Tiandou City.Dugu Bo trailed Yu Tianchen back to the palace, where he made a show of examining Emperor Xue Ye's poisoning.
He lingered in the emperor's chamber, pretending to administer treatment. Appearances mattered, especially to appease onlookers.Are you really chasing that Ning girl? Dugu Bo asked, curiosity lacing his voice as he followed Yu Tianchen.
What else would it be? Yu Tianchen stopped and turned, giving him a helpless look.
This has nothing to do with you. Why do you care?Just curious, don't mind me, Dugu Bo said with a shrug. You're, what, twenty-two? Time to settle down. But did you notice Xue Qinghe tense up when he heard you're after Ning Rongrong? Maybe you two are… a match made in heaven?
He grinned mischievously.Get lost, Yu Tianchen snapped, exasperated. He suspected Dugu Bo was just trying to rile him up, having no real comeback.As expected, Dugu Bo burst out laughing, clapped Yu Tianchen on the shoulder, and sauntered off without another word. Yu Tianchen eyed his shoulder warily, half-expecting the old poisoner to have slipped him something toxic.
Then he remembered his connection to the ancient golden tree—Dugu Bo wouldn't dare. After checking himself three times and finding nothing, he let it go.Pursuing Ning Rongrong was trickier. He needed the right moment, ideally in front of Ning Fengzhi, to make his intentions clear. Rubbing his temple, Yu Tianchen felt a headache coming on. The Soul Hunting Operation was looming, just a month away.
As for returning to Spirit Hall, he wasn't eager. He'd humiliated Bibi Dong, and that volatile woman was likely still fuming. Why walk back into her wrath? Besides, he hadn't come up with an excuse for the hundred-thousand-year soul beasts his family raised in the deep forest. Better to lay low for now.Cooperating with Bibi Dong was like dancing with a viper—high risk, high reward.
One misstep could ruin him, but it was also his best chance to trap her. For now, he'd rather deal with Qian Daoliu, a safer bet. Still, Bibi Dong's issue needed resolving eventually.There was too much to do. For now, Yu Tianchen decided to take a breather. He stretched and headed to the evening's noble exchange meeting.
These gatherings were all about navigating the social circles of Tiandou's elite, and he needed to maintain good relations. As a scion of the Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus Rex Clan, his etiquette was passable, at least.Months passed, leaving just one month until the Soul Hunting Operation began.
Yu Tianchen's soul power had crept from level 77 to 78—not exactly blazing progress. At the Soul Saint stage, cultivation slowed, especially with his Yin-Yang dual soul core.Today, he attended an auction in Tiandou City, drawn by the chance to see Ning Fengzhi and Ning Rongrong. Missing such an opportunity was unthinkable. Over the past months, he'd laid the groundwork carefully.
His appearance stood out: white robes embroidered with the blue-and-purple dragon pattern of the Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus Rex Clan. Wherever he went, he drew gasps and whispers. Being from one of the top three sects carried weight.Fancy meeting you again, Miss Ning.
Seems fate keeps bringing us together, Yu Tianchen said with a warm smile, approaching Ning Rongrong with measured grace.Five years had transformed Ning Rongrong from a mischievous little witch into a refined young woman.
Her pink top and trousers complemented her long hair, which cascaded to her hips. Her beauty was soft yet regal, befitting the heiress of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Years of etiquette training had polished her, though she had little choice as a sect heiress.On the surface, she and Yu Tianchen seemed a fitting match, but their true feelings remained unclear.
Mr. Yu, quite the coincidence, Ning Rongrong replied with a polite nod. To her, he was a friendly acquaintance, nothing more. Yu Tianchen's charm was convincing enough to keep her from disliking him.As he drew closer, he
"noticed"
Ning Fengzhi nearby and feigned surprise. Uncle Ning! I didn't see you there. My apologies, he said, clasping his hands respectfully.Ning Fengzhi studied him for a moment before smiling. No need for formalities, Tianchen.
I still remember holding you as a baby. You were so well-behaved, like a little adult.Please, Uncle Ning, not the childhood stories, Yu Tianchen groaned, half-embarrassed. Those were pre-martial soul days. After awakening his martial soul, Yu Yuanzhen had dragged him to True Dragon Mountain for a grueling decade of training.
Ning Fengzhi's words stirred those painful memories.The Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus Rex and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sects had grown closer since the Clear Sky Sect's retreat, forming a tight alliance. If one faced trouble, the other would send aid. Their history of exchanges ran deep.Hard to believe it's been over twenty years, Ning Fengzhi said with a sigh, slipping into small talk.
He mentioned Yu Yuanzhen's well-wishes and other trivialities—tedious but necessary.My little witch tells me you've been running into her a lot lately, Ning Fengzhi said, a knowing smile playing on his lips.Yu Tianchen flushed, rubbing his neck awkwardly. Just coincidence, Uncle Ning. Don't read too much into it.I'm not a little witch anymore, Dad, Ning Rongrong huffed. You can't keep bringing up my past. I'm grown now.Alright, alright, you're all grown up and far less naughty, Ning Fengzhi said fondly, then turned to Yu Tianchen. Sorry for the scene.
No worries. We all have childhood stories, Yu Tianchen said, touching his nose with a sheepish grin. I was a handful as a kid too.Their conversation flowed easily, with Ning Fengzhi laughing more than usual—a rarity for the sect leader. They skirted around Yu Tianchen's interest in Ning Rongrong, though her subtle jabs at her father forced him to drop the topic.After Yu Tianchen left, Ning Rongrong turned to her father, her tone sharp. Dad, what's with you?
You know about Oscar. Why drag Yu Tianchen into this?Ning Fengzhi met her gaze, his expression serious. Anyone can see Tianchen's interested in you. Why not consider it?Ning Rongrong paled, her body trembling slightly.
Dad… are you saying I should sacrifice my happiness for the sect's future?Ning Fengzhi said nothing, his silence heavy as he looked at his daughter.
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