...
"This is the Seven Luminaries Elemental Ring.
It is a top-grade auxiliary soul tool passed down from ancient times," Emperor Xueye said helplessly.
"Legend has it that it was forged by an ancient soul master who controlled multiple elements, who devoted his entire life to its creation."
"Red, blue, yellow, green, gold, and black—these six gems represent the six elements: fire, water, earth, wind, light, and darkness.
If the wearer possesses a martial soul of the corresponding attribute, the power of that attribute can be amplified by 50%."
"Fifty percent?!"
Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin were moved once again.
For a Soul Master, what does a 50% increase mean? That's practically a god-tier artifact for challenging opponents of higher levels!
"It's just a pity..."
Emperor Xueye shook his head.
"A Soul Master usually only has one Martial Soul attribute, and a very few exceptionally talented individuals may have two attributes.
But to say that someone possesses all six attributes at the same time... simply does not exist in this world."
"Therefore, although this soul tool is powerful, no one has ever been able to truly unleash its full potential."
"The previous emperors had considered dismantling it into seven separate treasures, but the craftsmanship of this thing was too exquisite.
It was an ancient masterpiece that was perfectly integrated.
If it were forcibly dismantled, it would be destroyed instantly.
So... it has been gathering dust here ever since."
"And what about this silver one?"
Ning Rongrong asked curiously, pointing to the silver gemstone.
"What are its properties?"
Emperor Xueye shook his head: "I don't know either. Perhaps... it's just to make it look good."
However, Xuan Hao was overjoyed.
Silver? That's clearly a spatial element!
The Silver Dragon King controls all elements in the world.
With this item in her hands, all attributes will be increased by 50%!
Although he can use it too, this thing is clearly more suitable for Na'er.
"Okay, this is it!"
Xuanhao picked up the bracelet and carefully put it on Na'er's wrist.
Looking at the shimmering bracelet on her wrist, Na'er's eyes lit up with joy, and a glint of silver seemed to flash deep within her purple eyes.
"Thank you, brother!"
"alright!"
Xuan Hao clapped his hands, looked at the large and small bags of "spoils" in his hands, and gave Emperor Xue Ye an extremely bright smile:
"Thank you for your generous gift, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"
Watching the three bandits return laden with their spoils, Emperor Xueye clutched his chest, feeling as if he had lost a year of his lifespan.
This is hardly about attracting talent.
This is clearly letting a wolf into the house!
...
"My lords, I am feeling unwell today and am quite tired, so I will not see you off any further."
After leaving the underground palace, before even reaching the Imperial Garden, Emperor Xueye stopped in his tracks.
Watching the three little ones return laden with their spoils, even comparing whose treasure was the most dazzling, Emperor Xueye felt his head throbbing and his chest tighten.
"Qinghe, please see Sect Leader Ning and young friend Xuanhao off properly for me."
Emperor Xueye waved his hand, looking exhausted as he leaned on the eunuch's arm.
"I'm tired. I'll go back to the palace to rest now."
"Yes, Father, please take care of your health."
Xue Qinghe bowed respectfully, but his heart was filled with mixed feelings.
He could tell that the old man had really suffered a huge loss this time.
Despite the mountains of gold and silver in that treasure trove, there are only a handful of items that can truly be called top-tier treasures.
That "Qiankun Ring" with its own independent life space, that "Flowing Light Dragon Scale Armor" that can expand and contract with the martial spirit, that "Three Elements Heart Protection Chain" with three attributes of defense, and that legendary "Seven Luminaries Element Ring"...
Apart from that somewhat strange mutated blood spirit mushroom, these four items would definitely be considered the most precious treasures of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, even if they were placed there!
Especially that ring that can hold a living person; if used properly, it would be an absolute weapon of mass destruction in war!
Now, all of these things have been taken away by Xuan Hao, that money-devouring beast.
...
The carriage soon returned to Qibaozhai.
Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin took Ning Rongrong, who hadn't had enough fun yet, off the car first.
Although Rongrong wanted to stay with Xuan Hao, she could only be dragged away, looking back every few steps, under her father's stern gaze.
At this moment, only Xue Qinghe, Xuan Hao, and Na'er remained beside the carriage.
"call..."
Xue Qinghe's gentle smile finally faded slightly.
She turned around and looked at Xuan Hao with a deep, unsettling gaze:
"Brother Xuanhao, you've taken the gifts and given me plenty of face.
I even defied my father and signed a pledge to help you."
"Now, shouldn't you also make a statement?"
If, after giving him so much, this kid still remains unmoved and won't even make a sound, then when he goes back and faces the still furious Emperor Xueye, he'll probably be in deep trouble.
This is not just a matter of face, but also about his ability to get things done in the eyes of the old emperor!
"Make a statement?"
Xuan Hao was in a great mood.
While tidying up Na'er's new bracelet, he casually said:
"Don't worry, I'm a man of principle. I take people's money and do their bidding... oh no, I mean, I'll stand up for them."
"Since I've taken the old emperor's treasure, I'll definitely give him the respect he deserves."
Xuanhao pointed in the direction outside the city:
"Tomorrow, I would like to trouble Your Highness to make some arrangements for me.
I want to attend the Heaven Dou Royal Academy."
"Go to school?" Xue Qinghe was taken aback, then a hint of joy flashed in his eyes.
"That's right."
Xuan Hao said matter-of-factly, "Now that I've enrolled, I'm a student of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, which means I'm a disciple of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Doesn't that mean my relationship with the royal family is as close as family?"
"Isn't this the attitude the old emperor wanted? I'll give it to him."
Upon hearing this, Xue Qinghe finally felt relieved.
If Xuan Hao is willing to enter the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy, it means that he has accepted the royal family's offer of a hand, at least on the surface.
In this way, the old emperor can be appeased.
"good."
Xue Qinghe nodded and immediately agreed, "Leave the enrollment procedures to me.
I'll have someone deliver the school uniform and badge to the hotel first thing tomorrow morning."
"Thank you very much then."
Xuan Hao smiled, took Na'er's hand, and turned to leave.
"Wait a minute."
Xue Qinghe suddenly stepped forward, blocking Xuan Hao's path.
He glanced around to make sure no one could hear him, then lowered his voice, his tone carrying a deeper meaning that only the two of them could understand:
"Now that we've finished discussing business, shouldn't we... talk about personal matters?"
"Some things are not convenient to say outside, and walls can easily overhear them."
Xue Qinghe's eyes flickered as she looked at Xuan Hao meaningfully.
"Tonight, I have prepared a simple feast at the Crown Prince's residence.
I wonder if Brother Xuan Hao would do me the honor of coming to my residence for a chat?"
"There are some things… I think we need to find a quiet place to talk openly and frankly."
Xuan Hao paused in his steps.
He naturally knew what Xue Qinghe meant by those words.
This is what Qian Renxue wants to talk to him about.
What to talk about?
Naturally, it's still that so-called "plan to steal the country," and her status and leverage in the Spirit Hall.
"The Crown Prince's residence..."
Xuan Hao stroked his chin, and the smile on his face suddenly became somewhat playful.
He raised his head, met Xue Qinghe's expectant gaze, and shook his head decisively:
"I'm not going."
"ha?"
Xue Qinghe's expression froze, almost thinking he had misheard.
"What did you say?"
I said I wasn't going.
Xuan Hao took Na'er's small hand and turned to leave, saying, "I'm very busy.
I have to take my sister back to cultivate.
I don't have time to go to your Crown Prince's residence for drinks."
"Besides, I'm still young and can't drink alcohol."
"Xuan Hao!"
Xue Qinghe finally couldn't hold back any longer.
She grabbed Xuan Hao's arm, her voice filled with suppressed anger and disbelief:
What do you mean by that?
"I helped you get Xueye, and I helped you obtain five national treasures, and this is how you treat me?"
"I'm inviting you to the Crown Prince's residence, not as the Crown Prince, but as... in the capacity you know!"
In Qian Renxue's view, she had done everything she could to be kind and righteous.
She used her position as crown prince to help Xuanhao extract so many benefits from the national treasury; this is already an enormous favor!
She just wants to meet him privately to discuss cooperation, and this guy actually dares to refuse?
"Your Highness, I think you've misunderstood something."
Xuan Hao stopped and turned to look at the furious Xue Qinghe.
His eyes were clear and innocent, but a sly smile played on his lips.
"Those treasures were bestowed upon me by His Majesty the Emperor in order to win me over and to clear up the previous misunderstandings."
"That's royal blood, it's Emperor Xueye giving me face."
"Therefore, in return, I agreed to enter the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, giving face to the royal family and also to you, the crown prince."
"This is called a clean transaction where the money and goods are exchanged and neither party owes the other anything."
At this point, Xuan Hao broke free from Xue Qinghe's grasp, took a step back, crossed his arms, and sized up the "Crown Prince" before him, whose disguise was flawless:
"but..."
"That was given by Xue Qinghe, what does it have to do with you?"
"It seems... you haven't given me any decent gift yet, have you?"
"Want to talk to me about personal matters?
Want to talk to me about business deals that could get you killed?"
"That's a different price!"
Xuan Hao stretched out a hand, palm up, and waved it in front of Xue Qinghe:
Where is the sincerity?
"Trying to get something for nothing?"
"you--!!"
Xue Qinghe looked at the small hand stretched out in front of him and was so angry that he almost possessed his martial spirit on the spot.
Good heavens!
This kid really knows how to "eat one fish in two ways" perfectly!
Taking the royal family's national treasure is considered giving "Xue Qinghe" face!
Now they actually want to extort another sum before they'll give "Qian Renxue" any face?!
So, in her eyes, Xue Qinghe is Xue Qinghe, and Qian Renxue is Qian Renxue, and she has to pay for both?!
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