Chapter 98: The Disappointed Spectator and Future Plans
Upon seeing Xiu'er , Han Li immediately went up to greet her. To be honest, after living with her for four years, he had missed her quite a bit during these past three months.
Seeing him approach, Xiu'er's smile grew even brighter, and she quickened her pace, throwing herself directly into his open arms.
Goodness… Han Li had to admit, Xiu'er's strength was quite something it didn't match her slender figure at all.
Even without activating her martial soul, this unconscious impact packed quite a punch. If it weren't for the fact that his physical strength was now comparable to a Soul Emperor's, he might have staggered. If Tao ge were in his place, he'd probably have been sent flying, with half his bones cracked.
Then again, it made sense. Xiu'er had been training in body strengthening techniques alongside Han Li, and though her soul power cultivation was slightly slower, Crystal Bear was one of the top tier beast martial souls. The physical boost it provided wasn't something an unawakened Tao ge could withstand.
"Alright, Xiu'er , get up. Master is watching."
Since absorbing his third spirit ring, Han Li had grown to 1.75 meters now a full head taller than Xiu'er. He patted her on the back, reminding her that they weren't alone.
"Oh… right."
Only then did Xiu'er snap out of her excitement. Blushing, she quickly stepped away and glanced toward the others.
"Xiu'er, don't mind me just pretend I'm not here."
Guang Ling had already distanced himself slightly, standing to the side with Dugu Yan. He glanced at Xiu'er, then at Dugu Yan, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly. He seemed to be anticipating some drama.
Han Li noticed his master's gossip mode expression and twitched his lips.
Old man, just wait. Once I have the time, I'll dig up dirt on you from Senior Uncle. Oh, and if I find any leverage regarding Ling Yuan Douluo, you better hope I don't get my hands on it…
Unfortunately for Guang Ling, things didn't unfold as he had hoped. Han Li wouldn't have brought Dugu Yan back so casually if he wasn't prepared.
For one, in Douluo Continent, having multiple wives was commonplace. More importantly, Han Li had never hidden his ambitions from Xiu'er. Since childhood, he had openly declared that he wanted to marry ten or eight wives. Xiu'er had long been aware of his "grand aspirations," so this didn't come as a shock to her.
Besides, before heading to Tian Dou City, Han Li had sent a letter to Xiu'er, informing her that he'd be bringing Dugu Yan back. He had even described her background, her martial soul evolution, and the potential she held for the future.
Xiu'er had always considered herself both a maid and an older sister to Han Li. Though her feelings had shifted slightly as they grew older, she understood that Han Li was destined for greatness. How could she possibly reject an ally for his future?
So, to Guang Ling's disappointment, Xiu'er, though still a little shy, took the initiative to greet Dugu Yan.
"You must be Yan . I'm Xiu'er, Han Li's sister. I wonder if he ever mentioned me to you?"
She smiled warmly. "Han Li wrote to me about you before he said you were coming back with him. You're just as beautiful as he described."
Dugu Yan had been a little upset seeing Han Li embrace another girl so soon after arriving, but upon hearing Xiu'er's name, half her frustration dissipated.
She had heard about this "Xiu'er " more than once from both Han Li and Guang Ling. She knew that Xiu'er had been by Han Li's side since childhood, practically growing up together. If anyone was the true long time companion, it was Xiu'er, not her.
Now, seeing that Xiu'er was being so friendly, Dugu Yan suddenly felt unsure of how to respond.
"Thank you. You're really pretty too. So… you're Xiu'er? Han Li talks about you all the time."
She instinctively replied, but then quickly found herself at a loss for words. She glanced at Han Li as if asking for help.
Han Li couldn't help but chuckle at her rare moment of awkwardness. Stepping in, he said, "Alright, Xiu'er , let's head home first. We've been on the road for ten days I just want a hot bath and a proper meal."
"Yes, let's go home. I already had everything prepared before I left."
This was Xiu'er's domain talking about home matters made her feel much more comfortable.
"Alright, let's go."
Han Li stepped forward and, without hesitation, took both of their hands, leading them toward his residence.
After walking a few steps, he realized he had left his master behind and turned around. "Master, you coming?"
"Alright, alright, I'm coming. What are you calling me for? I'm not living with you."
Guang Ling grumbled, clearly annoyed at not getting the drama he was expecting.
"Master, I've prepared something for you too, so please come along."
Xiu'er smiled back at him. She had already been calling Guang Ling Master under Han Li's insistence, and he had never objected.
"Fine, fine. I'll come just for you, Xiu'er. This disciple of mine is hopeless."
Guang Ling sighed dramatically as he picked up his pace to catch up.
In the bathhouse, Han Li removed the towel from his face and let out a satisfied sigh.
Across from him, Guang Ling did the same, leaning lazily against the edge of the bath.
"By the way, take today to help Yan familiarize herself with the environment. Tomorrow morning, I'll come pick you up we need to visit the Hall of Consecration. After being away for three months, and with how much you've changed, it wouldn't make sense not to go."
Guang Ling glanced at his disciple, who now looked almost like a fully grown adult.
"Yeah, I should go. I was planning to bring some Earth Dragon Golden Melons for my Senior Uncles at the Hall, along with some medicinal herbs. Grandmaster should distribute some to the research department too we don't need that many."
Han Li straightened his posture slightly and looked at Guang Ling.
"That should be enough. As for the other immortal herbs, don't mention them. I'll inform the Grand Consecrator myself. We don't want certain wastrels catching wind of it and causing trouble for your Senior Uncles."
Guang Ling reminded him.
"Of course. I'm not that reckless. I'll also visit Senior Uncle Qing Luan separately."
Han Li sought his master's opinion.
"Good idea. I'll talk to him first. Don't worry he'll delay taking the herb for a month or two so that his breakthrough doesn't seem suspicious."
Guang Ling smirked as a plan formed in his mind.
"Alright, I'll leave that to you. I'll check if there's anything else he needs and prepare it in advance."
Han Li stood up and stepped out of the bath. A faint soul power glow enveloped him, instantly evaporating the remaining water droplets.
Guang Ling followed suit, stepping out and replicating the drying technique. "Come on, let's eat first. We'll finalize our talking points over dinner."
The master and disciple quickly dressed and headed to the dining hall.
(End of Chapter)
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