The two groups sat opposite each other in the private room.
Lan Xue suddenly turned her gaze to Qian Renxue and asked, "Honored elders, aren't you going to introduce this young lady to me?"
Ci Xue and She Long exchanged glances. They understood there was no point in hiding her identity.
After all, Qian Renxue's lineage wasn't exactly a secret. As long as her connection to Xue Qinghe remained undisclosed, there was no issue.
"This is the daughter of the late Supreme Pontiff and the younger sister of the current Supreme Pontiff, Lady Qian Renxue, our young mistress," Ci Xue introduced in a low tone.
He was unaware of the true relationship between Qian Renxue and Bibi Dong, assuming them to be like sisters—one the daughter of Qian Xunji, the other his disciple.
Lan Xue nodded politely. "I see. I didn't expect the late Supreme Pontiff to have a child still alive. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Qian Renxue."
"The pleasure is mine, Ice Sovereign Douluo. And you must be the Crown Prince of Ancient Thunder Kingdom?" Qian Renxue turned her golden eyes toward Nan Feihuang. Her voice carried a soft smile, though her tone had a hint of reproach. "You've been staring at me since I arrived. Isn't that a little rude?"
Nan Feihuang's smile didn't waver. His tone remained as steady as ever. "My apologies, Lady Qian Renxue. You remind me of someone I know, so I couldn't help myself."
His demeanor was calm, free of the tension or nervousness men often showed around beautiful women. It wasn't that Qian Renxue's beauty didn't affect him—it was simply that, having grown up beside the equally stunning Lü Lingqi, he was immune to being overly awestruck by appearances alone.
Qian Renxue blinked, momentarily caught off guard. She was well aware of her beauty and the effect it typically had on others. For a man to meet her gaze so directly and without the slightest hesitation was rare, especially for someone so young.
Aside from Nan Feihuang, the only other man in the room not entranced by her appearance was Dian Wei. The burly warrior was far too engrossed in gnawing on a chicken leg and a pork knuckle to spare her a glance.
"Excuse us. We won't disturb you any further." Qian Renxue rose gracefully, clearly intending to leave.
She knew the longer Nan Feihuang observed her, the greater the risk he might discern her connection to Xue Qinghe. Having witnessed his intelligence firsthand over the years, she decided it was best to create distance.
"Wait a moment," Nan Tianchen interjected. "Are you also here to hunt for soul rings? If so, why don't we travel together? It would be safer to have more people watching each other's backs."
His suggestion was more pragmatic than polite. With three Titled Douluo—including his wife—working together, even venturing near the perilous Star Lake, home to the Titan Giant Ape and Azure Bull Python, would be feasible.
The deeper into the Star Dou Forest they went, the stronger the soul beasts became. Considering Nan Tianchen's need for a high-quality eighth soul ring, additional allies were an enticing proposition.
However, Qian Renxue's response was measured. "Thank you for the offer, Your Majesty, but there's no need. The soul beast I'm seeking is only around twenty thousand years old. With Uncle Ci and Uncle She accompanying me, it's more than enough."
She gave a polite smile before departing with her two guards, leaving behind a slightly disappointed Nan Tianchen and the ever-distracted Dian Wei, still busy devouring his meal.
---
As the three left, Nan Feihuang silently shook his head. Father still only sees immediate opportunities and lacks strategic vision. Did he truly think Qian Renxue would be oblivious to his intentions?
While Nan Tianchen was competent at ruling during peacetime, it was clear that if Ancient Thunder Kingdom were to embark on a campaign of conquest, his father would be more of a hindrance than an asset.
Lan Xue placed a reassuring hand on her husband's shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll manage without their assistance. With me here, what danger could we possibly face?"
Nan Tianchen nodded reluctantly. "You're right. I was being greedy."
"Everyone, rest early tonight. Tomorrow morning, we head into the Star Dou Forest. Once Ling'er and Dian Wei have obtained their soul rings, Mr. Xu will escort the children back. Zhang Lao, Lan Xue, and I will continue deeper into the forest to find suitable high-level soul beasts."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Xu Rong acknowledged the order with a slight bow.
---
That night, as everyone retired to their rooms, Nan Feihuang discovered by chance that his room was next to Qian Renxue's.
As they both returned to their quarters, their paths crossed once again.
Nan Feihuang's eyes instinctively fell on Qian Renxue's face. But this time, it wasn't her beauty that caught his attention—it was something else entirely.
Her forehead was dark.
Nan Feihuang, as the inheritor of the ancient Dunjia Heavenly Book and a student of esoteric arts, had dabbled in physiognomy. Though his skills were rudimentary compared to true masters, he understood enough to recognize the signs of impending doom.
The black aura swirling around Qian Renxue's glabella was unmistakable.
This isn't just bad luck—this is a harbinger of death!
With the enhancement of his external spirit bone, the Ghost Howl Orb, Nan Feihuang's perception was sharper than most. What he saw now left no room for doubt.
"Ancient Thunder Crown Prince," Qian Renxue called out, her voice tinged with irritation. "This is the second time you've stared at me so boldly. If it was familiarity earlier, then what's your excuse now?"
Nan Feihuang hesitated. His first instinct was to warn her about her dire situation, but he quickly reconsidered. Such bluntness wouldn't be well-received.
So, instead, he smiled lightly and replied, "This time, it's because Lady Qian Renxue's beauty is utterly captivating. With your golden hair, divine aura, and angelic wings, I couldn't help myself."
With that, he bowed slightly and retreated into his room, leaving Qian Renxue stunned in the hallway.
For a moment, she stood frozen, her expression unreadable. Then, as his words echoed in her mind, realization struck.
She recalled a conversation they'd had long ago when she had asked him what kind of woman he admired.
He had answered with two types: one was a valiant and heroic female general, and the other...
"Golden hair, divine aura, and angelic wings."
Her eyes widened. "He... he was describing me all along!"
Qian Renxue's cheeks flushed ever so slightly. Was that a confession?
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