MTLNOVEL Chapter 223: Xue Ye thoughts
After several days away, Zhongli returned to Heaven Dou City.
As for the matters of the "Slaughter City," they had already been resolved.
He was confident that the former King of Slaughter would never dare to disappoint him.
Even if it meant "ascension," it would not dare to entertain the slightest rebellious thought.
Yes, the King of Slaughter was afraid—truly afraid!
What Asura? What Rakshasa? All of them could just die!
It had no faith in these so-called human deities.
Originally, it thought this new god was just another human deity as well.
But it had never expected...
"I must properly establish the Underworld. I cannot let the Lord down!"
Yan Luo—once the King of Slaughter—murmured to itself.
Following this being might truly lead to eternal life.
As for Wang Chen, he was directly pulled aside by Yan Luo for a private conversation, where Yan Luo persuaded him with reason and emotion, explaining what would happen in the future.
Wang Chen: "???"
The young Wang Chen decided he would witness firsthand whether Yan Luo's words were true. If they were, he would fully support it.
If they were false, he would stake his life to ensure this so-called King Yan Luo paid the price!
In the inner city of the Slaughter City, the criminals had heard rumors from the outer city. They were shocked that the werewolf who killed the captain of the enforcement team was summoned and pardoned by the King of Slaughter.
Some felt regret, yet at the same time, a sense of relief.
However, they were oblivious to what fate truly awaited them!
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Heaven Dou City, the Heaven Dou Great Spirit Arena
A particular VIP seat had been vacant for over half a month, yet no one dared to covet it.
When someone finally sat there again, the entire audience, including the contestants and other VIPs, froze momentarily.
That esteemed individual had returned!
"Zhongli! Zhongli!"
Paimon put down the food she was holding and flew to Zhongli's side, her big eyes sparkling.
"Zhongli, you're finally back!"
"Yes, things have been temporarily dealt with," Zhongli nodded, a faint smile breaking through his usually calm expression.
In this world, was there actually someone waiting for his "return home"?
Extending his right hand, he gently ruffled Paimon's head to reassure her.
"Stop messing with my head! Don't touch my head anymore!"
"If I keep getting patted, I'll never grow taller!" Paimon protested halfheartedly.
Even though she could have flown away, she didn't evade his touch.
"Paimon, you can fly, can't you?"
"If you grow too tall, wouldn't you hover way above me when flying? That would look really strange."
Hearing this, Paimon scratched her head and said reflexively, "That... does sound true!"
Just imagining that scene sent shivers down her spine—it was terrifying!
Wait a second... could this be why she never grows taller?
Seeing Zhongli and Paimon's interaction, the onlookers had various thoughts, but no one dared interrupt.
The members of the Body Sect, however, were genuinely delighted.
With their sect master present, they felt invincible. Without him, they still had confidence, but something always felt lacking.
"Qinghe, thank you for taking care of Paimon during this time," Zhongli said, turning to "Xue Qinghe" once Paimon had flown off to resume eating.
"Guest Elder, there's no need for such formality. I also enjoy spending time with Paimon," "Xue Qinghe" replied calmly, though her face beneath the "mask" reddened slightly.
Zhongli was thanking her!
How could she not be excited?
Even when she had gifted him the Heart of the Sea God, his gratitude had been purely polite, not heartfelt.
But now, for merely taking care of Paimon for a while, he was genuinely thanking her...
Clearly, the little Paimon held a significant place in his heart!
The world might know of this soft spot, but who would dare exploit it?
Emperor Xue Ye observed the exchange, nodding approvingly, a faint smile gracing his lips.
As expected of Qinghe!
With such respect for talents, gaining the support of a powerhouse like Zhongli was no small feat.
Excellent, excellent.
As long as this relationship was maintained, the Body Sect and the empire could grow closer. It wasn't impossible for the sect to become a national protector sect in the future.
As for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, their relationship was merely one of cooperation, not a firm alliance.
This had already been evident from the Shrek Academy incident.
Why had Du Bafang saved Meng Shenji?
Simply because Meng Shenji was Chi Yu mentor!
A sect that valued bonds over benefits—wasn't that far better than the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?
Of course, there were times when valuing bonds was advantageous, and other times when maintaining relationships through benefits was equally wise.
As a ruler, it is often more pragmatic to maintain relationships through shared interests rather than emotions.
But there are always exceptions—some people simply don't respond to benefits.
Thinking about this, Emperor Xue Ye couldn't help but twitch the corner of his eye.
"Emotion, then. So be it."
The fact that they don't value benefits also has its advantages.
At the very least, they wouldn't be swayed by the enticements of other factions, betraying the Heaven Dou Empire or stabbing the royal family in the back.
"Being an emperor without much power of my own is, frankly, quite challenging."
Unfortunately, their Swan Spirit practically ensured that top-tier experts would never emerge from their lineage.
Why does a dignified emperor have to show respect to Titled Douluo?
Because he fears they might go for a mutual destruction strategy!
An emperor with insufficient personal strength—this in itself is a glaring flaw.
But what choice do they have? Their innate talent and martial spirits are what they are.
Suddenly, Xue Ye glanced at Zhongli and then shook his head. Such ideas—this Martial God would never agree to them.
Even his most beautiful daughter wouldn't be enough to win over this Martial God.
It wasn't Zhongli who was unworthy of the imperial family; it was the imperial family that couldn't match up to the Martial God.
If they couldn't match up, then find someone else who could.
The acting sect master of the Body Sect had a grandson, Du Siji. That boy wasn't bad at all. Xue Ye had heard that Du Siji had a bit of a temper, especially during spirit battles...
But for the sake of the empire, for the royal family, sacrifices had to be made—even by the princess.
"If only Qinghe could marry Chi Yu..."
"Ah, I wonder if Martial God Zhongli would approve."
In Xue Ye's view, ideas like love and freedom of marriage were irrelevant.
Even for the crown prince and princess, marriage was always tied to interests.
If what he envisioned could happen, then...
The royal family might finally see the rise of a Titled Douluo!
With the talents of Du Siji and Chi Yu, they could undoubtedly improve the bloodline's potential.
It didn't matter much if the royal family's martial spirit ceased to be the Swan Spirit.
The only concern weighing on Xue Ye's mind was the risk of bringing a wolf into the fold.
If he truly went through with this plan, there was always the chance the Body Sect could...
"It needs careful deliberation. Very careful deliberation."
"For now, let's put the matter of Qinghe aside and focus on Xue Ke..."
Xue Qinghe, being the crown prince, faced a different set of challenges. If he were to marry Shi Yu, given her background, status, and influence, she could not remain anything less than the crown princess.
The three elders at the academy would be the first to object if she were not given the proper title.
If Chi Yu were made the crown princess—and eventually the empress—her influence could potentially cause problems detrimental to the Xue family.
Xue Ke, on the other hand, was different.
She was a princess, and even if she were married off to someone like Du Siji, her identity would never threaten the royal family's standing.
After all, she was "just" a princess.
But her children... her children might yet bring hope to the royal family.