Chapter 23
At first, Yu Tianheng was polite and well-mannered. Dugu Yan responded politely as well, refusing his advances calmly. Things were tolerable between them.
But after some time, Yu Tianheng seemed to lose all restraint. He began pestering her every few days — inviting her to dinner, shopping, sightseeing. Dugu Yan understood his intentions clearly and refused him resolutely each time.
No matter how many times she rejected him or explained she already had someone she liked, Yu Tianheng refused to give up. Even the most patient person would grow angry under such relentless harassment.
If Yu Tianheng wasn't from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Dugu Yan would have already taught him a harsh lesson. Maybe not enough to permanently incapacitate him, but enough to keep him in bed for a few days.
Though she was the granddaughter of a Title Douluo, Dugu Yan didn't want to provoke the monstrous Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan without cause. So she endured as best she could, and when that wasn't possible, she avoided him altogether.
Still, Yu Tianheng's constant harassment left a deep negative impression on her.
Yu Tianheng was well aware of her disgust and that she liked someone else. But he didn't care. He was convinced that once she learned the secret he was about to reveal, she would be disillusioned with that person — and he could take advantage.
"You like Li Chang'an, don't you?" Yu Tianheng asked bluntly.
Caught off guard, Dugu Yan felt embarrassed — but she wouldn't lose face, especially not to this pest. Her expression remained unchanged, and she said with a hint of generosity, "So what if I do? He's way better than you, and I'll never like you."
"Oh, really?" Yu Tianheng chuckled darkly, his eyes locked on her angry, beautiful gaze. "That's because you don't know him. You've been deceived by him all along! He only wants your body and is playing with your feelings."
"You're lying!" Dugu Yan's aura exploded. A phantom snake flashed behind her, and her eyes transformed into vertical slits like a serpent's, making her look utterly intimidating.
But Yu Tianheng, wielding a top-tier beast soul, remained calm. "I'm not lying. The fact I dared to come here today proves I've investigated everything."
"Do you know Li Chang'an's true identity?" he pressed.
"Speak!" Dugu Yan's cold snake eyes narrowed like a viper ready to strike. Her chilling aura made it clear: if Yu Tianheng lied, he'd be attacked immediately.
"He is Princess Xue Ke's fiancé," Yu Tianheng said.
"The current imperial son-in-law."
"Emperor Xue Ye's prized son-in-law."
He said each fact deliberately, watching Dugu Yan's eyes widen in disbelief. Then, with a mocking smile, he added, "A mere live-in son-in-law — do you think he dares marry you? He can't even take a concubine, let alone marry a wife. Emperor Xue Ye would be the first to refuse."
"And he knows he's the imperial son-in-law and can't marry you — yet he's so close to you… what else could he want besides playing with you?"
Yu Tianheng's words pierced Dugu Yan's heart like a sharp sword. She staggered, her martial soul manifestation faltering. Weakly, she protested, "No, that's impossible… You must be lying! He can't be the imperial son-in-law!"
"How could I lie about something you can easily verify with a little digging?" Yu Tianheng challenged.
Looking at her vulnerable state, he pressed harder, "If you don't believe me, ask the three instructors of the Education Committee. They wouldn't lie, would they?"
Without another word, Dugu Yan turned and rushed toward the Education Committee. Yu Tianheng watched her retreating back, a smug grin spreading across his stiff face. Once Dugu Yan was completely disillusioned with Li Chang'an, he would have his chance.
And if he won her over, he'd gain the backing of a Title Douluo — giving him more influence in the sect and boosting his chances of becoming the young sect master.
Winning over Dugu Yan would be a win-win with countless benefits.
Education Committee
When Dugu Yan burst in, only Instructors Meng Shenji and Bai Baoshan were present; the third was out hunting soul beasts with Li Chang'an.
Meng Shenji looked at her calmly, no anger but gentle concern. "Child, is there something you need?"
His kind attitude stemmed from knowing Dugu Yan was granddaughter to Dugu Bo — an ordinary student wouldn't dare barge in so boldly without punishment.
"Two Instructors…" Dugu Yan suppressed the fear in her heart, then asked, "I want to know — is Li Chang'an an imperial son-in-law?"
At once, Meng Shenji and Bai Baoshan exchanged a knowing glance. With their experience, they quickly answered.
"Yes. Chang'an is highly favored by Emperor Xue Ye. Not only was he chosen early as an imperial son-in-law, but he was also granted the title of Marquis," Meng Shenji confirmed, stroking his beard.
Hearing the truth, tears Dugu Yan had held back burst forth. She quickly turned and fled.
Meng Shenji and Bai Baoshan watched her go, sighing softly. "Youth… better to end it early."
They knew about Li Chang'an and Dugu Yan's close relationship. If Dugu Yan's grandfather hadn't been a Title Douluo, she would have been warned long ago.
Generally, an imperial son-in-law could only marry the princess — no concubines allowed. This was to protect the imperial family's dignity. The three instructors had been debating when to subtly warn Li Chang'an as his relationship with Dugu Yan deepened: to remind him to guard his identity and keep his distance.
If Li Chang'an's talent weren't so exceptional — if he wasn't a future pillar of the nation — someone would have strictly ordered him to follow proper "husband's ways" and avoid contact with other women.
But because his talent was extraordinary, and his future bright, the imperial family had held off. They hoped subtlety would prevent resentment. Otherwise, the relationship would have been ended early.
Of course, if it were any other woman, the imperial family might not care. Nobles often had mistresses, as long as the princess remained the legal wife and the matter stayed private.
The problem was that Dugu Yan wasn't ordinary. Her grandfather was a Title Douluo. How could she accept being an unrecognized mistress?
That would cause complications and awkwardness, even risking the marriage falling apart.
So, from the imperial family's perspective, Li Chang'an's flirtations were tolerable — as long as the princess's position as the legal wife remained secure.
But Dugu Yan's identity threatened that position… which could not be ignored.
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