Douluo Dalu: I have a Soul Beast Clone

Inside the cavern.

Li Chang'an held Dugu Yan tightly in his arms, as though trying to merge their beings into one, unreservedly expressing their feelings for each other.

Not far away, Dugu Bo frowned deeply, watching the two young lovers with a mixture of exasperation and helplessness. The overwhelming atmosphere of love made him feel nauseous. When he thought about his precious granddaughter being stolen away by this brat, his mood soured even further.

He had no doubt that if it weren't for his presence, these two youngsters would be doing something even more outrageous. Considering their current restraint, merely hugging seemed surprisingly mild.

"Ahem, ahem. You two, that's enough already."

Dugu Bo couldn't stand it anymore and coughed loudly to remind them of his presence.

Only then did the lovebirds seem to snap out of their moment, reluctantly pulling apart. Yet, their hands remained intertwined, unwilling to let go. Seeing this, Dugu Bo could only shake his head in dismay.

He sighed and asked, "Yan Yan, you're still so young—barely in your teens. You have a long life ahead of you. There will be plenty of outstanding young men waiting for you in the future. Are you sure you want to settle on this kid?"

Dugu Yan, still blushing, looked up at her grandfather with clear determination in her eyes. Her voice was steady as she replied, "Grandfather, I don't care about the future. I only know that in this moment, I've already decided—my future husband can only be him!"

As she finished, she turned her gaze to the young man by her side, her eyes filled with unwavering affection.

Li Chang'an was deeply moved by her words. Without hesitation, he pulled the girl into his embrace once more and declared, "Yan'er, I swear, I will never let you down! I promise you will be my rightful wife, married with all due honors!"

Hearing this, Dugu Yan's eyes sparkled with emotion, brimming with joy. She had no idea that someone beside her was secretly adding to himself: Of course, a rightful wife—but no one said a man can only have one wife!

Dugu Bo, watching from the side, scoffed at this display. "Promises? Hmph. What nonsense! Do you think you can just tear up a royal engagement as you please? The royal decree isn't something to be trifled with. You're too naive!"

The Heavenly Dou Empire wasn't as weak as the original novel suggested. Despite its portrayal as a decaying power in its struggle against Spirit Hall, the empire certainly had hidden strengths. It was illogical to think that such a large empire lacked even a single Titled Douluo.

Reality dictated that an empire with the resources and population of Heavenly Dou would have cultivated formidable powerhouses over time. The idea that the empire could fall short of even smaller sects was absurd.

So, while Dugu Bo was a Titled Douluo, it was laughable to think he could stand against the full might of the empire. Not to mention that Li Chang'an was the emperor's chosen son-in-law.

If the engagement were merely a matter involving an ordinary noble, Dugu Bo might have been able to use his status to negotiate. But given the emperor's personal interest in this match, not even a Titled Douluo's face could sway the decision.

Faced with Dugu Bo's mocking sneer, Li Chang'an's eyes burned with determination. He replied firmly, "I understand I'm weak now, just a mere Soul Elder. I don't have the power to defy such an arrangement. But I also believe weakness is temporary. One day, I will become a Soul Douluo, or even a Titled Douluo! When that day comes, not even the empire will dictate my fate!"

"Titled Douluo? You make it sound so easy," Dugu Bo retorted, shaking his head with a sneer. "Even if you have exceptional talent, how long will it take to reach that level? Fifty years? Sixty years? Are you planning to let my granddaughter waste her youth waiting decades for you?"

For most geniuses, it took at least fifty to sixty years to reach the rank of Titled Douluo. By then, Dugu Yan would be past her prime, and time wouldn't wait for a royal engagement either.

The royal family would undoubtedly pressure Li Chang'an to marry the princess by the time he turned twenty or thirty. Once that happened, it would be too late to undo anything.

What would he do then? Divorce the princess and marry Dugu Yan instead? That would make him a despicable man who abandoned his wife and children.

If such a thing happened, how could Dugu Bo entrust his granddaughter to him?

"I'm willing to wait!"

Dugu Yan's firm voice cut through Dugu Bo's doubts like a blade. She stared at her grandfather, her expression unyielding. "It doesn't matter if it takes fifty or sixty years. I will wait for the day Chang'an becomes a Titled Douluo and marries me!"

"Foolish girl…"

Li Chang'an's heart ached at her words. Pulling her close again, he promised silently that he would repay her loyalty and devotion a hundredfold.

Meanwhile, Dugu Bo watched this display and sighed heavily. He hadn't expected his granddaughter to be so deeply infatuated with this brat. If he forcibly separated them now, he feared it would only make things worse.

The more unattainable one's first love, the more it would be idealized. Dugu Bo knew this all too well. If he drove a wedge between the two, Dugu Yan might never forget this infatuation and might spend her life pining for it.

He couldn't help but reflect on his mistake. If he had done nothing from the start and allowed his granddaughter's feelings to fade naturally, perhaps she would have let this romance go.

But now, by bringing Li Chang'an here, he had inadvertently given the young man a chance to cement his place in Dugu Yan's heart.

Looking at the two clinging to each other, Dugu Bo was filled with regret. He muttered bitterly to himself, "I've made a terrible mistake..."

(Chapter End)