Chapter 17: The Stalker Revealed—The Ghost Douluo Appears!

Chapter 17: The Ghost Douluo Appears Upon Sensing a Stalker

Hearing Xue Ke’s voice, Xue Qinghe finally snapped back to his senses.

“Xu Yan, please have a seat.”

Xue Qinghe courteously gestured for Xu Yan to sit down.

Xu Yan nodded slightly and took the offered seat.

A maid then approached to pour some red wine.

Xue Ke looked at Xu Yan with a smile on her face.

Noticing Xue Ke’s enamored gaze and flushed cheeks, Xue Qinghe understood that this young lady admired Xu Yan deeply.

“Xu Yan, if you have time, you should often visit the palace. We can exchange knowledge about the harp,” Xue Qinghe said, raising his glass in a toast to Xu Yan.

Xu Yan lifted his cup, a gentle smile playing on his lips. “Certainly.”

“That’s wonderful! I want to learn more from Xu Yan,” Xue Ke exclaimed with joy.

Xue Qinghe teased her good-naturedly, “You’ve been studying for so long, yet you don’t match up to Xu Yan. What exactly are you learning at the Court Etiquette Academy?”

“Big brother,” Xue Ke grumbled, clearly displeased by the remark.

“Your Highness, please don’t mock the princess. She is exceptional. Whoever marries her in the future will be blessed for generations,” Xu Yan quickly praised Xue Ke.

Blushing deeper, Xue Ke lowered her head but felt very happy inside.

Xue Qinghe chuckled softly.

After a little food, Xue Ke, feeling shy, hurriedly left.

Once she was gone, the smile on Xue Qinghe’s face faded somewhat, and he asked, “Xu Yan, it seems my proud sister likes you very much. Do you have any feelings for her?”

“Your Highness, you jest. I am of humble status and dare not entertain such thoughts,” Xu Yan replied modestly.

But in his heart, he thought, “My heart belongs to you, Qian Renxue!”

“Your humility pleases me greatly. I have high hopes for you. Let’s have more exchanges when you have time,” Xue Qinghe nodded approvingly.

He, too, was pondering something quietly.

After chatting for a while, they both rose.

Seeing that the hour was late, Xu Yan prepared to leave.

Better to return early, lest his aunt worry.

“Your Highness, it’s quite late. I won’t keep you any longer,” Xu Yan said with a slight bow.

Xue Qinghe looked out at the darkening sky and nodded, “Very well, I won’t detain you. But you may come often. When you return, be sure to send my regards to Aunt Yuehua.”

“Of course,” Xu Yan said, about to turn and leave.

At that moment, Xue Ke came in, standing beside Xue Qinghe. “Xu Yan, see you tomorrow.”

“Mm, see you tomorrow,” Xu Yan nodded.

Escorted by Xue Qinghe and Xue Ke, he walked out of the palace.

Originally, Xue Ke wanted someone to escort him back, but Xu Yan declined since the distance was not far.

Xu Yan had sensed someone secretly watching him and wanted to identify who it was.

Xue Ke’s gaze lingered on Xu Yan’s retreating figure until he disappeared from sight.

“He's gone far now; stop staring and rest. It’s not like you won’t see him again,” Xue Qinghe said, noticing Xue Ke’s reluctance to look away.

“Big brother,” Xue Ke blushed and finally withdrew her gaze.

“All right, no more teasing. Xu Yan truly is a remarkable young man—talented and handsome,” Xue Qinghe remarked. “If you like him, once you graduate, I can arrange a marriage for you. How about that?”

“Big brother, what are you saying?” Xue Ke said, then shyly ran off.

Watching Xue Ke’s graceful figure vanish, Xue Qinghe’s smile faded as he fixed his gaze on where Xu Yan had disappeared.

“His soul power level isn’t very high, but something feels off,” Xue Qinghe muttered. “Send someone.”

“Yes, Your Highness!” a subordinate responded respectfully.

“Investigate Xu Yan’s background thoroughly. Find out where he was born,” Xue Qinghe ordered.

“Yes!” The subordinate was about to leave.

“Wait. Keep this matter secret. Report back immediately with any news. No one else can know,” Xue Qinghe added sternly.

“Rest assured, Your Highness,” the subordinate replied, departing at once.

Xue Qinghe then turned and left.

Meanwhile, Xu Yan was walking through Tiandou City.

The Court Etiquette Academy was not far from the palace, still within the royal district.

On the streets, Imperial Guards patrolled from time to time.

Xu Yan walked alone, observing the bustling passersby.

Many beautiful women glanced back at him as they brushed past.

He paid no mind to their admiring looks.

His expression was serious, his peripheral vision scanning his surroundings.

Thanks to his vast spiritual perception, his spirit domain could sense certain things.

Yet, the person following him was no simple figure, able to evade his detection range.

Though Xu Yan could not see them, his intuition told him that since leaving Yuexuan, this individual had been tailing him.

“Following silently without any murderous intent. They probably mean no harm,” Xu Yan guessed inwardly.

Still, he was eager to discover who it was.

He quickened his pace.

After some time, the Ghost Douluo appeared from the shadows, his expression grave. He wondered if the young man had already noticed him.

A faint smile curved his lips. It seemed Xu Yan’s spirit cultivation and mental refinement during his time at Yuexuan had made a qualitative leap.

He immediately gave chase.

After circling the royal city a few times, Xu Yan entered a dimly lit alley.

He stopped.

Glancing calmly behind him, he said, “Come out. I know you’re there.”

As he spoke, his gaze sharpened and narrowed, scanning the surroundings.

Sure enough, a shadow emerged not far behind.

The Ghost Douluo appeared and said lightly, “You truly are the young man the Sovereign favors. You’re quite clever.”

Xu Yan turned to face the Ghost Douluo, surprised.

He had suspected someone was following him but had not expected it to be the Ghost Douluo.

“Xu Yan greets Elder Gui,” Xu Yan said with a slight bow.

The Ghost Douluo approached, studying Xu Yan with a smile. “You noticed me long ago?”

“Yes. But I sensed no hostility. May I ask why you have been following me secretly?” Xu Yan asked, neither humble nor arrogant.

“Nothing else. This is all under the Sovereign’s orders. I am here to protect you covertly,” the Ghost Douluo explained. “You’re a servant of the Martial Soul Hall, and having me, an elder, watch over you—it’s somewhat embarrassing for me.”

“Thank you for your efforts, Elder. If you find it too shameful, please return. I don’t need protection,” Xu Yan said.

“No, no. That won’t do. Although your status is lowly, the Sovereign sees great potential in you. He believes you are a talent of the Martial Soul Hall and cannot let you slip away. Saying I’m here to protect you is also a way to monitor if you harbor any rebellion toward the Hall.”

“If you did, I might have to kill you.”

(End of chapter)