Chapter 136: A Superior is Equal to a Money Bag

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Tian Dou City, Crown Prince's Residence

"Reporting! Li Luochen of Shrek Academy has arrived to pay respects to the Crown Prince."

Li Luochen, as usual, had the gatekeeper announce his arrival.

"No need for formalities, Mr. Li. You are a distinguished guest of our Crown Prince—there's no need for an announcement. Please go straight in."

The gatekeeper, being no fool, naturally didn't bother with the pretense of announcing Li Luochen's arrival. Given Li Luochen's status, he could enter directly. As the Crown Prince's top advisor, who would dare obstruct him unless they wanted to lose their head?

Li Luochen strode directly into the Crown Prince's residence. He had been here countless times before, and his "announcement" at the gate was simply a signal to Qian Renxue that this visit was for a private conversation.

This was the tacit understanding between Li Luochen and Qian Renxue. Li Luochen could walk straight to Qian Renxue's private chamber—the only truly secure place in the entire residence.

After all, guarding the chamber were two Title Douluos: Spear Serpent Douluo and Spiny Porcupinefish Douluo—familiar faces who didn't require any special attention. Both were loyal members of the Spirit Hall; what else was there to worry about?

"Master She, Master Ci." Li Luochen gave a slight bow to the two Title Douluos out of respect. Though he believed his current strength could easily overpower them, these two elders were decent people, so it was only proper to show deference as a younger generation member to his seniors.

"Hmm, Elder Li, the Young Miss awaits you inside." Spear Serpent Douluo nodded and opened the chamber door for Li Luochen.

Li Luochen entered the chamber with practiced ease—it was all about familiarity!

Once Li Luochen was inside, Spear Serpent Douluo erected a spirit power barrier.

"Ci Xue, did you sense it? This young man, Li Luochen, feels unfathomable now. This isn't the presence of a mere Soul Sage."

Spear Serpent Douluo spoke with a grave expression.

"You sensed it too? I thought it was just my imagination. This aura feels somewhat dangerous—even the Young Miss doesn't exude such an imposing presence. Could it be…?"

Porcupinefish Douluo didn't finish his sentence.

"It's likely. His seventh soul ring is a hundred thousand years old, and my spear even trembled slightly in his presence. His martial soul must have evolved again. But what does it matter to us? This boy shares a close bond with the Young Miss. Our duty is simply to guard."

Spear Serpent Douluo wasn't concerned about how strong Li Luochen had become. Having interacted with him many times, he had a good grasp of Li Luochen's personality—he was decent enough, if a bit greedy and sharp-tongued, often leaving the Young Miss fuming.

But to these two elders, it was nothing more than playful banter between two young people. It was obvious to anyone with eyes that the Young Miss harbored feelings for Li Luochen. However, Li Luochen already had a formidable woman by his side, backed by a Title Douluo grandfather.

As for how things would develop between Li Luochen and Qian Renxue, that was none of their concern. Their role now was simply to guard the door. Matters of personal protection were no longer within their purview.

Qian Renxue's current personal guards were the Third Offering Qing Luan Douluo and the Ninth Offering Ba Tian Douluo (Dugu Bo was the Eighth Offering). However, these two were currently accompanying a prodigy from the Spirit Hall on a soul-hunting expedition—a hundred thousand year soul beast, no less.

The Spirit Hall had no shortage of successors. These two elders were simply enjoying their retirement—fighting occasionally, then returning to drink wine and feast.

After all, Title Douluos were rare. How many were there among the top three sects? How many across the two empires? Though these two were only at level ninety-two, their status remained unparalleled.

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Li Luochen stepped into the chamber. The path wasn't long, just a few dozen steps. By the time he entered, Qian Renxue had already resumed her true appearance: skin as white as snow, a straight nose, slightly slender phoenix eyes, and an exquisite face radiating authority.

Li Luochen believed few women could rival Qian Renxue's beauty. Dugu Yan, after consuming multiple immortal herbs, had flawless skin and significantly improved looks, but she could only match Qian Renxue at best.

Qian Renxue carried the air of someone accustomed to command, while Dugu Yan exuded a heroic aura. To draw a comparison, Qian Renxue resembled an empress, while Dugu Yan was more like a female general.

"You're here?" Qian Renxue rested her head on one hand, her phoenix eyes half-closed, appearing drowsy.

"Yes, I'm here!" Li Luochen nodded in response.

(You shouldn't have come! But here I am!) 'Evil chuckle.'

"Speak. What brings you here this time? Short on money again?" Qian Renxue still hadn't opened her eyes. She had long understood Li Luochen's nature—no act of kindness came without ulterior motives.

"It's been a while since I last paid respects to the Young Miss. I've come specifically to inquire after your well-being. Your blessings are as vast as… 'insert a lengthy paragraph of flattery.'"

Li Luocheng spoke with feigned obsequiousness.

"Ah, yes. I happened upon a stroke of luck—an Eight Petal Sunflower. It's perfect for someone with your light attribute. It will enhance both your light and fire attributes."

Qian Renxue opened her eyes at this. She was well-versed in immortal herbs—her family's angelic scriptures recorded them (how could a family that produced deities not know? Hadn't the generations of Great Offerings obtained heavenly treasures? Why did the Breaking Clan know? Why did Juhua Guan know?).

Qian Renxue gazed intently at the Eight-Petal Sunflower. While she didn't recognize other immortal herbs, she knew this golden flower well. Her divine ancestor, the Angel God, had once obtained such a herb. It was something every generation of Angel Douluos sought after.

The Angel God's description of the Eight Petal Sunflower was as follows: the Six-Winged Angel martial soul possessed three attributes—holy, light, and flame. Among these, the holy attribute was ultimate, while light and flame were near-ultimate. Consuming the Eight Petal Sunflower could elevate light and flame to ultimate levels, making the Six-Winged Angel martial soul perfect—a triple ultimate attribute martial soul. Most importantly, the Angel God left behind a cryptic message: the Six-Winged Angel is not the end.

Qian Renxue's eyes burned with desire as she stared at the golden flower in Li Luochen's hand. If not for her self-restraint, she would have snatched it immediately.

"Speak. What do you want in return? Money? Spirit bones? Anything else? I'll agree."

Qian Renxue shifted her posture, crossing her legs. For a brief moment, her white palace gown slipped, revealing a glimpse of white lace beneath. Li Luochen caught sight of it.

"Hmm… white lace? Ah, no, I mean, a hundred thousand year spirit bone?"

Li Luocheng almost misspoke but quickly corrected himself.

"Hmm? A hundred thousand year spirit bone? You really dare to ask for that. But fine, I agree. The Spirit Hall does have hundred thousand year spirit bones. Which part do you need?"

True to her wealthy status, Qian Renxue casually offered a ten-thousand-year spirit bone.

"Uh, how about a torso bone? My Grandpa Dugu is missing one. He's currently at level ninety-seven and serves as an Offering. Do you think a torso bone suitable for him would work?"

Li Luochen asked tentatively.

Qian Renxue fell into deep thought. She hadn't expected Li Luochen to actually ask for a hundred-thousand-year spirit bone—and not just any bone, but the most precious torso bone. Did he think she was a pushover? Did he think that because she liked him, he could take liberties?

Qian Renxue glanced at the Eight-Petal Sunflower in Li Luochen's hand, then studied Li Luochen himself. Finally, she sighed.

"Fine. But you'll need to accompany me to the Offering Hall. This requires my grandfather's approval. And he's very eager to test you—the continent's number one prodigy."

Li Luochen suddenly felt a giant "danger" sign looming over his head. Oh no—he had drawn the attention of Qian Daoliu.

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