As for subduing Zhu Zhuqing in the name of the Spirit Hall and making Zhu Zhuqing a nail by Li Tian's side, there was absolutely no need for that.
Once the matter was exposed, it would instead cause Li Tian to harbor resentment.
Moreover, that kid Li Tian didn't seem like a deeply affectionate person.
Expecting him to do anything for a woman was unrealistic.
"What about my engagement?"
Did Zhu Zhuqing have any other choice besides agreeing?
Priest Glowing Feather said indifferently, "That's a bonus for you. We'll see how things develop later."
Zhu Zhuqing: "
Priest Glowing Feather then said, "Since you've agreed, then pack up and come with me."
"There's nothing to pack. Let's go."
Zhu Zhuqing indeed had nothing to pack. All Zhu Zhuqing had was Zhu Zhuqing.
"Lengling, give me your hand. I'll help you see what your fortune is like."
Li Tian coaxed.
Ye Lingling was startled, shifting her gaze from the arena to Li Tian.
"You can tell fortune from hands?"
Li Tian smiled, "You don't understand this, do you? As the saying goes, 'looks are born from the heart, and the heart is determined by fate.' And fate often reveals traces in a person's facial features and palm lines."
Ye Lingling really didn't understand, but it sounded very mystical.
So Ye Lingling subconsciously extended her right hand.
Li Tian took Ye Lingling's right hand, gently squeezed it, and then stroked her palm.
It was very smooth, very tender.
Then he pretended to examine and play with it for a while, and said with a serious expression:
"Your fate—it's not very good."
Ye Lingling's heart skipped a beat. Ye Lingling quickly asked, "Is there a problem?"
Li Tian pointed to the three lines on her palm and said, "These three lines represent life, love, and wealth, respectively."
Ye Lingling glanced at them: "And then?"
Li Tian didn't rush to answer, but carefully examined and played with Ye Lingling's small hand.
It had to be said, Ye Lingling's hands were truly beautiful.
Ye Lingling's slender, long fingers had a mysterious beauty, and her skin was so tender and smooth that one couldn't help but cherish them.
Then, pointing to the life line, he said, "This is your life line. I have to say, it truly lives up to the Nine Heart Begonia Spirit; the life line is just long."
As he spoke, Li Tian also extended his left hand.
Ye Lingling took a look; his life line did indeed seem shorter than Ye Lingling's.
Li Tian continued, "However, palmistry can only tell the Innate. Your long life line only means that your lifespan will be longer than ordinary people; cultivation bonuses are not included in this."
"And your life line has no branches, which shows that your life will be very smooth, without encountering any major changes or crises."
Ye Lingling's mood brightened upon hearing this.
Li Tian then pointed to the love line: "You need to pay attention to this love line."
Ye Lingling's expression tightened: "What do you mean?"
Li Tian said, "You see this branch, right? It represents a choice you'll make in love, and this choice will determine your future."
"If you choose wrong, your love will go towards this shorter side, ending in a very short time, with no future to speak of."
"But if you choose correctly, it will go towards this longer side. However, there will still be many temptations later on, and you must remain steadfast, otherwise the outcome will be the same."
Ye Lingling listened very carefully and looked very carefully; Ye Lingling roughly understood what was going on.
"Then—then I don't know who is right and who is wrong."
Li Tian smiled, "Isn't that why I'm here? Since I can see, I can naturally interpret. Let me see when your first choice will be."
As he spoke, Li Tian pretended to calculate, like a charlatan.
"?"
Li Tian let out a soft sound, as if he had discovered something very interesting.
Then he looked at Ye Lingling with a strange expression.
Ye Lingling was stunned when Ye Lingling saw this, and asked, "Is there a problem?"
Li Tian said, "Based on your palmistry, combined with Yin and Yang Bagua calculations, you will first meet your destined one when you are twelve years old, which means he has already appeared by your side."
"Ah?"
Ye Lingling looked bewildered. Ye Lingling thought back carefully, but there was no—
No—
Ye Lingling looked at Li Tian, gradually realizing, and couldn't help but roll her eyes.
"You're not going to say you're my destined one, are you?"
Li Tian stroked his empty chin and said profoundly, "A teachable child indeed."
"Go away, go away, go away—"
Ye Lingling pulled her right hand back with a speechless expression. Ye Lingling almost believed his evil words.
"Don't! I haven't finished looking yet."
As he spoke, Li Tian reached out and pulled Ye Lingling's hand back.
Ye Lingling said, "If you want to play with my hand, just say so."
"Hehe, then I won't be polite. Also, I want to play with your legs too," Li Tian said with a strange laugh.
Ye Lingling:
"...—.
Ye Lingling had seen shameless people, but this was the first time Ye Lingling had seen someone so shameless.
"Li Tian, Yu Feng, you two go."
Li Tian was enjoying himself, but Qin Ming, without any tact, called him to the stage.
He really had no discernment.
Li Tian reluctantly let go of Ye Lingling's hand and went to the arena with Yu Feng.
The sparring was not about winning or losing.
Rather, it was to allow everyone to more intuitively understand Li Tian and Dugu Yan's new Spirit Abilities.
"Get ready!"
At Qin Ming's command, Li Tian and Yu Feng simultaneously released their Spirits.
And Yu Feng ascended into the air at the first opportunity.
"Start!"
Qin Ming's command was very decisive, without any hesitation.
Yu Feng didn't move, but was waiting for something.
Li Tian, however, directly injected his spirit power into that purple Millennium spirit ring.
This sparring was not about winning or losing.
Rather, it was to allow everyone to understand his and Dugu Yan's new Spirit Abilities.
This was why Yu Feng didn't move.
He was waiting for Li Tian to release his Second Spirit Ability, and then demonstrate the effect of Li Tian's Second Spirit Ability through an attack.
Of course, with Yu Feng's Strength, he certainly couldn't test the limit.
However, testing the limit was Qin Ming's job; they only needed to experience the Spirit Ability's effect.
As that purple spirit ring lit up.
The Thousand Machine Umbrella in Li Tian's hand automatically opened, and a faint earthy yellow glow appeared on the umbrella surface.
"Come!"
Upon receiving the prompt, Yu Feng immediately injected his spirit power into his Second spirit ring.
As spirit power surged.
Streaks of wind blades condensed in front of him, then, like a tornado, they swept past the umbrella surface and surged towards Li Tian below.
Li Tian remained motionless.
Just as the wind blades were about to hit him, they were blocked by an invisible wall of air.
"Clang, clang, clang—"
Dense crashing sounds rang out, but Li Tian, beneath the umbrella, was not affected at all.
"My Second Spirit Ability is called World Within the Umbrella."
"Under the umbrella, I am invulnerable. A Spirit Master of the same rank can absolutely not break it."
"The specific limit is currently unknown."
Li Tian explained the situation of his Second Spirit Ability, without any exaggeration.
A five-thousand-year-old Second Spirit Ability.
If a Spirit Master of the same rank could break it, that would be a ghost! At least a top-tier Spirit Ancestor, or even a Spirit King, would have a chance.
As soon as Li Tian finished speaking.
The Thousand Machine Umbrella disintegrated, turning into individual modules that swept towards Yu Feng in the sky.
At the same time, his Second spirit ring lit up again.
Yu Feng wanted to escape, but those modules, as individual units, transformed into countless iron chains, tightly binding him.
"Bang!"
Under the influence of gravity, Yu Feng plummeted, crashing heavily onto the arena.
At that very instant, Li Tian rushed forward.
His massive fist stopped just before Yu Feng's eyes, and the force of its wind made him instinctively close his eyes in fright.
The battle was over.
This was the gap between them; it was the same for Yu Feng as it was for Yu Tianheng.
Li Tian was too comprehensive.
For him, there was no such thing as being countered; he only countered others.
And as Li Tian continued to research the Thousand Machine Umbrella,
he was no longer limited to attacking only after his Spirit had completely changed form.
He could activate a spirit ring even when his Spirit was still in its module form.
You couldn't possibly guess what form his Spirit would take next, let alone what Spirit Ability he would use.
You thought it was an attack?
My apologies, it's control.
You thought it was control?
My apologies, it's an attack.
In short, even if you knew all the Spirit Abilities corresponding to every form he could transform into,
you still couldn't defend against them.
"Li Tian, wins!"
Only after Qin Ming announced Li Tian's victory did he retract the Spirit that had been binding Yu Feng.
"Sigh!"
Yu Feng stood up, patted the dust off himself, and looked at Li Tian, letting out an involuntary sigh.
He was simply too abnormal.
Qin Ming said, "Many of you are already close to Rank 30, so from now on, I will not arrange any more matches for you. Your next task is to Cultivate."
They had already fought countless rounds against the academy's teams.
They were very clear about the opponent's Spirit characteristics and Spirit Abilities.
Such battles were meaningless, so Qin Ming planned to arrange for them to go to the Great Spirit Arena.
However, there was no need to rush to go now.
In the Great Spirit Arena's team battles, the team's Rank was determined by the highest-Ranked Spirit Master in the team, which meant that if they went now, they would definitely face Spirit Elder-Ranked teams.
With only two Spirit Elders, even if Li Tian was strong, it would be difficult to bridge the gap.
At least half of them needed to be Spirit Elders.
Afterward, Qin Ming scheduled a time with Li Tian to test the limits of his second Spirit Ability.
Once it was set, he left.
"Lingling, I have a cat in my dorm that can do backflips. Want to come to my dorm and sit for a bit?"
Li Tian asked with a grin.
Ye Lingling retorted, "I have a dog in my dorm that can dance."
"Oh, really? Then let's go to your place and sit." Li Tian said excitedly.
Ye Lingling: "..."
Dugu Yan couldn't help but kick Li Tian, "Can't you be serious for once?"
Li Tian wasn't annoyed; he gave Dugu Yan a knowing look.
Dugu Yan instantly understood; this scoundrel wanted to use their family's things to court his girl.
What was it about feeling a little unhappy inside?
"Go on, he has a gift prepared for you." Dugu Yan felt unhappy inside, but Dugu Yan's body was honest.
"Hmm?"
Ye Lingling was full of questions. What kind of gift needed to be taken out only in the dorm?
Dugu Yan couldn't possibly be trying to help him do something bad, could Dugu Yan?
It shouldn't be, after all, their friendship of so many years wasn't for nothing. Even if Dugu Yan wanted to help Li Tian, it would never be in this way.
Did they actually go?
Watching Li Tian and Ye Lingling leave together, Oslo and the others were completely dumbfounded.
"Yanzi, what kind of move was that?"
Shi Mo looked at Dugu Yan with a puzzled expression, curious about what Dugu Yan had said to Ye Lingling and also not understanding the purpose of Dugu Yan's actions.
Li Tian seemed to have a good relationship with both Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling.
In reality, his relationship with Dugu Yan was better.
At least, that was their understanding, as Dugu Yan often invited him to Dugu Yan's home for dinner.
"Children shouldn't ask about adult matters."
Dugu Yan rolled Dugu Yan's eyes at him, then turned and left.
Shi Mo and the others instinctively looked at Yu Tianheng.
This time, the latter's face showed no emotion, after all, it wasn't Dugu Yan who was leaving.
He wished Li Tian and Ye Lingling would get together.
Given Dugu Yan's status, it was destined that Dugu Yan could not share a husband with other women.
"Where's the gift?"
Ye Lingling followed Li Tian to his dorm and immediately reached out for the gift.
"What gift?"
"When did I say there was a gift? Didn't I invite you to see a cat that does backflips?"
Li Tian feigned ignorance.
Ye Lingling was speechless and asked, "Then where's the cat? Call it out so I can see it."
Li Tian: "Meow."
Ye Lingling: "..."
The two stared at each other, time seemingly frozen at that moment.
"Wah—"
Ye Lingling shrieked, "Who taught you all these disgusting things?"
"Alright, no more fooling around, come with me."
Li Tian said no more, grabbed Ye Lingling's hand, and walked towards the sofa.
Ye Lingling did not shake him off.
They sat down on the sofa, and Li Tian took out a jade box and handed it to Ye Lingling.
"Open it and see."
Ye Lingling took the jade box with anticipation, then opened it.
A rich orchid fragrance wafted out.
The refreshing floral scent cleared the mind and invigorated the Spirit, making one want to take a few more deep breaths.
Inside the jade box lay an eight-petaled orchid.
It trembled slightly, pure white and crystalline throughout, giving off an aloof and ethereal feeling.
Its temperament was remarkably similar to Ye Lingling's.
Li Tian introduced, "This flower is called the Eight-Petaled Immortal Orchid. It is an extremely rare Heaven And Earth Treasure in the world. Its medicinal properties are gentle, rich, and easily absorbed."
"It has the effects of strengthening the foundation, removing Impurities from the body, and improving talent. Moreover, its medicinal effects can last until Rank 70, increasing your Cultivation speed."
Ye Lingling stared at Li Tian, dumbfounded.
According to what he said, this Heaven And Earth Treasure was definitely an invaluable treasure.
He just gave it to me?
Li Tian chuckled and asked, "Aren't you very touched? Do you feel an irresistible urge to give me a sweet kiss, or perhaps offer yourself to me?"
Ye Lingling: "…"
Ye Lingling was definitely touched, but it was instantly dispersed by his unreliable demeanor.
Ye Lingling looked at the Eight-Petaled Immortal Orchid.
Ye Lingling still couldn't believe it: "You're really just giving it to me?"
Li Tian said, "Otherwise, why would I take it out?"
"Thank you!"
Ye Lingling pursed Ye Lingling's lips, unsure what to say for a moment.
"Don't just thank me with your mouth."
Li Tian said, then shamelessly turned his face to the side and pointed with his finger.
Ye Lingling rolled Ye Lingling's eyes.
After a moment of hesitation, Ye Lingling still leaned over and quickly, through Ye Lingling's veil, pecked his face.
"Hmm?"
Li Tian was stunned; he hadn't expected Ye Lingling to actually do that.
He looked sideways at Ye Lingling.
Although Ye Lingling wore a veil, Ye Lingling's forehead was slightly red from shyness.
Li Tian quickly said, "Again, I didn't feel it just now."
"Go away!"
Ye Lingling pushed him, Ye Lingling's face red as Ye Lingling lowered Ye Lingling's head.
"Hehe!"
Looking at Ye Lingling's shy appearance, Li Tian couldn't help but reveal a perverted smile.
Where there was one, there would be two; where there were two, there would be three.
Many things were most difficult the first time. Once that hurdle was crossed, one would gradually relax.
"You can absorb it here. I'll be your Protector."
Li Tian continued, "Just chew and swallow it directly, then circulate your spirit power to dissolve the medicinal power, allowing it to integrate into your body, and then slowly absorb it later."
"Okay!"
Ye Lingling nodded, immediately sat cross-legged, and consumed the Eight-Petaled Immortal Orchid.
It didn't take long, about an hour, for Ye Lingling to awaken from her Cultivation.
Ye Lingling's gaze towards Li Tian was extremely fervent.
Because Ye Lingling felt the Bottleneck, which meant Ye Lingling's spirit power Rank had already reached level thirty.
And even after reaching the Bottleneck, Ye Lingling still had plenty of reserve power.
If nothing unexpected happened, once Ye Lingling absorbed Ye Lingling's spirit ring, Ye Lingling would be able to jump several Ranks.
Originally, Ye Lingling was the lowest-Ranked person in the Heaven Dou Battle Team.
But now, Ye Lingling had come from behind, directly surpassing Yu Tianheng, who was originally first.
How could Ye Lingling not be excited?
And all of this was given to Ye Lingling by Li Tian, which was why Ye Lingling's gaze was so fervent.
"It seems there's no need to test."
Ye Lingling's eyes had already explained everything; Ye Lingling must have reached the Bottleneck.
This did not surprise Li Tian.
In the original work, Oscar's spirit power increased by five Ranks after consuming the Eight-Petaled Immortal Orchid.
At that time, Oscar was already Rank thirty-three.
It shouldn't be difficult for Ye Lingling to reach Rank thirty-three or thirty-four directly after acquiring Ye Lingling's spirit ring.
This time, Ye Lingling was sensible.
Ye Lingling no longer offered verbal thanks, but instead directly removed Ye Lingling's veil and gave him a fragrant kiss.
Not on the cheek, but on the mouth.
However, what made Li Tian feel a little regretful was that it was still a touch-and-go moment.
There was no time to savor it.
But could Li Tian suffer this loss?
He immediately pulled Ye Lingling into his arms and lowered his head for a passionate kiss.
"Mmm—"
Ye Lingling's eyes widened, Ye Lingling's mind blank, but Ye Lingling only struggled symbolically a few times.
Then Ye Lingling closed Ye Lingling's eyes and began to enjoy it.
After a long while, Li Tian, satisfied, let go of the almost suffocated Ye Lingling.
"Huff, huff…"
Ye Lingling greedily breathed in the fresh air, but upon meeting Li Tian's gaze, Ye Lingling quickly sat up shyly, turning Ye Lingling's head away, not daring to look at him. "Hehe!"
Li Tian licked his lips, as if Ye Lingling's sweetness still lingered on them.
"I'll go back first."
Ye Lingling stood up, not daring, nor feeling comfortable, to stay here any longer.
"Alright, I'll see you off."
Li Tian also stood up and walked out of the dormitory with Ye Lingling.
Ye Lingling put Ye Lingling's veil back on, not saying a word.
Li Tian also remained silent, simply walking with Ye Lingling through the campus.
When Ye Lingling said Ye Lingling was going back, Ye Lingling meant returning to Heaven Dou City.
After all, Ye Lingling was already Rank thirty and needed to return so Ye Lingling's family could take Ye Lingling to hunt for a spirit ring.
Every day after school, there were many carriages at the school gate.
Some were from families picking up their Young Misses and young masters, and others were dedicated transport carriages.
Li Tian saw Ye Lingling onto the carriage.
"Tsk tsk…"
As the carriage moved away, a light clicking sound reached his ears. Li Tian knew who it was without even looking.
From the moment they left the dormitory, Dugu Yan had been following them.
The flustered Ye Lingling hadn't noticed, but Li Tian had sensed Dugu Yan long ago.
Dugu Yan asked, "Did you get Ye Lingling?"
Li Tian said earnestly, "What do you mean, 'get Ye Lingling'? You make it sound like I'm some kind of bad guy."
"Aren't you?"
For some reason, upon receiving this semi-affirmative answer, Dugu Yan felt very uncomfortable.
"I'm hungry. Come on, let's go to the cafeteria to get something to eat."
Li Tian walked towards the cafeteria, and Dugu Yan followed him.
But Dugu Yan remained silent.
While also silent, Dugu Yan's state was completely different from Ye Lingling's.
Li Tian glanced at Dugu Yan: "Are you jealous?"
Dugu Yan's expression faltered, and Dugu Yan retorted stubbornly, "Jealous? Jealous of what? You? What a joke, you don't actually think I like you, do you?"
Li Tian suddenly realized, "So I was just being presumptuous."
"Li Tian, can't you have some shame? You already have Ye Lingling, and you're still trying to flirt with me. Do you really want us to serve you together?"
Dugu Yan was a little angry, but even Dugu Yan couldn't say why Dugu Yan was angry.
Li Tian remained silent.
At such a moment, even breathing was wrong; silence was the best choice.
Dugu Yan could only accept it slowly on Dugu Yan's own.
"Why aren't you speaking?"
His silence only made Dugu Yan angrier, feeling like Dugu Yan had nowhere to vent Dugu Yan's frustration.
"I'm shameless, I'm a scumbag, I have nothing to say."
Li Tian's voice was very low, appearing as if he had suffered a great injustice.
The anger in Dugu Yan's heart instantly dissipated.
"No, Li Tian, I didn't mean that, it's just—"
"It's just you—"
As Dugu Yan spoke, Dugu Yan inexplicably felt like Dugu Yan had done something wrong.
At this moment, Dugu Yan truly didn't know where to begin.
"Sigh!"
Li Tian sighed, "You don't need to say it, I know what you want to say. This is indeed my fault, I'm shameless, I'm not a good person."
Dugu Yan immediately grew anxious.
"No, I don't mean that. What I mean is, can you—"
The words were on the tip of Dugu Yan's tongue, but Dugu Yan couldn't utter them.
Li Tian forced a smile: "It's nothing, let's go, let's eat."
"I—sigh."
Dugu Yan was momentarily speechless, all Dugu Yan's helplessness dissolving into a single sigh.
Then Dugu Yan silently followed Li Tian to the cafeteria.
The meal was very dull; neither of them spoke, and the atmosphere was heavy.
"I'm going to find Teacher Qin to test my Spirit Ability."
After eating, Li Tian left with that one sentence, leaving Dugu Yan with a lonely back.
Looking at his back, Dugu Yan felt inexplicably sad.
"Phew!"
Once he confirmed Dugu Yan hadn't followed, Li Tian finally let out a heavy breath.
Building a harem was indeed not that easy.
If he hadn't been rational enough, he might not have been able to get away with it today.
Li Tian sought out Qin Ming.
After a series of tests, the conclusion was that even a Spirit Ancestor could not break Li Tian's second Spirit Ability.
A Spirit King would need to go all out to break it.
One must know that Li Tian was only at the Spirit Grandmaster Realm, which showed how powerful this Spirit Ability was.
The only drawback was that it lacked growth potential.
Unless Li Tian could increase its duration through a divine trial, it would definitely be phased out later on.
However, this was normal.
No Spirit Master's early Spirit Abilities could be used all the way to the Titled Douluo level, which was why many people preferred to choose percentage-based amplification for their first few spirit rings.
If possible, Li Tian also wanted to add more percentage-based amplification Spirit Abilities.
After all, he wasn't lacking in various methods.
It's just that percentage-based amplification Spirit Abilities aren't something you can get just by wanting them.
Luck plays a significant role.
After testing his Spirit Ability, it was already dusk, and the Imitation Cultivation ground had closed.
Li Tian could only return to his dormitory to Cultivate.
On the other side.
Back in Dugu Yan's dormitory, Dugu Yan couldn't calm down. Every time Dugu Yan closed Dugu Yan's eyes, Dugu Yan saw Li Tian's lonely back, making it impossible for Dugu Yan to enter a meditative state.
"Oh, dear."
Failing to enter meditation again, Dugu Yan cried out in frustration and simply collapsed onto the carpet.
How could this be?
What does him being with Ye Lingling have to do with me? Why did I have to say something to him?
Even if I said it,
Why am I affected by his low mood?
Could it be… No, no.
How could I fall for him? How old is he? And he's such a philanderer, he talks nonsense, and his actions are also—
Alright, his actions seem decent.
It must be because I'm too kind-hearted, I can't stand to see others suffer because of me.
That's right, that's exactly it.
Dugu Yan kept comforting Dugu Yan's self in Dugu Yan's heart, with a hint of self-deception in Dugu Yan's tone.
"Dong dong dong!"
Li Tian opened his eyes and looked at the dark window, feeling a little puzzled.
Who would come looking for him so late?
"Who is it?"
As Li Tian asked, he got up and walked towards the door.
"It's me."
Dugu Yan's voice came from outside the door, causing Li Tian's steps to pause.
Adjusting his demeanor, Li Tian opened the door.
"Why are you here?"
Li Tian pretended not to see the food box in Dugu Yan's hand and asked somewhat sullenly.
Dugu Yan squeezed directly into the room.
"I brought some late-night snacks. If you eat my late-night snacks, you're not allowed to be angry with me anymore."
Saying that, Dugu Yan walked to the sofa and opened the food box.
Dugu Yan took out the dishes one by one and arranged them on the low table in front of the sofa.
Li Tian: "…"
He truly hadn't expected this situation; it greatly exceeded his expectations.
"Why are you standing there? Come and sit down."
Dugu Yan turned Dugu Yan's head and gave him a glare, then took out two pots of wine from Dugu Yan's spirit tool.
"There's no poison in these dishes or wine, is there?"
Li Tian stepped forward and sat down, glancing at them, and said half-jokingly.
Dugu Yan said speechlessly, "If there's poison, don't eat it."
Saying that, Dugu Yan put on an angry expression, as if Dugu Yan was about to take everything away.
"No, no, no—I'll eat, I'll eat."
Li Tian quickly held Dugu Yan's hand, while his other hand picked up a piece of meat and threw it into his mouth.
"Hmph!"
Only then did Dugu Yan relent, but Dugu Yan still let out a cold snort to express Dugu Yan's dissatisfaction.
"Come, I'll toast you a drink as an apology."
Dugu Yan raised Dugu Yan's wine glass and continued, "I shouldn't have spoken to you like that this afternoon."
Li Tian clinked glasses with Dugu Yan, then drained his drink.
"Actually, you're not wrong. I'm really not a good person."
Dugu Yan said, "Are you not done with this?"
Li Tian waved his hand, "I'm serious. I can't promise to only love one person for my entire life. I can only guarantee that I will never favor any of my women and will never let them suffer."
Dugu Yan:
"..."
This scoundrel is truly heartless. I've already taken the initiative to apologize to you, and you still have to say these things.
You want to make me lose face, don't you?
"Alright, let's not talk about it anymore. Come, drink." Li Tian stopped at that point, quickly distracting Dugu Yan.
"Hmph!"
Dugu Yan snorted coldly in Dugu Yan's heart and didn't dwell on the topic anymore.
Next,
Li Tian and Dugu Yan didn't mention the matter again, but instead chatted about other things.
Unconsciously, more than half of the food and wine were gone.
The dishes were good, and the wine was also good. A blush gradually appeared on Dugu Yan's face.
Dugu Yan's slightly dazed little eyes made one's heart flutter.
Dugu Yan leaned back on the sofa, staring intently at Li Tian, without saying a word.
Seeing this, Li Tian also leaned back on the sofa.
Before Li Tian could make a move, Dugu Yan leaned on his shoulder.
Dugu Yan softly asked, "Will there be anyone else?"
Li Tian was silent for a moment before saying, "I cannot guarantee that to you."
"Hiss…"
As soon as Li Tian finished speaking, he felt a sharp pain in his waist.
He looked sideways.
He saw that Dugu Yan had already raised Dugu Yan's head and was glaring at him fiercely.
Dugu Yan asked, "Aren't the two of us enough?"
Ye Lingling was Dugu Yan's good friend, so it was relatively easy to accept Ye Lingling.
But a stranger was different.
"I didn't say there definitely would be, either." Li Tian looked utterly innocent.
Dugu Yan was furious.
If he couldn't say there definitely wouldn't be, then there definitely would be. This scoundrel wasn't even willing to pretend.
Dugu Yan suddenly bit him on the shoulder.
"Ugh—"
Li Tian's muscles tensed, and his fists clenched, choosing to endure Dugu Yan's bite.
He had to let Dugu Yan vent.
Dugu Yan released Dugu Yan's bite, and beneath Li Tian's unseen clothes were two rows of deep teeth marks.
"You—"
"Ugh—"
Dugu Yan still wanted to say something, but Li Tian quickly sealed Dugu Yan's mouth.
After a long while, the two separated.
Dugu Yan immediately became obedient, burying Dugu Yan's head tightly in Li Tian's chest, not daring to look up at him at all.
Little rascal, can I still not deal with you?
Li Tian's lips curved into a smile, unconsciously revealing a look of self-satisfaction.
Dugu Yan's mind was still blank.
Dugu Yan hadn't expected Dugu Yan's first kiss to be gone so muddledly.
Dugu Yan simply hadn't been ready yet.
As for those trivial matters from just now, they had long been kissed into oblivion.
Li Tian raised his hand and stroked Dugu Yan's head.
Dugu Yan looked up at him, then lowered Dugu Yan's head again.
Dugu Yan let him stroke Dugu Yan's head.
But as he stroked, how was it that his hand started moving downwards?
Dugu Yan suddenly stood up.
"Um, I'll be going now."
After saying that, Dugu Yan ran off without giving Li Tian a chance to react.
Li Tian:
"..."
He shook his head helplessly, then got up and tidied the table.
He began to Cultivate again.
The next day, early morning.
Li Tian woke up from his Cultivation, washed up, and left his dormitory with the trash.
He met Dugu Yan at the stairwell.
The moment Dugu Yan saw him, a blush instantly appeared on Dugu Yan's face.
"Good morning."
Li Tian greeted Dugu Yan with a smile.
"Morning."
Dugu Yan's voice was like a mosquito, and Dugu Yan walked to his side in small steps, looking shy.
"Give me your hand."
Li Tian extended his left hand. Dugu Yan hesitated for a second, then extended Dugu Yan's right hand.
The two walked downstairs hand in hand.
"Oh my!"
Shi Mo and the others, who were waiting downstairs for them to have breakfast, were all stunned when they saw this scene.
Didn't this just make it official?
Everyone looked sideways at Yu Tianheng, but the situation was somewhat unexpected.
There was no anger on his face.
There was only daze, which then transformed into endless disappointment.
It seemed he had given up.
He couldn't help but give up.
Even before the two had confirmed their relationship, he basically had no chance. Now that they had confirmed their relationship, he had even less of a chance.
The gap between him and Li Tian was too great.
Whether it was talent, Strength, or appearance, he was no match for Li Tian.
His only commendable background,
was no longer so prominent after Li Tian climbed the high branch of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Moreover, Dugu Bo himself was a Douluo.
He didn't particularly value his grandson-in-law's background.
The person himself was the key.
"Let's go, why are you all standing there? Aren't you hungry?"
Li Tian said.
"Let's go."
Oscar secretly shook his head. With Yu Tianheng's state, it seemed there would be no more gossip to enjoy in the future.
He just wondered if he would drop out of school.
Anyway, if it were him, he definitely wouldn't have the face to continue staying at Heaven Dou Royal Academy. He couldn't just watch the woman he liked being intimate with another man, could he?
Everyone had breakfast together in the cafeteria, and then each went to their respective simulated Cultivation grounds.
Around noon,
the butler Wang Ming came to Heaven Dou Royal Academy and told Li Tian that Priest Glowing Feather had returned.
And he had brought back a little girl.
Li Tian didn't expect Priest Glowing Feather to bring the person back so quickly, and he didn't dwell on it too much. He greeted Dugu Yan and then left Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Zhu Zhuqing finally knew who the person behind the scenes was, and it was precisely this knowledge that plunged Zhu Zhuqing into despair.
Zhu Zhuqing had initially thought the other party was the young master of some powerful faction.
Yet, it turned out he was merely a small Earl of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Earl—
What an insignificant title! His status was even lower than Zhu Zhuqing's, a Prince's fiancée.
Such a person.
How dare he boast that he could help Zhu Zhuqing control Zhu Zhuqing's own destiny?
Did he even have the qualifications to speak to the Star Luo Imperial Family?
If the Star Luo Imperial Family demanded Xue Ye hand Zhu Zhuqing over, would Xue Ye dare to go to war with Star Luo for him?
Isn't that ridiculous?
Zhu Zhuqing felt Zhu Zhuqing had been set up, falling for a grand scheme.
Looking at Priest Glowing Feather, who was leisurely lounging in a recliner not far away, Zhu Zhuqing felt a surge of anger, wishing Zhu Zhuqing could tear him to shreds.
But Zhu Zhuqing couldn't defeat him.
After learning Li Tian's identity, Zhu Zhuqing seemed to have already foreseen Zhu Zhuqing's own end.
Li Tian couldn't contend with the Star Luo Imperial Family.
He would absolutely not dare to let Zhu Zhuqing openly appear before the world.
Zhu Zhuqing would most likely be kept as a pet, to be played with at his leisure.
If the matter were ever exposed, Li Tian would certainly abandon Zhu Zhuqing without hesitation.
Even if Zhu Zhuqing miraculously returned to the Star Luo Empire.
Zhu Zhuqing would still be punished for losing Zhu Zhuqing's chastity; after all, the Royal Family's face was paramount.
In short, it was a death either way.
It was merely a difference between a quick death or a death after enduring endless humiliation.
As for Li Tian's fate.
It simply didn't matter.
Whatever his end, Zhu Zhuqing wouldn't see it, nor could Zhu Zhuqing change anything.
Escape?
That would likely not be so easy, as there were many guards in this manor.
End Zhu Zhuqing's own life?
This seemed like the best option for now, but Zhu Zhuqing was truly unwilling.
Just as Zhu Zhuqing was at a loss for what to do.
A young man walked in from outside the hanging flower gate, with the butler Wang Ming following behind him.
No need to ask, he must be Li Tian.
However, what surprised Zhu Zhuqing was how young he was.
He shouldn't be much older than Zhu Zhuqing, right?
At this age, instead of focusing on Cultivating diligently, he was preoccupied with women.
He was indeed not a good person.
Li Tian passed through the hanging flower gate, his gaze immediately falling upon Zhu Zhuqing.
Seven-and-a-half-year-old Zhu Zhuqing was already one meter fifty tall.
At just over seven years old, the childishness had completely faded from Zhu Zhuqing's face, and Zhu Zhuqing's figure was already taking shape, without a single flaw.
Only Zhu Zhuqing's eyes seemed a bit strange.
Li Tian remembered that the original description of Zhu Zhuqing was a cold indifference, devoid of any emotional color.
Yet, at this moment, Li Tian saw a hint of hatred in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes.
Where did this hatred come from?
What did Priest Glowing Feather, that old fellow, do or say to Zhu Zhuqing?
Surely Zhu Zhuqing wouldn't inexplicably harbor hostility towards him?
"Come with me."
Li Tian glanced at Priest Glowing Feather, then walked towards the study.
Zhu Zhuqing thought for a moment, then stepped forward to follow.
The study was large and spacious, with a huge rosewood long table.
It resembled the desk in a CEO's office on Earth.
Behind the table was a beast-hide chair, and there were also two wooden chairs from a thousand years ago.
"Sit!"
Li Tian sat down on the beast-hide chair, then gestured to the chair opposite him.
However, Zhu Zhuqing did not accept the offer and chose to stand.
Seeing this, Li Tian did not get angry; he first needed to understand the source of Zhu Zhuqing's hostility.
If it was truly baseless.
Then Li Tian had no obligation to indulge Zhu Zhuqing, but he feared there might be some misunderstanding.
Li Tian asked, "What did he say to you?"
"What do you mean?"
Zhu Zhuqing frowned slightly, not understanding the specific meaning of his words.
"It was my idea to have him take you out of Star Luo City."
Li Tian paused, then continued, "But I didn't give him any methods."
Zhu Zhuqing suddenly understood.
So, the so-called helping Zhu Zhuqing control Zhu Zhuqing's own destiny was that fellow's own words.
Li Tian had never said such a thing.
Doesn't that mean Li Tian thought that merely taking Zhu Zhuqing out of Star Luo City would make Zhu Zhuqing submit to him?
Was he that confident, that naive?
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing remain silent, Li Tian frowned and said, "I'm giving you a chance to explain; you'd best seize it. I don't have the energy to guess this and that."
Zhu Zhuqing's expression hardened.
Just a change in Li Tian's expression, yet an inexplicable pressure washed over Zhu Zhuqing.
It wasn't pressure from cultivation, but psychological pressure.
It was the aura of a superior, something royalty and nobles possessed to varying degrees.
But Li Tian's aura was very strong, very domineering.
He was merely an Earl, and he didn't look very old.
How could he possess such a powerful aura?
"He said that if I followed you, you could help me control my own destiny."
Li Tian asked, "That's all?"
Those words weren't wrong, so why would they cause Zhu Zhuqing to feel such inexplicable hatred?
Zhu Zhuqing: "He didn't tell me your identity."
Oh—I understand.
Zhu Zhuqing probably imagined an identity for him, but when Zhu Zhuqing arrived, Zhu Zhuqing found it wasn't quite what Zhu Zhuqing expected, and felt Zhu Zhuqing had been deceived.
Li Tian asked, "You think I can't protect you?"
Zhu Zhuqing remained silent, only looking at him quietly, but Zhu Zhuqing's eyes said it all.
"Haha!"
Li Tian laughed, "Poison Douluo Dugu Bo, he is my future father-in-law. With him around, do you think the Star Luo Imperial Family would dare to raise their voice at me?"
Zhu Zhuqing was stunned.
Dugu Bo was his father-in-law?
Was he that formidable?
Speaking of Dugu Bo, a Titled Douluo might not fear him, but who below a Titled Douluo wasn't afraid?
Armies?
Don't be ridiculous; for him, a group attack from anyone below a Titled Douluo was no different from a one-on-one fight.
No matter how many came, they would all die, alright?
But then again, this fellow was already Dugu Bo's prospective grandson-in-law, yet he still dared to mess around. Was Dugu Bo that open-minded?
His granddaughter didn't object either?
"I'm sorry."
Upon learning that he had such a backer as Dugu Bo, Zhu Zhuqing immediately apologized.
There was no longer any trace of hatred in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes.
Very realistic, but understandable; who in this world isn't realistic?
"Sit!"
Li Tian gestured again, and this time Zhu Zhuqing obediently sat down.
"Let me formally introduce myself."
"My name is Li Tian, my Spirit is the Thousand Machine Umbrella, I am a twenty-sixth level Spirit Grandmaster, and I am eight years old this year."
Li Tian emphasized the words "eight years old" slightly.
Mentioning Dugu Bo's name was just to reassure Zhu Zhuqing; the self-introduction was to let Zhu Zhuqing know that he didn't rely solely on Dugu Bo.
"Twenty-sixth level?"
Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but exclaim, Zhu Zhuqing's face full of disbelief.
What did twenty-sixth level at eight years old mean?
Even with Innate full spirit power, the Cultivation speed couldn't be this fast, could it?
That was sixteen levels in two years.
No wonder Dugu Bo was so open-minded; no wonder his granddaughter didn't mind Li Tian's promiscuity.
With his Cultivation speed, who wouldn't worship him?
Li Tian continued, "Remember, I don't just want a pretty vase; after all, vases are everywhere, and I don't need to go to such great lengths."
"While your talent is average, this thing isn't immutable, provided you can show me your value and convince me that investing in you won't be a loss."
Zhu Zhuqing's pupils constricted.
Zhu Zhuqing hadn't misheard, the other party actually said that talent wasn't immutable.