Chapter 224: Do Acquaintances Always Stalk Each Other in Secret?

The trio's dazzling presence was simply too striking; their radiance stood out in any crowd.

This was what initially caught Qian Renxue's attention and prompted her to send Snake Lance Douluo, She Long, to investigate.

But what really piqued her curiosity was Xiao Wu.

She bore a striking resemblance to the girl Qian Renxue had seen with a certain mysterious young man a year and a half ago.

"A golden dragon claw... It resembles that vanished genius from a year and a half ago."

She Long pondered this as he observed Li Si's attack.

Dragon transformation wasn't a common ability. Aside from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, only that once-dazzling talent had demonstrated it.

A prodigy who, with just over 50 levels of spirit power, had casually defeated the seasoned Soul Saint, Zao Wou-Ki—an expert who had once stood his ground against over a dozen adversaries.

Such an individual wasn't ordinary.

Yet She Long shook his head, unsure.

"Even if he advanced quickly, it's unlikely he's already reached a level where I, as a Titled Douluo, would feel threatened."

His instincts, however, told him otherwise.

"I should report back to the lady," She Long decided.

"They haven't exposed my presence, which suggests they harbor no hostility. Acting rashly could backfire."

Satisfied with his decision, She Long headed back toward Heaven Dou City and the crown prince's residence, where Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe, awaited his report.

Meanwhile, Gu Yuena glanced at Li Si, her silver eyes filled with curiosity.

"Li Si, why didn't we deal with that rat?"

She spoke calmly, her gaze lingering on She Long's fading presence.

From the moment they left Heaven Dou City, Gu Yuena had detected the faint yet powerful aura tailing them.

Though She Long was a Titled Douluo, his strength was laughable to her. To her ancient, god-like power, he was barely more than an ant.

Li Si chuckled.

"An old acquaintance."

In truth, Li Si had never formally met She Long but knew of him from a past encounter.

"Acquaintance?" Gu Yuena tilted her head, puzzled.

"Do humans often stalk their acquaintances in secret?"

Li Si coughed awkwardly.

"Not exactly. It's more of an... unusual custom, I suppose."

He then explained further.

"The person behind this 'rat' is someone I've interacted with briefly. I imagine they're trying to assess whether we're worth forming an alliance with."

Gu Yuena furrowed her brows.

"You already know each other. Why test the waters further? Humans are truly strange."

Her understanding of human society was still evolving.

With Li Si's detailed explanation, Gu Yuena eventually nodded, though she still found the concept odd.

"So, do you think they'll approach us directly?"

"Not just likely—definitely. Given her controlling nature, she won't allow anything outside her expectations to linger unresolved," Li Si replied, a knowing smile on his face.

Qian Renxue's personality was anything but accommodating.

"I suppose the connection between me and Qian Renxue could be considered... complicated." Li Si mused.

She Long, meanwhile, returned to the crown prince's residence without issue.

As a Titled Douluo, his stealth techniques allowed him to traverse undetected, even avoiding the likes of Dugu Bo.

"She Long, what did you find?"

Qian Renxue, still disguised as Xue Qinghe, addressed him directly. She rarely had the luxury of shedding her disguise due to the responsibilities of her role.

"Miss," She Long began cautiously.

"I..."

He hesitated, unsure where to start. After a moment's thought, he recounted the events in full detail—the clash with Shi Nian, the golden dragon claw, and the spirit bone.

Even as a Titled Douluo, She Long couldn't help but envy the precious head spirit bone.

Qian Renxue arched an eyebrow.

"So, this mysterious figure had already marked Shi Nian, and the fool walked right into his death?"

She Long nodded solemnly.

"Yes, and it wasn't just him. The silver-haired girl accompanying him also seemed to sense my presence. It's likely she's at least as powerful as he is."

Qian Renxue's expression darkened slightly.

The thought of unknown variables moving freely within her sphere of influence irritated her.

"I must meet them. Tonight, we'll arrange a meeting."

"Miss, is that wise?" She Long frowned.

Though confident in his strength, he wasn't sure he could guarantee Qian Renxue's safety.

Qian Renxue waved off his concerns.

"If they intended harm, they wouldn't have let you walk away unscathed. I doubt they're enemies—but we must understand their motives."

Reluctantly, She Long agreed.

Meanwhile, Li Si, Gu Yuena, and Xiao Wu strolled through Heaven Dou City, enjoying its sights and cuisine.

As they wandered, Li Si couldn't help but notice the steady decline in his gold spirit coins.

(End of Chapter)