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To be honest, let's be honest!
The Spirit Hall even sent out their own Saintess—
One with innate twenty-level spirit power, no less!
And here she was, standing right before Snowstorm Emperor Xue Ye!
"Qinghe, how would you describe Mr. Zhongli's temperament?"
Many powerhouses had eccentric personalities.
Dugu Bo was reclusive, disliking noise, preferring solitude.
Otherwise, he was unremarkable.
At this question, "Xue Qinghe" fell into thought—and couldn't help but twitch at the memories.
Inviting someone to eat, then forgetting money?
"Mr. Zhongli's temperament…"
"In my humble opinion, he is exceptionally eloquent, knowledgeable in all matters—astronomy, geography, soul masters, spirit beasts, civil affairs, military strategy…"
"He always offers unique insights, which was why I initially sought to recruit him."
"At the time, I hadn't realized he was a Titled Douluo…"
This was something Xue Ye could easily verify with minimal investigation.
"Xue Qinghe" saw no reason to hide it.
Concealing it would only breed suspicion, hindering her long-term plans.
Besides, her cover remained intact—honesty would strengthen Xue Ye's trust.
Xue Ye nodded, a trace of gloom fading from his eyes.
In truth, before "Xue Qinghe" arrived, he'd already investigated thoroughly.
He even knew about Dugu Bo gifting Zhongli a mansion.
Dugu Bo was aligned with Xue Xing and Xue Beng—hardly likely to introduce "talent" to "Xue Qinghe."
Let alone this level of talent!
"By imperial decree, bestow upon the Crown Prince's advisor: one million gold spirit coins, ten crates of jewels, and…"
"Ah, Qinghe—does this lord have a fondness for women?"
"…???"
"Xue Qinghe" stiffened, her lips quirking.
How would she know Zhongli's preferences?
After a moment's thought, she shook her head.
"Reporting to Father, this child does not know."
She genuinely didn't!
Then, a realization struck.
During their meal, she'd extensively probed the simple-minded Paimon for Zhongli's habits.
Just as Xue Ye was about to chastise her for "neglecting basics"—failing to discern a male powerhouse's interests—
"Xue Qinghe" continued:
"However, from his martial soul, I learned Mr. Zhongli enjoys collecting antiques, calligraphy, paintings, famous performers…"
"As well as shopping, opera, tea…"
Frankly, upon hearing this, "Xue Qinghe" had almost agreed with Paimon—Zhongli was a loafer!
What powerhouse wasted time on such frivolities instead of cultivating?
The Spirit Hall's elders—weren't they formidable?
One needed at least rank ninety-six to join their ranks!
Yet they spent every moment in seclusion, striving for breakthroughs!
Shopping? Opera?
Was this how a proper person behaved?!
"…Ahem."
Xue Ye fell silent, his mind buzzing.
According to reports, since arriving in Heaven Dou City, Zhongli and his "martial soul" had done precisely these things…
The intel seemed accurate.
Antiques?
The Heaven Dou Empire had stood for millennia—its relics filled warehouses!
Among them, one treasure even the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's leader coveted—
Repeatedly offering exchanges.
But Xue Ye was no fool.
The sect's alliance with the empire had peaked—whether he traded or not, relations wouldn't improve further.
That was resource waste.
Using such assets to secure greater advantages? That was true governance.
"Qinghe, I trust you excel at winning over talent."
"But to bind such a powerhouse to the empire's cause? You must do more."
"Present him our national treasure—the Oceanic Heaven Cover!"
"Xue Qinghe" jolted.
Had the old man gone mad?!
That was something Ning Fengzhi had begged for multiple times—always refused!
"A twin-martial-soul, hundred-thousand-year-ring powerhouse? Worth it."
"Qinghe… you still have much to learn."
"This child understands, Father!"
This was Xue Ye mentoring her.
Though she needed no lessons, his words weren't wrong—her path was long.
Thankfully, she was the Spirit Hall's Saintess—not the real Xue Qinghe!
Had Zhongli been swayed by such "heartfelt" tactics earlier, the Spirit Hall—no, the future Spirit Empire—would've been doomed!
Just like in her dreams.
No. Never again.
If that wasn't a dream but a second chance—she'd never allow that future!
"Xue Ye, for all your scheming—you never guessed I'm not your son!"
"Xue Qinghe's" lips curled, her gaze steely.
By any means necessary, she'd bind Zhongli to her—
Wait, no—
To her side!
Heaven Dou City, Spirit Hall Sanctuary
Sanctuary Master and Spirit Hall Platinum Bishop Salas's face was stormy.
He'd known about the city gate incident for hours—
And had brooded just as long.
"A formidable enemy!"
"If this man adds rings to his second martial soul, he'll be unprecedentedly dangerous!"
Salas had dedicated himself to the Spirit Hall's cause.
Though his personal conduct was… questionable, his loyalty was unshakable.
Such a powerhouse couldn't be eliminated easily.
A determined Titled Douluo could escape multiple pursuers.
And what if they couldn't defeat him?
Remember Tang Hao?
With his hundred-thousand-year ring, his battle record…
"Wait—the young mistress!"
A realization struck—Salas's gloom instantly morphed into elation.
As a high-ranking Spirit Hall official stationed in Heaven Dou, he knew Qian Renxue's true identity.
Earlier, Zhongli's sheer terror had paralyzed his thoughts—making him forget.
If Zhongli was the Crown Prince's advisor—wasn't he effectively the young mistress's subordinate?
All that worry—for an ally?!
"Should I approach His Excellency?"
"If I don't, won't Xue Ye suspect him of being our plant?"
"But if I do…"
"Ignoring this would be more suspicious!"
"I'll go—openly! To invite His Excellency!"
"Since when does the Spirit Hall explain itself?!"
"Hahaha…"
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 25 on my patreon, go check it out.