Dugu Yan's footsteps faltered. Xiao Tian's words echoed in her ears: "You are deeply poisoned. Your hair was not always this color… ask your grandfather."
Her brow furrowed.
"What's wrong, Yanyan?" Yu Tianheng ventured carefully, eyes studying her. Since the duel he had been desperately attentive. After his proud arrogance before, Dugu Yan barely granted him a word on the road; his gut told him her impression of him had soured.
She shook her head quickly, eyes distant. "Nothing. Let's go."
But inside, turmoil raged. She clearly remembered her childhood hair — a lighter, purer shade before it slowly darkened into this odd green tint. Could Xiao Tian be right? Poison embedded in her blood since birth? Then why had she never felt symptoms?
When I return… I must ask grandfather Dugu Bo directly.
That Night — Within the Prince's Hall of Tiandou Palace
In golden candlelight, the disguised Crown Prince "Xue Qinghe" sat reviewing scrolls. The soft flicker revealed the flawless youth's face. In truth: Qian Renxue, angel blood within her veins, playing her deadly role.
She lowered her brush, golden eyes narrowing.
"Uncle Snake Spear. Did you say… his name is Xiao Tian? Only twelve years old? And all four rings… thousand‑year?"
Snake Spear Douluo's voice was respectful but steady. "Indeed, Young Master. Furthermore, his swordsmanship talent… in my old eyes, perhaps only Chen Xin equals him. No—he may even surpass Sword Douluo."
Qian Renxue's hand trembled subtly. Greater sharpness than Chen Xin? At twelve years old? First spirit ring already beyond one thousand years? Is such against the heavens?
Snake Spear continued, "Seven Treasures Sect already tried recruiting. Jian Douluo even wished to take him as disciple. Xiao Tian refused both. Yet Sword Douluo still stayed friendly."
A rare smile ghosted upon Qian Renxue's lips. "Refused? To turn away the continent's richest clan and the famed Sword Douluo… either arrogance beyond reason, or confidence as deep as seas. Interesting."
Thorny Porpoise Douluo stepped forward. "Young Master… then shall we notify Spirit Hall? Bring him into His Holiness's plans?"
But Qian Renxue's voice cracked like thunder, resolute:
"No! You are not to send his name to Spirit Hall. Not a whisper. Block it at all costs. I forbid any information to reach Bibi Dong. If possible, conceal it even until the Continental Soul Master Tournament."
Her gold eyes burned, unyielding. "Xiao Tian… I want him to be mine."
Snake Spear and Thorny Porpoise exchanged helpless glances. They knew instantly what lay behind her tone. Qian Renxue didn't just mean "ally of Spirit Hall." She wanted him for herself—as her retainer, her blade, even her partner—loyal not to Bibi Dong, but to her, the heir of Qian bloodline.
Between Qian Daoliu and Bibi Dong already lay cracks that split heaven. They, as Douluo Palace protectors, belonged to the old line. To favor the Young Master's decision was only natural.
But still—they grimaced.
Tiandou City was full of hidden Spirit Hall shadows. To block news indefinitely would be no easy feat.
Qian Renxue's voice softened slightly. "First, stabilize Bishop Sarath of Tiandou's branch. He belongs to Bibi Dong… so tread carefully. You cannot kill him, but keep his eyes away from Xiao Tian. Delay reports."
Both men bowed. "Yes, Young Master."
She tapped her brush. "Also—pay attention tomorrow. Xiao Tian enters Tiandou Royal Academy. Keep that wastrel clown Xue Beng away from him. If Xiao Tian meets that idiot, he'll despise our Academy. That will hinder recruitment, and I will not allow such."
Her voice rang final.
Because soon… she would approach him not as Qian Renxue, but as the gentle, flawless Prince Xue Qinghe. For that first impression—no mistakes allowed.
Early the Next Morning — Outside Tiandou Academy
The morning held a rare brilliance. What surprised Xiao Tian upon stepping from his inn was not just Sword Douluo who came to escort him—but Ning Fengzhi, robed and smiling, and alongside him, the elegant Gu Rong.
"Father! Grandpa Gu!" Ning Rongrong sprang forward, her childish mask vanishing in affection. She crashed into their arms, laughter bright.
The two elders hugged her, eyes brimming warmth. At once, father and guardian noticed—something had changed about their little princess.
Chen Xin had already told them the tales of recent months—Shrek's rot, Flender's hypocrisy, Tang San's jealousy. How Xiao Tian sheltered their daughter, how she'd grown sharper and steadier under his wing.
Ning Fengzhi's heart swelled. Perhaps letting her run free indeed bore fruit. She is maturing more than years of pampered safety ever gave.
As for Flender being beaten by Jian Douluo? Fengzhi coldly smiled. He deserved worse for offending our precious girl. If only Uncle Jian hadn't shown restraint…
Fengzhi turned warmly toward Xiao Tian. "You must be Xiao Tian. Thank you… for taking such good care of my unruly daughter."
Xiao Tian inclined his head politely. "Sect Master Ning, you give me too much credit. Rongrong is lively, but also considerate. I merely encouraged her to weigh safety. She is a support‑type spirit master; when venturing, caution benefits her most. To use her skills stealthily, taking advantage of terrain—that's her true strength."
Fengzhi's pupils brightened. Not boasting, not arrogance. Analysis. Just as Jian Douluo described—this boy thought far beyond his years.
For a flicker, Fengzhi sighed in heart. If he were to be my son‑in‑law, how perfect… but he already guards Xiao Wu as lover. Pity indeed.
Rongrong crossed her arms, muttering, "Father, how could I be naughty? You scold me as soon as we meet. Hmph!"
Fengzhi chuckled. "Alright, alright. We came ourselves today, not just to see you. We shall bring you to the Academy. With us here, no noble child will dare object to Xiao Tian's admission."
At the Gates of Tiandou Royal Academy
Stone lions rose proudly. Golden banners swayed. Even Xiao Wu's eyes widened, breath stolen.
"Wow! This is the Royal Academy? Compared to this, Shrek was a… chicken coop! Too amazing!"
Her innocence made Zhu Zhuqing twitch her lips almost into a smile.
Rongrong grinned smug. "This is the Imperial Academy. Combat ranks may not be absolute top, but its resources, grounds, spiritual arenas surpass all. It is the Empire's treasure school." She lowered her voice. "… But careful saying so aloud."
As they admired the massive gates, a silk‑robed youth swaggered forward. His face was handsome in selfish way, his eyes arrogant, though at the sight of Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, and Gu Rong together, he stiffened.
Today was unusual—three titans of Seven Treasures appearing at once in the Academy? And a group of unknown younglings behind?
Suppressing his dandy flair, he shuffled quickly to bow with a false smile. "Master Ning, Master Bone Douluo, Master Sword Douluo… forgive me. What brings you here in person this morning?"
It was the infamous prince wastrel—Xue Beng.
Qian Renxue's warning echoed unseen, though not in his heart. Trouble had arrived exactly on schedule.
Xiao Tian's eyes cooled. He could already sense the irritation rising.
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