NOVEL NEXT Chapter 123: Chapter 123
Chapter 123: The Treasure of the Nation
Prince Xuexing hurried to Emperor Xue Ye's side and glanced at the portrait. Sure enough, the person in the image bore a striking resemblance to Zhao Ling. However, as a painted likeness, it was not a perfect 1:1 reproduction.
Even so, this resemblance was enough to confirm Zhao Ling's earlier claims.
The two brothers exchanged a glance, reading the uncertainty in each other's eyes. It wasn't every day they encountered two Titled Douluo masters. Initially, they had hoped to recruit them as royal offerings to the Douluo royal family.
To their surprise, one of them had outright refused without a second thought. The other, though not as dismissive, was the fiancé of the Saint of the Spirit Hall and bore the titles of "Demon Suppression Douluo and Honorary Elder" of the Spirit Hall. This made him, at least partially, an ally of the Spirit Hall.
Still, Zhao Ling's partial association with the Spirit Hall meant he held great value. Perhaps, if the conditions offered were tempting enough, Zhao Ling might agree to serve the royal family—even at the cost of betraying the Spirit Hall.
After careful deliberation, the brothers decided to extend an invitation. Turning to Zhao Ling, Emperor Xue Ye nodded solemnly, his expression respectful.
"Demon Suppression Douluo," he said earnestly, "we invite you to serve as a worshiper of the Tiandou royal family. Your duties would be minimal—primarily to protect one individual. In return, we will ensure your satisfaction. I've heard you've been searching for a suitable house in Tiandou City. Allow us to gift you a superior mansion."
He paused briefly, then added, "In addition, we will offer you an annual salary of five million gold soul coins. If that is not enough, we are prepared to give you the national treasure of our Tiandou Empire."
At this, Emperor Xue Ye summoned an attendant, who entered carrying a tray covered in red cloth. Zhao Ling raised an eyebrow and exchanged a glance with Bo Saixi. 'Could Tiandou's national treasure really be that item?'
Moments later, the attendant approached and Emperor Xue Ye lifted the red cloth, revealing its contents. Bo Saixi's eyes immediately widened as she softly remarked, "The Vast Sea Universe Cover? I never imagined it would be in your royal family's possession, serving as the national treasure of the Tiandou Empire."
"You have a keen eye to recognize it instantly," Emperor Xue Ye responded, visibly surprised. He hadn't expected a woman who appeared no older than her twenties to identify their most prized artifact so effortlessly.
Zhao Ling's lips curled into a faint smile as he cast a peculiar look at Emperor Xue Ye. The unsettling gaze sent chills down the Emperor's spine, leaving him puzzled. Why was Zhao Ling staring at him so strangely? He had just offered the most valuable treasure of their empire—yet Zhao Ling's expression suggested disinterest.
Breaking the silence, Emperor Xue Ye hesitated and asked, "Demon Suppression Douluo, do you not like the Vast Sea Universe Cover? It is a treasure coveted by many, including Titled Douluo experts."
Zhao Ling chuckled and shook his head. "It's not that I don't like it. I find it quite remarkable. Since you're so sincere, I'll gladly accept this treasure."
With a wave of his hand, the Vast Sea Universe Cover disappeared into Zhao Ling's storage space and his smile grew wider.
According to historical records, the Vast Sea Universe Cover was the "Heart of the Sea God"—a pivotal artifact in Tang San's journey to becoming the Sea God. Zhao Ling hadn't expected to stumble upon one of Tang San's greatest opportunities. However, he had no intention of using the item to pursue the Sea God's path himself.
To Zhao Ling, the Sea God was merely a first-level deity in the God Realm—an existence unworthy of his attention. In his eyes, the Douluo Continent was nothing more than a small fragment of the vast fantasy world and even God King-level figures in the God Realm were insignificant.
Becoming the Sea God held no appeal for him instead he entertained thoughts of manipulating Poseidon herself perhaps if she became his woman he could gift her with Vast Sea Universe Cover as token.
In original records Poseidon was High Priestess of Sea God Island having lost her qualifications to inherit Sea God title for Zhao Ling this was inconsequential if he ever grew powerful enough to rival Sea God he could easily demand Poseidon be granted Sea God Divine Test anew.
And if Sea God refused? Zhao Ling mused with sly grin A little physical persuasion perhaps daily if necessary would surely change deity's mind.
At that moment far away in God Realm Sea God sneezed abruptly A sudden inexplicable sense of dread washed over him it was feeling he hadn't experienced since his mortal days and left him deeply unsettled.
'Who is targeting me?' he wondered uneasily This ominous sensation… it's unbearable.'
Back in Qinzheng Hall Emperor Xue Ye sighed in relief as Zhao Ling accepted Vast Sea Universe Cover To him this signified Zhao Ling's agreement join royal family as worshiper
However his relief was short-lived Zhao Ling raised hand and asked calmly 'You mentioned I'd be protecting someone Who is this person Bring them forward.'
Emperor Xue Ye nodded quickly left hall returning moments later with baby cradled in arms Presenting child to Zhao Ling he explained 'Demon Suppression Douluo I ask you protect this child should he ever face danger He is hope for future Tiandou Empire.'
Zhao Ling's brows furrowed as he studied delicate jade-like child 'Could this be Xue Qinghe ill-fated prince killed replaced by Qian Renxue original story?'
The likelihood was high Zhao Ling hadn't expected Emperor Xue Ye go to such lengths spending fortune secure protection for child destined for tragedy
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(End of Chapter)