Douluo Dalu: The Legend of The Spider Emperor

Since childhood, aside from her grandfather, Xue Qinghe had no real family. Her father had passed away, and her mother's love was nonexistent. It was just her and her grandfather relying on each other. 

Now, seeing Ye Hao, she couldn't help but feel a strange affection toward this sudden presence in her life. Especially when the Death Spider Emperor Martial Soul and Six-Winged Purple Light Wings had appeared. 

Having another family member—especially a younger brother—would be fun. 

Xue Qinghe smiled faintly and turned to Meng Shenji. 

"Chief Meng, could you arrange for Ye Hao to visit my carriage after the match?" 

Meng Shenji was momentarily stunned but quickly agreed. 

On the battlefield, Ye Hao used the Six-Winged Purple Light Wings to deftly evade Huyan Li's attacks. Then, with a flash of his second soul ring, his hands turned pitch black, summoning two venom-laden spider webs that descended from above. 

Huyan Li staggered and fell. His massive body crashed to the ground, sending dust clouds swirling. The two spider webs pinned him firmly to the ground, and the Death Spider Emperor venom began spreading across his body. 

In moments, Huyan Li's skin turned from yellow to a purplish-black hue. 

Victory belonged to Ye Hao. Landing gracefully, he retracted the venom. 

Huyan Li clutched his chest, his eyes wide with disbelief. Level 39: soul power! Yet the boy before him—barely eleven years old—was already at Level 32. All his years of cultivation... had they been for nothing? 

"Match three: Ye Hao wins! The final victory goes to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy!"

The referee's announcement shook the arena. The academy won? 

For the academy's privileged "young masters," this outcome was a complete surprise. Some spectators were wailing over their lost bets, and others had wagered so heavily they nearly lost their underwear. 

Such scenes had become routine. The three academy deans paid them no heed. For now, the Emperor Team was the primary focus of the academy's resources, with Ye Hao being a key figure for cultivation and development. 

From her seat, Xue Qinghe looked at Ye Hao, who was celebrating with the Emperor Team. A glint of satisfaction flickered in her eyes. "I hope you really are my brother." 

Xue Qinghe turned and walked toward her carriage, followed by the respectful farewell of Meng Shenji and his companions. 

"What's His Highness up to?" Bai Baoshan asked curiously. 

Meng Shenji sighed. "The prince loves recruiting talented individuals, and Ye Hao's talent is undeniable. It's only a matter of time before he becomes a Titled Douluo." 

Meng Shenji continued, "But we can only guess at His Highness's intentions. I'll fetch Ye Hao; you two go console Clan Master Huyan. He'll need it more than ever now." 

Huyan Zhen: (ಥ﹏ಥ)

Bai Baoshan and Zhilin exchanged knowing smiles. The Elephant Armored Clan had confidently arrived to make a statement, only to slink away in disgrace under the scornful gazes of the academy's young masters. 

Meanwhile, Meng Shenji approached the resting Emperor Team. 

"Chief Meng!" The students greeted him in unison. 

Meng Shenji nodded with a warm smile. "You've all worked hard. I'll make sure to report your contributions to His Majesty for a proper reward. Qin Ming, your efforts were particularly commendable." 

Qin Ming smiled humbly. He knew that without Ye Hao's intervention in the final match, the academy would have been the ones leaving humiliated. 

Meng Shenji turned to Ye Hao with a serious expression. "Ye Hao, come with me. Someone wants to see you." 

Ye Hao was puzzled. "Chief Meng, who is it?" 

Meng Shenji smiled mysteriously. "You'll find out. Let me just say, this person is a benefactor, and your rise to prominence could happen in an instant." 

The words "benefactor" and "rise to prominence" made Ye Hao's mind race. Could it be Emperor Xue Ye himself? 

Though intrigued, Ye Hao wasn't interested in power or glory. He preferred a carefree life over being bound by such entanglements. 

Following Meng Shenji, Ye Hao soon found himself in a secluded grove. In the midst of the clearing stood a lavish, golden carriage, glinting under the sunlight as though cast from pure gold. 

A faint, enchanting fragrance lingered in the air, emanating from the carriage itself. 

"This... is the carriage?"

Meng Shenji gestured toward the carriage. "Ye Hao, the person is inside. You may enter directly. I'll take my leave now." 

Without waiting for a response, Meng Shenji hurriedly retreated, leaving Ye Hao staring at his departing figure in disbelief. "Did he... just sell me out?" 

Turning back to the ornate carriage, Ye Hao noticed how quiet the surroundings were. Even the windchimes hanging from the carriage jingled softly in the warm breeze. 

Taking a deep breath, Ye Hao cautiously approached. 

"Since you're here, come in." 

The voice was calm and elegant—clearly a man's. 

Ye Hao felt a pang of disappointment. "Why not a young lady? With such a fancy carriage, it should've been a lady, right?"

Sighing, Ye Hao pulled aside the curtain and stepped inside. 

The carriage's interior was spacious and luxurious. At its center sat Xue Qinghe on a golden throne, surrounded by delicacies, candied fruits, and a glass of fragrant wine. The scent of the wine mingled with the carriage's fragrance, creating an intoxicating aroma. 

"H-Hello…" Ye Hao stammered, awkwardly greeting the stranger. 

Xue Qinghe smiled warmly and gestured for him to sit. 

As Ye Hao settled in, the silence became palpable. He wasn't sure who this person was or what they wanted. 

If it were a young lady, Ye Hao knew he'd have been bold enough to ask: 

"Miss, what's your name? How old are you? Where are you from? Are you single?" 

But faced with this elegant man, Ye Hao hesitated. "Um, what can I do for you?"

Xue Qinghe sipped his wine, a playful glint in his eyes. "Let me introduce myself. My name is Xue Qinghe. You can call me Brother Xue." 

"Oh, okay—" 

"Wait, WHAT?!" Ye Hao's eyes widened in disbelief. "What did you say your name was?!" 

Xue Qinghe repeated slowly, "Xue… Qing… He." 

Ye Hao instinctively leaned back, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. "This must be a joke, right? Why would someone like the Crown Prince want to meet me?" 

A troubling thought struck him: Had his identity been exposed?