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Cao Qing still had that expressionless look on his face, and he seemed to be shrouded in a faint sense of alienation, which was out of tune with the lively atmosphere around him.
Ever since Xue Tianxing helped him avenge the extermination of his family, Cao Qing vowed to be loyal to Xue Tianxing for life and is usually taciturn.
At this moment, seeing Xue Tianxing, Shui Bing'er and others about to get a ten thousand year soul bone each, Cao Qing's heart was not without waves - it would be a lie to say that he was not envious. Soul bones are the dream treasures of any soul master, let alone a ten thousand year soul bone.
But this envy was soon replaced by a deeper sadness:
His family was slaughtered by his enemies just because of a thousand-year soul bone, and he was the only one left alive; now, these people in front of him can easily obtain ten-thousand-year soul bones. The gap in fate makes him feel mixed emotions.
Xue Tianxing naturally noticed something strange about Cao Qing.
Cao Qing walked through the cheering crowd, approached Cao Qing, reached out and gently patted his shoulder, his tone gentle but with a hint of directness:
"Cao Qing, seeing them get the Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone, are you envious? Do you want to have one too? Tell me the truth, there's no need to hide it."
Cao Qing was brought back to his senses by Xue Tianxing's words. He quickly lowered his head, his tone filled with a hint of respect and restraint:
"Your Highness, the Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone is the most precious treasure in the Soul Master world. To say you don't want it or envy it is to deceive yourself.
But I know in my heart that Your Highness has helped me avenge the extermination of my family and given me the opportunity to kill my enemy with my own hands. This favor is greater than the sky.
I dare not ask for more; as long as I can stay by Your Highness's side and serve You, I will be satisfied."
Xue Tianxing looked at Cao Qing's sincere eyes and nodded with satisfaction.
He knew that Cao Qing was a man who valued friendship and gratitude, and he had always wanted to give Cao Qing some substantial rewards, but he had not found a suitable opportunity.
Now that I have a ten thousand year soul bone, it is a perfect opportunity.
"You don't have to underestimate yourself."
Xue Tianxing's voice reached Cao Qing's ears clearly, "My ten thousand year soul bone is too young for me. It won't improve me much even if I absorb it. I didn't intend to keep it anyway.
We will be participating in the Continental Soul Master Competition in just over a year. During this time, you must perform well. If you can make a significant contribution to the Barak Academy team at the competition, I will give you this Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone."
"boom!"
These words exploded in Cao Qing's mind like thunder. He suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with incredible ecstasy.
Ten thousand year soul bone!
That was a treasure that even 95% of the soul masters on Douluo Continent had never seen, and it was something he had never even dared to think about before!
Now His Highness actually said that as long as I behave well, he can give me the Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone?
Cao Qing's body couldn't help but tremble slightly, and a fanatical light flashed in his eyes.
He suddenly knelt on one knee, clasped his hands together, and spoke with a choked voice, but with extraordinary determination:
"Your Highness! I... I thank Your Highness for your grace! From now on, Cao Qing's life belongs to Your Highness! I will stay by Your Highness's side every step of the way. If anyone dares to approach Your Highness or harm You, they must first step over my body! If I cannot withstand the enemy's attack, I will lose my life!"
His words were powerful and full of determination to serve until death.
For Cao Qing, Xue Tianxing not only avenged him, but also was willing to give him a ten-thousand-year soul bone. This kindness has long surpassed the loyalty between the monarch and his subjects, and it is a bond that he must protect with his life.
Xue Tianxing looked at Cao Qing kneeling on the ground with a relieved smile on his face.
He reached out and helped Cao Qing up, patting his arm:
"Get up. I never mistreat those who are loyal to me. Just follow me well, and there will be more opportunities in the future. I believe you won't let me down."
"I will definitely fulfill my mission!"
Cao Qing straightened his chest, and the determination in his eyes was stronger than ever.
The atmosphere in the side hall became more harmonious because of this little episode.
Everyone is full of expectations for the future, and Cao Qing also secretly made up his mind to work harder in the coming time and live up to Xue Tianxing's trust and expectations.
Three days passed in a flash, and the atmosphere in the Barak Palace was still filled with joy - everyone was looking forward to the compensation from the Tiandou Empire.
Early that morning, as Xue Tianxing walked out of the bedroom, he heard the servants whispering among themselves, saying that people from the Tiandou Empire had arrived outside the city and were preparing to enter the palace to deliver something.
"Oh? You're here so soon?"
Xue Tianxing had an idea and decided to go to the main hall to see what was happening and meet the envoy sent by the Tiandou Empire.
When he hurried to the outside of the palace, he saw a team of guards from the Tiandou Empire carrying a dozen exquisite boxes and accompanying a middle-aged man in purple court robes walking in - it was Xue Ye's trusted minister Wang Kun.
As soon as Wang Kun stepped into the hall, his eyes quickly scanned the scene inside. When he saw Xuezhe sitting on the throne in the center of the hall, and Ning Fengzhi, Liu Tianfeng, Dugu Bo, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo standing on both sides, his originally calm expression instantly became flattering.
Wang Kun quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply to Xuezhe and the others, his posture extremely humble and his tone respectful, almost humble:
"Wang Kun, the envoy of the Tiandou Empire, greets His Majesty the Barak Kingdom, Sect Master Ning, and all His Majesties!"
He looked even more respectful than when he met Xue Ye, as if he had met his own father.
Wang Kun is no fool. He has been working hard in the Tiandou court for many years and has already developed the ability to read people's expressions.
He knew clearly that the current situation on the continent had changed dramatically. The Tiandou Empire, once the sovereign state, was like the setting sun in the west, becoming weaker and weaker day by day. Not only had it lost the important granary of Beiyuan Province, it had also lost a large number of spirit bones and industrial privileges, and its strength was far less than before.
The former vassal state of Barak Kingdom, under the leadership of Xuezhe, has become increasingly powerful like the rising sun in the east. It not only controls the two major grain centers of Soto City and Beiyuan Province, but also has two Titled Douluo, Liu Tianfeng and Dugu Bo, as well as a young generation with extraordinary talents like Xue Tianxing.
Especially Xue Tianxing, Wang Kun had heard rumors about him a long time ago - he broke through the Soul King realm at the age of twelve and possessed a top-level martial soul like Ice Phoenix. If he continued to develop at this speed, it would not take decades for Xue Zhe and Xue Tianxing to grow into Titled Douluo-level powerhouses.
By then, the strength of the Barak Kingdom will probably surpass the Tiandou Empire, and even be able to compete with the Xingluo Empire and the Spirit Hall.
"By then, it's hard to say who will be the suzerain and who will be the vassal..."
Wang Kun secretly calculated in his heart:
"Perhaps the Tiandou Empire won't even be able to maintain its status as a vassal state, and will be directly annexed by the Barak Kingdom, just like the Xingluo Empire, with complete control over all provinces, and no longer divided power between kingdoms and principalities."