Chapter 517 Bringing More Glory to the Dugu Family

After hearing this, everyone exchanged glances and tacitly stopped talking. The atmosphere returned to its superficial ease. However, everyone had an unsuppressible doubt in their hearts: Who on earth was Lu Yu, and how could he receive such courtesy from Xue Qinghe?

Xue Qinghe didn't look at anyone else, but turned to Lu Yu and said softly: "Follow me, I have something to say to you alone."

Lu Yu was stunned for a moment, but then nodded: "Yes, Your Highness."

Meng Shenji frowned slightly and couldn't help but said: "Your Highness, I don't know..."

Xue Qinghe smiled faintly and raised his hand to stop him: "Master Meng, don't worry, we are just chatting casually."

Meng Shenji's lips moved slightly, but he didn't say anything in the end. He just watched Xue Qinghe and Lu Yu walk out of the hall together. His eyes narrowed slightly, as if he was lost in deep thought.

Xue Qinghe led Lu Yu to a side hall. The attendants stopped outside the door in tacit agreement and did not follow them in. The side hall was very quiet. Xue Qinghe sat down casually and gestured to Lu Yu to sit down as well: "Sit down."

Lu Yu hesitated for a moment, but under Xue Qinghe's indifferent gaze, he finally sat down a few steps away from the other party: "Your Highness, what do you want?"

Xue Qinghe smiled slightly, his expression normal, but his tone was more playful: "It's not really an order. I'm just curious, how did you know about that?"

Lu Yu's face changed slightly, but soon returned to normal. He replied in a low voice: "Your Highness, Lu Yu doesn't quite understand what you mean."

Xue Qinghe did not respond immediately, but picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip. His movements were elegant and calm, as if he was thinking, or deliberately exerting some invisible pressure.

After a moment, he slowly said, "Don't you understand? Then let me ask it another way - the figure that appeared in a certain place that day, was it you?"

Lu Yu's body stiffened slightly, and he looked up at Xue Qinghe. There was a hint of vigilance in his eyes: "Why do you ask that, Your Highness?"

Xue Qinghe's eyes were gentle, yet they carried an irresistible force: "You don't have to deny it, and you don't have to be afraid. I have no hostility towards you, but there are some things I want to confirm with you."

Lu Yu was silent for a moment, and finally sighed softly: "Your Highness is indeed a discerning person. Yes, what happened that day was indeed related to Lu Yu."

Xue Qinghe nodded slightly, with a look of understanding in his eyes: "As expected. I knew I was right."

Lu Yu's heart was shaken. He looked up at Xue Qinghe with a complicated look in his eyes: "What exactly does your highness want to do? If you think Lu Yu has done something inappropriate, you can just say it directly."

Xue Qinghe shook his head gently, with a hint of smile in his tone: "Inappropriate? No, I never thought you did anything inappropriate. On the contrary, I admire your abilities very much."

"Appreciate?" Lu Yu was stunned for a moment, obviously not expecting to hear such an evaluation.

Xue Qinghe stood up and walked slowly to the window, looking out at the scenery. His voice was low and gentle, but it carried a force that could not be ignored: "Lu Yu, what I want is a cooperation. You are qualified."

Lu Yu's pupils shrank slightly, and he did not answer immediately, but Xue Qinghe's words obviously caused huge waves in his heart.

The air in the side hall was silent for a moment, and finally, Lu Yu asked softly: "Your Highness... why did you choose me?"

Xue Qinghe turned around and looked at Lu Yu with burning eyes: "Because you are smart enough and have enough potential. More importantly, you are different from..."

This sentence made Lu Yu's heart surge with countless complex emotions. He didn't say anything else, but from his eyes, it can be seen that this conversation is destined to become an important moment that changes his destiny.

In the side hall, a brief silence returned, but this silence contained countless unspoken words and deep meanings.

Xue Qinghe stood on the jade steps of the Tiandou Imperial Palace, raised his hand slightly, and signaled the mighty team behind him to quiet down. He was dressed in white, with a jade crown tied up his hair, and a perfect smile on his face, like a jade sculpture of unparalleled elegance. Everyone present stared at the crown prince of the Tiandou Empire, as if they didn't want to miss his every move.

"Everyone, this imperial exchange group is intended to demonstrate the strength and style of our Tiandou Empire. It is also an important measure to enhance relations with all parties. You are all pillars of the empire, and you must live up to your mission."

His voice was as gentle as jade, but it carried an unquestionable majesty. As soon as he finished speaking, Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly and added: "His Highness Xue Qinghe is right. This exchange group is not only escorted by the elites of Tiandou, but also by the strong men of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect and many other sects. This trip will be another opportunity for the Tiandou Empire to become famous on the continent."

As these words fell, a slender middle-aged man stepped forward, clasped his fists and bowed his head: "Your Highness Xue Qinghe, please rest assured that this subordinate will do his best and live up to your trust."

"Okay, Elder Gu, I feel at ease knowing you're accompanying me." Xue Qinghe nodded and glanced at the queue of carriages not far away.

These carriages were made of top-grade spiritual wood, and the bodies were inlaid with gems, making them extraordinarily luxurious. What was even more astonishing was that the drivers were all powerful soul kings or above.

"Soul King...it's actually the Soul King driving!" A guard watching from afar couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice.

"Shh, keep your voice down! This is an arrangement by His Majesty and His Highness, intended to deter other forces on the mainland." A colleague next to him hurriedly reminded.

Xue Qinghe naturally heard these trivial discussions. The corners of his mouth slightly raised, and he thought to himself: "These Soul King drivers are the foundation of Tiandou. Instead of hiding them, it is better to show them and let the enemy retreat."

He looked back at Emperor Xue Ye who was not far away. The latter nodded slightly, indicating that everything was going according to plan.

"Let's go!" Xue Qinghe gave an order, his soul power surged, and his voice was like thunder, resounding throughout the palace.

The carriage started to move slowly, driving along the wide avenue of the palace to the outside. The onlookers made way and watched the convoy go away. There was both awe and pride in their eyes. The strength of the Tiandou Empire was fully demonstrated at this moment.

Just as the large group of people were gradually moving away, in a quiet courtyard behind the palace, a pretty figure seemed out of place with all this.

"Yan'er, are you really not going with the exchange group?" A voice as thick as a millstone came, with some concern.

Dugu Yan raised her head, her eyes clear and firm. Standing in front of her was her grandfather, Dugu Bo, the famous Poison Douluo.

"Grandpa, my strength is not enough. I want to break through to the Soul Emperor level before the Soul Master Competition begins. Since I am the captain of the academy, I can't hold everyone back."

Dugu Bo frowned when he heard this. He wanted to say something, but seeing his granddaughter's stubbornness, he finally sighed and said, "Okay, since you have made up your mind, I will not stop you. But remember, safety always comes first."

Dugu Yan nodded, then looked in the direction not far away, watching the exchange group's motorcade go farther and farther away. She was not without regrets in her heart, but more of a heavy sense of responsibility. As a member of the Tiandou Royal Academy team, she must appear on the stage of the Soul Master Competition with a stronger attitude.

"Grandpa, I plan to go to the Star Dou Great Forest to practice. There are more abundant resources there, and it will also help me to hone my will." She spoke firmly, and it was obvious that she had already made up her mind.

Dugu Bo narrowed his eyes slightly, as if he was thinking about the pros and cons. He hesitated for a moment and said, "The Xingdou Great Forest is indeed a good place, but it is also very dangerous. Since you insist, Grandpa can only support you. But you must remember, if you encounter danger, use this."

As he spoke, an emerald green jade token appeared in his hand, emitting a warm glow.

"What is this?" Dugu Yan took the jade token and felt the powerful fluctuations of soul power in it.

"This is the 'Poison Spirit Amulet' that Grandpa specially made. It can block a Soul Douluo's full-strength attack at a critical moment." Dugu Bo's tone was a little solemn, "Grandpa will feel at ease only if you carry it with you."

Dugu Yan's eyes were slightly hot, but she quickly adjusted her mood and carefully put away the jade token: "Thank you, Grandpa. I will be careful."

Dugu Bo waved his hand and looked at Dugu Yan's receding back with complicated eyes. He was worried but also proud. This pride was not only because of Dugu Yan's talent, but also because of her stubbornness and persistence.

In the courtyard, a breeze blew, bringing with it the rustling of a few leaves. And the figure of Duguyan gradually went farther and farther, disappearing on the road to the future.

In this lush forest, the air is as fresh as water, the sun shines through the leaves, casting mottled shadows, and the grass on the ground sways gently in the breeze. Dugu Bo sits under an old tree, his hands folded on his knees, his eyes narrowed into slits, as if thinking about something. His face is slightly gloomy, and his mind is churning.

"Alas..." He sighed softly, looking far away at the path in the forest, which led to Lu Yu's residence. Dugu Bo knew that Lu Yu was practicing outside. Although the young man had many unsolved doubts in his heart, he was very clear about one thing, that is, Lu Yu's intelligence and wisdom would never let him miss this God-given opportunity.

"Dugu Yan, that child..." Dugu Bo whispered to himself. He had been thinking about how to bring Dugu Yan and Lu Yu closer. After all, Dugu Yan had shown extraordinary talent since childhood, especially in terms of soul power cultivation, which was almost unmatched. And Lu Yu, although calm and deep in character, his strength was no less than any top strong man. The combination of the two would not only allow the power to reach a new height, but also bring more glory to the Dugu family.

However, things did not go as smoothly as he expected. Whenever Dugu Bo mentioned the relationship he wanted to bring together, Lu Yu was always vague and did not seem to give a clear answer. Dugu Bo could not help but feel a little irritated, thinking, what on earth is Lu Yu hesitating about? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and he can't wait any longer.

Just as he was lost in thought, a crisp sound of footsteps came into his ears, interrupting his thoughts. Dugu Bo turned his head and saw Dugu Yan walking out of the forest. Her face was picturesque and her temperament was unworldly. She was wearing a green robe, her long hair was like a waterfall, fluttering in the wind, and her steps were light, like a stream of light.

"Father, you are here." Dugu Yan walked to Dugu Bo and said softly.

Dugu Bo looked at her with a smile on his face: "Yan'er, how come you have time to come here?"

Duguyan raised her eyebrows slightly and looked at her father tenderly: "I saw that my father was not in the yard, so I came to look for you. Why are you so silent today?"

"Nothing." Dugu Bo waved his hand gently, with a hint of complex emotions in his eyes. "I just feel that some things have been delayed for too long, and I feel a little depressed."

"Father, are you worried about me and Lu Yu?" Dugu Yan seemed to have noticed her father's thoughts a long time ago. Her gentle eyes showed a hint of determination. "I have made up my mind. Whether Lu Yu agrees or not, I will not delay any longer."

Dugu Bo was slightly stunned, then smiled bitterly: "You are really like your mother, unwilling to listen to advice." He paused, with some unspeakable emotions in his eyes, "In fact, it's not that I don't want you to pursue your own happiness. But... you know, Lu Yu's mind has always been difficult to figure out, and he is only focused on cultivation, and has no other thoughts in his mind."

Dugu Yan lowered her head slightly, a complex expression flashing in her eyes: "I know, but I can't let my father worry about me. I will go to him and ask him clearly in person, whether he has any intention or not, as long as I ask clearly myself, I won't let you worry about it anymore."

"Okay, in that case, I'll wait for you to come back." Dugu Bo sighed, looking at Dugu Yan's back as she walked away, feeling a little reluctant. His daughter had always been tenacious, independent and courageous since she was young. She was so determined now, which made him feel at ease.

……

In the evening, Dugu Bo sat in the courtyard, holding his chin with both hands, quietly watching the sunset gradually darkening in the sky. At this moment, a figure appeared at the gate of the courtyard. Dugu Bo looked up and saw that it was Lu Yu.

"Lu Yu, you're finally back." Dugu Bo smiled slightly, stood up, with a barely perceptible urgency in his tone.

Lu Yu walked into the yard, his eyes fell on Dugu Bo's face, and he secretly guessed in his heart: "Senior Dugu seems to be in a bad mood, is it related to me?" He said calmly: "Senior Dugu, what do you want to talk to me about?"

The smile on Dugu Bo's face faded a little, and his expression became more serious: "I think, Lu Yu, we need to talk."

Lu Yu was shocked, knowing that Dugu Bo was not just talking casually, but had something to say. So he walked to the bench in the yard, sat down, and slightly side-glanced, motioning Dugu Bo to sit down as well.

"Lu Yu, do you know why Yan'er has been so uneasy lately?" Dugu Bo asked straight to the point.

Lu Yu was slightly stunned, then he said in a deep voice: "Senior Dugu, is Yan'er... troubled by me?"