The journey went as smoothly as usual.
A dozen days later, they arrived at Heaven Dou City without a hitch.
Then, a commotion ensued.
Dugu Bo was quite well-known in Heaven Dou Imperial City and its surroundings, especially after his martial soul mutated again for some unknown reason a few years back, making him younger.
In the past, the guards of Heaven Dou City often saw him at various events with Prince Xue Xing, and their relationship was quite close.
But now, he was driving a carriage for someone else, and the carriage was marked with the symbol of the Spirit Hall. What this meant was obvious to anyone with a brain.
Had the Poison Douluo defected?
This was the thought that arose in the guards' minds upon seeing this scene for the first time, but they quickly dismissed it.
The Spirit Hall was not an empire, so it didn't seem problematic for a Titled Douluo to join it, did it? In any case, the guard felt something was off and immediately reported the news.
The nobles on the streets who recognized Dugu Bo had the same thoughts as the guards. However, unlike the guards, they indeed saw this as a betrayal but dared not say anything.
Did they truly think the Poison Douluo's poison was not fearsome?
They knew very well that as long as Dugu Bo didn't kill them on the spot, even if he killed their entire family afterward, the empire would pretend nothing had happened.
After all, with no Titled Douluo in Heaven Dou and the need for mediation with Star Luo, they still relied on the Spirit Hall.
Moreover, who would dare to discuss a Titled Douluo capable of poisoning an entire army? Were they prepared to become traitors to the empire?
Thus, the bustling streets of Heaven Dou City first experienced an uproar, then fell silent. Dugu Bo, with an unchanged expression, drove the carriage to the front of the Spirit Hall in Heaven Dou City and opened the carriage door.
Then, under everyone's watchful eyes, Han Li led Dugu Yan out of the carriage, respectfully called Dugu Bo "Grandfather," and entered the Spirit Hall with a few others.
At this moment, he was no longer wearing his usual black clothing but had changed into a platinum ceremonial robe. Besides the Spirit Hall's emblem, his chest was embroidered with a two-colored bow and arrow.
Upon seeing his attire and the bow and arrow emblem on his chest, people suddenly recalled events from a few years ago, and distant memories flashed back into their minds.
The Holy Son of the Spirit Hall, Han Li.
The Holy Son of the Spirit Hall had finally appeared!
Dugu Bo had joined the Spirit Hall, and his granddaughter Dugu Yan had a close relationship with the Holy Son.
This explosive news spread throughout Heaven Dou City within half a day, and people began to discuss it fervently.
Some fearless busybodies even secretly speculated whether Dugu Bo had joined the Spirit Hall first or if he was forced to join because of his granddaughter.
The Titled Douluo driving the carriage, Dugu Bo and Han Li, the newly revealed Holy Son of the Spirit Hall, were indeed being treated with great importance.
Inside the Spirit Hall, Salas, with a somewhat complex expression, saluted Han Li.
More than four years ago, he regarded Han Li as a junior, but now he had to bow in greeting.
However, he had already prepared for this. Although he wasn't in Wuhun City at the time, his family had relayed the details of that competition back then. He also learned that the Green Shadow Godly Eagle was originally intended for Han Li.
Moreover, not long after, Han Li was directly conferred the title of Holy Son of the Spirit Hall.
Now, he couldn't even sense Han Li's aura at all. Any attempt to probe made him feel an extreme sense of danger.
Frankly, he organized a bunch of events for Guang Ling, only to be discarded afterward. Guang Ling didn't even bother to pretend to care.
If he had known earlier, he would have directly shown goodwill to Han Li.
The crucial part was that afterward, he was reprimanded by Bibi Dong, asking why he hadn't reported the Green Shadow Godly Eagle incident, leaving him speechless. How could he have predicted the third ring would be nearly twenty thousand years old?
"Your Highness, the Holy Son, I have received a message from Wuhun City. May I ask when you plan to make contact with the Heaven Dou side?"
Salas suppressed his thoughts and asked respectfully.
"Bishop Salas, there's no need for such formality. We are somewhat acquainted."
Han Li replied in a neutral tone, then continued, "We just arrived today, so let's leave it for tomorrow. Please make the arrangements for an official meeting tomorrow."
"Yes, Your Highness, the Holy Son."
Salas responded. He originally wanted to build a relationship with Han Li but noticed Dugu Bo turning to look at him, seemingly asking why he hadn't left yet.
Salas cursed inwardly. He had dealt with Dugu Bo many times and had no choice but to abandon his plan, turning to leave and make the arrangements for tomorrow.
Once Salas's figure disappeared, Dugu Bo looked at Han Li and said, "That Salas is not a good person. Just handle official matters with him; there's no need to get involved."
"Your wisdom is unparalleled. I don't plan to get involved with him either."
Han Li smiled and adjusted his clothes uncomfortably. He rarely wore ceremonial robes and found them constricting.
Dugu Bo laughed at his actions and then glanced at the alarmingly large number of guards around.
"How about going home to stay? We've completed all the formalities, so it doesn't matter if we're not at the Spirit Hall."
Dugu Yan also looked at Han Li with anticipation but did not speak.
Han Li thought for a moment and then shook his head:
"Better not. You take Sister Yan and the others back. I'll stay here. After all, I am the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall."
"When I show up, who knows how many eyes will be watching. If I go to your place, you might not get any peace either."
"Alright, you have a point."
Dugu Bo pouted, clearly a bit uncomfortable himself.
"However, if anyone follows you there, feel free to kill them. That area is beyond the Spirit Hall's jurisdiction."
Han Li smiled as he responded, offering a suggestion and indicating his stance.
"Well, that's fine then. I have to admit, you're quite cunning. It wouldn't surprise me if you deliberately let these people come to me to deal with."
Dugu Bo shook his head, clicking his tongue.
"A Titled Douluo cannot be insulted. Since you've joined the Spirit Hall, there will always be some fools who want to test you. A little deterrence might save trouble in the future."
Han Li said calmly.
"Alright, I'll take the three of them home then. I'll come find you tomorrow."
Dugu Bo, not one for unnecessary words, turned to leave immediately.
"Yes, just follow me tomorrow."
"As for Sister Yan and the others, we agreed earlier that they wouldn't be involved in this matter. They need to find Ye Lingling. I'll have Salas send some guards, though they don't need any."
Han Li glanced at the three women beside him and mentioned what had already been agreed upon.
"Do as you wish. Just consider me a bodyguard."
Dugu Bo, indifferent to such occasions, replied nonchalantly.
"Alright, see you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow."
Dugu Bo led the three women out, leaving Han Li alone in the hall, lost in thought.
That night, Han Li didn't inquire about the situation on Dugu Bo's side.
In any case, when he saw Dugu Bo the next day, he found him in quite a good mood.
Salas was always efficient in handling matters, so Han Li didn't need to worry about that.
According to the itinerary Salas delivered, Han Li and Dugu Bo headed towards the Heaven Dou Palace together.
Xue Ye was in good spirits, and the blend of majesty and kindness in him was just right.
After exchanging greetings, one praised the other for being young and promising, urging him to visit home often, while the other praised His Majesty's excellent governance, declaring that Nuoding City would always be his home.
Neither mentioned anything about Dugu Bo, Star Luo, or the Spirit Hall, chatting casually like an elder and a junior.
As the conversation progressed, Xue Ye even recalled the details of handling Han Li's parents' affairs back then, squeezing out two tears.
Han Li also bowed his head, wearing a sorrowful expression.
It wasn't until Xue Qinghe stepped forward and invited Han Li to tour the royal city that they both emerged from their sorrowful emotions.
Xue Ye instructed Xue Qinghe to properly entertain Han Li, using the excuse of having other important matters to attend to, thus concluding the meeting.
Then, surrounded by guards, the two left the palace.
Upon exiting the palace, Han Li expressed his discomfort with being surrounded by guards.
Only then did Xue Qinghe wave off most of the guards, leaving only a few who kept a distance, observing the situation from behind along with Dugu Bo.
The two quickly strolled around the city and, at Xue Qinghe's enthusiastic invitation, headed towards the Crown Prince's residence.
Along the way, numerous people recognized Xue Qinghe and greeted him, to which he responded with a smile and a nod.
Of course, Han Li, walking beside him, was also recognized. As the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall and a prominent figure, his presence has been widely discussed in Heaven Dou City since yesterday.
However, they didn't dare to speak to him directly, only stealing glances at him while greeting Xue Qinghe.
The news of the Crown Prince and the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall chatting happily, walking arm in arm, and inviting each other to their residences spread quickly throughout the city.
The citizens of Heaven Dou City were overjoyed. This was great news for them. The Holy Son of the Spirit Hall's first public appearance involved a friendly outing with the Crown Prince.
This indicated that the Spirit Hall still supported Heaven Dou. It also showed that Han Li, the Spirit Hall's Holy Son from Heaven Dou, had not forgotten his roots and still cared about the Heaven Dou Empire.
The close relationship between the heirs of two top continental powers suggested peace.
More and more people, upon hearing the news, rushed over, seemingly wanting to witness a historical moment, their enthusiasm palpable.
Even Han Li, the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall, experienced the attention Xue Qinghe usually received.
Fortunately, their pace was quick, and just as Han Li was struggling to maintain his smile, they finally arrived at the Crown Prince's residence.
At Han Li's suggestion, Dugu Bo was arranged to stay in a side hall.
The two then took their seats again, and after another round of songs and talent displays, they dismissed the subordinates, indicating they had matters to discuss, finally bringing silence to the room.
Han Li let out a deep breath, looking at Xue Qinghe, whose expression remained unchanged.
"You're really something. Isn't this tiring for you?"
"One gets used to it."
Although Xue Qinghe also relaxed a bit, he didn't completely let down his guard, maintaining his usual appearance and tone.
"Alright, don't worry. No one else is here. The two elders can also come out now."
Han Li said to her, then a voice suddenly came from the side and behind.
Upon hearing his words, Xue Qinghe's expression remained unchanged, as if unaware of anything.
Han Li glanced at him without saying anything, pulled out his Holy Son token from his chest, and threw it towards the place where the voice had come from earlier.
The sound of the token cutting through the air echoed. Just before it hit the ground, a hand suddenly reached out from the side and caught it.
In the next second, two figures appeared in the hall, bowing to Han Li.
"Snake Lance Douluo, Porcupinefish Douluo, we greet His Highness the Holy Son. We apologize for any earlier neglect."
"Alright, Elders, no need for such formalities. It's understandable to be cautious."
Han Li also stood up and cupped his hands towards them, taking back the token and casting his gaze towards Xue Qinghe.
"Alright, Elders, you may leave now. We don't want Dugu Bo to discover you."
At this moment, although Xue Qinghe had not restored his appearance, he was using a female voice.
"Yes, Your Highness, His Highness the Holy Son, we will take our leave."
Snake Lance Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo glanced at the two of them, bid farewell, and left.
This time, they really left.
"How did you discover them?"
Qian Renxue, wearing Xue Qinghe's face, looked at Han Li in confusion.
"My spiritual power is just a bit stronger," Han Li answered somewhat modestly.
"Oh, is that so?"
Qian Renxue gave him a deep look, not believing his words.
The reason Porcupinefish Douluo and Lance Douluo could stay by her side was not because of their particularly strong titles, but because their stealth skills were no joke. Not to mention, Dugu Bo hadn't discovered them earlier, yet Han Li had spotted them so easily. This couldn't be explained by just a slight increase in spiritual power.
"So should I call you Xiao Yan? Or Han Li?"
Qian Renxue suddenly laughed. The pleasant female voice, combined with Xue Qinghe's somewhat androgynous face, gave Han Li goosebumps.
"Whatever pleases you. It's just a code name," Han Li appeared indifferent. If she thought she could use this to get back at him, she was overthinking it. If necessary, he would even accept being called Qian Xunji, if Qian Renxue was willing to call him that.
"Fine, it's not important anyway."
Seeing his nonchalant attitude, Qian Renxue also lost interest.
"By the way, why have you come to Heaven Dou this time? You even specifically came to find me," Qian Renxue asked, looking at Han Li.
"Hmm? You don't know?"
Han Li could tell from her tone and expression that she was indeed unaware.
"Should I know?"
Qian Renxue asked, rightfully.
"I thought the Grand Uncle had already told you," Han Li replied honestly, then added, "But it doesn't matter now; I'm already here."
"This time, I came for two reasons. First, to show my face, since I plan to move around openly in the future. As for the second, since I've found you, do I need to continue?"
Han Li looked at Xue Qinghe's changing expression and spread his hands.
"Were you also sent by Grandfather to persuade me to give up the undercover plan?"
Qian Renxue's voice grew cold.
"Would you listen if I tried to persuade you?"
Han Li glanced at her and already knew the answer, responding indifferently.
"No," Qian Renxue shook her head decisively.
"Then that's that. I've already got my answer, so why bother persuading you? Do I look like I have nothing better to do?"
Han Li adopted an attitude showing he never intended to persuade her.
"So, you're saying you support me?"
Qian Renxue's eyes lit up, and her gaze towards Han Li softened as if she had finally found someone who understood her.