After soaking together, Dan Heng and Gu Yuena emerged from the bath, both with flushed skin and faces.
They had only taken a few steps when a figure appeared at the door.
It was Qian Renxue.
Seeing the couple's appearance, a flicker of pain flashed through Qian Renxue's eyes.
She really shouldn't have come at this moment!
Qian Renxue said gloomily, "Mr. Dan Heng, I've found my mother, but she got away again. I… I have something else I want to ask of you…"
Before Dan Heng could respond, Gu Yuena raised an eyebrow and asked:
"Just say it directly."
Qian Renxue looked awkwardly at Dan Heng.
Dan Heng held Gu Yuena's slender hand and shook his head. "There's no need for secrets between us. If it's something difficult or unreasonable…"
Dan Heng wouldn't agree. Like before, when he helped Bibi Dong break free from the illusion, it ended up bringing a whole load of trouble that hasn't been resolved to this day.
To Gu Yuena, that's just a lingering nuisance.
Who wants their man being constantly thought about by another woman?
So when it came to matters involving Qian Renxue and Bibi Dong, Dan Heng would never hide things from Gu Yuena.
Qian Renxue sighed, her face flushing, and hesitantly said:
"I… Sigh. I found out that the reason she refuses to regain her memories is… because of Mr. Dan Heng. She… she still has fantasies. She thinks she's a pure maiden, waiting for Mr. Dan Heng to favor her…"
As she said this, Qian Renxue practically buried her head into her chest.
Too embarrassing!Bibi Dong, seriously! Her daughter is already grown up, yet she's still holding onto this fantasy?
Even if Gu Yuena weren't in the picture, Mr. Dan Heng would still never choose her!
Qian Renxue didn't dare look at the couple. The whole thing was just too awkward. She continued:
"So I wanted to ask Mr. Dan Heng to publicly state his position, to make Bibi Dong completely give up her fantasy… and face the past head-on."
Dan Heng frowned slightly. Making Bibi Dong give up was no issue.
He never took pride in having her affections. The issue was making a public statement…?
Bibi Dong was currently the first person on the Douluo Continent to become a god, and the Pope of Spirit Hall—the attention she drew was unimaginable.
If he made a public declaration, the uproar would be colossal.
Gu Yuena said coldly, "That's not acceptable. While I support you finding a way to resolve Bibi Dong's issue, this method isn't appropriate. You'll need to think of something else."
"…Alright." Qian Renxue nodded helplessly, not daring to protest.
She had already been bold enough coming here!
As the couple left together, Qian Renxue finally raised her head. Her eyes flickered with complex emotions.
She placed a hand on her chest, feeling her excited heartbeat.
How she wished she was the woman beside Dan Heng.
This was a love that had stretched on for tens of thousands of years.
But unfortunately, even after two lifetimes, she still hadn't fulfilled her dream.
With a long sigh, Qian Renxue whispered to herself,"Bibi Dong… you're truly dreaming a fool's dream…"
Back in the hotel room, not long after Dan Heng and Gu Yuena returned, there was a knock at the door.
It was Di Tian and the other beast kings.
"Big Sis, Brother-in-law…"
These powerful beast kings, despite their towering and rugged appearances, stood obediently like schoolchildren.
"What brings you here?" Gu Yuena asked.
They were invited into the living room but didn't dare sit down. Exchanging glances, they eventually all looked to Di Tian to speak.
"Well, it's like this…" Di Tian began explaining their predicament.
After leaving Heaven Dou City, they had been diligently working on their god trials, but progress was painfully slow.
Of course, that was only slow compared to soul masters. With their long lifespans, they could theoretically wait it out.
But the soul masters were progressing way too fast.
If they didn't catch up, those divine positions would be snatched away!
"We're hoping Brother-in-law can give us some more guidance…"
Di Tian's face was flushed.
They had thought they could handle it themselves, but in the end, they had to ask Dan Heng again. That was a harsh blow to Di Tian's pride.
Meanwhile, Xiong Jun secretly chuckled, clearly less bothered and even finding Di Tian's embarrassment amusing.
Dan Heng nodded and said, "Alright. Just tell me what god trials you're undergoing. These tasks are rigid by nature—you don't have to do them perfectly. As long as you meet the base requirements, that's enough to pass."
The beast kings were stunned. Up until now, they'd been giving 110% on every trial, aiming for perfection and maximum rewards.
But now Dan Heng said… they didn't have to try that hard?
"Brother-in-law, my trial is to defeat three hundred-thousand-year sea soul beasts. Isn't that unreasonable? The only famous ones are those three, and one of them is from Sea God Island, I…"
The Ten Thousand Demon King spoke first.
Dan Heng thought for a moment and said, "Then just pick one of them, come to an agreement, and defeat them three times in a row. Don't harm them—offer something in exchange, and they'll likely agree."
"What? You can negotiate?" The demon king widened his eyes, opened his mouth, and was about to say that was cheating—
But then he realized:
They weren't even supposed to be eligible for god trials in the first place!
He clapped and cheered, excited. "This is great! If I can find a hundred-thousand-year sea soul beast and not kill it, I can totally do this!"
"Me! Me! Brother-in-law, look at mine!"
Xiong Jun pushed the demon king aside, full of excitement.
The other beast kings were also glowing with anticipation.
With Dan Heng helping them think of clever loopholes, they could easily catch up to the soul masters' pace!
Meanwhile, outside, all the various team members were having dinner on the top floor of the hotel.
The Blue Tyrant Battle Team was there too, gathered together, bonding and building team synergy.
Suddenly, a figure briskly approached.
With light steps, the person appeared behind the Zhu sisters, placing a hand on each of their shoulders.
"!!"
The Blue Tyrant team members were instantly furious and stood up.
Tai Long grabbed a chair and pointed at the intruder, yelling, "Who the hell are you?! Touching our teammates like that?!"
The other male members glared angrily, eyes bloodshot.
The Zhu sisters were their goddesses—they didn't even dare look too long.
And now some guy from Fengdan Empire dared act so forward?
The Zhu sisters turned around and their expressions changed.
"Father…!"
They jumped up in excitement and threw themselves into Prince Zhu's arms.
He hugged his daughters tightly, not minding the earlier outburst. Right now, he was just overwhelmed with emotion.
"Finally… I can see you two again. Your mother has been praying for this every day…"
Zhu Zhuqing quickly calmed down after a short hug and stepped aside to give her sister the moment.
But Zhu Zhuyun was overwhelmed. She began sobbing loudly, like she'd suffered an unimaginable grievance.
She truly felt wronged.
Two years ago, she was practically the future empress—glory and prestige.
And now?
The Star Luo Empire had splintered. Her own father had helped cause it—what a mess!
Then her fiancé Davis betrayed her, even trying to kill her.
Her romantic dreams and royal ambitions? Shattered.
And worst of all? Her sister's meteoric rise!
Ever since Zhu Zhuqing found a mentor, it was like she was cheating!
Soul power soared like a rocket.Divine opportunities fell into her lap.
In comparison, Zhu Zhuyun felt like a total clown.
How was she supposed to compete?!
Prince Zhu had wanted to say something to Zhu Zhuqing—after all, it had been three years since they'd met.
But she calmed down too quickly, like she hadn't even missed him.
Did she not care at all?
Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuyun…
"Zhuyun, did someone bully you?" Prince Zhu asked with concern.
Upon hearing that, Zhu Zhuyun cried even harder.
Even Prince Zhu was embarrassed by it all.
People around began to look their way, confused.
Among them were members of Shrek Academy.
The Dai brothers quickly found an excuse to leave.
As royalty of Star Luo, just being in Fengdan Empire was risky enough.
And Prince Zhu recognized them!
If they got caught, would Star Luo come rescue them?
The two walked to the hallway, their expressions dark.
"Big brother, isn't it too risky for us to be here?" Dai Mubai asked.
Dai Davis shook his head. "This is a rare chance to investigate Fengdan. Besides, this is the border. If we coordinate with forces inside, we can take this place."
"If we succeed, we'll be heroes!"
Davis's eyes gleamed with ambition.
Dai Mubai frowned, thinking Davis was delusional.
He had seen the state of Fengdan Empire.
They had timing, terrain, and the people's support.
If Star Luo declared war, every Fengdan citizen might resist to the death.
"Just relax and cooperate with me. When the soul master tournament ends, it'll be time for Star Luo to break Fengdan!"
Davis was visibly excited.
"…Whatever." Dai Mubai shook his head slightly.
Fine. If it makes you happy. I'm not inheriting the throne anyway. Do what you want.
Prince Zhu wanted to take both daughters home.
Zhu Zhuyun was overjoyed. Now that she'd seen the strength of Fengdan Empire, she found it much more comfortable than Star Luo.
And apparently, the most powerful minister was Prince Zhu.
So she asked quietly, "Father, is Fengdan Empire… ours? The Zhu family's?"
Just thinking about it made her nearly jump in excitement.
After all, she was the eldest legitimate daughter!
If that were true, wouldn't she be the first empress?
Prince Zhu was startled and quickly said, "Don't… don't talk nonsense! The Fontain Empire belongs to Her Majesty the Empress—no one is allowed to covet it! Do you understand?"
Prince Zhu's expression turned dark and extremely serious.
Zhu Zhuyun was frightened, immediately saying she understood, though she felt a bit wronged inside.
"I still need to inform my teacher," Zhu Zhuqing said.
Zhu Zhuyun frowned, displeased. "Zhuqing, we're going home! You still need to report to Mr. Dan Heng? Do you really need his permission just to see your own mother and reunite with your family?"
"Shut up!" Prince Zhu's face twitched again as he reprimanded angrily.
Zhu Zhuyun looked proudly at Zhu Zhuqing, "Did you hear that, Zhuqing, you—"
"I'm talking about you! Zhuyun, don't be so thoughtless! Since Zhuqing will be leaving for a while, of course she has to inform Mr. Dan Heng!" Prince Zhu said solemnly.
He was an old hand in the political world—how could he not have his own ideas?
Over the years, he had already noticed that behind the Fontain Empire, there was very likely the shadow of Mr. Dan Heng!
Of all the people you could afford to offend, Dan Heng was not one of them!
Zhu Zhuyun was stunned, unable to believe it. They were already home, and with their father's support, they still had to show such deep respect to Dan Heng?
Even her father acknowledged Dan Heng?
Then why didn't her father send her to Dan Heng back then?
How unfair could he be?
In an instant, her joy at returning home was greatly diminished.
Several days passed.
Everyone was "busy."
The ferocious soul beasts were all grinding their Divine Exam missions. With Dan Heng acting as a cheat code to guide them, they saved time—but they still had to put in the effort.
After some preparation, the Soul Master Tournament finally began its first match!
The large Soul Arena had been set up just outside the city, with the surrounding city walls still under expansion.
It covered an enormous area, large enough to accommodate everyone easily.
It began with a performance by a dance troupe, serving as the opening ceremony.
But it wasn't the popular Tianshui Girl Group—it was a group of male dancers styled after Dan Heng's Ming (Clarity) Form.
Dan Heng, sitting in the audience, felt incredibly uncomfortable, as if he were sitting on pins and needles. He suddenly had the urge to give Zi Ji a good scolding.
Gu Yuena chuckled softly and said, "Even if they look like you, they can't imitate your divine aura, my love."
She gently pinched Dan Heng's cheek and whispered, "Tonight, why don't you try dressing like this too?"
"…" Dan Heng's mouth twitched slightly. Me, dressing as… myself?
After the dance ended, the audience response was mediocre.
Most people still preferred the Tianshui Girl Group's performances—with their long legs and sizzling songs and dances…
Then came Prince Zhu's speech as the tournament organizer.
From all over, teams had arrived—and among them were countless spies, secretly observing everything. Apart from Prince Zhu, there were no high-ranking officials or soul beasts associated with the Empress present. This surprised many.
Soon, the lottery began. Representatives from dozens of teams went up to draw lots.
"Tianshui Battle Team vs. Shrek Battle Team…"
One team after another went up on stage.
The Fontain Empire's style was straightforward—no unnecessary fluff, straight to the point.
On opening day, the battles were already beginning!
The Tianshui girls took the stage first, appearing relaxed.
They didn't believe they would lose to the Shrek team—especially since the latter no longer had hidden weapons!
"We let them escape last time. This time, we'll crush them head-on," Shui Bing'er said coldly.
"Let's go!"
The girls were full of energy.
Xue Wu suddenly giggled. "Xiao Yue'er, before the match, did you pray to your Dan Heng for a blessing? Ask him to protect us?"
Shui Yue'er pouted, annoyed. "Stop that—what do you mean 'my'… That could trouble Mr. Dan Heng…"
(End of Chapter)