About a month passed, and Xiao Lin and the other three returned to Heaven Dou City by carriage.
They headed straight to Dugu Bo's residence and found him in the main hall.
"You what? You want to return to Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"
Dugu Bo was stunned. Tang San and the others returning was understandable—but Xiao Lin?
You want to go back too?
"Old Poison, didn't you say last time that we were safe?"
Tang San was confused. Was this reaction necessary?
"You kids really are newborn calves unafraid of tigers. You dare show up here openly? Aren't you afraid someone would abduct you on the way?"
Dugu Bo sighed helplessly, then continued, "You three—Tang San and the others—are fine. But Xiao Lin's situation has become even more dangerous."
"Unless I protect him constantly."
"About ten days ago, a major event happened in Heaven Dou City."
A look of reminiscence crossed Dugu Bo's face.
At the time, he had just returned from obtaining a suitable spirit ring for Dugu Yan in the Sunset Forest. Unexpectedly, he was ambushed upon returning.
Fortunately, his strength had increased significantly, and he repelled the attacker.
But he never saw who it was—only that the person's strength was no weaker than his own.
After that, he stayed alert everywhere he went, and soon heard rumors that Emperor Xue Ye had fallen critically ill.
When he went to investigate, he discovered Emperor Xue Ye was poisoned.
Because Dugu Bo had already condensed a half-finished spirit core, he easily alleviated the emperor's poison.
However, at that moment, he also sensed another unknown Titled Douluo within the palace.
Dugu Bo chose not to expose the matter, pretending not to notice anything.
After hearing his explanation, Tang San was shocked.
Titled Douluo—already the peak combat strength of the continent. And two had appeared in just one month?
"This is dangerous. Brother Lin, you'd better return to the Ice–Fire Yin Yang Well."
Tang San said anxiously.
"Oh, okay. I don't really mind."
Xiao Lin nodded belatedly, accepting the idea.
His mind was focused on identifying the two Titled Douluo.
He vaguely remembered that Emperor Xue Ye's poisoning in the original story was done by Qian Renxue—who indeed had two Titled Douluo with her.
But he wasn't sure whether these two were the same ones.
"Xiao Lin, now that you're being sensible, I'm relieved. I'll personally escort you back."
Dugu Bo nodded with satisfaction.
Tang San had Tang Hao protecting him, so as the weakest Titled Douluo, Dugu Bo wasn't worried about the others.
"Lord Dugu, Prince Xue Qinghe requests an audience!"
Suddenly, while they were still speaking, a steward shouted from outside.
"Xue Qinghe? What does he want?"
Dugu Bo muttered.
Ever since Emperor Xue Ye was poisoned, he had suspected Xue Qinghe. So why show up now?
Did Xue Qinghe already know that Xiao Lin and the others were here?
"Xiao Lin, do you want to hide in the backyard for now?"
Dugu Bo pointed behind him.
"Alright."
Xiao Lin nodded and began moving.
"Lord Dugu, don't drive people away like that. Brother Xiao Lin and I got along wonderfully."
Just as they were about to leave, Xue Qinghe casually brushed past the blocked steward and entered the hall directly.
Seeing the four trying to hide, Xue Qinghe narrowed his eyes and smiled.
"Since you know my title, Lord Dugu, why force your way in?"
"Do you think I won't kill you?"
Dugu Bo's killing intent surged as soon as Xiao Lin's presence was exposed. His Titled Douluo aura burst forth, pressing down on Xue Qinghe.
A violent surge of soul power exploded, blasting at Xue Qinghe and making his clothes flap wildly.
But to Dugu Bo's shock—Xue Qinghe withstood it.
He didn't even look uncomfortable.
This was far beyond what someone of Xue Qinghe's supposed soul power level should be capable of.
Still, because Xue Qinghe was Ning Fengzhi's disciple, Dugu Bo could not act rashly. But his suspicions deepened.
"Lord Dugu could kill me effortlessly, naturally. But I am not here only to see you today."
Xue Qinghe smiled warmly, but his eyes fixed firmly on Xiao Lin.
"Brother Xiao Lin, may I invite you to my residence for a private discussion?"
"No."
Xiao Lin refused instantly.
In his memory, Qian Renxue—who was disguised as Xue Qinghe—was not a kind angel at all.
"You heard him. Xiao Lin is not interested."
Dugu Bo sneered and was about to blast Xue Qinghe out of the mansion.
Right then, Xue Qinghe spoke casually:
"Brother Xiao Lin must hate being watched constantly. Life without freedom is miserable."
"If you choose to join my faction, most of those spies will be gone."
To Dugu Bo, this meant nothing. He was about to act again.
But Xiao Lin stopped him.
"Wait, old thing. I feel like I can talk with her."
Others didn't know—but Xiao Lin did.
Xue Qinghe was Qian Renxue, one of the highest-ranking figures in Spirit Hall.
If Qian Renxue was willing to help remove the people monitoring him, then talking made sense.
Spirit Hall had more Titled Douluo than anyone else.
"Xiao Lin, we cannot involve ourselves in Heaven Dou's succession—"
"I know. But from what I've heard, Xue Beng is a useless hedonist. He can't possibly be emperor."
Xiao Lin clearly disliked Xue Beng. From beginning to end, he had never considered him suitable to rule.
Frankly, he'd rather see Xue Ke become empress.
"What do you want to talk about?"
Xiao Lin didn't waste time.
"I want you to join my faction. The benefits will be tremendous."
Xue Qinghe smiled. If she could use Xiao Lin to approach Master Xiao Yan, it would be ideal.
"That's it?"
Xiao Lin's tone was disdainful. He planned to become a god.
If Qian Renxue didn't specify concrete benefits, he had no time to waste.
"Uh… of course, there's far more. But this place isn't suitable…"
Xue Qinghe looked troubled. There were too many people here.
"Come with me. We'll talk."
Xiao Lin nodded and led Tang San and the others toward the backyard.
"Brother Xiao Lin, still too many people…"
"It's fine. They're my family. Completely trustworthy."
After hearing this, Xue Qinghe hesitated—but ultimately gritted her teeth and followed them.
In the main hall, Dugu Bo opened his mouth but said nothing.
He protected Xiao Lin with all his heart… yet wasn't considered "family"?
Of course, he understood clearly:
Xue Qinghe said "too many people" because she didn't want him hearing the discussion.
What could be said in front of everyone else—but not in front of him?
Dugu Bo fell deep into thought.
Did Xiao Lin's group fear no threats at all?
He seemed to sense something and looked toward the backyard. At that moment, Tang San was already setting up a sound-isolating array.
To a Titled Douluo, it was nothing—he could break it instantly.
But he wouldn't violate the privacy of younger generations.
Bang!
The backyard room door shut. From the closing door, Dugu Bo saw confusion and bewilderment flash across Tang Ni's face.
What was happening?
That Xue Qinghe… was the third Child of Destiny.
But why did her destiny weaken the instant it collided with Xiao Lin and Tang San's?
Tang Ni's expression turned complicated.
(End of Chapter)