Douluo Dalu: I have a Soul Beast Clone

As consciousness gradually returned…

When Li Chang'an awakened from his stupor, he found himself surrounded by pitch-black darkness. Not far away, two green lights flickered ominously, exuding an eerie glow.

Recalling everything before he lost consciousness, Li Chang'an had a few guesses about his current location. His heart began to race with excitement.

Stay calm! Stay calm!

I can't let it show that I already know where this is.

The show must go on!

Suppressing the excitement bubbling up inside, Li Chang'an feigned ignorance. He sat up slowly, channeling soul power through his body to dispel the lingering weakness from unconsciousness. As his strength returned, he directed the energy to his eyes, allowing him to quickly adapt to the dim environment.

"A sudden awakening in an unfamiliar place, yet you remain so composed and cautious. Not bad, kid," came a raspy voice nearby. As his eyes adjusted, Li Chang'an discerned that the two eerie green lights belonged to none other than Dugu Bo. The older man sat not far away, his glowing green eyes boring into him.

Li Chang'an remained silent, his body taut with vigilance, ready to defend himself at any moment.

"Young man, do you know who I am?" Dugu Bo asked, leaning casually against a stone wall.

"…I presume you're one of Yan'er's elders?" Li Chang'an cautiously ventured.

"Oh? And what made you think that?" Dugu Bo replied, his interest piqued.

"It's just a feeling," Li Chang'an said steadily. "I sense that your martial soul is similar to hers, only far stronger."

"Hmph, since you can deduce that much, why not guess why I've brought you here?" Dugu Bo's cold smile sent chills down most people's spines, his sinister aura making him seem like a cruel and merciless villain.

But Li Chang'an, knowing Dugu Bo's true nature from the original story, wasn't the least bit fazed. Instead, he put on a puzzled expression and asked tentatively, "Does this… have something to do with Yan'er?"

Considering the situation, the most plausible reason Dugu Bo would seek him out had to involve Dugu Yan. Especially since she had abruptly taken leave recently, the connection seemed all too likely.

Otherwise, why would a Titled Douluo have any reason to trouble a mere student like him?

"You, boy, do you even know my name?" Dugu Bo sidestepped the question, posing a seemingly unrelated inquiry.

"Not yet, sir. May I ask for your esteemed name?"

"Hmph, listen well! This old man's surname is Dugu, and my title is 'Poison.'"

With a flourish, Dugu Bo introduced himself, wearing a smug expression that practically screamed, Tremble before my greatness!

"Ah!!! So you're the legendary Poison Douluo, renowned for dominating the world with your toxic might!" Li Chang'an exclaimed, feigning awe and disbelief. Then, as if realizing something, he added, "No wonder Yan'er is so exceptional—she's your granddaughter!"

Dugu Bo, clearly pleased by Li Chang'an's reaction, couldn't help but preen under the compliment. Yet he still managed to maintain his cold demeanor. With a wave of his hand, a circle of green flames erupted around the cave, casting a ghostly light over the space.

Under the eerie glow, Li Chang'an finally got a clear view of his surroundings: a cavern spanning nearly a thousand square meters. There was no doubt in his mind—this was the place he had been dreaming about.

"Save the flattery, boy." Though internally delighted, Dugu Bo kept his tone sharp. "Since you know Yan'er is my granddaughter, you should already understand why I've brought you here."

"Um… I really don't. I humbly request your guidance, senior," Li Chang'an replied, genuinely confused now. While he had suspected Dugu Yan's involvement, he couldn't quite pin down the exact reason for Dugu Bo's actions.

"Hmph!" Dugu Bo snorted coldly. "You already have a fiancée, yet you still dare to lead my granddaughter on! What, do you think my Yan'er is fit to be nothing more than your concubine?"

Finally, Li Chang'an understood. The crux of the matter lay in his status as a prince consort. In this world, a prince consort could only have one legitimate wife—the princess. For anyone else to marry him, the best they could hope for was to be a concubine, a position few proud young women would accept.

Troublesome…

Li Chang'an's head ached at the thought. He had no idea which blabbermouth had spilled the beans about his status to Dugu Yan. Whoever it was, they deserved a good beating!

Faced with Dugu Bo's accusations, Li Chang'an's mind raced. After a moment, he adopted a sorrowful expression and sighed heavily. "I never intended for Yan'er to be a concubine…"

Before he could finish, Dugu Bo's expression darkened further. "Oh? So you're planning to take advantage of her and then walk away unscathed?"

His carefully crafted emotional display interrupted, Li Chang'an resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Instead, he calmly continued, "Senior, please don't misunderstand. I have no such intentions. Yan'er and I… we've done nothing improper, nor have we even confirmed any romantic relationship."

"Because of my engagement, I've always hesitated to confess my feelings to her. I never chose this engagement, and I've never even met the princess. But an imperial edict is not something I can defy…"

His tone was filled with helplessness and regret, painting a picture of a man trapped by circumstances beyond his control.

Unaware of the truth, Dugu Bo fell for the act. He believed that Li Chang'an truly harbored feelings for his granddaughter but was shackled by the constraints of his engagement. Little did he know, Li Chang'an had no intention of letting go of either Dugu Yan or the princess. He wanted them both.

At that moment, a figure hidden in the shadows could no longer hold back.

"Chang'an-gege~"

[T/N: This is giving me Yandere Vibes]

A familiar scent and soft figure rushed into his arms. The voice and fragrance were unmistakable—it was Dugu Yan.

"Yan'er? What are you doing here?" Li Chang'an murmured, feigning surprise.

She didn't reply. Instead, she clung to him tightly, as if trying to meld their bodies together.

Having learned the "truth," Dugu Yan's earlier heartbreak and despair had been replaced by overwhelming joy. It turned out that the person she loved also loved her back. That was enough for her.

Even knowing he had an engagement didn't matter anymore. At this moment, Dugu Yan was utterly content, basking in the euphoria of love regained.