Chapter 79: Chapter 79: Heaven Dou City
"Then what if you add me…?"
A shadow suddenly flashed over.
It blocked the path in front of the carriage, standing alongside the Gaishi Dragon Serpent couple.
This person was none other than Prince Zhu, who had rushed over from the Star Luo Empire at top speed.
With a cold snort, he also released his martial soul and spirit rings—seven rings, a Spirit Sage!
Now, the forces sent by Prince Xue Xing would be absolutely unable to forcefully abduct Dan Heng.
The Gaishi Dragon Serpent couple possessed a martial soul fusion technique, meaning they could at least hold off one Spirit Douluo and one Spirit Sage.
Prince Zhu, as a powerful spirit master of the Star Luo Empire, had formidable combat strength. He could easily hold off a Spirit Sage of the same level—perhaps even achieve victory in a short time!
Under these circumstances, the Spirit Douluo would only be able to retreat with two Spirit Sages.
"Why… why must you all insist on this?! This was supposed to be a path to fortune, why would you refuse it?"
The three spirit masters looked helpless.
Many people scrambled to gain the favor of Prince Xue Xing, hoping to receive an introduction from him.
Yet when it came to Dan Heng—clearly just an ordinary young man—it turned out that even Prince Xue Xing had to go to great lengths.
Seeing this, they couldn't help but feel exasperated!
Prince Zhu sneered, "People have their own ambitions. Mr. Dan Heng naturally has his own way of life. What are you trying to do? Forcefully change his will?"
"…"
The three spirit masters were at a loss and turned to look at the Gaishi Dragon Serpent couple instead.
"Gaishi Dragon Serpent, you two are seasoned heroes. Surely you understand the situation? Step aside, and we will owe the Meng family a favor!"
Dragon Lord Meng Shu let out a cold laugh. "Nonsense! Do you take this old man for a fool? If you don't want to see blood spilled, then get lost! And if you dare lay a hand on young friend Dan Heng after we leave…"
"Then even if we must tear through Heaven Dou City, we will not let this matter slide!"
Meng Shu still remembered Dan Heng's kindness.
Even in the face of a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast, Dan Heng had remained fearless and risked his life to save his family.
To repay such kindness, he would not be intimidated by any power.
Prince Zhu added, "You should recognize my martial soul, and my identity should be clear to you! I am Prince Zhu of the Star Luo Empire! Remember this—Mr. Dan Heng is our friend!"
"If the Heaven Dou Empire dares to trouble Mr. Dan Heng, don't blame the Star Luo Empire for sending our army to your doorstep!"
Prince Zhu spoke these words with a certain expectation in mind.
He secretly hoped that the Heaven Dou Empire would make the mistake of offending Dan Heng. That way, when Dan Heng was truly pushed to the brink, he might reveal his strength at the level of a Titled Douluo.
How wonderful would it be to witness the expressions on the faces of the Heaven Dou imperial family?
Meng Shu cast a surprised glance at Prince Zhu. From both the spirit master world and the nobility's perspective, Prince Zhu's status was incomparably high—perhaps even comparable to the sect masters of the top three sects.
No, he might even surpass them!
Yet even he had stepped forward to back Dan Heng.
As expected of young friend Dan Heng!
Meng Shu felt deeply gratified.
The three spirit masters assigned by Prince Xue Xing felt their heads spinning.
Even if they still had the strength to capture Dan Heng, they no longer dared to act recklessly.
"Fine, fine, we will withdraw…!"
The three spirit masters flashed away and quickly disappeared.
Prince Zhu turned to Dan Heng and cupped his fists. "Mr. Dan Heng, those pests have now left. You can rest assured—they will not trouble you again."
Dan Heng gave a slight nod. "Much appreciated."
Prince Zhu smiled and then said, "Actually, I hurried here specifically to thank you. Because of you, my daughter now has the opportunity to soar like a dragon…"
"Please allow me, as a father, to express my deepest gratitude."
With that, Prince Zhu straightened his posture and bowed deeply to Dan Heng.
Dan Heng acknowledged him with a hum. "Zhu Zhuqing is my disciple. No need for such formalities."
At that moment, Zhu Zhuqing stepped out of the carriage. After first seeking Dan Heng's permission and receiving his nod, she flashed over to stand in front of Prince Zhu.
Though it was her teacher who had taken her out of the royal palace, she understood that her father had always supported her.
Prince Zhu gazed at Zhu Zhuqing with a complex expression before finally breaking into a relieved smile.
He patted Zhu Zhuqing on the shoulder and said with a gentle smile, "Zhuqing, train well under your teacher. I believe that only with your teacher can you hope to break free from your fate."
"Not just yours, but also your sister's."
Hearing Prince Zhu's heartfelt words, Zhu Zhuqing nodded firmly. She, too, was well aware of her teacher's greatness.
Prince Zhu continued, "You and Mr. Dan Heng are very similar in temperament. From now on, listen to him in all things. I know you both dislike unnecessary trouble, so I won't say more. I'll be taking my leave…"
He gave Zhu Zhuqing one last deep look, as if trying to etch her image into his mind.
Then, he turned and swiftly vanished into the night like a shadow.
Zhu Zhuqing watched his silhouette disappear into the distance before quietly returning to the carriage.
Meng Shu chuckled, "So, young friend Dan Heng's disciple is actually a daughter of the Zhu clan from Star Luo. With this connection, I imagine the Heaven Dou royal family won't resort to such tactics again… We won't disturb you any further. Farewell!"
The Gaishi Dragon Serpent couple, swift as ever, bid their farewells to Dan Heng and immediately vanished from sight.
In the forest, Prince Xue Xing and "Xue Qinghe" watched the entire scene unfold, utterly dumbfounded.
"How is Dan Heng connected to Star Luo's Prince Zhu?!"
"Did Dan Heng save the Gaishi Dragon Serpent family? Why are they clinging to him like some unshakable leech?!"
Prince Xue Xing stomped his foot furiously, his face flushed red with rage.
"Xue Qinghe" was equally frustrated. Why did these people have to interfere?!
If they hadn't intervened, provoking Zi Ji would have weakened Prince Xue Xing's spirit master forces!
Now, no conflict had even started!
"Are we really just going to watch as such a genius slips away? Unable to be used by us?" Prince Xue Xing frowned, falling into deep thought.
"Xue Qinghe" remained silent, already having devised another plan—one that she kept hidden from Prince Xue Xing.
"Royal Uncle, I'll be leaving now…"
"Xue Qinghe" mounted a steed and rode off alone, chasing after Dan Heng's carriage.
As dusk approached, Dan Heng finally reached a small town. After returning the carriage to the transport service, his family of four began making their way home.
Along the way, Gu Yuena held onto Dan Heng's arm, a relaxed smile finally appearing on her face.
The misunderstanding between the two had been resolved.
Suddenly, Dan Heng stopped walking.
"What's wrong, husband?" Gu Yuena asked in confusion.
Dan Heng pointed in the direction of their home. At the end of the street, thick smoke rose into the sky, accompanied by bright flames.
"???"
Everyone was stunned. That direction… wasn't that where Dan Heng's courtyard was?
They immediately quickened their pace. Moments later, they saw the source of the fire—just as expected, it was Dan Heng's courtyard. The house was already engulfed in flames, mostly reduced to charred remains, its walls blackened.
Thick smoke billowed into the sky, and the wooden fences around the courtyard had been completely burned away.
A crowd of people was moving about, throwing water to extinguish the flames…
(End of Chapter)