The Deal
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That night, around ten o'clock, two figures approached the southern gate of Heaven Dou City, having traveled from outside the city.
It was Lin Yongming and the Blue Silver Emperor, returning after their earlier departure.
During the day, they had left Heaven Dou City through the eastern gate, heading in the direction of the Barak Kingdom. However, upon reaching a mountain, they had paused to rest before circling around to the southern gate.
To avoid drawing attention from the Spirit Hall, Lin Yongming and the Blue Silver Emperor had covered half of their faces as they re-entered the city.
"You two finally made it. I've been waiting here for quite a while," Du Gu Bo said as he appeared before them.
Du Gu Bo's presence here was due to a message he had delivered to Lin Yongming the previous day on behalf of Emperor Xue Ye.
Upon hearing Du Gu Bo's description, Emperor Xue Ye had immediately taken an interest. He had already held a favorable impression of Lin Yongming, and the fact that Lin Yongming wanted to avoid the Spirit Hall and meet him privately for a deal had piqued his curiosity further.
With Du Gu Bo, Tang Yuehua, and Ning Fengzhi all vouching for Lin Yongming, Emperor Xue Ye had agreed to meet him. However, he had not committed to any deal, only stating that he would meet Lin Yongming first before making any decisions.
"Old Freak, I had no choice. If I arrived too early, the Spirit Hall might have noticed, and I wouldn't be able to explain myself. They might even accuse me of treason," Lin Yongming said with a helpless shake of his head.
"It seems you don't fully trust the Spirit Hall. That's a good mindset. The Spirit Hall may be the largest organization on the continent, composed entirely of soul masters, but that also means its internal structure is complex. Who knows how many factions exist within it?"
"You're quite the little freak, being so cautious at such a young age," Du Gu Bo remarked, giving Lin Yongming an approving look.
"I just want to ensure my own safety. After all, there are people in this world I care about," Lin Yongming replied with a calm smile.
The Blue Silver Emperor, standing beside him, couldn't help but smile sweetly at his words.
"Let's go. Emperor Xue Ye is probably getting impatient. I know a hidden route in the southern district that's rarely used at night. That's why I told you to come to the southern gate," Du Gu Bo said, understanding Lin Yongming's concerns. After all, he too had loved ones to protect.
"Please lead the way, Senior Du Gu," Lin Yongming nodded.
With Du Gu Bo leading, Lin Yongming and the Blue Silver Emperor followed closely behind.
In the darkness, they navigated through narrow, deserted streets.
The Blue Silver Emperor noticed that the area was less developed compared to other parts of Heaven Dou City. It was essentially a slum, which explained why there were so few people around.
After about ten minutes, Du Gu Bo brought them to a cluster of buildings.
These structures were part of the massive imperial palace. Based on the terrain, it seemed that the area had once been a mountain, but the imperial family had flattened the peak and built the palace halfway up the mountain.
The surrounding residences had spread out from the palace in all directions, forming the current layout of Heaven Dou City.
"The palace is enormous!" Lin Yongming thought as he stood outside the palace walls, realizing that even his mind's eye couldn't fully encompass the entire palace.
"Here we are. This is the back entrance to the palace," Du Gu Bo said, gesturing toward the imposing structure.
"Old Freak, are you sure Emperor Xue Ye is alone? I'm worried that if there are too many people around, the Spirit Hall's spies might be among them," Lin Yongming asked, wanting to confirm once more before entering.
"Don't worry. Emperor Xue Ye heard about your concerns and specifically dismissed many of his guards for tonight."
"Right now, there should only be four people with him: Prince Xue Xing, the Empress, Head Guard He, and Deputy Guard He. They're all his most trusted confidants."
"Also, the Deputy Guard should be waiting for us just beyond this wall," Du Gu Bo explained.
"That's a relief. Hearing that puts my mind at ease," Lin Yongming said, letting out a sigh of relief.
"Let's go. We can just climb over the wall," Du Gu Bo said, leaping over the wall with ease.
"Ah Yin, let's go."
"Alright."
Lin Yongming and the Blue Silver Emperor followed, jumping over the wall together.
"You're finally here. We've met before."
On the other side of the wall, a middle-aged man stood beside Du Gu Bo.
Lin Yongming recognized his aura. He had seen this man several times at the Moon Pavilion, always by Emperor Xue Ye's side.
"So, you're the Deputy Guard Senior Du Gu mentioned," the Blue Silver Emperor said, removing her veil.
"Let's go. His Majesty has been waiting in his study for quite some time," the Deputy Guard said softly before turning to lead the way.
"My apologies for keeping Emperor Xue Ye waiting," Lin Yongming said with a helpless smile as he followed.
"It's fine. His Majesty understands your situation. After all, you are still a member of the Spirit Hall, so it's only natural to be cautious. Besides, Emperor Xue Ye is very interested in the deal you proposed, which is why he agreed to meet you," the Deputy Guard replied without turning around.
"Understood. I assure you, this deal will be worth His Majesty's while," Lin Yongming said confidently.
The Deputy Guard led the three of them along a secluded path, eventually arriving at the grand hall of the palace.
They entered through a side door and made their way to a smaller chamber.
"Your Majesty, they're here," the Deputy Guard announced, knocking on the door.
Lin Yongming could sense four auras inside the room.
"Come in," a commanding voice called from within.
The door was opened by a middle-aged man—Head Guard He, as Du Gu Bo had mentioned.
"Senior Du Gu, please come in," the Deputy Guard said, staying outside to stand guard.
"Little Freak, let's go," Du Gu Bo said, stepping inside.
"Alright," Lin Yongming and the Blue Silver Emperor followed, entering the study.
Head Guard He closed the door behind them, standing guard just inside, while the Deputy Guard remained outside.
Lin Yongming and Du Gu Bo walked through a short corridor before entering the main room.
Inside, Emperor Xue Ye sat at a small table, engrossed in a book. Across from him was a square table where Prince Xue Xing sat, brewing tea.
The Empress was nearby, organizing books and occasionally handing them to Emperor Xue Ye.
The study was filled with bookshelves lining the walls, as one would expect in a royal library.
"Senior Du Gu, and Lin Yongming, I presume? You're finally here. Please, have a seat and enjoy some tea," Emperor Xue Ye said, setting down his book.
"Come, sit here. Guests should be treated with hospitality. Let me pour you some tea," Prince Xue Xing said, cleaning some jade teacups.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. Greetings, Your Highness," Lin Yongming and the Blue Silver Emperor bowed respectfully.
"Please, sit. This is a private meeting. No need to be so formal," Emperor Xue Ye said, taking a seat beside Prince Xue Xing.
"Little Freak, Blue Silver, take a seat," Du Gu Bo said, sitting to the side.
Lin Yongming and the Blue Silver Emperor sat across from Emperor Xue Ye and Prince Xue Xing.
"Ah Cai, could you fetch some porridge? It's late, and I'm sure everyone is hungry," Emperor Xue Ye said to the Empress.
"Your Majesty, there's no need to trouble yourself," Lin Yongming said politely.
"It's no trouble. Please, make yourselves comfortable," the Empress replied with a gentle smile before leaving the study.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty," Lin Yongming and the Blue Silver Emperor said gratefully.
"Lin Yongming, I'm aware of your reputation. Over the past year, you've made quite a name for yourself in Heaven Dou City's soul master circles. For instance, at the Great Spirit Arena, you managed to hold your own against a level 58 Soul King despite being a Soul Ancestor, even turning the tide to win."
"Most recently, you and your partner faced a low-level Soul Emperor and a mid-level Soul King and emerged victorious. You're also the youngest holder of the Purple Gold Battle Badge," Emperor Xue Ye recounted some of Lin Yongming's achievements.
"Your Majesty flatters me. I was just lucky, and that Soul Emperor didn't have the optimal soul ring configuration," Lin Yongming replied modestly.
"I can tell you don't feel much allegiance to the Spirit Hall. Otherwise, you wouldn't have gone out of your way to avoid them and come to me."
"If you join me, I can offer you the title of Earl immediately. With your talent, I believe you could even become a Duke of Heaven Dou Empire," Emperor Xue Ye said, extending a tempting offer.
The noble titles in Heaven Dou Empire were Baron, Viscount, Earl, Marquis, and Duke. By offering Lin Yongming the title of Earl, Emperor Xue Ye was showing just how highly he valued Lin Yongming's abilities.
This was one of the reasons Emperor Xue Ye had agreed to meet Lin Yongming privately.
"Your Majesty, you honor me too much. I don't deserve such a title, and I have no interest in entering politics. I simply wish to continue my cultivation in peace," Lin Yongming replied with a calm smile.
"I can see that you truly have no desire for fame or power. Otherwise, you would have accepted one of the many offers you've received over the past year. It's a shame, really. Your talents are being wasted," Emperor Xue Ye said with a regretful shake of his head.
"Thank you for understanding, Your Majesty," Lin Yongming said, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"Haha! Your Majesty, my young friend here is indeed talented, but like me, he has no interest in politics. He just wants to live as a free soul master."
"As for his affiliation with the Spirit Hall, it's only because they helped him awaken his martial soul when he was a child. You know how the Spirit Hall operates. My friend here had little choice in the matter," Du Gu Bo interjected, trying to lighten the mood.
"Sigh. The Spirit Hall has played a masterful move, and it's paid off," Emperor Xue Ye said with a sigh.
The Spirit Hall's strategy had been in place since before Emperor Xue Ye's time, and even though he was aware of it, there was little he could do to counter it.
Even if Emperor Xue Ye wanted to reclaim the Spirit Hall's authority over awakening the martial souls of commoners, Heaven Dou Empire no longer had the power to do so.
"Brother, while the Spirit Hall's strategy is far-sighted, it only applies to commoners. For nobles and certain sects, the Spirit Hall's influence doesn't extend that far. That's a silver lining."
"After all, young talents like Lin Yongming are rare among commoners," Prince Xue Xing added, trying to comfort his brother.
"Your Majesty, I understand the situation, but perhaps we shouldn't discuss this in front of my young friend," Du Gu Bo said gently.
"It's getting late, and my two friends need to leave Heaven Dou City tonight. They've already informed Bishop Salas of their departure. If they return too late, it might raise suspicions within the Spirit Hall," Du Gu Bo hinted, subtly steering the conversation toward the purpose of their visit.
He could sense that Lin Yongming and the Blue Silver Emperor were uncomfortable with the current topic and didn't want to dwell on it.
"Senior Du Gu, don't rush me. I just couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Lin Yongming. Strictly speaking, this is the third time we've met at the Moon Pavilion," Emperor Xue Ye said with a helpless smile.
"How are your relationships with Tang Yuehua and Ning Fengzhi?" Emperor Xue Ye asked Lin Yongming.
"Your Majesty, we're just ordinary friends. I met Tang Yuehua on my way to Heaven Dou City, and we had some pleasant conversations along the way. As for Ning Fengzhi, I ran into him in the Sunset Forest. He was in trouble at the time, so I helped him out," Lin Yongming explained with a smile.
"I see," Emperor Xue Ye nodded.
"Alright, I'll get straight to the point. According to Senior Du Gu, you want to make a deal with me, and the item in question is the Heaven Dou Empire's national treasure—the Oceanic Sky Cover," Emperor Xue Ye finally revealed the purpose of their private meeting.
"That's correct. I have a treasure called the Immortal Grass," Lin Yongming said with a nod.
"Immortal Grass? I've never heard of such a thing. What is it?" Prince Xue Xing asked, furrowing his brow.
Emperor Xue Ye also looked at Lin Yongming with curiosity.
"Little Freak, just show it to them. No need to beat around the bush," Du Gu Bo urged.
"Ah Yin, take it out," Lin Yongming said to the Blue Silver Emperor.
The Blue Silver Emperor first retrieved the Ruyi Hundred Treasure Pouch from her spatial soul tool, then took out the Snowy Swan's Kiss Immortal Grass.
The grass was a pristine white, with each leaf appearing as if it were dripping with dew. Its long, curved shape resembled the neck of a swan, and its petals were a vibrant red, like a splash of color in a snowy landscape.
"The fragrance is delightful, with a hint of coldness. The overall appearance is like a red flower blooming in the snow. I've never seen such a beautiful flower before."
"What is this flower called?" Emperor Xue Ye leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the Snowy Swan's Kiss.
"Your Majesty, this flower is called the Snowy Swan's Kiss. I can assure you that it is one of a kind in the entire continent," the Blue Silver Emperor explained with a smile.
"Isn't this the flower that grows in the Ice Fire Valley? I remember it being extremely hostile to me, amplifying the toxins in my body. Isn't this a highly poisonous plant?" Du Gu Bo thought to himself, recognizing the flower but not knowing its name.
"Ahem! Little Freak, Blue Silver, isn't this a poisonous flower?" Du Gu Bo asked, confused.
"Poisonous?" Emperor Xue Ye and Prince Xue Xing both turned to Lin Yongming and the Blue Silver Emperor.
"What kind of flower is this? I could smell its fragrance from outside. It's so beautiful," the Empress said as she entered, carrying a pot of porridge and some bowls. Her eyes lit up with delight at the sight of the Snowy Swan's Kiss.
It was clear that she had fallen in love with the flower at first sight.
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