Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [52]

Although a minor mishap occurred, Qian Renxue wasn't someone who had spent her years in the royal palace for nothing. She quickly composed herself, acting as though nothing had happened.

A moment later, a knock came at the door. Seven Treasures Pavilion staff entered, accompanied by a group of maids carrying an array of pastries, fruits, and wine. They set everything up efficiently and left, restoring the atmosphere to normal.

Qian Renxue chuckled softly, raised a wine cup from the table toward Chen Ming, and took a light sip. Seeing this, Chen Ming had no choice but to pick up his cup, smile faintly, and take a sip as well.

Chen Ming hadn't expected that, even in another world, the culture of toasting and drinking would still chase him down.

He didn't like drinking—not because he couldn't handle alcohol, but because he'd seen too many drunkards in his youth. He feared that, in a moment of drunkenness, he might lose control and let something slip. That would truly spell disaster.

Qian Renxue noticed his reluctance and smiled subtly.

"A few days ago, I heard about a genius at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy who managed to absorb a thousand-year soul ring for their second ring. It piqued my curiosity. I also heard about your interactions with the granddaughter of Poison Douluo, Dugu Yan."

"Although I understand that most rumors are mere hearsay, and the phenomenon of three men making a tiger is a timeless truth, I couldn't help but grow curious about the details."

At this point, Qian Renxue changed the subject.

"By the way," she said with a slight smirk, "the item I sent you a few days ago—how does it suit you, Brother Chen Ming?"

There was a deeper meaning behind her words.

The "item" she'd sent wasn't merely a gift for Chen Ming; it was more like a lifeline.

Over the centuries, many Soul Douluo and even Title Douluo had examined the remains of the hundred-thousand-year soul beast from which this relic originated. Most had deemed it useless, even a defective piece. Both Snake Lance Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo, her close subordinates, shared this opinion.

However, for a poison-type soul master, a relic from a hundred-thousand-year poison-type soul beast was immensely valuable.

Though it couldn't be directly used, it might allow a poison-type soul master to reverse-engineer certain traits of such a beast, potentially leading to significant soul power improvements.

Qian Renxue's intent wasn't just to gift this relic to Chen Ming but also to Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo.

After hearing about the connection between Chen Ming and Dugu Yan, she surmised that Dugu Bo wouldn't kill Chen Ming outright but might not fully accept him as a potential grandson-in-law. Hence, she sent a treasure of unique significance to poison-type soul masters.

She reasoned that if Chen Ming was clever, he would offer this treasure to Dugu Bo. This gesture would win Dugu Bo's favor and signal that Chen Ming recognized her goodwill. Even if Dugu Bo didn't like Chen Ming, this token would likely make him hesitant to act harshly.

If Dugu Bo already approved of Chen Ming, the treasure would serve as a token of goodwill, helping Chen Ming secure his position in Dugu Bo's eyes.

If Dugu Bo eventually accepted Chen Ming as a disciple or grandson-in-law, Qian Renxue would also have a significant favor owed by Chen Ming—something that could assist her future plans to overthrow the empire.

Of course, if Chen Ming didn't need the treasure to win Dugu Bo's approval, that would be even better for Qian Renxue.

Recruiting a sharp-minded, talented individual was far more valuable than recruiting someone with raw talent alone.

After all, the treasure came from the royal treasury of the Heaven Dou Empire—not her pocket.

Unlike other precious items, this relic had been gathering dust for over a century. Giving it away didn't trouble her, a false prince, in the slightest—not even Emperor Xue Ye himself would feel the loss.

It wasn't until Qian Renxue had the relic delivered to Chen Ming that Emperor Xue Ye even remembered it existed in the royal treasury.

"Thank you for your generosity, Your Highness. I am, of course, deeply satisfied," Chen Ming said as he offered Qian Renxue a polite bow.

He couldn't fully grasp her intentions but understood enough to recognize her goodwill.

What a great person Qian Renxue was!

She's a true benefactor!

Initially, Chen Ming thought his opportunities in Heaven Dou City would be limited to accessing the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Even acquiring the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud seemed uncertain. Yet here Qian Renxue was, casually presenting him with an incredible gift.

The dragon core was a genuine treasure. While much of its potency had been diminished, its inherent properties remained valuable—far more so than any single immortal herb.

Considering its potential for passing down through generations, its worth was even greater. It could lay the foundation for a thousand-year family or sect.

Qian Renxue wasn't just a benefactor—she was practically the God of Wealth, a living embodiment of prosperity!

The two exchanged knowing smiles, each aware that the other understood.

As their conversation continued, Qian Renxue casually chatted with Chen Ming, occasionally probing for information.

She asked about the environment in Biluochen City, whether it was abundant in poisonous creatures, his family's legacy, his experiences at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, and the efforts it took to absorb a thousand-year soul ring as his second ring.

While most of her inquiries were harmless, some were pointed. However, Chen Ming deftly handled them with practiced rhetoric. Though not flawless, he managed to avoid revealing any critical secrets.

This only made Qian Renxue appreciate him more.

A talented and sharp individual like Chen Ming could serve as a key figure under her command, playing a significant role in the Heaven Dou Empire.

As a result, her tone became more inviting, hinting at recruitment.

Faced with such a clear overture from a powerful patron, Chen Ming neither accepted nor outright rejected the offer. Instead, he explained that he was currently troubled by rumors within the academy, making it difficult to make any decisions. Nevertheless, he expressed goodwill toward Qian Renxue.

Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue decided not to press further. She called for the steward of Seven Treasures Pavilion, instructing them to bring out the prepared dishes and more fine wine. She wanted to enjoy a proper feast with Chen Ming.

Could Chen Ming refuse to drink?

He wanted to, but realistically, he couldn't.

During the banquet, Qian Renxue, still in her guise as Prince Xue Qinghe, began discussing the Heaven Dou Empire. She also subtly brought up Chen Ming's opinion of the Spirit Hall.

Chen Ming responded cautiously, avoiding taking a strong stance for either the Spirit Hall or the Heaven Dou Empire. Instead, he adopted a neutral, balanced perspective.

He acknowledged that the Spirit Hall was a holy land for soul masters, a legacy of the Angel God, and incomparable to the nations of the continent. He also noted that the current peace between the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires was largely due to the Spirit Hall's covert mediation.

In his view, the Heaven Dou Empire would continue to rely on the Spirit Hall to maintain stability. However, as a sovereign nation, it should not become subservient to the Spirit Hall. While maintaining close ties, it was essential to keep some distance and retain room for maneuvering.