Early the next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains as Yunxiao slowly woke up.
He glanced at Qian Renxue in his arms, who was already awake, quietly gazing up at him.
Her eyes shimmered like a pool of autumn water, filled with tenderness and affection.
Yunxiao gently ruffled Qian Renxue's disheveled golden hair before speaking softly.
"Xiao Xue, why are you up so early? You should sleep a bit longer."
Sniffing Yunxiao's scent, Qian Renxue lazily nestled deeper into his embrace, her voice soft and drowsy.
"Over the years in the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace, I've grown accustomed to waking up early."
Hearing her response, Yunxiao felt a pang of heartache.
After all, behind the word "habit" lay countless days and nights of hard work.
After a moment of intimacy, Qian Renxue asked about Yunxiao's plans.
"Yunxiao, what are your plans after this?"
"In a while, once the Heaven Dou Royal Academy team has completed their training, I'll take them back to Heaven Dou City."
"Heaven Dou City…"
Yunxiao murmured softly, but upon seeing the expectant look in Qian Renxue's eyes, he continued.
"Well, since I have nothing else to do, I'll go to Heaven Dou City with you."
Speaking of Heaven Dou City, Yunxiao felt a spark of interest.
After all, according to the original story, Heaven Dou City of the Heaven Dou Empire was the central stage that spanned the entire narrative.
Setting aside the Heaven Dou Imperial family and the numerous Soul Douluo clans and sects, two of the Upper Three Sects of the Douluo Continent—the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—were both located near Heaven Dou City.
Of course, these weren't the most important aspects.
When it came to Heaven Dou City, one couldn't help but mention the Titled Douluo known as "Blind-Eyed Douluo," Dugu Bo, the gatekeeper of the city.
"Xiao Xue, when we return to Heaven Dou City, I'll give you a gift."
Thinking of Dugu Bo, Yunxiao naturally recalled his garden in the Sunset Forest.
After all, something as valuable as the Yin Yang Well of Ice and Fire shouldn't go to waste.
"Oh, you're going to give me a gift?"
Seeing Yunxiao's mysterious demeanor, Qian Renxue's curiosity was piqued.
Though she was very curious, the rational Qian Renxue didn't press for details about the gift, instead quietly looking forward to it.
After another moment of intimacy, the two got up and freshened up.
Once they tidied up the hotel room, Qian Renxue activated her Soul Power.
She directly used her Angel Head Soul Bone Ability, and a soft light enveloped her body.
As the light shimmered, her appearance began to change, transforming from her tall and coldly beautiful form.
In the blink of an eye, she took on the appearance of the Heaven Dou Empire's Crown Prince, "Xue Qinghe."
His gentle, jade-like demeanor and scholarly air were a stark contrast to Qian Renxue's previous appearance.
"Wow, Xiao Xue, your Angel Head Soul Bone Ability is impressive."
"Even with my Titled Douluo strength, I can't see through your true identity."
Walking around Qian Renxue, who had transformed into "Xue Qinghe," Yunxiao marveled.
"This Angel Head Soul Bone is a treasured heirloom of my Angel Clan."
"The ability to disguise myself is just the tip of the iceberg."
Hearing Yunxiao's praise, Qian Renxue slightly lifted her chin, a hint of pride flashing in her eyes.
With light steps and graceful movements, she already carried herself with the demeanor of "Xue Qinghe."
"Alright, Yunxiao, let's go."
"It's about time. Let's go have lunch."
With that, Qian Renxue led Yunxiao out of the hotel room.
Under Qian Renxue's familiar guidance, the two quickly arrived at a private room on the second floor of the Seven Treasures Glazed Hotel.
Upon entering the private room, the first thing that caught their eyes was the luxurious and elegant atmosphere.
"The Seven Treasures Glazed Sect is truly wealthy. Even a branch is so extravagantly decorated."
Yunxiao muttered a few words to himself, unable to help but marvel.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Sect was not only one of the Upper Three Sects but also the wealthiest sect on the Douluo Continent.
It could be said that they had a hand in every industry.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to extend their business to every corner of the Douluo Continent.
From forging materials to the sale of spirit beast meat, as well as the trade of precious medicinal resources.
Even the high-end luxury goods business among the nobility—everywhere had the presence of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect.
Seeing the delicious dishes laid out on the table, Yunxiao finally snapped out of his thoughts.
Then, Yunxiao and Qian Renxue happily began to enjoy the feast spread before them.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
In the dean's office of Shrek Academy.
Flender's face was dark, filled with murderous intent.
"Oscar, tell me, what happened to Hongjun?"
Thinking of Ma Hongjun's horrifying condition, Oscar's Adam's apple involuntarily bobbed up and down.
He licked his dry lips, thought for a moment, and then spoke.
"Dean, I don't know what happened either!"
"Last night, I went out to have fun with Fatty."
"But when I found him, he was self-harming."
"After a lot of struggle, I couldn't stop him from hurting himself."
"In the end, I had no choice but to tie him up with a rope and bring him back."
After speaking, Oscar slightly lowered his head, a look of helplessness and guilt on his face, secretly observing Flender's reaction.
Before Flender could say anything, the door was pushed open.
Seeing that the newcomer was Zhao Wuji, who was bruised and battered, Flender dismissed Oscar and quickly asked.
"Old Zhao, how is Hongjun now?"
Hearing Flender's question, Zhao Wuji plopped down on a wooden chair.
After gulping down the tea on the table, he finally spoke.
"Hongjun's life is saved, but he can only live as an ordinary person from now on."
Then, Zhao Wuji informed Flender about the treatment process.
His Martial Soul was destroyed, his Soul Power was gone.
His tendons were severed, and his tongue was cut off.
As Zhao Wuji recounted, Flender's body swayed, and the color drained from his face, leaving it pale.
After a moment, Flender gritted his teeth, his face twisted with rage, and he asked word by word.
"Old Zhao, have you found out anything about who harmed Hongjun?"
"Sigh, Flender, you should give up on the idea of avenging Hongjun!"
"What happened to Hongjun involves a Titled Douluo!"
"And not just any Titled Douluo."
"But one with a Soul Ring configuration of eight black and one red!"
At this, a flash of fear and helplessness crossed Zhao Wuji's eyes.
Not long ago, a Titled Douluo named Tang Hao from the Clear Sky School had appeared.
Then, he had beaten Zhao Wuji until he was bruised and battered.
Now, in this small city of Suotuo, another Titled Douluo with a soul ring configuration of eight black and one red had emerged.
It was clear that the latter was even more terrifying than Tang Hao, the Titled Douluo of the Clear Sky School.
"A... Titled Douluo...?"
"And a Titled Douluo with a soul ring configuration of eight black and one red?"
Upon hearing Zhao Wuji's words, Flender trembled and reached out to steady himself by holding onto the nearby table, barely managing to keep his balance.
(End of Chapter)