NOVEL NEXT Chapter 124: Chapter 124
**Chapter 124: Three Times of Action**
Zhao Ling gazed at the delicate, beautiful child before him and couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
If he promised to protect Xue Qinghe, this little brat, and if Qian Renxue was born in the Douluo Continent as depicted in the original story, lurking near this child when she was seven or eight years old…
If she attempted to assassinate Xue Qinghe at the age of ten and eventually replaced him, just as the story unfolded, should he intervene?
If he stopped her, it would undoubtedly be a betrayal of Qian Xunji, Bibi Dong, and the entire Spirit Hall. It might also endanger Qian Renxue in the future. But if he didn't stop her, Zhao Ling felt it would be unfair. After all, he had received so much from others, and all they asked was for him to protect this unlucky child. It was truly a headache.
Seeing Zhao Ling lost in thought, Emperor Xue Ye grew anxious and hurriedly spoke.
"Demon Suppression Douluo, I only ask you to save my child when he is in danger. It shouldn't be too difficult, right? As long as you agree, I will have this child recognize you as his godfather. Please, don't refuse."
Zhao Ling was stunned. Emperor Xue Ye's determination was impressive. To protect his son, he was even willing to find him a godfather. Ruthless pragmatism—Zhao Ling couldn't help but admire him.
After a moment of silence, Zhao Ling nodded.
"Very well. Your terms are generous. I agree to save this child three times. After those three times, if he finds himself in danger again, I will no longer interfere.
And don't think three times is too few. As a Titled Douluo, I cannot follow this child around endlessly. If he faces danger too often, I'd have to shadow him daily. I trust you understand."
Emperor Xue Ye nodded, realizing it was unrealistic to bind a Titled Douluo to his son forever, no matter how generous the offer. That Zhao Ling was willing to save his child three times was already a great kindness.
"Of course. It is his fortune that you are willing to save him three times. On his behalf, I thank you," Emperor Xue Ye replied joyfully.
"Good. By the way, has the child been named?" Zhao Ling raised his hand, poking the child's face with feigned curiosity.
The pink cheeks hinted that this boy would grow into a handsome prince. But according to the original story, this child had little chance to grow up. Even with Zhao Ling's promise to save him three times, surviving long-term seemed unlikely.
After all, it was impossible to guard against every threat. When Qian Renxue came to Tiandou Imperial City with Snake Spear Douluo and Thorny Porpoise Douluo, as in the original tale, the countdown to this unlucky child's demise would likely begin.
Yet, Zhao Ling mused, nothing in life was absolute. If Qian Renxue never united with Qian Xunji or wasn't born in the Douluo Continent, perhaps this child would grow up safely.
"His name is Xue Qinghe," Emperor Xue Ye declared decisively. "He is my firstborn and the future prince of the Tiandou Empire. I hope he will inherit my throne and become the next emperor."
"Xue Qinghe? A fine name," Zhao Ling replied, nodding appreciatively, though his gaze grew thoughtful.
'Little one, since I promised to protect you three times, I will honor my word. After that, your fate depends on your luck. Don't blame me for being unkind. I also have my responsibilities, and this promise is already my greatest compromise.'
After the meeting, Zhao Ling and Bo Saixi left the Tiandou Palace in a carriage, accompanied by one of Emperor Xue Ye's close attendants. Emperor Xue Ye had promised to reward Zhao Ling with a grand mansion and sent the attendant to guide them to it.
According to the attendant, the mansion had been the palace where Xue Ye lived before ascending the throne. It was vast, with well-maintained decorations, a full complement of servants, and all the necessary accommodations. Zhao Ling could move in immediately.
Zhao Ling asked Emperor Xue Ye if renovations were allowed should the current conditions be unsatisfactory. Emperor Xue Ye readily agreed, noting the mansion now belonged to Zhao Ling entirely. He could modify it as he saw fit.
Pleased with this answer, Zhao Ling made his way back to the coffee shop where Ah Yin and Liu Erlong awaited. By the time they arrived, it was late afternoon, the sun hanging low in the western sky.
Seeing Zhao Ling and Bo Saixi return, Ah Yin and Liu Erlong stood eagerly, asking what had transpired. Zhao Ling recounted everything about Emperor Xue Ye's offer and invited them to the carriage to view the mansion.
After a ten-minute ride, they arrived at a sprawling estate. The mansion's architectural style echoed that of the Tiandou Imperial Palace but with less grandeur. Still, it stood far above most buildings in Tiandou City.
Despite its opulence, Zhao Ling found the style unappealing. He resolved to renovate it to his liking. After all, Emperor Xue Ye was clearly willing to invest in securing his loyalty. The generous gift of a mansion and an annual salary of five million gold soul coins was proof of that. Zhao Ling accepted the rewards without hesitation.
The Tiandou Empire was wealthy, far richer than the military-focused Xingluo Empire. The empire's prosperity even rivaled that of the Qibao Liuli Sect, famously wealthy enough to match a nation. Accepting this luxury was, in Zhao Ling's view, only fair.
While Zhao Ling and Bo Saixi remained unimpressed by the mansion, Ah Yin and Liu Erlong were captivated. Their eyes sparkled as they explored the property, following the attendant as he gave them a tour. Zhao Ling nodded approvingly and followed them into the mansion.
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*(End of Chapter)*