Chapter 70: Honest Uncle and Nephew

Late at night.

Gu Yuena stepped out of the carriage and gazed toward the nearby convoy.

A few seconds later, a figure flickered over from that direction.

It was Zi Ji, whom Gu Yuena had sent to investigate the neighboring convoy.

"Who are they?"

Gu Yuena asked. Though her injuries had stabilized and she had yet to regain her peak strength, her powerful spiritual perception allowed her to detect two hidden Title Douluos nearby.

There was also one Soul Douluo and three Soul Saints among the convoy's ranks.

With such a formation, fewer than five noble families in the entire empire could afford this level of protection.

The most likely possibility was the Tian Dou Imperial Family.

After all, despite the apparent peace across the Douluo Continent, just over a decade ago, the Star Luo Empire had launched a war.

Had it not been for the Spirit Hall aiding the Tian Dou Empire at the time, the entire continent might have already fallen into Star Luo's grasp.

Zi Ji chuckled mischievously, "Sister, I overheard them talking about some 'Imperial Uncle'..."

"Imperial Uncle...?"

Gu Yuena raised an eyebrow. Now she was certain—the neighboring convoy belonged to the Tian Dou Imperial Family!

Since they would eventually move to Tian Dou City, this was the perfect opportunity to establish a connection with the imperial family.

If she wanted her husband to enter the imperial family's sights, she didn't need to rely solely on strength—talent would work just as well!

Gu Yuena nodded slightly, "Not bad. Did you hear if they plan to visit us?"

She figured that if the imperial convoy had no plans of approaching them, she would need to find a way to create an interaction herself.

Zi Ji shook her head, "I didn't hear anything about that."

"Forget it, let's get some rest."

Gu Yuena spoke softly before turning and heading back into the carriage.

Zi Ji yawned and quickly followed.

Inside The Neighboring Convoy

In the middle of the convoy, a particularly luxurious carriage stood out, spacious enough to resemble a small room.

Inside sat an elderly man and a young man, both dressed in opulent clothing with distinguished auras.

"Qinghe, you saw it yourself this time—Star Luo Empire still harbors ill intent. They continue to seek ways to target our Tian Dou Empire..." Prince Xue Xing sighed, shaking his head.

Xue Qinghe rested his chin on his hand, furrowing his brows, "With Spirit Hall between us, the Star Luo Empire can only gather strength in secret. They wouldn't dare start another war... Our main priority should be maintaining strong ties with Spirit Hall. After all, if they fall, we fall."

Prince Xue Xing scoffed and shook his head, "Spirit Hall cannot be trusted! Those soul masters are all brawns and no brains, always thinking they can solve everything with raw power."

"They may be useful as tools, but we must never place all our hopes on them."

He sneered, his tone filled with disdain toward Spirit Hall.

Xue Qinghe was momentarily taken aback. He hadn't expected Prince Xue Xing to hold such a deep-seated contempt for soul masters.

However, it was not surprising. Nobles and soul masters had long harbored mutual disdain for one another.

In the structure of Douluo Continent, the true ruling class was the aristocracy!

"So this is why Uncle ignored the Dragon Serpent couple earlier?"

Xue Qinghe casually remarked.

Prince Xue Xing nodded smugly, "Exactly. Qinghe, remember this—nobles are the true rulers of this continent. Soul masters? They're merely tools."

"Never forget this distinction. Even though you've apprenticed under Ning Fengzhi, you must still understand where your true loyalties lie."

After a brief pause, he added, "Of course, exceptions exist. Title Douluos like Poison Douluo, who are worth winning over, should be considered. If you had a Title Douluo backing you, your claim to the throne would be even more secure."

Xue Qinghe smiled faintly and continued probing, "So, the reason we aren't befriending the Dragon Serpent couple is because their influence is too significant?"

"Precisely, Qinghe. Right now, our priority is to return to the Tian Dou Empire. Don't stir up unnecessary trouble." Prince Xue Xing advised with a smile.

Xue Qinghe nodded, "Understood, Uncle. Then tomorrow morning, we will depart immediately and avoid meeting them."

"Exactly. There's no benefit in mingling with those crude soul masters."

Prince Xue Xing chuckled in agreement.

The Next Morning

At dawn, Dan Heng woke up. He leaned against the wall, with one arm serving as a pillow for Gu Yuena.

The first sight that greeted him upon opening his eyes was Gu Yuena's breathtakingly beautiful face.

Behind her, Zhu Zhuqing and Zi Ji were also sleeping.

Though they were all fully clothed, the carriage was still filled with a mingling fragrance.

Zi Ji's sleeping posture was particularly wild—her blanket had been kicked over onto Zhu Zhuqing, exposing her dazzlingly white legs. She was half-sprawled over Zhu Zhuqing, with her foot pressed against Dan Heng's knee.

Meanwhile, there were several red marks on her plump thighs—likely from Gu Yuena pinching her the night before.

Dan Heng's lips curled into a small smile.

If he tried to get up, he would have to withdraw the arm Gu Yuena was resting on, which would wake her.

After some thought, he gave up on getting up and simply summoned a book in his other hand, leaning back to read.

From the corner of his eye, he noticed Gu Yuena's lips twitch slightly.

So, his little wife was awake but pretending to sleep?

Before long, footsteps sounded outside.

Then, a voice spoke up.

"Ah, the renowned Dragon Serpent couple! I have long admired you. It is truly an honor to meet you today..."

Dan Heng frowned slightly.

Hearing the words "this prince", he immediately deduced that the person speaking was Prince Xue Xing of the Tian Dou Empire.

This prince was far from benevolent. It was best not to get involved.

"Husband, why are you awake so early?"

Gu Yuena let out a delicate yawn, rubbing her eyes sleepily.

"Habit." Dan Heng replied softly.

Gu Yuena suddenly wrapped her arms around Dan Heng's waist, snuggling closer as she whispered, "Husband, let's move to Tian Dou City, okay?"

"Moving is fine, but why Tian Dou City?" Dan Heng frowned. He didn't want to go there. As the capital of the Tian Dou Empire, it was surrounded by the three upper sects. That place was a breeding ground for trouble.

It wasn't that he couldn't handle trouble—there was hardly anything on this continent that could truly threaten him.

"Because I like Tian Dou City! Also, I have family there, and I miss her..." Gu Yuena huffed, looking up at him with wide, expectant eyes.

Dan Heng was still hesitating when another set of footsteps sounded outside.

"Ah, Uncle, what a coincidence! You're here too?"

"Yes, what a coincidence! I got lost, you see..."

The conversation outside gave Dan Heng a temporary reprieve from making a decision.

Seeing that he hadn't given her an answer yet, Gu Yuena pouted before also catching the voices from outside.

She suddenly sat up and said, "Husband, I'm heading out for a bit..."

Dan Heng immediately grabbed her wrist, "If it's not urgent..."

"I need to..." Gu Yuena cast a glance at her lower abdomen. There were some things that couldn't be held in.

"Don't worry, Husband, I'll wear a veil..."

(End of Chapter)