Chapter 45: A Compliment from Afar, Qian Renxue's Determination
Inside the secret chamber beneath the Crown Prince's residence, Qian Renxue listened with surprise as Guang Ling spoke.
She was well aware that he had taken a disciple, and she had also received some intelligence on Han Li. Occasionally, even Qian Daoliu would mention him in letters.
But she had never expected Han Li to already reach Rank 20, surpassing even her expectations.
Compared to her own "twin martial soul sister", his talent was even more terrifying.
"Grandpa Guang Ling, if I remember correctly, isn't he only a little over seven years old? Not even eight yet?"
A strong sense of curiosity arose within her.
Qian Daoliu had written in his letters that Han Li would become her most valuable ally in the future, both in strength and intellect.
"Yes, seven years and five months." Guang Ling nodded. "But he's not just Rank 20 anymore he's already at Rank 23."
He smirked proudly and continued:
"Don't forget, he was the one who first discovered that whale glue could enhance a soul master's physical body in the early stages. And this time, he absorbed a 3,500 year soul ring. Even if his training slows down, he'll definitely reach Rank 30 by the time he's nine."
Hearing this, Qian Renxue nodded.
"That is indeed impressive. His level is already catching up to mine at that age."
Although she was praising him, her emotions remained calm.
Han Li was fast, yes, but at the same age, she had been even faster.
Guang Ling laughed heartily.
"If he ever manages to catch up to you, Xiaoxue, I'd wake up laughing in my sleep."
Even though Qian Renxue's wording was a little awkward, he understood that she had been born with Rank 20 innate soul power.
The fact that she even compared herself to Han Li showed just how highly she thought of him.
Seeing how pleased Guang Ling was, Qian Renxue smiled.
"In that case, I should find time to return to Spirit City and meet this 'Little Martial Uncle' of mine."
Hearing this, Guang Ling's eyes widened slightly.
"Huh? Didn't you already meet him this afternoon?"
Now, it was Qian Renxue's turn to be confused.
"This afternoon? No, I don't recall seeing him."
She furrowed her brows, scanning through her memories of the day.
"That can't be right," Guang Ling said, scratching his head.
"I was chatting with him before dinner. He said he visited Heaven Dou Imperial Academy this afternoon and met you and Ning Fengzhi's daughter. He even told me he admired the Crown Prince's persona."
Qian Renxue's eyes flickered with recognition.
Han Li? Heaven Dou Imperial Academy? Ning Rongrong? …Xiao Yan?!
With Guang Ling's reminder, her mind connected the dots.
"So it was him! No wonder I didn't recognize him."
She finally recalled the young man in black whom she had met at the academy gates.
She sighed and shook her head, feeling slightly exasperated.
"Grandpa Guang Ling, your disciple is… very cautious. When I asked for his name, he told me he was 'Xiao Yan' and acted as if he had sworn absolute loyalty to me."
Thinking back to how Han Li had played along so convincingly, she felt a little speechless.
She had often heard from Qian Daoliu that Han Li had an unconventional way of thinking.
But she hadn't expected him to lie about his identity right to her face and put on an act as if he were sincerely devoted to the Crown Prince.
Guang Ling felt a little embarrassed, rubbing his temple.
"Yeah, uh… Han Li does have a unique personality. I'll talk to him when I get back."
Still, as if trying to salvage the situation, he quickly added:
"But he did praise you highly. He called you… 'like jade upon the moor, a young master without peer.' He also said you carried yourself with an air of nobility and possessed the qualities of a ruler."
Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue paused.
Then, she smiled.
"Like jade upon the moor, a young master without peer… He has a good eye."
Even though Han Li had praised the persona she had crafted as Xue Qinghe, she still felt satisfied.
"If someone like him who is clearly very observant believes my disguise is flawless, then it means I have succeeded."
Han Li had lied to her, yes, but she could understand his reasoning.
He was in Heaven Dou City, after all, and naturally needed to be cautious.
So, for now, she wouldn't hold it against him.
However…
She planned to quietly alter the academy records.
Tomorrow, she would order the guards to erase all traces of Han Li's visit and officially register 'Xiao Yan' as the name he had used.
This way, even if someone investigated later, they wouldn't find anything suspicious.
As she thought about her plan, she felt strangely amused.
A Moment of Reflection
"Xiaoxue? Xiaoxue?"
Guang Ling waved a hand in front of her face.
Qian Renxue snapped out of her thoughts.
"Are you tired? I'll be in Heaven Dou for a few more days, so if you need rest, I can visit another time."
"No, I was just thinking. I'm fine, Grandpa Guang Ling."
She gave him a sweet smile.
Among all the Titled Douluo of the Elder Hall, aside from her grandfather, Guang Ling was the closest to her.
Although the others cared for her deeply, most of them were reserved and serious.
Only Guang Ling had ever snuck her out to play when she was younger.
That was why she had been so genuinely happy to see him tonight.
Unfortunately, now that she had grown up and was on a mission, she could no longer be as carefree as before.
Guang Ling sensed a trace of melancholy in her gaze and sighed deeply.
Then, he suddenly said:
"Xiaoxue, if there ever comes a day when you grow tired of this mission… just come home. No one will blame you."
"You were meant to shine like an angel."
"This mission isn't worth it."
Hearing this, Qian Renxue's breath caught in her throat.
Her eyes turned slightly red, but she quickly turned her back to him, hiding her emotions.
After a few moments, she smiled again and responded lightly:
"Don't worry, Grandpa Guang Ling. I can handle this."
"This was my father's final plan, and I won't abandon it so easily."
"Besides, I want to prove to that woman that this plan was never meaningless."
Seeing her resolve, Guang Ling sighed again.
There was no changing her mind.
So, he dropped the subject and shifted to lighter conversation.
The secret chamber soon filled with laughter, as if returning to simpler times.
They spoke all through the night, until morning light began to seep through the cracks.
Only then did Porcupinefish Douluo enter and remind them of the time.
Reluctantly, Qian Renxue walked Guang Ling to the door.
Although she hadn't slept all night, she looked more refreshed than before.
Her mood had clearly improved.
"Alright, Xiaoxue, take care of yourself."
"And remember no one will blame you if you choose to come home."
Qian Renxue smiled, but this time, she responded as Xue Qinghe:
"I understand, Worshipper Guang Ling."
Guang Ling sighed once more, pulled up his hood, and vanished into the early morning mist.
Standing in the courtyard, Qian Renxue watched him go.
Only after a long while did she return to the mansion, resuming her role as Heaven Dou's Crown Prince, with a new day ahead.
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