The countenances of the trio were downcast, their expressions tinged with sorrow as if burdened by worrisome thoughts.
Silence had become their shared tongue.
Abruptly, their gazes locked in a collective moment of astonishment.
Such characters were a rarity in Heaven Dou City.
The sight of the two eased their troubled spirits considerably.
After all, the trio had never esteemed the nobility, deeming them nought but mindless fools...
"Yan, Xie Yue, do you sense it?" Hu Liena inquired, a subtle smile playing upon her lips.
'Indeed, he is a master.'
"Nana, what is it that you sense?" Yan queried, perplexed. His gaze was fixed on the lives of Neuvillette and Focalors, oblivious to Hu Liena's implications.
Xie Yue rolled her eyes at her naive brother before instructing, "Yan, observe the auras of these two more closely."
Yan, initially taken aback, placed his trust in Hu Liena and Xie Yue's judgment and began to discern the essence of Neuvillette and Focalors.
Without this deliberate focus, he would have remained oblivious. Once attuned, Yan was taken aback once more, exclaiming, "Aren't they ordinary people?"
"They lack any aura!"
Hu Liena and Xie Yue exchanged glances, their mouths twitching in bemusement. The absence of any discernible aura was indeed peculiar.
Yan was truly oblivious!
"Close your eyes and perceive once more," Xie Yue urged, sighing in resignation.
Yan was his brother, and affection demanded patience.
With a nod of uncertainty, Yan closed his eyes to sense anew.
In the following instant, his demeanour shifted dramatically, and he opened his eyes wide, staring at Focalors and Neuvillette in sheer disbelief.
Deprived of sight, he could not detect their presence; it was as if they were non-existent.
Had he not witnessed them with his own eyes, he would never have believed such beings stood before him.
"Hiss..."
Yan inhaled sharply, murmuring, "These are no ordinary beings!"
"Undoubtedly masters!"
He wasn't foolish, merely unobservant.
His initial lack of awareness had given way to a profound realization, understanding the implication of Hu Liena's words.
Their inability to perceive each other's presence suggested that the strangers' prowess far exceeded their own.
Casting another glance at Neuvillette and Focalors, Yan swallowed hard, a shiver running down his spine.
"Could it be? They appear so youthful."
Indeed, Neuvillette and Focalors seemed far too young to be figures of such formidable strength.
"Let us approach and converse without offending," Hu Liena proposed, and with that, she advanced towards Neuvillette and Focalors.
Neuvillette had already noted Hu Liena and her companions' demeanour, discerning the nature of the three Soul Ancestor who would ascend to Soul Kings in two and a half years, along with their distinct traits.
What intrigued him was the presence of the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation leaders in Heaven Dou City.
Were they here for training, perhaps?
After a brief contemplation, Neuvillette dismissed the thought.
Their whereabouts were of no consequence to him.
"Well, Mr. Neuvillette, your handsomeness garners eight or nine points from the readers, and your distinguished air draws all eyes to you," Focalors remarked, her hand coyly covering her smile.
Neuvillette, unfazed, retorted, "Could it be that Ms. Focalors' beauty is the true magnet for gazes wherever we go?"
Upon hearing this, Focalors' eyes narrowed slightly, and even through her gaze alone, one could sense her smile.
Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan stood perplexed: "???".
"Why did we receive a serving of dog food upon our arrival?"
Are you guys boasting about each other's love achivements?
Upon observing Neuvillette and Focalors, it was clear they weren't engaged in a competitive exchange of Love.
They were clearly stating the facts.
The trio frowned upon hearing this. They were, without a doubt, experts. Their previous conversation had not gone unnoticed by the others.
"Hello, you two!" Hu Liena greeted them with a practised smile.
Yan and Xie Yue stood silently by her side.
"Hello," Neuvillette replied, his tone measured.
"I am Hu Liena."
"Yan."
"Xie Yue."
After introductions, Hu Liena proposed, "We are Rogue soul masters visiting Heaven Dou City for the first time. Would you be willing to guide us?"
Yan and Xie Yue exchanged glances, their composure unbroken even as Hu Liena's eyes betrayed her panic.
Neuvillette's mouth twitched slightly at the term 'Rogue spirit master.'
"I am Neuvillette."
"Focalors."
"Apologies, Ms Hu Liena, but we too are newcomers to Heaven Dou City," Neuvillette responded coolly.
The refusal left Hu Liena and her companions stunned; such a denial was unprecedented.
Although Hu liena is average looking but no man resistant to her charm. Yet Neuvillette had effortlessly deflected her allure.
Was her charm failing, or were their soul power levels too disparate for her to influence him?
Curiosity piqued, Hu Liena persisted, "Since fate has brought us together in Heaven Dou City, why not explore its wonders as one?"
Neuvillette's surprise was evident. Was Hu Liena unaware of how her charm came across?
"Regrettably, Ms. Hu Liena, I prefer not to interrupt my date with my fiancée, Ms. Focalors. Perhaps you can find other like-minded companions," Neuvillette declined openly, his stance unequivocal.
Not even Qian Renxue's summons had swayed him, much less Hu Liena's.
Silence fell upon the trio, Yan's eyes shut tight. His idol had faced rejection from this youth.
Was it a moment for tears or laughter?
"Why do we need to know each other before we part?
The green mountains will remain unaltered, and the blue waters will continue to flow. To everyone, we may meet again."
Neuvillette declared, bowing slightly before departing with Focalors.
Hu Liena, left to ponder the efficacy of her charm, did not pursue them further.
"Why must we be acquainted before parting?"
"A truly remarkable man," Xie Yue whispered to herself.
Meanwhile, Focalors glanced down, a question lingering in her gaze.
"Mr. Neuvillette, about that date you mentioned..." she murmured.
"Then, Mr. Neuvillette, the date you just mentioned..."
At this, Focalors' face flushed a deep crimson, and her eyes darted away nervously.
'Is going shopping and savoring delicious food what humans refer to as a date?
How fascinating.'
Observing this, Neuvillette sketched a few strokes in the air with his left hand, and an aqua blue rose, condensed from water elements, materialized in his grasp.
"Ms. Focalors, this is for you. Though it lacks the fragrance of flowers, it bears no other difference from a real rose."
Neuvillette held the rose out to Focalors, offering it with a flourish.
"Hiss..."
"This young man..."
Passersby gasped in awe. It was their first encounter with a rose made of water!
With such skill, any girl would be captivated!
Wait, this skill...
He could actually condense water into the very essence of a rose!
As the onlookers regained their composure, their eyes widened, their mouth fell open, and they fell silent.
It was astounding; Neuvillette's mastery over soul power and the elements was unparalleled and unprecedented.
"I don't know whose scion this is, but he is formidable. Truly, he is a pillar of our Heaven Dou Empire!"
Merely by their attire, it was clear that Neuvillette and Focalors were no ordinary folk; their garments were beyond the means of minor nobility or commoners.
Could these two be high level nobles?
For the Heaven Dou Empire to harbor such prodigies was indeed fortuitous!
Once recognized at the imperial level, the nobles of the Heaven Dou Empire would cast aside envy for sheer relief.
With more young talents like this, their lives would surely flourish!
Without hesitation, Focalors accepted the rose from Neuvillette's hand. Though devoid of floral scent, it was indistinguishable from a genuine rose.
Regardless of its meaning...
It was a unique rose.
"I will cherish it. Will you offer such roses to other girls in the future?"
Focalors inquired, almost without thinking.
Upon hearing this, Neuvillette's gaze flickered, but he shook his head and replied, "No, there is no woman in the world, who could make such a rose last forever."
Neuvillette's intent was clear.
Among the thousands, none were deemed worthy of such a gift, except for Focalors.
Indeed, she alone could compel him to bestow roses.
Upon hearing this...
Focalors' smile broadened, and she carefully stored away the water rose.
She then took Neuvillette's hand and declared, "Let's move on; we shouldn't linger here. Let's continue our date!"
She chose not to dwell on the subject further, understanding Neuvillette's disposition quite well.
"Very well, Ms. Focalors."
Neuvillette agreed with a nod.
Hu Liena?
Who might that be?
Previously, when engaging with the Golden Generation, Hu Liena had covertly employed charm—not a soul skill, but a technique of allure she had recently acquired.
Had it been an average soul Ancestor, or even a soul king, they might have succumbed to her charm, unable to resist her entreaties.
Alas, she faced the highest adjudicator from Fontaine, the second-generation Hydro Dragon King of the Teyvat, Neuvillette!
Time marched on, and the pair made their way back to the spirit-fighting arena.
As Neuvillette stepped into the arena, a gentle voice halted him.
"Wait, young master Neuvillette! Please, just a moment!"
This voice bore a hint of familiarity. Neuvillette and Focalors paused and glanced back.
Approaching them was none other than Prince "Xue Qinghe."
He observed "her" with a kind expression, as if the person who had dispatched titled Douluo to the Fighting Arena the night before was not "her."
In other words, "she" appeared no different from an ordinary person.
"It seems to be His Highness the Crown Prince. What brings His Highness here?"
Neuvillette inquired calmly.
"Haha, brother, I've come to the Soul Fighting Arena to discuss some important matters, and I've brought you some business!"
"Xue Qinghe" replied with a smile. "If this matter is successfully negotiated with the Douhun Arena, wouldn't it just enhance the business and popularity of the Soul Fighting Arena?"
Although the fighting spirit arena is not in want of popularity or business...
Upon hearing this, Neuvillette's brow furrowed, pondering the business proposition.
One should not approach him so casually when discussing business matters.
"I see."
Neuvillette nodded and continued, "Your Royal Highness, do you require my assistance in contacting the person in charge?"
The business of Heaven Dou City's Great Soul Fighting Arena is managed by Moffett's family and is unrelated to the Lex family.
While the profits are shared, other families do not meddle in its management.
Upon hearing this, "Xue Qinghe" paused, taken aback, then had a sudden realization!
Neuvillette had only come to Heaven Dou City to celebrate the New Year; the business in Heaven Dou City was not his family's concern.
"Then please, little brother, assist me with an introduction!"
"Xue Qinghe" requested, bowing slightly in a gesture of humility.
"It's no trouble at all. Please follow me, Your Highness."
After speaking, Neuvillette turned to Focalors and said, "Ms. Focalors, please return to the dormitory to rest. I shall return as soon as possible."
"Alright, Mr. Neuvillette. I am indeed a bit weary after a day's shopping."
Focalors responded with a smile.
Tired?
How could one feel fatigued from such a modest amount of activity?
It was merely a pretext for departure.
With that, Focalors made her way toward the dormitory.
With a brief scan, Neuvillette sensed that Lexius, Moffett, and others were engaged in conversation in the living room.
After a moment's consideration, Neuvillette escorted the fake prince and the genuine saint toward the living room.
The Great Soul Fighting Arena in Heaven Dou City falls entirely under Moffett's purview. Simply escorting "her" to Moffett would suffice.
En route, "Xue Qinghe" engaged in light conversation with Neuvillette. Shortly thereafter, they arrived at the living room entrance.
The door stood ajar, and several family leaders were inside, enjoying tea and conversation. Their discussion was no secret, hence there was no need for discretion.
Upon noticing Neuvillette, the family leaders' smiles grew even more pronounced.
"Little Neuv! Come in, come in!"
"Your grandfather was just reminiscing about your childhood escapades."
"Hahaha..."
A twitch crossed Neuvillette's eyes, and a few lines of consternation marred his forehead.
Ah, the tales of one's youth...
Who doesn't harbor a few embarrassing anecdotes from their early days?
"Eh~"
Moffett, noticing "Xue Qinghe" beside Neuvillette, expressed confusion, "Little Neuv, why have you brought Prince of Heaven Dou here?"
"Uh..."
As these words were spoken, "Xue Qinghe's" smile stiffened. Was this an indication of being unwelcome?
Indeed, if unwelcome you are!
It seems there's an innate aversion to the Heaven Dou royal family!
For "her" alternate identity, this is advantageous!
Realizing his expression, Moffett knew he had misspoken...