"You really did find her an extraordinary Soul Beast." In the reception room, Qian Renxue, who had returned to her true form, wore a teasing expression, with traces of emotion hidden in her eyes.
"Lingling was lucky, too." Ling Yu scratched his temple. He had barely finished speaking when a sudden chill ran through him.
"You sound so close. You haven't even known her that long." Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes slightly, an almost imperceptible chill flashing through them. Her tone carried a hint of jealousy and concern that even she had not noticed.
"We'd already seen each other plenty of times before we formally met. That counts as a long time, doesn't it..."
"Really? Haven't I known you longer? Why don't you sound that close to me?"
"Sister Xue, what would you like me to call you, then..." Ling Yu felt rather helpless.
"Think of something yourself." Qian Renxue tilted her head, her long golden hair slipping gently down the smooth line of her shoulder, a few loose strands resting against her cheek.
"But be more careful from now on. Don't get yourself surrounded by Soul Beasts again. You were lucky this time, but next time is anyone's guess. Who knows what level of Soul Beast might come charging out of a Soul Beast forest?" A trace of worry flashed through Qian Renxue's eyes.
"Thank you for worrying about me, Sister Xue. I'll be careful next time." Warmth welled up in Ling Yu at her concern, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
"Stay here tonight. I'll have someone prepare a guest room for you."
"Sorry for the trouble, Sister Xue."
Late that night, Su Yao appeared in the study in a flash and bowed. "Young Mistress."
Qian Renxue stood with her back to her, quietly gazing at the enormous painting on the wall.
Her gilded gown fell like a waterfall, outlining her tall, straight figure. "Su Yao, do you think..." Her voice was soft, with a hint of hesitation hidden within it.
"Young Mistress, please forgive my bluntness..."
"If you don't fight for some things, you'll truly lose your chance."
Qian Renxue's breath abruptly caught, and her shoulders trembled almost imperceptibly. "I understand..." She then waved Su Yao away.
Inside Prince Xue Xing's residence in Heaven Dou City-
A green figure appeared in Prince Xue Xing's study in a flash, giving the prince inside quite a fright. Only after recognizing the visitor did he relax. He hurriedly bowed and asked, "Your Excellency, have you come today with something for me to do?"
"Xue Xing, tell me, what sort of background does Ling Yu have?" The visitor was none other than Dugu Bo, who had come to gather information.
"Has he offended you, Your Excellency? Could there have been some misunderstanding?" Prince Xue Xing's expression grew grave.
"No, I simply want to learn more about him."
"His Majesty thinks very highly of him. He has even praised him as a rising talent of the empire. Crown Prince Xue Qinghe also visits him often."
"I hear the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is working with him on Soul Tool research and has given him considerable support."
"Ning Fengzhi also often brings his daughter and Sword Douluo to the Soul Tool research laboratory."
"As far as I know, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect seems to be making a strong effort to win him over."
Hearing this, Dugu Bo sighed inwardly. To think that brat has such powerful backing. It seems I can't simply abduct him and hold him captive. I'll have to find another way.
"Do you have any information on him here? Give me a copy."
"Yes. Please wait a moment, Your Excellency. I'll have someone fetch it immediately." Prince Xue Xing clapped his hands, and a guard soon entered. After receiving his instructions, the guard brought the information over shortly afterward.
Dugu Bo took the information and vanished in a flash. A long while later, a knock came at Prince Xue Xing's study door.
"Come in."
Prince Xue Beng, whom Ling Yu had never once seen at school, walked in. "Uncle, I heard you just had Ling Yu's information brought over. Has something happened?"
"Poison Douluo was here just now. He took it."
Xue Beng's eyes lit up, and he asked eagerly, "Has he offended Jade Phosphor Douluo? Uncle, isn't this a good thing? It would cut an arm right off that elder brother of mine."
"Don't celebrate too soon."
"Jade Phosphor Douluo may be powerful, but that doesn't mean he can disregard the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. You should know that Ling Yu has established ties with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect as well. He has even attracted a great deal of Ning Fengzhi's attention."
Hearing this, Prince Xue Beng ground his teeth, his expression turning savage. "Damn that Ning Fengzhi and Ling Yu. Who knows what bewitching potion my elder brother fed them?"
"Hold your tongue! How can you say such things aloud? Beware of ears beyond the walls. If someone heard you, even your father might not be able to save you!" Prince Xue Xing snapped.
"Uncle, if this goes on, I'm afraid neither of us will ever have a chance to turn things around."
Prince Xue Xing's gaze was sinister as he looked at his increasingly agitated nephew and sighed inwardly. If Qinghe weren't so strange, why would I have chosen him? He pretended to be a wastrel, only to truly become one. But I have no way back, either.
"Leave. I'll warn you one last time: don't act rashly without preparations. Some opportunities only come once. If you fail, there will be no chance of turning the tables."
Prince Xue Beng bit his lip, his teeth almost sinking into the flesh. The restlessness and resentment in his eyes churned several times before a trace of fear finally suppressed them.
At last, his voice emerged hoarse with frustration. "I... will do as you say, Uncle."
The next day, as Ling Yu returned to his dormitory from the crown prince's residence, he spotted someone standing at the entrance from afar.
A head of dark green hair hung loose and unruly, its tips occasionally drifting upward. His cheeks were deeply sunken, and his skin had a cold, almost ashen-green cast. His face bore almost no expression, but his green eyes were the most striking feature.
Beside him, Su Yao felt a chill spread through her. Every hair on her body instantly stood on end, and even her blood seemed to freeze.
She instinctively took a step back. It felt as though she had encountered her natural predator.
At the sight of those green eyes, Ling Yu guessed who the visitor was. He was not even surprised.
Ever since Dugu Yan had said she was going back to see her grandfather, Ling Yu had vaguely sensed that he would inevitably come knocking within the next few days.
Fortunately, I've established a stable relationship with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect through Soul Tools. Otherwise, even the Heaven Dou Empire's influence on the surface would hardly be enough to deter him. Then he wouldn't be waiting politely at my door-I'd have been taken straight to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Thoughts surged through Ling Yu's mind.
"Brat, hurry up and get over here." Seeing Ling Yu and Su Yao standing still, Dugu Bo spoke with some impatience.
"Greetings, Jade Phosphor Douluo." Ling Yu hurried forward and bowed.
"Oh? You know me?"
"Dugu Yan mentioned you, particularly the same green eyes. And since we only said goodbye yesterday, I imagine you've become very curious about my Soul Skill and have something you need appraised?"
Dugu Bo's pupils shifted. He could somewhat understand why his granddaughter had praised Ling Yu so highly. Such intelligence was indeed far beyond that of ordinary people.
"That's right. I have something I need your help appraising."
"But you must swear a Martial Soul Oath not to disclose it. Are you willing? Once it's done, I will certainly reward you generously."