Ning Fengzhi's words left Qian Renxue momentarily stunned, unable to regain her composure for a long time. When she finally reacted, a surge of ambition began to rise within her.
She had come to Heavenly Dou as a spy at the age of nine, and now, eighteen years had passed. During these years, she had been unable to return home and had experienced many trials. Without the help of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, she might not have reached this point.
She still remembered the year she returned to Spirit Hall with great enthusiasm, only to be met with obstacles from her grandfather and Bibidong. But now, she had become an emperor who could stand on equal footing with the Pope.
Moreover, someone had told her that this should not be the end. Even without Spirit Hall, she could still achieve greater things.
A glint of determination flashed in Qian Renxue's eyes, gradually turning into excitement. "Teacher is right, but when should we start? What reason should we use to declare war?"
Seeing Qian Renxue so interested, Ning Fengzhi smiled casually and began to strategize in his mind.
The Star Luo Empire now had the support of the Clear Sky Sect, but one of the Clear Sky Twin Stars had already been crippled. Although they had many Title Douluo, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was not without the strength to fight.
However, a war between the two empires would have significant consequences. It wasn't just about the military; they also needed to consider issues like the livelihood of the people. More importantly, they needed a reason to take the moral high ground.
"Teacher, isn't there still a prince from Star Luo within our Heavenly Dou territory?" Li Xun interjected at the right moment. "That guy has a notorious reputation now. I've heard he's particularly bloodthirsty, and whenever he acts, it's either death or injury. I think he's the perfect candidate."
Since the end of the Soul Master Competition, Li Xun had been sending people to investigate the Shrek Academy group.
Although Shrek Academy had been raided and Flender and the others had scattered, they had always remained within his sight.
As for Dai Mubai, due to a change in his personality, although he had left Heavenly Dou City, he had not chosen to live in obscurity. Instead, he continued to live a carefree and indulgent life in certain cities. Of course, because he was missing an important part, his ways of seeking pleasure had also changed significantly.
These were joys that one couldn't find by living in seclusion in the mountains or villages.
"Dai Mubai?" Ning Fengzhi frowned, recalling the once arrogant and unruly youth.
Li Xun nodded. "Teacher, all his information is now in Aunt Xue's hands. I'll have her deliver it to you when I return."
"That makes things easier. Your Majesty, have you made up your mind? Once the arrow is shot, there's no turning back." With many troubles out of the way, Ning Fengzhi smiled.
Qian Renxue's eyes flickered, then gradually became resolute. "Teacher, let's prepare!"
The three of them discussed for a while longer, and then Ning Fengzhi stood up to leave. Seeing that his precious disciple showed no intention of leaving, he was slightly puzzled but didn't press further.
Li Xun had now passed the most vulnerable period for a Soul Master. How strong he was exactly, Ning Fengzhi wasn't sure, but the information he had received from Sword Douluo was enough to put his mind at ease.
Qian Renxue stood up to see Ning Fengzhi out. Noticing that Li Xun was still lingering, she smiled and said, "What? Junior Brother, are you planning to stay and help me with administrative affairs?"
"Senior Sister, with your current abilities, you hardly need my help!" Li Xun waved his hand. He no longer needed to curry favor with Qian Renxue and had no intention of diving back into the sea of work.
"Haha, I knew you wouldn't come here without a reason. I was just wondering why you came with Teacher, and now you're showing your true colors?" Qian Renxue mocked. "Tell me what you want first, and then I'll decide whether to agree or not."
"Senior Sister, you've changed," Li Xun said with a hint of melancholy.
"It's you who's changed. In the past two years, you've barely visited the Imperial Study. I wonder where that Junior Brother who used to stay up all night helping me sort through memorials has gone?"
Qian Renxue leaned casually against the throne, idly playing with her nails while occasionally stealing glances at Li Xun's reaction. "Go on, speak!"
Li Xun chuckled awkwardly. "I wanted to borrow the Vast Sea Cosmos Cover from the royal treasury."
The Vast Sea Cosmos Cover?
Qian Renxue was momentarily stunned. Naturally, she knew of this item—it was a treasure of the Heaven Dou Empire, after all.
However, this object was somewhat mysterious. Since the Heaven Dou royal family had acquired it, they had only managed to uncover its function as a Soul Guiding Device, failing to decipher any other uses. As a result, it had been sealed away in the treasury, waiting for a future generation to unlock its secrets.
Qian Renxue's bright eyes began to flicker, and Li Xun immediately knew things weren't going well. "Senior Sister, I just want to borrow it for a while."
"Junior Brother, we've known each other for about eight years now, haven't we? Since we were young, I've never seen you ask for something so useless."
Qian Renxue's lips curled with a hint of mockery. "To save you from making up excuses, I won't ask about its secrets. But what are you prepared to offer in exchange? If it satisfies me, I might just give it to you directly."
"Senior Sister, I've done great deeds for Heaven Dou!" Li Xun protested helplessly.
Qian Renxue shook her head with a faint smile. "Heaven Dou is a thing of the past. Now, I, Qian Renxue, am in charge."
"Senior Sister, I even helped you take down the Golden Generation of the Spirit Hall," Li Xun persisted.
"Not enough," Qian Renxue shook her head again. "That was part of your service to the Heaven Dou Empire. I want something that benefits me directly."
Li Xun gritted his teeth and pulled out a piece of paper filled with writing from his Soul Guiding Device. "Senior Sister, I remember you owe me a wish. Do you recall?"
Qian Renxue was momentarily taken aback, her emotions slightly complicated. "It seems this item really isn't simple!"
She glanced at her nails, pondering for a moment. "If I were to use up one of my promises just for this, then my word as Qian Renxue would be worth too little."
"The Vast Sea Cosmos Cover can be your reward for all the work you've done for me over the years. However! In return, you must agree to one condition, and you can't use the wish I promised you to offset it."
If only I had visited more often these past few years...
Li Xun hadn't expected things to turn out this way. After a moment of thought, he put the written promise back into his Soul Guiding Device. "Fine, but I must warn you, don't ask for something I can't do."
"Of course, why would I make things difficult for you?" Qian Renxue smiled faintly, pulling out a blank sheet of paper from the desk and pointing at it with her slender finger. "I learned from you. You should know what to do."
After all these years of hunting geese, today I got pecked by one.
Under Qian Renxue's gaze, Li Xun reluctantly approached the desk and carefully began writing the promise. He then dipped his finger into the inkpad Qian Renxue handed him and pressed it all over the paper.
Qian Renxue examined it carefully, satisfied as she took it back from Li Xun. After another glance to ensure there were no mistakes, she stored it in her Soul Guiding Device and called for someone to retrieve the item from the treasury.
Soon, a servant entered the study carrying a lacquered red tray.
Unveiling the red cloth, a three-dimensional triangular crystal, seemingly carved from sapphire, was prominently displayed on the tray. The object was no larger than a palm, its entire body translucent with a blue glow, emitting a strange undulation that seemed to ripple through the air like waves. Under the radiant light of this treasure, the imperial study appeared even brighter.
Naturally, Li Xun was delighted to obtain such a divine artifact. However, since it wasn't something he would use himself, his joy was fleeting.
"Ning Rongrong, for you, this little waste, I've already promised away a favor. If you dare to provoke me again, just see how I'll deal with you!"
This guy really got lucky.
Li Xun looked at Qian Renxue, who was smiling warmly.
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