Chapter 96: Husband and Wife

Chrysanthemum Douluo continued chatting with Dan Heng for a while. Initially, he had intended to use his extensive knowledge to impress Dan Heng.

But to his astonishment and delight, Dan Heng's intelligence was completely on par with his own!

Aside from spirit power and specific knowledge related to personal experience, Dan Heng seemed to know almost everything.

This made Chrysanthemum Douluo even more determined to protect Dan Heng.

He took a deep breath and patted Dan Heng on the shoulder.

Dan Heng had been discussing various topics with Chrysanthemum Douluo, benefiting greatly from the latter's decades of experience and insights as a Titled Douluo. Many of the stories and knowledge were new to him.

But now, Chrysanthemum Douluo suddenly changed his lighthearted demeanor, his expression turning serious.

This caught Dan Heng off guard.

"Dan Heng, I see you as a kindred spirit, so I won't deceive you. To be honest with you, I am actually an elder of the Spirit Hall, a Titled Douluo. My title is 'Chrysanthemum,' and my name is Yue Guan!"

Chrysanthemum Douluo spoke solemnly, looking intently at Dan Heng.

When he revealed his identity, he was actually sneaking glances at Dan Heng's reaction.

He hoped to see shock on Dan Heng's face—perhaps some awe, some admiration. Maybe even an emotional response, like: Wow, your status is so noble, yet you treat me as an equal! I'm so moved!

But Dan Heng didn't react that way.

He was momentarily taken aback. He had sensed Chrysanthemum Douluo's strength and naturally understood that the other party's status on the continent couldn't be low.

But why suddenly reveal it?

In fact, Dan Heng didn't want to openly acknowledge his association with Chrysanthemum Douluo.

That could potentially bring unnecessary trouble upon himself.

"So Your Eminence is actually an elder of the Spirit Hall…" Dan Heng responded dryly.

Chrysanthemum Douluo felt a bit awkward. He had expected a more dramatic reaction, but Dan Heng was oddly calm.

Still, this was one of the traits he appreciated about Dan Heng.

Clearing his throat, Chrysanthemum Douluo forced a lighthearted smile. "Alright, no need to be nervous. I befriended you because I admire your character, not because of status."

"You and I both have an appreciation for flowers. I consider you a true friend, and I'm willing to stand by you."

"Dan Heng, tell me honestly—did you advise the Heaven Dou Empire, exposing the Spirit Hall's ambitions towards the kingdoms and duchies?"

Chrysanthemum Douluo's gaze was piercing.

"…" Dan Heng felt a headache coming on. As expected, the consequences of his actions had caught up to him.

The Spirit Hall would never just let this matter go. They would definitely track down the 'culprit'—him.

At the time, he had even ignored Gu Yuena precisely for this reason.

Once he got involved, it would be incredibly difficult to extricate himself.

Now that Chrysanthemum Douluo had come to him, it was clear they had some level of evidence. If the other party intended to harm him, he would have no choice but to reveal his true strength and find another way out.

Dan Heng nodded slightly and explained, "It was just an accident at the time…"

He then recounted the whole story.

Chrysanthemum Douluo listened in silence, his eyes filled with disbelief.

The Spirit Hall's intricate schemes, so deeply hidden that even the most brilliant minds of the two great empires failed to uncover them, had been casually unraveled by Dan Heng?

His kindred spirit… was truly a genius!

After a moment of contemplation, Chrysanthemum Douluo suddenly said, "Dan Heng, since we are friends, I will never harm you. However, the Spirit Hall will not let this matter go so easily."

"…" Dan Heng glanced at him in surprise.

He hadn't expected Chrysanthemum Douluo to stand on his side.

Could it be that their shared love of flowers alone was enough for Chrysanthemum Douluo to take this risk for him?

Thinking about this, Dan Heng suddenly felt a bit guilty.

Because he wasn't truly passionate about flowers.

But since Chrysanthemum Douluo was willing to take this risk for him, he had to return the favor.

Chrysanthemum Douluo continued, "I have an idea, though it's somewhat risky. I can personally plead with the Supreme Pontiff, asking her to pardon you on account of your great talent and invite you to join the Spirit Hall instead."

Dan Heng shook his head and apologized, "I'm sorry. I don't want to join any organization. My current arrangement with Xue Qinghe is merely a transaction—he provides me shelter, and I enjoy a peaceful life."

Chrysanthemum Douluo frowned slightly and sighed, shaking his head.

"Alright. That might be for the best. The Supreme Pontiff's temperament is unpredictable, and I can't say for sure how she would handle this. Then we'll go with the second plan—I'll erase all traces of your involvement."

Hearing this, Dan Heng felt even more moved.

This was a huge favor.

If Chrysanthemum Douluo helped cover things up and got caught, he would surely face severe consequences.

"There's no time to waste. I need to find my companion quickly. If he acts against you first, it will be troublesome!" Chrysanthemum Douluo said as he swiftly left the library.

"…"

Dan Heng watched his retreating figure, frowning slightly.

Since he now owed this favor, he had to find a way to repay it.

Elsewhere, in Heaven Dou City, atop a refined establishment known as the Seven Treasures Hotel, a sophisticated middle-aged man gazed out the window.

This man was none other than Ning Fengzhi, the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and also the mentor of Heaven Dou's Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe.

Beside him stood a tall, imposing white-haired man with sharp, chiseled features. His eyes carried a sharp, sword-like presence, and his entire being exuded an aura like an unsheathed blade.

He was the legendary Sword Douluo, one of the absolute top ten powerhouses on the Douluo Continent!

"Sword Uncle, Ghost Douluo has been lurking around the city these past few days. What do you think he's looking for?" Ning Fengzhi asked with a smile.

Sword Douluo replied indifferently, "The Spirit Hall's schemes have been exposed. They must be seeking the person who revealed their ambitions—perhaps he's searching for that individual?"

"Indeed. That's what I was thinking as well. I'm truly curious—where is this brilliant mind who managed to expose the Spirit Hall? If possible, I would love to befriend him. Better yet, if we could recruit him into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, it would be a blessing!"

Ever since learning of Dan Heng's existence, Ning Fengzhi had been eager to make contact.

He had even reached out to Prince Xue Xing, but to no avail.

It was as if Dan Heng had vanished from the world.

Ning Fengzhi continued, "Regardless of whether Ghost Douluo is trying to eliminate this genius, we cannot sit idly by. Sword Uncle, I must trouble you to intervene if necessary. We must not allow the Spirit Hall to achieve its objectives."

"Ensuring their failure is already a victory for us."

Sword Douluo nodded slightly. "Understood."

Meanwhile, as night fell…

Dan Heng sensed something wrong the moment he entered his bedroom.

The room had once again been decorated like a wedding chamber, with red silk draped throughout, creating an unmistakably festive atmosphere.

Gu Yuena stood there, dressed in a phoenix coronet and crimson robes, a red veil covering her stunning face.

Seeing this scene, Dan Heng had the sudden urge to turn around and leave.

So the moment I've been dreading has finally arrived…?

"Husband… aren't you coming in?" Gu Yuena's voice was soft and seductive, tinged with teasing affection.

Dan Heng swallowed hard.

Against his better judgment, he stepped toward her.

(End of Chapter)