Douluo Continent: I am the Ice Archer, my ice power is invincible.

Chapter 17 First Encounter with Qian Renxue

Xiao Han knew that there were very few people in the world who understood the immortal herb.

Elder Yue Guan of the Spirit Hall is a true flower lover who has spent his life studying flowers and plants. He is very knowledgeable about all kinds of rare and exotic flowers and plants.

Tang San comes from another world. He can accurately identify various immortal herbs by relying on the "Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record" of the Tang Sect's secret manual, so he can be considered one of them.

There are also Yang Wudi, the patriarch of the Po clan, and his younger brother Yang Wushuang. However, it remains unknown how much these two brothers actually know about immortal herbs.

Although Dugu Bo had a good understanding of various herbs, he didn't even recognize the medicinal herbs in his own herb garden, making him no different from an outsider.

Xiao Han knew that none of these people could help him.

If we seek help from Qian Renxue, who is impersonating Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, there might still be a sliver of a chance.

The Spirit Hall possesses the richest resources, and treasure books like the "Illustrated Compendium of Immortal Herbs" should be included among them.

Lin Zhiruo then understood Xiao Han's purpose.

"You brat, it all comes down to herbs after all."

"Mom, those aren't ordinary herbs, they're magical herbs!"

Lin Zhiruo gave Xiao Han a disdainful look.

"Your idea is naive. Why would His Highness the Crown Prince help you? He might think you're being ridiculous, just like I do."

"That's why I asked you to come with me. You're the vice dean of Tianshui Academy, we have to give you that much face, right? You don't need to worry about anything else, just that I get to see him."

Xiao Han's eyes were firm, as if he was confident in his plan.

Lin Zhiruo smiled helplessly.

"Alright, I'll take you to see him. But he is, after all, the Crown Prince of the Empire. If you cause any trouble, I won't let you off the hook."

"Don't worry, Mom. I would never hurt you, hehe~~"

The next day, the two set off, heading straight for Tiandou City.

We arrived at our destination a few days later.

Tian Dou City, as the heart of the Tian Dou Empire, boasts a breathtakingly prosperous scene.

The city walls are majestic, towering into the clouds, like a giant dragon coiled up, guarding the endless glory and peace of this imperial city.

The city's wide, straight streets are lined with shops and teem with people. The colorful signs of all kinds complement each other, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Xiao Han and Lin Zhiruo strolled through the bustling streets and soon arrived outside the palace.

The magnificent palace shimmered with golden light under the sun, showcasing the majesty and nobility of the royal family.

Lin Zhiruo found a guard and explained her purpose to him.

The "Water" token she carried was personally awarded by Emperor Xueye, proving her status as the dean of Tianshui Academy.

the other side.

Prince Xue Qinghe was reading in his study when a guard suddenly came to report.

"Your Highness, Dean Lin of Tianshui Academy requests an audience."

Upon hearing this, Xue Qinghe immediately put down the book in his hand, looking puzzled.

"Dean Lin? Is she alone?"

She also brought a boy who was about ten years old.

Xue Qinghe stood up, lost in thought: A boy in his teens? Could it be the child she adopted? She heard that he was born with full soul power, which is why he was admitted to Tianshui Academy despite not meeting the usual requirements.

"Understood. Take them to the side hall, I'll be right there."

"Yes."

A short while later, the guard returned.

"Dean Lin, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. Please come with me."

Xiao Han and Lin Zhiruo exchanged a smile and followed the guard through several corridors to a grand hall.

Xue Qinghe had not yet arrived, so the two waited there.

"Mom, I knew it! His Highness the Crown Prince has to give the Vice Dean of Tianshui Academy some face."

"You brat, stop being so cheeky. When you see His Highness the Crown Prince later, don't be so nonchalant, be serious."

"Okay. But Mom, I need to talk to him alone, is that alright?"

"What? You think I'm in your way? Well, that's only if he's willing."

As the two were talking, they suddenly heard footsteps coming from outside the hall.

"Stop talking, His Highness the Crown Prince is here."

"Um."

Xue Qinghe entered the main hall and saw that the person who came was indeed Dean Lin.

He had met Lin Zhiruo and Dean Zhao at the Soul Master Competition, which had just ended a few months ago.

Upon seeing that the visitor was Xue Qinghe, Lin Zhiruo and Xiao Han bowed.

"Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Xue Qinghe smiled slightly.

"Please don't stand on ceremony, we've kept you waiting."

"Your Highness is too kind. We just arrived ourselves."

Xiao Han raised his head and finally saw Xue Qinghe's face clearly.

Xue Qinghe looked to be in his early twenties, with a handsome face and a gentle, scholarly air about him. A faint yet approachable smile graced his lips, making him instantly likable.

He wore an exquisite golden robe embroidered with intricate patterns, highlighting his noble status and extraordinary temperament.

Those deep eyes seemed to see into people's hearts, yet they also inadvertently revealed a hint of the majesty and profundity befitting a crown prince, making people afraid to look directly at them for too long.

Xue Qinghe slowly walked towards the two, displaying the demeanor of a royal descendant in every gesture.

"Dean Lin, this young man is handsome and has a distinguished air about him. He must be Xiao Han, right?"

Xue Qinghe's words carried a hint of admiration, and his gaze lingered on Xiao Han for a moment, seemingly quite interested in this young man.

Lin Zhiruo nodded in response:

"Your Highness flatters me. He is indeed Xiao Han."

"The fact that Dean Lin personally brought him to see me shows how important this matter is. May I ask what important matter you two have come to discuss?"

As Xue Qinghe spoke, his eyes revealed wisdom and composure, as if he were already prepared to deal with any situation.

This composed attitude further enhanced his dignity and charm as the crown prince.

Lin Zhiruo replied respectfully:

"Your Highness is wise. We do indeed have a request to make."

"Oh? Dean Lin, please speak frankly. As long as it's within my power, I will definitely help you."

"Thank you, Your Highness. My son, Xiao Han, would like to speak with you privately about this matter."

Upon hearing this, Xue Qinghe's eyes flashed with surprise, and his gaze fell on Xiao Han again.

From the moment Xue Qinghe met Xiao Han, he sensed that this young man was no ordinary person.

Lin Zhiruo's words made Xue Qinghe even more interested in Xiao Han, and he couldn't wait to find out why this young man had come.

Xue Qinghe waved gently to the guards behind him.

"You may all go down first and wait outside the hall."

"Yes."

The guards withdrew.

"Your Highness, my son is new to the palace. If he has said anything wrong, please forgive him."

"Xiao Han is clearly a smart man; Dean Lin is overthinking it."

Xue Qinghe maintained a smile throughout, and sensing his goodwill, Lin Zhiruo withdrew.

Inside the main hall, only Xiao Han and Xue Qinghe remained.

The two locked eyes, and Xiao Han showed no fear whatsoever.

He knew that beneath Xue Qinghe's facade lay Qian Renxue, the young master of the Spirit Hall.

In total, Qian Renxue has been infiltrating the Tiandou Imperial Palace under the guise of Xue Qinghe for ten years.

(End of this chapter)