Chapter 87: A Sudden Shift in Atmosphere and Departure for Star Dou
Then, to Han Li's surprise, the usually bold and confident Miss Dugu Yan suddenly blushed, becoming uncharacteristically shy.
After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice barely louder than a mosquito's buzz.
"So… since you foresaw something related to me, that means I count as… your close person, right?"
Han Li's expression froze, his mind briefly going blank.
This truly was the Romance Continent! The words 'Heaven's secrets must not be revealed' had been at the tip of his tongue, but the entire mood had shifted before he could even say them.
Dugu Yan! What happened to your usual demeanor? Shouldn't you be asking me what exactly I "foresaw"? Why are you suddenly getting shy? Don't you know I like that kind of energy?!
Dugu Yan, Dugu Yan… you've truly disappointed me. Looks like I'll have to train you properly in the future. Otherwise, blending in too much will make you lose your competitive edge.
Of course, while these thoughts raced through his mind, Han Li didn't hesitate in his response:
"Of course, you count."
As expected, the moment he confirmed it, Dugu Yan's expression instantly brightened, and she returned to her usual demeanor. After throwing him a playful wink, she lazily leaned back in her chair.
This time, it was Han Li who couldn't hold back. After thinking for a while, he turned and asked, "Yan , aren't you at least a little curious about what I actually foresaw?"
In response, Dugu Yan simply gave him a sweet smile and spoke in a tone dripping with honey.
"There's no need. I know you'd never harm me, right, little~ bro?"
She deliberately stretched out the last words, her elegant posture and seductive expression maximizing her natural charm.
For a brief moment, Han Li was completely floored. His heart felt light and satisfied.
This was it. This was the power of the Romance Continent!
Honestly… it wasn't so bad as long as he was the one being pursued.
Quickly regaining his composure, he remembered why he had come in the first place.
"Yan , since Senior left the timing up to me, let's depart the day after tomorrow. I need to buy a few supplies, so I'll need some time to prepare."
"Shopping? Want me to come with you?"
Hearing this, Dugu Yan perked up. Her best friend was still at the academy, and since her current condition made it inconvenient to visit, she'd been stuck at home with nothing to do.
"I don't mind. But, shouldn't you wear a veil? Your appearance has changed slightly, but your face is still the same. I don't want to take you shopping only to have the royal family or the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect take an interest in you."
Han Li pointed at her face and made a small suggestion.
"No problem. Wait here I just got some veils from Lingling, but I haven't tried them yet. I'll also need to change outfits. Oh, and you'll have to help me buy some new clothes. Ever since my hair color changed, a lot of my outfits don't look good on me anymore."
"Make sure to get a size bigger, too. You'll need to account for any changes after absorbing your soul ring."
"As for makeup… forget it. Grandpa's formulas are still the best."
"Come to think of it, if you hadn't come by today, I'd have exhausted myself tomorrow getting everything ready!"
Dugu Yan started listing out everything she needed while making a quick shopping plan.
"Alright, go ahead. I need some new clothes myself."
Han Li suddenly remembered that after absorbing his next soul ring, the outfits Sister Xiu had prepared for him would probably become tight fitting again.
"Wait here, I'll be quick!"
Excited by the prospect of shopping, Dugu Yan called out before dashing toward the back of the residence, leaving him alone in the hall.
Fortunately, she really was quick less than five minutes later, she reappeared, now dressed in black with a veil covering her face.
"Alright, let's go."
Smiling mischievously, she grabbed Han Li's arm and dragged him outside.
The Shopping Trip That Nearly Drained His Soul
By the time Han Li returned to the Martial Soul Hall, it was already 8 PM.
Despite having woken up at noon, he looked visibly drained.
He had completely underestimated the stamina required to shop with a woman. No matter how strong his body was comparable to a Soul Emperor's he simply couldn't understand how he had lost in endurance to Dugu Yan during a shopping spree.
Thankfully, he had bought his own items quickly. He didn't need to think much about price he just picked the most expensive things and paid.
After stopping by a restaurant for dinner, he firmly rejected Dugu Yan's offer to go shopping again the next day. Using training as an excuse, he agreed to meet her the day after tomorrow outside the city before quickly escorting her home and making his escape.
Oh, right… his master wasn't home when he returned.
Was he meeting Qian Renxue again?
Very likely. After all, they were about to leave soon, and it made sense for him to say his goodbyes.
They probably had a close relationship after all, his master was willing to personally ask for an immortal herb for her.
Han Li absentmindedly wondered what changes would happen to the Angel Martial Soul after consuming the herb. Would its wings develop flame like patterns?
After spacing out for a bit, he shook his head and refocused.
No point in overthinking. It was time to train.
He abandoned all other thoughts he hadn't made up for his missed training session today, and this wasn't the time to slack off.
The Departure
The next day, nothing special happened.
Despite telling Han Li not to bother him, Guang Ling showed up early in the morning to ask if the departure date had been set. His expression was as composed as ever, as if he had completely forgotten what happened yesterday.
After learning they'd be leaving the next day, he disappeared again.
Han Li also stayed in, spending the day uneventfully.
On the third morning, just before dawn, a luxurious carriage one that hadn't been used in a long time quietly left Heaven Dou City.
After picking up two figures outside the city, it sped toward Star Dou Forest.
Inside the carriage, Dugu Bo lounged comfortably in a rocking chair, turning to Han Li with a smirk.
"You really know how to enjoy life. No wonder you told us not to prepare a carriage. Turns out you had this little treasure for traveling."
"If you like it, Senior, I can have one delivered to your residence. They aren't expensive. In fact, if you weren't leaving Heaven Dou soon, you'd see similar carriages appearing on the streets within half a month."
Han Li casually twisted open a bottle of fresh fruit juice and handed it to Dugu Yan without even looking back.
"Alright, I won't be polite then."
Dugu Bo leaned back, letting the chair sway gently as he closed his eyes, enjoying the rare moment of peace.
"How long until we reach Star Dou Forest?"
Dugu Yan took a careful sip of her juice, savoring the fruity sweetness before turning to ask.
Her first two soul rings had come from Sunset Forest she had never been to Star Dou Forest and was quite curious.
"About half a month."
Han Li recalled the duration of his previous trip and gave a rough estimate.
"So that means… at the fastest, it'll take a whole month before we arrive in Martial Soul City?"
Hearing his answer, Dugu Yan mumbled to herself, lost in thought.
"What's wrong?"
Han Li closed his book and turned to her, sensing a shift in her mood.
"Nothing. I just didn't expect my first long journey to take an entire month."
Dugu Yan lifted her head and smiled at him, signaling she was fine.
She wasn't upset she just couldn't wait to see the place where he lived.
(End of Chapter)
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