Chapter 70: First Encounter and Oath Han Li's Unfiltered Honesty
"Ah!"
A sharp cry echoed through the valley of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
Dugu Yan, who had just landed, let out a scream as she found herself in a rather awkward position. Her left foot was on the ground, while her right ankle was firmly grasped by someone's hand.
"Let go of me!"
Flushed with both embarrassment and frustration, Dugu Yan shouted. One of her hands clutched the hem of her skirt, and she glared at the black haired boy before her.
"Alright, but just so you know if you attack again, I won't hold back next time."
Han Li spoke calmly and released her ankle. Dugu Yan stumbled back two steps before regaining her balance.
"What the hell, Grandpa! What are you doing?!"
Ignoring Han Li completely, Dugu Yan spun around, fuming, and glared at her grandfather, who had an innocent look on his face.
She didn't need to think twice this had to be his doing!
Who in their right mind would drop their granddaughter right in front of someone like this? Her instincts had immediately kicked in, making her launch an attack the moment she landed, which led to this whole embarrassing situation. She felt absolutely mortified.
"Hmm? What's wrong, Yan Yan?"
Dugu Bo feigned ignorance, his expression as natural as ever. Of course, he knew exactly why she was angry, but there was no way he was going to admit it.
His original plan was to see how they would react upon first meeting after all, his own love story had started with a near collision with Yan Yan's grandmother.
But to his surprise, Han Li had remained completely unfazed when Dugu Yan landed in front of him. On the other hand, his granddaughter had immediately launched a fierce kick at him.
Fortunately, Han Li had shown restraint, and luckily, Dugu Bo had insisted she change into more practical clothing before they left. Otherwise, this scene would have been even harder to salvage.
While Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan bickered, Han Li took the opportunity to observe her closely.
Dugu Yan had short, deep purple hair, a striking face with a heroic air, and a pair of vibrant green eyes that gave her an exotic charm.
Of course, the thing that stood out to Han Li the most was her legs long, fair, and well proportioned. He wasn't some perverted gentleman obsessed with legs, but he could still appreciate aesthetics.
Her slim waist further accentuated her figure, creating a perfect balance. While she wasn't the most breathtaking beauty, she had a unique, almost bewitching allure.
Sigh… So it turns out, I was too harsh on Brother Xiao Yan in my past life. I shouldn't have judged (envied) him.
Wait, didn't I just call myself Xiao Yan a few days ago? Never mind, I get it now.
Meanwhile, after getting her grandfather to make several promises, Dugu Yan finally let him off the hook.
She turned back only to see Han Li still staring at her.
Her embarrassment surged again.
"What are you looking at? Haven't seen enough? Is it that good to look at?!"
"You look decent enough," Han Li replied matter of factly. "And for the record, you attacked first. I was just defending myself."
Dugu Yan was momentarily stunned. She hadn't expected such a straightforward response.
To be fair, Han Li really hadn't done anything improper. He had only stopped her attack.
And it wasn't like he had seen anything inappropriate she was wearing safety shorts.
Besides, she had been the one to attack first, and he had simply responded. Now that he was just standing there, not making a fuss, what else could she do?
"Fine. I'll take that as a compliment," she muttered, feeling awkward. "And you don't look too bad yourself."
"Yeah, I think so too." Han Li nodded in agreement.
"...You're something else," Dugu Yan huffed. "Are you really only seven years old, like Grandpa said?"
"Oh, right. I don't even know your name yet I'm Dugu Yan."
Realizing she hadn't introduced herself, Dugu Yan changed the topic.
"I'm Han Li. And to be precise, I'm seven and a half."
"Does that really make a difference?"
"Yes, a huge difference. It's how I honor a memory of an old friend."
Han Li's tone was serious.
"Besides, half a year is plenty of time to level up even more."
Seeing his expression of utter confidence, Dugu Yan suddenly felt speechless.
She glanced at his spirit rings, recalling that he was already stronger than her despite being younger. She wanted to refute him but couldn't.
"You envious?" Han Li suddenly asked.
"Yeah," Dugu Yan admitted without hesitation.
"Then swear on your martial soul," Han Li said casually. "And since your martial soul will evolve later, add your family's name to it as well."
"Huh? Martial soul evolution? And why do I need to swear? What kind of oath? What does my family's name have to do with this?"
Dugu Yan frowned. She didn't like being told what to do without understanding why.
Han Li furrowed his brows, then looked at Dugu Bo. Realizing that the old man had likely left some details out, he shifted his gaze to Guang Ling.
Guang Ling coughed awkwardly. "Xiao Li, things were a bit rushed, and she decided to come at the last minute. I didn't have time to explain."
So that's why she reacted this way.
Over the next five minutes, Han Li briefly explained his arrangement with Dugu Bo, making sure to clarify everything for Dugu Yan, who stood there, struggling to digest it all.
"So, do you understand now?"
Han Li looked at her, and Dugu Yan, still dazed, slowly nodded.
"Good. Now swear the oath for the sake of smoother cooperation in the future."
Han Li remained businesslike. He wasn't going to treat her any differently just because she was a girl.
Dugu Yan hesitated, then turned to her grandfather for guidance.
She still felt like she was in a dream her understanding of the world had just been flipped upside down.
Dugu Bo gave her a reassuring nod, confirming that everything was legitimate.
With her grandfather's approval, Dugu Yan no longer hesitated. She trusted him completely.
Following Han Li's instructions, she made her martial soul vow officially binding herself to the agreement.
Only when she was finished did Han Li nod in satisfaction.
Given the rules of Douluo Continent, this level of commitment was sufficient for now.
If only his "dear son" had shown up again… Then he could have arranged a true Heavenly Oath, but for now, this would do.
"Great! Welcome aboard, Sister Yan. From now on, you're one of us!"
Han Li's demeanor flipped instantly. With a warm smile, he extended his hand.
A handshake one of the standard noble greetings used in Heaven Dou's upper circles.
"Yeah… One of us."
Dugu Yan hesitated for a moment, then shook his hand.
Watching him switch his attitude so smoothly, she felt a little overwhelmed.
"You'll get used to it, girl," Guang Ling chuckled, winking at her.
So far, he was quite satisfied with her performance.
Enough that he even scrapped his previous plan to sabotage things for fun.
(End of Chapter)
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