Douluo: Starting with an Engagement to Zhu Zhuqing

Chapter 183: First Meeting with Qian Renxue

"Uncle Ning, you've arrived," said a male voice as the door opened.

Seeing that it was Ning Fengzhi entering, the young man turned and bowed.

"Qinghe, how many times have I told you there's no need for such formality?" Ning Fengzhi replied with a smile.

The man known as Qinghe shifted his gaze toward Tang San, then paused slightly as he looked at Dai Yao. He was surprised; it was rare to see a young man so strikingly handsome yet exuding such strength and masculinity.

After a brief moment, he said, "So, these are the young talents you admire so much, Uncle Ning—Tang San and Dai Yao."

"Flattered," Dai Yao and Tang San replied with respectful nods.

Ning Fengzhi then introduced the young man to the two, saying, "This is His Highness, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe of the Heaven Dou Empire."

Tang San's expression betrayed his surprise, while Dai Yao, already aware of Xue Qinghe's true identity, allowed a suitable look of amazement to surface.

Dai Yao observed Xue Qinghe, who appeared to be about twenty-seven or twenty-eight, with strong, chiseled features that exuded nothing feminine. Without prior knowledge of the plot, he would never have guessed that the man before him, brimming with strength and masculinity, was actually a woman in disguise.

After some pleasantries, Ning Fengzhi turned to Dai Yao and said, "Dai Yao, I need to speak privately with Tang San and His Highness about certain matters. Let's discuss things in more detail once we're done."

Understanding that they likely intended to discuss matters concerning Tang Hao's retirement, Dai Yao nodded and replied, "Very well, Uncle Ning. Call me when you're ready."

Xue Qinghe, noticing Dai Yao's quick compliance, added apologetically, "My apologies, Brother Dai Yao. I'm in the midst of many affairs and couldn't set aside time to meet with you alone. I hope you understand."

Dai Yao sensed Xue Qinghe's tactful manner, thinking, "As expected from someone like Qian Renxue, who has stayed undercover for over a decade. Even for a simple conversation, a prince humbly apologizes—such grace would make anyone feel at ease."

So he replied graciously, "You're too kind, Your Highness. Whenever you're ready, just call for me."

Xue Qinghe smiled. "Brother Dai Yao, a private room has been arranged for you; please rest there."

Dai Yao nodded, left, and made his way to the chamber Xue Qinghe had prepared. Inside, there were an array of refreshments and fruits laid out, and Ning Rongrong joined him in conversation about recent matches and their training experiences. Time passed quickly amidst Ning Rongrong's laughter.

Suddenly, the door swung open, interrupting the warm atmosphere.

Dai Yao turned to see Tang San entering. But unlike the calm demeanor he'd shown in the carriage, Tang San's gaze was now cold, a glint of barely concealed anger flashing briefly in his eyes—a glint that only someone as wary as Dai Yao would notice.

"What's the matter, Brother Tang San?" Dai Yao asked, feigning puzzlement.

Inwardly, he considered what they'd likely discussed: the possibility that Tang San harbored a deep-seated grudge against Spirit Hall. Perhaps Tang San had even suspected his mother's death was caused by Spirit Hall—a realization that put Dai Yao and Tang San on opposing paths.

Tang San took a slow, deep breath, his gaze sharpening. "Dai Yao, I hear you plan to join Spirit Hall?"

"That's right," Dai Yao responded calmly.

"Only Spirit Hall?" Tang San pressed, his voice low.

"Yes, only Spirit Hall."

An uneasy silence fell between them, making the air in the room suddenly feel tense and heavy. Sensing this, Ning Rongrong glanced nervously between the two. "You two…are you alright?"

Dai Yao turned to her and offered a reassuring smile. "It's fine."

"Yes, don't worry, Rongrong," Tang San added with a forced smile.

Letting out a relieved sigh, Ning Rongrong patted her chest. "Phew, you guys were looking at each other like mortal enemies."

Dai Yao chuckled slightly, fully aware of why Tang San was so insistent. But for my revenge, Spirit Hall is the only place where I can grow strong enough. Am I supposed to just follow Tang San's path and let him take all the opportunities?

While they hadn't said much, the two of them knew well enough that things had changed between them. What had been a friendly rivalry was now headed down a much more hostile path.

Dai Yao understood Tang San's nature: if he succeeded in his mission with Spirit Hall, and Tang San emerged victorious in the end, there would be no mercy for him. In the original story, Tang San had killed everyone in a branch of Spirit Hall. It was clear that if Tang San won, he would be ruthless.

But Dai Yao had no intention of letting Tang San succeed. He knew the threat that Tang San posed to Spirit Hall, and for the sake of his own vengeance, he would do anything to curb that growth—even to crush it entirely.

Dai Yao suppressed his smile. In his mind, Tang San was already a dead man. Without the Purple Demon Eye, there was no way Tang San would survive Shi Nian's illusions. Shi Nian's attack would surely finish him.

Yet, he still needed the knowledge of Tang San's herbs first.

With a smile, Dai Yao said, "Brother Tang San, I hope you'll have those notes on medicinal herbs ready soon. I'm very eager to read them."

Tang San's eyes narrowed slightly as he replied with a mirthless smile, "Of course."

They exchanged smiles, but it was clear that tension lay beneath their words.

Just then, Ning Fengzhi re-entered, observing the odd tension between Tang San and Dai Yao but not prying further. Instead, he turned to Dai Yao. "Dai Yao, Qinghe is ready for you now. Let's not keep him waiting."

Dai Yao nodded, bidding farewell to Tang San and Ning Rongrong before following Ning Fengzhi to meet with Xue Qinghe once again.

Returning to the chamber, they exchanged a few pleasantries before taking their seats. Xue Qinghe called for a maid to pour tea, replacing the cups from Tang San's previous visit. As the room filled with the fragrant aroma, they settled in, each person fully engaged.

Xue Qinghe shared a glance with Ning Fengzhi, then turned to Dai Yao with a smile. "Brother Dai Yao, I've heard about your recent performances in the competition. It's impressive that you defeated the Godwind Academy—one of the strongest of the Five Elemental Academies—with a single move. Everyone was left in awe."

"Just luck," Dai Yao replied with a modest smile.

A brief silence fell over the room, broken when Xue Qinghe chuckled.

"Brother Dai Yao, you keep saying it was just luck—I'm honestly at a loss for words," said Xue Qinghe with a hint of admiration.

Beside him, Ning Fengzhi smiled; he had heard Dai Yao's "it was luck" line multiple times and was amused to see Xue Qinghe encountering it firsthand.

Regaining his composure, Xue Qinghe shifted to a more serious tone. "Brother Dai Yao, let me be direct: would you consider joining the Heaven Dou Empire?"

Seeing Dai Yao's reaction, Xue Qinghe quickly raised his hand, motioning for Dai Yao to let him finish before he answered. "Please, hear me out first. If you were to join our empire, forget the usual offers of wealth or beauty—our imperial treasury would grant you your choice of spirit bones. Whatever spirit ring you desire, we would strive to provide. And knowing that you are also a prince of the Star Luo Empire, I promise you the title of Duke here. Once I assume the throne, that promise will be yours to claim."

As he spoke, a glint appeared in Xue Qinghe's eyes, and his tone softened, carrying a persuasive, almost hypnotic quality. "I understand you joined Spirit Hall for revenge. But Spirit Hall, as powerful as it is, remains a faction of spirit masters—how could it ever secure your vengeance? Why not join our empire? Together, we could command an army in the millions to march on Star Luo, so you may avenge the blood debt."

The terms Xue Qinghe presented were undeniably tempting.

The wealth and beauty offered could be set aside as commonplace perks for any powerful spirit master. But a choice from the imperial treasury's collection of spirit bones? These precious treasures, carefully stored for millennia, were worth any spirit master's consideration.

Moreover, Xue Qinghe was offering him the title of Duke. Within the empire's hierarchy, a Duke wielded supreme authority over an entire duchy—a dream for any ambitious man.

But Xue Qinghe's final offer—revenge—was the most compelling of all.

A typical person might have agreed to such terms without hesitation. Yet Dai Yao only scoffed inwardly.

The promises Xue Qinghe made were enticing indeed but, in reality, were nothing more than illusions, beautiful yet fleeting. They would vanish if he ever tried to reach for them.

While Xue Qinghe's words sounded convincing, should the "prince" succeed in his plans, the vast Heaven Dou Empire would ultimately fall under the rule of Spirit Hall. Would Spirit Hall truly honor those promises?

And Dai Yao knew something else: having already turned his back on the Star Luo Empire to join Spirit Hall, switching allegiances once more would make him appear treacherous. Even if Spirit Hall conquered Heaven Dou, would its leaders ever truly trust him? They would likely stand against him and thwart any such promises from being fulfilled.

Thus, he had no real choice—his only path forward was through Spirit Hall.

Still, he wouldn't reveal his thoughts so plainly. After a moment of contemplation, he let a look of conflict flicker over his face. With a deep, resolute sigh, he declared, "I am deeply grateful for Your Highness's kind offer. But when I was at my lowest, Spirit Hall was the one to extend a hand and pull me out of despair. I can't ignore such a kindness."

"I've already committed to joining Spirit Hall, and that's a decision I will not change. Your Highness's conditions may be tempting, but my choice is firm. Even if Spirit Hall were no longer as strong as it is today, I would still join them without hesitation. If Your Highness ever stands in opposition to Spirit Hall, you will have to face me first."

Xue Qinghe was taken aback, yet a deep admiration welled up in him. Despite the incredible offer laid before him, Dai Yao remained steadfast in his allegiance to Spirit Hall.

Not only had Dai Yao just put an end to any hopes Xue Qinghe had of recruiting him, but he had also willingly put himself in a dangerous position by openly declaring his loyalty to Spirit Hall within the Heaven Dou Empire. After all, if Xue Qinghe wanted, he could eliminate Dai Yao here and now.

Such loyalty—both rare and unwavering—was almost inconceivable.

Of course, Xue Qinghe's admiration stemmed from the assumption that Dai Yao didn't know his true identity, hence the mistaken impression.

"It seems that no matter what I offer, Brother Dai Yao's mind is set on joining Spirit Hall," Xue Qinghe said, sighing with a hint of regret. "I can only wish you a bright future."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Dai Yao replied, allowing his body to relax just enough to give the impression of relief.

Seeing his response, Xue Qinghe's initial admiration only grew. Dai Yao had a genuine sense of loyalty and obligation, and he seemed prepared to sacrifice everything in Spirit Hall's service.

Xue Qinghe gave Dai Yao a respectful nod and, with a hint of mystery, added, "Perhaps we may have the chance to fight side by side someday."

Dai Yao hesitated for a moment, catching the subtle implication. He smiled inwardly, realizing what Xue Qinghe meant—that, in time, Xue Qinghe would reveal himself as Qian Renxue and join forces with Spirit Hall.

So, playing at riddles, are we? Dai Yao thought. Two can play that game.

"Your Highness," he replied confidently, "I have no doubt we will be fighting side by side someday."

Xue Qinghe paused, puzzled by Dai Yao's certainty. Though he had been referring to a future encounter within Spirit Hall, he couldn't fathom why Dai Yao seemed so assured.

As Xue Qinghe pondered this, Dai Yao chuckled inwardly. Now you know how it feels to be on the other end of a cryptic conversation.

Despite Dai Yao's refusal, Xue Qinghe maintained his usual courteous demeanor. As the sun began to set, Ning Fengzhi glanced at the darkening sky, then turned to Dai Yao with a smile. "It's getting late. Dai Yao, why don't you escort Rongrong back? His Highness and I need to head to the palace."

Noticing the unexpected change in Ning Fengzhi's plans, Xue Qinghe raised an eyebrow, though he didn't press for details. He simply maintained his poised stance as the crown prince.

"Then I'll take my leave," Dai Yao said, bowing to Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe before motioning for Ning Rongrong to join him.

As they watched Dai Yao's figure recede into the distance, Xue Qinghe frowned slightly and turned to Ning Fengzhi. "Uncle Ning, I thought there was no scheduled meeting with His Majesty tonight. What brings you to the palace?"

With a rueful look, Ning Fengzhi sighed, "Dai Yao's loyalty to Spirit Hall may not sit well with the emperor, who might be considering a quiet... intervention. I plan to dissuade His Majesty from such a decision."

Glancing at Dai Yao's retreating figure, Ning Fengzhi felt a tinge of pride. "A young man who honors his debts with such conviction deserves our protection," he added.

Xue Qinghe smiled thoughtfully, "Uncle Ning, you certainly hold Dai Yao in high regard."

"Indeed," Ning Fengzhi replied earnestly. "He's loyal to Spirit Hall out of gratitude for their help, just as he showed kindness to our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. So here in Heaven Dou, I will protect him as well."

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