Chapter 287: Qian Xunji Plans to Return to the Secret Chamber Title
Moved beyond words, Shui Bing'er nonetheless stopped herself from leaping into his arms for a passionate kiss, as that hardly suited the occasion. "Xiaochuan, you don't need to worry about me—I won't oppose it."
Being from the Shui Family of Element City, where her mother was in charge and her father a mere live-in son-in-law with two wives, it was plain that the clan prioritized familial interest. Nurtured as the clan heiress, Shui Bing'er had naturally absorbed that perspective. Otherwise, when Shui Yue'er clamored about marrying her sister's husband together, Shui Bing'er wouldn't have reacted so passively.
Ning Rongrong's Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was the Continent's premier support spirit, with the potential to become a Title Douluo. Gaining her in marriage would greatly aid Qian Renchuan and his clan. From a practical standpoint, Shui Bing'er could compromise.
But Ah Yin pressed, "Xiaochuan, see, even Bing'er isn't against it."
Qian Renchuan answered firmly, "Mother, regardless of her opinion, I still won't agree. I'll repeat myself: from all the waters in the world, I choose only one cup. If you insist on forcing me, I'll elope with Bing'er right now!"
By the end, emotions running high, he couldn't hold back the powerful killing intent accumulated from countless slaughters in the Slaughter City. A crimson light crept across his eyes.
And Qian Renchuan wasn't bluffing. With his current explosive power, surpassing most Spirit Hall Elders, he could survive unhindered on the continent. Though he still needed to quell his bloodlust, traveling the land with the woman he loved was an excellent way to calm himself—and their intimate moments back at Shui Bing'er's chamber had proven equally helpful in easing his murderous urges.
Ah Yin, feeling stuck, turned imploringly toward Qian Xunji, hoping his wisdom could prevail.
Qian Xunji said, "We'll shelve the matter for now. Let's focus on steadying Xiaochuan's murderous impulses. Xiaochuan, spend this time studying music and etiquette with your Aunt Yuehua. Study well. Through her, you'll master the Deathgod Domain."
Aunt Yuehua, Tang Yuehua. He would have to stay by that person's side?
Qian Renchuan frowned. He disliked all those "inherently evil" Tang family members. But out of respect for his father, he complied.
Tang Yuehua was delighted for the chance. She'd long prayed that Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Clan wouldn't fight. Teaching Qian Renchuan might help her win more approval from Ah Yin, so she was glad to show him how best to calm his Slaughter City bloodlust. Her Nobility Circle Domain naturally subdued emotional outbursts, so it was the perfect method to guide him.
In half a year's time, thanks to Tang Yuehua's personal tutoring—and Shui Bing'er's help—Qian Renchuan reined in his murderously chaotic energy quite effectively.
Within a quiet room of Spirit Hall, Qian Renchuan, now robed in white, his long white hair impeccably groomed, his scarlet eyes bright and lucid, sat on a low stool playing the harp. Elegant, crystal-clear notes flowed, as pristine as pearls of jade and as pure as morning dew, transforming into beautiful melodies from the golden harp.
Six months ago, Qian Renchuan finally understood his father's motives for making him learn music and etiquette: a true powerhouse must control all of themselves, especially their emotions and aura. Only thus could he, like his great father, become an outstanding Supreme Pontiff. Under Tang Yuehua's wholehearted guidance, Qian Renchuan even began to accept her—a Tang family member. Only her, though, no one else.
Beneath the harp, Shui Bing'er propped her cheeks, enchanted by his performance. Tang Yuehua stood aside, also unable to find a single flaw in the music.
Outside the quiet room, two men listened silently. One had golden hair and looked around twenty-seven or twenty-eight, with a handsome face and tranquil bearing. The other was old, white-haired, visage ancient—looking some ten years older than the blond. But in reality, the blond man was older by more than ten years.
They were Qian Xunji and Ning Fengzhi.
They quietly watched Qian Renchuan play, while Ning Fengzhi prepared his final effort at persuasion.
As a former top-three sect master, Ning Fengzhi had a keen eye. Hearing Qian Renchuan's melody, he found it flawless—just two words: utterly perfect.
Having learned of Qian Renchuan's potential to become a god, Ning Fengzhi dearly wished for Ning Rongrong to marry him, though with some reservations. His health was failing. He could only "draw his weapon" so many times more, so he relied on Ning Rongrong to pass down the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. But recalling the previous timeline, he worried that if Ning Rongrong wedded Qian Renchuan, they might ascend to godhood and leave the continent, failing to leave any successor or pass on the divine Pagoda spirit. Then the Glazed Tile heritage would vanish, and he'd have no face to meet his ancestors in the afterlife.
When the piece ended, Qian Xunji waved a hand. "Yuehua, Bing'er, please step out."
They departed, leaving only Qian Xunji, Ning Fengzhi, and Qian Renchuan.
Qian Renchuan rose gracefully, nodding in salute. "Father, Elder Ning."
Qian Xunji nodded with approval. "Xiaochuan, about that matter—do you still refuse?"
Qian Renchuan shook his head.
Ning Fengzhi sighed. "Your Highness, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda is the Continent's number-one support spirit. Once it reaches nine rings, it can boost a spirit master's fighting strength by one hundred percent in all aspects. A single Title Douluo with the Nine Treasure Pagoda can reverse an entire battle. The advantage to Spirit Hall would be immense."
"I admire your devotion, but you're destined to become our next Supreme Pontiff. Would you cast aside such an opportunity, a chance for Spirit Hall to stand even stronger, all for personal sentiment?"
Qian Renchuan hesitated, realizing for the first time just how frightening the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda could be—a one-hundred-percent boost. He truly loathed betraying Bing'er, yet…
A sudden spark lit his gaze. "If I can do it, can't Father do it too?"
Qian Xunji: "??!"
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