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A few days later, Dugu Bo and Feng Xiao, covered in dust, rushed back to the Heaven Dou Empire's convoy.
As the sun set, the convoy was setting up camp on a plain, with smoke curling upwards from the cooking fires.
Dugu Bo stroked his beard, squinting towards the Crown Prince's carriage, a strange expression on his face.
"This kid," he muttered under his breath, "he doesn't go see my lovely granddaughter, nor does he even glance at that girl from the Ye family, but instead goes to find Xue Qinghe first."
The more he thought about it, the more something felt off.
A hint of suspicion flashed in his emerald eyes: "Could he have some special Hobbies?"
Just then, a burst of silver-bell-like laughter echoed from afar.
Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling were walking side by side.
"Grandpa!" Dugu Yan waved cheerfully, but then tilted her head in confusion when she saw Dugu Bo's strange expression.
"What's wrong with you? Your face looks so odd."
Dugu Bo quickly cleared his throat twice and put his hands behind his back: "Nothing, this old man was just thinking about some young people's special hobbies."
Dugu Bo shook his head, casting those thoughts from his mind.
He stood with his hands behind his back, a complex look in his eyes.
"Forget it," he sighed softly.
Although he was quite fond of Feng Xiao, matters of the heart could not be forced.
With Feng Xiao's current achievements and potential, if he was not interested, forcing a match would only make both parties awkward.
Dugu Bo's gaze unconsciously drifted towards Dugu Yan, who was laughing and chatting with Ye Lingling.
His granddaughter's bright smile warmed his heart, and he then rubbed his chin in relief.
"This is also good," he murmured to himself.
"At least after this old man passes away, with this kid looking after her, Yan Yan won't be bullied."
The lingering rays of the setting sun fell upon his aged face, gilding the wrinkles left by time with a warm golden hue.
Meanwhile, inside the Crown Prince's luxurious carriage, Feng Xiao leaned back on the soft silk cushions.
Faint dragon's breath incense burned in the carriage, and gilded lamps cast a warm glow, illuminating the entire space like a small, private sanctuary.
Qian Renxue, now in her true form, personally poured him a cup of clear tea.
Amidst the rising tea aroma, Qian Renxue's golden eyes narrowed slightly, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the rim of the teacup, and she said coldly, "It seems you gained quite a lot this time." Her tone carried a clear hint of sourness.
Feng Xiao was first stunned, then chuckled: "Xue'er, I only went to hunt for a spirit ring."
"Then why did you have to find Dugu Bo?" Qian Renxue's ear tips turned red.
"Couldn't Uncle She and Uncle Ci take you?" As she spoke, her voice grew softer and softer, her fingers tightly clutching the corner of her clothes, and even her breathing became cautious.
Feng Xiao's heart softened, and a gentle glow appeared in his eyes.
He leaned closer, and as she slightly recoiled, he firmly held her small hands that tried to pull away: "Wasn't it because I was afraid of delaying your plans?" His fingertips gently traced circles on her palm, his voice so soft it could drip water.
"Senior Dugu being out in the open is naturally more convenient, and the two seniors need to constantly protect you, so it's not good for them to be distracted."
"Hmph," Qian Renxue turned her face away, but allowed him to interlace their fingers.
The setting sun, peeking through the curtain's gap, perfectly illuminated the unconcealable curve of her lips.
Feng Xiao felt the warmth from his palm and looked at her feigned anger that couldn't hide her joy, feeling more satisfied than if he had obtained a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring.
Feng Xiao gazed at Qian Renxue's stubbornly averted face, a wave of tenderness rising in his heart.
He knew better than anyone that this seemingly noble and aloof Young Master of Spirit Hall was, in fact, a girl as innocent as a blank slate when it came to matters of the heart.
Over twenty years of undercover life had made her accustomed to living with a mask.
Xue Qinghe's gentle and refined demeanor, the Young Master's dignified and cold arrogance, were all meticulously woven disguises.
But only when facing him would those layers of defenses occasionally drop, revealing the coquettishness and nervousness a girl her age should have.
Feng Xiao's thumb gently caressed the back of her hand, feeling its slight tremble.
He knew that every time he took the initiative to approach, it required immense courage for her.
Just like now, even though she was happy inside, she still pretended to be angry, merely wanting to confirm her importance in Feng Xiao's heart.
"Xue'er," he called softly, placing her hand over his heart, "From now on, whenever I go hunt for spirit rings, you'll come with me, okay?"
Qian Renxue's body stiffened, a flicker of panic in her golden eyes, which then transformed into glistening moisture.
She bit her lower lip, and finally nodded gently, looking just like a child tasting honey for the first time, both joyful and apprehensive.
A hint of cunning flashed in Feng Xiao's eyes, and he deliberately drew out his words: "This is just going to hunt for a spirit ring with Senior Dugu.
When we return to Heaven Dou City, I'll be attending various banquets with you every day." He paused intentionally, "Those noble young ladies might be…"
"You wouldn't dare!"
Qian Renxue instantly bristled, her cheeks flushed red.
Her golden eyes were wide and round, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
She subconsciously imagined Feng Xiao surrounded by a flock of women, and immediately became so angry that her breathing became unsteady.
"If I find out you're acting like those dissolute young masters…" Her gaze unconsciously drifted downwards, landing on a certain dangerous spot, "Hmph!"
Feng Xiao immediately felt a chill down his spine, and his legs unconsciously drew together.
Are you kidding? The current Qian Renxue is a high-level Spirit Saint; dealing with him, a Spirit King, would be nothing…
"I was wrong!" He immediately raised his hands in surrender, but an unconcealable smile played on his face.
"With such a beauty like our Xue'er by my side, how could I possibly see anyone else?"
Qian Renxue's expression softened slightly, but she still turned her face away haughtily.
However, the slight upturn of her lips and the subtle way she squeezed his hand back betrayed her true feelings.
Feng Xiao awkwardly rubbed the tip of his nose, the smile on his lips gradually fading: "But… there's something I need to tell you in advance."
"Hmm?" Qian Renxue keenly sensed the change in atmosphere, her golden eyes narrowing slightly.
"What's so serious?"
"I heard from His Holiness the Supreme Pontiff…" Feng Xiao carefully chose his words, "that you plan to use your identity as the Crown Prince to bring the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School under your command?"
Qian Renxue softly "hmmed," then suddenly leaned her head on his shoulder as if all strength had left her body.
This intimate gesture softened Feng Xiao's heart, and he instinctively put his arm around her shoulder.
"That old fox Ning Fengzhi…" Her voice was muffled, tinged with a hint of weariness.
"On the surface, he calls me his apprentice, but in reality, he's wary of me everywhere and hasn't given me much support.
If it weren't for that, with Xue Ye's current physical condition, plus the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's influence in Heaven Dou, it should have already been…"
"As a Sect Master, his primary consideration is the Sect's interests.
The later you ascend, the more benefits he can gain from you.
He wants to use the pretext of supporting the Crown Prince to secure more benefits for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School." Feng Xiao took over, his fingertips unconsciously twirling her golden hair.
"Xue Xing and Xue Beng, those two good-for-nothings, are merely pawns he uses to balance you."
Qian Renxue suddenly straightened up, her beautiful eyes wide: "What exactly are you trying to say?"
Feng Xiao smiled helplessly, cupping her face: "My meaning is that to deal with Ning Fengzhi, that old fox, it will be unavoidable to play along with the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School." He deliberately drew out his words, "I'm just afraid that a certain Young Master will then…"
Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue immediately straightened up, a sharp glint flashing in her golden eyes: "I don't agree!" Her hands pressed against Feng Xiao's chest, unable to hide her flushed cheeks.
Feng Xiao chuckled softly, his warm breath brushing her ear: "What are you thinking? I'm not planning to sacrifice myself." His voice carried a hint of teasing, "I haven't even married our Xue'er yet, how could I dare to mess around?"
"Then how do you plan to convince Ning Fengzhi?" Qian Renxue bit her lower lip, her fingertips unconsciously clutching Feng Xiao's lapel.
"That old fox won't act without seeing results."
A glint of shrewdness flashed in Feng Xiao's eyes, and he gently held her restless hand: "Where there's a will, there's a way.
Since he can dangle the throne in front of you…" He paused intentionally, "why don't we fight fire with fire?"
Seeing Qian Renxue's puzzled expression, Feng Xiao continued: "I've observed Shrek Academy; Ning Rongrong is clearly deeply in love with that food system Spirit Master." A cunning smile played on his lips, "Do you think this little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will obediently listen to her father and marry me?"
Qian Renxue was momentarily stunned, then suddenly understood.
Her beautiful eyes flickered, and her earlier anger gradually transformed into thoughtfulness: "You mean…"
"Precisely." Feng Xiao gently pinched the tip of her nose, "We just need to give Ning Fengzhi a 'possibility,' just like he gave you."
Qian Renxue's golden eyes suddenly brightened.
Years of political maneuvering during her undercover mission in the Heaven Dou Empire allowed her to instantly grasp Feng Xiao's deeper meaning.
Her fingertips lightly tapped the armrest of the seat, her thoughts racing like lightning:
"What Ning Fengzhi cares about most are two things: the inheritance of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, and the Sect's position in Heaven Dou and even the continent." Her voice gradually became steady and powerful, the sharp edge of the Spirit Hall's Young Master showing through Xue Qinghe's disguise.
"We can approach this from multiple angles.
If we let him see Oscar's shortcomings, and even Tang San and the Clear Sky Sect, while you…"
Feng Xiao watched her radiant expression with a smile, unable to resist dropping a kiss on her forehead: "As expected of our Young Master, you catch on quickly."
Qian Renxue's ear tips were slightly red, but she was already immersed in analyzing the situation: "Make Ning Fengzhi realize that others are unreliable, and then use Xue Qinghe's identity to give him an irresistible political promise."
Her speaking speed grew faster and faster, her fingers unconsciously gesturing.
Feng Xiao looked at her spirited appearance with doting affection, suddenly feeling that Qian Renxue like this was more dazzling than ever before.
Qian Renxue tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes holding a hint of anticipation and nervousness: "Are you really confident?"
Feng Xiao's lips curved upwards, and he deliberately used his thumb and forefinger to show a tiny distance: "Roughly… this much confidence?" Seeing Qian Renxue about to glare again, he quickly added: "Isn't this just to reassure our Young Master first?"
"But…" Qian Renxue bit her lower lip, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes, "What if that girl Ning Rongrong really… takes to you?"
"Then I will rather die than yield!" Feng Xiao immediately straightened his back, putting on a righteous act, which made Qian Renxue unable to help but chuckle.
"Idiot," she chided him with an exasperated glance.
"What can a support system Spirit Master do to you? I'm worried about Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo."
Feng Xiao's expression became serious, and he softly said: "Two Super Douluo above rank ninety-five are indeed tricky, but precisely because of that, they are even more worth winning over."
Qian Renxue nodded thoughtfully, a sharp glint in her eyes: "If they don't know what's good for them…" Her words were unfinished, but the implication was clear.
"As you wish, my Young Master." Feng Xiao responded with a smile, then suddenly changed the subject: "So, is my Xue'er still jealous now?"
The two exchanged smiles, and the setting sun, peeking through the curtain's gap, cast a warm, dim glow over this small strategic meeting.
Qian Renxue suddenly realized that having someone to plan with, side by side, felt even more reassuring than strategizing alone.
Lost in thought, Feng Xiao's arm tightened slightly, gently pulling her into his embrace.
Qian Renxue struggled symbolically for a moment, but ultimately leaned obediently against his chest.
The strong beat of Feng Xiao's heart reached her ears, making her unconsciously curve her lips.
Qian Renxue's cheeks were slightly flushed, and she lightly poked his chest with her fingertip: "You always pick these times…" Her voice grew softer and softer, with a hint of annoyance, "Now you're getting more and more presumptuous."
Feng Xiao chuckled softly, his warm breath brushing her ear: "Of course, I have to pick the right moment." He deliberately lowered his voice, "I don't want to be kicked flying by someone at every turn like before."
Before he finished speaking, Qian Renxue suddenly looked up, her golden eyes narrowing dangerously: "Say that again?"
Feng Xiao immediately raised his hands in surrender, but couldn't hide the smile in his eyes: "Our Young Master is the most gentle and considerate, how could she…?"
"Hmph!" Qian Renxue snorted softly, but leaned back into his embrace.
The setting sun, peeking through the curtain's gap, perfectly illuminated the unconcealable sweet curve of her lips.
The next morning, outside Heaven Dou City.
The golden morning sun shone upon the majestic city walls, as Qian Renxue led the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's convoy to a slow stop.
Feng Xiao dismounted with her, respectfully standing behind the Crown Prince.
Looking up, he saw Emperor Xue Ye, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe, personally standing at the city gate to welcome them, surrounded by three Spirit Douluo-level deans and a host of noble officials.
Flags fluttered before the city gate, and ceremonial music played.
The news of Feng Xiao's victory had already spread throughout the continent.
Heaven Dou Royal Academy reclaiming the championship after many years was such joyous news that it made the increasingly weary Emperor beam with delight, breaking protocol to personally welcome them outside the city.
"Hahaha, my Heaven Dou's heroes have returned victorious!"
Xue Ye's hearty laughter echoed inside and outside the city gate.
Everyone present wore joyful expressions, and even the accompanying Shrek Academy members could not hide their excitement.
Although they did not win the championship, under the name of Heaven Dou Royal Academy, they still achieved a glorious second-place finish.
Ning Fengzhi stood beside Xue Ye, his Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda shimmering in the morning light.
His meaningful gaze lingered on Feng Xiao for a moment, then swept over Ning Rongrong, who stood beside him.
Sword Douluo Chen Xin and Bone Douluo Gu Rong guarded them like shadows, the presence of the two Super Douluo adding a touch of solemnity to the atmosphere.
Feng Xiao keenly noticed that when Xue Ye looked at "Xue Qinghe," a subtle complexity flashed in his eyes.
Qian Renxue, meanwhile, perfectly maintained the Crown Prince's gentle and refined demeanor, every bowing motion executed just right.
Amidst the joyous laughter, Feng Xiao and Qian Renxue's gazes inadvertently met.
The two subtly nodded to each other, a silent understanding passing between them.