Douluo Continent: Gretchen at the start, empowered by the Star God.

Chapter 102 Seeing Qian Renxue Again

Stepping outside, a magnificent scene comes into view.

The Heavenly Dou Imperial City, this magnificent city located on the Douluo Continent, attracted the attention of Lang Lei and his companions with its spectacular architecture and bustling scene. Stepping into the Heavenly Dou Imperial City was like entering a world full of fantasy.

The first thing that catches the eye is the wide avenue paved with stone bricks, stretching straight to the city gate. The towering city walls, hundreds of meters high, are entirely constructed of flawless white marble, exuding an aura of solemnity. The city gate itself is nearly tens of meters wide, adorned with intricate and beautiful carvings, as well as white swans symbolizing royalty, making it exceptionally dignified. At intervals along the city walls stands a watchtower, its top fluttering the royal flag, which sways gently in the breeze, displaying the majesty and inviolability of the imperial city.

Before the city gate stood orderly ranks of soldiers clad in exquisite armor, tall and imposing, their presence inspiring awe and deterring any thoughts of recklessness. However, these soldiers were of no concern to powerful Soul Masters.

Especially for these few people, walking through it, they felt no fear whatsoever.

The Heavenly Dou Imperial City was not only vast in scale but also breathtakingly prosperous, surpassing even the inner city of Heavenly Dou City. Skyscrapers stood tall, palaces and pavilions lined the streets, and high-ranking imperial officials were a common sight, showcasing the city's grandeur. Here, you could see officials from all over the land and smell the enticing aromas of various delicacies in the royal kitchens.

Nobles and Soul Masters enjoy special treatment in this city; they can freely enter and exit through exclusive channels, avoiding the hassle of queuing with commoners.

As for why civilians are allowed to enter and exit this place, that remains unknown.

"We want to see His Highness the Crown Prince." Lang Lei showed the warrant that Qian Renxue had given him earlier.

Upon hearing this, the guards dared not delay. After carefully checking the warrant, they quickly led Lang Lei, Alicia, and Little Gresh inside to find "Xue Qinghe".

The journey was surprisingly smooth, without any embarrassing or awkward moments, suggesting that the avalanche was probably an isolated incident here.

When Lang Lei and the other two arrived at the Crown Prince's study, Xue Qinghe... no, Qian Renxue was reviewing memorials.

Recently, Xueye's health has been deteriorating. With the combined effects of age and poison, his complexion is not as good as before, and he probably doesn't have much longer to live.

At this time, Xue Ye was slowly relinquishing power to Xue Qinghe so that the Tian Dou Empire would not immediately fall into chaos after his death.

This was certainly what Qian Renxue hoped for, but it was truly exhausting. As an emperor, the level of fatigue was no less than that of any ordinary worker, unless one were to become a tyrannical ruler.

However, unlike employees, emperors work for themselves and receive 100% of the value they create. Employees work for bosses, and their actual earnings are far less than what they create; most of it ends up in the boss's pocket.

"Your Highness, a guest requests an audience." The guard respectfully approached Xue Qinghe and knelt on one knee.

"Yes, bring him in." Qian Renxue had anticipated Lang Lei's arrival.

After all, Lang Lei had no intention of concealing his whereabouts, and Qian Renxue quickly found out that Lang Lei and his group had come to Tiandou City with the Royal Fighting Team of Tiandou Royal Academy.

"Your Highness." Lang Lei entered the Crown Prince's study alone.

As for Alicia and Gretchen...

The two were people living in a modern metropolis, and for various reasons, they had never seen a proper royal palace. So, after Lang Lei asked, a maid led them on a tour.

By the way, Xiao Wu is currently in Lang Lei's hands.

"I have long heard of Lord Lang Lei's illustrious name. Please have a seat." Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe, greeted him warmly and then dismissed the others.

"Your Highness is too kind." This was exactly what Lang Lei was thinking, after all, he still wanted to have an open and honest talk with Qian Renxue.

"I have heard everything about my younger brother Xue Beng's disrespectful behavior towards you yesterday, and I would like to apologize to you on his behalf."

"Isn't this exactly what you wanted?" Lang Lei said with amusement.

Xue Qinghe's expression stiffened almost imperceptibly, but he quickly recovered: "Lord Lang Lei is joking. I do not wish for my family to become enemies with you."

"That's true." Lang Lei nodded, but he probably meant that the family the other party was referring to wasn't Xue Ye's family, but rather Qian Daoliu and the others, and half of Bibi Dong.

"It is truly an honor for my younger brother that His Excellency Lang Lei has been able to overlook his mistakes, and I am deeply grateful."

"You don't mind...?" Lang Lei smiled but didn't answer.

"I wonder where you got Qinghe's warrant?" Xue Qinghe stopped the conversation and began to steer the topic toward the reason for Lang Lei's visit.

"I found it and wanted to return it to earn a favor from His Highness the Crown Prince," Lang Lei said with a half-smile.

Xue Qinghe was stunned; this was not what she had expected!

"Just kidding, a blonde auntie gave it to me, saying that someone in Tiandou City would definitely recognize it." Lang Lei's smile grew even wider.

"Click—"

Okay, this word is still incredibly hurtful...

Lang Lei could only sense that the smiling Xue Qinghe was emanating a faint black aura.

Indeed, that was the case; Qian Renxue was practically exploding inside.

Sister Xue in public, Aunt Xue in private, right?

In fact, if an ordinary person said this, it would be far less impactful than if Lang Lei said it.

After all, not many people knew from the beginning that Lang Lei was actually only seven years old; Qian Renxue, whom he met by chance in the Star Dou Great Forest, was one of them.

Therefore, it's probably perfectly reasonable for Lang Lei to call Qian Renxue "Auntie".

As the saying goes, a lie is laughed off, but the truth is heartbreaking.

It's often the truth that hurts the most...

"Hmm? Your Highness, you look... a little unnatural. Are you feeling unwell?" Lang Lei asked knowingly.

"No, it's alright. I'm probably just tired from grading memorials. It's nothing serious," Xue Qinghe said, pretending to be indifferent.

"Oh, being the crown prince must be really tiring." Lang Lei nodded seriously.

"Yes, if Lord Lang Lei is willing to join Qinghe's ranks, Qinghe will have a much easier time," Xue Qinghe hinted.

"Really? I'm that good?" Lang Lei looked a little proud.

"So, I wonder if Lord Lang Lei is willing to work with Qinghe on this important matter?" Seeing a glimmer of hope, Xue Qinghe pressed on, "Qinghe will treat you with the highest courtesy and will never be negligent."

"I see..." Lang Lei nodded. "So His Highness the Crown Prince wants to win me over..."

Upon hearing this, Xue Qinghe thought there was hope, but before she could even feel joy, the next sentence sent a chill down her spine.

"So, I wonder if you invited me as Crown Prince Xue Qinghe of the Heaven Dou Empire, or—"

"—Inviting me as Qian Renxue, the young master of the Spirit Hall?"

(End of this chapter)