Consciousness slowly returned...
When Li Chang'an woke from unconsciousness, he found himself surrounded by darkness. Only two eerie green lights flickered nearby, glowing ominously in the shadows.
Recalling what had happened before he passed out, he quickly guessed where he might be—and his heart began to race with excitement.
Calm down, calm down!I can't let it show that I already know what's going on.I have to keep acting.
Suppressing his inner excitement, Li Chang'an pretended to be confused. He sat up slowly, channeling his soul power through his body. The lingering weakness from fainting quickly faded. Gathering energy into his eyes, he adjusted to the dim surroundings.
"Woke up already, huh? Not bad."
A raspy voice came from nearby. As his eyes adapted, Li Chang'an could make out the figure sitting close to him—Dugu Bo—his eyes glowing with that same chilling green light.
Li Chang'an said nothing, keeping his body tense and his expression wary, as if ready to attack at any moment.
"Young man, do you know who I am?" Dugu Bo leaned casually against a rock wall, his tone calm but faintly cold.
"…"
After a pause, Li Chang'an answered cautiously, "You're… Yan'er's elder, aren't you?"
"Oh? What makes you say that?" Dugu Bo asked, his interest piqued.
"Just a feeling," Li Chang'an said steadily. "Your martial spirit feels similar to Yan'er's—of the same kind, but much stronger."
"Since you've guessed that much, then tell me," Dugu Bo said with a sinister smile, "why do you think I brought you here?"
If anyone else saw that smile, they'd probably think he was some twisted, murderous old monster.
But Li Chang'an, who had read the "original story" and knew Dugu Bo's temperament, remained calm. Feigning confusion, he asked, "Could it… have something to do with Yan'er?"
Thinking it through, there was really no other reason Dugu Bo would personally come for him—especially right after Dugu Yan had suddenly taken leave and disappeared.
Otherwise, why would a Titled Douluo bother with someone like him? He hadn't provoked or insulted Dugu Bo, nor messed with his poisons.
"You know my name?" Dugu Bo asked instead, changing the subject abruptly.
"I do not. May I know the senior's title?" Li Chang'an asked respectfully, playing along.
"Hmph! My surname is Dugu—title: Poison!"
He said it with the air of someone expecting admiration and awe.
"Ah!! So you're the famous Poison Douluo, whose venom dominates the continent!" Li Chang'an exclaimed, perfectly faking shock and awe. Then he added earnestly, "I didn't expect Yan'er to be your granddaughter… No wonder she's so exceptional."
Dugu Bo was very pleased with his performance. His vanity swelled with satisfaction. With a wave of his hand, green flames suddenly ignited in a ring around the cavern.
In the emerald glow, Li Chang'an finally saw the place clearly—a vast underground cave, nearly a thousand square meters wide. There was no doubt: this was exactly the Poison Douluo's lair he had dreamed of finding.
"Enough flattery," Dugu Bo said curtly, though he was clearly enjoying it. "Since you know Yan'er is my granddaughter, you must also know why I brought you here."
"This…" Li Chang'an furrowed his brow and said cautiously, "Forgive me, senior, I truly don't know. I hope you can enlighten me."
This time, his confusion was genuine. He could guess it had to do with Dugu Yan—but not exactly what reason.
"Hmph!"
Dugu Bo snorted coldly. "You already have a fiancée, and yet you still dare to court my granddaughter! What? You want her to be your concubine?!"
Only then did Li Chang'an fully understand what was going on. So that's it—it's because of my status as the Prince Consort.
In this world, a royal son-in-law could have only one wife—the princess. To others, that meant he was forbidden from marrying any other woman. As for taking concubines—what proud young woman would ever accept that?
Tch… this is troublesome.
Li Chang'an felt a headache coming on. Whoever had told Dugu Yan about his identity really deserved to be poisoned.
But facing Dugu Bo's furious interrogation, Li Chang'an quickly composed himself. Within moments, he had crafted the perfect response.
He sighed softly, putting on a weary, sorrowful expression. "I never wanted Yan'er to be anyone's concubine…"
Before he could finish, Dugu Bo's face darkened, his voice thundering, "Oh? So you mean to abandon her after playing with her feelings?!"
The outburst caught Li Chang'an off guard. Suppressing a groan, he continued, "Senior, you misunderstand! I never had such intentions! Yan'er and I haven't even confirmed our relationship yet. Nothing improper has happened between us. How could I 'use and discard' her?"
"Precisely because I have a fiancée," he continued earnestly, "I've never dared to confess to her. The engagement with the princess wasn't my choice—it was forced upon me by royal decree. I've never even met her face to face…"
His tone was full of helplessness and sincerity, his expression pitifully honest.
Not knowing the truth, Dugu Bo completely believed him. In his mind, Li Chang'an was a tragic youth—trapped by royal duty, forced into an unwanted engagement, yet genuinely in love with his granddaughter.
Of course, Dugu Bo had no idea that the boy before him wasn't unwilling at all—he simply wanted both.
And at that very moment—
Someone who had been quietly listening from the shadows could no longer contain herself.
A faint fragrance filled the air.
"Brother Chang'an~"
Li Chang'an felt a soft, warm body crash into his arms. The familiar scent and gentle voice instantly told him who it was.
"…Yan'er, you… how are you here?" he murmured, dazed.
The girl didn't answer. She simply hugged him tightly, as if afraid he might disappear again.
After learning the "truth," all her sadness and heartbreak had been replaced by overwhelming relief and joy—the kind of happiness one feels after losing love and finding it again.
Because now she knew—Li Chang'an truly cared for her. He wasn't toying with her feelings.
And for her, that was enough.
Even knowing he was already engaged, Dugu Yan didn't care anymore.
Ah… youth—so easy to deceive, and so easy to satisfy.
(End of Chapter)
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