Chapter 43: The First Step to Supreme Mastery A True Expert Must Have a Vault of Identities
Being stared at by a whole group of people didn't surprise Han Li at all.
After all, his outfit stood out too much.
Dressed in all black, he contrasted sharply with the sea of white uniforms worn by the students of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.
This… was a mistake.
Han Li had always been meticulous in his preparations, but today, he had made a critical oversight.
"Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince."
As Xue Qinghe approached, leading Ning Rongrong by the hand, both Han Li and the staff member bowed in greeting.
However, unlike the staff, Han Li as a noble himself didn't need to bow deeply.
Instead, he simply lowered his head slightly and performed a hand over chest salute.
"No need for formalities, you may rise."
Xue Qinghe smiled warmly, acknowledging them both.
But Han Li noticed something subtle.
Though Xue Qinghe's words were directed at both of them, his smile and nod were aimed specifically at Han Li.
Impressive.
Han Li returned a polite smile, but deep down, he was silently impressed.
This guy wasn't just playing the role of a prince he was completely immersed in it.
The small details in his mannerisms were perfect for winning over nobles.
Even if he returned to Spirit Hall one day, this level of charisma and etiquette would serve him well as a ruler.
Before Xue Qinghe could say more, a clear, curious voice cut in.
"Why are your clothes different from everyone else's?"
It was Ning Rongrong.
She looked genuinely curious.
Han Li glanced at Xue Qinghe and saw no reaction from him so he answered.
"In response to the young lady, it is because I am not yet a student here. I am merely visiting to see the academy in advance."
"Oh? So you're going to enroll here too?"
Ning Rongrong's tone sounded matter of fact.
'Too?'
Han Li caught the implication in her words.
So she was also here for a pre enrollment visit?
"Yes. That's why I came to explore the academy first."
Han Li confirmed.
Ning Rongrong nodded in satisfaction.
Then, without warning, she pulled her hand free from Xue Qinghe's grip and began circling around Han Li, inspecting him from head to toe.
After a few seconds, she crossed her arms, tapped her flat chest confidently, and declared:
"You look decent enough, and I like the way you answer. Next time we meet, I'll make an exception and let you be my underling!"
Han Li: "…"
Did I just get recruited?
This girl was not only a complete face con (looks fanatic) but also a social butterfly.
Even Xue Qinghe seemed momentarily stunned by her behavior.
Then he gently pulled her back, placed a hand on her head, and spoke in a soft, elder brotherly tone:
"Rongrong, don't fool around. Also, as a young lady, you must mind your manners. You can't act so improperly in public. If your father finds out, you'll be punished with copying family rules again."
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong pouted, turned her face away, and muttered:
"Whatever. If my dad punishes me, I'll just go find Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone. Let's see if he dares to scold me then."
Xue Qinghe simply stood back up, then turned toward Han Li with an apologetic smile.
"I apologize, my little brother. My junior sister is a bit mischievous. Please don't take her words to heart. By the way, what is your name?"
Han Li had been expecting this question.
By now, the staff member had quietly slipped away, leaving Han Li free to act however he pleased.
With a shy nod, Han Li lightly touched his nose before responding:
"In response to Your Highness, my name is… Xiao Yan."
Xue Qinghe smiled kindly.
"Xiao Yan, there's no need to be so reserved. Welcome to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. If you ever need help in the future, feel free to mention my name. You are also welcome to visit the Crown Prince's residence anytime."
Without waiting for a response, he continued:
"You seem to have finished your visit. We won't keep you. I still need to show my junior sister around the academy. We shall meet again."
"Yes, Your Highness. Until we meet again."
Han Li pretended to be overwhelmed with excitement, bowed slightly deeper than before, and saluted again to show his gratitude.
Without another word, Xue Qinghe turned and led Ning Rongrong forward, his guards closely following behind.
Just as Han Li was about to leave
"Xiao Yan, right? I'll remember you!"
Ning Rongrong's voice suddenly called out from behind.
Han Li turned back and saw her waving her little fist at him while being dragged away by Xue Qinghe.
She tried to look intimidating, but thanks to her young age, it just made her even cuter.
Han Li didn't bother replying.
He simply smiled and waved, then turned toward the academy gates.
A Vault of Identities
He wasn't worried about Ning Rongrong's words.
Nor did he care about Xue Qinghe's invitation.
Even if they were on the same playing field, such casual offers of assistance felt insincere.
"Big Sister, your disguise still needs work."
Han Li smirked inwardly but kept his thoughts to himself.
As for being remembered as 'Xiao Yan'?
Who cares?
That had nothing to do with Han Li.
What's wrong with having multiple identities?
He'd prepared an entire list of fake names who's to say he wouldn't be called Gu Yue Fangyuan next time?
His mind wandered playfully as he reached the gates, where the staff member from earlier had mysteriously reappeared.
Seeing Han Li look at him, the staff member smiled awkwardly.
Having abandoned Han Li earlier, he expected some scolding but to his relief, Han Li didn't seem to care.
Without acknowledging the man, Han Li returned his visitor's pass to the gate guards and headed for his carriage.
Too many unexpected events had happened today.
It was time to go back before anything else went wrong.
The return trip was even faster than before.
Thanks to the gold soul coin tip, the carriage driver drove smoothly yet swiftly.
Unfortunately for him, there was no second tip waiting at the end of the journey.
Instead of heading straight back to Spirit Hall, Han Li took a detour, wandered around random streets, then discreetly returned to the palace.
After dismissing Luo Saga, Han Li collapsed onto his soft bed, facedown.
He closed his eyes and began organizing today's intel in his mind.
There were four key takeaways:
Dugu Bo had left two days ago likely retreating to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to suppress his poison.The Ye family's position was stable but not particularly strong Spirit Masters needed healers, after all.Moon Pavilion was thriving but Heaven Dou's imperial family was aware of Tang Yuehua's identity.Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's so called 'geniuses' were even weaker than he expected.
Conclusion: The plan remains unchanged, but minor adjustments may be needed depending on Dugu Bo's condition.
As for the Ye family?
Not worth his time.
He had bigger things to focus on.
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