Douluo’s Fate Blessed Melee Archer

Chapter 139: Unmasking Each Other, Conversations at the Mansion

That night, Han Li didn't bother asking about what was happening on Dugu Bo's side.

All he knew was that when he saw Dugu Bo the next morning, the old man seemed to be in a great mood.

Salas, as always, was highly efficient Han Li didn't need to worry about anything.

As per the schedule sent to him, Han Li and Dugu Bo headed towards the Tian Dou Imperial Palace together.

Emperor Xue Ye was in high spirits, radiating the perfect blend of majesty and kindness.

After greeting each other, the two engaged in pleasantries one praising Han Li for his youth and talent, reminding him to return home often, while the other flattered the Emperor for his wise governance, claiming that Notting City would always be his home.

Neither of them mentioned Dugu Bo, Star Luo, or Spirit Hall instead, they chatted casually, as if they were just an elder and a junior catching up.

At one point, Xue Ye even got emotional, recalling how he had handled Han Li's parents' affairs all those years ago. He even squeezed out a few tears.

Han Li, in turn, lowered his head, putting on a sad expression.

It wasn't until Xue Qinghe stepped in and invited Han Li to tour the imperial city that the two finally broke free from their melancholic act.

The Emperor instructed Xue Qinghe to properly entertain Han Li, using the excuse of state matters to end the meeting.

Then, accompanied by a group of guards, Han Li and Xue Qinghe left the palace.

Once they exited, Han Li expressed his discomfort with having so many escorts.

Xue Qinghe then dismissed most of the guards, leaving only a few to follow at a distance including Dugu Bo, who remained in the background.

The two strolled through the city briefly before, at Xue Qinghe's enthusiastic invitation, they headed towards the Crown Prince's residence.

As they walked, passersby constantly recognized Xue Qinghe, greeting him warmly. He responded politely, nodding and smiling at everyone.

Naturally, Han Li, walking beside the Crown Prince, also caught many eyes.

After all, he was the Holy Son of Spirit Hall, the center of attention ever since his public reveal the day before.

However, unlike with Xue Qinghe, people didn't dare to approach Han Li directly.

Instead, they would steal glances at him, whispering among themselves.

Soon, rumors spread like wildfire

"The Crown Prince and Spirit Hall's Holy Son are getting along exceptionally well!"

"They even walked arm in arm, and His Highness personally invited him to the mansion!"

To the common folk of Tian Dou City, this was great news.

To them, this meant Spirit Hall and the Empire were still on good terms.

It also showed that Han Li, despite being raised by Spirit Hall, had not forgotten his Tian Dou roots.

"If the heirs of two of the continent's greatest powers are so friendly, then surely peace is assured!"

More and more people flocked to the streets, as if they were witnessing history in the making.

Even Han Li, used to such attention, barely managed to maintain his polite smile.

Fortunately, their pace was fast enough, and just before his face started twitching from exhaustion, they finally arrived at the Crown Prince's mansion.

At Han Li's suggestion, Dugu Bo was led to a separate hall, while he and Xue Qinghe entered the main residence.

After watching a round of performances, the two dismissed their attendants, stating they had private matters to discuss.

Finally, the room fell into silence.

Han Li let out a long sigh, then looked at Xue Qinghe, who remained composed.

"You sure have it rough. Aren't you tired?"

"I'm used to it."

Xue Qinghe relaxed slightly but still kept up the act, neither changing posture nor voice.

"Alright, no need to be so cautious. No one's listening. You two elders can come out now."

Han Li's voice echoed towards the shadows of the room.

Xue Qinghe showed no reaction, as if completely unaware of what Han Li meant.

Han Li glanced at "him" but said nothing. Instead, he retrieved his Holy Son medallion, then casually tossed it towards the dark corner.

A sharp whooshing sound filled the air.

Just before the medallion hit the floor, a hand suddenly shot out, catching it mid air.

The next moment, two figures emerged, stepping into the hall before bowing respectfully.

"Snake Spear, Porcupinefish, greets the Holy Son. Our apologies for the earlier discourtesy."

"Enough, no need for formalities. Caution is understandable."

Han Li returned the bow, reclaiming his medallion before turning his gaze to Xue Qinghe.

"Alright, you two should withdraw now. Otherwise, Dugu Bo might notice you."

This time, Xue Qinghe finally dropped the act, responding in her real voice.

"Understood, Young Mistress. Holy Son."

With that, Snake Spear and Porcupinefish Douluo quickly excused themselves and left for real this time.

As the doors closed, Qian Renxue still wearing Xue Qinghe's face stared at Han Li in curiosity.

"How did you spot them?"

"My spiritual power is just a little stronger than usual."

Han Li responded modestly.

"Oh? Is that so?"

Qian Renxue gave him a long, deep look, clearly not convinced.

She knew that her two protectors specialized in stealth, even among Titled Douluo.

Even Dugu Bo had failed to detect them.

Yet Han Li had exposed them effortlessly this wasn't something that could be explained by having just slightly stronger spirit power.

After a moment, Qian Renxue suddenly smiled.

"So, should I call you Xiao Yan, or Han Li?"

She playfully teased him, her gentle feminine voice mixed with Xue Qinghe's androgynous features, making Han Li's skin crawl.

"Call me whatever you like. It's just a code name."

Han Li shrugged, completely unfazed.

If she wanted to mess with him, she'd need to try a lot harder.

Hell, if she called him Qian Xunji, he'd probably go along with it as long as she had the guts to do so.

"Fine, I guess it doesn't really matter."

Seeing him so indifferent, Qian Renxue quickly lost interest.

Then, she turned serious.

"So? Why are you really here? What brings the Holy Son of Spirit Hall to Tian Dou?"

She studied Han Li's every expression.

"You don't know?"

Han Li instantly realized something from her tone and body language, it was clear she was completely unaware.

"Should I know?"

Qian Renxue's calm reply confirmed his suspicion.

"I assumed Master had already informed you."

Han Li answered truthfully, then added,

"But it doesn't really matter. I'm here now."

"I came for two reasons."

"First to make my official debut. I plan to start traveling the continent soon."

"Second… well, now that I've found you, do I really need to explain?"

Han Li gestured towards her, watching her expression subtly shift.

"So, you're here to convince me to abandon my mission?"

Qian Renxue's tone turned cold.

"Would you even listen if I did?"

Han Li's calm smile remained unchanged.

"No."

Qian Renxue shook her head without hesitation.

"Then why waste my time?"

Han Li stretched his arms lazily.

"You think I'm free enough to lecture you?"

Qian Renxue paused, then her eyes lit up with intrigue.

"So… does that mean you support me?"

For the first time, she looked at him with genuine interest perhaps even relief.

(End of Chapter)

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