Douluo Dalu: Lucky Star

After a brief, casual conversation, Han Li instructed Skydream to keep watch over the place and offered a few words of encouragement to the Blue Silver King. Then the three began to head outside.

"If I'm not mistaken, you've already reached level ninety, what humans call a Titled Douluo. What are your plans for further advancement?"

Gu Yue asked somewhat awkwardly as they walked.

On one hand, she wanted Han Li to grow stronger; on the other, she knew very well that breaking through now would require him to hunt soul beasts. This left her conflicted. She had read the improved version of Mysterious Heaven Skill that Han Li provided, but even she doubted he'd use it to make his breakthrough. That method simply took too long. No one knew whether tomorrow or the Divine Realm would arrive first, and naturally, she hoped her ally could rise to power as quickly as possible.

"I'm going to the Extreme North first to help someone begin their divine trial. As for my breakthrough, I'll likely go to Sea God Island, assist someone in starting the Sea God's trial, and conveniently make my breakthrough there."

"What? Are you going to stop me? The soul beasts there don't believe in the Dragon God anymore," Han Li said casually, glancing at Gu Yue as if challenging her.

Sure enough, Gu Yue's face darkened slightly. In the past, she wouldn't have cared much, even if they still believed in the Dragon God, as it wouldn't benefit her. But times had changed. The Sea God's prior actions had essentially cut off her roots—those precious sources of faith. Thinking about it made her heart ache.

Sea God, you're digging your own grave!

Han Li noticed the cold glint in her eyes and, inwardly narrating her thoughts, spoke calmly: "I'd advise you to avoid confrontation for now. Unlike the Angel God, the Sea God's high priest can contact him at any time. If you don't want to be discovered, it's best to abandon the idea of informing all soul beasts."

Even if she hadn't brought it up, Han Li had planned to remind her. The Sea God was cunning, perhaps even unscrupulous, and Han Li didn't want a small mistake to ruin everything.

"At the very least, wait until my people have completed their trials and I'm fully prepared before you make any moves."

Although his tone wasn't particularly polite, Han Li was confident Gu Yue wouldn't mind. After all, she was more eager than he was to avoid exposure.

"Hmm, it seems we have one more god to deal with," Gu Yue huffed, clearly angry.

Han Li shook his head inwardly. If all the beast deities shared her temperament—or if her personality reflected the attitudes of some of the beast gods—then, even without the Dragon God incident, conflict with the gods was inevitable.

"You're a bit too extreme," Han Li said.

"Once my companion inherits the Sea God's position, he'll leave, so there's no need to make an enemy of him. Though the Sea God's reign was brief, he's still a true first-rank god and quite powerful. He's also very shrewd."

Han Li gave her a slight warning, revealing some information about the Sea God.

Gu Yue was silent for a moment, then nodded. She had been away from the Divine Realm for so long that her intelligence had fallen behind. She trusted Han Li wouldn't deceive her on this, as he was also a rebel against the gods.

"The God of Asura had plans to leave as well. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, he's now unwilling to pass on his divine position," Han Li said with some regret.

At first, he hadn't wanted the position, but now he was interested. If the God of Asura were willing to pass it on now, Han Li would likely accept. Inheriting a single god's position wouldn't interfere with his plans to create his divine position. If he timed it right, he could have it all. And with the God of Asura's notorious behavior, Han Li had no doubt he'd open a backdoor for him without any qualms.

Unfortunately, Han Li couldn't quite figure out what the God of Asura was thinking, so for now, he had to keep him on the opposing side.

Hearing this, both Gu Yue and Di Tian paused, looking at Han Li in disbelief.

How could he say such a thing? After all, it was this very person who had approached them to form an alliance against the God Realm.

"Don't look at me like that. Power doesn't differentiate between good and evil. If I became the God of Asura, wouldn't it make things easier for your species?"

Han Li said with a smile, giving them an unexpected answer.

The two exchanged glances but remained silent. To them, this was an absurd idea, yet it also deepened their understanding of Han Li. He was truly someone who would accept anything if it benefited him. But this also meant that once successful, they wouldn't need to worry about him turning against them—he was too unruly for that.

Before long, the three had exited the poisonous miasma.

"When we return, I'll contact you in advance," Gu Yue said, stepping through a silver portal that appeared beside her. Di Tian nodded at Han Li before quickly following her, disappearing.

Han Li chuckled, watching as they left. The Evil God Hook behind him slowly emerged, as if to say, "I can do that too."

...

Han Li's departure and reappearance went unnoticed by others. Since he had informed them in advance, they all assumed he had merely gone to check on the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. No one asked any additional questions.

At dinnertime, while Qian Daoliu and the others were present, Qian Renxue joined them as usual, sharing—or rather, complaining about—the events of her day. The atmosphere was quite pleasant.

"How's the situation with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?"

Qian Renxue asked, referring to Ning Fengzhi's visit earlier.

"He said he needs to consider it, but we should hear from him in a day or two. Your teacher's instincts are sharp; I'm sure he'll make the right decision," Han Li replied, recounting the morning's events and teasing Qian Renxue a bit.

"If possible, I'd rather not fight them. After all, we've known each other for years," Qian Renxue said calmly, though she shot Han Li an annoyed glance.

"Have you considered that, without revealing our full intentions, you, the next emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire, might very well end up as Ning Rongrong's husband? The ministers of Heaven Dou would probably be thrilled to see that, too," Han Li suggested with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Huh?"

Qian Renxue froze, her hand mid-air, chopsticks still in hand.

It seemed plausible that what Han Li had said might come to pass. But what should she do?

...

Ning Fengzhi was quicker than Han Li had anticipated. Early the next morning, while Han Li and his companions were still engaged in their usual morning exercises, a knock came at the courtyard door. Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo had arrived, although Ning Rongrong was not with them.

"Have a seat," Han Li said, gesturing toward the chairs as the servants ushered them in.

Ning Fengzhi didn't look well. Though outwardly the same handsome man, Han Li could tell he likely hadn't slept all night and had used a soul skill to adjust his state before arriving.

"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan is at your service, Your Highness the Holy Son," Ning Fengzhi said with a somewhat forced smile, making his stance clear. Previously, he had always addressed Han Li with his full title, adding his surname after "Holy Son".

"Have you decided? No going back, right?"

Han Li asked, taking a bite of the warm food just served to him. He glanced up at Ning Fengzhi.

"Of course. A gentleman's word is his bond," Ning Fengzhi replied, seeming more at ease after making his declaration. His energy was even beginning to recover.

"Besides, Your Highness doesn't seem to care all that much, does he?" Ning Fengzhi added with a wry smile. Han Li's previous attitude had solidified his decision.

Han Li finished his bite, wiped his hands, and sat upright.

"You're quite perceptive. Not too late, but yes, still a bit late," Han Li said, glancing at him with a faint smile.

Ning Fengzhi looked puzzled.

"If, back when I first appeared, you hadn't secretly guarded against me or spoken ill of me behind my back, things might have turned out differently," Han Li said with a half-smile. He hadn't forgotten how Ning Fengzhi had once "instructed" Qian Renxue about him, praising him excessively behind the scenes.

Ning Fengzhi's expression turned awkward, his face a colorful display of emotions. How did Han Li know about that?

A wave of fear washed over him. Had they already been in contact back then? If so, the current situation was entirely his own doing. He had been too complacent, lacking a sense of caution.

"Your Highness jests. It was merely a matter of survival. Please forgive me."

Ning Fengzhi tried to stand and bow, but Han Li used the Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon technique to press him back into his seat.

"Let's skip the formalities and get to the point," Han Li's expression grew more serious.

"For now, you don't need to do anything. Continue as you have, and when the time is right, I'll make a public announcement."

"As for the issue with your clan's martial soul, it's quite solvable, and there's more than one way to address it."

Ning Fengzhi's face lit up with joy at this, but Han Li tapped his fingers on the table. Since they had already pledged their allegiance, it wouldn't do to exploit them too much.

"Of course, you haven't earned my full trust yet. But you can start preparing. In a few days, we'll help you acquire your eighth soul ring."

Han Li stopped tapping and looked at Ning Fengzhi.

"Understood. No problem," Ning Fengzhi said, standing up in excitement. This had been their sect's goal for centuries.

"Don't get too excited. Here, take a look at this first. Before we help you obtain your eighth ring, we'll need to build more trust between us," Han Li said, pulling out a paper filled with dense, tiny writing—the same martial soul oath that hadn't been seen in a long time.

Half an hour later, Ning Fengzhi left with Bone Douluo and the signed oath.

After they were gone, Han Li pulled out a token with the character "Han" engraved on it and sent his spiritual power into it.

"Hey, Gu Yue? I've got something to discuss with you…"