Chapter 27:
Inside the cave, Li Chang'an held Dugu Yan tightly, as if trying to merge her very being into his own. Lost in each other's embrace, the outside world seemed to vanish as they poured out their feelings in quiet, heartfelt exchanges.
Not far off, Dugu Bo stood with a dark expression, overwhelmed by the cloyingly sweet scent of young love. The thought of his precious granddaughter being claimed by this boy gnawed at his mood like a bitter poison.
He was certain that if he weren't here, these two young ones would be far less restrained. After all, youth was easily swayed by impulse. That they were only hugging was, in his eyes, an act of great self-control.
"Ahem, that's enough, you two."
Dugu Bo cleared his throat twice, a reminder that snapped the pair from their reverie. Embarrassed, they separated—but their hands remained tightly clasped, unwilling to part. Watching this, Dugu Bo shook his head and sighed.
"Yan'er, you're still young—barely in your teens—and life stretches out long before you. You'll meet many talented young men, maybe even more outstanding than this boy. Are you truly set on him?"
Dugu Yan, cheeks flushed with shy bashfulness, raised her head slightly. Her eyes were clear and resolute as she said firmly, "Grandpa, I don't care about the future. The only future husband I recognize right now... is him." Her gaze locked onto Li Chang'an, unwavering.
Li Chang'an was deeply moved. Without hesitation, he pulled her back into his arms and said with conviction, "Yanzi, I will never let you down in this life. I promise you'll be my lawfully wedded wife."
Tears welled in Dugu Yan's eyes—moved beyond words. She didn't realize that somewhere in Li Chang'an's mind, a thought was quietly added: Indeed, a lawfully wedded wife… but who says there can only be one?
Dugu Bo scoffed, "Promises? What power do your promises have? Do you think a royal marriage decree can be brushed aside so easily? You truly don't understand the vastness of this world."
The Heaven Dou Empire was far from weak, contrary to the original story's portrayal. Though fierce battles against Spirit Hall were described, the royal family was never shown to have a single Titled Douluo. But realistically, an empire so vast and enduring couldn't have survived without such powerhouse cultivators.
The original story weakened the empire's strength to make the protagonist shine brighter. But in truth, the Heaven Dou Empire must have had Titled Douluos—if only one or two—to maintain its power. Beyond that, Soul Douluo and Soul Sage-level experts surely existed in great numbers.
Otherwise, a great empire with massive manpower, resources, and territory couldn't possibly lag behind small sects of only hundreds or thousands of disciples. Such a scenario defies all logic.
The only explanation is that the Heaven Dou Empire kept its strength hidden.
Why didn't these secret Titled Douluos intervene when the empire faced near destruction in the original story?
There were two likely reasons.
One: They knew the enemy was overwhelming. Even their best cards—one or two Titled Douluos—would only meet death without changing fate. So they remained hidden, preserving key royal bloodlines to dominate a region someday in the future.
Two: Their Titled Douluo experts might have been secretly assassinated by Spirit Hall's agents beforehand. If Qian Renxue wanted to infiltrate, eliminating such threats would be critical. She even killed princes—why spare these hidden Titled Douluos?
In short, the royal family very likely had Titled Douluos, even if unseen. Saying the Heaven Dou Empire couldn't cultivate experts despite its foundation was simply illogical.
So although Dugu Bo was himself a Titled Douluo, he wouldn't dare challenge the mighty Heaven Dou Empire directly. Especially since Li Chang'an was the emperor's personally appointed son-in-law—clearly highly valued.
If Li Chang'an were just a minor noble, things might be simpler. With Dugu Bo's status, he might persuade the family to dissolve the engagement peacefully. But with the emperor's favor backing Li Chang'an, no Titled Douluo could easily interfere.
Dugu Bo sneered at Li Chang'an's determined face. "I know you're weak now—a mere Soul Grandmaster, unable to resist this arranged marriage. But that weakness won't last forever! When you become a Soul Douluo, or even a Titled Douluo, not even the royal family will control your fate."
"Titled Douluo? Easier said than done." Dugu Bo shook his head repeatedly, disdain dripping from his words. "Even if you have the talent to reach that level someday, how long will it take? Fifty, sixty years? Are you really going to make my granddaughter waste her youth waiting for you that long?"
Normally, a genius with perfect innate soul power would need at least fifty or sixty years to cultivate to Titled Douluo level, even at top speed. By then, Dugu Yan would be past her prime.
And marriage arrangements don't wait for cultivation.
When you're twenty—or at the latest thirty—the royal family will pressure you to marry the princess.
And once you marry the princess, it's too late.
What then? Even if you become a Titled Douluo, what good will it do? You'd probably be a grandfather by then.
Would you divorce the princess to marry Dugu Yan? That would make you a disgrace—a man who abandons wife and children.
How could Dugu Bo ever trust his granddaughter to such a man?
"I'm willing to wait."
Dugu Yan heard Dugu Bo's harsh words but replied with unwavering resolve, "Whether it's fifty years or sixty, I'll wait for Chang'an to become a Titled Douluo and come marry me."
"Silly girl..."
Li Chang'an embraced her with a mixture of distress and deep emotion. He hadn't expected Dugu Yan to be so deeply in love.
A girl just beginning to fall in love saw love as everything. She was willing to wait patiently, unswerving and resolute, for that pure and beautiful feeling. First love is the most unforgettable.
Dugu Bo shook his head again, watching them. He hadn't anticipated his granddaughter would care so deeply for this kid. Forcing them apart now would likely break her spirit forever.
An old, experienced man like Dugu Bo understood the truth—first love is the most unforgettable. The harder you try to keep it away, the stronger the rebellious feelings become. The more unreachable the love, the more beautifully it grows in one's heart.
To be honest, Dugu Bo deeply regretted bringing Li Chang'an here. If he'd done nothing and let his granddaughter be sad for a while, maybe she would have given up this misunderstanding on her own.
Instead, by tying this kid down and letting his granddaughter express her feelings, he had only allowed the fruit of love to fully ripen.
Now, severing their bond was impossible.
Dugu Bo truly regretted his decision.
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