In Qianran's eyes, Dai Hao had always been a tough character. Yet, seeing him grovel so pathetically for survival was unexpected.
Initially, Qianran had planned to kill Dai Hao after settling the matter. But now, he changed his mind.
A pitiful creature like Dai Hao was more useful alive than dead.
The Dai family was a prominent clan. Killing Dai Hao would only lead to another family member inheriting his title. There was no need for that. Now that Dai Hao understood Qianran's power, he would surely make the right decisions moving forward.
"Qianran, you're amazing! I love you so much!"
Zhu Ying's face flushed with excitement.
She had already resigned herself to leaving the Duke's Mansion, convinced Dai Hao would never let her off after discovering her relationship with Qianran.
But the tables had turned so suddenly.
Dai Hao had been reduced to less than a dog in front of Qianran, groveling like a servant.
Indeed, a man's resolve is only tested when his life is on the line. It's often ordinary people who can face death with dignity, while those with power and status crumble.
With a blade to the throat, all men are the same.
"From now on, you're in charge at the Duke's Mansion. If Dai Hao disrespects you, just let me know, and I'll handle him," Qianran said, wrapping an arm around Zhu Ying's slender waist with a smile.
"Mm! Dai Hao's such a coward. He won't dare go against me anymore."
"The Dai family has plenty of young, unmarried beauties. I'll keep the best ones to serve you," Zhu Ying said eagerly, clinging to Qianran's arm. She feared being abandoned and wanted to prove her value.
"You should head back for now. I'll call for you when I miss you," Qianran said, stroking her hair gently.
If Zhu Ying followed him openly, their relationship would no longer be a secret. While Qianran didn't care, Zhu Ying's position as a noblewoman drew a lot of attention. Keeping her at the mansion was more practical.
With Dai Hao now incapacitated as a man, Qianran could leave without worry.
After sending Zhu Ying away, Qian Renxue approached Qianran and placed a light kiss on his lips.
"I'm heading off now. Be careful, and don't hesitate to call me if you need anything."
"I'll keep an eye on your little lovers and make sure they're safe. The next time you visit Star Luo City, I'll have turned it into our stronghold."
"Good. When I head to the Star Dou Forest, I'll call for you."
With his current power and status, Qianran could now negotiate with the Star Dou Forest's strongest beasts.
Gu Yuena had hidden at the Lake of Life for so many years, likely in despair. The gods' combined strength had far surpassed that of the Dragon God, and even if the Dragon God had survived, the outcome wouldn't have changed.
Gu Yuena, inheriting only half the Dragon God's power, was only marginally stronger than a God King. Her eventual emergence a millennium later was a desperate bid to reclaim her dominance.
But the declining strength of soul beasts in the Star Dou Forest left her with few options. If she hid any longer, humans would inevitably discover the Lake of Life.
Qianran was confident that if he and Qian Renxue appeared before Gu Yuena, she would be more excited than they were.
He had analyzed her situation and psychology thoroughly. As the ultimate romantic fool of the Douluo universe, Gu Yuena wouldn't escape his grasp.
"I'll wait for your call," Qian Renxue said with a hint of anticipation.
After a thousand years without her godly powers, the idea of regaining her former strength filled her with hope.
The Ice Empress and Snow Empress discreetly protected Qianran as he returned to Shrek Academy's camp.
"Qianran, you're finally back! You scared us to death!"
As soon as Qianran appeared, the women surrounded him, their tension finally easing.
Seeing him unharmed, they could finally breathe again. Their earlier worry had been overwhelming, and they had struggled to stay put, often wanting to rush out to find him. Cai Mei'er had been the one to keep them grounded.
"I knew you'd be fine," Cai Mei'er said, letting out a relieved sigh.
She was now certain that Qianran had anticipated the ambush. Judging by his relaxed demeanor, his enemies had been dealt with.
"People keep trying to kill me, but do I look that easy to kill?" Qianran said, spreading his hands theatrically.
As a transmigrator, he treasured his life more than anyone.
In the Douluo Continent, he could indulge in luxury. Back on Earth, he'd have to live cautiously.
He had no intention of meeting an untimely end—his best days were still ahead. With the Ice and Snow Empresses as his ever-present bodyguards, he felt invincible.
"Was the one who grabbed you an Ultimate Douluo?" Cai Mei'er asked softly, standing close to Qianran. The aura of the assailant had felt familiar, but she hesitated to make any assumptions.
"It was Moon. He's dead now," Qianran replied casually.
"The Pavilion Master?" Cai Mei'er froze, stunned by the revelation.
She had suspected as much when she witnessed the battle from afar but hadn't wanted to believe it. Now, Qianran had confirmed it—Moon, the Sea God's Pavilion Master, was dead.
"You know my connection to Bei Bei. The old man worried I'd bully Bei Bei after his death, so he tried to kill me. Too bad it backfired," Qianran said with a smirk.
Cai Mei'er remained silent.
As a member of the Sea God's Pavilion, she knew Moon's status well. The idea of an Ultimate Douluo falling in battle was shocking—such an event hadn't occurred in years.
"You're not planning to avenge him, are you? If so, I'll let you strike me down," Qianran joked, half-serious.
"Don't be ridiculous," Cai Mei'er said, rolling her eyes. "Moon's attack on you was unjustified. Besides, you're my man."
"Work hard, keep cultivating, and I'll help you or Lin'er become the next Pavilion Master," Qianran said with a grin.
For such a coveted position, Qianran would naturally prioritize his own people.
Both Cai Mei'er and Xian Lin'er were at the lower end of the Super Douluo tier. To gain the respect required for the Pavilion Master role, they needed to reach Rank 98.
Currently, Qianran lacked the means to boost their power significantly, but if necessary, he could always replace the next Pavilion Master with them when the time came.
"I'll hold you to that," Cai Mei'er said, a glimmer of ambition in her eyes.
While she and Xian Lin'er were evenly matched in strength, Lin'er's position as Moon's disciple had made her the Soul Guidance Department's dean, relegating Cai Mei'er to the role of vice dean.
The chance to become the Pavilion Master was far more enticing, and Cai Mei'er wouldn't let it slip away.
She had complete faith in Qianran. After all, even Moon had fallen to his schemes.
"Call Lin'er when we're back at the academy..."
Cai Mei'er blushed, understanding Qianran's implications. Despite her embarrassment, she didn't refuse. Her attachment to Qianran had grown stronger, and she couldn't bear the thought of losing him.
(End of Chapter)