On the third day of staying in Suotuo City, Yu Yan received intel from the Local Gang Leader: they had located a young woman matching the description staying at an inn in the city. The considerate Local Gang Leader even delivered a sketch of the girl.
From the portrait and the information he had gathered over the years, Yu Yan concluded the young woman was Zhu Zhuqing.
Along with the news of Zhu Zhuqing's arrival came reports on Bu Le, Tian Ya, and E Kao. The three were holed up in a seedy little inn, spending every night in brothels—so easy to find they practically advertised themselves.
The reason the Local Gang Leader hadn't delivered news of the trio earlier was simple: he wanted nothing to do with Yu Yan, whose moods shifted like the wind and whose origins were a mystery.
Whatever Yu Yan's true nature, to the Local Gang Leader he was exactly that sort of unpredictable threat.
With the information he needed in hand, Yu Yan dismissed the Local Gang Leader. After greeting Xiao Wu, he prepared to visit Zhu Zhuqing and learn whether she truly had any chance of defying her predetermined fate.
When Xiao Wu heard Yu Yan was going to speak with Zhu Zhuqing, she insisted on coming along—partly to see the girl who had traveled from the Star Luo Empire to Heaven Dou, and partly to stake her claim.
Xiao Wu knew of more than a few girls who liked Yu Yan.
Ever since he had revealed his strength, defeated every challenger, and claimed the captaincy of Exotic Beast Academy in the All-Continent Elite Soul Master Tournament, a small fan club had sprung up inside the academy. Some even asked her what kind of girls he preferred; others declared themselves willing to be a concubine—utterly scandalous. After ten minutes walking through Suotuo City, Yu Yan and Xiao Wu arrived at Zhu Zhuqing's inn and knocked softly on her door.
"Who is it?"
A cool voice answered from within, thick with caution.
Though Heaven Dou Imperial Family and House Dai forbade underhanded moves in the struggle for the throne, some precautions were unavoidable.
"Yu Yan of Exotic Beast Academy. I wish to speak with Young Miss Zhu Zhuqing."
Standing outside, Yu Yan used what he considered a gentle tone to state his purpose.
Zhu Zhuqing might not recognize his name, so it was pointless to offer it.
But the reputation of Exotic Beast Academy should reach her ears and help her relax.
"Exotic Beast Academy—what do you want with me?"
Inside, Zhu Zhuqing—already in Spirit Possession—felt her wariness ease when she heard the academy's name.
Exotic Beast Academy regularly reached the finals of the All-Continent Elite Soul Master Tournament; its reputation spanned the continent, and Zhu Zhuqing had certainly heard of it.
"I'd like to discuss something. I hope Young Miss Zhu will grant me a moment."
Sensing her caution fade, Yu Yan invited her to speak face-to-face.
After a brief hesitation, Zhu Zhuqing opened the door and appeared before Yu Yan and Xiao Wu.
She matched every description: long black hair cascading over shoulders, fair skin, and—at barely twelve—an impossibly voluptuous figure. Contrasting with her curves were an icy expression, lifeless eyes, and a deathly chill that made one shiver.
Living under the title of runaway prince's fiancée in the Star Luo Empire had taught her that coldness was the best armor.
Zhu Zhuqing swept a casual glance over Yu Yan and Xiao Wu, then fixed her gaze on the Spirit Cat Wu Xue curled in Xiao Wu's arms.
As the foremost feline-Spirit Family in Douluo Continent, the Star Luo Zhu Family kept Spirit Cats of their own, yet none matched the quality of this one.
Worse, she sensed—perhaps imagined—a lethal threat from the cat; when it met her eyes the feeling peaked.
In the next blink, the sensation vanished.
Xiao Wu gaped: never had she seen such proportions on a twelve-year-old. It was terrifying.
"I am Yu Yan. This is no place to talk; I've reserved a private room downstairs. May I invite you to join us?"
Already prepared, Yu Yan invited her to the prepared room while Xiao Wu recovered from her shock.
"Fine."
Zhu Zhuqing's answer was as cold and indifferent as her nature.
Yu Yan patted the stunned Xiao Wu, shot her a look, and led the way.
Collecting herself, Xiao Wu gave Zhu Zhuqing a friendly smile and followed.
Zhu Zhuqing trailed behind, curiosity piqued about why Exotic Beast Academy sought her.
Once seated in the private room, Zhu Zhuqing studied the well-matched pair opposite her and asked, "What do you want with me?"
"I heard you came to Suotuo City to find the Star Luo Empire's runaway prince so the two of you could oppose the eldest prince Dai Weisi and your sister Zhu Zhuyun."
Rather than stating his own purpose, Yu Yan asked about hers; he needed a lead-in before persuasion, and this was it.
"What if I did? What if I didn't?"
Hearing Dai Mubai called "runaway prince" drew no reaction; her reply showed she had no wish to discuss it.
"If you're here to persuade him to fight, I fear you've wasted the trip. These past days I've watched him spend every night at the Rose Grand Hotel with a pair of twins. My intelligence says he has no intention of resisting."
Yu Yan produced a dossier from his golden scepter and placed it before her.
It detailed Dai Mubai's Spirit Power Level, combat ability, and daily routine over the last two months.
Fifteen years old, rank 37 Spirit Elder—a Genius anywhere—yet far below Zhu Zhuqing's expectations.
After all, three years ago Dai Mubai had graduated from Star Luo Royal Elementary Academy as a rank 29 Spirit Grandmaster. To advance so slowly during the golden years of Cultivation was unacceptable.