"Alright, trust me—I won't let you down!" Li Chang'an finally felt a weight lift off his shoulders when Bai Xue agreed, a sense of triumph quietly rising in his heart.
This Bai Xue... she was basically his kept woman on the outside now.
More importantly, Bai Xue's agreement marked the budding formation of his own power base. After all, nothing gets done without money.
"When we arrive in Heaven Dou City, I'll give you a token. Use it to handle the business with the Hong Clan. Once I've taken care of my matters, I'll come find you." Li Chang'an rubbed his temples as he spoke.
"Since... since I now belong to the Holy Son, shouldn't the Holy Son do something to me?" Bai Xue leaned toward Li Chang'an with a seductive smile, her alluring fragrance wafting into his nose.
Only an idiot would pass up an opportunity like this!
Even though Li Chang'an had planned to give his first time to Qian Renxue or his teacher, that didn't mean he couldn't do other things, right?
"Come, let me teach you an instrument. I expect a proper performance."
"Hm? What kind of instrument?" Bai Xue asked coyly, her eyes full of charm and confusion.
---
Half an hour later, Li Chang'an stepped out of the carriage, wiping his now pale, water-soaked fingers on the curtain as he muttered to himself, "Damn, that was tight."
He quietly withdrew the soul power barrier surrounding the carriage and began checking on the condition of the rest of the group.
Most had recovered and were ready to travel again, though a few still seemed weak, and Bai Xue in particular was completely drained inside the carriage.
Better to rest a bit longer.
Li Chang'an turned back and re-entered the carriage, setting up another barrier.
---
An hour later, everyone was fully recovered. Li Chang'an gave orders to the guards to bring everything and everyone, and the convoy finally resumed its journey.
This time, the road was smooth and uneventful, and they soon arrived safely at Heaven Dou City!
As the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire and one of the three greatest cities on the continent, Heaven Dou City was incredibly prosperous, home to millions. Spirit Masters walked the streets, and nobility were as common as dogs—a fitting description for this city.
Naturally, countless businesses had set up shop here. Whether large enterprises or small merchants, all sought a piece of the action in this metropolis. At least ten major trading associations had branches here, including the Hong Clan, ranked fifth, and even the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, which had its headquarters here.
At the city gate, Li Chang'an parted ways with Bai Xue, then headed directly for the Spirit Hall in Heaven Dou City.
He didn't even need to reveal his identity—just his face was enough for the Spirit Hall's people to recognize him. Platinum Bishop Salas himself came out to welcome him!
"Your Holiness the Holy Son, what brings you here today?" Salas asked warmly as he sat down in the secondary seat.
No one in the Spirit Hall dared to underestimate this Holy Son anymore. Even a Spirit Douluo like Salas treated him with deep respect. He had no choice.
Others might not know, but Salas, as a Platinum Bishop, was well aware of how terrifying this young man was. Just six years ago, one directive and a series of new policies from him had boosted the Spirit Hall's reputation by 20%!
Because of that, Spirit Hall's influence had soared, and Salas's own status had risen significantly. The clearest sign was that every time he went out to give a lecture, even commoners would clear the way for his carriage!
Even in Heaven Dou City, under the emperor's very nose, the Spirit Hall's presence grew stronger by the day. And the root of it all was this boy in front of him.
"Uncle Salas, you're being too formal. I'm just here to look around... and ask a favor. Or rather, this is a personal request from my teacher." Li Chang'an smiled gently. He never put on airs around elders.
"A favor? The Holy Son's matters aren't favors—they're my duty. And if it's the Pope's request, how could I possibly decline?" Salas smiled in return.
"I need to activate one of our agents in the palace and get in... discreetly, without revealing my identity," Li Chang'an said plainly.
If he entered the palace as the Holy Son, any interaction with Qian Renxue would be closely monitored. So instead, he planned to infiltrate using one of Spirit Hall's agents stationed in the imperial palace.
"There are indeed several of our lines near the young lady. Since the Holy Son needs them, there's no problem at all. What identity would you like to assume?" Salas agreed without hesitation.
Someone of Salas's rank naturally knew about Qian Renxue. Besides, using a single line was nothing. With Qian Renxue embedded in the palace, it was already riddled with spies like a sieve.
"The closer to her, the better," Li Chang'an said, rubbing his chin.
---
Half a day later — Heaven Dou Imperial Palace, Eastern Palace (Crown Prince's Residence)
Crown Prince Xue Qinghe was reviewing recent memorials, trying to help Emperor Xue Ye manage state affairs. He also used this as an opportunity to gather valuable intelligence.
"Your Highness, the item you requested has arrived," a young eunuch approached and said respectfully.
"I didn't request anything. And haven't I said clearly that I'm not to be disturbed while reading memorials?" Xue Qinghe frowned slightly, not even looking up.
"But... but Your Highness said you'd definitely like this," the eunuch insisted stubbornly.
"Nonsense. What's your name?" Xue Qinghe asked in annoyance, finally glancing up.
The young eunuch slowly raised his head, locked eyes with Xue Qinghe, and said each word deliberately, "This humble one... is named Xiao Li."
Xue Qinghe forcibly suppressed the emotion rising within him. He waved his hand and ordered sternly, "Everyone, out. No one is to enter or report anything. This Xiao Li is here on a classified mission."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
The maids and guards all responded in unison, bowing as they backed out. No one dared to disobey the prince's orders.
Once the doors were shut, Xue Qinghe raised his hand and cast a soul power barrier. He then shot a meaningful glance at Li Chang'an, signaling him to follow.
Naturally, Li Chang'an eagerly followed along, entering the prince's private quarters.
"You idiot! Why did it take you so long to come find me!"
As soon as they were inside, Xue Qinghe—no, Qian Renxue—threw herself into Li Chang'an's arms, hugging him tightly as she wept softly.
At the same time, her hair gradually transformed into a pale golden color, and the subtle disguises and makeup on her face began to melt away under her control...
_____
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