The evening was enchanting, the bustling streets alive with the vibrancy of nightlife. Lanterns lit the way as crowds of people moved back and forth, creating a scene reminiscent of a prosperous era.
Ye Hao walked alone along the street toward Xue Qinghe's residence, the invitation in his hand weighing on his mind.
The entire journey, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking into a trap. It felt like stepping into a tiger's den—Xue Qinghe must have some ulterior motive.
Still, what choice did he have? Xue Qinghe was his "brother" (or rather, sister). Go or not, she wasn't going to eat him alive… probably.
"What's on your mind?" Xiao Hong's voice echoed in Ye Hao's mind, pulling him back to reality.
"Nothing," Ye Hao muttered, shaking his head, though his unease remained.
"Xiao Hong, I can't help but feel like this sister of mine is digging a hole for me to fall into. Am I just walking straight into her trap?" Ye Hao asked.
"Hahaha," Xiao Hong chuckled. "What do you think? This sister of yours is bound to make a move on you eventually. She's got a noble identity, hidden deep within the Heaven Dou Royal Palace without being discovered. That alone proves her power. Trust me, you'd better start preparing to be her... live-in husband."
Ye Hao: "..."
As they approached the residence, Xiao Hong suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong?" Ye Hao asked.
"I detected two powerful presences inside your sister's residence—both as strong as that old poison man, Dugu Bo. Two Titled Douluo, no doubt. Seems your sister has planned everything carefully—she's dead set on recruiting you," Xiao Hong replied.
Hearing this, Ye Hao stopped in his tracks, gazing at the imposing mansion ahead, its crimson doors tightly shut.
A Hongmen Banquet... She's not hiding her intentions at all.
Ye Hao sighed. Xue Qinghe's true aim was to bring him into the fold.
Six months ago, Xiao Hong had unintentionally revealed Xue Qinghe's real identity. Ye Hao had known this day would come, though he didn't expect it to come so soon.
Knowing her secret, Ye Hao understood the stakes. If he exposed her identity, it would spell endless trouble for him. Xue Qinghe's plans were known only to a select few in Spirit Hall, and outsiders privy to such information were usually... silenced.
But Xue Qinghe wasn't someone who gave up easily.
Ye Hao exhaled deeply, placed Xiao Hong back into the Death God's Heart, and strode resolutely toward the "trap."
As he neared the door, it creaked open on its own, revealing two soul masters standing guard. Even the doorkeepers were soul masters—Xue Qinghe's meticulousness ran deep.
Xue Qinghe stepped out, her expression lighting up at the sight of Ye Hao. He approached with a warm, welcoming smile, grabbing his hand and showering him with care.
"Brother Hao! It's been half a year. I've missed you dearly. How could you return without visiting your elder brother? Have you forgotten about me?"
Ye Hao smiled awkwardly. "How could I? Brother Xue is always busy with royal duties. I wouldn't dare disturb you. I just returned yesterday and came immediately after receiving your invitation."
Xue Qinghe chuckled, then glanced behind Ye Hao.
"Did you come alone? Where's that dog of yours?"
Ye Hao froze briefly but quickly recovered. "That dog's off wandering somewhere—probably in an alley chasing after some dogs."
Xiao Hong: "You #%@&!!!"
"Let's go inside," Xue Qinghe said, smiling as she led Ye Hao in.
As they entered, the heavy doors slammed shut with a resounding "boom." Two Soul Sages stationed themselves outside. The plan was in motion.
The interior of the residence dazzled Ye Hao. It resembled a miniature palace, adorned with famous paintings, exquisite porcelain, and polished floors—all meticulously prepared for his arrival.
Ye Hao sat across from Xue Qinghe at a grand dining table laden with delicacies. Before Xue Qinghe could speak, Xiao Hong interrupted through Ye Hao's thoughts.
"I can't stand it! Let me out! You're feasting while I'm starving in here!"
Ye Hao retorted, "Didn't you just eat before we came here? How are you hungry again?"
Xue Qinghe poured a cup of tea for Ye Hao, smiling gently. "Brother Hao, let me toast you with tea in place of wine. Thank you for all your hard work. Cheers."
"Cheers."
The two drank in unison, the atmosphere cordial.
As the meal continued, Xue Qinghe finally broached the topic.
"Brother Hao, what do you think of the Heaven Dou Empire?"
Ye Hao paused. Here it comes.
"It's... decent."
"Just decent? Nothing else to add?"
Ye Hao chuckled. "Brother Xue, you're the Crown Prince. You'd know better than I do."
"And what about Spirit Hall? They've grown rapidly in recent years. Over seventy percent of soul masters on the continent have joined them. My father is quite troubled by this."
Sister, isn't Spirit Hall your organization? Why ask me?
After a moment of thought, Ye Hao replied, "Spirit Hall, under the leadership of Bibi Dong, has indeed developed impressively. She's ambitious and is one of the most outstanding leaders Spirit Hall has ever had."
"In my experience, Spirit Hall cares more for the common people than the aristocrats who only know how to exploit them."
Xue Qinghe observed Ye Hao carefully. His words confirmed what she had hoped—her plans had a good chance of succeeding.
The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Finally, Xue Qinghe asked with a serious expression:
"Brother Hao, has your dog told you?"
Ye Hao froze. "Told me what? That dog's always spouting nonsense. Don't take it seriously."
"Stop pretending," Xue Qinghe said with a wry smile. "Do you know why I invited you here tonight?"
Ye Hao shook his head, feigning ignorance.
"Don't play dumb. Your dog clearly told you everything."
Realizing he couldn't avoid it any longer, Ye Hao set down his utensils and looked Xue Qinghe in the eye.
"Alright, Sister, let's cut to the chase. I assume tonight's dinner isn't just about food."
Xue Qinghe smiled. "Indeed, it's not. Brother Hao, I need your help."
"You're my sister. Of course, I'll help you. But first, shouldn't I know your true identity?"
Xue Qinghe stood, her hand brushing her face. A golden light shimmered, revealing cascading blonde hair and radiant features.
Ye Hao's breath caught. The transformation before him was dazzling—an otherworldly beauty stood in place of Xue Qinghe.
"My name is Qian Renxue," she said, smiling.
Ye Hao stared, dumbfounded. So it's true...
From this moment, Ye Hao's fate intertwined with Qian Renxue and Spirit Hall. The path forward was clear: He had no choice but to walk it.