While Han Li remained focused on dispelling the corrosive forces, Guang Ling and Dugu Bo had already returned to Heaven Dou City.
"Are you coming with me, or should we set a time?" Dugu Bo turned his head to look at Guang Ling beside him.
All along the way, this Level 98 Super Douluo had been acting strangely. He no longer bantered with Dugu Bo, often wore a peculiar expression as he pondered something, and occasionally stared at Dugu Bo's back, which made him feel quite uneasy.
"Let's meet at five o'clock in the afternoon, here. We'll go together," Guang Ling replied straightforwardly after a moment of contemplation.
"Then I'm off. Don't back out at the last minute," Dugu Bo said, pointing towards the city gate, testing Guang Ling's resolve.
"Go, go, go. What's with you? If I don't threaten you, you can't get used to it, right?" Guang Ling glared at him, not out of particular animosity towards Dugu Bo, but because he generally held most people in contempt.
"Alright then, see you in the afternoon," Dugu Bo said as he headed straight for the city gate. It wasn't until he had walked a fair distance away that his voice echoed back.
"Okay, first I'll go to the Martial Soul Hall, give instructions to find the soul beasts that Xiao Li is looking for, and then have Salas contact Xiao Xue directly. Oh, and send a message to Wuhun City saying I've had some insights and will be staying here a bit longer. Perfect."
Ignoring Dugu Bo's departing figure, Guang Ling stood in place, pondering for a while before slowly walking towards the city gate.
After entering the city, Dugu Bo headed straight to his residence. Upon returning home, he found everything as usual. After asking a servant, he learned that Dugu Yan had not returned home during his absence. He then fetched some pre-collected medicinal herbs, left a brief message, and jauntily departed once more.
He initially planned to go straight to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, but recalling that Guang Ling had sent him out this morning to find green vegetables and wild fruits, he made a detour to a nearby shop.
Fifteen minutes later, he patted a pouch hanging from his waist, satisfied, and left the shop. Only then did he casually hail a carriage to head to Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Dugu Bo was a familiar face at Heaven Dou Academy, known by everyone as a doting grandfather fanatic.
The gate guard, upon smelling the familiar scent of medicinal herbs mixed with a faint, nearly imperceptible fishy odor, decisively let him in. He even gave a proud glance to a newly-appointed young guard beside him, as if showing off.
Indeed, Qian Renxue worked quickly; one of the two original guards had already been replaced.
The remaining guard had a canine-type soul beast as his martial soul, with the unique ability to recognize the scents of people he had previously encountered.
Yesterday, the guard by his side was inexplicably reassigned, and he had a hunch that the fool must have insisted on checking the credentials of some important person, offending them in the process. Unlike him, who instinctively memorized the scents of important figures and had never offended anyone or made mistakes.
Dugu Bo didn't pay attention to the gate guard's attitude. He was a regular visitor here, and even the three chief deans of the academy had to greet him politely. How could he remember such a minor character?
Calculating the time, he headed straight for the training ground of the Emperor Team.
Although Dugu Yan and the others were not participants in the most recent competition, the recent batches of contestants had been so mediocre that they lost the right to use the training ground. Currently, the academy's most talented individuals are receiving early training in preparation for the upcoming tournament.
As expected, as soon as Dugu Bo appeared at the edge of the training ground, he saw Dugu Yan resting nearby. Judging by her condition, she had just finished a round of training.
"Yanyan."
A smile involuntarily appeared on Dugu Bo's aged face.
"Grandpa, you're back."
Upon hearing the familiar voice, Dugu Yan turned her head and saw her grandfather standing at the edge of the training ground, smiling at her.
"Teacher, my grandpa is here. I'll go over for a moment. It won't affect the training."
Dugu Yan politely greeted Qin Ming, who had recently become her teacher.
"No problem, go ahead. It's break time now; you don't need to inform me."
Qin Ming smiled kindly in response. He hadn't been employed for long and becoming the teacher of the Emperor Team was both a surprise and a stroke of luck.
He had to admit that although these geniuses were arrogant, they were very polite, giving him a sense of fulfillment as a teacher.
Moreover, he was well aware that Dugu Yan's grandfather was the renowned Poison Douluo.
Both grandfather and granddaughter were restrained and did not violate teaching regulations, giving him basic respect, so he naturally had to reciprocate.
As Dugu Yan ran towards the old man, a sturdy boy with short hair in blue clothes couldn't help but turn back and sneak a few glances.
At the edge of the training ground, Dugu Yan threw herself into her grandfather's arms, nuzzling her head a few times before looking up with a pout.
"Grandpa, according to our agreed time, you're two days late. I'm mad at you. Have you thought about how to make it up to me?"
Seeing his granddaughter acting coy, Dugu Bo couldn't help but smile, ruffling her hair and gently coaxing, "Grandpa knows he was wrong. Yanyan, tell me, what compensation do you want? Grandpa will make it happen."
"Hmm, I can't think of anything right now. I'll tell you when I do."
Dugu Yan tilted her head slightly, hands behind her back, thought for a while, and then shook her head, choosing to save her wish for later.
"Alright, we'll do as you say. We'll keep it on hold for now."
Dugu Bo looked at his granddaughter with a loving smile.
Then, in an unguarded moment, he noticed Yu Tianheng sneaking glances in their direction. His face darkened slightly, and he snorted coldly.
Seeing her grandfather's change in expression, Dugu Yan curiously turned her head to follow his gaze. She caught Yu Tianheng's backward glance and immediately understood why her grandfather was upset.
"Alright, Grandpa, don't pay him any mind. Your granddaughter wouldn't fancy him. He's too indecisive and lacks even a bit of masculine courage." Dugu Yan cheerfully hugged Dugu Bo's arm and gave it a shake.
Hearing this, Dugu Bo's expression improved considerably.
To be honest, although he doted on his granddaughter, he didn't oppose her dating. After all, given Dugu Yan's age, she was considered an adult on the Douluo Continent.
What he didn't like was that this boy had seen him several times but always acted timidly, not even daring to come forward and greet him.
Despite being a genius of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan, he couldn't even look his prospective girlfriend's guardian in the eye. How could he achieve anything substantial?
Fortunately, Yanyan wasn't interested in him. But good girls often get pursued persistently. In the past, considering the boy had some backing, he thought that even if he died, the boy's clan could protect Yanyan to some extent.
But now, with Han Li as an example, forget Yu Tianheng and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan.
In terms of talent, strength, background, courage, and character, Han Li had them all beat. To be honest, he was no longer impressed with Yu Tianheng.
Seizing the opportunity, he decided to subtly hint to Yanyan.
Knowing his granddaughter well, he was certain she would be interested in Han Li. If things went smoothly between them without his interference, wouldn't that be even better?
Guang Ling, you old fool, just wait until you have to call me uncle! Dugu Bo couldn't help but reveal a smug smile.
Thinking this, Dugu Bo eagerly set up a soul power shield around himself and Dugu Yan, not caring that they were still at the edge of the training ground. The two began to converse in low tones.
It wasn't until the other members of the Emperor Team resumed their training that the soul power shield around them dissipated.
"Yanyan, you go back to training. I'll wait for you nearby, and we can go home for lunch together."
Dugu Bo was very measured. He only mentioned things he could disclose, saying just enough to pique his granddaughter's curiosity.
"Alright, Grandpa, just wait for me a bit longer. The morning training is almost over."
Dugu Yan had just gotten to the interesting part when her grandfather abruptly changed the topic, leaving her feeling unfulfilled. But seeing that the soul power shield was gone, she dutifully returned to the training ground.
As for the effect, during the subsequent training, Dugu Yan frequently got distracted, often glancing towards Dugu Bo at the edge of the field.
Meanwhile, the other team members, motivated by the presence of a Title Douluo, were putting in extra effort. The contrast was stark, and their coordination was a mess, making Qin Ming sigh helplessly and eventually call off the training.
"Alright, let's end the morning training here. This way, we won't achieve anything. I'll decide to give you all a break today, but you absolutely can't be like this tomorrow, understood?"
Hearing Qin Ming's words, Dugu Yan blushed slightly and lowered her head. She knew that her performance and her grandfather's presence had affected the others. She couldn't help but complain inwardly: once they got home for lunch, she was going to give her grandfather a piece of her mind and pull his beard. He really shouldn't have left his words half-said, causing her to keep getting distracted.
After everyone responded in unison, the training session ended early.
Dugu Yan greeted her teammates and then headed straight for her grandfather at the edge of the field. Under the watchful eyes of the others, she left Heaven Dou Imperial Academy with him.
Meanwhile, Guang Ling returned to the Heaven Dou Martial Soul Hall branch and immediately sought out Salas to relay Han Li's requests. As Salas discreetly observed the changes in him, Guang Ling also handed over two other tasks before heading to the Spirit Hall's cafeteria.
This time, Han Li needed at least ten days to recover, plus additional time to handle subsequent matters, so it wouldn't be a short period.
Although there was no shortage of medicinal herbs for now, food still needed to be prepared. He decided it was better to take ready-made food or have others prepare it to avoid affecting Han Li's recovery.
He hadn't forgotten that Han Li wouldn't have had to waste this time if it weren't for helping him break through. As his master, Guang Ling couldn't do much, but he could certainly handle the logistics during this period.
Guang Ling thought this and acted accordingly.
Without further ado, he took the bishop's token he had just received from Salas and unceremoniously instructed the kitchen staff to pack a large variety of ingredients. He also had them prepare a few tables of ready-made dishes before returning to his room to wait.
Salas was always efficient, and it seemed there was nothing urgent on Qian Renxue's end either.
Within just an hour, Salas brought news that everything had been arranged. Guang Ling could proceed whenever he was ready, as long as he carefully followed the planned route for infiltration.
Satisfied, Guang Ling patted Salas on the shoulder, indicating he should continue to work diligently. He then recited a bunch of nonsense he had learned from Han Li, packed the prepared items, and disappeared from the Spirit Hall.
On Salas's end, after receiving Guang Ling's feedback, he happily instructed the staff at the Heaven Dou City Spirit Hall to expedite the search for the soul beasts Han Li needed.
As for Guang Ling, after leaving the Spirit Hall, he followed the plan, donned a new disguise, and effortlessly entered the Crown Prince's residence in broad daylight. He couldn't help but marvel at how incompetent the Heaven Dou Empire was.
Inside the main residence of the Crown Prince's mansion, in a secret room.
Qian Renxue, once again in her female form, happily welcomed Guang Ling inside.
Although she didn't know why Guang Ling had returned just two days after his last visit, she was still very pleased.
"Grandpa Guang Ling, weren't you supposed to take Han Li around the area? Did something unexpected happen?"
Since Salas's message hadn't mentioned Guang Ling's departure, Qian Renxue speculated.
"Unexpected? You could say that, but it's more of a pleasant surprise."
Guang Ling teased, and when Qian Renxue couldn't help but ask, he finally smiled and replied.
"A surprise? What kind of surprise?"
Qian Renxue glanced at Guang Ling, who was deliberately teasing her, but she didn't spoil the fun and played along.
"Does my breakthrough to level 98 count as a surprise?"
Guang Ling straightened his chest and said proudly.
"You broke through? Of course, it counts! Congratulations, Grandpa Guang Ling!"
Qian Renxue was initially stunned but immediately offered her congratulations.
"Wait, didn't you just break through to level 97 a year ago? How did it happen so quickly?"
After congratulating him, Qian Renxue realized the oddity and asked instinctively.
"Hahaha, it seems you noticed too, Xiaoxue. There's a good reason for my rapid breakthrough."
Guang Ling then took off his hood and winked at Qian Renxue.
"What reason? Hey, Grandpa Guang Ling, your face... and your left eye can open freely now? This..."
Qian Renxue paused mid-sentence as she noticed the clear skin around Guang Ling's left eye.
"How's that? Xiaoxue, am I even more handsome now?" Guang Ling said, flauntingly.
Qian Renxue, long accustomed to Guang Ling's manner of speaking, rolled her eyes gracefully and left him to savor his own words.
"Alright, Xiaoxue, no more joking."
Guang Ling put away his smile, his expression turning serious.
"The reason I could break through and my eye could recover is all thanks to my disciple."
Qian Renxue blinked but remained silent, continuing to listen attentively.
"While I was with him, um, exploring, we found a treasure trove. In it, we discovered some rare heavenly materials and earthly treasures, specifically immortal herbs. You might have heard of them; Chrysanthemum Douluo used to love collecting related records."
Qian Renxue frowned in thought before speaking uncertainly, "I think I've heard of them. Chrysanthemum Douluo's martial soul is one of them, right? I don't know much beyond that."
Guang Ling nodded in agreement and continued, "Yes, exactly. Coincidentally, Han Li, that kid, is fond of these plants. Recently, he even exchanged records with Chrysanthemum Douluo."
At the mention of "exchange," Guang Ling paused, seemingly recalling past events, but he soon continued.
"By chance, the treasure trove had suitable immortal herbs for both him and me. After consuming them, not only did I successfully break through, but my left eye's spirit bone also healed. Moreover, my martial soul grew stronger."
Guang Ling's smile was impossible to conceal as he spoke.
"Mhm."
Qian Renxue nodded lightly, not probing further, knowing Guang Ling had more to share.
Not getting the reaction he expected, Guang Ling cleared his throat, suppressing the unusual look in his eyes, and turned his gaze back to Qian Renxue.
"You know, Han Li has been filial since he was a child."
Guang Ling's expression was very serious. Qian Renxue thought about Han Li's actions in the intelligence report and nodded, as it seemed to fit.
"So, I mentioned that I have a junior who needs a fire-attributed celestial herb, you understand."
Guang Ling gave Qian Renxue a meaningful look and continued, "Then he decisively picked out the best one and had me bring it to you as a gift. Of course, I didn't tell him your identity, not even whether you were male or female."
"He just gave it to you like that? And said it was a gift for me?"
Qian Renxue widened her eyes, seemingly in disbelief. Although she had a vague concept of what immortal herbs were, anything that could help someone like Guang Ling, a Super Douluo, breakthrough certainly wouldn't be ordinary. Even her grandfather couldn't do that.
This, this was so different from the description in the intelligence report. She couldn't help but feel intrigued about meeting this "little martial uncle."
"Yes, I told you, Xiao Li is very generous with his people. As soon as I mentioned it, he gave it to me and even asked me to convey his regards to you."
Guang Ling raised his chin slightly and retorted without hesitation.
He was telling the truth, so he wasn't afraid of Qian Renxue noticing anything unusual.
However, the herb wasn't exactly given out of Han Li's own volition. But between master and disciple, one could say they were as one. Guang Ling reassured himself in his heart.
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