"Uh... this... uh..."
At this moment, Huyan Zhen seemed incapable of saying anything other than "uh... this..." He was completely stunned. In fact, not just him—even Bibi Dong and the others were briefly caught off guard. Li Chang'an's moves had simply been too fast, too sharp.
The way he made it sound, it was as if Huyan Zhen's grandsons had suffered some grave injustice, like they were the victims! Was that really necessary?
[Huyan Zhen. Points +16.]
[Ghost Douluo...]
After collecting a nice wave of points, Li Chang'an kept his expression calm as he looked straight at Huyan Zhen. Honestly, he'd overestimated the opponent. He didn't expect a few pointed questions would break the man so thoroughly.
Bibi Dong reacted the fastest. Satisfied, she gave Li Chang'an a subtle nod before turning her gaze to Huyan Zhen and speaking with a tone of authority:
"May I ask if Clan Master Huyan is willing to answer my disciple's questions? It would help me make an informed judgment."
This statement was basically a divine assist. What kind of "judgment" could she be referring to? Obviously, she was judging whether Huyan Zhen looked down on the Spirit Hall—and if so, how the Hall should respond.
Huyan Zhen glanced at the three Title Douluo standing beside the Pope's throne, then looked at Li Chang'an—this child who now seemed more intimidating than all three of them combined.
In his mind, none of the three Title Douluo compared to the terrifying presence of this boy. Those three questions Li Chang'an asked? They weren't just harsh—they were lethal.
"Your Holiness, I was wrong. My grandsons were at fault from the beginning—they should never have bullied someone younger. When I return, I'll personally whip them. I only ask that Your Holiness not blame me for momentarily losing my senses."
"Also, our Elephant Armored Clan is willing to accept all previous terms and form a friendly alliance with Spirit Hall. We will never oppose you."
As he finished speaking, Huyan Zhen looked like he'd aged several years. His body trembled slightly. He couldn't believe how such a favorable situation had collapsed so quickly—leaving him with nothing but a grave charge of disrespect toward Spirit Hall.
"Very well. Clan Master Huyan, rest assured—Spirit Hall will not mistreat an ally like the Elephant Armored Clan."
Bibi Dong smiled as she nodded, visibly relieved.
Of the four lower Clans, the Elephant Armored Clan had always been the hardest to deal with. With them on board, the others would no longer pose a threat. Her disciple had saved her a great deal of trouble today.
It was truly hard to imagine—a boy with twin spirits, outstanding talent, and now showing such wit and maturity. And to top it off, he was good-looking. It was as if the heavens had bestowed all their blessings upon him.
After sending off Huyan Zhen, Bibi Dong walked over and affectionately ruffled Li Chang'an's hair. The warmth in her expression was unmistakable. Only after this did she allow him to return to class.
"Elders, what do you think of my disciple?" she asked Ghost Douluo and Yue Guan after Li Chang'an left. Her voice couldn't hide the pride she felt.
"A once-in-a-generation genius," Yue Guan said after thinking for a moment. Those four words were the best he could come up with.
"This child—if he were a king, he could usher in a new era. If a Clan leader, he'd lead it to become the strongest under heaven. If an enemy..." Ghost Douluo paused, then added, "we'd best make sure he stays a friend."
Yue Guan glanced at his partner, half-speechless. "Old Ghost, are you seriously praising him that much?"
Ghost Douluo shook his head but didn't explain further. He'd interacted with Li Chang'an a few times and had come to a conclusion—the boy's greatest strength wasn't just his talent.
It was his attitude.
Yes, talent alone wasn't scary. But when someone has talent, status, and still knows how to stay grounded, respect others, and stay clear-headed—that's when they become truly terrifying.
Compared to him, most other so-called geniuses would pale in comparison…
---
One Month Later, Early Morning — Outside Spirit City
Qian Renxue was surrounded by attendants as she stepped into her carriage, ready to leave Spirit City for the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire—Heaven Dou City.
Once she arrived, the secret plan to "swap the crown prince" would officially begin. From that moment on, the world would no longer know a person named Qian Renxue. All that remained would be Crown Prince Xue Qinghe. All related information would be top secret.
But she wouldn't be alone. In addition to three covert informants, Bibi Dong had assigned two Title Douluo from the Elder Hall to accompany her. Their strength and security were more than sufficient.
As the carriage prepared to depart, Qian Renxue looked back toward Spirit City. Her thoughts drifted to a certain someone—and a wager they had made.
Just as she was about to step into the carriage, a familiar voice called out:
"Hey, why are you in such a hurry to leave? Didn't we agree I'd see you off?"
Qian Renxue turned around in surprise. Under a tree not far away, a young man leaned against the trunk.
He was dressed in white, with slightly long hair draped casually over his shoulders. It was a bit damp with sweat—clearly, he had run here.
More than anything, what caught the eye was his face—so stunning it was almost unreal. His features were perfect, his skin flawless, and his eyes carried a mischievous, carefree glint.
"What are you doing here?" Qian Renxue asked. Her face, which had been calm and smiling a moment ago, suddenly flushed red—so much so it made one want to take a bite.
"We had a deal, didn't we? I'm here to see you off. Can we talk somewhere private?" Li Chang'an glanced at the guards around her as he spoke.
Qian Renxue had intended to refuse, but for some reason, the words that came out were: "Alright."
After telling the guards, she followed Li Chang'an toward a nearby grove. Why so far? Because Li Chang'an felt those two old Title Douluo behind her were glaring at him like they wanted to eat him alive.
The two elders exchanged looks. Unsure of what to do, they simply pretended not to see anything. After all, this was the beloved granddaughter of the Grand Elder and the prized disciple of the Pope. Neither of them could afford to offend either party.
They just silently prayed: 'Please, let the young lady not be taken advantage of by this pig...'
---
In the Distant Grove
After walking a few steps, Li Chang'an leaned close and whispered in Qian Renxue's ear:
"Time to pay up on your bet. Don't tell me you're going to back out—I'd really have to look down on you."
Qian Renxue's ears were already bright red. "Who's backing out? A kiss is a kiss!"
Then, as if using all the courage in her body, she shut her eyes and slowly leaned toward Li Chang'an, aiming to kiss him on the cheek.
But Li Chang'an, with his eyes wide open, saw her soft cherry lips approaching—and smoothly adjusted his position...
So that her lips met his own.
"Mm... mmm~..."
Qian Renxue instantly felt something strange—like a tongue slipping into her mouth...
_____
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