"He doesn't need to protect me for now. I'm in Heaven Dou Imperial City—no one can touch me! Boosting your presence is what matters most!"
Qian Renxue spoke with a caring expression that took Zhang Fan by surprise:
"Well?"
"Five Titled Douluos... you could wipe out an entire sect with that!"
Zhang Fan froze for a few seconds after hearing Qian Renxue's suggestion.
"That's way too over the top. We're supposed to be there for a marriage annulment. What if the Star Luo Emperor thinks we're there to wipe out the whole empire?"
"Don't you have disguise rune sigils? Let them use those. Then... those idiots in Star Luo Empire won't even know. Even if they do, the only Titled Douluo they recognize is Dugu Bo—they've never seen the other four."
Qian Renxue lightly bit her sexy red lips.
"Oh right... the Titan from the Strength Clan has been looking for you too. Want to bring him along?"
"..."
Zhang Fan was momentarily stunned by her suggestion.
Titan was an 86th-level Soul Douluo—a prestigious and powerful figure in most eyes, and a divine craftsman to boot.
But before a Titled Douluo, he was still insignificant.
"But, rumor has it the Emperor of Star Luo is a Level 94 Titled Douluo. Don't know if that's true."
Qian Renxue raised her eyes toward Zhang Fan and asked.
"Could be."
Zhang Fan nodded. In the original story, the Emperor of the Star Luo Empire—Dai Mubai's father—was a Level 94 Titled Douluo, but it was never explicitly confirmed, so the empire was considered one without a Titled Douluo on the surface.
But with how strict the Dai royal family's succession rules were, only the strongest member could become Emperor. That made it likely the royal family had their own Titled Douluo.
Plus, the Dai Clan had always possessed the powerful White Tiger Beast Spirit, reinforcing the idea.
"Then all the more reason to bring a few more people!"
Qian Renxue was clearly concerned about Zhang Fan's safety.
If anything were to happen to him, she wouldn't be able to accept it.
"No need to bring Titan. He can't fly. I'll just take a few Titled Douluos. Bringing too many will make people think I'm there to start a war."
Zhang Fan shook his head and looked at Qian Renxue, feeling a warm sensation inside.
This girl looked cold on the outside, but inside she was passionate and kind, deeply concerned for his well-being.
"Alright then. I'll bring Dugu Bo and my three Titled Douluos. Snake Spear Elder should stay behind to protect you."
Zhang Fan appreciated Qian Renxue's kindness, but five people were enough.
Whether or not the Star Luo Emperor agreed to the annulment didn't matter—if he refused, they'd just fight until he changed his mind.
They could even rewrite the script to make it happen.
Start with diplomacy. If that failed, then use force.
"..."
Qian Renxue didn't expect Zhang Fan to reject her idea.
"Fine! But be careful when you go."
"Mm."
Zhang Fan nodded. After finishing their meal, he stood up and walked to Qian Renxue.
Qian Renxue also stood up, heart racing, face slightly flushed, a little nervous, but clearly anticipating his next move.
He reached out and hugged her.
"If you ever need help, I'll be there. Don't keep everything bottled up inside."
"Okay!"
Qian Renxue felt the warmth of his embrace, looking up at his handsome face, cheeks turning red.
It felt so good—being cared for, held, and understood.
She was truly moved.
They embraced for a while.
Their auras mixed.
They could smell each other's scent.
Just like that—loving you, always together, I like the scent of your jacket, and the way we button our clothes together so we never part…
Then Zhang Fan cupped her face in his hands and kissed her sexy red lips.
"Mwah..."
Their lips met.
Their eyes turned hazy.
Zhang Fan's hands roamed her chest.
Qian Renxue froze for a moment before pushing him away—not so fast.
"Alright, I'll be going now! You've got a great figure!"
Zhang Fan smirked mischievously. Then he pulled out a piece of immortal herb and handed it to her:
"This is for you!"
"Wow... it's beautiful!"
Qian Renxue saw the red, gently trembling, soft and delicate herb in his hand. Though it looked simple with just red leaves and a cockscomb-like top, a closer look revealed its uniqueness—the leaf veins were gold-red.
"This immortal herb is called the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower. It greatly boosts yang energy and significantly enhances soul power."
After speaking, Zhang Fan turned and left.
"Thank you!"
Qian Renxue hadn't expected such a precious gift and was in a great mood.
She walked to the door and watched Zhang Fan leave until his silhouette disappeared into the night.
The Next Day
Ning Rongrong heard that Zhang Fan had returned and immediately brought Sword Grandpa with her from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
"Good morning, Brother Fan!"
Ning Rongrong immediately jumped into Zhang Fan's arms upon seeing him.
"Mm, Rongrong, long time no see!"
They embraced, with Ning Rongrong happily resting her head against his chest.
"Where is Brother Fan going?"
"Heading to the Star Luo Empire—to help Zhu Zhuqing annul her engagement."
Zhang Fan smiled and patted her head affectionately.
"Oh, I see! Then can Rongrong go with Brother Fan? I'll bring Sword Grandpa too!"
Ning Rongrong smiled at his handsome face. After a year apart, he seemed even more charming and composed.
"That way, Zhuqing won't be alone!"
"..."
Zhang Fan didn't expect Ning Rongrong to be so eager to come along.
"But I already have enough Titled Douluos with me. We're just going to annul an engagement. Bringing more will make it seem like we're there to overthrow the government."
He was a bit speechless hearing Ning Rongrong suggest bringing Sword Douluo.
Though the Star Luo Empire was powerful, they could disguise themselves. By the time the Star Luo side tried to respond, they'd already be in the palace—and no one could stop them.
"One more makes it even safer!"
Ning Rongrong smiled sweetly.
"Alright, does Sword Senior want to come with us?"
Zhang Fan turned to Chen Xin.
"Of course I do!"
Sword Douluo answered without hesitation.
"Great, let's go!"
Zhang Fan summoned Tianshang Sword with a thought. The sword grew rapidly before him. He stepped onto it.
"Hop on!"
Zhang Fan looked at Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong.
"Okay!"
Zhu Zhuqing stood behind him, hands on his waist.
Ning Rongrong placed her hands on Zhu Zhuqing's waist.
"Whoosh..."
Zhang Fan carried them off into the distance, flying through the sky.
Sword Douluo followed, also flying on his sword.
Dugu Bo, Rukia, Xie Bi'an, and Fan Wujiu also rose into the air, following behind them.
(End of Chapter)