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Li Luochen was delighted to see the improvements in his teachers and senior students. Zhao Wuji, in particular, was eager to act. He planned to go back and challenge Titan again.
The last time they fought, it had ended in a draw, and Zhao Wuji hadn't gained much of an advantage. He was deeply dissatisfied. Who was truly stronger—the Mighty Gorilla or the Vigorous Vajra Bear? Only another fight could determine that.
As for Flender, he prepared to return to seclusion. Before leaving, he took Liu Erlong with him. Li Luochen guessed that the two might be planning for a second child.
Zhao Wuji clenched his fists, bid Flender farewell with a simple "I'm off to handle some business," and left. Only Li Luochen and Qin Ming remained.
Although Qin Ming was extremely grateful for Li Luochen's help, he also understood Li Luochen's personality. When it came to family, Li Luochen disliked formalities—they made him feel distant.
"Xiao Chen, thanks a lot this time! Let's go eat something—this time, Brother Ming is treating you. We won't stop until we're drunk!" Qin Ming thanked him sincerely, slinging his arm over Li Luochen's shoulder and laughing.
"Alright, no stopping until we're drunk! Oh, by the way, Brother Ming, let's invite Brother Yu, Hongjun, and Xiao Ao too. Let's all get together!"
Li Luochen smiled as he spoke. Qin Ming's carefree personality resonated well with him. Moreover, Qin Ming was exceptionally intelligent and talented. Though he hadn't consumed any immortal-grade herbs, he had taken whale glue and various pills and medicinal baths refined by the Breaking Clan to aid his cultivation.
Li Luochen thought it would be fitting to arrange a ten-thousand-year soul ring and spirit bone for Senior Qin Ming. Perhaps they could visit the Undying Volcano in the Great Star Dou Forest to test their luck. With Qin Ming's previous aptitude, becoming a Title Douluo was almost guaranteed.
Due to Li Luochen's intervention, Qin Ming had broken through to Soul Emperor at the age of twenty-eight and now, at thirty-four, had reached Spirit Sage—a bit slower than Tang Hao.
But one must remember, Tang Hao had the backing of the Hao Tian Sect's inheritance spirit bones and resources. Although Tang Hao was now like a stray dog, back then, he was the most talented disciple of the Hao Tian Sect.
From Tang Chen down to the lowliest errand disciples, everyone had high hopes for Tang Hao. His access to the Hao Tian Sect's resources had never been cut off.
Before reaching Soul Emperor, Qin Ming hadn't received many resources. It was only after Li Luochen reminded him that he broke free from the "honor" of a thousand-year fifth soul ring. Qin Ming's fifth soul ring was just over ten thousand years old but highly compatible.
Back then, Qin Ming and Mo Yu had teamed up to obtain their fifth soul rings. The two brothers trained together, avoiding major incidents, and later joined the Blue Tyrant Academy as instructors after a few more years of training.
During that time, Flender had shared the benefits of high-quality whale glue with them. Using its medicinal properties, they purified their bodies and enhanced their physical strength. Flender personally led them to hunt for their sixth soul rings, which exceeded normal limits.
Now, at thirty-four, Qin Ming had reached Spirit Sage—a remarkable achievement. Li Luochen believed that within ten years, Qin Ming could achieve the rank of Title Douluo, as he was still in his prime cultivation period.
When that time came, as his brother, Li Luochen would naturally help Qin Ming obtain a ten-thousand-year soul ring. Moreover, Li Luochen anticipated that he would eventually become the second principal of Shrek Academy. However, he wouldn't hold the position for long—after the continent's affairs were settled, he would ascend to the godly realm.
At that point, the position of principal would be vacant. Flender, having retired, wouldn't be suitable to take over again. Thus, Qin Ming would be the best choice. Qin Ming was intelligent, adaptable, young, and strong enough to shoulder the responsibility.
With these thoughts in mind, Li Luochen left with Qin Ming. Tonight, their gathering would end in drunken revelry.
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Meanwhile, at the Crown Prince's Residence in Tian Dou City
Qian Renxue had a light workload today. The documents requiring her review for the Tian Dou Empire were minimal, so she finished early and was now enjoying a brief moment of relaxation.
In her private chamber, Qian Renxue savored delicious pastries. She had also resumed her original appearance. Her relationship with Li Luochen had blossomed naturally, filling the void in her heart.
She had been in a good mood lately. However, just as she placed a piece of pastry into her mouth, something unexpected happened.
"Ugh—"
Qian Renxue suddenly felt an inexplicable wave of nausea, as if she wanted to vomit.
Alarmed, she turned to the darkness beside her and called out, "Uncle She, please fetch Aunt Song. I suddenly feel unwell."
"Yes, Miss!" Snake Spear Douluo She Long immediately went to find someone.
This Aunt Song was a healing-type Spirit Sage from the Spirit Hall and also a physician. She had been specially assigned by Qian Daoliu to take care of Qian Renxue's health.
Qian Renxue never trusted the imperial court physicians; she relied solely on Aunt Song. The fact that she now addressed her as "Aunt" indicated that something serious was happening.
"I hope I'm overthinking this," Qian Renxue muttered nervously, feeling a mix of fear and anxiety.
Not long after, Aunt Song arrived. She began examining Qian Renxue's pulse. Suddenly, her brows furrowed.
In Qian Renxue's private chamber, Qing Luan Douluo, Ba Tian Douluo, Snake Spear Douluo, and Porcupinefish Douluo were present. They all noticed Aunt Song's expression.
"Young Master, what—what is going on?!" Aunt Song was visibly panicked, her eyes wide with alarm. She realized this was a matter of great significance.
"What's wrong? Calm down and speak slowly." Qing Luan Douluo frowned. "Could it be that Xiao Xue has contracted some incurable illness?"
"No, it's not that…" Aunt Song hesitated, glancing at Qian Renxue with a pleading look.
"Aunt Song, speak freely. I guarantee you'll face no punishment," Qian Renxue said, already suspecting what the issue might be.
"Yes, thank you, Young Master. Esteemed Lords, Young Master isn't ill… she's… she's pregnant." Aunt Song's voice trembled as she spoke, as if the words had drained her of all strength.
Qing Luan Douluo: "What?! How can Xiao Xue be pregnant? Could it be that brat's doing? Did he succeed with you, Xiao Xue?"
Qing Luan Douluo was visibly agitated. Qian Renxue was the cherished treasure of the Offering Hall—held gently for fear of dropping her, kept close for fear of losing her. Even his own grand-nephew, You Tianshang, was raised in a more hands-off manner.
"Mm…" Qian Renxue shyly nodded, her cheeks flushed red. She hadn't expected to conceive after just one encounter. That time, Li Luochen had thoroughly exhausted her, leaving her bedridden for an entire day.
For several days afterward, she felt a dull ache even when urinating. It had only been a little over half a month since then. During this time, Li Luochen hadn't sought her out because he had gone soul-hunting, which she knew.
Qing Luan Douluo had only returned a few days ago, meaning she had been pregnant for over half a month.
'That despicable Li Luochen… Hmph! I'm going to be a mother now. This year won't be easy, but thankfully, I've prepared a body double to cover for me during my absence.'
Ba Tian Douluo's eyes widened in shock. Snake Spear Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo's jaws dropped. What had they just heard? Their Young Master had been "taken advantage of" and was now pregnant? If the Grand Elder found out, that brat would be dead meat.
The Title Douluos exchanged glances. They had reached a unanimous conclusion:
Li Luochen is in big trouble!
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