"Ten years is enough."
Lin Xiao wasn't a slave owner. If it were truly a hundred years, what would be the difference between that and treating Zhu Zhuqing like a slave?
Zhu Zhuqing, her voice pleading yet firm, said, "Then fifty years."
"Lin Xiao, I really don't want to take advantage of you. I know my talent is actually average. You've helped me multiple times, and I feel truly indebted..."
Moreover, once Zhu Zhuqing became a Titled Douluo, the pressure on the Star Luo Empire would vanish.
She had accepted so many benefits without a word. If not for Lin Xiao, relying solely on her own aptitude, she might not have been able to break through to become a Titled Douluo at all. How could a mere ten years repay such a debt of gratitude?
Lin Xiao was still considering.
Zhu Zhuqing, however, had already taken out paper and pen and altered the contract. She changed "10 years" to "50 years."
Then, she signed her name.
Seeing this, Lin Xiao didn't press the issue further. After all, if Zhu Zhuqing wasn't needed later, he could always grant her freedom early. He couldn't just keep her around unnecessarily, making her babysit for him, could he?
...
Leaving the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Lin Xiao didn't head straight home. Instead, he made his way towards the Crown Prince Residence. He had one more thing to do.
Although obtaining the Sea God's approval meant one could start the Sea God Nine Trials regardless of whether they possessed the Vast Sea Universe Cover, the Vast Sea Universe Cover (which was the Sea God's Heart) was still an important inheritance item of the Sea God, and its functions were incredibly powerful.
The Sea God's Heart possessed skills like the Vast Sea Protective Cover, the Vast Sea Calming Cover, and the Vast Sea Raging Waves. The Vast Sea Protective Cover could grant invisibility and conceal one's aura. The Vast Sea Calming Cover could immobilize enemies, effective against those whose Spiritual Power did not exceed three times one's own. The Vast Sea Raging Waves was an area-of-effect Soul Skill that could unleash immense power on the sea.
How could his Bing'er not have such a good item? Before Bing'er headed to Sea God Island, Lin Xiao was determined to obtain the Sea God's Heart!
The Vast Sea Universe Cover was the Treasure of the Nation for the Heaven Dou Empire. Lin Xiao had requested it before, but Emperor Xue Ye's condition was for Lin Xiao to marry Princess Xue Ke, which Lin Xiao had refused. In the original story, Tang San was able to obtain the Vast Sea Universe Cover because the Heaven Dou Empire was on the brink of collapse at the time, and Emperor Xue Ye had to reluctantly part with it to win Tang San over. That condition did not exist now.
But Lin Xiao knew that Qian Renxue would definitely have a way.
Upon arriving at the Crown Prince Residence, after the guards announced his arrival, Lin Xiao was led to the Crown Prince's study.
...
In the Crown Prince's study.
Qian Renxue had been rather busy lately. A few days ago, she had received a secret letter from Qian Daoliu stating that the Angel Nine Trials had begun, instructing her to make time to go to the Douluo Hall to accept the Angel God's Examination. Therefore, Qian Renxue had announced she was going into seclusion. She planned to head to Spirit City in a while. She hadn't expected Lin Xiao to come looking for her at this particular time.
Qian Renxue stood by the desk, a hint of anticipation in her eyes. She had met many people, but Lin Xiao had always left a profound impression on her. Every encounter with him helped alleviate the pressure she had been under for a long time. For some reason, even though she knew Lin Xiao had confirmed his relationship with Shui Bing'er and her two senior sisters, Qian Renxue didn't feel much resistance. Instead, she felt... Lin Xiao was even more attractive to her.
"It's a shame the identity of the Heaven Dou Crown Prince hinders me," Qian Renxue sighed softly.
At this moment, the guard had already led Lin Xiao into the study. Qian Renxue composed herself and gestured for Lin Xiao to sit, settling herself on the tea table where the tea set was already prepared.
"A distinguished guest has arrived. Please, try the tea from my Crown Prince Residence."
Lin Xiao smiled and took a seat.
He picked up the teacup and took a sip, praising, "What excellent tea!"
"Crown Prince, you are busy with affairs, I didn't expect you to be skilled in tea ceremony."
Qian Renxue smiled and said:
"It's just a way to adjust my mood during my leisure time."
"It's not worthy of praise."
"Lin Xiao, you don't come to my door without a reason. Do you have something to discuss?"
Lin Xiao got straight to the point:
"Crown Prince, I'd like to ask for your help."
"What help?"
"I want the Vast Sea Universe Cover!"
Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue's expression did not change much. She merely gave Lin Xiao a meaningful look.
"The Vast Sea Universe Cover is a Treasure of the Nation of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family..."
"Without my Imperial Father's permission, even I am not qualified to make the decision to give it away."
Lin Xiao smiled:
"Crown Prince, you are no ordinary person. I believe you have a way."
Qian Renxue could even go as far as poisoning Emperor Xue Ye.
How could a mere Vast Sea Universe Cover be unobtainable?
The only difference was what method she would use and whether she was willing to do it.
Qian Renxue pondered for a moment and asked:
"Is the Vast Sea Universe Cover very important to you?"
"It's just useful."
After thinking for a while, Qian Renxue chuckled lightly.
"There is a way, but it won't be easy."
Lin Xiao said, "I can give you pills to increase your strength."
Qian Renxue shook her head.
After she inherited the Angel God's Examination, what could increase her strength faster than that?
"I can give you pills to improve your aptitude."
Qian Renxue continued to shake her head.
Her aptitude was already at its peak. Even if it improved further, how much could it improve?
Lin Xiao frowned slightly.
Since Qian Renxue said she had a way, it meant she was willing to help him obtain the Vast Sea Universe Cover. He just didn't know what she truly wanted.
"Please speak plainly, Crown Prince."
"Within my capabilities, Lin Xiao will surely repay the Crown Prince."
Qian Renxue laughed heartily.
"Lin Xiao, are we being too formal?"
"Don't worry, I will help you get the Vast Sea Universe Cover. As for the conditions, it's not too late to discuss them after I get it."
Qian Renxue refused to state her conditions.
This made Lin Xiao feel even more troubled.
If she had stated her terms, this would have been a simple transaction, a quick exchange, and they would part ways.
Instead, a debt of favor was the hardest to repay.
However, at least the Vast Sea Universe Cover would likely be obtained.
Lin Xiao cupped his hands towards Qian Renxue.
"Then I will await your good news, Crown Prince."
...
After Lin Xiao left.
Qian Renxue looked at his retreating back with an unreadable expression.
"I truly look forward to the day we can be truly honest with each other."
"If he saw me as Qian Renxue, would he be surprised?"
"When he truly reaches the peak, achieves the limit, or even becomes a God, he will find himself alone. His confidantes will gradually grow old. The only ones who can accompany him eternally will be those on the same level as him."
Therefore, Qian Renxue was not in a hurry; she even felt a faint sense of superiority.
She believed herself to be superior to the women around Lin Xiao.
After all, the Angel God's Examination had already appeared.
With Lin Xiao's talent, becoming a God wouldn't be difficult.
Eventually, when the old friends around Lin Xiao had all withered away, he would be surprised and moved to discover that Qian Renxue was the only one who could walk with him until the end.
Lin Xiao had already departed, and Qian Renxue withdrew her gaze.
Before she left, she would obtain the Vast Sea Universe Cover.
-----------
Machine Translation by: https://beta.randomtranslator.com/
Read 1111+ original & fanfic translations in English, Español, Português, Deutsch, Français, or Русский at: https://beta.randomtranslator.com/
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/NSWvfN7vua
-----------https://inkstone.webnovel.com/novels/view/33277706100775505