so I accepted on your behalf."
After he finished speaking, he glanced around the crowd, his brow furrowing slightly. "Where's Dugu Yan? Isn't she here?"
Yu Feng couldn't help but speak up, his tone carrying a hint of meaning. " Teacher Qin, Sister Yan isn't at the academy right now; she's out shopping with some guy."
Qin Ming was filled with questions: Shopping with some man? That sarcastic tone...
In his memory, didn't Dugu Yan and Yu Tianheng have feelings for each other?
He glanced at Yu Tianheng's visibly darkened face, understood the situation, but didn't say anything more.
He clapped his hands and said calmly, "Alright, don't overthink it. We can ask her when she gets back. Now, go back to what you were doing and start cultivating."
Yu Tianheng didn't say anything, but stood up and walked towards the training ground.
Yu Feng and Shi Mo exchanged a glance, neither daring to speak again.
Qin Ming stood there, watching Yu Tianheng's retreating figure, and gently shook his head.
On the other side.
Gui Yuan was unaware that his relationship with Dugu Yan had been reported to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
But even if he knew, he wouldn't care.
The strongest member of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy is only Soul Douluo, nothing to fear.
Moreover, he also has Dugu Bo with him.
That night, Gui Yuan sat cross-legged in a guest room of Dugu Bo's mansion, meditating as his Soul Power slowly circulated along his meridians.
In the latter half of the night, he suddenly felt his Soul Power surge violently, as if it had broken through some invisible barrier.
He opened his eyes, a slight smile playing on his lips—he had finally broken through!
He was originally level 67, but now he is level 69, and this level 69 is a reward given by the [ Level Up! ] Hex.
He secretly checked the total amount of Soul Power within his body again, and it was indeed several times more abundant than before.
Level 69 is just one step away from level 70.
It's a pity I didn't get the level cap right. Breaking through from level 69 to level 70 is much more difficult than the previous levels.
He stayed in Heaven Dou City for two more days before bidding farewell to Dugu Bo.
Dugu Bo didn't insist on keeping him. "Since you want to go back, I won't stop you. You can come over anytime you have time."
Dugu Yan stood to the side, a hint of reluctance in her eyes, but she did not say anything to stop her.
Gui Yuan nodded and headed towards the city gate.
When he arrived at the city gate, he suddenly saw a group of people slowly leaving the city.
It was a royal caravan, led by several pure white steeds, with riders dressed in gold and red armor and carrying standard longswords at their waists.
At the center of the caravan was a magnificent carriage, its interior adorned with the emblem of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family.
Five hundred imperial guards stood on each side, their steps precise and their presence imposing.
Gui Yuan's gaze fell on the carriage, and a slight thought crossed his mind. It seemed they were preparing to take action.
After this mission to the Star Luo Empire, Qian Renxue can fake her death and escape.
He lingered there for a moment, until the convoy had completely disappeared into the distance, before turning his gaze away and riding off towards the Spirit Hall.
It's pretty much been changed back...