Sign In To The Goddess Harem In Douluo

Chapter -62.

After leaving the bath hall, Qian Renxue hurriedly took Ye Chen to the Tiandou Imperial Palace. Inside the grand palace, Emperor Xue Ye was seated in a high position and raised his eyebrows upon seeing the two together.

"Qinghe, come here. I need to talk to you."

Qian Renxue nodded and stepped forward, but Xue Ye pulled her into a corner, lowering his voice to keep their conversation private from Ye Chen.

However, it wasn't long before Qian Renxue's voice rose in anger from the corner: "Who is spreading these lies? Father, you can't possibly believe this, can you?"

"Ah, my dear child, it's not that I want to stop you from liking anyone, but we have to be careful with our royal image. I've tried to keep this under wraps, but you need to be more cautious about your interactions with him. The future of the Tiandou Empire depends on you continuing our lineage."

Emphasizing the term "continuing," Qian Renxue's expression darkened. Yet, Xue Ye pressed on, "I've made a decision. Soon, I will choose a princess for you to secure the Xue family legacy."

"Father!"

"You don't need to argue. It was one thing when you had no suitors around, but now it's essential. I've already shortlisted candidates for the princess, and in a bit, I will issue an edict for them to come, so you can make your choice."

There was no room for debate in Xue Ye's words, leaving Qian Renxue feeling helpless. She knew that rumors were already circulating, and if she didn't have a princess by her side, it would only give those with bad intentions more ammunition. But she was a woman herself! How could she navigate this situation if she ended up with a princess? It was quite the conundrum.

As she was lost in thought, Xue Ye's voice cut through again: "Also, Ye Chen can stay by your side, but he must conceal his identity. No one can know who he is, as the Tiandou Empire must remain separate from the Wuhun Palace; this is crucial."

"Understood, Father!"

Seeing Qian Renxue agree so readily, Emperor Xue Ye stroked his white beard with a satisfied smile. With such a sensible heir, he had no reason to worry about the empire's stability.

"Oh, and I've talked to your uncle about getting Ye Chen into the Royal Academy. You should go see him later to finalize the details."

With that, Xue Ye dismissed Qian Renxue, not even acknowledging Ye Chen, as if he were entrusting everything to her.

"Where are we headed?"

After leaving the royal palace behind, the two made their way through the royal city.

"To the clothing shop, to pick out some outfits for you."

"My current outfit is fine; it's unnecessary."

"No, it's very necessary because for the foreseeable future, you're going to be my shadow."

Qian Renxue turned to Ye Chen, her seriousness evident as she made it clear she wasn't joking.

Soon, they arrived at the royal clothing shop, where Qian Renxue personally selected a few long black robes for Ye Chen. They were quite similar except for slight variations in the surface patterns.

"Mm, this one looks nice too."

"It's only because I'm good-looking, right?"

Ye Chen smiled quietly. After storing away the clothes Qian Renxue had chosen, she casually handed him a half-masked black mask.

"From now on, you must conceal your identity well and just be my shadow," she instructed, observing Ye Chen with a critical eye. After he donned the mask, which obscured half of his face, she smiled and handed him a golden bone bracelet: "This will help disguise your martial spirit, so your Seven Star Demon Abyss Sword won't stand out too much."

"Alright, Your Highness. Is there anything else you need?"

Ye Chen grinned as he accepted the golden bone bracelet. Instantly, a mysterious energy enveloped him, subtly altering his voice, demeanor, and appearance, making him difficult to identify as Ye Chen.

"This is pretty great."

With a smile, Ye Chen summoned the Demon Abyss. The sword had transformed into a plain-looking blood-red dagger that, while sharp, was certainly less impressive than the original Demon Abyss.

The feeling of wielding it was similar to that of using a dagger. After a few tests, Ye Chen noted that although the disguised Demon Abyss's power was weaker than the true version, its agility had notably improved.

"Let's go; we need to visit your uncle to finalize your enrollment."

With Ye Chen in tow, they headed for the Royal Academy. To participate in the competition, one must be a disciple of the academy. The Wuhun Palace Academy had already helped Ye Chen erase his enrollment records, so now he was free.

Once they left the royal city, they boarded a carriage headed toward the Royal Academy. However, halfway there, a convoy obstructed their way.

"Who goes there? How dare you block the path of the Crown Prince!"

The honest coachman reported Xue Qinghe's name as the blockade was established.

"We're blocking you."

A blunt voice rang out from outside, and then the curtain of the carriage was roughly lifted, revealing a familiar face to Ye Chen. The newcomer frowned as he spotted Ye Chen, exclaiming, "Qinghe, get down! I need to speak with you."

"Okay, Teacher Ning."

Qian Renxue nodded and followed Ning Fengzhi down from the carriage, moving towards a nearby bamboo grove.

Although she walked alongside him, Ning Fengzhi's brow remained deeply furrowed.

"You're confused, Qinghe, to conduct yourself improperly with a man in the sleeping quarters. Do you realize the kind of uproar this could cause?"

Ning Fengzhi looked at Qian Renxue, disappointment etched across his face. His usually calm demeanor seemed unusually agitated today.

"Teacher has misunderstood; my shadow just got drunk, and I brought him to rest. I don't know who spread the rumors."

"Whether it's true or not, this rumor has spread like wildfire from Tiandou City, reaching several nearby city-states within half a day. I believe that in less than three days, the entirety of the Tiandou Empire will know about this scandal."

"How is this possible? Didn't Father say he had suppressed it?"

A flash of realization crossed Qian Renxue's eyes as she thought about who might be behind this, but she held her tongue to avoid making a direct accusation, which could only lead to more gossip.

"I came to tell you that the situation is spiraling out of control. You need to find a way to quickly put this matter to rest, or it will impact your future."

As he spoke, Ning Fengzhi glanced at Ye Chen, who stood quietly by the carriage, and added, "I have two suggestions. First: Get rid of that shadow by your side and have him leave. Completely."

"That's out of the question; as long as he is my shadow for a day, he'll be my shadow for life."

Qian Renxue gazed determinedly in Ye Chen's direction.

Ning Fengzhi shook his head: "Then fine, my second recommendation is that you should marry soon. I've heard that the Snow Night Emperor is already selecting a princess consort, so finalizing a marriage contract would be the best way to silence these rumors."

"I will consider it, Teacher. Don't worry; this situation will be addressed swiftly."

Seeing Qian Renxue so resolute, Ning Fengzhi finally smiled and nodded: "A child will learn. I'll be waiting for your good news within the clan—sooner rather than later."

After their discussion, Ning Fengzhi took his leave in the carriage. Before departing, he glanced at Ye Chen and murmured, "This shadow of the prince... why does he seem so familiar?"

Back in the palace carriage, Qian Renxue remained silent, allowing the coachman to continue driving. Ye Chen noticed her silence and asked a simple question, but she didn't respond.

Tiandou Royal Academy!

As Ye Chen gazed at the grand building before him, emotions stirred within him upon returning. He considered joining the academy and becoming part of the royal battle team, wondering how Yu Tianheng, as the captain, would react to someone stronger than him. Would Dugu Yan recognize him?

"Prince, you have finally arrived."

An elder with short white hair approached the academy gate. Upon spotting Ye Chen and Qian Renxue, he couldn't help but smile, followed by Dugu Bo, donned in green armor. It was clear the old man was Prince Xuexing.

"Qinghe pays respect to Uncle. I trust Father has informed you that my shadow will be joining the royal battle team, so I ask you to help him complete the necessary procedures."

Qian Renxue nodded as she spoke.

Xuexing smiled warmly in response: "No problem. I've already made all the arrangements for your shadow. Just follow me."

Together, the four of them made their way into the academy, reaching the Royal North Courtyard, where the Tiandou Royal Battle Team trains and resides. In preparation for the upcoming Advanced Soul Master Academy Competition, the Royal Academy had implemented special management for its teams.

Despite the three major teaching committees having passed away, the faculty strength of the Royal Academy remained strong, so they were not lacking in teachers.

As they walked, Qian Renxue suddenly frowned and said, "Uncle, we seem to be going too far; that's the Northwest Central Courtyard ahead."

"No, the arrangement for your shadow is right in the courtyard ahead; I haven't gotten it wrong."

"You haven't, so that means the shadow is to be placed there?"

Realizing what the Northwest Central Courtyard was, Qian Renxue's expression grew sour, while Prince Xuexing seemed carefree.

"You're correct; your shadow is being arranged there, and this has also been approved by the Snow Night Emperor. Just follow me."

With a grin, Xue Xing led Qian Renxue and Ye Chen to a location in the Northwest Courtyard where seven individuals had gathered—six men and one woman, all dressed in the Royal Academy's white robes with gold trim, looking quite respectable.

Upon seeing Prince Xue Xing, the seven clasped their hands in greeting, exclaiming, "Hello, Dean." They then turned their disdainful gazes toward Ye Chen, who was shrouded in a black robe and hood.

"The Tianshou Royal Second Team? Uncle, do you look down on the shadow or on His Highness?"

Qian Renxue recognized these seven; they were disciples eliminated from the Tiandou Royal Team, who formed the Royal Second Team and were going to compete starting from the preliminaries.

In essence, these seven were merely taking a chance, serving as stepping stones for the Tiandou Royal Team, regardless of whether they made it to the finals.

Letting Ye Chen join the second team appeared to be a strategic move to prevent him from winning while also intending to suppress Qian Renxue's own prestige, so she could win and bring glory to the entire empire.

"Your Highness has misunderstood. Actually, these seven in the second team are already seen as top students in the academy and are quite capable. Moreover, the team members have trained together for years, which is why the Snow Night Emperor deemed it best for your shadow to be with the second team."

Xue Xing stroked his beard with a light smile, emphasizing the term "Snow Night Emperor."

Despite hearing this, Qian Renxue did not explode with fury; she understood that her power alone wasn't enough to change everything, so she had to bear it for now.

At that moment, Ye Chen stepped closer to Qian Renxue, giving her shoulder a gentle pat, "It's alright. Just take them into the fight; you can still clinch the championship. But if you want me to join the second team, then this Royal Second Team must also be your personal academy team. Since your surname is Xue, let's name it the 'Qian Xue Battle Team,' implying seven can defeat a thousand troops." Ye Chen spoke in a low voice, making it impossible for others to hear clearly.

"Are you sure? If I ask my father, you might still have a shot at the main team."

Seeing the anger flicker in Qian Renxue's eyes, Ye Chen shook his head. Then, turning to Xue Xing, he said, "It's settled then; but this 'Qian Xue Battle Team' can only belong to His Highness Xue Qing He."

Upon hearing this, Prince Xue Xing chuckled heartily, replying, "Good, as long as you're willing to join, let's give this second team to His Highness Qing He. 'Qian Xue Battle Team'—how intriguing!" After speaking, Xue Xing walked over to Qian Renxue and whispered, "Your Highness and this shadow seem quite close; ordinary folks wouldn't go to such lengths for you."

"You!"

Suppressing her anger, Qian Renxue watched as Xue Xing and Dugu Bo left the courtyard, silently vowing, "When I take the throne, it will be your end."

"Don't worry, I've got this covered. You should return to the imperial city; come see me when you can."

Knowing that Qian Renxue had a lot on her plate, Ye Chen didn't want her to linger. With the Snow Night Emperor's health dwindling, nearly all responsibilities of the Tiandou Empire rested on her shoulders. Despite being an undercover agent, she had managed the empire well over the years, showing qualities befitting a contemporary empress.

"Mm, take care of yourself. Even if you can't secure the championship, I'll ensure your safety."

With a wave, Qian Renxue departed, simmering with anger.

However, just after she left, the seven individuals from the Northwest Courtyard surrounded Ye Chen. The leader laughed, "So, you're the shadow, huh? I'm Zhang Ming. Sorry, but the Dean instructed us to treat you well. If you want to complain to His Highness later, don't cry to the wrong person."

As they spoke, laughter erupted among the seven, completely disregarding Ye Chen.

Observing their attitude, Ye Chen didn't feel angered; he simply stood there and beckoned with his finger, saying, "Am I challenging you one-on-one, or are you seven going to jump me?"

"Only an idiot would challenge you one-on-one; of course, we're going to team up against you."

Zhang Ming clenched his fist, exuding arrogance.

At this moment, the only woman in the group reminded him, "Captain, both statements mean the same thing."

Zhang Ming immediately bristled, "Do you dare to play tricks on us?" He and the others summoned their martial spirits and charged fiercely toward Ye Chen.

However, just as they approached, a blood-red light shimmered from Ye Chen's palm, and a short dagger shot out like lightning, swiftly flying low and quickly severing the tendons of all those rushing toward him.

In an instant, the Northwest Courtyard echoed with cries of pain, sending chills through the air.

Looking at the seven now sprawled on the ground, screaming in agony, Ye Chen yawned and commented, "You guys are really too weak. If it weren't for the fact that there's just over a year until the competition and that I dislike trouble, I would really want to 'replace all of you!'"

As soon as the words were out, the phrase 'replace all' sent a shiver down the spines of the seven, their hands and feet growing cold. That dagger had the potential to kill them all, but why hadn't he done it? Perhaps it was indeed because this shadow found it troublesome to 'replace' them.

Finding an empty room to settle into, Ye Chen looked out at the dimming sky, feeling a bit of frustration: "Although I've ended up with these seven useless ones, they clearly don't know how to mentor or cultivate. I really need to find a good teacher to boost their soul power in just over a year."

The problem is, all the old deans at the Royal Academy have been killed. Where can he find one?

Just as he pondered, he suddenly heard a mechanical voice ringing in his mind.

[Beep, sign-in goddess task is being issued]

[Target: Liu Erlong]

[Sign-in task: Defeat all opponents at Lan Ba Academy]

[Reward: Favorability increase of 300%, choose one soul ring with a limit of 100,000 years]

The sign-in task that flashed in his mind made Ye Chen clap his hands and cheer, "Right, Liu Erlong! Isn't she a level 75 Soul Sage? Plus, she established 'Lan Ba Academy' not far from Tiandou City. If I invite her to be the dean and teach those seven, wouldn't that be a waste of talent?"

With that thought, Ye Chen couldn't help but chuckle.

Note : Guys, some power stones will be really helpful.

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