Subei rushed into Xue Qinghe's arms, but being much smaller, her face pressed against the prince's stomach, just below his navel. A fragrant, enchanting forest scent filled the air. Behind the disguise mask, Qian Renxue's flushed face revealed her embarrassment. Growing up, this was her first close contact with the opposite sex—a sinful palm touching tender thigh.
"Brother… brother, please don't do this!" Subei whispered.
"Call me Yudi—it sounds more beautiful," Xue Qinghe teased.
Just half an hour passed, but Subei and Xue Qinghe shared a joyful, intimate conversation.
They discussed everything—from the Tiandou Empire's turbulent situation, the rise of Wuhun Temple, to the royal family's future strategies. From cautious inquiry to blushing honesty, their talk was cryptic, yet laced with mutual admiration.
Glancing at the time, Xue Qinghe reluctantly said, "Brother Yu, I first thought your appearance was astonishing, but now I see even at your young age, you have such insight. I truly admire you."
"Alas, good times always end too soon. It's time to say goodbye."
"Why not stay overnight, Yu brother?" she asked with a faint hope in her eyes.
"Overnight?" Subei's hand trembled on the teacup. He hadn't returned all night before, and Xiao Wu would likely go mad alone on the island.
But for his bright future, Xiao Wu had to bear it.
Subei nervously asked, "May I sleep beside His Royal Highness? Not for any other reason, but I'm curious about the Royal Dragon's bed and might never get the chance again."
Xue Qinghe almost agreed but prudently changed her mind—if they slept together, intimate contact might expose her disguise.
"If my imperial brother decides to stay in the palace, I can offer my bed fully. No need for formalities—you're my imperial brother."
Subei glancing at his taskbar, sighed wistfully at the "sleep one night with Qian Renxue" task.
"Forget it, I was only joking. If it really happened, rumors would fly."
Xue Qinghe smiled, then handed Subei a golden royal token.
"Keep this. With it, you may come and go in the palace anytime, except the forbidden harem. Most areas will be open to you."
"Now I must go to the Royal Hall for a verbal contest."
"Fight? I can help," Subei offered.
Xue Qinghe laughed off the offer.
Dressing solemnly, he ordered a guard, "He is my VIP. You must ensure his safe return to President Liu immediately. Any delay will have consequences."
Xue Qinghe showed supreme authority, inspiring awe.
Smiling warmly, he said, "Brother Yu, I'll come to Lanba Academy often to see you."
Slightly smiling, Subei replied, "It's a deal."
Half an hour later, inside the royal hall, Subei planned to stroll the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace and hoped to meet more goddesses.
But Xue Qinghe and Liu Erlong shared concerns—too many eyes on Subei might cause disturbance.
So it was safer to return him to Liu Erlong discreetly.
To avoid attention, Subei wore a mask to shield his exquisite face from the crowd—his peerless beauty would surely distract the court and risk upsetting the royal ceremony and the prince's influence.
Though people admired his handsomeness, it also brought burdens.
Amusingly, the old Yu Yuanzhen, stubborn and gruff, insisted on staying away from the ceremony but reluctantly came in the end.
He kept glancing at Subei's position, clearly watching him.
Suddenly, Subei felt chills—did this old man have inappropriate intentions?
As a top combat platoon leader on Douluo No.1, if Yu Yuanzhen wished harm, it could prove dangerous.
Careful thought was needed.
Scanning the hall, Subei searched for the noble and glamorous Pope but was disappointed—she did not appear.
Liu Erlong, dressed formally as usual, was indifferent to such matters but came to protect Subei as her bodyguard.
"Hey, what did Xue Qinghe say to you?" Liu Erlong asked.
Subei laughed softly, "We talked about major national events—when the Star Luo Empire might fall, who will rule the world. Nothing much worth mentioning."