Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Watching Yin Xuan and Dugu Yan walk side by side—yeah, it was kind of a spectacle. Everyone around couldn't help sneaking glances, whispering to each other.
"I've barely been here a day and already I feel like I'm turning into a celebrity thanks to you," Yin Xuan said, sounding both amused and a little exasperated as he felt the stares.
Dugu Yan grinned and answered, "Relax, just watch me."
Her expression changed, turning icy. Two yellow spirit rings flashed, and her Bilin Snake Spirit took over. Those cold, snake-like pupils swept across the crowd, clearly sending a warning.
Yin Xuan chuckled and shook his head. He hadn't expected Dugu Yan to be so blunt, but hey—it worked. People melted away, avoiding eye contact, trying to dodge any trouble. Dugu Yan's reputation really did precede her; nobody smart wanted to mess with her.
Those who could beat her wouldn't bother. Those who couldn't, well… getting beaten up for nothing just wasn't worth it.
Dugu Yan's tone shifted, serious, "Xuan, I should warn you about something."
"There's a prodigy here from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan—one of the big three sects. He likes me."
Yin Xuan smiled a little, "With your status, looks, and strength? Of course somebody's going to like you."
Dugu Yan blushed. "You keep praising me—I'll start getting embarrassed! But, honestly, lots of people like me, only most are too scared to actually do anything about it. This guy, Yu Tianheng from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, doesn't have those hangups. He's already started pursuing me. If he picks a fight with you over it, don't stick around. Walk away. It's smarter."
Yin Xuan grinned. "So you're telling me I just arrived and already got myself tangled up with a top-tier sect guy?"
Dugu Yan looked apologetic. "Sorry… I just remembered. But don't worry! If he tries anything, I'll go up against him with you. Even though he's a Spirit Elder, if we team up as Spirit Grandmasters, we can win."
Yin Xuan nodded, reassured. Dugu Yan had his back. The whole plot felt cheesy, sure, but honestly, it was pretty typical.
Even the best clans wanted to recruit Titled Douluos like Dugu Bo.
Heaven Dou Royal Academy was designed for the nobility. Deluxe dorms, full amenities, everything top notch. Male and female dorms were separate, but you could visit if you wanted.
Dugu Yan watched Yin Xuan unpacking and said, "Xuan, let's go to the Heaven Dou Auction House tomorrow—I'll buy you a storage soul tool. Makes traveling much easier. No need to lug a pack everywhere."
Yin Xuan blinked. Was he being "taken care of" already?
"That doesn't feel right. I'll just earn the money and buy one myself. Don't treat me like a kept man."
Dugu Yan came over, beaming. "Who cares! I'm not giving you charity, I'm just helping my future boyfriend. It's fine!"
Yin Xuan grinned, "Hey, Little Goose, know any ways to make quick cash?"
Dugu Yan thought about it. "Not really."
Yin Xuan said, "How about the Heaven Dou Great Spirit Arena? We could bet on matches."
He hadn't had enough strength or funds for that before, couldn't even afford the registration fee. Now things were different. Selling the Hair Crystal gave him a solid bankroll—and confidence.
"That sounds dangerous, though," Dugu Yan worried.
Yin Xuan waved it off, "Danger's just part of being a Spirit Master, right?"
Dugu Yan just shook her head. "You always have something clever to say."
Yin Xuan laughed, "Besides, I need the combat experience. I've been cultivating spirit power, not fighting other Spirit Masters much."
Dugu Yan muttered, "You already beat me so easily. Makes it sound like I'm weak."
Yin Xuan said, "You're not weak. Your spirit abilities are all support types—they don't boost your solo fighting power. Once you get your third ring with an offensive ability, it'll be hard for me to win."
Dugu Yan grinned, "That makes me feel better."
After a day exploring the academy, the next morning rolled around.
Heaven Dou City.
Dugu Residence.
"Xuan, come on in!"
Dugu Yan led the way. "Don't mind the fact my grandpa's a Titled Douluo. Our Dugu family—including servants—only has five people."
She glanced at Yin Xuan and teased, "But soon, we'll have six."
Yin Xuan was kind of lost for words. She made him sound like some kind of charmer or something.
Just like Dugu Yan said, the place was quiet but beautiful. The three servants were clearly hard workers.
"Master, the Young Lady brought home a young man," one of them reported to Dugu Bo, who sat in the main room.
"A young man?" Dugu Bo put down his tea, raised an eyebrow, and his green eyes twinkled with a smile.
"Has Little Goose finally found herself a boyfriend? Where is he?"
The servant smiled. "Young Lady is showing him around. She seems to really like him."
Dugu Bo stood. "If she brought him here, she definitely likes him. First time for that. I want to see what kind of skills this guy has to win her over."
A short while later, Dugu Yan led Yin Xuan around the estate and suddenly tugged his sleeve, whispering, "Xuan—my grandpa's coming."
Yin Xuan looked over and saw an old man with long green hair walking toward them. His thin, almost skeletal face and those emerald-green eyes were honestly a bit creepy.
"Grandpa!"
Dugu Yan ran over and hugged him.
Dugu Bo smiled warmly. "My dear granddaughter, what made you think to bring a friend home today?"
Dugu Yan looked back at Yin Xuan. "Xuan!"
Yin Xuan stepped forward, serious. "I'm Yin Xuan. Greetings, Senior Dugu."
Dugu Bo narrowed his eyes, sizing Yin Xuan up, letting out a subtle sense of pressure. "My granddaughter never brings boys home. What's so special about you?"
Dugu Yan jumped in. "Grandpa, Xuan isn't just handsome—he's strong too. He already conquered me."
Dugu Bo stared, pretty much speechless, eyes wide and full of question marks.