Chapter 54: The Invitation of Emperor Xue Ye
Douluo: Dugu Bo's Life Simulator
After leaving the Education Committee Hall under Meng Shenji's escort, Dugu Bo stopped him.
"That's enough, Chairman Meng. No need to see me off any further."
He was just about to take off—
When suddenly, a voice called out from behind.
"Your Excellency, please wait!"
Dugu Bo turned around.
An elderly man in luxurious robes was hurrying toward them.
He wore a golden robe embroidered with intricate patterns. His graying hair was neatly combed back, and though slightly plump, he carried himself with dignity.
Only his somewhat small eyes disrupted the balance of his otherwise imposing appearance.
Dugu Bo recognized him immediately.
So it's him…
Meng Shenji stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Your Highness, what brings you here?"
This man was none other than Prince Xue Xing, a royal member stationed at Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Xue Xing waved his hand.
"No need for formalities, Chairman Meng."
Then he turned to Dugu Bo with a smile.
"You must be Poison Douluo, Your Excellency?"
Dugu Bo didn't respond immediately.
Instead, he glanced at Meng Shenji, signaling him to introduce the man.
Though Dugu Bo already knew Xue Xing from past knowledge and simulations—
In reality, this was their first meeting.
Some appearances had to be maintained.
And truthfully—
He didn't have a good impression of this prince… or his nephew, Xue Beng.
The two had schemed deeply for years—
One pretending to be incompetent, the other a useless playboy—
All to survive under suspicion surrounding Xue Qinghe.
Not ordinary people could maintain such deception for so long.
Meng Shenji quickly introduced,
"Your Excellency, this is Prince Xue Xing, younger brother of His Majesty Emperor Xue Ye, and one of the academy's administrators."
Dugu Bo nodded slightly, then looked at Xue Xing.
"What business does Your Highness have with me?"
Xue Xing hesitated briefly before asking,
"Your Excellency… did you refuse the Spirit Hall's invitation?"
Dugu Bo's expression turned cold.
"So what if I refused? And what if I didn't?"
Feeling the pressure, Xue Xing quickly explained,
"Please don't misunderstand! I mean no offense—I simply wish to invite you to support us!"
From his perspective—
Dugu Bo had most likely rejected Spirit Hall.
After all, when Spirit Hall announced his coronation, they only revealed his strength and abilities.
If he had joined them, they would have publicized it extensively.
Thus—
Emperor Xue Ye had ordered Xue Xing to recruit him at all costs.
A dangerous smile appeared on Dugu Bo's lips.
"Support you? Who exactly is 'you'? Don't tell me you want me to support you in becoming emperor?"
Xue Xing's face turned pale instantly.
"No, no! Your Excellency, you misunderstand!"
"I mean… I wish to invite you to join the Heaven Dou Empire!"
Seeing Dugu Bo's faintly amused expression, Xue Xing realized—
He had just been played.
He could only smile bitterly.
"Your Excellency, this isn't a good place to talk. How about we continue this at the palace?"
Dugu Bo didn't answer.
Instead, he turned to Meng Shenji.
"My granddaughters are in your care. Make sure they are well looked after."
The moment he finished speaking—
He grabbed Xue Xing by the shoulder and shot into the sky.
"Ah—!"
Xue Xing let out a startled cry.
Act all you want… let's see how long you can keep it up, Dugu Bo thought coldly.
Ignoring him completely, he accelerated and disappeared from Meng Shenji's sight.
Meng Shenji wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
"I heard his temper was strange… it seems the rumors are true."
Strangely—
Dugu Bo had treated them more kindly than he did the prince.
Did that mean…
He valued them more than the royal family?
For some reason—
Meng Shenji felt a bit pleased by that thought.
Meanwhile—
Dugu Bo had already brought Xue Xing to the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace.
Towering walls nearly a hundred meters high stood before them, colored in gold and red, with glazed tiles covering the top.
In the distance, lifelike swan statues stood proudly—
The symbol of the Heaven Dou royal family: the Sky Swan martial spirit.
At the gates, heavily armed guards patrolled back and forth.
With Xue Xing leading the way, they passed through without obstruction and quickly arrived at the emperor's residence.
After explaining their purpose to the guards—
It wasn't long before Emperor Xue Ye himself came out to receive them.
Dugu Bo observed the ruler of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Xue Ye wore a gold-red robe and a crown adorned with dazzling gems.
He looked slightly older than Xue Xing, with similar facial features—
But his bearing was entirely different.
Though aged, simply standing there gave off a commanding presence.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," Xue Xing bowed.
As a Titled Douluo, Dugu Bo was not required to bow—
And he had no intention of lowering himself.
Their statuses were essentially equal.
He simply said,
"Your Majesty need not come out personally to greet me."
Xue Ye helped his brother up and smiled.
"The arrival of Poison Douluo is a blessing to the Heaven Dou royal family. It is only proper that I welcome you myself."
He extended his hand.
"Please, Poison Douluo—come inside."
Dugu Bo replied politely,
"Your Majesty, after you."
He had always followed a simple principle—
Respect given would be returned tenfold.
But offense would be repaid even more harshly.
Since Xue Ye showed respect—
Dugu Bo naturally wouldn't act arrogantly.
At the emperor's invitation, the two entered the palace together.
It had to be said—
Xue Ye handled the situation masterfully.
He preserved his dignity as emperor—
While also giving Dugu Bo the respect he deserved.
[End of Chapter 54]