"The world is so wonderful, yet you are so irritable. This is not good, not good at all."
Seeing that Qian Renxue was about to lose her temper, Chu Chengzhou shook his head and said.
"Hmph, if you're not afraid of death, then go ahead and say it. When my grandfather finds out, he definitely won't let you off!"
Qian Renxue coldly snorted.
"Oh? Your grandfather?
Let me ask you this: isn't there a possibility that your grandfather will see how handsome I am, how talented I am, and how well we already get along, and instead of killing me, he'll bring me back to be your husband?"
Rubbing his chin, Chu Chengzhou said.
Qian Renxue: "."
It seemed like it wasn't entirely impossible?
After all, aside from her grandfather, she was the only remaining member of the Angel Family—and she was a woman.
No, no, how could her doting grandfather possibly find a scumbag like him to be her husband?
"Chu Chengzhou, there's no enmity between us, and I used to admire you greatly, treating you like a brother. Even if we can't be brothers anymore, we can still be siblings."
Pushing those messy thoughts aside, Qian Renxue said seriously.
"Look what you're saying. I've always regarded Xue Qinghe as my good brother! But to maintain this brotherhood and prevent it from deteriorating, I'm planning to have a child with you as a guarantee!"
Chu Chengzhou patted his chest and said.
"!!!"
Immediately, Qian Renxue's eyes widened, and she looked at the shameless Chu Chengzhou in disbelief.
"Don't get angry or start cursing just yet. Let me explain everything to you!"
Patting Qian Renxue's shoulder, Chu Chengzhou continued: "As far as I know, the former Pope of the Spirit Hall once had a daughter who unfortunately passed away at a young age. Was that you?"
Qian Renxue nodded.
The identity of being a direct descendant of the Angel Family undoubtedly attracted much attention from various forces on the continent. When she came to the Tian Dou Empire to carry out her infiltration plan, to avoid exposing her identity, the Spirit Hall announced that she had died.
"Your father has long since passed away, so doesn't that mean the Angel Family of the Spirit Hall now consists of just you and your grandfather?"
Qian Renxue nodded again.
The Angel Family had always been small in numbers because their inherited martial soul was the Six-Winged Angel. Every family member had extraordinary talent. Those who didn't die young eventually became nine-ring Titled Douluos, and rarely were there any below level 95.
Such powerful talent, if the family were large in numbers, would have already dominated the entire continent.
"Your grandfather is quite old; I doubt he's interested in starting anew, right?
As the sole heir of the Angel Family, to ensure its continuation, you will definitely need to find a suitable husband and have children.
We were once close brothers. Why give the opportunity to an outsider when you can consider me? Besides, as I said earlier, the child can take your surname."
Chu Chengzhou gently persuaded.
Hearing this, Qian Renxue couldn't help but feel somewhat swayed.
Chu Chengzhou was right. The Angel Family had been passed down for twenty thousand years and absolutely couldn't end with her generation.
Though there were many talented soul masters of her generation on the continent, she hadn't found anyone suitable.
Moreover, Chu Chengzhou had said that the child could take her surname. Presumably, her grandfather would be very pleased to see a child awakened with the Six-Winged Angel martial soul, and the child would still bear the surname 'Qian,' right?
In that case, it wasn't entirely impossible to consider!
This scoundrel is definitely not my ideal husband!
Immediately, Qian Renxue looked at Chu Chengzhou with an expressionless face.
Qian Renxue knew that in terms of verbal sparring, she was likely no match for Chu Chengzhou.
To prevent herself from accidentally falling into his trap, she decided to remain silent and coldly ignore him. No matter what Chu Chengzhou said, she wouldn't utter a word.
As long as the atmosphere turned awkward, even if this guy was shameless, there would still be a limit.
However, things developed somewhat unexpectedly. The previously shameless Chu Chengzhou quickly reverted to his original gentlemanly demeanor and started discussing serious matters.
"My little angel, can you do me a favor?"
Chu Chengzhou said.
Chu Chengzhou understood the phrase "too much is as bad as too little."
The matter of using a child to maintain 'brotherly' affection was something Qian Renxue should be aware of. There was no need to keep discussing this topic and risk offending her.
Of course, every time they met in the future, casually mentioning it and deepening the impression was inevitable.
"Favor? What favor?"
The abrupt change in topic caught Qian Renxue off guard, but it was a good thing. At least, it made her feel less awkward.
"My strength has increased recently, and I plan to collect some interest from the Star Luo Empire. Help me investigate the movements of the high-level experts in the Star Luo Imperial Family."
As the saying goes, kindness invites bullying, and a gentle horse invites riding.
Even excluding the initial incident where he took the blame, the Star Luo Empire had attempted to assassinate him twice. If he didn't collect some interest, he, Chu Chengzhou, might be seen as an easy target.
Besides, he didn't have many weaknesses. Hu Liena had Bibi Dong protecting her, and the Star Luo Empire likely didn't know about his relationship with Hu Liena.
Xiao Wu and the others were all in Tian Dou City. He and Dugu Bo were practically neighbors, so the Star Luo Empire wouldn't dare act recklessly in Tian Dou City.
As for his grandparents, even if the Star Luo Empire managed to uncover his background, it wouldn't matter. He had already made arrangements.
Back then, the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower and Eight Petal Immortal Orchid they consumed weren't for nothing. By now, his grandparents were no longer the principal and teacher of the Novice Soul Academy in Nuoding.
Even though their age meant the effects of the immortal herbs weren't as strong as they would be on younger individuals, the results were still remarkable.
A few months ago, when he brought his three girlfriends back to Nuoding to visit relatives, his grandmother had advanced to a Soul King, and his grandfather had broken through to Level 60.
After taking his grandfather to the Great Star Dou Forest and advancing him to a Soul Emperor, leveraging the relationship that the crown prince of the empire was his good brother, Chu Chengzhou arranged for his grandparents under pseudonyms to become the principal and teacher of an Intermediate Soul Academy in a city in the northern part of the Tian Dou Empire.
With a changed workplace, pseudonyms, altered martial souls, and significantly enhanced strength, he doubted that the Star Luo Empire's intelligence capabilities were strong enough to uncover this.
"By the way, disregard those below seven rings, and those in Star Luo City aren't needed either."
Chu Chengzhou added.
Collecting interest~ small gains weren't interesting. For the Star Luo Imperial Family, only the loss of experts above seven rings would truly hurt.
However, to be safe, he didn't plan to cause trouble in Star Luo City.
Although the Star Luo Empire didn't have as many experts as the Spirit Hall, Star Luo City was the capital of the Star Luo Empire, and there were certainly experts stronger than him.
"The Soul Douluos of the Star Luo Imperial Family mostly possess Spirit Fusion Techniques. Can you handle them?"
Raising an eyebrow, Qian Renxue asked.
Spirit Fusion Techniques significantly boosted a soul master's strength. Even if the level was just at the initial eight rings, as long as the other half wasn't too weak, after activating the Spirit Fusion Technique, they basically possessed Titled Douluo-level strength.
And this was also the fundamental reason why, in past wars between the two empires, the Tian Dou Empire was often at a disadvantage.
"Don't worry, we don't have a child to maintain our relationship yet! I won't have any accidents."
Chu Chengzhou waved his hand dismissively.
He was a sniper; covert attacks were his specialty.
The Netherworld White Tiger required two people to activate. Even if his summon couldn't defeat a Titled Douluo-level Netherworld White Tiger, wouldn't it allow him to use Flowing Gold Armor Piercing Arrows to ambush and kill the person activating the Netherworld White Tiger?
Ordinary Netherworld Spirit Cats weren't top-tier martial souls, and generally speaking, few women from the Zhu family could reach the eight-ring Soul Douluo level. The elder members of the royal family from the Dai family at the eight-ring level had spouses at most at the seven-ring level.
With careful calculation and unexpected attacks, how many Soul Sages on the continent could withstand his assassination?
"Pfft~!"
Seeing Chu Chengzhou mention children again, Qian Renxue blushed slightly and spat silently.
However, Qian Renxue didn't refuse the matter. She directly agreed.
After all, whether viewed from the perspective of the Tian Dou Empire's Crown Prince Xue Qinghe or the Spirit Hall's young master Qian Renxue, the Star Luo Empire was her future enemy.
Chu Chengzhou causing trouble for her enemy, regardless of his intentions, was indirectly helping her. Naturally, Qian Renxue wouldn't refuse.
She even hoped that the Star Luo Empire would suffer heavy losses, and perhaps, unable to catch Chu Chengzhou, the culprit, they would angrily fight the Tian Dou Empire!
The stagnant court and military of Tian Dou were not conducive to her, a grand spy plotting to overthrow the country, promoting and placing trusted subordinates.
Leaving the Tian Dou Grand Hotel, Chu Chengzhou went straight to Yue Xuan.
After reaching an agreement with Qian Renxue to provide intelligence support, Chu Chengzhou stopped acting shamelessly, dispelled the illusion, and honestly ate a proper lunch. After all, studying noble etiquette for half a year wasn't for nothing.
Uh, it seemed like the nobility of Douluo Continent wasn't all that great?
Hmm, precisely because of this reason, Chu Chengzhou planned to re-consult with Sister Yuehua, who taught him noble etiquette.
The guards at the entrance of Yue Xuan were still the two green-clad youths who had stopped him before.
But times had changed. Knowing that Chu Chengzhou was a guest of their mistress and addressed her as a sister, the two youths didn't stop him. Not only did they not stop him, but they also respectfully invited him in.
"Chief Steward Aode, may I ask where my Sister Yuehua is?"
Upon entering the gate of Yue Xuan, Chu Chengzhou saw Chief Steward Aode and went up to ask.
"Greetings, Young Master Chu. Today, the mistress's nephew has come to visit and is being entertained on the fifth floor."
The purple-clad Chief Steward Aode replied.
Knowing that his mistress had a good relationship with Chu Chengzhou and addressed each other as siblings, he didn't conceal the information.
'Tang San?'
Upon hearing this, Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but look surprised.
He had studied noble etiquette and music at Yue Xuan for half a year but hadn't encountered Tang San yet!
Had Tang San returned from training in Slaughter City?
No, it shouldn't be that fast. Did Tang San learn hammer techniques from Tang Hao and was about to train in the Killing Arena, coming to visit his aunt?
"Young Master Chu, please wait a moment. I will send someone to inform the mistress."
Before Chu Chengzhou could say anything, Chief Steward Aode bowed and instructed a maid to inform Mistress Tang Yuehua.
If Tang Yuehua were entertaining Tang San on the fourth floor, he would have directly taken Chu Chengzhou there.
But the fifth floor of Yue Xuan was Tang Yuehua's private space. Without permission, one couldn't enter and had to report first.
Yue Xuan, fifth floor.
Tang Yuehua was catching up with her beloved nephew Tang San.
Suddenly, a maid's voice came from downstairs: "Mistress, Young Master Chu has arrived!"
'Sworn Brother Chu?'
Tang Yuehua raised an eyebrow, pondered for a moment, and then said to the downstairs: "Please invite him up."
She was currently entertaining her beloved nephew Tang San on the fifth floor. If she kept Chu Chengzhou outside, it would seem somewhat distant.
Moreover, Chu Chengzhou appeared to be around the same age as her beloved nephew. In Tang Yuehua's view, more interaction among young people was definitely beneficial.
"Aunt, who is this Young Master Chu?"
Tang San curiously asked.
Tang Yuehua smiled and said: "Little San, you know him. It's Chu Chengzhou."
"Chu Chengzhou? Aunt, are you very familiar with him?"
Tang San frowned.
Although he bore no grudge against Chu Chengzhou, he couldn't help but feel that this person was quite detestable.
Hmm, this absolutely had nothing to do with him being thoroughly defeated by Chu Chengzhou in the soul master tournament, even nearly losing his life.
"Noble etiquette and music?"
Tang San was somewhat astonished.
Although he disliked Chu Chengzhou in his heart, he had to admit that Chu Chengzhou was one of the rare geniuses on the continent. Even possessing multiple high-quality soul bones, he was defeated by Chu Chengzhou.
Such a talented soul master would come to learn these things that didn't significantly enhance strength?
"When you come out of that place, you'll understand."
Seeing the confusion in Tang San's eyes, Tang Yuehua explained.
"Huh? Aunt, you mean he has already come out of Slaughter City?"
Tang San's eyes widened in shock.
Unlike the original story, ever since his spirit awakening, Tang San could be said to have been raised by Tang Yuehua.
In Tang San's heart, Tang Yuehua was not only his aunt but also played the role of a mother over the years.
Now that he was about to train in Slaughter City, with an uncertain return date, he naturally informed his aunt.
Although he hadn't been to Slaughter City, Tang San could gather bits and pieces from his father Tang Hao's words that Slaughter City was no simple place.
Because his father Tang Hao had said that countless soul masters had entered Slaughter City over the millennia, but only eight successfully emerged, and among the current Killing Gods, only he and the Spirit Hall Pope Bibi Dong remained.
And both his father and the Spirit Hall Pope Bibi Dong were true powerhouses on the continent.
What merits did this Chu Chengzhou possess to be listed alongside his father and Bibi Dong as one of the present-day Killing Gods?
"Yes, he indeed obtained the Killing God Domain.
Little San, the Spirit Hall is not only our Hao Tian Sect's enemy, but the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is also at odds with them.
And Chu Chengzhou is Ning Fengzhi's prospective son-in-law, considered half a member of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. One could say that you and Chu Chengzhou are natural allies. Befriending him will surely benefit you without harm."
Nodding, Tang Yuehua said.
Before the Hao Tian Sect withdrew from the world, including herself, everyone in the sect sneered at the current leader of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi, often talking about the 'three upper sects standing together.'
What level was the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family? What level was our Hao Tian Sect? Upper sects standing together, does Ning even deserve it?
Aside from lackeys and followers, our prestigious number one sect in the world didn't need allies from other sects or family forces.
But after the incident that occurred more than ten years ago, the strength and influence of the Hao Tian Sect in the soul master community drastically decreased, and the thoughts of the Hao Tian Sect immediately changed.
The Spirit Hall is bullying us too much! Leader Ning is right; the three upper sects should stand together!
"I understand!"
Tang San nodded.
Indeed, the Spirit Hall was powerful, and the road to revenge was long and arduous. It was indeed necessary to find allies to jointly resist the Spirit Hall.
Not long after, footsteps sounded from downstairs.
"Young Master Chu, the Madam is upstairs. It is not suitable for us to go up."
Leading Chu Chengzhou to the staircase leading from the fourth to the fifth floor, the maid spoke.
Waving his hand, Chu Chengzhou stepped onto the staircase leading to the fifth floor of Yue Xuan.
The fifth floor of Yue Xuan was Tang Yuehua's private space. Despite studying there for half a year, he had never been upstairs. Today, being able to witness it was thanks to my dear nephew Tang San?
Tang San: Who's your dear nephew? You're courting death!
Upon reaching the fifth floor and looking around, Chu Chengzhou saw that the top floor of Yue Xuan was a large hall, decorated more elegantly than the lower floors.
All the furnishings here were carved from agarwood, which was worth more than gold, giving the entire floor a faint fragrance.
It gave a sense of comfort, tranquility, silence, and elegance. Though not overly luxurious, the subtle woody scent made one feel genuinely at ease.
At this moment, Tang Yuehua in a silver palace dress and Tang San in blue attire were seated beside an agarwood table in the center of the hall.
"One day without seeing you feels like three autumns apart. Sister Yuehua, you've become even more beautiful! Brother Tang San, long time no see."
Chu Chengzhou approached and greeted the two.
"Brother Chu."
Tang San nodded indifferently, acknowledging the greeting.
"Brother Chu, don't sweet-talk me. I've always been like this. Please sit!"
Tang Yuehua smiled, stood up to invite Chu Chengzhou to sit, and then poured a cup of tea.
'Brother Chu? Sister Yuehua?'
At this point, recalling that Chu Chengzhou, who was of the same generation as him, called his aunt Sister Yuehua?
If my aunt calls him brother, don't I inexplicably drop a rank?
Wait a minute, if I remember correctly, this Chu Chengzhou is quite a playboy, with more than one girlfriend.
My aunt, though not young, is still single. Could it be... you want to be my uncle-in-law?!
Instantly, Tang San's eyes widened, and he looked at Chu Chengzhou in shock.
"Eh, Brother Tang San, what's wrong with you?"
Seeing Tang San looking at him in shock, Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but feel surprised.
"No, nothing."
Tang San waved his hand. It was just a suspicion and couldn't be said aloud, otherwise, he'd surely be scolded by his aunt.
"Little Brother Chu, Little San, you two are peers. Young people should communicate more."
Tang Yuehua smiled and said.
"It should be so! By the way, Sister Yuehua, I've invented a new noble etiquette and came specially to consult you to see if it's applicable."
Glancing at Tang San, Chu Chengzhou nodded and readily agreed, addressing Tang Yuehua.
Confucius said: reviewing the old to learn the new can allow one to become a teacher!
Dear nephew Tang San, I, Chu-fucius (Referencing Confucius), am determined to be your uncle-in-law!
"Oh? What etiquette is it?"
Tang Yuehua curiously asked.
"Sister Yuehua, shall I demonstrate it for you?"
Chu Chengzhou tentatively asked.
"That's fine!"
Tang Yuehua nodded, feeling somewhat expectant.
After all, Yue Xuan was the imperial etiquette academy of the Tian Dou Empire. As the mistress of Yue Xuan, the various etiquettes she taught were benchmarks for the nobility of the Tian Dou Empire.
If there were new noble etiquettes appearing that could reflect elegance, they certainly needed to be witnessed.
Immediately, a smile appeared on Chu Chengzhou's lips as he stood up and walked to Tang Yuehua's side, politely extending his right hand.
Though unsure what Chu Chengzhou was doing, Tang Yuehua still smiled and extended her delicate hand, thinking this new etiquette was probably an improvement on the handshake, which wasn't a big deal.
However, the subsequent development greatly exceeded Tang Yuehua's expectations.
Under Tang Yuehua's expectant gaze and Tang San's watchful eyes, Chu Chengzhou, smiling, lifted Tang Yuehua's tender hand and planted a kiss on it with a 'smack'.
Instantly, Tang San was shocked, and Tang Yuehua's eyes widened, completely losing the composure expected of the mistress of Yue Xuan.
"Sister Yuehua, this is called a hand-kiss. In my opinion, this etiquette is a friendly way to greet opposite-sex friends, similar to hugging among close friends."
Having taken advantage, Chu Chengzhou didn't push further, releasing Tang Yuehua's delicate hand and sincerely explaining.
Looking at Chu Chengzhou's sincere face, Tang Yuehua instinctively dismissed the idea that this was Chu Chengzhou shamelessly taking advantage of her. Instead, she subconsciously thought it was purely an etiquette, though personally, she found it hard to accept.
However, Tang Yuehua thinking this way didn't mean Tang San thought the same.
This guy blatantly took advantage of my aunt, clearly intending to be my uncle-in-law!
I, Tang San, absolutely won't allow a playboy like Chu Chengzhou to be my uncle-in-law!
Immediately, anger rising in his heart, Tang San glared at Chu Chengzhou, as if wanting to skin him alive.
If it weren't for his aunt's careful upbringing instilling deep noble manners, he would have rushed forward to challenge Chu Chengzhou to a duel.
"Ahem, Little Brother Chu, I think this etiquette, while not lacking elegance, lacks applicability."
Clearing her throat, Tang Yuehua said somewhat awkwardly.
"Is that so? That's quite disappointing. If even the hand-kiss lacks applicability, then the cheek-kiss is even more out of the question."
Chu Chengzhou feigned disappointment.
'Cheek-kiss?'
Upon hearing this, Tang Yuehua's face darkened. If she guessed correctly, this cheek-kiss involved pressing cheeks together, right?
Why not mention kissing the face or even lip-kissing?
"Brother Chu, it's been a while since the soul master tournament. Would you be willing to spar?"
Suppressing the anger in his eyes, Tang San stared at Chu Chengzhou and clasped his hands.
This is intolerable!
This shameless guy uses the pretext of etiquette to take advantage of my aunt. As a good nephew, Tang San felt it necessary to teach Chu Chengzhou a lesson.
His previous defeat by Chu Chengzhou in the soul master tournament was merely due to carelessness and not dodging.
Coincidentally, he had recently achieved success in hammer techniques and planned to use Chu Chengzhou as a sacrificial offering for his hammer!
As for exposing his twin martial souls?
Since they were already at odds with the Spirit Hall, with the protection of Tang Hao, even if the Hao Tian Hammer martial soul was exposed, no one could touch him!
Of course, given that both sides were natural allies, Tang San didn't plan to go all out, but a severe beating was inevitable.
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