Chapter Fifty-Five: A Conversation Between Two People

Qian Renxue’s expression was calm as she watched Xiao Yu descend from the sky. Their eyes met, and for a moment, silence reigned between them.

“Should I address you as Your Highness the Crown Prince, or something else? Perhaps, Your Holiness the Saint?”

After a long pause, Xiao Yu finally broke the silence. At his words, Qian Renxue’s pupils trembled suddenly, but she forced herself to remain composed. “I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

“That kind of answer is boring, don’t you think?” Xiao Yu shrugged indifferently. “Soul resonance works both ways. If you can sense it, so can I. You can’t hide it from me.”

Qian Renxue’s face changed slightly. She turned to the two people behind her and said, “Uncle Snake Lance, Uncle Dolphin, go patrol the perimeter. No one must be allowed near!”

Xiao Yu also spoke lightly. “Milo, Aeolia, you two keep watch outside as well.”

The four titled Douluo obeyed, taking up positions at the four cardinal points, each keeping a wary eye on the surroundings and the opposing side.

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll kill you?” Once they were alone, Qian Renxue flashed a playful smile. “Let me tell you, my soul power is nearing level sixty. Killing you would be effortless.”

“If I dared to stay here, I naturally have means to protect myself,” Xiao Yu replied calmly. “Besides, we’re both clever people. Killing me—what benefit would that bring you?”

Qian Renxue smiled faintly. “It would eliminate a potential strong adversary. Isn’t that benefit enough?”

“How can you be so sure I’ll be your enemy in the future, rather than a powerful ally?” Xiao Yu’s voice was cool. “Don’t forget, just a few days ago I helped you fool Ning Fengzhi. If I had told the truth then, with Ning Fengzhi’s shrewdness, do you think he wouldn’t have noticed? Sword Douluo was standing right beside you at the time. If you tally it up, I actually saved your life. Now you greet your savior with threats—aren’t you being a bit ungrateful?”

“You…” Qian Renxue was momentarily at a loss for words. After a long while, she spoke softly. “How did you guess my identity?”

Since Xiao Yu possessed foreknowledge of the original story, he couldn’t reveal that, so he fabricated an answer smoothly. “It wasn’t all that difficult. The Heaven Dou imperial family’s Swan Martial Soul could never resonate with mine, not in ten thousand years. Since you’re impersonating their heir, you must be an infiltrator from an opposing force. The subordinate kingdoms and duchies wouldn’t dare attempt this, but the Star Luo Empire might. However, being able to command two titled Douluo indicates your status is quite high within your faction. The Star Luo imperial family’s White Tiger Martial Soul and the Empress’s Nether Spirit Cat Martial Soul don’t fit the criteria for soul resonance with mine. After eliminating all possibilities, only Spirit Hall remains.

Although my Nine Stars Hall has remained secluded for years, that doesn’t mean we ignore the affairs of the world. I know a thing or two about the Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul, the legacy of Spirit Hall’s Pope.”

“Why didn’t you expose me in front of Ning Fengzhi?” Qian Renxue pressed further.

Xiao Yu answered carelessly, “Why should I expose you? Does it concern me? Is Xue Ye my father, or is Ning Fengzhi my father?”

That sounded rather reasonable!

For a moment, Qian Renxue was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. “Is that really the only reason?”

“Not entirely,” Xiao Yu said calmly. “Compared to the decadent nobles of Heaven Dou Empire, I actually think you taking charge wouldn’t be a bad thing. Since stepping into Heaven Dou City, I’ve heard endless praise for Your Highness’s wisdom—my ears are nearly calloused.”

Qian Renxue’s curiosity was piqued. “You don’t mind that my methods of usurping the throne are less than honorable?”

Xiao Yu shook his head. “In the struggle between great nations, any method is fair game. Moreover, the ruling class of Heaven Dou Empire is rotten to the core. The common people suffer under the exploitation of officials at every level, their lives are miserable. Corruption has infected the empire’s very marrow. Even without you, someone else would replace them sooner or later.

The Six-Winged Angel is the earthly avatar of the Angel God, symbolizing light and sanctity. I believe you will surely do better than they ever could.”

Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue’s smile became even more radiant. “Since you hold me in such esteem, would you be interested in joining Spirit Hall to help me?”

She paused, then added, “I can promise you this: if Nine Stars Hall is willing to join Spirit Hall, you will have the highest autonomy. All sect affairs will remain under your control, and Spirit Hall will not interfere.”

“I refuse!” Xiao Yu shook his head resolutely. “Your Holiness, I may have faith in you, but your desire to swallow my sect isn’t exactly sincere.”

“That’s not what I mean!” Qian Renxue quickly clarified. “My promise is genuine. If you agree, aside from attaching the Spirit Hall name, everything else will remain the same.”

“Your Holiness, if you want to discuss cooperation, let’s do so. But if you’re aiming for annexation, forgive me—I must take my leave.” Xiao Yu had his own plans for the future, and the independence of Nine Stars Hall was his unyielding bottom line. He would never accept any form of merger. Furthermore, even if Qian Renxue made solemn promises now, who could guarantee the future? And could she truly make decisions above Bibi Dong?

Seeing Xiao Yu’s unwavering stance, Qian Renxue realized her proposal was somewhat fanciful and stopped insisting. “Cooperation? What kind of cooperation did you have in mind?”

Xiao Yu was exasperated, gritting his teeth. “Big sister, if I remember correctly, you’re the one who sought me out, right? Did you come here without even thinking through what you wanted?”

Qian Renxue’s face showed a hint of embarrassment. After realizing Xiao Yu might have seen through her disguise, she had been eager to clarify things with him. But with Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda’s soul tool business, Ning Fengzhi was always accompanied by Sword Douluo or Bone Douluo, leaving her no opportunity to speak privately with Xiao Yu. It was only after the business between Nine Stars Hall and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was concluded that Xiao Yu was about to depart, and she chased after him on impulse, without considering what to do once they met.

What a foolish girl!

Xiao Yu was speechless at this. This woman could be shrewd and calculating at times, yet when she acted foolishly, it was truly astonishing. No wonder the vast Spirit Hall enterprise ended up ruined by her and her mother.

With a sigh of resignation, Xiao Yu proposed, “Let’s do this: for now, let’s reach an agreement. I promise not to reveal your identity to anyone, and in return, you’ll use the status of Crown Prince within Heaven Dou Empire to grant my sect certain conveniences. Establish a good cooperative relationship with Nine Stars Hall—I believe Emperor Xue Ye would be pleased to see this.”

“Agreed!” After thinking it over, Qian Renxue nodded her consent.