Holding Xue Qinghe's hand, Shen An couldn't help but blurt out, "Your hands are so small... and so smooth."
The sensation was no less pleasant than holding Zhu Zhuqing or Ning Rongrong's hands, which was why Shen An couldn't resist commenting.
The moment these words left his mouth, Xue Qinghe's expression darkened instantly. The armored guards surrounding them immediately drew their swords, glaring at Shen An with hostility.
How dare he! To speak so disrespectfully to the Crown Prince!
For a brief moment, murderous intent flashed through Xue Qinghe's mind. He had almost thought Shen An had discovered his true identity as a woman.
Even though he admired Shen An, if his secret were exposed, he wouldn't hesitate to eliminate him.
His plan to usurp the throne was far more important than any personal fondness.
However, Xue Qinghe had spent years perfecting his disguise, and his composure was impeccable. In an instant, he realized Shen An's remark was likely just an offhand comment—after all, Shen An had never seen his true form.
Not even Ning Fengzhi or the Sword and Bone Douluos had ever seen through his disguise.
Xue Qinghe's smile remained unchanged. "Perhaps it's just good care. The entrance is crowded—not the best place for conversation. Shall we talk inside?"
Shen An, realizing his earlier rudeness, chuckled apologetically. "My apologies, Brother Xue. That was careless of me. Let's go inside."
His impression of Xue Qinghe was quite positive. Despite being the Crown Prince, he carried himself without arrogance, and Shen An was happy to accept his goodwill.
Besides, associating with an imperial prince would undoubtedly boost his reputation.
Tom and Jerry, standing nearby, studied Xue Qinghe curiously. To them, something about him felt... off, as if his appearance wasn't real.
The two exchanged glances, their lips curling into mischievous grins.
Excellent. Xue Qinghe had just become their new plaything.
Inside the VIP lounge of the Great Spirit Arena, beautiful attendants served trays of exquisite pastries and fruits. Tom and Jerry dug in enthusiastically while guards stood watch outside.
Xue Qinghe observed the cat and mouse with amusement. "Shen An, your taste in pets is... unique. Aren't cats and mice natural enemies?"
Ning Rongrong giggled. "Brother Qinghe, you don't know the half of it! The mouse is called Jerry—he and Tom are best friends! Well... mostly."
She trailed off, recalling how the two had demolished a teahouse on their first day together.
Xue Qinghe's lips twitched.
A cat and mouse as friends? How bizarre.
But this was no ordinary cat—it had somehow suppressed his soul bone skill. That meant the mouse was likely no ordinary rodent either.
Subtly, Xue Qinghe kept Tom and Jerry in his peripheral vision, ensuring they didn't get too close. If his disguise failed in front of so many witnesses, it would be disastrous.
"I heard from Soul Douluo Meng Shenji that you visited the Heaven Dou Royal Academy," Xue Qinghe remarked casually. "And that you somehow got the infamous Poison Douluo to stand up for you."
Shen An raised an eyebrow. "You already know about that?"
Xue Qinghe smiled. "To be honest, Soul Douluo Meng has been one of my supporters. I was informed shortly after."
"Brother Qinghe, let me tell you—those Shrek Academy people are complete ruffians!" Ning Rongrong huffed. "Thank goodness your people didn't recruit them. Who knows what kind of trouble they'd cause?"
"That aside," Xue Qinghe said smoothly, "I'm more curious about why Poison Douluo intervened for you. Would you satisfy my curiosity?"
Shen An explained how he had cured Dugu Yan's poison, though he omitted the part about curing Dugu Bo himself—that would raise too many questions.
Even so, Xue Qinghe was stunned.
As the Crown Prince of Heaven Dou and a high-ranking figure in the Spirit Hall, he had access to information most didn't.
And according to Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan, the poison in Dugu Yan's body was incurable without a legendary immortal herb.
Yet Shen An had done it.
Xue Qinghe's interest in him grew even stronger.
He was a master of politics, and he knew better than to directly recruit Shen An. Instead, he probed for his interests.
'A thirst for fame, huh?'
Xue Qinghe inwardly smiled.
For someone like him, ambition was easy to work with.
"If it's reputation you seek," Xue Qinghe said lightly, "I know just the place for you."
Shen An's eyes lit up.
——
While Shen An spent the next week tirelessly building his fame, Tang San also made significant progress.
Standing before an enormous vine, he felt an inexplicable resonance.
With its help, his soul power—originally at Rank 32—soared by eight levels.
And his fourth soul ring?
An astonishing 8,000 years.
Not only that, but his previously plain features had subtly refined, transforming him into a strikingly handsome young man.
With a thought, he summoned his Blue Silver Grass.
The once-ordinary grass now gleamed like sapphire, its leaves adorned with golden veins—a mark of nobility.
Tang Hao appeared beside him, his voice trembling.
"This is the evolution site of the Blue Silver Grass. I hadn't planned to bring you here so soon, but your injuries left me no choice."
Tang San was silent for a moment before speaking.
"Father... are you still going to hide yourself?"
Tang Hao stiffened. "How did you—"
Then he removed his hood, revealing his hardened face.
But the moment he saw Tang San's new appearance, his eyes welled with tears.
Because now, Tang San looked exactly like his mother—Tang Hao's late wife, Ah Yin.
Tang San's expression was complicated.
He had never imagined his father was a Titled Douluo.
And yet...
If you were so powerful, why did I grow up in such hardship?
A seed of resentment took root in his heart.