Chapter 293: I Love Making Friends the Most
Inside the pavilion, the atmosphere was somewhat awkward. After a brief exchange of pleasantries between Han Li and Yu Yuanzhen, an uncomfortable silence settled in. It wasn't entirely surprising after all, it was difficult to hold a normal conversation when there was a man on the verge of popping his eyes out from sheer frustration sitting nearby. And considering they weren't particularly close to begin with, it made things even trickier.
Yu Yuanzhen cast a glance at his disappointing son before turning his attention to the silent Liu Erlong.
"Erlong, what is the meaning of this?" He eyed Han Li, who was leisurely sipping his tea, his tone uncertain. Instinctively, he felt there was something suspicious going on between the two, given Han Li's notorious reputation something he owed to Qian Renxue's prior manipulations.
"I came to watch the tournament with the Holy Son because of my agreement with him regarding Flender's matter." Liu Erlong's voice was cold and detached. She had once sought help from her clan, but they refused. And now, seeing the looks on their faces, she knew exactly what kind of disgusting assumptions they were making.
Yu Yuanzhen forced a smile, while Yu Xiaogang suddenly spoke up.
"You're willing to go this far for Flender, yet you disregard "
Your own reputation.
Yu Xiaogang stopped himself from finishing the sentence. However, before he could continue, he felt Han Li's gaze land on him. That smiling face sent a chill down his spine, making him instinctively shut up.
"Knowing you two is truly the worst luck of my life. No matter how bad Flender may be, at least he's your sworn brother, you useless piece of trash."
Han Li and the others refrained from speaking, but Liu Erlong had no such restraint. Yu Xiaogang's accusatory gaze had already annoyed her, and while she had initially been hesitant to lash out in front of Han Li, she no longer cared. Even if Yu Yuanzhen was present, it didn't matter to her. If he had an issue with it, he could try to stop her.
"Enough, Erlong. Give your uncle some face."
Yu Yuanzhen could tell what was running through his son's mind just by looking at his expression. He let out a sigh.
"Hmph."
Liu Erlong held back for the moment, but the anger in her eyes flared up again. She had originally intended to ignore this pathetic excuse of a man, yet now she felt the sudden urge to end him right then and there.
"I apologize for making you witness this, Holy Son."
Yu Yuanzhen forced another strained smile as he turned to Han Li and his group, who were watching the drama unfold with evident amusement. At least now, he could confirm that there was nothing between Liu Erlong and Han Li.
"It's no problem. We were just leaving anyway. See you at the finals."
Han Li noticed that Yu Yuanzhen was subtly signaling that it was time to go. Though the drama had been amusing, the show had ended too soon. Still, he had no complaints it was an unexpected bonus anyway. The only reason he had invited Liu Erlong in the first place was to irk Bibi Dong. Running into Yu Xiaogang had been pure coincidence. The man was so insignificant now that Han Li didn't even bother targeting him anymore.
"See you at the finals."
Yu Yuanzhen escorted them to the door before turning back inside. From within, the sounds of Yu Xiaogang's shouting and objects smashing against the walls could be heard.
Outside, Liu Erlong's expression darkened further.
Han Li, however, was completely unbothered. His initial plans had already been disrupted, and he had lost interest in making formal visits to each faction. Instead, he opted for a more efficient approach visiting them all in one go.
Now, only three groups remained: Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Star Luo Royal Academy, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
"Which one first?"
Han Li turned to Zhu Zhuqing. He had brought her along precisely for this reason.
"Let's start with Star Luo."
Zhu Zhuqing took a deep breath. Han Li had already briefed her about this.
"Alright, Star Luo it is."
Han Li took the lead and pushed open the doors to the Star Luo Royal Academy's residence.
Fifteen minutes later, they walked out.
Every single person, including Hu Liena, looked utterly baffled.
Zhu Zhuqing's face was still flushed red.
Her always strict older sister, Zhu Zhuyun, had called her "dear little sister" over and over again. Davis had also enthusiastically echoed the sentiment, making the entire interaction seem warm and familial like they were a picture perfect family.
"Knowing when to adapt is a strength."
Han Li sighed.
Of all the places they visited, Star Luo Royal Academy had given them the warmest reception. Davis and Zhu Zhuyun had been a bit too enthusiastic.
An empire is one thing, but individuals are another. Han Li had gotten a firsthand experience of a politician's double standards.
Word of their visit had spread quickly, and Davis took it a step further by ensuring that all government officials present were dismissed before he met with them privately.
Though he never outright declared his support, his tone and phrasing made it clear enough.
Caution toward Spirit Hall and Han Li was something Davis would only worry about after he became emperor. For now, his only priority was securing his succession.
Besides, the moment they stepped out of the door, everyone would pretend this meeting never happened. Who could say what their private stance truly was? By the time they left, Davis had already positioned himself at a respectable distance from Han Li, wearing a purely diplomatic expression.
"Alright, let's keep going."
Han Li shrugged off his thoughts and headed toward the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's camp.
By the time they arrived, the opposing side was already waiting for them. Unlike Star Luo, almost every important figure was present.
Xue Qinghe, the officials accompanying the Heaven Dou Empire, and all members of both the first and second teams were present. Since they were all familiar with one another, a brief greeting sufficed before Han Li and Xue Qinghe walked side by side, casually chatting as they made their way inside.
Behind them, the women also left the group, approaching Ye LingLing and Ning Rongrong, whispering among themselves. Liu Erlong, bored out of her mind, sat alone, exuding an aura of gloom that kept others from disturbing her. Meanwhile, Hu Liena kept glancing toward the second team.
Han Li chose a seat next to Xue Qinghe and dismissed the attendants.
"Everything set? Also, when do you plan on meeting the old man?" Han Li shielded their conversation with his spiritual power, then looked at Qian Renxue.
"Don't worry, everything's in place. I'll wait until the tournament starts. I can't slip away right now." Qian Renxue responded while shifting her gaze toward two unexpected additions to Han Li's entourage.
"What's up with them?" She glanced at Han Li in confusion. If it were just Hu Liena, she might have guessed the reason, but Liu Erlong's presence completely threw her off.
"You'll understand when you meet the old man." Han Li shook his head too many entangled stories, not worth explaining now.
"Did that woman send her? What is she observing?"
Hu Liena was the one Qian Renxue paid special attention to. When she looked at her, a flicker of envy and jealousy flashed in her eyes, though it was almost imperceptible.
"Yeah, a last minute addition. I'm also curious about her objective."
Even as he said this, Han Li had already spread his spiritual power throughout the entire area from the moment they entered. He knew exactly what Hu Liena was observing, and an absurd thought crossed his mind. If his suspicion was correct, it would be absolutely explosive. Han Li glanced at Qian Renxue with a hint of sympathy if true, it would impact her even more.
"What kind of look is that?"
Qian Renxue frowned at Han Li, feeling irritated. This guy was always so cryptic, never explaining things properly. One day, when she surpassed him in strength, she'd make sure to give him a good beating.
"Don't mind the little details. If I'm not mistaken, she seems to be secretly watching the second team. Play along and let her get a good look." Han Li gave Qian Renxue a meaningful glance, not bothering to explain further.
"Alright."
Qian Renxue had no idea what he was up to, but she was also curious about Hu Liena's actions, so she agreed without hesitation.
"Great, let's go."
A warm smile reappeared on Han Li's face. Qian Renxue rolled her eyes at him but still stood up, mirroring his smile.
The sudden appearance of Zhu Zhuqing was already a thorn in Tang San's side, making him sulk like a miserable cat. If not for the setting, he might have just left altogether.
Then, they saw Han Li and Xue Qinghe, along with the unfamiliar yet alluring Spirit Hall woman, walking straight toward them.
Hu Liena had followed of her own accord. The moment she noticed Han Li's movements, she instinctively trailed behind, though she had done the same in other situations. She didn't think it would raise any suspicion.
As expected, Han Li merely glanced at her before ignoring her altogether. Xue Qinghe even nodded at her.
In just a few steps, the three of them were standing in front of the second team.
They had already greeted each other earlier, so there was no need for formalities. Even so, Tang San and Dai Mubai felt uneasy, as if they were being crushed by an invisible pressure.
"You must be Tang San and Xiao Wu. Let's get acquainted. You probably know who I am Han Li. Funny enough, this is our first time meeting."
Han Li wore an impeccable smile as he greeted them, completely ignoring Dai Mubai, whose eyes were red with fury as he glared at him.
"I only recently learned that all three of us hail from Nuoding City. Who would've thought we'd cross paths here?"
"If only I had known earlier, I would have definitely invited both of you to join Spirit Hall. Maybe even arranged a smooth path to obtaining your Titled Douluo rankings."
Han Li sighed with regret, as if completely oblivious to the fact that Tang San was from the Clear Sky Sect.
Xiao Wu instinctively took two steps back. She knew Han Li was joking, but the thought alone scared her. A "Titled Douluo promotion package"? That sounded like a death sentence for her.
Tang San had no idea why Xiao Wu reacted this way, but he squeezed her hand reassuringly, keeping her steady. He met Han Li's gaze without arrogance or servility.
"Thank you for your kindness, Holy Son. I, too, only recently discovered that you came from Nuoding City. However, Xiao Wu and I do not like being bound by constraints, so I'm afraid we must disappoint you."
"No problem. You two are under His Highness the Crown Prince now. Even if you were willing, I couldn't possibly steal talent from him."
Han Li chuckled, gesturing toward Xue Qinghe.
"But coming from the same place means we're connected by fate. How about becoming friends? You see, I love making friends the most."
Han Li extended his hand toward Tang San, appearing completely open and sincere.
Tang San hesitated for a moment. His background wasn't exactly a secret. What was this Spirit Hall Holy Son playing at?
However, with so many eyes watching, outright refusal would be inappropriate. He could only extend his hand as well, forcing a polite smile.
"Of course, I'd be honored."
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