Chapter 263: Chapter 263: Reunion with Qian Renxue
Bibi Dong and Yang Podi left the Pope's Palace one after the other, heading directly to the Spirit Empire's most revered location—the Douluo Hall.
As they got closer to the Douluo Hall, Yang Podi could feel the energy in the air becoming increasingly dense. Especially as they approached the hall, there was even a faint trace of divine aura.
When the two arrived at the entrance of the Douluo Hall, before Bibi Dong could speak to the guards, a loud voice echoed from within: "Your Majesty, Young Friend Yang Podi, welcome to the Douluo Hall. Please, come in."
As the words fell, the gates of the Douluo Hall opened, and the guards quickly stepped aside to clear the path.
Bibi Dong glanced back at Yang Podi before stepping into the Douluo Hall, with Yang Podi following closely behind into the Spirit Hall's legendary sacred ground.
Upon entering, Yang Podi carefully observed his surroundings and felt a bit puzzled.
The Douluo Hall was not large; in fact, it was relatively small. At its center stood a massive angel statue radiating golden light. Bathed in this light, one felt a sense of clarity and purity.
Directly in front of the Douluo Hall was a raised platform. On this platform stood two figures. One was Qian Daoliu, whom Yang Podi had met before. Unlike their last meeting, Qian Daoliu was now clad in golden armor, making him appear extraordinarily tall and imposing.
The other figure was a stunningly beautiful woman dressed entirely in golden attire, exuding a regal aura.
The two stood atop the platform as if they were part of the golden angel statue, appearing solemn, mysterious, and awe-inspiring.
Below the platform stood six men, including Fiften Ton Douluo and Falling DevilDouluo, whom Yang Podi had encountered before. These six were evidently the six Worships of the Spirit Hall.
Qian Daoliu, seemingly prepared for this moment, spoke: "Your Majesty, Young Friend Yang Podi, welcome to the Douluo Hall."
Bibi Dong merely nodded slightly, refraining from saying much.
Yang Podi, however, offered a slight bow. "Greetings, Senior Qian Daoliu, and Miss Qian Renxue. It seems that despite the time that has passed, the two of you remain as remarkable as ever."
Qian Daoliu smiled faintly. "Young Friend Yang Podi, you are the one who has hidden your abilities well. In just two short years, your strength has grown to such an extent that even I am a bit embarrassed."
"Senior, you flatter me. You are the Grand Worship of the Angel God and the representative of the Angel God on Douluo Continent. My modest abilities cannot even compare to the Angel God's might."
Hearing this, Qian Daoliu fell into brief contemplation before finally speaking. "Young friend, what brings you to the Spirit Hall this time?"
Yang Podi's expression turned serious. "Senior, I've come to borrow the Angelic Holy Sword. I hope you can grant me this favor."
Qian Daoliu's expression turned grave upon hearing this. Below the platform, the six Worships all wore expressions of anger. In their eyes, the Angelic Holy Sword was a sacred and inviolable artifact; how could it be casually lent to someone?
Qian Daoliu's tone grew cold. "Young friend, while your strength is commendable, the Angelic Holy Sword is the ancestral artifact of my angelic family. It has never been given to outsiders and cannot be lent."
Yang Podi smiled slightly. "I am well aware of the importance of the Angelic Holy Sword to the angelic family. That's precisely why I came in person to make this request. If Senior has any conditions, please feel free to state them."
Before Qian Daoliu could respond, Qian Renxue interjected, "Yang Podi, the Angelic Holy Sword is the inheritance artifact of the angelic family. It is impossible for you to borrow it. Give up on this idea."
"Miss Qian Renxue, nothing in this world is truly impossible. Back in the Heaven Dou Empire, didn't we negotiate several transactions? Weren't you satisfied with the results every single time?"
Qian Renxue's face turned cold. "Don't bring up the Heaven Dou Empire. That was my humiliation, and one day, I will reclaim everything. Also, did you already know my true identity back then?"
Yang Podi chuckled. "If I hadn't known your true identity, how could I have negotiated with you? Furthermore, I helped conceal your identity and even exposed Prince Xue Beng's ambitions. That was my way of showing support for you."
Qian Renxue hesitated. "How did you discover my identity?"
"Miss Qian Renxue, I must say, your disguise as Xue Qinghe was almost flawless. However, a woman disguising herself as a man will always have shortcomings. For example, as the crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, you showed no interest in women and, at your age, hadn't married or had children. This was unlike any royal heir. Moreover, women are inherently more sensitive in certain areas."
After Yang Podi finished speaking, he looked at Qian Renxue with a faint smile.
Qian Renxue's expression turned complex upon hearing his words. "So, all your actions back then were to test me? And because of that, I revealed my flaws?"
Yang Podi remained silent, standing still, clearly admitting her accusations without a word.
Thinking back on Yang Podi's past actions, Qian Renxue's expression alternated between a blush and a scowl, growing increasingly complex.
At this moment, Bibi Dong broke the silence. "Yang Podi, if you wish to borrow the Angelic Sacred Sword, a mere Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid won't suffice. At the very least, you must confirm Heavenly Academy's allegiance to the Spirit Empire."
Qian Renxue's phoenix-like eyes turned to Bibi Dong. "What do you mean? While you are the empress of the Spirit Empire, the angelic family's inheritance artifact is not yours to decide."
Bibi Dong fell silent, and the atmosphere turned eerily tense.
At this moment, Qian Daoliu finally spoke. "Young Friend Yang Podi, the angelic family's inheritance artifact is of paramount importance. It cannot be lent to an outsider."
Yang Podi pondered for a moment before responding. "How about this: I only wish to use the Angelic Holy Sword for one specific task. If it's acceptable, Senior Qian Daoliu, you could accompany me with the sword. That way, everyone can be at ease."
Hearing this, the onlookers nodded in agreement. This solution allowed the sword to remain under the angelic family's control even while it was being used.
Qian Renxue suddenly appeared much sharper. "I can accompany the Angelic Holy Sword to help you, but since this is a transaction, you must offer something of equal value."
"Compensation is not an issue. However, I suggest that Senior Qian Daoliu accompany me, as that would make everyone feel more secure."
"Yang Podi, are you underestimating me? If you dare to try anything against me or the Angelic Holy Sword, the entire Spirit Empire will retaliate against your Heavenly Academy. Besides, I'm not so easily dealt with."
Yang Podi ignored Qian Renxue's words, focusing instead on Qian Daoliu, who was the true decision-maker.
After some thought, Qian Daoliu finally said, "I am too old. Xiaoxue is the sole heir of the angelic family. It's the same if she goes."
Yang Podi nodded. "If Miss Qian Renxue can go, that would be an honor."
However, Qian Renxue's face turned icy. "Now we must discuss the price. Using the angelic family's inheritance artifact is no trivial matter. An Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid alone is far from sufficient."
"What compensation does Miss Qian Renxue require?"
Qian Renxue glanced at Bibi Dong and then at Qian Daoliu. "I want your Heavenly Academy to form an alliance with my Spirit Empire. Heavenly Academy must support the Spirit Empire in unifying the world."
Yang Podi merely gave a cold laugh. "That is impossible. I won't stop your Spirit Empire from seeking to unify the world, but I won't drag Heavenly Academy into this matter either."
"Do you believe my Angelic Holy Sword is not worth your support?"
Yang Podi sighed lightly. "This time, borrowing the sword is purely my personal matter. I can personally form an alliance with the Spirit Empire, but unless it's a critical situation, I won't assist you."
Qian Renxue interrupted Yang Podi. "Your promise carries no sincerity whatsoever, and I absolutely cannot accept it."
Yang Podi glanced at the others. "How about this, Miss Qian Renxue, Senior Qian Daoliu, Your Majesty Bibi Dong—let me offer you some information as a token of sincerity. If you believe this information has enough value, we can discuss the terms of compensation afterward. What do the three of you think?"
Bibi Dong's face turned icy. "No matter what information you provide, it cannot possibly have such high value."
Yang Podi ignored Bibi Dong and continued smiling at Qian Renxue. "Miss Qian Renxue, you should know better than anyone the value of my information. Moreover, this information directly concerns the life and death of your Spirit Empire."
Recalling past transactions with Yang Podi, Qian Renxue couldn't deny that the information he had provided about Prince Xue Beng in the past was indeed highly accurate and valuable.
After pondering for a moment, Qian Renxue finally said, "I can accept your information as a token of sincerity, but beyond that, you must still provide appropriate compensation."
Yang Podi smiled faintly. "It seems we can more or less reach an agreement. Besides the life-and-death information regarding the Spirit Empire, what other compensation would Miss Qian Renxue require?"
In terms of negotiation and strategy, Bibi Dong was clearly more adept, given her position as the founding empress of the Spirit Empire. Her insight far surpassed Qian Renxue's.
At this point, Bibi Dong took the lead as a skilled negotiator. "In addition to a private alliance with the Spirit Empire, you must provide three stalks of immortal herbs of the same caliber as the Eight-Petaled Immortal Orchid. Furthermore, you seem to have a unique method of obtaining 100,000-year spirit rings. You must assist us in acquiring three 100,000-year spirit beasts."
After contemplating for a while, Yang Podi shook his head. "I can provide two stalks of immortal herbs, and I guarantee they'll suit your needs perfectly. Additionally, I can assist you in acquiring two 100,000-year spirit rings, but the spirit bones will belong to me. Moreover, I won't openly declare my stance or assist you unless it's a critical moment."
Bibi Dong shook her head. "How can you determine what kind of immortal herbs we need? Furthermore, only two 100,000-year spirit rings, and you still want to take the spirit bones? That's utterly insincere."
Yang Podi responded calmly, "The Eight-Petaled Immortal Orchid has a gentle and mellow medicinal property, making it easy to absorb. It significantly enhances spirit power, fortifies one's foundation, and removes impurities from the body. It's ideal for Miss Qian Renxue's current state. As for the Water Fairy Jade Bone Herb, it nourishes the muscles and bones while opening the meridians, making it perfect for the Spirit Hall Saintess, Hu Liena. As for spirit bones, Your Majesty, do you truly lack 100,000-year spirit bones?"
"Besides, as I've said, my true sincerity lies in the information I'm providing. This information directly concerns the survival of the Spirit Empire."
Yang Podi had carefully considered the two immortal herbs he was offering. Neither was currently needed by his family or friends. On the other hand, Qian Renxue and Hu Liena were the two most valued young talents in the Spirit Empire.
As for the matter of spirit rings, it was even simpler. He could lead Bibi Dong to hunt Titan Giant Ape and Sky Blue Bull Python, eliminating potential threats while securing two free 100,000-year spirit bones.
If he could also get Bibi Dong to clash with Di Tian, he might even manage to play the role of the fisherman once again.
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