[DD]: 35 

"Ah!"

A sharp female voice echoed through the basin where the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was located.

The newly descended Dugu Yan let out a scream and landed in a peculiar posture on the ground. Her left foot touched the ground while her right ankle was held in someone's hand.

"Let go!"

Dugu Yan shouted with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance, one hand pressing the edge of her skirt, her face flushed as she looked at the black-haired boy in front of her.

"Alright, but let me be clear, if you attack again, I won't hold back," Han Li said as he released her ankle. Dugu Yan stumbled back a couple of steps before regaining her balance.

"Grandpa, what are you doing?!"

Ignoring Han Li, Dugu Yan turned in anger to look at her innocent-looking grandfather. There was no need to think; she knew it was her grandfather's doing.

Who else would drop her from the sky right in front of someone? Instinctively, she had attacked, leading to the current embarrassing situation. She felt utterly humiliated.

"Hmm? What's wrong, Yan Yan?"

Dugu Bo feigned ignorance naturally. He knew exactly what his granddaughter meant but dared not admit it. His intention was to observe the reactions of the two up close. After all, his encounter with Dugu Yan's grandmother had also started with a near collision.

Unexpectedly, seeing his granddaughter fall in front of Han Li, the boy's expression didn't change at all. Instead, it was Yan Yan who fiercely kicked out. Fortunately, Han Li didn't retaliate heavily, and it was also lucky that he had made his granddaughter change clothes before leaving, or he wouldn't know how to resolve the situation.

Taking advantage of the moment when Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan were playfully arguing, Han Li closely observed Dugu Yan. She had short, dark purple hair and a well-proportioned face, exuding a heroic aura. Her green eyes added a touch of exoticism.

Of course, what impressed Han Li the most were her legs—very fair and straight. While he wasn't one of those cultured people who found everything edible, he felt it was okay to give a thumbs up. Additionally, her waist looked very slender, perfectly highlighting her figure. Her body proportions were perfect—not breathtakingly beautiful, but possessing a certain bewitching allure.

Sigh, in his previous life, he had wronged Brother Xiao Yan. He shouldn't have despised (envied) him. What? He also called himself Xiao Yan a few days ago. Never mind, he could understand that.

Meanwhile, under Dugu Yan's relentless pestering, Dugu Bo made several promises, finally earning the forgiveness of the young lady.

Upon turning around, Dugu Yan found Han Li still scrutinizing her, prompting her to speak out in a mix of embarrassment and anger: "What are you looking at? Still looking! Do you find it nice to look at?"

"Not bad. You do look pretty good. Besides, you were the one who attacked first; I was just defending myself," Han Li responded calmly, meeting her gaze.

Hearing Han Li's response, Dugu Yan was momentarily stunned, seemingly not expecting such a reply. The key was, Han Li hadn't done anything; he merely blocked her attack. Dugu Yan also understood that he hadn't seen anything, especially since she was wearing safety shorts. Moreover, she had indeed initiated the attack. Now, with him not making a fuss and his response being unobjectionable, what else could she do?

"Alright, I'll take that as a compliment. And, you don't look bad yourself," Dugu Yan replied somewhat begrudgingly, pretending nothing had happened.

"Yes, I quite agree with that," Han Li nodded, echoing her words.

"You know, you speak quite interestingly. Are you only seven years old, as my grandpa said?" Dugu Yan teased, looking at Han Li, who spoke so earnestly.

"By the way, I still don't know your name. I'm Dugu Yan."

"I'm Han Li. And to be precise, I'm seven and a half years old," Han Li corrected her.

"Does it make a difference?" Dugu Yan couldn't understand his insistence on this point.

"Yes, it makes a big difference. It's a way to remember a certain person from my memories. And I think that in half a year, I can improve my level a bit more."

Han Li spoke as if it was a matter of course. Considering that his level was higher than hers, Dugu Yan found herself momentarily unable to refute him.

"Are you envious?" Han Li suddenly asked.

"Envious," Dugu Yan wasn't one to be pretentious. Hearing his words, she was initially taken aback but then realized he was referring to his cultivation speed, and she answered straightforwardly.

"Then swear by your martial soul. Hmm, considering that martial souls can evolve, you might as well include the name of your Dugu family too," Han Li suggested after a moment of thought.

"Hmm? What do you mean by martial soul evolution? And why should I swear by my martial soul? Swear what? Why bring in the name of the Dugu family?" Dugu Yan frowned, suppressing her instinctive irritation, and looked at Han Li in confusion.

Han Li also frowned at her words, first glancing at Dugu Bo. Considering that he had already sworn an oath, he thought there might be things left unsaid, and then he shifted his gaze to Guang Ling.

Dugo Bo coughed awkwardly: "Xiao Li, it was a bit rushed, and since she insisted on coming along at the last minute, I haven't had the chance to explain it to her."

So, it hadn't been explained yet? No wonder Dugu Yan reacted this way.

Over the next five minutes, Han Li explained to the new member the agreement he had reached with Dugu Bo, clarifying the previous matters while Dugu Yan listened in a daze.

"So, do you understand now?" Han Li asked, looking at Dugu Yan, who nodded somewhat bewilderedly.

"Good. Since you understand, then make the oath. This will help us get along better in the future."

Han Li spoke in an official manner, not allowing any exceptions just because Dugu Yan was a girl. Dugu Yan didn't find anything wrong with his words. Instinctively, she turned to Dugu Bo, seeking his opinion. She still felt a bit like she was dreaming, as if the world she knew was slightly different now.

Dugu Bo gave her a slight nod, confirming her thoughts. With her grandfather's reassurance, Dugu Yan didn't hesitate anymore. She believed her grandfather wouldn't harm her, so she made the martial soul oath according to Han Li's requirements, not forgetting to include her family's name.

Only after her oath was completed did Han Li nod in satisfaction. In the context of the Douluo Continent, this action was sufficient for the time being. He had no choice; since his obedient son hadn't contacted him since their initial interaction, he couldn't arrange a more comprehensive oath involving the principles of Douluo Continent. For now, this would have to suffice.

"Great, Sister Yan. Welcome aboard. We're family now."

Han Li suddenly switched to a warm and enthusiastic demeanor, smiling at Dugu Yan and extending his right hand. A handshake was also a greeting and a gesture of friendliness among nobles and high-ranking individuals in Heaven Dou.

"Yes, family," Dugu Yan extended her hand and shook his lightly, a bit at a loss seeing him switch expressions so skillfully, appearing entirely different from before.

"Young lady, you'll get used to it," Guang Ling, standing nearby, smiled and winked at her. So far, he was satisfied with Dugu Yan's performance, which met his expectations, and he abandoned his earlier intention to cause trouble deliberately.

Seeing Guang Ling's visibly kinder attitude towards her, Dugu Yan felt a bit constrained.

Having learned the real situation from Han Li, she understood that Guang Ling's change in attitude was entirely due to the oath she had just taken.

A Level 98 Super Douluo—he was the most powerful person she had encountered so far.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, she bowed to Guang Ling, making amends for her previous childish behavior. Even if her grandfather had two more of himself, it wouldn't be enough to contend with this Guang Ling Douluo.

"Alright, you don't need to mind me. From now on, just follow Xiao Li's arrangements."

Guang Ling waved his hand and walked away, sensing that his presence was making the young girl uncomfortable.

Looking at the grandfather and granddaughter who were now gazing at him, Han Li didn't bother with pleasantries. After glancing at Dugu Yan's flushed face, he turned his attention to Dugu Bo.

"Senior, please take Sister Yan back to the platform first. She can't yet withstand the aura of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and staying too long might cause unnecessary harm to her body."

"And set up a small wooden house for her to stay in temporarily," Han Li added.

"Oh, look at me, how could I forget that?"

Dugu Bo slapped his forehead, quickly grabbing Dugu Yan's arm and heading towards the platform.

"Need any help?"

Seeing the grandfather and granddaughter leaving in a hurry, Guang Ling, who had been eavesdropping, couldn't help but ask.

"No need, Master. You go about your business. I can get up there myself now."

Han Li flashed Guang Ling a mysterious smile and, to Guang Ling's astonishment, his palms and the soles of his feet emitted red flames, propelling him quickly into the air towards the platform.

On the platform, as soon as Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan landed, they felt a strange fluctuation behind them, accompanied by some noise.

Dugu Yan also heard the unusual sound and turned her head curiously as soon as she landed.

Then, both of them saw Han Li flying straight towards them from mid-air. Just before reaching them, the red flames from his palms and feet burst out, bringing him to a sudden halt. Han Li then safely landed from about half a meter high. (Han Li: I am Iron Man)

"What kind of soul skill is this? / How can you fly?"

The two voices almost simultaneously came from the grandfather and granddaughter, as they looked at Han Li in astonishment.

"Just a little trick, nothing impressive. It's merely a subtle use of fire elements, not worth showing off," Han Li responded with a "bashful" smile.

"A self-created soul skill?"

The grandfather and granddaughter exchanged a glance and asked in unison.

"Sort of, but it requires a high level of control over fire elements and strong mental power, so it can't be easily taught to others."

Seeing the flickering expressions in their eyes, Han Li immediately understood their thoughts and proactively added:

"Oh."

The grandfather and granddaughter showed synchronized looks of disappointment upon hearing his words.

However, Dugu Yan didn't give up so easily. She blinked, smiled, and then threw him a coquettish glance.

"Little brother Han Li, since my grandfather and I are now under your care, you wouldn't mind teaching us some tricks I can learn, right?"

Han Li couldn't help but glance at her after hearing her awkward statement.

Why does this sound so flirtatious? And, what's with the quick change in attitude? Weren't you supposed to be cold and aloof?

Also, what does she mean by both she and Dugu Bo being under his care? Such words could easily be misunderstood.

And calling him "little brother"? Heh, thirty years east of the river, thirty years west, don't underestimate the young (in age). It won't even take thirty years; just wait until I'm an adult.

Despite the turmoil in his heart, Han Li's expression remained unchanged. He looked at the two of them calmly, ignoring Dugu Yan's words and gestures.

"We can discuss this later. If you can learn it, I don't mind teaching."

"For now, let's talk about the martial soul evolution."

Dugu Yan, initially a bit unhappy about her charm being ignored, immediately put aside her minor emotions and listened intently.

"Senior, the process for martial soul evolution will be the same as before, so I won't elaborate. However, regarding the outcome, I want to ask for your opinion." Han Li looked at Dugu Bo.

Dugu Bo showed a bit of confusion and asked in surprise, "Opinion? I have no opinion; just do as you see fit. Is there a problem?"

"No, you've misunderstood."

Han Li shook his head to reassure them before continuing, "What I want to ask is, do you intend to evolve your martial soul into a dragon type, or do you want to maintain the snake type?"

"Is that even a choice?" Dugu Bo asked in astonishment.

"Of course it is. Don't forget about my Ice Fire Dragon God Bow," Han Li replied with a smile.

Dugu Bo's eyes lit up, and without hesitation, he blurted out, "Then of course, it's the snake."

"What's so great about dragons? Besides, I understand the basic situation of the Jade Phosphor Serpent. Even if it evolves into a dragon, it might not necessarily be stronger than the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan."

"Rather than evolving into something neither here nor there, it's better to delve deeper into the snake's martial soul. Who knows, the Dugu family might become the pinnacle of snake martial souls, not inferior to other top beast martial souls."

"Yes, yes, Grandpa is right. If we're going to do it, let's be the strongest."

Dugu Yan chimed in, her eyes sparkling as if she was already envisioning a bright future.

Oh, I forgot, this young lady is quite ambitious too, Han Li thought silently.

"Alright, then there's no problem. When the time comes, I'll help you suppress the dragon aura to facilitate your devouring process," Han Li said earnestly, looking at Dugu Bo.

"With your help, I feel even more confident," Dugu Bo replied with a smile, stroking his rather sparse beard in high spirits.

"By the way, it won't negatively affect you, will it?" Dugu Bo then looked worriedly at Han Li's hands.

After a day and night of suppression, the two-colored dragon scales on Han Li's hands had mostly fallen off. However, compared to before, the skin on the back of his hands was still a bit darker than other areas, which was why Dugu Yan didn't notice earlier.

"No problem. I might even take this opportunity to draw out the hidden aura that's hard to eliminate, speeding up my recovery," Han Li responded proactively. This was one of the reasons he brought it up. He wouldn't compromise his future partners and friends just because he fancied a snake lady.

"Is that so? Well, that's great—killing two birds with one stone. Your brain, I don't know how it works, but it's truly useful," Dugu Bo said, fully reassured after observing Han Li's expression.

Han Li wouldn't lie about such important matters, a consensus he and Guang Ling had reached after their discussions.

=====

Support me at patreon.com/AbsoluteCode