[DD]: 43

"Thank you, Master."

Han Li took the documents in front of him and bowed slightly towards Guang Ling.

"Alright, stop smiling at me. I might not be able to resist hitting you."

Guang Ling pretended to shiver uncomfortably, wearing a disdainful expression.

"When do you plan to go to the Star Dou Forest?" Guang Ling asked Han Li, who was engrossed in the documents.

"In the next two or three days. I'll go see Sister Yan later and confirm the time with them," Han Li answered without looking up.

"Sister Yan, huh? Sounds quite intimate. I wonder how you'll explain that to Xiu'er when you get back. Don't come crying to me or your uncle if things go south," Guang Ling teased.

"That won't happen, don't worry. If you have the time, why not find me a teacher's wife? By the way, the Spirit Kite Douluo from the Elder Hall is quite nice, and she's younger than you. I've heard she's quite popular, but with your looks and current cultivation, you still have a good chance.

If you can win her over, I'll give you that Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower as a wedding gift. Who knows, you might end up marrying a Phoenix Douluo, and I might get a little junior brother with both ice and fire attributes. I could even help out a bit.

In a few decades, we'll have four Douluos in our lineage. That would be quite a feat, wouldn't it?"

As he spoke, Han Li memorized the information and looked up at his master, jokingly.

What was meant as a casual jest seemed to have struck a chord, as Han Li noticed a flicker of interest on Guang Ling's face.

Ha, he's considering it. Looks like there's a chance, Han Li thought to himself, amused.

After a long while, Guang Ling snapped out of his reverie and found his disciple staring at him, scrutinizing his expression. He couldn't help but blush and slammed his hand on the table, pointing towards the door.

"Get out, you rascal! How dare you make fun of your master! Go find your little snake. Just let me know when you've set the time. I'll be busy for the next few days. Don't come looking for me unless it's urgent, and even then, don't come."

Han Li laughed inwardly but kept his expression in check. Seeing his master somewhat embarrassed and angry, he quickly got up and dashed towards the door.

As he left, he poked his head back in: "Master, don't be shy. I'll keep the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower for you. Just let me know when you need it, and I'll deliver it overnight."

"Bang!"

A book hit the door just as Han Li closed it in time, barely escaping.

Guang Ling looked at the closed door and chuckled, shaking his head. He slowly got up to pick up the book, but his mind was still unsettled by Han Li's words.

Outside the Spirit Hall.

Han Li, having declined Sebastian's request to accompany him, walked alone on the streets of Heaven Dou Imperial City, feeling quite pleased with himself.

To be honest, this was the first time he had successfully dueled Guang Ling since becoming his disciple and had even managed to escape successfully.

After getting away, he had some time to reflect.

It probably wasn't just his few words that stirred his master's heart. Judging by Guang Ling's reaction, it seemed he had already "harbored impure thoughts" for a while but hadn't acted on them for some unknown reason.

It wasn't until today, when Han Li inadvertently mentioned it, that Guang Ling had such a strong reaction. Otherwise, given Guang Ling's usual demeanor, he would have chased after Han Li and beaten him up.

Han Li didn't believe that with his current strength, he could have successfully escaped from Guang Ling's clutches.

Oh well, he'll deal with it when he gets back. After all, given a titled Douluo's age, a little time doesn't make much difference.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Han Li oriented himself and headed towards the Dugu residence.

After politely knocking on the door, Han Li presented the token Dugu Bo had prepared for him and was respectfully ushered in by the servants.

In the front courtyard's living room, after receiving a cup of hot tea from a servant, Han Li learned that Dugu Bo had gone out in the morning. Nodding, he asked them to call Dugu Yan and then idly observed the courtyard scenery.

Well, there wasn't much of a view—just a rather ordinary large residence, due to the sparse population of the Dugu family, didn't even have many servants.

Not having to wait long, about three minutes later, a young girl in a light green dress, bringing a fragrant breeze, ran out from the back of the living room and clung to him directly.

"Why are you here so early?"

Despite being slightly taller than Han Li now, Dugu Yan acted like a little girl, refusing to get off him.

"Early? It's already afternoon," Han Li said with a smile.

"I don't care; it's still early," Dugu Yan pouted and bumped her head against him.

"Alright then, it's early. If you want, I can come back tomorrow?"

Han Li made a move to leave, but Dugu Yan immediately pushed him back into the seat.

"Okay, get up now. Your grandfather might be back soon. If he sees you like this, he'll beat me up," Han Li said, pushing Dugu Yan off him.

"Hmph, don't think I don't know. His Eminence Guang Ling already told me that he actively wanted to introduce me as your fiancée, even without asking me first."

Dugu Yan replied grumpily but still climbed off him and sat on a nearby chair.

Han Li awkwardly smiled but didn't respond. That was a tricky subject for him to address.

Seeing his non-response, Dugu Yan rolled her eyes but didn't pursue the topic further.

"By the way, did Senior mention why he went out when he left?"

Han Li took a sip of his tea before looking at Dugu Yan.

"He didn't say. He just mentioned it to the servant and left. I only found out after I woke up," Dugu Yan replied lazily, playing with the strand of hair hanging down her right side.

"Did he tell you when we're leaving to get the soul rings?" Han Li asked, admiring Dugu Yan's posture.

"He said it depends on your arrangements. Anyway, after he accompanies us to the Star Dou Forest, he'll return to Heaven Dou City."

Dugu Yan said this, then suddenly seemed to remember something. She let go of her hair, sat up straight, and leaned over the table between them, speaking mysteriously.

"Xiao Li, is what Grandpa said true? That you have exceptionally good luck and sometimes can foresee beneficial things for yourself and those close to you?"

"Yes, that's right. But it's not something I can control," Han Li replied, raising an eyebrow. It seemed like his master had given him some sort of reputation enhancement.

"Does that mean when you were talking all mysteriously that day, you were making a prophecy?" Dugu Yan's voice was very low, but her excitement was evident.

Hearing her description, Han Li couldn't help but get a bit annoyed. What kind of weird description was that? In reality, he was just maintaining a calm, detached demeanor with a hollow voice. Oh well, no point in arguing with them. They just don't understand the mysterious powers from another world.

"Yes? And then?" Han Li looked amusingly at Miss Dugu, curious about her next question.

Then he noticed that the normally straightforward Miss Dugu suddenly blushed and seemed a bit shy.

After a long wait, he finally heard her speak, her voice barely louder than a whisper.

"So, does that mean if you foresee things related to me, I count as one of your close people?"

Han Li's expression froze, and he became somewhat wooden. This was the continent of romance. He had been about to say "Heaven's secrets must not be revealed," but the situation had taken an unexpected turn.

Dugu Yan, where's your usual demeanor? Don't you want to ask what exactly I "foresaw"? Why are you getting shy now? Don't you know I like that straightforwardness?

Dugu Yan, Dugu Yan, you're disappointing me. Looks like I'll need to train you properly in the future, or else you'll lose your competitive edge due to homogenization.

Of course, even though Han Li thought this, he didn't hesitate to answer: "Of course you count."

As expected, hearing his response, Dugu Yan's expression immediately brightened, and her behavior returned to normal.

After throwing him a flirtatious glance, she lazily sat back down.

Now it was Han Li's turn to be unable to resist. After thinking it over for a long time, he finally turned his head and asked, "Sister Yan, don't you want to know what exactly I've foreseen?"

Her response was a sweet smile and a sickly sweet phrase.

"No need. After all, you wouldn't harm me, right, little~ brother~?"

She deliberately elongated the last few words, using her slender figure and charming expression to their fullest advantage.

At that moment, Han Li was utterly smitten, feeling a wave of comfort and satisfaction.

He finally understood the power of the Continent of Romance. Well, the Douluo Dalu wasn't so bad, as long as he was the one being loved.

Quickly regaining his composure, he remembered the purpose of his visit.

"Sister Yan, since the senior left the decision to me, let's set off the day after tomorrow. I need some time to prepare and gather supplies."

"Shopping? Do you want me to go with you?" Hearing this, Dugu Yan perked up with interest. Her best friend was still at the academy, and given her current situation, it wasn't appropriate for her to visit directly, so she had been staying at home.

"Sure, but how about considering wearing a veil? Although your appearance has changed somewhat, your face hasn't changed at all. I don't want us to be targeted by the royal family and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan just for a shopping trip," Han Li suggested, pointing to her face.

"No problem. Just wait a moment. Lingling gave me some veils recently, and I haven't tried them yet. I'll go change my clothes. Also, you'll have to help me buy some clothes. Since my hair color changed, many of my clothes don't look good on me anymore."

"Hmm, buy clothes a size larger and consider the changes after absorbing the soul ring. As for cosmetics, forget it. Grandpa's blends are still the best."

"Thinking about it, if you hadn't come to remind me today, I'd be exhausted tomorrow," Dugu Yan said, counting on her fingers and planning out the things she needed to buy in a short time.

"Alright, you go ahead. I also need to get some new clothes," Han Li realized. The ones Xiu'er had prepared for him would probably become tight-fitting after he absorbed the soul ring.

"Wait for me, I'll be right back." Excited by the prospect of shopping, Dugu Yan shouted to him and hurried towards the inner courtyard, leaving him alone in the hall.

Fortunately, Dugu Yan was quick. In less than five minutes, she returned, dressed in black and wearing a veil.

"Alright, let's go." She cheerfully took Han Li's arm and dragged him out.

...

It wasn't until 8 PM that Han Li finally returned to the Spirit Hall.

Even though he had slept until noon, he didn't look very energetic and seemed somewhat listless.

He had underestimated the power of shopping with a girl. He couldn't understand how, despite being a soul master with physical strength comparable to a Soul Emperor, he was outmatched by Dugu Yan in this regard.

Thankfully, his speed in buying things was fast enough. He didn't have to consider the value too much; he just chose the expensive items and bought them directly.

After going to a restaurant for dinner, he decisively refused Dugu Yan's invitation to go shopping the next day, using a training task as an excuse. He arranged a meeting time and place outside the city for the day after tomorrow, sent her home, and made a quick escape.

It seemed like his master wasn't around when he came back. Could he have gone to see Qian Renxue again?

It's very likely. After all, they were about to leave, and it indeed required a farewell.

Their relationship should be pretty good, considering that his master had willingly asked for Immortal herbs on her behalf.

Han Li wondered what changes the Angel Martial Soul would undergo after consuming the Immortal herb. Would the wings develop flame patterns? His thoughts wandered.

After spacing out for a while, Han Li snapped back to reality.

Forget about it. Why think so much? Time to train.

He abandoned his thoughts and focused on training. He hadn't made up for today's training time yet, and it wasn't the time to slack off.

...

The next day passed uneventfully.

Despite telling Han Li not to seek him out, Guang Ling knocked on his disciple's door early the next morning to ask if the departure time had been set, showing an expression as usual, seemingly forgetting what had happened the previous day.

After learning that they would leave tomorrow, he disappeared again. Han Li didn't go out either, spending a mundane day.

Early on the third morning, before dawn, a luxurious carriage that hadn't been seen for a long time quietly left Heaven Dou City.

After picking up two figures outside the city, it sped toward the direction of the Star Dou Forest.

On the carriage, Dugu Bo lay on a comfortable rocking chair and turned his head to look at Han Li.

"You know how to enjoy yourself, kid. No wonder you told us not to prepare a carriage; turns out you have such a travel artifact."

"If you like it, senior, I can have one sent to your residence later. This thing isn't worth much. If you don't leave Heaven Dou, you'll probably see similar carriages on the streets in about half a month."

Han Li casually opened a bottle of fresh juice and handed it to Dugu Yan, speaking without turning his head.

"Alright, then I won't be polite."

Dugu Bo leaned back, and the rocking chair started to sway on its own. He closed his eyes contentedly, no longer speaking, seemingly enjoying this rare tranquility.

"How long until we reach the Star Dou Forest?" Dugu Yan carefully took a sip of the juice, savoring the sweetness and fragrance of the fruit in her mouth, then turned to ask.

Her first two soul rings were obtained in the Sunset Forest, and she had never been to the Star Dou Forest, so she was quite curious about it.

"Half a month," Han Li recalled the time it took to get there and casually replied.

"So, that means it will take us at least a month to reach Wuhun City?" Dugu Yan muttered to herself, lost in thought upon hearing his answer.

"What's the matter?" Han Li closed the book in his hands and turned to look at her, noticing the change in her mood.

"It's nothing. I just didn't expect that my first long journey would take a whole month just for the travel." Dugu Yan looked up and smiled at him, indicating she was fine.

What could be wrong?

She was just a bit eager to see the place where he lived.