Dugu Yan's willow-like brows furrowed slightly, a complex look flashing in her eyes.
"Lu Feng, do you know what her real identity is?"
"She is the fourth young miss of the Star Luo Zhu Family, and also a competitor for the next Star Luo throne."
"The Star Luo succession is extremely cruel. They select two pairs, a man and a woman each. In the end, only one pair can survive to inherit the positions of Emperor and Empress."
After leaving Suotuo City, Dugu Yan had someone investigate Zhu Zhuqing.
In the small Suotuo City, in an ordinary intermediate academy, the simultaneous appearance of a White Tiger Martial Soul and a Netherworld Civet Martial Soul was hard not to notice.
The results of the investigation astonished Dugu Yan. Zhu Zhuqing's background was not a strong support, but rather, it represented endless trouble.
Lu Feng is provoking this kind of woman, cuckolding the future emperor?
Isn't this just slapping the Star Luo Imperial Family in the face?
Most importantly, Zhu Zhuqing was only twelve or thirteen, yet her soul power level had already surpassed that of a Soul Elder. Such stunning talent made Dugu Yan feel inferior.
At the same time, this also meant that countless pairs of eyes were definitely staring at Zhu Zhuqing. And Lu Feng... had probably long since become a thorn in the side of the Star Luo Imperial Family.
Dugu Yan leaned forward slightly, a faint anger in her eyes, her bright red lips parting slightly. "Lu Feng, that woman is dangerous. You are simply playing with fire."
Lu Feng listened, the corners of his mouth tilting up slightly, revealing a faint smile.
Dugu Yan's first reaction was to worry about him, not to be baselessly jealous. This kindness made his heart stir with a trace of emotion. If it were anyone else, they might have been crying and making a scene long ago.
However, Lu Feng wasn't worried about what she said.
The specific details of the Star Luo imperial succession system were not known to outsiders, so it wasn't surprising that Dugu Yan had such worries.
Besides, Zhu Zhuqing's talent had only truly shown itself after she arrived in Suotuo City. In the eyes of Davis and Zhu Zhuyun, she was just a 'weakling' who was hardworking but lacked talent.
Otherwise, the moment the Netherworld White Tiger appeared, Lu Feng and Zhu Zhuqing would have had people knocking on their door.
Lu Feng took a deep breath. After a moment of silence, he slowly said, "About Zhu Zhuqing... I've actually been wanting to find a chance to talk to you about her."
Dugu Yan shot him a glare, her tone carrying a hint of stubbornness and nonchalance. "I'm not an unreasonable person. If you're planning to give me that 'the strong are supreme, three wives and four concubines' speech, then don't bother."
Although she said this, Dugu Yan's heart was not so calm.
If it weren't for Zhu Zhuqing's outstanding talent and rather pretty face, how could she tolerate some random woman coming to steal her man?
However, seeing that Lu Feng was willing to bring this up, she forcibly suppressed her emotions, calmed herself, and quietly waited for his explanation.
Lu Feng smiled slightly. It has come to this, so I can only be honest. Whether I stick my neck out or pull it in, I'm going to get 'stabbed' either way.
He carefully chose his words, recounting Zhu Zhuqing's background, her marriage entanglement with Dai Mubai, the rupture with her sister, and her experience of fleeing the Star Luo Empire.
"Yan Yan, you were born into nobility, protected by your Titled Douluo grandfather. You've been held in the palm of everyone's hand since you were young, showered with affection."
Lu Feng's gaze was gentle as he stared into Dugu Yan's eyes. "The suffering Zhuqing has endured... you don't need to experience it. You two are different, but in my heart, you both hold the same weight."
Lu Feng's tone carried a trace of honest confession. "I admit, I may be a bit greedy, fantasizing about having both. Just as I did everything in my power to help you and Senior Dugu treat the snake venom, in my eyes, Zhuqing is also a victim of her family. I want to help her escape her sea of bitterness just the same."
"For you two, I have racked my brains. And for Zhuqing, I will spare no effort."
Dugu Yan's expression softened slightly, but she still carried a trace of suspicion. "Hmph, then why couldn't you tell me earlier? You had to wait until I 'caught you' before telling me all this."
"Are there any others? I heard you stayed at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan for a month. How was it? Dazzled by the glamorous world, were you?"
Lu Feng quickly waved his hands, his expression serious, his tone firm. "Absolutely not. Other people, like Ning Rongrong, she's just my friend."
"Their talent is outstanding. They might become our allies in the future. There will always be a day when they can be useful."
This part wasn't a lie. Although Lu Feng had been to many places and met all sorts of people, most of it was just an act.
Especially when interacting with Ning Fengzhi, he had always maintained his distance.
Having lived two lives, Lu Feng had one principle: When talking about money, never mix in the slightest trace of emotion.
Dugu Yan crossed her arms, the corners of her mouth tilting up slightly, carrying a hint of playfulness and smugness. "Hmph, seeing as you've explained with such sincerity, I will graciously forgive you. Little Feng, this Queen is hungry. Go prepare something to eat."
Hearing this, several dark lines instantly appeared on Lu Feng's forehead.
This girl is really pushing her luck.
Nope, I have to re-establish my husbandly authority tonight.
His eyes darted, and a wicked smile appeared on his face. "Yan Yan, I have a 'big treasure'. Do you want to see it?"
"What?" Dugu Yan shot him a sidelong glance, snorted, and was full of vigilance.
"A long, thick 'big treasure'. I guarantee you'll like it as soon as you see it," Lu Feng smiled even more cunningly, deliberately keeping her in suspense.
Hearing this, Dugu Yan was first stunned, then quickly reacted. Her face instantly turned crimson.
She was no innocent little girl. Seeing Lu Feng's wicked smile, she subconsciously took a step back.
But very quickly, her expression sharpened. She licked her alluring red lips, a trace of provocation flashing in her eyes. "Alright, pull out your 'treasure' and let me see it. Let's see if this Queen can bite it off in one go."
"Oh? So that's how you like it, Yan Yan?" The curve on Lu Feng's lips deepened, becoming even more mischievous.
The next second, a soul bone gleaming with an earthy-yellow luster appeared in his hand. "Yan Yan, please begin your performance."
"Ah?" Dugu Yan was stunned. She looked at the soul bone in front of her, her face full of confusion. "What is this?"
Lu Feng chuckled. "A soul bone. See? It's long and round. This is an eight-thousand-year Pangolin's External Soul Bone. Its skill is probably soul power storage, and it can also cause an explosion."
"This... an External Soul Bone!" Dugu Yan covered her small mouth, unable to hold back a gasp.
As a Titled Douluo's granddaughter, she naturally knew how precious soul bones were.
Every soul bone was priceless, especially those at the ten-thousand-year level. And External Soul Bones were even more priceless, items that would absolutely never circulate on the market.
An eight-thousand-year External Soul Bone was enough to start a war between duchies.
"That's right. Your body has been conditioned by medicinal pills and is strong enough. Besides transferring the snake venom to a weapon, transferring it to a soul bone isn't hard either, especially an External Soul Bone..."
Before Lu Feng could finish his sentence, his vision suddenly blurred, and two soft lips pressed against his.
After a long time, the two slowly separated.
Dugu Yan looked at Lu Feng, her eyes shining with a strange light. She said petulantly, "Little Feng, that is your reward from this Queen."
The night deepened. The starlight was brilliant, like fine diamonds scattered across the night sky.
Lu Feng looked at Dugu Yan, who was sitting cross-legged under the moonlight, his eyes full of tender affection.
Just then, a slightly old but vigorous voice drifted over. "Kid, how is Yan Yan?"