"Please accept me as your disciple, Master!"
Xue Beng knelt directly before Qian Renshang.
Actually, judging by age, the two were about the same age, and kneeling before someone of the same generation was something I would find shameful.
However, Xue Beng didn't feel ashamed at all.
This was Qian Renshang... If nothing unexpected happened, he would gain the future number one person of the Heaven Dou Empire, and possibly even the number one person of the Douluo Continent!
Becoming his disciple would be a worthwhile investment!
Qian Renshang felt a chill run down his spine for the first time when he saw Xue Beng kneeling before him, unsure of how to respond.
He looked at Emperor Xue Ye's ambiguous smile and sighed helplessly in his heart.
"Indeed, the old fox is still the most cunning... No wonder he is a man who can be the ruler of a country.
He's afraid that our relationship isn't stable enough, so he sent a crown prince to be my disciple."
"Doesn't that mean that I will still be the Imperial Tutor in the future... second only to the emperor?"
If Xue Beng became his disciple, it could be said that his interests would be completely tied to the Heaven Dou Empire.
Emperor Xue Ye's move was practically an open conspiracy.
The atmosphere instantly changed with that kneel, everyone turning to look at Qian Renshang.
Di Tian and the others also stopped what they were doing, watching the scene unfold with expressionless faces.
If Qian Renshang refused, and the Heavenly Dou Empire dared to turn hostile, then they shouldn't blame them for being impolite!
However…
Qian Renshang only hesitated for a moment before agreeing.
"Since Your Majesty is so kind, then I will accept it.
However, I don't know if I can be a good teacher."
Qian Renshang smiled shyly, then reached into his robes and pulled out a delicate little bottle.
"For my first time becoming a disciple, I should give you a gift… but I didn't prepare one beforehand, so I hope you won't find it offensive."
He then handed the bottle to Xue Beng.
Xue Beng initially thought the ordinary little bottle was just a common item, but upon opening it, a vibrant green life force swept across the entire area!
"The Fountain of Life! This is the Fountain of Life..."
"It's not just any ordinary Fountain of Life... Such abundant life force!"
"What a grand gesture! Every drop of this Fountain of Life is worth a fortune.
This bottle contains at least 20 drops, and its value is no less than that of an ordinary soul bone."
Everyone was very envious.
Xue Beng hadn't expected Qian Renshang's gift to be so valuable, and quickly bowed again!
Qian Renshang quickly stopped him... After accepting Xue Beng's gift, the banquet continued!
It wasn't until late at night that everyone slowly left.
...
Qian Renshang and his entourage finally left the palace, everyone excited today.
"I didn't expect this trip to the Heavenly Dou Empire to be so easy... the cooperation was reached so quickly, even faster than I imagined."
Qian Renshang exclaimed, and Gu Yuena nodded in agreement.
"That's because your talent is too good.
Everything you did in the Heavenly Dou Empire was nothing short of a miracle, making it hard for them not to believe you..."
"Hehe..."
Qian Renshang scratched his head, a little embarrassed, when Di Tian suddenly spoke up.
"Kid, so what are you planning to do next?"
"Once the prototype of the Spirit Pagoda is established... the earth-type soul masters here in the Heaven Dou Empire are professionals, I feel it can be completed in a month or two, then we can start recruiting and experimenting..."
Qian Renshang looked at Di Tian,
"Regarding soul beasts, I'll need Uncle Di Tian's help... I need some soul beasts that volunteer to become soul spirits, preferably those nearing their end, mostly thousand-year soul beasts, hundred-year soul beasts are also acceptable... As for ten-thousand-year soul beasts, it depends on how many you can bring!"
"Okay, I'll have the Crimson King go back later... he's fast, you don't need to worry about the soul beasts!"
Di Tian nodded in agreement, and Qian Renshang breathed a sigh of relief.
He looked at the dark night sky, staring at the bright moon, hoping... that nothing unexpected would happen!
...
Emperor Xueye did not break his promise.
After finalizing more details of cooperation with Qian Renshang the next day, the Spirit Pagoda project started immediately!
The location chosen for the Spirit Pagoda was 20 miles south of the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace, a fertile land.
The Heaven Dou Royal Academy was not far away, and the Blue Lightning Academy was nearby as well…
On a vast expanse of land in Heaven Dou City, Emperor Xue Ye gave an order, and countless earth-type soul masters gathered, thus beginning a massive project.
The numerous earth-type soul masters, dressed in uniform attire, stood in neat rows.
Their soul power surged, their hands constantly forming hand seals, unleashing powerful earth-type soul skills.
The earth began to tremble, soil and rocks churning and surging like waves.
The Soul Masters, focused intently, sweat streaming down their faces, never faltered.
As time passed, the Spirit Pagoda's outline gradually emerged.
Huge stones were precisely stacked, the towering structure extending ever upwards.
Each level was meticulously designed, striving for perfection.
Qian Renshang occasionally offered his opinions!
For a month, day and night, the construction site was a hive of activity.
The Earth-type Soul Masters expended enormous amounts of soul power, but with unwavering will and loyalty to the Emperor's orders, they persevered relentlessly.
Finally, amidst the expectant gazes of everyone, the Spirit Pagoda was completed.
This magnificent structure stood in the heart of Heaven Dou City, like a colossal giant reaching for the heavens.
The Spirit Pagoda headquarters was imposing, its towering height piercing the clouds.
Constructed of sturdy bluestone, its surface was carved with exquisite patterns and mysterious runes, shimmering with an eerie light under the sun.
The top of the tower was a huge circular platform, surrounded by ornate railings.
From a distance, the Spirit Pagoda resembled a mysterious castle, exuding an awe-inspiring aura.
In the streets and alleys of Tiandou City, the original inhabitants began their day as usual.
However, when their gaze fell upon the area in the city center, everyone froze.
A magnificent and mysterious building suddenly appeared in their view, a sight they had never seen before.
People stared wide-eyed, mouths agape, their faces filled with shock and bewilderment.
"What is this? How did it appear overnight?" an old man said in a trembling voice, his cane nearly falling from his hand.
"It didn't happen overnight… it seems to have been under construction for some time now, apparently a royal undertaking."
A young man beside him also looked bewildered.
Women held their children, who had stopped crying, all staring blankly at the towering Spirit Pagoda, at a loss.
"The Spirit Pagoda?
What kind of organization is this… it seems even more imposing than the Seven Great Sects!"
Someone whispered, their voice trembling.
Everyone tried to understand the suddenly appearing Spirit Pagoda, but their minds seemed to be filled with mush, and they just couldn't figure it out.
(End of Chapter)
Read 30+ chapters ahead at Patreon
patreon.com/TaroYamato
patreon.com/TaroYamato