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In a private room at the Seven Treasures Hotel, after several rounds of drinks and dishes had been served, the table was cleared by the waitstaff, who then brought in a pot of tea before quietly exiting.
"Mr. Zhongli, after learning that you have become a guest advisor to my household, my father has gifted you one million gold spirit coins and ten chests of jewels."
As "Xue Qinghe" spoke, he retrieved a golden card from his new storage-type soul tool and placed it on the table.
This was a savings card, universally accepted across the entire Douluo Continent.
It was rather strange—though the Douluo Continent had savings cards and card readers, other technological advancements were severely lacking.
Most of the soul tools in use today were relics from ancient times, such as the lighting and sound-amplifying soul tools in the Spirit Arena.
The ten chests of jewels were also taken out one by one and placed beside Paimon.
What puzzled "Xue Qinghe" the most was Paimon.
She didn't seem to possess a storage-type soul tool, yet merely by touching physical objects, she could achieve the same effect.
Could it be that this little creature's abilities were related to spatial attributes?
If that were truly the case, then Paimon's potential growth would be extraordinary!
Before Zhongli could respond, Paimon rubbed her hands together excitedly and swiftly stored away the chests of jewels.
"We're rich, we're rich!"
"Zhongli, from now on, we won't have to—"
Suddenly, as if remembering something, Paimon's smile froze.
"Zhongli spends money like water… These gold spirit coins probably won't last long, will they?"
The thought of Zhongli's extravagant spending habits during their past shopping trips gave Paimon a headache!
"Please convey my gratitude to your father," Zhongli said calmly, cupping his hands in a slight bow.
Snowstorm Emperor (internally): After bestowing so many gifts, he can't even bring himself to address me as 'Emperor Snowstorm'!
Zhongli quietly pocketed the storage card.
Sometimes, buying breakfast and other small necessities still required money.
The only question was whether he'd remember to bring it.
Truthfully, Zhongli had no real concept of money…
Just when Zhongli thought Snowstorm's gifts had ended, "Xue Qinghe" produced another item. At the sight of it, Zhongli was momentarily stunned.
"Wow, what's this?"
Paimon quickly flew over to "Xue Qinghe," her large eyes fixed on the object.
It emitted a watery blue glow, shaped like a rhombus, with no signs of artificial polishing—as if naturally formed.
As Zhongli studied it, it seemed to study him back.
The two engaged in a silent stare.
"???"
"Paimon, this is the Heaven Dou Empire's national treasure—the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud!"
"It's an ancient soul tool passed down from antiquity!"
The Heaven Dou Imperial family knew that the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud could be used for offense and defense.
However, they were unaware that it was an artifact of the Sea God's inheritance.
The direct descendants of the Heaven Dou Imperial family lacked formidable spirit power or combat prowess.
Thus, this treasure had remained locked away in their vaults.
"My father presents this to Mr. Zhongli…"
"Xue Qinghe" left the rest unsaid—asking Zhongli to save the Heaven Dou Empire in times of crisis?
How could such words ever leave her mouth?
"Hmm…"
Zhongli fell silent. The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud was a crucial opportunity for Tang San. Without it, even with twin spirits, Tang San would never be able to undergo the Sea God's Nine Trials.
From Poseidon's perspective, a successor must first earn the recognition of the Heart of the Sea God and master it to stand a chance at passing the trials.
Without the Heart's assistance, attempting the Nine Trials would be suicidal.
Naturally, Poseidon wouldn't allow his successor to walk to their death.
Without the Heart, even if one possessed unparalleled talent and the potential to ascend to godhood, the most Poseidon would grant was the Eight Trials.
"Since I've already taken the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well into my Inner World, does it even matter if I take the Heart of the Sea God or not?"
"The God of Slaughter will probably guide Tang San to inherit another deity's position…"
After resolving the poison afflicting Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan, the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well was given to Zhongli as compensation.
The art of the Inner World—Ping was skilled in it, and Zhongli, as the Ancestor of All Adepti, naturally mastered it as well.
Under Dugu Bo's stunned gaze, Zhongli had simply… relocated the entire Ice Fire Yin Yang Well.
"Qinghe, do you know what this truly is?"
Instead of immediately taking the Heart, Zhongli posed this question to "Xue Qinghe."
It was rather peculiar.
Logically, "Xue Qinghe" was not yet the Angel God's successor, as she hadn't undergone the trials. At most, she was merely a descendant of the Angel God.
Her talent was among the finest in the entire Douluo world. Yet, despite this…
Why hadn't the Heart of the Sea God recognized her as its master while in her possession?
Was "Xue Qinghe" simply unworthy?
Hearing this, "Xue Qinghe" was momentarily bewildered.
This was something she had brought herself—of course she knew what it was. She had even explained it to Paimon earlier.
Zhongli's sudden question caught her off guard.
"Please enlighten me, sir."
"Xue Qinghe" clasped her hands respectfully.
"This is the Sea God Poseidon's inheritance artifact—the Heart of the Sea God."
"Boom!"
The revelation struck "Xue Qinghe" like a thunderbolt.
She didn't know much about Poseidon at the moment.
But the Sea God—
A god!
"By gaining its recognition, one can travel to Sea God Island, inherit the Sea God's legacy, and ascend as the new Sea God."
"Hiss—"
"Xue Qinghe" inhaled sharply, her expression shifting dramatically as she stared at the Heart in her hand.
The Heaven Dou Imperial family actually possessed such a divine treasure!
And Zhongli… he actually recognized it!
Wait—if Zhongli knew this was the Heart of the Sea God, why didn't he take it immediately? Why explain it to her instead?
Didn't he fear she might reclaim it?
This was a chance to become a god!
Suddenly, as if realizing something, "Xue Qinghe's" expression turned peculiar.
In her dreams, it was Tang San who became the Sea God.
Could it be that this was originally meant to be Tang San's opportunity?
At the thought of those dreams, "Xue Qinghe" glanced subtly at Zhongli.
In them, this man had effortlessly suppressed the Angel God, the Rakshasa God, the Sea God, and the God of Slaughter—rendering them powerless.
If he looked down on the Sea God's inheritance and openly admitted it, that was understandable.
After a brief contemplation, "Xue Qinghe" made her decision.
If she took the Heart back, it might somehow end up in Tang San's hands through some twist of fate.
Better to leave it with Zhongli—after all, it would be useless to him anyway.
Would he ever seek to inherit a godhood weaker than his own?
Obviously not.
Taking a deep breath, "Xue Qinghe" spoke again:
"Thank you for your guidance, sir."
"Given your current strength, you've already reached the Title Douluo level. With the Heart of the Sea God's aid, you may one day break through the hundredth rank and ascend to godhood!"
Hearing this, before Zhongli could respond, Paimon frowned, glanced at him, and instinctively…
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 55 on my patreon, go check it out.