Chapter Seventy-Five: The Purple Princess
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To reach the Xingluo Empire, one must cross the entire Starry Forest.
I truly don’t understand how the treasure girl managed to come here alone.
By the timeline, Zhu Zhuqing should still be in the Xingluo Empire.
Li Yu gazed at the boundless forest before him, feeling a bit intimidated. This place was home not only to the ten-thousand-year-old soul beasts Da Ming and Er Ming but also to the eerie Dark Golden Demon Tiger, the overt overlord Emperor Tian, and the soul beast leader Gu Yuena.
Circumventing the Starry Forest would require twice the time.
Li Yu still chose to forge straight ahead.
It shouldn’t be that unlucky!
No sooner had he stepped into the forest than a figure appeared before him.
Her entire body was covered in purple-black scales, slender and tall, with a rounded chest and long, straight thighs. Above her bosom, her snow-white shoulders and the deep cleavage were exposed.
Her long purple-black hair flowed behind her, moving gently as if stirred by a windless breeze, naturally rippling from either side of her body.
Her face was exquisitely enchanting; her eyes a deep violet, lips a bright purple.
On her forehead rested a jet-black scale, shimmering with layers of purple halos that naturally flowed above her head.
Li Yu, having never seen her before, nonetheless guessed and tentatively asked:
“May I ask, are you the beautiful fairy Miss Ziji?”
The woman’s expression was cold and aloof as she stared silently at Li Yu.
Li Yu felt awkward.
Thinking to take a detour, he bowed politely, “I apologize for the disturbance,” and changed his direction.
“Master wishes to see you!” the woman finally spoke.
Li Yu lifted his foot but then withdrew it, incredulous: “Who?”
“Follow me!” With that, she turned and walked deeper into the forest.
“Hey? You want me to go? Just like that? Bye-bye~” Li Yu said, continuing in another direction. Having one misfortune with Ziji was enough; now to meet Gu Yuena? That was courting death.
Taking a step, he vanished in a blur from his original spot.
“Tian Mo Daoduan.”
With a pleasant sound, Li Yu instantly saw another version of himself ahead.
He stopped in his tracks, speechless, and said to Ziji, “Miss, why bother? Forced fruit never tastes sweet!”
“Come with me to see the Master~”
Li Yu pointed to his forehead, lightly tapped the ground with his foot: “Qian~”
Ziji watched as Li Yu disappeared before her eyes, finally feeling a flicker of curiosity about this young human boy.
Li Yu used his escape technique three times in succession, only stopping to catch his breath leaning against a tree after ten kilometers.
He continued deeper into the forest.
——
Tiandou City
Li Yu looked among the trainees below and spotted a new face.
A young woman dressed in a luxurious sky-blue gown gave off an immaculate aura. Her delicate, flowing shoulder-length hair and supple skin, resembling lychee fruit, framed a refined face. Standing about 1.65 meters tall, her figure was perfectly proportioned, especially her noble and ethereal temperament. She seemed like a well-educated noble girl, a warm spring breeze personified, especially with sapphire-like eyes, clear and lively.
Ning Rongrong? Why is she here?
Li Yu put aside his curiosity and first played the piece he intended to teach today—“Wedding in the Dream.”
The students below closed their eyes slightly, attentively listening to Li Yu’s performance.
As the piece ended, polite applause broke out.
Li Yu bowed in thanks.
Princess Xueke’s gaze toward Li Yu grew increasingly admiring and dreamy, much like how a child reacts upon seeing a favorite celebrity.
Ning Rongrong happily said to the entranced Xueke beside her, “Just as the princess said, Master Li Yu is truly a musical genius. I’ve never heard such wonderful music before!”
Xueke nodded instinctively, “Yes! Every piece taught by Teacher Li Yu is a classic.”
Ning Rongrong was skeptical, “Impossible! Such a person doesn’t exist.”
Hearing her best friend doubt her, Xueke’s cute brows furrowed, “You may doubt me, but not my teacher!”
Ning Rongrong chuckled seeing her friend nearly obsessed.
Seeing the crowd quiet down, Li Yu continued, “That was a classical piano piece. Now I will teach you a southern folk tune. Please enjoy.”
He took up the sheet music and taught the nearby students.
As the music rose to a climax, Li Yu softly sang:
“Small town stories, full of joy and delight, if you come to the small town, your harvest will be bright~”
Following the rhythm, some learned the song quickly and hummed along with Li Yu.
Ning Rongrong forgot all doubts and shouted, “Teacher! One more song~”
Xueke hurriedly pulled her friend back, “Rongrong~”
Li Yu smiled, “No problem! I’ll also try out an instrument I invented.”
He pulled out a guitar, tuned it, and began to play:
“Haven’t yet truly felt the snowflakes’ bloom, trembling together, we’ll understand tenderness soon~”
Li Yu switched among three musical styles, stunning Ning Rongrong.
Indeed, such a genius existed.
And this teacher was so handsome! Almost glowing.
Ning Rongrong finally understood why Lady Xueke adored this teacher so much.
——
Martial Soul Hall
Bibi Dong stared at the letter in her hand, lost in thought. Each letter from Li Yu detailed the Martial Soul Hall’s future and preparations—how to win over factions, offering temptation and pressure simultaneously, especially stressing the importance of artisans. Li Yu always emphasized this. The letters ended with heartfelt declarations of love, so genuine they gave Bibi Dong goosebumps, yet she couldn’t stop reading, fearing missing insights on cultivation, gunpowder formulas, and the construction of mechanical beasts, all cleverly woven into love letters by that wretched fellow.
The letter also mentioned he would soon return to the Martial Soul Hall.
Unlike Bibi Dong, Huliena was delighted each time she received Li Yu’s letters, filled with strange tales, jokes, and ending with tragic love stories that left her teary-eyed.
Since meeting Ziji, Li Yu felt increasingly nervous, sensing his weakness.
A gentleman does not stand by a dangerous wall. Li Yu pondered how to improve his strength but was unwilling to violate his principles.
——
Heaven Sect
Li Yu absorbed the nature surrounding him.
At that moment, Beimingzi appeared like an illusion before him.
“Li Yu, your heart is troubled!”
Li Yu stood, bowed, “I face difficulties and feel too weak.”
“The heavenly way has its cycles; all things have cause and effect. Since you have appeared, you have a responsibility and fate. Don’t force things—let all come as fate wills.”
Li Yu disagreed but still bowed deeply.
Xiaomeng stepped forward, “Brother, is something troubling you?”
Li Yu smiled, stroking her beautiful hair, “No worries! I can handle it.”
“Brother, you are a noble Marquis, yet you stay here with me in the deep mountains...” Xiaomeng felt guilty.
“I wish to! May you grow up quickly!” Li Yu adored the girl before him.
“Mm!” Xiaomeng nodded.
——
Xianyang
Baichuan Academy
Li Yu held the delicate hand of Duanmu Rong, strolling by the campus lake.
“Rong’er! Medicine is not achieved overnight. Some breakthroughs take generations or centuries. I hope Master Nian Duan won’t have to work so hard!” Li Yu sighed.
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“I’ve advised Master too, but she won’t listen! Your theories are new to us, like opening a window; of course, we’re curious about the outside view,” Duanmu Rong said matter-of-factly.
“I regret telling you all this! You must find ways to cultivate more talents, not just work alone! Believe me, this vast world still has many capable people!” Li Yu earnestly advised.
“For example, me. I could teach non-stop for twelve hours, but I don’t, because I need a life and love too!” She turned and embraced Duanmu Rong shyly.
“Rong’er! Be my wife!” Li Yu gazed tenderly at the bashful girl in his arms.
“Brother~” Duanmu Rong, unsure how to handle the moment, shyly turned away.
“Rong’er! Call me husband~” Li Yu’s hands wandered playfully behind her, feeling her slender curves.
“Husband~” Duanmu Rong, deeply attached to Li Yu, blushed. Even Nongyu noticed, and Li Yu was fully aware. He quickly kissed Duanmu Rong’s tender lips.
The teacher’s dormitories were built to the highest standards—red brick and cement, far better insulated and warmer than wooden huts.
Li Yu looked at the flushed Duanmu Rong and held her close.
“Rong’er! Let’s confess our relationship to your master.”
Duanmu Rong hid her face in Li Yu’s chest, “So embarrassing!”
Li Yu said, “When love is deep, everything naturally follows. Our love is fate, unchanging until death.”
Duanmu Rong looked into Li Yu’s sincere eyes, opened her arms, and embraced him, feeling his warmth and gentleness.
Nian Duan watched the purple aura outside slowly fade, curious but unaware her precious disciple had already been utterly captivated by that scoundrel Li Yu.
Night had fallen.
Li Yu climbed a hillside, gazing at Fei Xinyun, who looked sorrowfully at the moon.
“In heaven, we’ll be birds flying wing to wing; on earth, branches intertwining. Though heaven and earth may end, this sorrow lasts forever! Yun’er! Be my wife! I will cherish you for a lifetime, the next life, and all eternity! As long as you’re here, so am I!”
“Yu! I’m not worthy!” Fei Xinyun whispered.
“No! I’m the unworthy one! Your heart is as pure as a white lotus. I want to pull you into the mortal world because I love you. That’s my selfishness!” Li Yu lifted her veil. “In my heart, you’ll always be the fairy dancing atop the Jade Flower Terrace—dreamlike, untouchable.”
Ignoring her protests, he kissed her delicate lips, holding her close, savoring her soft warmth.
——
Zhao King City
Li Yu and the Grand Marshal darted through the forest like a hawk chasing a chick.
“Grand Marshal! I knew you’d love this feeling, deliberately leading me into the woods!” Li Yu teased from behind.
“Pah!” The Grand Marshal had no time to reply and dashed deeper, attempting a sneak attack.
Li Yu laughed and in a blur caught the Grand Marshal in his arms, “You lost again! As punishment, get down!”
He used his thigh to force the Grand Marshal’s legs apart, returning them both to their primal state.
Feeling nature and the mysteries of life.
Li Yu bent down and embraced the proud older sister from behind, “I told you, you like this~”
“Get lost!” The trembling Grand Marshal refused to admit she’d surrendered her body.
Li Yu held her tenderly, lightly tapping his toes to leap onto a treetop, looking into the distance.
“The Zhao Kingdom’s affairs near their end. Come home with me! I’ll speak with Feiyan.”
“Don’t! Don’t say anything!” The Grand Marshal truly feared facing Yan Fei—years of ingrained terror are hard to erase.
Li Yu stroked her shoulder, “Isn’t that unfair to you?”
The Grand Marshal resigned and leaned her head on Li Yu, “No~”
Li Yu was complex in her eyes—forced to become a woman yet treated with kindness. It was a contradiction she struggled with.
——
A horse-drawn carriage slowly left Xianyang.
Li Yu eyed the handsome middle-aged man opposite him, then the stunning woman nestled by his side. He was envious.
Mainly because these two beautiful women looked exactly alike. Although Li Yu had many wives and sister-flower beauties, he had never experienced the feeling that one plus one could exceed two.
He considered this a failure.
Twins were common, but rare were human gems like Ehuang and Nuying.
Li Yu admired Donghuang Taiyi’s taste. Qin’s era had thousands of beauties, half of whom were from the Yin-Yang clan, plus the three-no young commander still in training who could rival little fairies.
His mind began to mull over something.
“Why does the Marquis of Guannei have to pass through Yingchuan County? That’s a detour!” Xiangjun Shun asked, puzzled.
Li Yu smiled, “Some tails need trimming, very soon!”
Xiangjun said no more, nodding.
Li Yu, unable to bear the dull atmosphere, said, “I have two decks of cards; we can play for entertainment!”
He pulled out two decks from his pocket and patiently explained the rules.
His eyes covertly drifted to the twin beauties, admiring their exaggerated curves. He’d never seen such voluptuous figures.
Xiangjun was truly lucky!
——
After wandering the forest for a long time, Li Yu looked helplessly at the figure ahead.
“Miss Ziji! At least tell me if seeing your master is dangerous! This isn’t how you invite guests; following me like this scares away even the wild beasts! This is disturbing the peace!” Li Yu gave up on escaping, starving and unable to find any food.
“Miss Ziji, what do you like to eat? It’s on me!” Li Yu built a fire.
Though lighting a fire in the forest was conspicuous, like a bright moon in the vastness, with her presence, he felt no real fear.
“You’re born in the year of the dragon, I’ll go catch fish!” Saying so, Li Yu walked to the riverbank.
As the aroma gradually arose, Li Yu checked the grilled fish, hoping not to burn it on his first invitation.
He took the stick and approached Ziji.
“I don’t know how soul beast meat tastes. Just make do!” Li Yu handed her a half-meter-long freshwater soul beast.
“Don’t thank me; I never expected gratitude! Just don’t chase me too hard!” He stuck the wooden skewer in the ground and returned to the fire.
Throughout, Ziji remained silent.
Li Yu tasted another soul beast—it was quite fresh. When venturing into the wild, seasoning was essential!
When Li Yu looked up again, only bones remained by Ziji’s side.
Li Yu: “...”
He glanced at his own barely touched food and handed it over once more.
“It’s my first time inviting you to eat; I can’t let you go hungry or you’ll blame me!”
Then he went back to the river.
This time, Li Yu caught five freshwater soul beasts, scaled, gutted, cleaned, and grilled them again.
Only after giving Ziji the last one did he silently walk back to the riverbank.
“This time, I’ll catch a big one. Let’s see if I can’t feed you!”
When Li Yu returned, Ziji’s eyes showed a subtle change.
——
Seven Treasures Glazed Sect
One of the three great sects in the Douluo world.
Its direct martial soul is the Seven Treasures Exquisite Tower.
Reputed as the continent’s strongest auxiliary-type weapon martial soul.
Its only weakness is that it can only cultivate to Soul Saint level.
Li Yu looked at the richest sect on the continent, nestled among mountains.
A tall tower stood amidst pavilions and terraces.
“I am Li Yu, here to pay respects to Sect Leader Ning!” Li Yu presented his visiting card.
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“Wait here!” The guard took the card and reported inside.
Inside the hall,
The quirky Ning Rongrong animatedly recounted her visit to Yue Xuan the day before.
“Father! Li Yu is truly a musical genius. He composes on the spot, every piece a classic, each with a different style. Father, you must find time to listen.”
“Oh? Our little princess is amazed! This person is no ordinary one! But—” Ning Sect Leader’s words trailed off.
Someone entered and handed a visiting card: “Sect Leader, a man named Li Yu seeks an audience.”
“Who?” Ning Fengzhi felt the name sounded familiar.
“Father! It’s the teacher, Yue Xuan’s teacher! The music teacher I told you about!” Ning Rongrong jumped excitedly.
“Is it him? Quickly, invite him in!” Ning Fengzhi’s curiosity peaked.
“Grandpa Bone, Grandpa Sword, that teacher not only has musical talent but is also handsome!” Ning Rongrong smiled.
“Handsome? Is he a woman?” Grandpa Bone asked curiously.
“Oh no! Grandpa Bone, Teacher Li Yu is male. You’ll see!” Ning Rongrong eagerly looked toward the door.
Ning Fengzhi exchanged glances with the two Douluo elders.
A graceful young man entered.
His smooth, fair face was angular and handsome, with deep black eyes shimmering alluringly; thick brows, a high nose, perfect lips—all radiating nobility and elegance.
Ning Fengzhi’s eyes brightened slightly.
Beside him, Grandpa Bone frowned, “Is he a music master?”
Grandpa Sword fixed his gaze on Li Yu’s stride, his expression serious.
Ning Rongrong ran to Li Yu, “Teacher! It’s me, Ning Rongrong. Do you remember?”
Li Yu smiled gently, “The most beautiful little princess of the Glazed Sect, of course I remember!”
Ning Rongrong beamed, “Is the teacher here to see my father?”
Li Yu nodded, “Indeed, I have important matters to discuss with your father.”
Ning Rongrong tilted her face, “Oh? Important matters?”
Li Yu stepped forward, bowed deeply to Ning Fengzhi, “I am Li Yu. Greetings, Sect Leader Ning.”
Ning Fengzhi smiled, “I heard from my daughter that Teacher Li is the best music teacher at Yue Xuan. Meeting you today confirms you are extraordinary!”
Li Yu shook his head with a smile, “Sect Leader Ning, this is not our first meeting.”
“Oh? A man like you, I would remember after just one meeting.”
Li Yu smiled, “I have a friend. Once you meet him, Sect Leader Ning will recall.”
At that moment, a pink-haired girl approached the hall, followed by a woman in a black dress with a puffy skirt.
“Brother!” The pink-haired girl happily linked arms with Li Yu.
The woman in black bowed slightly to Li Yu, “Young Master,” then to Ning Fengzhi, “Sect Leader Ning!”
Li Yu nodded and asked Ning Fengzhi, “Do you remember the gauze clothing your sister wore?”
Ning Fengzhi recognized Li Yu as soon as Xiaowu entered and smiled, “So it’s you, young brother! My eyes were blind.”
Li Yu smiled, “I wish to discuss cooperation with Sect Leader Ning.”
“Cooperation?”
Li Yu smiled, “I am currently working with the Li clan to develop new weapons. Soon they will be mass-produced. I want to equip your sect with these weapons.”
Ning Fengzhi inquired curiously, “What kind of weapons?”
Li Yu raised a finger, “One strike covers two kilometers, all directions. Moreover, these weapons have no upper limit!”
Ning Fengzhi was shocked, “Such weapons exist?”
Grandpa Bone stepped forward, “What’s the power like?”
Li Yu smiled, “I said no upper limit. If Sect Leader Ning is willing to invest, one strike could annihilate a city!”
“Impossible!” Ning Fengzhi did not believe it.
Grandpa Sword smirked, “Isn’t that comparable to divine power?”
Li Yu smiled, “My life motto: Man can conquer heaven.”
Ning Fengzhi composed herself, “This cooperation surely has conditions?”
Li Yu signaled his secretary, Ellie.
The woman in black approached Xiaowu, “Miss! Let’s go that way!”
Ning Fengzhi glanced at his precious daughter Ning Rongrong, “Rongrong, show our guest around!”
Ning Rongrong nodded gracefully and guided Xiaowu.
Seeing Xiaowu walk away, Li Yu said, “I have another identity—as the Martial Soul Hall’s Sacred Son. I hope Sect Leader Ning will cooperate with the Martial Soul Hall. No hierarchy, just strategic mutual aid.”
“What? You’re from the Martial Soul Hall?” Grandpa Bone spoke first.
Ning Fengzhi frowned slightly, “So that’s why you came to Tiandou City!”
Li Yu shook his head, “No! Cooperation with the Martial Soul Hall now is just a bonus for you. I admire Sect Leader Ning’s demeanor and want to collaborate.”
Li Yu would never admit he admired Ning Rongrong, the little witch.
Ning Fengzhi saw the sincerity in Li Yu’s eyes and said, “The three great sects are like branches of one tree. You want me to join the Martial Soul Hall directly?” He shook his head.
Li Yu smiled, “All people seek profit. When Tang Hao ventured into the Martial Soul Hall, he didn’t consider the Glazed Sect or even his own sect, leaving you oppressed by the three great sects. I made a bet with the Li clan during our cooperation. How about I make a bet with your Glazed Sect too?”
Ning Fengzhi paused, “A bet? What kind?”
Li Yu glanced at Grandpa Sword, “I heard Grandpa Sword is the continent’s top killer. I’m inexperienced in swordsmanship but have trained less than a year. I hope Grandpa Sword can guide me.”
Grandpa Sword’s eyes narrowed, his expression growing colder.
Li Yu drew a sword from his soul-guided device.
“A sword is a weapon of killing. Grandpa Sword’s sword is deadly, but—speed isn’t everything!”
Li Yu waved the sword; mysterious energy rippled through the room like water waves, exquisitely subtle.
Ning Fengzhi felt unsteady, stepping back.
Grandpa Sword’s eyes brightened as if enlightened, sword aura radiating from him.
Outside, Ning Rongrong covered her mouth, amazed at Li Yu’s elegant sword dance.
“Big Sister Xiaowu, Teacher Li is so powerful!”
Xiaowu beamed, “Of course!”
“Highest good is like water; water benefits all without striving. Empty becomes full, full becomes empty; motion is controlled by stillness—still as a rock, moving like a waterfall.”
Li Yu slowly sheathed the sword.
“Sect Leader, I will take my leave.” Grandpa Sword bowed to Ning Fengzhi and flew away.
Ning Fengzhi shook his head, “Mr. Li is truly clever. I owe you a favor!”
Li Yu smiled, “Everything I say is true. Cooperation benefits both. For the common people, it’s a blessing!”
“Oh? The Sacred Son cares for commoners?”
Li Yu smiled, “My master cares for the people; as his disciple, so do I. The people of the world—” He shook his head.
This was true. Bibi Dong’s policies favored the common folk, like Tang San receiving three gold coins monthly and free soul awakening.
“I can cooperate with you, but the Martial Soul Hall cannot interfere in our sect’s affairs!” Ning Fengzhi declared.
“Of course, respect is mutual!” Li Yu smiled.
He beckoned to Ellie at the door, “My secretary will discuss details with you.”
Ning Fengzhi looked at the approaching woman, “She’s from the auction house, isn’t she?”
Li Yu nodded without hiding it.