"Come in."
Hearing the knock on the door, Qian Renxue quickly set down the white rose in her hand and pretended to look nonchalantly toward the entrance.
Soon, Porcupinefish Douluo, clad in golden armor with fiery red hair, entered the room.
"What is it?"
Qian Renxue looked at Porcupinefish Douluo's serious expression, her eyes narrowing slightly in confusion.
After all, in recent times, the Tian Dou Empire had been "peaceful and prosperous"…
All the princes who might have competed with her for the position of Crown Prince had already been secretly eliminated by her.
Her position as Crown Prince was now as solid as Mount Tai. All she needed to do now was maintain her reputation and win over the hearts of the people to ensure a smooth succession in the future—there was nothing else to worry about.
Therefore…
Under such smooth circumstances, Porcupinefish Douluo's grave expression was definitely out of place.
In response to Qian Renxue's inquiry, Porcupinefish Douluo hesitated for a moment but eventually spoke slowly:
"Young Master, the Pope has arrived in Tian Dou City. She was spotted entering the city by our scouts, so I came to inform you."
"My… sister has come to Tian Dou City?"
Qian Renxue's pupils contracted slightly, and she instinctively clenched her fists.
"What could she possibly be here for?"
In Qian Renxue's eyes, Bibi Dong had always harbored a deep dislike for her. She preferred to be close to her disciple Hu Liena rather than her own biological daughter.
Now, however, she had put aside the heavy affairs of the Spirit Hall to personally come to Tian Dou City. It was impossible that she had come solely to see her…
So then, why?
Could it be that the Spirit Hall was planning something new in the Tian Dou Empire?
But no, that couldn't be right!
Everything in the Tian Dou Empire was already proceeding smoothly, and things were developing favorably. Moreover, the most important factor was…
The timing was clearly not yet ripe.
With these thoughts, Qian Renxue asked again, "Did she come alone?"
Porcupinefish Douluo shook his head. "No, she didn't. Dai Chengfeng accompanied her."
Initially curious about Bibi Dong's purpose in coming to Tian Dou, Qian Renxue felt her heart skip a beat upon hearing Dai Chengfeng's name. A wave of uncontrollable joy surged within her.
However, catching Porcupinefish Douluo's gaze from the corner of her eye, Qian Renxue quickly snapped back to reality and composed herself.
She slowly raised her head, her expression returning to calmness, and spoke in a detached tone:
"Seeing this, I think I roughly understand why Bibi Dong has come to Tian Dou City."
Porcupinefish Douluo furrowed his brows, his eyes filled with confusion. Unable to help himself, he asked:
"Young Master, just moments ago you were curious. How does knowing that Dai Chengfeng is accompanying her explain the Pope's purpose?"
Qian Renxue understood well that Dai Chengfeng must have wanted to come to Tian Dou City to see her, while Bibi Dong, worried that Dai Chengfeng would disappear from her sight once he left, had decided to accompany him.
But Qian Renxue did not offer an explanation.
After all, how could she possibly say that Dai Chengfeng had come to see her?
What exactly was their relationship?
Thus, Qian Renxue simply raised her head, her expression growing colder. "Some things, you don't need to know too much about. Just focus on your duties."
"Don't ask questions you shouldn't."
Porcupinefish Douluo immediately stiffened. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I've overstepped my bounds."
Qian Renxue gave a slight nod. "Just remember that. You may leave."
"Oh, and make sure to investigate where Dai Chengfeng and Bibi Dong are staying—the hotel and room number—but be extremely careful. Do not let Bibi Dong know that someone is investigating her. Understood?"
"I'll handle it right away!"
Soon, Porcupinefish Douluo departed.
Qian Renxue stood up and walked to her wardrobe. With a motion, she opened a hidden compartment inside, revealing a golden gown.
For a moment, Qian Renxue pursed her lips:
"Little tiger, since you kept your word, I'll reward you…"
---
Meanwhile…
In Tian Dou City, the Swan Hotel stood resplendent under the sunlight, its creamy white walls glowing softly. Arched stained-glass windows adorned the façade, and two elegant lampposts flanked the entrance.
The marble steps gleamed brightly, and a fountain stood before the entrance.
By the fountain, two luxurious carriages were neatly parked.
"How's this, Chengfeng?"
At this moment, Ning Fengyuan pointed to the magnificent hotel in the center of Tian Dou City and smiled.
"This Swan Hotel is one of our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's properties. Tonight, you can rest here. I've already arranged for the manager to give you the best room."
Dai Chengfeng nodded in satisfaction. "Thank you, Brother Ning."
"Still, it's impressive that the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect owns such a large property in such a bustling area. Truly wealthy and influential! I'm looking forward to tomorrow's gains more and more."
Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong's eyes flashed with pride.
"It's not bragging to say that we might lack other things, but money is something we have plenty of. Tomorrow, I guarantee you'll be amazed!"
"Is that so?"
Dai Chengfeng chuckled. "Then I'll wait and see."
At this moment, Sword Douluo shook his head, interrupting Ning Rongrong's boasting. "Chengfeng, don't listen to Rongrong."
"The kind of treasure you're looking for is something that can only be found by chance—it's not something you can guarantee…"
As he spoke, Sword Douluo glanced at the late hour. "Let's part ways here for today. You and the Pope should rest well."
"Tomorrow morning, I'll have Fengyuan take you to the Seven Treasures Auction House."
"At that time, whether you can find the earth-attribute treasure you're looking for will depend on fate."
Dai Chengfeng nodded. "Don't worry, Uncle Sword. I understand…"
Ning Rongrong, however, pouted in defiance. "Grandpa Sword, our Seven Treasures Auction House is one of the largest auction houses on the entire Douluo Continent. How could we not have what he's looking for?"
She then turned back to Dai Chengfeng, her expression earnest. "Don't worry! If the Seven Treasures Auction House doesn't have it, I'll sneak into my father's private treasury and get it for you!"
"I, Ning Rongrong, keep my promises. Once spoken, they won't be taken back!"
"If I say I won't disappoint you, I absolutely won't!"
Dai Chengfeng looked at Ning Rongrong and chuckled, shaking his head. "Then I'll leave it to you, Young Miss Ning?"
"Hehe!"
Seeing that Dai Chengfeng no longer questioned her "abilities," Ning Rongrong finally nodded in satisfaction.
"You kids…"
Sword Douluo shook his head helplessly, watching Ning Rongrong, who had even gone so far as to scheme against her own father for Dai Chengfeng. His eyes were filled with an expression of mixed amusement and exasperation.
"Fine!"
In the end, Sword Douluo could only sigh softly. After all, this was the result of his own indulgence…
After a brief farewell, Sword Douluo and his group of three boarded their carriage and headed toward the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's headquarters in Tian Dou City.
Meanwhile, Dai Chengfeng, holding Qiu'er, followed the attendant upstairs with Bibi Dong.
Soon, they each returned to their respective rooms. Dai Chengfeng, seeing the soft bed, immediately lay down with Qiu'er. After all, the days of rough travel, combined with Bibi Dong's "activities"…
He was truly exhausted.
But just as Dai Chengfeng was about to rest…
Knock knock knock~
His door was suddenly knocked on.
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