Looking at the delicate little child, Zhao Ling couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
If he agreed to protect this little brat Xue Qinghe, and if Qian Renxue was born on Douluo Continent just like in the original story, and when she was seven or eight years old, she sneaked up to this kid.
Then, as in the original story, at ten years old she would attempt to assassinate Xue Qinghe and ultimately replace him, should he stop her or not?
If he stopped her, that would undoubtedly be a betrayal of Qian Xunji, Bibi Dong, and even the entire Spirit Hall. It might also put the future Qian Renxue in danger.
If he didn't stop her, Zhao Ling would feel a little unfair. He had already accepted so much from others, yet all they wanted was for him to protect this unlucky child. It was really a headache.
Seeing Zhao Ling fall silent, Emperor Xueye became a bit anxious and hurriedly said,"Demon Suppressing Doulou, I just want you to help save my child when he is in danger. It shouldn't be too difficult, right? If you agree, I can let this child regard you as his godfather. Please don't refuse."
Uh… Zhao Ling was stunned. Emperor Xueye was really something — to protect his son, he actually wanted to find him a godfather. A ruthless person, even more fierce than a wolf. Respect.
Zhao Ling was silent for a while, then decisively nodded and agreed,"Alright, the conditions you offer are indeed very generous. I can agree to save this child three times. After three times, if he's still in danger, I won't interfere anymore.
And don't think three times is too little. I am a Title Douluo; it's impossible for me to save this kid infinitely. If this kid gets into danger too often, I'd have to stay with him every day. I hope you understand."
Emperor Xueye understood as well. It was unrealistic to bind a Title Douluo permanently to his child, no matter how generous the offer. Someone willing to promise to save his child three times was already precious enough; he shouldn't ask for more.
So Emperor Xueye smiled brightly, nodding repeatedly, and said,"No problem. You are willing to save him three times — that's already fate for him. I thank you on behalf of this child.
Have you named the child yet?"
Zhao Ling reached out and poked the little kid's face, pretending to be puzzled.Looking at his rosy cheeks, he felt this little brat would definitely grow up to be a very handsome prince.
But according to the original story, this kid wouldn't have a chance to grow up. Even if Zhao Ling was willing to save him three times, it would be hard for him to survive.
After all, there's no way to be completely vigilant for a thousand days. When Qian Renxue, like in the original story, arrives with the Snake Spear Douluo and Porcupine Douluo at the Tian Dou Imperial City, that basically marks the start of this unlucky kid's countdown.
However, nothing is absolute. If Qian Renxue, because Bibi Dong becomes her wife, doesn't unite with Qian Xunji and doesn't come to this Douluo world, then this child might have a chance to grow up safely.
"Qinghe, his name is Xue Qinghe. He's my first child and the future crown prince of the Tian Dou Empire. I hope he will inherit my throne one day and become the new emperor."
Emperor Xueye said firmly without hesitation. To him, since the Demon Suppressing Doulou promised to protect his son three times, no matter how unlucky he was, he should grow up safely and inherit the throne.
"Xue Qinghe? Hmm, good name." Zhao Ling nodded appreciatively, his starry eyes deepening, but inside he sighed,"Little guy, since I promised to protect you three times, I will definitely keep my word. But after three times, whether you will live as short a life as in the original story depends on your own fate.Don't blame me for being unfair. I have my own stance, and protecting you three times is already my biggest concession."
After meeting Emperor Xueye, Zhao Ling and Bo Saixi took a carriage to leave the Tian Dou Palace. Following them was one of Emperor Xueye's attendants.
Emperor Xueye said he wanted to reward Zhao Ling a huge mansion and had the attendant take him there to have a look.
According to the attendant's introduction, the huge mansion was the royal residence where Emperor Xueye lived before ascending the throne.
The mansion was not only vast in area, but also nicely decorated, with a full staff of butlers, servants, and maids.
Zhao Ling and company could move in immediately without any preparations. He had no objections — since he had agreed to be a Tian Dou royal devotee, it was no surprise that Xueye would provide generous living conditions.
Zhao Ling even asked Emperor Xueye if he could renovate the mansion if he wasn't satisfied with the current style. Emperor Xueye readily agreed without hesitation.
After all, the mansion was already gifted to Zhao Ling. In the future, it belonged to him. If he felt uncomfortable living there, he could renovate it however he liked.
Zhao Ling was very satisfied with this answer. He just worried that when he transformed the mansion into a Huaxia style building, Xueye might disapprove.
The carriage then returned to the previous coffee shop. It was already past 5 PM, and the sun had sunk to a 15-degree angle in the west.
When Ah Yin and Liu Erlong saw Zhao Ling and Bo Saixi return, they quickly stood up and asked what had happened.
Zhao Ling told them everything about Emperor Xueye inviting him to become a devotee of the Tian Dou royal family. Then he called the two girls into the carriage to go see the huge mansion Emperor Xueye had rewarded.
After about ten minutes of travel, the carriage stopped in front of a large mansion.
The mansion's decoration style was similar to the Tian Dou Palace but of a lower standard. However, compared to most buildings in Tian Dou City, it was much more upscale.
But Zhao Ling didn't like this Western style architecture at all. He still preferred the grand, majestic, and elegant style of Huaxia.
Therefore, he planned to renovate the mansion properly anyway, especially since Emperor Xueye spared no expense to win him over.
The huge mansion was given without hesitation, and the 5 million gold soul coins annual salary was also placed on a black card and given to Zhao Ling.
Zhao Ling naturally accepted without hesitation. After all, the Tian Dou Empire was rich. Compared to the Xingluo Empire, which emphasized military cultivation, the Tian Dou Empire focused more on economic development.
So Tian Dou was the richest country on Douluo Continent. The Qibao Liuli Sect was said to be wealthier than a country. Since they were so rich, helping out a poor guy like Zhao Ling was nothing.
Zhao Ling wasn't fond of the Western-style mansion, but Bo Saixi had seen a lot.
That didn't mean others wouldn't like it, though. Ah Yin and Liu Erlong's eyes lit up at the sight of the huge mansion. They hurriedly asked the attendant to lead the way—they wanted to explore the mansion.
Zhao Ling nodded at the attendant, signaling him to lead the way, and they all headed inside the mansion together…