Douluo Continent: Targeted Thoughts, Winning Over Bibi Dong at the Start

For the next two days, Qin Heng led a routine of study that was almost monotonous.

He gets up at six o'clock every morning and cultivates his soul power for an hour in the small courtyard in the core area of ​​the academy before heading to Xuan Ziwen's laboratory. The morning is for theoretical classes, where Xuan Ziwen systematically explains the basic theories of soul tools to him, from energy conduction to array design, from materials to manufacturing processes, explaining every point of knowledge in great detail.

The afternoon was for practical lessons. Xuan Ziwen would give him some blueprints for low-level soul tools and let him make them himself. From the simplest level one soul lamp to the slightly more complex level three soul shield, Qin Heng completed the practical course that would normally take ordinary students two months to finish in just two days.

This secretly alarmed Xuan Ziwen.

He had seen geniuses before, but never one as monstrous as this.

Not only do they have an unforgettable memory of theory, but their practical skills are also frighteningly precise.

Qin Heng could perfectly replicate those complex core formations after just one look at the blueprints, and he even had perfect control over the amount and rhythm of soul power injection.

Xuan Ziwen could naturally tell that Qin Heng had some foundation as a Soul Master, but overall he was just so-so, and it was obvious that he had learned immature techniques in Douluo Three Kingdoms.

It's truly amazing that you can learn so quickly now that you're starting from scratch.

On the morning of the third day, Qin Heng took the initiative to find Xuan Ziwen, claiming that he had already obtained the book.

Xuan Ziwen picked up a test paper from the table with a blank expression, handed it to Qin Heng, and told him to start answering the questions.

Qin Heng took the test paper and glanced at it.

The exam questions covered all aspects of "Basic Theory of Soul Guidance Devices," from basic concepts to array analysis, from material properties to energy calculations, with increasing difficulty levels.

Qin Heng picked up his pen and began answering the questions.

Xuan Ziwen sat to the side, watching quietly.

Qin Heng wrote with lightning speed, almost without pausing. He wrote down the answers to each question as soon as he finished reading them, as if the answers were already etched in his mind.

In less than an hour, Qin Heng put down his pen.

"Teacher Xuan, I've finished answering."

Xuan Ziwen raised an eyebrow slightly.

He took the test paper and carefully corrected it from beginning to end.

Xuan Ziwen became increasingly alarmed as he graded the papers. Qin Heng hadn't made a single mistake on the entire exam, from basic questions to those beyond the syllabus.

He answered even the last bonus question, which involved the design principles of a level six soul tool, flawlessly.

"You really are a genius! Much better than me! It seems we'll have to adjust our teaching plan for you." Xuan Ziwen couldn't help but exclaim after putting down the test paper.

Qin Heng lowered his head, adopting a humble demeanor: "Teacher Xuan, you flatter me."

"No, I'm not praising you." Xuan Ziwen stood up, staring intently at Qin Heng. "I'm telling you a fact. With your talent, it would be a waste to just study step by step."

Starting tomorrow, I will speed up the teaching pace and try to get you to make soul tools. If your hands are steady enough, you might even become a level six soul master within a year.

Qin Heng looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "Thank you so much, Teacher Xuan!"

Xuan Ziwen waved his hand, his tone returning to its previous calm: "No need to thank me. This is a task assigned by the teacher; I'm just completing it."

And now I'm starting to understand why your grandfather was willing to swear an oath with his martial spirit to send you to Mingde Hall.

Your grandfather had a good eye; Mingde Hall is indeed the most suitable place for you.

At noon, Qin Heng returned to his detached dormitory.

This dormitory is located at the deepest part of the college's core area, surrounded by tall ancient trees, creating a quiet and secluded environment.

The dormitory is fully equipped. The first floor has a living room and dining room, the second floor has a bedroom and study, and the basement is a private laboratory equipped with a full set of equipment.

Qin Heng closed his eyes and began to cultivate, waiting for his illusory body to take him to the banquet.

As evening fell, the sunset over Mingdu bathed the entire city in a golden-red hue.

Qin Heng and Huan Shen walked side by side on the road to Kong Deming's residence.

Today, Qin Heng changed into a moon-white robe with a silver belt around his waist. His hair was tied up with a jade crown, making him look refined and elegant, quite like a young master from a noble family.

The illusionary form remained that of a thin old man, dressed in a gray robe, walking with composure, his vertical eye between his brows half-open and half-closed, its eerie light concealed.

When the two arrived at the gate of Kong Deming's residence, Qin Heng keenly sensed the unusual atmosphere.

Many guards dressed in black appeared around the mansion. They were scattered in twos and threes in the streets and alleys around the mansion, seemingly casually, but in fact, they surrounded the entire mansion.

These guards all exuded a deep and composed aura, their soul power fluctuations ranging from Soul King to Soul Emperor, and they were equipped with various high-level soul tools around their waists and on their backs.

The guards' positions were meticulously planned, forming a crossfire network. If any enemy invaded, they would face attacks from at least three soul tools from any angle simultaneously.

Moreover, Qin Heng noticed that the walls of the mansion were faintly shimmering with the light of a soul-guiding array—a trigger-type defensive array, at least level seven.

"The emperor's guards? It seems Xu Tianyuan has already arrived," Qin Heng thought to himself.

The two arrived at the gate of the mansion. The guards at the gate had obviously been notified in advance, and they bowed respectfully before making way for them.

"Your Majesty Huan Tong, Young Master Qian Heng, please follow me." An elderly man who looked like a steward came forward, bowed and gestured for them to enter, then led the two through the front yard toward the main hall.

Qin Heng had visited Kong Deming's residence once before, but this time the feeling was completely different.

There were many more servants and guards in the front yard, each of them hurrying along yet orderly, and the air was filled with a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

After passing through the corridor, we arrived at the entrance of the main hall.

The butler pushed open the carved wooden door, bowed, and stepped aside.

The scene inside the main hall came into view.

The hall was spacious and bright, with calligraphy and paintings by famous artists hanging on the four walls, and antique mahogany tables and chairs placed on both sides. Two people sat in the main seat in the very center.

The man on the left, who looked to be in his fifties, was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe and a golden crown. His face was dignified, his eyes were like lightning, and he exuded the awe-inspiring aura unique to those who had long held a high position. He was none other than Xu Tianyuan, the current emperor of the Sun Moon Empire.

The man on the right, about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, wore a black python robe. His face was handsome but with a hint of sinister intent, and there was a faint air of malice between his brows. He sat in a specially made wheelchair, his legs covered with a thin blanket. This was none other than Xu Tianran, the crown prince of the Sun Moon Empire.

Behind Xu Tianran stood a young girl.

The girl looked to be about fifteen or sixteen years old. Her long, straight, jet-black hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall. Her features were as delicate as a porcelain doll's, and her skin was fair and smooth, as if it could be broken with a touch.

She wore thin-rimmed glasses, and behind the lenses were clear and bright eyes, yet she possessed a natural air of languor, as if she had no interest in anything around her.

She stood quietly behind Xu Tianran, her hands folded in front of her, her posture dignified yet exuding an indescribable sense of ease, like a cat dozing in the afternoon sun.

Qin Heng's gaze lingered on the girl for a moment.

tangerinr.

The name came to mind.

In the original novel, Ju Zi is Xu Tianran's savior and one of the people he trusts most.

She had saved Xu Tianran's life when he was assassinated, so Xu Tianran regarded her as a confidante and always kept her by his side.

In the end, Ju Zi even became the de facto supreme ruler of the Sun Moon Empire and gave birth to Huo Yuhao's child.

This woman is ruthless and extremely cunning. She is the most intelligent woman in Dou Er and the woman Qin Heng admires the most.

But the girl standing in front of Qin Heng at this moment, Ju Zi, was only a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl.

Qin Heng's gaze lingered on the orange for a little longer.

This detail was noticed by both Xu Tianyuan and Xu Tianran.

Xu Tianyuan raised an eyebrow slightly, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.

He turned to look at his son, only to see that Xu Tianran's expression was calm and undisturbed.

This surprised Xu Tianyuan. He knew his son too well. After Xu Tianran became disabled, his personality became extremely sensitive and suspicious, especially towards those around him, where he had an almost obsessive possessiveness.

Ju Zi was the person he trusted most. If any man dared to look at Ju Zi even twice, Xu Tianran would not only not make a scene on the spot, but would also find a way to punish the other party afterwards.

But today, Xu Tianran's reaction was unexpectedly calm. What Xu Tianyuan didn't know was that Xu Tianran's mentality had undergone a tremendous change.

Three days ago, Kong Deming brought the Flower of Life to the palace to meet the emperor.

Xu Tianyuan immediately summoned all the imperial physicians of the Imperial Medical Academy to conduct a comprehensive examination of the medicinal herb.

The test results shocked everyone; the life energy contained in that Flower of Life was enough to regenerate severed limbs and restore blood vessels.

That evening, Xu Tianran took the Flower of Life.

The process of the drug taking effect is extremely painful. The necrotic meridians are revitalized under the cleansing of life energy, and the broken bones regenerate under the action of the drug.

Xu Tianran gritted his teeth and endured the excruciating pain.

When the morning sun shone into the palace the next day, Xu Tianran regained feeling in his legs. To his even greater surprise, after many years, he finally got an erection again!

Xu Tianran was overjoyed and immediately summoned the imperial physician for an examination. The physician concluded that Xu Tianran had been disabled for too long and could not walk immediately. However, the physician said that he only needed to recuperate for another half month and he would be able to function like a normal person in all aspects.

This news thrilled Xu Tianran, who had been sitting in this broken wheelchair for more than 20 years since the assassination attempt.

He had dreamed countless times of standing up again, but every time he woke up, he was still faced with those numb, useless legs.

And now, the dream has finally come true.

All of this is thanks to that Illusionary Eye Douluo.

So at this moment, when Xu Tianran saw Qin Heng's gaze linger on Ju Zi, although a hint of displeasure flashed through his mind instinctively, he quickly suppressed it with reason.

His health has recovered. Although Ju Zi was his savior and held a special place in his heart, she was ultimately just a woman.

If oranges can be used to win over this grandfather and grandson, further solidifying Illusionary Douluo's loyalty to the Sun Moon Empire, then this deal is worthwhile.

Of course, the premise is that this kid named Qianheng must treat Ju Zi well, and not just play around with her.

If it's just for fun, then he might as well keep Ju Zi by his side, since Ju Zi saved his life after all.

Thinking of this, Xu Tianran's lips curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile.

"This must be His Majesty Huan Tong! I've long admired your name!" Xu Tianyuan stood up and laughed loudly, his tone filled with sincere respect.

The phantom bowed respectfully, its aged voice neither humble nor arrogant: "Your Majesty flatters me. I am but a recluse from the mountains."

"Your Majesty Huan Tong is too modest." Xu Tianyuan stepped down from the main seat and personally came forward to greet him. "Your Majesty swore allegiance to my Sun Moon Empire with your martial spirit and also presented me with a celestial herb to cure the Crown Prince's leg ailment. I will remember this kindness."

As he spoke, his gaze fell on Qin Heng, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes: "This must be your grandson, Qianheng, right? He is indeed a handsome and talented young man."

Qin Heng quickly bowed and said, "Junior Qianheng greets Your Majesty."

"No need for formalities." Xu Tianyuan waved his hand and smiled, "I heard from Elder Kong that your performance in Mingde Hall was outstanding, and Xuan Ziwen praised you highly. You are truly a good child."

"Your Majesty flatters me," Qin Heng said, bowing his head and adopting a humble demeanor. "It is all thanks to my grandfather's excellent guidance; I dare not take credit for it."

"Haha, what a fine way to say you don't dare take credit." Xu Tianyuan laughed a few times, then turned to look at Huan Shen, "Your Majesty Huan Tong, you've raised a fine grandson."

The illusionary figure smiled slightly, a perfectly measured hint of pride flashing in its vertical eyes: "Your Majesty flatters me. Qianheng has indeed never disappointed me."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Xu Tianyuan led the two to their seats. Qin Heng was seated next to Xu Tianran, with Ju Zi sitting opposite him.

This arrangement was clearly intentional.

As Qin Heng sat down, his gaze met that of the orange once again.

Orange paused for a moment, then smiled politely, a smile that was lazy and distant, carrying a faint sense of distance.

Qin Heng smiled and then naturally looked away at Xu Tianran.

"Junior Qianheng greets Your Highness the Crown Prince." He bowed with his hands clasped.

Xu Tianran smiled slightly, his smile less sinister and more sincere: "Nephew Qianheng, there's no need for such formality. Speaking of which, I must thank your grandfather for saving my life. If it weren't for His Majesty Huan Tong's generous gift of medicine, I'm afraid I would have been stuck in this wheelchair for the rest of my life."

His tone was filled with heartfelt gratitude, but Qin Heng keenly caught the complex look that flashed across the depths of his eyes.

It was gratitude, but also apprehension, and even a hint of wariness.

Qin Heng understood.

Xu Tianran is a suspicious person. Even if the illusionary body saved his life, he could not completely let his guard down.

But it doesn't matter, Qin Heng never expected that a single herb would make Xu Tianran open up to him.

"Your Highness is too kind," Qin Heng said respectfully. "My grandfather often said that since we have pledged allegiance to the Sun Moon Empire, it is our duty to share the burdens of His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince."

Upon hearing this, Xu Tianran's eyes flashed with satisfaction, and he nodded: "Your Majesty Huan Tong's noble character is admirable. Nephew Qian Heng, if you need anything in Mingde Hall in the future, please feel free to ask. As long as it is within my power, I will not refuse."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Qin Heng bowed again.

The banquet officially began.

Kong Deming, as the host, personally accompanied the guests. The dishes served were extremely lavish, each one a carefully prepared delicacy.

Xu Tianyuan was in high spirits, frequently raising his glass and chatting with Huan Shen about the state of the world. Kong Deming occasionally chimed in, and the atmosphere was quite harmonious.

Qin Heng sat quietly to the side, occasionally answering Xu Tianran's questions, but mostly observing silently.

He discovered that although Xu Tianran appeared to be chatting and laughing, his eyes always remained highly vigilant.

His gaze would occasionally sweep over everyone in the hall, as if analyzing their expressions, actions, and tone of voice to extract useful information.

Meanwhile, Ju Zi stood quietly behind Xu Tianran, occasionally stepping forward to pour him wine and serve him food. Her movements were skillful and natural, clearly indicating that she was already used to this role of serving.

Halfway through the banquet, Xu Tianyuan suddenly put down his wine glass, looked at Qin Heng, and smiled, "Qian Heng, are you settling in well at the academy?"

Qin Heng quickly put down his chopsticks and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, everything at the academy is excellent. Teacher Xuan's teaching is superb, and I have benefited greatly from it."

"That's good." Xu Tianyuan nodded, then suddenly changed the subject, "I heard you're already twelve years old this year?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Twelve years old, not young anymore." Xu Tianyuan smiled meaningfully, his gaze sweeping between Qin Heng and Ju Zi. "Do you have a girl you like?"

Qin Heng's heart skipped a beat, but he pretended to be taken aback. He then lowered his head and said somewhat embarrassedly, "Your Majesty is joking. I have been following my grandfather in cultivation all these years and have never considered such things."

"Haha, young people should start thinking about it." Xu Tianyuan laughed a few times, then turned to Xu Tianran, "Tianran, don't you think so?"

Xu Tianran's lips curled slightly, revealing a meaningful smile: "Father is right. My nephew Qianheng is indeed a young and talented man, and it is time for him to consider his marriage."

His gaze fell on Ju Zi behind him, and he said casually, "Ju Zi, what do you think of Young Master Qianheng?"

Orange was slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in her lazy eyes, clearly not expecting Xu Tianran to ask such a question.