Chapter 86: Guang Ling's Unexpectedly Exposed Love Interest
"Thanks, Master."
Han Li took the documents and cupped his hands toward Guang Ling in gratitude.
"Alright, stop smiling at me like that, or I might not be able to resist smacking you," Guang Ling shuddered dramatically, feigning disgust.
"When are you planning to head to Star Dou Forest?" he asked as Han Li skimmed through the papers.
"In the next two or three days. I'll go see Yan later and confirm the timing with them," Han Li answered without looking up.
"'Yan ,' huh? Calling her so affectionately… I wonder how you'll explain this to Xiu'er when you get back. Just don't come crying to me or your martial uncle if you can't smooth things over," Guang Ling teased.
"That won't be a problem, don't worry. But since you seem to have so much free time, why not help me find a martial aunt? Elder Hall's Ling Yuan Douluo would be a great choice she's younger than you, too. I hear she has plenty of admirers, but with your looks and your current strength, you still have a fighting chance."
"If you manage to win her over, I'll even gift you the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower as a wedding present. Who knows, you might end up marrying a Phoenix Douluo and giving me a little junior martial brother. He'd have both fire and ice attributes, just like me. I could even mentor him."
"Think about it decades from now, a sect with four Douluo. That's true prestige! We'd shake the entire continent. What do you think?"
Han Li had already memorized the contents of the documents by now. He looked up and grinned mischievously at his master.
What was supposed to be just playful banter suddenly took an unexpected turn he noticed a flicker of contemplation flash across Guang Ling's face.
Oh? Was he actually tempted? Han Li's interest was piqued this was getting good.
It took a while before Guang Ling snapped out of his daydream. Realizing that his disciple had been studying his expression the entire time, his face turned red. With a loud smack, he slapped the table and pointed toward the door.
"Get lost, you little brat! Watching your master for entertainment now? Go find your little snake and stop annoying me. Just let me know when you've set the departure date. I have things to do these next few days don't come looking for me if you have nothing important to say. Actually, even if you do, don't come."
Han Li was laughing hysterically on the inside, but he kept his expression controlled.
Seeing his flustered master, he quickly stood up and bolted toward the door.
Just before leaving, he peeked back in and smirked. "Master, don't be shy. I'll save that Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower for you. Just say the word, and I'll personally deliver it overnight."
Thud!
A book slammed against the now closed door. Han Li, having already predicted this, had wisely made his escape.
Guang Ling stared at the door, then chuckled and shook his head. He slowly bent down to pick up the book, but no matter how he tried, he couldn't shake off the thoughts Han Li had planted in his mind.
Outside Martial Soul Hall
Having refused Luo Saga's offer to accompany him, Han Li strolled through the streets of Heaven Dou City alone, feeling rather pleased with himself.
This was his first time successfully outwitting Guang Ling since becoming his disciple and escaping unscathed, no less.
Once outside, he finally pieced everything together.
It wasn't just his teasing that had flustered his master. Guang Ling must have already had some interest in Ling Yuan Douluo but had never acted on it for some reason. Otherwise, he wouldn't have reacted so strongly. If it were just harmless banter, Guang Ling would've chased him down for a beating.
There was no way Han Li's current strength alone could allow him to escape his master's grasp.
Oh well, he'd revisit this later. Titled Douluo weren't in any rush when it came to matters of the heart.
Shaking his head, he pushed the thought aside, oriented himself, and headed toward the Dugu residence.
After politely knocking on the door and presenting the keepsake Dugu Bo had given him, he was respectfully invited inside.
While sipping the tea brought by the servants, Han Li learned that Dugu Bo had gone out earlier that morning. He nodded in acknowledgment and asked them to summon Dugu Yan. As he waited, he idly observed the courtyard.
Honestly, there wasn't much to see it was just a typical large estate. In fact, because the Dugu family had so few members, even the number of servants was relatively small.
Fortunately, he didn't have to wait long only about three minutes.
A faint fragrance wafted through the air as a young girl in a light green dress rushed in from the back of the hall, immediately throwing herself onto him.
"You're here early."
Despite being slightly taller than Han Li, Dugu Yan clung to him like a child, unwilling to let go.
"Early? It's already the afternoon," Han Li said with a smile.
"I don't care. It still feels early to me," Dugu Yan pouted and lightly bumped her head against his.
"Alright, alright. If it's still early, I'll come back tomorrow instead."
Han Li pretended to turn away, but Dugu Yan quickly pushed him back down into his seat.
"Enough of that. Grandpa might be back any minute now. If he sees you like this, he'll definitely beat you up."
Han Li nudged Dugu Yan lightly, trying to get her off him.
"Hmph! Don't think I don't know. Guang Ling Douluo already told me he originally wanted to introduce me to you as your fiancée. He didn't even ask for my opinion first!"
Dugu Yan huffed, but she still obediently let go and sat beside him.
Han Li awkwardly laughed but wisely chose not to respond this wasn't a topic he wanted to engage in.
Seeing that he remained silent, Dugu Yan shot him a glare but didn't press the issue.
"By the way, did my grandpa say where he was going before he left?"
Han Li took a sip of tea before looking at her.
"Nope. He just told the servants something before heading out. I only found out after waking up," Dugu Yan lazily twirled a lock of her hair as she answered.
"Did he mention when we're setting off to get your soul ring?"
Han Li admired Dugu Yan's relaxed demeanor as he asked.
"He said it's up to you. He'll accompany us to Star Dou Forest, but after that, he's heading back to Heaven Dou City."
At this point, Dugu Yan suddenly seemed to remember something. She stopped playing with her hair, sat up straight, and leaned over the table between them.
"Han Li, is what Grandpa said true? That you have really good luck and sometimes get premonitions about things that benefit you and those close to you?"
"Yeah, that's right. But it's not something I can control," Han Li replied with a raised brow.
Looked like his master had adjusted the story a bit.
"So that day, when you were acting all mystical and cryptic, you were actually making a prophecy?"
Dugu Yan lowered her voice as if discussing some grand secret, but the excitement in her tone was obvious.
Mystical and cryptic? Han Li felt a vein twitch on his forehead.
What kind of ridiculous description was that?
His expression had been solemn, his voice detached detached! Not mystical!
Whatever. They wouldn't understand the true power of otherworldly knowledge anyway.
"Mm? And then?"
Han Li chuckled as he looked at the young lady in front of him, wondering what other questions she had.
(End of Chapter)
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