Chapter 51: Become a disciple of Qianjun
"Who are you, Your Majesty? It is inappropriate to joke with a junior like this."
Li Luochen paused for a moment, realizing this person wasn't from the Haotian Sect. The only middle-aged Titled Douluos in the Haotian Sect were Tang Xiao and Tang Hao.
Tang Hao was still overseeing Tang San, and Tang Xiao certainly wasn't at level 96 back then.
Li Luochen guessed that this Titled Douluo must be from elsewhere. A level 96 Titled Douluo standing before him was intimidating. The only person he could think of was Sword Douluo, but this person's spirit power exuded dominance rather than sharpness, ruling him out.
Could it be one of them...?
"Haha, I'm not here to kill you. I'm just interested in you. But your performance and combat abilities just now have earned my approval," Qianjun Douluo said with a smile, placing Li Luochen back on the ground and removing his black robe.
The man in front of Li Luochen had a black bun, gray-blue eyes, a scar over his right eye, a handsome face, and a tall, imposing stature. He wore golden armor and a purple ceremonial robe, along with a headscarf that symbolized his high status in the Spirit Hall—a stark contrast to the black robes of Contras and the red robes of elders.
"I am the Sixth Worshiper of the Spirit Hall, with the title Qianjun. According to the intelligence we received, there is a genius spirit master with a mutated dragon-patterned staff who clashed with Poison Douluo's granddaughter. Not only that, your second spirit ring is at the thousand-year level. You became a high-level soul master at twelve years old. I was eager to see you for myself and determine if you are worthy of my mantle. From what I've seen so far, you meet my expectations."
Qianjun Douluo spoke cheerfully. Unlike his younger brother Jiangmo Douluo, he was calm, composed, and knew how to seize opportunities.
Li Luochen had impressed him. His quick thinking and use of provocation created an opening, which suited Qianjun Douluo's taste.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. I hope you can forgive my rude words earlier," Li Luochen quickly saluted, offering respect to the powerful Douluo. The more respectful, the less blame he'd incur.
"Get up. I don't have time for such empty formalities. I want to take you as my disciple. What do you think?"
Qianjun Douluo got straight to the point.
"Your Majesty, what are the conditions?" Li Luochen wasn't naïve. A level 96 Titled Douluo wouldn't offer to be his master without expecting something in return.
"Naturally, you'd have to join the Spirit Hall," Qianjun Douluo said frankly.
"I expected that, but I don't particularly like the current Pope, Bibi Dong. I don't want to work for her," Li Luochen responded bluntly. He preferred to avoid involvement with Bibi Dong, especially with the ongoing internal strife in the Spirit Hall.
"Well, the Worship Hall is not aligned with the Pope. What I am asking for is your allegiance to the Qian Family, the Six-Winged Angel lineage of the Spirit Hall. Our young lady has taken an interest in you and wants you on her side. I happened to see this opportunity and came to meet you myself," Qianjun Douluo explained.
From his words, it was clear he was asking for Li Luochen's loyalty to Qian Renxue.
Li Luochen pitied Qian Renxue. Despite her incredible talents and high status, she faced too many challenges. Born with the god-level Six-Winged Angel martial soul, she possessed innate full soul power at level 20 and excelled in cultivation. However, her life was a tragedy. Her family perished, her home was destroyed, her divine position shattered, and she remained stuck at level eighty-nine.
"I don't mind serving her, but I'd prefer to support her from the shadows. I suspect she is in Tiandou City and has already taken notice of me. If she wishes to recruit me, she must have her reasons for not making it public. I believe it's better to remain discreet for now, especially since I'm just a promising soul master, not yet a powerhouse."
Li Luochen's thoughtful response surprised Qianjun Douluo. The young man had not only deduced Qian Renxue's location but also guessed her intentions accurately. Such insight, combined with the ability to think several steps ahead, impressed the Titled Douluo.
"Very well, I'll inform the young lady. Now, come and become my disciple," Qianjun Douluo said, satisfied.
"Disciple Li Luochen greets his teacher," Li Luochen bowed deeply to Qianjun Douluo.
"Good, good. Here is my personal technique, the Qianjun Stick Technique, along with my notes on how to master it. Practice diligently, and I will return to check on your progress." Qianjun Douluo handed a book to Li Luochen.
"Thank you, teacher," Li Luochen replied, deeply grateful. He had long mastered his grandfather's dragon-patterned stick technique but needed guidance to take it further. Qianjun Douluo's arrival was timely.
"Haha, that's all for today. I'll be back to assess your skills. Don't let me down," Qianjun Douluo said before disappearing into the night.
After his departure, Li Luochen returned to Shrek Academy, reflecting on how unexpected the night had been.
Meanwhile, Qianjun Douluo headed straight for Tiandou City to inform Qian Renxue that he had successfully brought Li Luochen into their fold.
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In Tiandou City, at the Prince's Mansion...
After a long day of managing state affairs, Qian Renxue, disguised as Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, finally finished her duties.
"Young Master, the Sixth Priest is here to see you. He's waiting in the secret chamber," a voice informed her.
"Sixth Grandpa is here? Something must have happened," Qian Renxue thought as she made her way to the secret room. It was the most secluded part of the Prince's Mansion, where she handled confidential matters and trained in private.
Upon entering the room, she was greeted by Qianjun Douluo.
"Sixth Grandpa, why have you come?" Qian Renxue exclaimed, immediately reverting to her true self and affectionately holding Qianjun Douluo's hand.
The priests of the Worship Hall had always been kind to her, and Qian Renxue was deeply respectful toward them.
"Haha, I came to see how you're doing, Xiaoxue. You seem more haggard than the last time I saw you. If you're too tired, come back to the Worship Hall. You don't have to follow through with this plan to seize the throne," Qianjun Douluo said gently, rubbing her head.
"No, Grandpa Qianjun, I won't give up halfway. I'll see this through," Qian Renxue responded with determination. "But is there a reason you've come today?"
"Yes, I left the Spirit Hall and went to Soto City in Barak Kingdom. There, I met the genius you've been keeping an eye on. I've taken him as my disciple, and he has pledged his loyalty to you."
Qianjun Douluo then explained everything that had transpired with Li Luochen.
"I had been wondering how to recruit him, and it seems everything worked out. As for the conditions he set, I agree. A genius like him must be treated with dignity. We can't afford to exploit him; that would backfire. Not only do I want his strength, but I want his unwavering loyalty," Qian Renxue said seriously.
"Haha, Xiaoxue has grown up," Qianjun Douluo remarked fondly, gently patting her head.