Chapter 52: Probing and Recruitment

Although a small mishap occurred, Qian Renxue was no stranger to the palace after all these years, and she quickly composed herself as if nothing had happened.

A moment later, the staff of the Seven Treasures Pavilion knocked on the door, bringing a group of maids who presented an assortment of pastries, fruits, and wine, then swiftly departed, restoring everything to normal.

Qian Renxue smiled lightly, raised her wine glass slightly toward Chen Ming, and took a delicate sip. Seeing this, Chen Ming had no choice but to pick up his own glass, smile faintly, and take a sip as well.

Chen Ming never expected that even in another world, the culture of drinking at the table would still follow him.

He truly disliked drinking—not because he was unaccustomed to alcohol, but because he had seen many intoxicated fools since childhood and feared making mistakes after drinking. Therefore, he avoided alcohol unless absolutely necessary.

If he carelessly revealed something under the influence, it would be disastrous.

Seeing Chen Ming's expression, Qian Renxue smiled gently.

“A few days ago, I heard that a genius with a second soul ring had absorbed a thousand-year soul ring and enrolled at the Royal Academy of Tiandou, which piqued my curiosity. I also recently heard about your matter with Dugu Yan, the granddaughter of that notorious Douluo.”

“Though I understand that much of the world's affairs are hearsay and that ‘three men make a tiger’ remains an eternal truth, the reality may not be as exaggerated, or perhaps such matters never even existed. Yet, I still find myself somewhat curious.”

“By the way,” she changed the subject, “a few days ago, I sent someone to deliver something to you, Brother Chen Ming. I wonder if you were satisfied with it?”

Her words held a deeper meaning.

This item was less a gift and more like a lifeline extended to Chen Ming.

Although many Douluos and even titled Douluos had examined the relic left behind by a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast for centuries and deemed it useless, and even her attendants, She Spear and Thorn Puffer, regarded it as a mere defective piece, for a poison-attribute soul master, such a relic was invaluable.

It might not be directly usable, but if one could deduce some traits of the hundred-thousand-year-old poison soul beast through their own abilities, it would be a significant gain, potentially enhancing their soul power considerably.

Qian Renxue’s gift was not only for Chen Ming but also for Dugu Bo.

She had learned of the relationship between Dugu Yan and Chen Ming and guessed that while Dugu Bo might not easily kill Chen Ming, he might not accept him as his granddaughter’s husband. Thus, she sent this treasure of special significance to poison soul masters.

In her mind, if Chen Ming was clever enough to pass this treasure to Dugu Bo, then Dugu Bo would save face.

Even if Dugu Bo disliked Chen Ming, he would likely refrain from taking lethal action because of this precious gift. If Chen Ming wasn’t a fool, he would understand her intention and naturally join her ranks.

If Dugu Bo already favored Chen Ming, this treasure would simply be a courtesy to give Chen Ming a place in his eyes.

If in the future Dugu Bo accepted Chen Ming as a disciple or even as his granddaughter’s husband, Qian Renxue would gain considerable favor with Chen Ming, which would aid her in her future ambitions to usurp the throne.

As for Chen Ming not needing this treasure to satisfy Dugu Bo... that would be even better for Qian Renxue.

Recruiting a smart and talented person was far more valuable than merely recruiting a genius.

After all, this item came from the royal treasury of the Tiandou Empire, not from her personal funds.

Moreover, unlike other precious items, this relic had been gathering dust for over a hundred years. Giving it away did not trouble her, nor would it trouble Xue Ye if he found out.

In fact, it was only after she had sent this relic to Chen Ming that Xue Ye remembered that such a stone even existed in their royal treasury.

“Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness. I am indeed very satisfied,” Chen Ming replied.

Though he could not fully grasp Qian Renxue’s entire intention, he vaguely understood some of it and could not help but bow to her.

Qian Renxue was truly a benevolent person!

A genuine wealthy lady!

Chen Ming had thought the best opportunity he might gain in Tiandou City would be something like the Ice-Fire Duality Eye, and whether the Vast Sea Universe Shield would fall into his hands was still uncertain. Yet unexpectedly, Qian Renxue suddenly presented him with a grand gift.

This Dragon Pill was a real treasure. Although its attributes had been largely stripped, its inherent qualities remained precious, even surpassing a single immortal herb in value.

Considering its potential legacy, its worth might be much higher, possibly enough to establish a millennia-old family or sect.

This was no mere lucky coin; this was a living god of wealth!

They exchanged a knowing smile, both understanding the other’s thoughts.

In the time that followed, Qian Renxue engaged Chen Ming in light conversation, occasionally probing indirectly about various matters.

She asked about the environment of Biluo City, the prevalence of poisons, the heritage of Chen Ming’s family, his feelings after entering the Royal Academy of Tiandou, and the efforts he had made to absorb the thousand-year second soul ring.

Most of her words were trivial, but occasionally she posed sharp questions, all of which Chen Ming deftly deflected with practiced eloquence. Although not flawless, he revealed no information that others shouldn’t know.

Because of this, Qian Renxue admired Chen Ming even more.

Talented and intelligent, he could serve as a model under her command and play a significant role in the Tiandou Empire.

Thus, her ensuing conversation took on a tone of recruitment.

Faced with the god of wealth’s invitation, Chen Ming neither accepted nor refused, only expressing that he was troubled by rumors within the academy and could not decide immediately, though he did hold a favorable impression of the crown prince.

Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue was unhurried. She summoned the steward of the Seven Treasures Pavilion, instructing him to bring out the prepared dishes and several more pots of fine wine, wishing to have a proper drink with Chen Ming.

Could Chen Ming refuse to drink?

He wanted to abstain, but could he?

During the banquet, Qian Renxue, in the identity of Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, began discussing the Tiandou Empire with Chen Ming and subtly inquired about his attitude toward the Martial Soul Hall.

On this matter, Chen Ming was evasive, neither leaning toward the Martial Soul Hall nor the Tiandou Empire, instead adopting a neutral, reasoned stance.

He acknowledged the Martial Soul Hall as the sacred ground for soul masters, said to be the legacy left by the Angel God, incomparable to any nation on the continent. The current peace between the Tiandou Empire and the Xingluo Empire was largely maintained through the Martial Soul Hall’s covert assistance.

From Chen Ming’s words, the Tiandou Empire needed the Martial Soul Hall’s support to endure but was not a vassal. While staying close to the Martial Soul Hall, it must keep its distance and retain its own room to maneuver.