Chapter 65: Guang Ling’s Multi Layered Plan, Qian Renxue’s Surprise

Chapter 65: Guang Ling's Multi Layered Plan, Qian Renxue's Surprise

The soul power barrier around Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan only dissipated once the other members of the Royal Battle Team resumed their training.

"Yan Yan, go back to training first. I'll wait for you over there. We'll go home for lunch together at noon," Dugu Bo said, keeping his composure. He had only revealed just enough information to pique his granddaughter's curiosity without fully satisfying it.

"Alright, but Grandpa, wait just a little longer. The morning training session is almost over," Dugu Yan replied. She had only just learned the beginning of the story when her grandfather suddenly cut it off, leaving her extremely frustrated. However, seeing that the soul power barrier was already gone, she obediently returned to training.

The result? She spent the entire session distracted, frequently glancing toward the sidelines where her grandfather stood.

Meanwhile, the other team members, motivated by the presence of a Titled Douluo, trained with extreme effort. The stark contrast between Dugu Yan's lack of focus and their intense dedication completely threw off the team's coordination.

Qin Ming could barely watch. With a sigh, he decided to call off the session.

"That's enough for now. You won't get anything out of training like this. I'll give you all the rest of the day off, but tomorrow, I expect proper focus. Understood?"

Dugu Yan, feeling guilty, lowered her head slightly. She realized her own distraction and her grandfather's presence had disrupted everyone else's focus. Inwardly, she blamed him for leaving her hanging. Hmph! When we get home, I'll make him pay. Maybe I'll pluck his beard!

After the team responded in unison, training was officially dismissed early.

Dugu Yan exchanged a few words with her teammates before dashing toward her grandfather. Under the curious gazes of the others, the two of them left Heaven Dou Royal Academy together.

Back at Spirit Hall

Meanwhile, Guang Ling had wasted no time after arriving at Spirit Hall. He immediately sought out Salas and relayed Han Li's request regarding soul beast selection.

Salas, subtly eyeing Guang Ling for any noticeable changes, was then entrusted with two additional tasks before Guang Ling promptly made his way to the dining hall.

With Han Li needing at least ten days to recover perhaps longer depending on how things played out food supplies were a priority. While they had plenty of medicinal herbs, preparing meals would be a hassle. Better to let someone else handle that so Han Li's recovery wouldn't be disrupted.

Guang Ling had not forgotten: Han Li's current condition was entirely due to assisting him with his breakthrough. As his master, there wasn't much he could do to help in return, but ensuring proper care during this period? That was the least he could do.

Guang Ling acted without hesitation.

Using the bishop's token he had just received from Salas, he unceremoniously ordered the kitchen to pack a massive amount of ingredients. He even had them prepare several lavish dishes in advance before finally returning to his quarters to wait.

Salas, known for his efficiency, didn't disappoint. With Qian Renxue currently unoccupied, it took less than an hour for Salas to report back. Everything was arranged all Guang Ling had to do was follow the designated route and sneak in carefully.

Pleased, Guang Ling patted Salas on the shoulder, encouraged him to keep up the good work, and rattled off a long winded lecture he had learned from Han Li before grabbing his supplies and disappearing from Spirit Hall.

Salas, satisfied with his superior's reaction, immediately set Spirit Hall's personnel to work on tracking down the ideal soul beast for Han Li's third ring.

Meanwhile, Guang Ling, after leaving Spirit Hall, changed into a new disguise and effortlessly slipped into the Crown Prince's residence in broad daylight.

As expected, the Heaven Dou Empire's security was pitiful.

Crown Prince's Mansion, Secret Chamber

Inside the secret chamber of the mansion's main residence, Qian Renxue once again in her true female form greeted Guang Ling joyfully.

Although she didn't know why he had returned so soon after only two days, she was still delighted to see him.

"Grandpa Guang Ling, weren't you supposed to be out traveling with Han Li? Did something unexpected happen?"

Since Salas had not reported Guang Ling's departure from Spirit Hall, Qian Renxue assumed something urgent had occurred.

"Unexpected? Well, you could call it that, but to be precise, it was a pleasant surprise."

Guang Ling deliberately teased her, waiting until she couldn't hold back her curiosity any longer before revealing the truth.

"A surprise? What kind of surprise?"

Qian Renxue gave him a pointed look, playing along with his game.

"I broke through to Rank 98. Would you say that counts as a surprise?"

Guang Ling puffed out his chest, clearly proud of himself.

"You broke through? Of course, that's a surprise! Congratulations, Grandpa Guang Ling!"

Qian Renxue was momentarily stunned before offering her heartfelt congratulations.

"Wait a minute! Didn't you only reach Rank 97 just a year ago? How did this happen so quickly?"

The realization dawned on her, and she blurted out her question without thinking.

"Hahaha! Looks like you caught that detail, huh? Naturally, there's a reason for my rapid breakthrough."

Guang Ling removed his hood, winked at Qian Renxue, and continued.

"What reason? …Hold on, Grandpa Guang Ling, your face your left eye! You can open it freely now?!"

Midway through speaking, Qian Renxue suddenly noticed something odd. His left eye, previously covered by dark blue ice crystals, was now completely normal.

"Well? Am I even more handsome now?" Guang Ling asked smugly.

Already used to his antics, Qian Renxue rolled her eyes.

"Alright, enough joking around," Guang Ling said, his tone turning serious.

"The reason I was able to break through and why my eye has recovered is all thanks to my disciple."

Qian Renxue blinked, remaining silent and waiting for him to continue.

"I was out with him… let's call it 'exploring.' We stumbled upon a treasure trove a location filled with rare medicinal herbs. More precisely, celestial herbs. You've probably heard about them before. Little Chrysanthemum used to be obsessed with collecting information on them."

Qian Renxue furrowed her brows, thinking for a moment before responding uncertainly, "I think I've heard of them. Chrysanthemum Douluo's martial soul is one of them, right? But I don't know much else."

Guang Ling nodded in approval. "That's right. Han Li, as it turns out, has a deep interest in these plants. He even traded with Chrysanthemum Douluo for relevant records."

At the mention of "trade," Guang Ling hesitated slightly before continuing.

"As luck would have it, this treasure trove contained herbs suited for both him and me. So, after consuming one, I not only advanced to Rank 98 but also fully repaired my left eye's spirit bone. Oh, and my martial soul got stronger too."

Guang Ling's grin was so wide it was impossible to miss.

"Hmm."

Qian Renxue nodded lightly, not interrupting. She could tell there was more to the story.

Guang Ling, dissatisfied with her lack of reaction, cleared his throat and suppressed a strange feeling before speaking again.

"You know, Han Li is quite filial."

Qian Renxue thought about the reports on Han Li's behavior and nodded it seemed to match.

"So, I casually mentioned that I had a younger relative who needed a fire attribute celestial herb. You get the idea."

Guang Ling shot her a look before continuing, "And he just gave me one of the best ones on the spot and told me to bring it to you as a gift. Of course, I didn't tell him who you are. I didn't even mention your gender."

"He just… gave it to you? As a gift for me?"

Qian Renxue's eyes widened in disbelief.

Even if she didn't fully grasp what celestial herbs were, the fact that one had allowed a Super Douluo to break through was enough to prove its value. Even her grandfather had never provided her with something like that.

This was completely at odds with the reports she had read about Han Li.

She suddenly felt an urge to meet this "little senior brother" of hers.

"Yup. I told you, Han Li is extremely generous to his own people. I mentioned it, and he simply handed it over he even told me to pass along his regards."

Guang Ling lifted his chin proudly, rebutting her doubts with confidence.

Everything he had said was true.

…It just wasn't Han Li's intention to give the gift. But hey, master and disciple were one and the same, right?

Absolutely foolproof logic! Guang Ling thought to himself smugly.

(End of Chapter)

Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.

Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen