Xue Beng? What is he doing here?
Xiao Qiu was a bit puzzled and looked at Xue Qinghe.
At this moment, he had already put away the anger on his face, returning to his usual composed demeanor.
"Let him in!"
After a brief moment of contemplation, he ordered Xue Beng to be admitted.
"Yes!"
The guard quickly retreated to convey his command.
Not long after.
Two figures appeared at the entrance of the back garden.
One of them was Xue Beng, with whom Xiao Qiu had met once before.
With dazzling reddish-brown long hair, though the usual gloom in his eyes was less pronounced, his every move still exuded an air of a dissolute noble.
His steps were unsteady, like a dragon and a tiger, and his upright waist was somewhat hunched.
He looked quite comical.
Accompanying him.
There was also a young man dressed in a black scholar's robe and wearing glasses.
In a short while, Xue Beng arrived in front of the pavilion in the center of the back garden.
The moment he saw Xiao Qiu, a hint of sharpness flashed subtly in Xue Beng's eyes.
Xiao Qiu clearly perceived this slight movement.
He didn't pay much attention to it.
"Big Brother!"
Xue Beng's expression remained unchanged, smiling as he casually performed a bow.
His gaze ignored Xiao Qiu and turned to Xue Ke, who was standing beside him.
"Sister Xue Ke, it's been a long time. I wonder if you've missed your brother?"
Xue Ke's delicate brows furrowed, her shyness from earlier gone. She tilted her smooth chin slightly.
She said faintly, "Greetings, Imperial Brother Xue Beng!"
She didn't answer his question, only offering a greeting.
She had no good feelings for this Imperial Brother who only bullied the weak and toyed with women.
Aside from his arrogance, she saw no trace of the cultivation expected from a member of the Imperial family.
Xiao Qiu sat quietly to the side, observing this dissolute prince whose temperament and demeanor had changed drastically.
With a backer behind him, he looked much more confident.
Seeing that he didn't pay him any mind, Xiao Qiu was happy with this.
He quietly remained an observer, curiously looking at the person behind Xue Beng.
"My good brother, you've never visited me before. I wonder what wind blew you here today?"
Xue Qinghe's voice was calm, feigning surprise.
Though he called him 'good brother' in his words, he didn't even prepare a seat for him.
Xue Beng didn't care about Xue Ke and Xue Qinghe's perfunctoriness.
He sneered inwardly, and for once, he straightened his back in front of Xue Qinghe.
When he spoke, the usual obsequiousness was gone.
"Big Brother, I heard you were assassinated!"
"I'm truly sorry, but these past few days, I've been busy dealing with matters concerning our Empire's Titled Douluo, Evil Blood.
"It's only today that I finally have time to visit Big Brother. I hope Big Brother won't blame me."
Xue Qinghe took a sip of tea.
Although he had been recuperating here these past few days after his injury, he could still get firsthand news from outside.
Not to mention Spirit Hall's secret cooperation, just his supporters in the Empire were numerous.
He certainly knew about Evil Blood.
He even knew where these people came from!
Thinking of this, he felt a surge of secret resentment.
If it weren't for that crazy woman's deliberate concealment, they wouldn't have gotten the news until now!
He glanced at Hun Feng, who had been staring at him.
Xue Qinghe frowned.
Then he slowly said.
"No matter, after all, the inclusion of Evil Blood is indeed a very important matter!"
"For the development of the entire Empire, my personal injuries are nothing."
"It's good that Big Brother understands!" Xue Beng smiled triumphantly, his words filled with provocation.
"Big Brother, please rest and recover well here. I'll take care of everything outside!"
"Oh? Is that so..."
Looking at Xue Beng's arrogant demeanor, Xue Qinghe narrowed his eyes.
"Then Imperial Brother must perform well, this is a rare opportunity for you!"
"Your younger brother will grasp it well!" Xue Beng smiled and nodded.
Xue Qinghe suddenly felt a bit annoyed.
When did this cowardly dissolute prince dare to act so presumptuously in front of him?!
A slight pain came from within his body, and he didn't want to waste any more words.
"Then I congratulate you in advance. If there's nothing else, you may withdraw!"
Hearing his dismissal.
Xue Beng paused, not responding immediately.
Instead, he turned and exchanged glances with the young man behind him.
Seeing this, Xiao Qiu, who had been observing the two of them, frowned even deeper.
The young man in the scholar's robe, since entering.
Showed no trace of respect.
His gaze never left Xue Qinghe, constantly scrutinizing and assessing him.
Now it seemed that even Xue Beng, as a prince, deferred to him and acted according to his expression.
Where did this person come from?!
Under Xiao Qiu's uncertain gaze.
After that person nodded slightly.
Only then did Xue Beng bow and take his leave.
"Big Brother, your younger brother specifically brought some tonics to visit you. The items have already been placed outside the door, and I hope Big Brother will accept them!"
"..."
His response was silence.
Xue Qinghe quietly sipped his tea, ignoring his words.
Xue Beng's face slowly darkened.
He stopped making a fool of himself.
"I suppose Big Brother is tired. Then, I, your younger brother, won't disturb your recuperation. Sister Xue Ke, see you again!"
After speaking, he flicked his sleeve and left.
The young man in the black scholar's robe, before leaving, glanced at Xiao Qiu.
Looking at their retreating figures.
Xiao Qiu's heart was filled with uncertainty.
That person also gave him a very dangerous feeling.
Just now, he was about to activate his Sharingan to peek at him, but he didn't expect to be noticed by him.
"Big Brother Xue, may I ask who that person following Xue Beng is?"
"Hmm?!"
Xiao Qiu had just recovered and looked towards Xue Qinghe.
However, he found him drenched in sweat, his lips pale, and trembling.
"Oh, Crown Prince Brother! Are you alright?"
Xue Ke also noticed Xue Qinghe's discomfort and quickly got up to him, taking out a handkerchief to wipe his sweat with concern.
Her expression was a little flustered.
"Crown Prince Brother, why don't I go ask Aunt Ye to treat you again!"
"No need, my wound just hurts a little."
Xue Qinghe's voice was hoarse, as if just sitting was already very difficult for him.
Xiao Qiu's expression was solemn.
The Aunt Ye Xue Ke mentioned was very likely one of the only two owners of the Nine Heart Sea Tang.
Ye Lingling's mother.
He didn't expect that even she had taken action, and yet the injury still hadn't healed.
"Big Brother Xue."
Xiao Qiu pondered for a moment, then extended his hand towards Xue Qinghe.
Xue Qinghe's eyes flickered. Although he didn't understand what he meant, he inexplicably placed his hand in Xiao Qiu's palm.
During his recuperation.
He wasn't wearing the black gloves he usually used to conceal his slender fingers.
Qian Renxue's tender hand was smooth and delicate, and at this moment, it was still cool.
The boneless sensation made Xiao Qiu's heart flutter.
He slowly grasped it.
She, still in Xue Qinghe's appearance, felt Xiao Qiu's warmth.
A faint blush appeared on her face, not very noticeable.
Under Xue Ke's strange gaze.
Xiao Qiu's palm glowed with a faint green light.
Blue Silver Emperor's first Spirit Ability, Life Without End!
spirit power transformed into warm life force, continuously flowing into Xue Qinghe's body.
Soon, within a dozen breaths of time.
His pale lips slowly regained their color.
The cold sweat on his head, wiped away by Xue Ke, had also dried.
His body felt warm.
The pain in his body immediately subsided.
Only then did Xue Qinghe look at Xiao Qiu strangely, his eyes flickering.
What was going on with this guy?!
Did he have too many Spirit Abilities?!
His Spirit was clearly an eye, so how could he have a healing Spirit Ability?!
Seeing his complexion improve, Xiao Qiu retracted his Spirit Ability and released his hand.
Unexpectedly, Xue Qinghe, whose face was already fair with a hint of red.
Gave Xiao Qiu a resentful glare.
He clearly felt that Xiao Qiu had pinched him just before letting go?!
Seeing Xiao Qiu's puzzled and uncomprehending gaze.
He immediately understood that it was an unintentional act.
He could only grit his teeth and say coldly.
"Thank you!"
"It's what I should do..."
Xiao Qiu, looking serious, picked up his teacup with a guilty conscience.
He lowered his eyes and took a sip, hiding his embarrassed expression.
Having spent a long time with girls, he had instinctively pinched her just now.
Fortunately, his mind worked quickly, and he managed to gloss it over.
"Wow, Xiao Qiu... you're amazing! You feel even faster than Aunt Ye's healing!"
Xue Ke looked at Xiao Qiu like a fangirl, her eyes shining.
"Hehe... Princess Xue Ke, you flatter me. These are just some minor tricks!"
"Xiao Qiu~ I told you to call me Xue Ke!"
Xue Ke seemed not to have heard Xiao Qiu's other words, only looking at him shyly and correcting his address for her.
"Uh... I'll pay attention next time."
Xiao Qiu paused, then nodded helplessly.
Xue Qinghe rubbed his temples, a bit speechless.
"Alright, Xue Ke! I'm fine now, go sit back down!"
"Got it, Crown Prince Brother."
Xue Ke smiled and returned to her seat.
Xue Qinghe also looked back at Xiao Qiu, answering his previous question.
"The person following Xue Beng is named Hun Feng! He's just a teacher my good-for-nothing younger brother found a few years ago!"
"Hmm, it seems he only has the cultivation of a Spirit Ancestor."
With Xue Ke present, Xue Qinghe didn't say too much.
When he first received the news, he didn't pay much attention to it.
In his opinion, a Spirit Ancestor at level forty was just a good-for-nothing.
"Hun Feng?"
Xiao Qiu also saw that Xue Qinghe didn't think much of Hun Feng.
He couldn't help but shake his head, reminding him.
"Xue Beng has found a good teacher. I can feel that that person's mental force is not simple, at the very least—"
Saying this, Xiao Qiu paused, pondering for a moment.
He looked at Xue Qinghe seriously and said sternly.
"At the very least, it's close to the level of a Spirit Saint!"
"Hmm? Are you serious?"
Xue Qinghe was startled, looking at Xiao Qiu with some disbelief.
The difference between this guy's mental force and spirit power was already absurdly huge.
How could there be someone even more outstanding than him?!
...
Outside the Prince's Residence.
Hun Feng and Xue Beng, who had already left, got into a carriage and slowly departed.
"Teacher, how are my Big Brother's injuries?"
Xue Beng popped a grape into his mouth.
Although he was asking about his Big Brother's injuries, there was no sign of worry on his face.
Hun Feng shook his head strangely.
"It's a bit odd, his vital energy is still very abundant?!"
"Logically speaking... even a Spirit Emperor hit by this kind of poison shouldn't have been able to hold on until now!"
"How could this be?" Xue Beng's face also showed some surprise.
He knew that most people in his family's Spirit had no cultivation talent.
He was a bit curious how his Big Brother had managed to hold on!
A worried expression appeared on his face.
"Alas, it's a pity that Evil Blood's current identity makes it inconvenient for him to come here, otherwise, it would have been possible to have His Excellency personally come and see..."
"Hehe... don't worry! Even if he can hold on now, once that blood poison spreads to his limbs and bones, it will be different!"
Hun Feng, confident of victory, took a piece of silk and carefully wiped his glasses.
Then he put them back on.
"Besides, with our help, this throne will be yours sooner or later!"
"Haha... Teacher is right! At that time, I will definitely appoint you as the Imperial Tutor!"
Xue Beng laughed loudly, a look of invincibility appearing on his face.
He was already imagining himself, waking up to wield supreme power and sleeping with beautiful women.
Hun Feng didn't react. He opened the carriage window and looked up at the sky.
He felt a sense of longing.
He was about to lose control of his Soul Devouring Beast Spirit.
He wondered how long his soul could last?
Could he find a way to resolve the backlash from his Spirit?
The carriage fell silent.
It slowly made its way through the bustling streets towards Xue Beng's residence.
...
Crown Prince's Residence, back garden.
Xue Qinghe's expression was grim; he had already believed Ye Qiu's words.
The other party had no reason to lie to him.
Ye Qiu said no more, tilted his head, and drained the warm tea in his cup.
Then he stood up.
"Big Brother Xue, Ye Qiu will take his leave now. I'll come find you again when I have time to check on your cultivation!"
With Xue Ke present, Ye Qiu couldn't speak too plainly.
His unspoken meaning was that he would come find him again tonight.
Xue Qinghe had just inwardly grumbled, 'What's there to see about cultivation?' when he saw Ye Qiu's meaningful gaze and understood.
He nodded slightly.
"Mm, then I'll see you next time!"
"Ah? Ye Qiu, you're leaving already? Aren't you staying for dinner?"
Xue Ke stood up, a little agitated.
She hadn't seen enough, and she hadn't really talked to Ye Qiu much yet.
Ye Qiu chuckled lightly and shook his head.
"Thank you for your kindness, Xue Ke, but there's no need. Uncle Ning and the others are waiting for me to come back for dinner!"
Uncle Ning?!
Xue Qinghe frowned, not giving the address much thought.
"Are you returning to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School? Then please say hello to teacher for me!"
"Mm, I will!"
Ye Qiu nodded in agreement.
"Then I'll be leaving now, see you!"
Without further delay, a red light flashed in his eyes, and space twisted.
An invisible vortex appeared, distorting and carrying away Ye Qiu's figure.
Looking at the spot where Ye Qiu disappeared, Xue Ke remained lost in thought for a long time.
Xue Qinghe, who recovered sooner than her, looked at his sister, who seemed like a lovesick girl.
He couldn't help but tease her, his words full of jest.
"My dear sister, are you really so smitten with Ye Qiu, whom you've only met once or twice? Do you want to ask Father Emperor to bestow a marriage upon you?"
"Bestow, bestow a marriage?!"
Xue Ke exclaimed, her face red, and said nothing.
Ye Qiu was not only handsome but also had an exceptional demeanor.
He was even very mysterious, appearing and disappearing without a trace, making it hard for her to see him clearly.
This made her even more eager to uncover his secrets!
Her eyes sparkled, clearly showing that she had truly considered this idea.
Xue Qinghe's face darkened, secretly regretting his loose tongue.
That philandering scoundrel!
He cursed inwardly, and the injury on his chest suddenly ached, so he quickly calmed himself down.
He no longer dared to tease Xue Ke.
...
Ye Qiu, who had vanished directly before their eyes, had already returned to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
He first went to the main hall, but saw no one.
He only saw a long sword mark on the ground.
Standing still, Ye Qiu looked at the sword mark strangely.
Feeling the faint sword intent lingering in the air, his mouth couldn't help but twitch.
He understood somewhat.
It must have been Grandpa Sword and Bone Douluo, who had gotten into a heated argument.
Without further delay, he activated his divine force, intending to go back to his small courtyard first.
Ning Rongrong and the other girls should still be waiting for him there.
Arriving at the small courtyard, there was indeed some movement coming from the room he used to live in.
Inside, the girls, who had already grown tired of wandering, had set up a table by the bed.
On it were some pastries and fruit juice.
Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong sat by the table, chatting about something.
Xiao Wu, on the other hand, was completely wrapped in the quilt, gently sniffing the faint fragrance Ye Qiu had left behind.
Just after hearing Zhu Zhuqing confess her background, Ning Rongrong suddenly had an 'aha!' moment.
"No wonder, no wonder Dai Mubai always stared at you. So you two actually have such a relationship!"
"Hmph! It serves that sickly cat right that Zhuqing was snatched away by Xiao Qiu! He doesn't deserve Zhuqing!"
Xiao Wu pouted, speaking up for her good sister.
"The first time I saw that sickly cat, he was actually embracing two women and going to a room. He didn't look like someone trying to defy fate at all!"
"Zhuqing, don't worry! If your family really dares to force you, Miss will definitely do her best to help you!"
Ning Rongrong patted her chest.
She wouldn't just watch Zhu Zhuqing fall into a tiger's den!
With Zhu Zhuqing's current talent, she wouldn't even need to ask.
Her father might just bring one of the grandpas and take a trip to the Star Luo Empire.
"And me, Xiao Wu Jie can help too!" Xiao Wu, who had been lying down, suddenly flipped over and raised her hand to express her willingness.
"Mm, thank you all!" Zhu Zhuqing smiled faintly.
Being with them felt warmer than her so-called home.
The pressure in her heart had also lessened a lot now.
Because she had met Ye Qiu.
Her cultivation had improved, her talent had gotten better, and her backing was also very strong.
While speaking, Ning Rongrong also pinched a pastry and brought it to Zhu Zhuqing's mouth.
"Here, although this isn't as good as what I make, it's still very good. Don't think about these annoying things!"
"Mm."
Zhu Zhuqing's cherry lips parted slightly, taking more than half of the pastry into her mouth.
"Rongrong... you!"
Feeling Ning Rongrong's restless, slender finger poke into her mouth, Zhu Zhuqing blushed and glared at her plaintively.
"Haha..." Ning Rongrong held the remaining small piece of pastry and giggled incessantly.
Xiao Wu was rather thick-skinned, so she could only tease the thin-skinned Zhu Zhuqing.
"Rongrong... Ah~"
Xiao Wu lay on the bed, tilting her head back, opening her mouth, and asking Ning Rongrong to feed her.
Ning Rongrong rolled her eyes at her and directly threw the small piece of pastry into her mouth.
"Ah~ Rongrong, you..."
Xiao Wu's crimson eyes showed some confusion.
"What? Are you saying you dislike Zhuqing?!" Ning Rongrong looked at her, smiling slyly.
Zhu Zhuqing's gaze also drifted over faintly.
"I don't dislike Zhuqing at all!"
Xiao Wu explained anxiously.
She huffed and smacked her lips, her small face looking a little wronged.
"I wanted the grass-flavored one, but Rongrong gave me the grilled fish-flavored one..."
Zhu Zhuqing's pursed red lips curved into a slight arc.
"Puhaha, then I'll get you a piece!" Ning Rongrong said with a smile, pinching another grass-flavored pastry and putting it into Xiao Wu's mouth.
Creak.
The door opened, and the girls turned their heads. Ye Qiu's figure came into view.
"Ye Qiu!" Zhu Zhuqing stood up happily.
"Ye Qiu, you're finally back!" Ning Rongrong cheered and pounced into his arms.
"Woo~ Xiao Qiu... cough cough!"
Only Xiao Wu, trying to get up, was choked by the pastry in her mouth.
She quickly covered her mouth and stopped coughing.
Seeing this, Zhu Zhuqing quickly picked up the juice in front of Xiao Wu, brought it to her mouth, and patted her back.
Ye Qiu supported Ning Rongrong's upturned bottom, which was hanging on him.
He sat down next to Zhu Zhuqing, pulled the girl from his embrace, and placed her on his lap.
His face already had a string of teeth marks.
"Xiao Wu, are you alright?" Ye Qiu asked, looking at Xiao Wu, who had tears in her eyes, with concern.
"Cough cough... I'm, I'm fine!" Xiao Wu rubbed her red eyes, wiping away the tears.
Kneeling on the bed, she looked at Ning Rongrong, who was clinging to Ye Qiu's embrace.
She snorted unhappily.
If she hadn't choked, she definitely would have snatched that spot.
"Oh right, Ye Qiu, how is Senior Brother Xue Qinghe?" After taking advantage, Ning Rongrong also showed some concern for her father's student.
"Mm..."
Ye Qiu thought for a moment, unsure how to describe it.
He could only use Xue Qinghe's own words.
"He's alright, he said... he won't die."
"Pfft, you didn't offend him, did you?" Ning Rongrong looked at Ye Qiu strangely.
Under normal circumstances, how could Xue Qinghe say such a thing?
"Maybe!"
Ye Qiu smiled helplessly, not wanting to dwell on the topic.
His eyes swept around, and only Zhu Zhuqing had half a glass of juice left in front of her.
He was too lazy to pour more.
He picked it up and chugged it down.
Zhu Zhuqing gave him a shy glare, then picked up the container nearby to refill it for him.
"By the way, what were you all just talking about?"
Pressing down on Ning Rongrong's squirming waist, Ye Qiu looked at Zhu Zhuqing, a little curious.
"Just now, Zhuqing told us a bit about her family's affairs."
As Xiao Wu finished speaking, Ye Qiu's eyelid twitched.
He saw that half a pastry, which Xiao Wu had bitten into, had appeared in front of him.
Zhu Zhuqing also lowered her head, secretly smiling, at this scene.
"Is that so?"
Ye Qiu smiled helplessly, picking up the half-eaten pastry.
Amidst Ning Rongrong's loud laughter, he chewed slowly.
At the same time, he also asked,
"Zhuqing, can you tell me about the unfinished matter you mentioned before?"
"Mm!" Zhu Zhuqing nodded.
She couldn't complete this matter without Ye Qiu's help.
It was better to tell Ye Qiu about it sooner.
Zhu Zhuqing pondered for a moment, seemingly organizing her thoughts, considering where to begin.
After a while, she slowly began:
"Actually... I was also assassinated."
Upon hearing this, the smile on Ye Qiu's face froze.
He was a little surprised.
He wasn't surprised that Zhu Zhuqing would encounter an assassination.
After all, in her environment, such things were not uncommon.
He was curious why Zhu Zhuqing would bring up her own assassination at this time.
Could this be related to Qian Renxue's assassination?
"What? Zhuqing, you were also assassinated?!"
Xiao Wu on the bed exclaimed.
She immediately jumped up, about to lay hands on Zhu Zhuqing's body.
"Are you alright, then?"
"Xiao Wu, aren't I perfectly fine here?!"
Dodging her 'paws,' Zhu Zhuqing was a little exasperated.
"Uh, I... I'm just concerned about you."
Xiao Wu also realized, and she sat back down dejectedly amidst Ning Rongrong's giggles.
"Zhuqing, was it people sent by Dai Weisi, or your sister?"
Ye Qiu's eyes held a hint of danger.
No matter who it was, he would make sure to get revenge for Zhu Zhuqing!
"Neither!"
Zhu Zhuqing gently shook her head, her voice seeming a little agitated.
"Neither?!" Ning Rongrong looked at her strangely.
Ye Qiu's expression also became much more serious.
"Zhuqing, can you tell me the specifics?"
"Okay!" Zhu Zhuqing nodded slightly, recounting the events in detail.
"It happened when I had just obtained my third spirit ring! Right at my doorstep..."
"That day, I returned from hunting Spirit beasts. Just as I was about to step into my home, I was ambushed from behind. It was also a hidden arrow!"
Before Zhu Zhuqing could finish, she looked at Ye Qiu gently, her eyes filled with deep relief.
"If it weren't for my Shadow Spider Lance behind me, which blocked most of the attack, I might have died on the spot!"
"At the doorstep?" Ye Qiu's expression was somewhat grim.
He hadn't expected Zhu Zhuqing to have such an experience.
Moreover, the location of this assassination surprisingly overlapped somewhat with Qian Renxue's recent one.
"Then, Zhuqing, how did you rule out that it wasn't Dai Weisi or your sister who did it?"
Ning Rongrong was also a little puzzled.
Could this alone rule out the suspicion of those two competitors?
Xiao Wu didn't understand this kind of topic very well, so she listened quietly.
"Because although our competition is brutal, such assassinations are strictly prohibited!"
"In other words, even if they really wanted to kill me, it should have been done secretly, not in broad daylight!"
Ye Qiu nodded.
If assassinations were allowed, then this kind of competition would seem somewhat meaningless.
They could just throw money and hire assassins.
"Also, after I was assassinated, I actually passed out and was critically wounded! It was my sister..."
"She saved me. She used a snow lotus she had prepared to break through to Rank 40 to save me, and then she took care of me for a long time!"
As Zhu Zhuqing spoke, her eyes still held some confusion, as if it were a dream.
Before that, she had never imagined that her sister would be so worried and take care of her.
She thought of how she had been targeted for so long, and then, after her injuries improved.
Zhu Yun's sudden change in attitude made Zhuqing feel very wronged.
Tears slowly welled up in her eyes.
"Alright, isn't this something to be happy about?" Ye Qiu raised his hand, his thumb gently caressing the corner of her eye.
"That's right, Zhuqing, your sister still loves you!"
Ning Rongrong hadn't expected that the sister, who Zhu Zhuqing had previously described as somewhat malicious, would suddenly have such a soft heart.
"Mm." Zhu Zhuqing forced a smile.
Ye Qiu wrapped his arm around her slender waist, letting her lean on his shoulder.
Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu also gently took her hands.
A moment later, after Zhu Zhuqing had composed herself, she continued speaking.
"My sister told me that those people had approached her to discuss cooperation, but she refused them!"
"It seems they also approached Dai Weisi, but Dai Weisi ignored them."
"My sister speculates that the reason they tried to assassinate me was to show Dai Weisi their sincerity!"
"They? Zhuqing, do you know?"
"I don't know~" Before Ye Qiu could finish, Zhu Zhuqing shook her head sheepishly.
There was still a hint of apology on her face.
Ye Qiu was astonished.
He hadn't expected that Zhu Zhuqing also didn't know where they specifically came from or who they were.
But he became even more suspicious that the 'they' Zhu Zhuqing spoke of, and Evil Blood and others who supported Xue Beng, were from the same place!
"Phew~"
Things are truly getting more and more complicated!
Ye Qiu grumbled in his heart.
From this information, it seems that Spirit Hall isn't the only one plotting to take over the two great Empires!
He shook his head, temporarily storing this information in his mind.
When he met Qian Renxue tonight, he could share it with her.
"Then Zhuqing, what was the connection between that assassination and the matter you needed to handle?"
"There is!" Zhu Zhuqing hugged Ye Qiu's arm tightly, her mouth pouting in distress.
"Sister… Sister wants me to compensate her for her snow lotus!"
Originally, Zhu Zhuqing wouldn't have been so wronged; given her personality, she would have been very conscientious about returning things.
But Zhu Zhu Yun's words were very harsh, which made her a little sad.
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing's rare cuteness, Ye Qiu couldn't help but pinch her pretty face.
And also gently bit her upturned upper lip.
"It's fine, Xiao Qiu still has many herbs, compensating her with a snow lotus is very simple!"
Xiao Wu pouted, she hadn't gotten any advantage today.
Zhu Zhuqing blushed, looking at Ye Qiu cautiously.
When she spoke, there was still some anger towards Zhu Zhu Yun.
"But, she doesn't want a snow lotus; she wants me to compensate her double!"
"Is this compensation related to me?" Ye Qiu looked at Zhu Zhuqing strangely.
Her small eyes were as if she had done something wrong to him.
Zhu Zhuqing nodded guiltily.
"Mm, after I met you, when I returned home, she found out about my spirit ring configuration and my rapidly increasing spirit power level."
"So that's how it is!" Ye Qiu suddenly understood.
It seemed Zhu Zhu Yun's condition was for Zhu Zhuqing to also get her an over-limit spirit ring.
"Ye Qiu, I'm sorry, I promised her in a fit of anger… If it's not possible, I'll give her an explanation myself."
"Haha… No need to say sorry! Helping your sister is no problem!"
Ye Qiu chuckled softly.
"Actually, your sister probably wanted to force you to leave Soto City, to prevent you from being assassinated again; it's a different kind of protection for you!"
"After all, she has no idea about the source of your second ring! Logically speaking, she should also understand that such an encounter is not reproducible, unless you really sold me out!"
"..."
Hearing Ye Qiu's words, Zhu Zhuqing froze for a moment.
After hearing the end of his sentence, she quickly and flusteredly explained.
"No, I didn't tell her about you…"
"Mm, I know! It's okay if you told her, didn't I already say I'd help her? She'll know sooner or later!"
Ye Qiu said with a comforting smile, pressing a kiss on Zhu Zhuqing's cheek.
No wonder Zhu Zhuqing didn't want to leave Soto City yet; it turned out she was waiting for her sister's letter!
"Thank you, Ye Qiu!"
She said softly, cupping Ye Qiu's face, and then leaned in for a kiss.
Giving freely.
Her heart slowly beat, no longer caring about Ye Qiu's restless hands.
"..."
Ning Rongrong, sitting on Ye Qiu's lap, suddenly felt a bit redundant.
She and Xiao Wu, next to her, stared at each other.
"Young Miss, Sect Master has invited you and the guests to dine!"
Soon after, a voice came from outside the door.
"Got it, we'll be right there!" Ning Rongrong pouted, shouting back.
"Xiao Qiu~ Is that enough? Save some room for dinner!"
Xiao Wu looked at Ye Qiu's constantly bobbing Adam's apple, her words a bit sour.
Ye Qiu still had some reason left, he pulled out his hand, embracing her soft, weak body, and finally stopped.
"Let Zhuqing rest for a bit, then we'll go!"
"Mm, got it!" Ning Rongrong glanced at Zhu Zhuqing, whose face was flushed, and gave him a resentful look.
…
Not long after, the group left the room.
Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu each held one of Ye Qiu's arms.
Zhu Zhuqing, with a flushed face, hugged her arms across her chest, moving slightly to ease the lingering ache in her chest.
Her pretty face was bright.
Upon learning that Zhu Zhu Yun had made things difficult for her because of the snow lotus, and that it was also to protect her.
She couldn't help but feel a little happy.
Looking at her sisters beside her and Ye Qiu, a sweet feeling arose in her heart.
"Oh, right, Xiao Wu, Zhuqing, after we finish eating, I'll take you to visit Senior Dugu!"
Ye Qiu suddenly spoke.
He also needed to return to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well secret realm to ask Poison Douluo Dugu Bo about Ye Xiu.
For example, having Dugu Bo draw his eyes!
"Senior Dugu?" Xiao Wu looked at him strangely.
"He's another one of his female confidantes, Dugu Yan's grandfather, and he's also a Titled Douluo!"
Ning Rongrong pouted, still holding a grudge against Dugu Yan.
"He's also a Titled Douluo?" Zhu Zhuqing was astonished.
"Mm, so Zhuqing, don't worry too much about your family's affairs right now. Even if I can't beat them now, we have people backing us up!"
Ye Qiu smiled casually, imitating Xue Beng's dissolute manner, embracing both women.
He tilted his head, nostrils flaring, taking full advantage with his hands.
"Ah~ Ye Qiu, watch it!"
"Xiao Qiu~"
Zhu Zhuqing blushed, looking speechlessly at Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu.
They said no, but their bodies were very cooperative.
Soon, the group entered the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's outrageously luxurious reception hall.
The porcelain dishes holding the food were dazzling, like a flowing feast, with over a hundred unique dishes.
This made Xiao Wu's eyes widen, and she occasionally swallowed, her eyes gleaming with golden light.
Looking at her, Ye Qiu couldn't help but laugh.
If Xiao Lan were here, she might be even worse than Xiao Wu.
Unfortunately, she was currently being conscripted by Yan Yan.
She had gone with the Royal Fight Team to various cities' Soul Arenas for touring challenges, to train their combat abilities.
Ye Qiu also specifically observed Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo.
Bone Douluo's aura was a bit chaotic, and his hair seemed to be a bit thinner.
Sword Douluo's immaculate clothes were stained with a lot of dust and had some messy wrinkles.
It seemed Sword Douluo's Seven Kill Sword was still superior.
"Grandpa Sword, Grandpa Bone, you two didn't fight again, did you?"
Ning Rongrong was used to such things; she could guess from their expressions, where neither would yield to the other.
"Alright, Rongrong, quickly invite Xiao Wu and Zhuqing to take their seats!"
Ning Fengzhi smiled helplessly; if he hadn't gone to find them, they probably wouldn't have finished fighting yet.
"Got it, Father!"
Soon, everyone was seated.
During this time, Ye Qiu also, as per Xue Qinghe's instructions, conveyed his regards to Ning Fengzhi on his behalf.
During the meal.
Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, who had originally held grudges, suddenly forgot their previous unpleasantness.
They exchanged glances, wishing they hadn't come.
Ning Fengzhi also had a darkened face, looking at the delicious food without any appetite.
He felt somewhat uncomfortable, stuffed by the 'dog food' from across the table.
"Rongrong! Can't you two drink from cups?!"
Seeing Ning Rongrong's actions, Ning Fengzhi quickly stopped her.
He covered his face, somewhat helpless.
His words, however, received no response for a long time.
Fortunately, Ye Qiu still had some dignity and quickly stopped Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu, who were already getting competitive.
Zhu Zhuqing was burying her head in her food beside them.
As if she didn't know them, she was too ashamed to be associated with them!
…
It was midday in Sunset Forest.
The sun shone brightly, and the area, not as lush as the Star Dou Great Forest, appeared very bright.
Spirit Masters occasionally streamed in or out, or were buried there forever.
In a wide open space.
Ye Qiu's figure appeared here, and after scanning the surroundings to confirm no one was present.
He quickly formed hand seals.
His body slowly merged into the void, disappearing from his original spot.
Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well secret realm.
As soon as Ye Qiu entered, a long-lost scent enveloped his nostrils.
Before he could fully appreciate it.
A dark green figure instantly appeared before Ye Qiu.
"Kid, I finally see you again? Where have you been messing around lately? You don't even come back to see an old man like me!"
This person was none other than Poison Douluo Dugu Bo.
He still wore a gray cloth robe, with dark green beard and eyebrows.
"Senior Dugu, I haven't been messing around anywhere, and I actually came back once before, but you weren't here!" Ye Qiu waved his hand, explaining.
"Hmph! Yan Yan told me what you've been up to! I'm warning you, kid, if you dare to let down my Yan Yan, I won't let you off!"
Dugu Bo snorted coldly, his breathing becoming a bit ragged.
"Senior, please rest assured, I would never abandon Yan Yan. Speaking of which, Senior, you didn't go looking for trouble with someone again, did you?"
Ye Qiu looked at the somewhat disheveled Dugu Bo in front of him.
"Heh, life's been a bit boring, I couldn't resist and went to spar with that old wonder chrysanthemum again. I just got back a little while ago!"
Dugu Bo laughed indifferently, then sat down at the table under the wooden shed.
He began to brew tea.
Ye Qiu gave a wry smile; Chrysanthemum Douluo truly couldn't find peace after provoking him.
"Kid, you've returned at just the right time. Come chat with me." Dugu Bo waved, inviting Ye Qiu to sit down as well.
"Alright, coincidentally, I also have some matters I need to ask Senior about."
Ye Qiu came and sat down opposite him.
"Oh? What matter?" Dugu Bo looked at him with interest.
Ye Qiu, however, shook his head.
"No hurry. Before that, let me introduce a few people to Senior."
As his voice fell.
Ye Qiu activated his Spirit. Amidst the spatial distortion, three beautiful young women, each with a distinct style, appeared before him.
Wishing everyone a happy life!
Ten-thousand-character chapter!
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