Chapter 538: Elder Ye, I Want to Care for You in Your Old Age!
Today, Xu Tianran had specially prepared a banquet to entertain the powerful figures of the Holy Spirit Cult, aiming to strengthen his ties with them.
His goal was simple to ensure these powerful individuals would contribute as much as possible when the Sun Moon Empire launched its future wars.
After all, even though the Holy Spirit Cult's members were bloodthirsty and despised by the world, their strength was undeniable.
Although working with evil soul masters did tarnish his reputation, the benefits they brought to the Sun Moon Empire were worth it.
However, something puzzled him Zhongli Wu and several elders of the Holy Spirit Cult had not attended the banquet.
Could it be that the Holy Spirit Cult was engaged in some secret activities?
Still, the absence of Zhongli Wu and some elders did not diminish the banquet's significance, because Ye Xishui had personally arrived, bringing along Long Xiaoyao and a group of Holy Spirit Cult enforcers.
The reason was obvious Ye Xishui was the true core of the Holy Spirit Cult.
As the strongest being in the cult, she was the undisputed leader, and even the powerful Long Xiaoyao who was deeply in love with her followed her every word.
If he could get closer to Ye Xishui, it would further solidify the Holy Spirit Cult's support for the empire.
But making the Holy Spirit Cult an official state religion wasn't enough.
He needed to implement another part of his carefully devised strategy.
Xu Tianran signaled Ju Zi to push his wheelchair toward a long dining table.
Raising his wine glass, he smiled at Ye Xishui, who was seated across from him.
"Elder Ye, I offer you a toast."
Ye Xishui glanced at him and responded indifferently.
"I didn't expect His Majesty to personally offer me a toast. This truly humbles this old woman."
"You are the emperor of a nation, far above me in status. If word of this spreads, people may accuse me of lacking propriety I cannot bear such blame."
Xu Tianran sighed with feigned helplessness.
"Elder Ye, you jest. You are an Ultimate Douluo, one of the strongest beings on this continent. Your existence is crucial to the Sun Moon Empire."
"Besides, you once assisted my royal father. Without you, he might never have ascended the throne. So to offer you a toast is only right."
"If anyone dares to slander you for this, I will personally ensure they are punished!"
Hearing this, Ye Xishui finally raised her glass, clinking it against Xu Tianran's before they both drained their drinks in one gulp.
A slight smile appeared on Ye Xishui's face.
"From what His Majesty just said, I now understand you are someone who values the past."
"However, I doubt today's banquet was arranged just so we could enjoy the imperial chefs' cuisine, was it?"
Xu Tianran praised her with exaggerated admiration.
"Elder Ye, your wisdom is truly unmatched! Nothing escapes your keen insight!"
Then, his tone shifted to a more serious note.
"You are correct. I invited the Holy Spirit Cult's esteemed members here today for two main reasons."
"First, to push forward the proposal of making the Holy Spirit Cult the official state religion."
"Unfortunately, Elder Kong is firmly opposed to this idea. As a Rank 10 Soul Engineer with immense influence in the soul engineer world, his opposition makes it difficult for me to persuade the court on my own."
"Thus, I hope that both you and Elder Long will help me convince Elder Kong. Of course, I will also do my part."
Ye Xishui had no particular objections.
She had known Kong Deming for many years, and they shared some level of mutual respect.
Convincing him might not be impossible.
She nodded. "Very well, Your Majesty. And what is the second matter?"
Xu Tianran's expression grew solemn.
Taking a deep breath, he spoke.
"Elder Ye, I have heard that you only have one son Cult Master Zhongli Wu."
"But as the leader of the Holy Spirit Cult, he is constantly busy. He, like me, is a man burdened with many responsibilities and thus has little time to care for you."
"If you had another son, you would receive more care and support in your later years."
"My royal father and mother have already passed away. If you do not mind, I wish to recognize you as my adoptive mother to care for you in your old age!"
His words held a double meaning.
"Care" didn't just mean material support it also included emotional and familial bonds.
As people age, they inevitably face loneliness.
Even though Ye Xishui had Zhongli Wu, Xu Tianran knew exactly what kind of person Zhongli Wu was.
If he could become Ye Xishui's adoptive son, he would further cement their relationship, ensuring even stronger backing from the Holy Spirit Cult.
At first, he had considered asking her to adopt him as a god grandson, but upon further reflection, he realized it was unnecessary.
Kong Deming was already a Rank 10 Soul Engineer, a level comparable to an Ultimate Douluo.
According to tradition, Kong Deming should support the Sun Moon Emperor.
Thus, there was no need to lower his own status.
Being on the same generational level as Zhongli Wu was ideal.
If not for his grand vision of uniting the Douluo Continent, he wouldn't even have considered doing something so demeaning.
The moment his words fell, even Ye Xishui was stunned.
Seated beside her, Long Xiaoyao stared at Xu Tianran in disbelief, his expression utterly bizarre.
He hadn't expected Xu Tianran to go this far.
Despite being an emperor, he was willing to lower himself for power.
To him, it was shameless beyond belief.
The other Holy Spirit Cult powerhouses, who had been enjoying their food and drinks, were all shocked into silence.
None of them had anticipated that Xu Tianran would play such a card.
Ye Xishui pondered for a moment but remained hesitant.
"Your Majesty, this is no trivial matter."
"You are, after all, an emperor. Making me your adoptive mother seems excessive."
Xu Tianran's face turned serious.
"A ruler does not speak in jest!"
"Elder Ye, I sincerely ask you to accept me as your son. Moreover, this was my father's dying wish."
"If you agree, I will treat you with the same respect and devotion I had for my father!"
In reality, his ultimate plan was to unify the Douluo Continent.
Once his empire had gathered enough strength, he would eliminate the Holy Spirit Cult entirely.
After all, they were an organization of evil soul masters.
A day would come when their interests would inevitably clash with the empire's soul engineers.
He couldn't support them forever.
When that time came, he would simply blame them for any war crimes, ensuring that his own reputation remained spotless.
The war would be justified but the Holy Spirit Cult's execution would be at fault.
Ye Xishui sighed but ultimately nodded.
"Since His Majesty has even invoked the former emperor's will, I cannot refuse."
"Very well, I shall accept you as my adoptive son. However, given the Holy Spirit Cult's reputation, let us keep this private it would not be beneficial to Your Majesty if word got out."
Xu Tianran grinned.
"Understood… Mother!"
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1