98: Chapter 98 The Treasure Ice Phoenix Token, Did the Soul Bone Harm Qian Renxue?

A 50,000-year-old Spirit Bone of excellent quality could be considered a Legacy Spirit Bone even within the royal family; no one could resist such temptation!

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Su Ling said. Among those present, only he knew that the value of the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud was higher than this 50,000-year-old Spirit Bone.

Moreover, Xue Ye seemed to really want this Spirit Bone, so after he agreed, he immediately ordered someone to fetch the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud. Once it was brought over, he placed it directly in front of Su Ling.

Everyone turned their eyes to the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud. It looked very peculiar, like an extremely precious gemstone.

It was the size of a palm, triangular in shape, and entirely crystal-clear blue. Upon closer inspection, one could seemingly see rippling, wave-like patterns on its surface.

"The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud is a remarkable spirit tool. Unfortunately, for so many years, no one has been able to unleash its effects. I hope you, Su Ling, can become its true master," Xue Ye said again.

Su Ling reached out and picked up the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, then placed the 50,000-year-old Spirit Bone he had just received on top of it, before saying, "I hope I can make it recognize me as its master."

As soon as he finished speaking, the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud seemed to gain a Spirit of its own, seemingly struggling to break free in Su Ling's hand.

The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud was meant to merge into the head, and the direction in which the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud was exerting force was toward the location of Su Ling's head.

Is it in such a hurry to recognize a master?

The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud is a key item for becoming the Sea God, at least it is in the novel's plot.

Does this mean it recognizes me, letting me inherit the Sea God's God Position?

Su Ling didn't mind, but after becoming a god, a First-Class God can only bring two people into the Divine Realm, while Second-Class and Third-Class Gods cannot bring anyone at all.

Becoming a god in the future is certain, but as for how to become a god, Su Ling wants to control the initiative himself.

Therefore, Su Ling does not want the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud to recognize him as its master so quickly for the time being.

The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud is a good item for him, and the few skills it possesses are quite excellent.

However, at the same time, this Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud also harbors a hidden danger, which is the most critical point.

This is a key item for inheriting the Sea God; if one wants to become a god, one must obey the Sea God and be an obedient successor.

But if the path he takes in the future goes against the Sea God's will, or if he offends the Sea God, could the other party control the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud and take his life?

Su Ling does not want anything with potential danger, especially something that is placed into the head; one must be even more cautious.

Su Ling's strength was immense, and he held the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud firmly, not letting it move.

However, this subtle movement was still noticed by Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, who revealed a look of peculiarity.

Su Ling took the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud and put it into his spatial spirit tool, but in reality, he stored it inside his System space.

Xue Ye was also very happy to have obtained the Spirit Bone. Next, he offered a few official words of encouragement before letting everyone leave.

In the end, Qian Renxue could only helplessly take Su Ling to the Heaven Dou Empire's treasury to choose a treasure.

"Su Ling, I am truly sorry. Actually, you have suffered a loss this time. When choosing a treasure, I will definitely keep an eye out for you and find a good treasure to compensate you," Qian Renxue said.

"Then many thanks, Brother Qinghe," Su Ling said.

"There is no need for you and me, as brothers, to say thank you," Qian Renxue said. In order to create a sense of intimacy between brothers, she actually placed one hand directly on Su Ling's shoulder.

If this were a man, Su Ling would feel that this level of intimacy was a bit excessive.

However, knowing that the one disguised was Qian Renxue, it didn't matter; going a step further wouldn't be impossible either.

Arriving at the Heaven Dou Empire's first-class treasury, after completing the procedures, he walked into the first-class treasury together with Qian Renxue.

The Heaven Dou Empire's first-class treasury was actually not very large; it was only slightly bigger than that of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.

It is often said that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is as wealthy as a nation, but that is actually a metaphor describing the wealth of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School; in reality, compared to the wealth of the Heaven Dou Empire, there is still a gap.

"Su Ling, why don't you choose for yourself first? I want to see if you can pick the best one," Qian Renxue said with a smile.

"Brother Qinghe, you are testing my eye for things. Very well... then I will take a look first."

After speaking, Su Ling directly activated his Eye of True Sight, observing every item.

Su Ling checked every item on every display stand.

Perhaps he had seen too many good things; after scanning a large circle, Su Ling did not find anything he particularly liked or anything particularly useful.

It was not until Su Ling walked up to a blue box that he stopped.

"What is this?"

Under his Eye of True Sight, Su Ling could see the object inside the box: a token, and on the token was a water-blue Phoenix.

Su Ling was less than half a meter away from the box, yet he could feel a peculiar chill.

He opened the box, and it was the same as what Su Ling had seen with his Eye of True Sight.

The material of this token was extremely special; Su Ling did not recognize it. It was less than half the size of a palm but weighed several tens of jin.

"Brother Qinghe, do you know what this is?" Su Ling asked.

Qian Renxue said, "I might not know about the other items in this treasury, but I have actually heard of the origins of this thing."

Su Ling said, "Please tell me, Brother Qinghe."

Qian Renxue said, "This item is called the ice phoenix token. It was found seventy years ago when confiscating the property of a corrupt official. It is said that some powerhouse brought it back from the Extreme North, and it was eventually collected into the Empire's first-class treasury."

"No one knows the specific function of the ice phoenix token, and no one has been sent to the Extreme North to verify it. Placed in this first-class treasury, it has always been ignored."

The more mysterious an item was, the more Su Ling liked it. Isn't this like opening a blind box? Besides, Su Ling was not lacking in good items.

Just like extremely precious ten-thousand-year medicinal herbs, there were quite a few in this first-class treasury, but did Su Ling lack good medicinal herbs? Not at all.

"Brother Qinghe, then I will choose this one," Su Ling said.

"Su Ling, are you sure? Although this thing is mysterious, no one knows if it is useful. In the treasury, I also know of many treasures of high value. Are you sure you want this?" Qian Renxue asked Su Ling to confirm twice in a row, which was actually to persuade him not to take it.

"Brother Qinghe, I am sure. I want this. Moreover, I plan to take a trip to the Extreme North in a while, so I will take this to try it out; what if it happens to be useful?" Su Ling said.

"Alright, since you have already decided, I will not force you. Let's take this one then," Qian Renxue said.

Persuading once or twice was enough; any more would cause dissatisfaction or resentment.

Carrying the box, the two of them went together to complete the collection procedures, and Su Ling successfully stored the ice phoenix token into his System space.

After leaving the treasury, Qian Renxue asked, "Su Ling, His Majesty has conferred upon you the title of Marquis of Divine Arrows. Which fief do you want?"

Su Ling said, "Brother Qinghe, what must I do to be this Marquis of Divine Arrows?"

Qian Renxue said, "Titles are actually just for recruiting capable Spirit Masters. Spirit Masters with a bit of potential or great strength all start as Viscounts, and only later, after rendering great service to the Empire, can they be promoted."

"This time, His Majesty also heard about your performance in the Advanced Spirit Master Tournament before granting this title. However, to obtain this title, one must serve the Empire."

"Must I serve the Empire! Doesn't that restrict my freedom?" Su Ling said.

Qian Renxue nodded and said, "That is indeed the case. The Empire's recruitment of Spirit Masters is currently like this, without exception."

Actually, Su Ling also knew that one cannot have it all; wanting benefits without putting in effort is impossible, unless one is already powerful enough that they need to take the initiative to curry favor.

As of now, for the Heaven Dou Empire, he is just a person with excellent potential who is worth investing in.

Su Ling said, "In that case, Brother Qinghe, please help me say a word. I do not want this title; freedom is more important than anything else."

"Su Ling, you are right. Freedom is truly very important." As Qian Renxue said this, her expression revealed a look of melancholy, but it was fleeting.

Freedom—she had lost it a long time ago.

"I can strive for it for you, but it will be very difficult to have a fief, and the benefits might also be reduced significantly," Qian Renxue said.

"Then I will listen to Brother Qinghe," Su Ling said.

"Good. Also, Su Ling, what you said before entering the palace today, is it true—that you want to become my sworn brother?" Qian Renxue confirmed again.

She also knew that with an ordinary relationship, it would certainly be impossible to make him her subordinate.

To deal with a true peerless Genius, recruitment must certainly use special means.

Su Ling said, "As long as Brother Qinghe does not look down on my status, I am of course willing."

"Good, good! Tomorrow is a good day. Let's do it this way. I will also strive for your title," Qian Renxue said.

Qian Renxue was very happy. Handling the relationship with Su Ling well—given Su Ling's potential and ability, he might grow to an unattainable height within ten years.

In the future, he would be her greatest support. Su Ling values relationships and righteousness; when she truly needs him, as long as she speaks, Su Ling would absolutely not ignore her.

Is it difficult to recruit a peerless Genius?

It's just that simple!

At this moment, there was a tiny bit of smugness in Qian Renxue's heart; the more she looked at Su Ling, the more pleasing he became.

[Ding... Qian Renxue Favorability +5, obtained white treasure chest *2, yellow treasure chest *1]

While chatting, the two of them walked until they sent Su Ling outside the imperial palace to reunite with the others.

After seeing Su Ling leave, Qian Renxue then returned to see Emperor Xue Ye.

"Father, this son has already sent Su Ling away," Qian Renxue said.

"What did he choose inside the treasury?" Xue Ye asked.

Qian Renxue said, "It was that ice phoenix token!"

"It's that item!" Xue Ye just said that and didn't mention it again; this item seemed to be useless in his eyes as well.

"Father, there is one more matter to report to you," Qian Renxue continued.

"Qinghe, just speak directly," Xue Ye said with a smile. He was truly too satisfied with this Crown Prince; apart from cultivating a bit slowly, in other aspects, he was almost flawless.

"Father, Su Ling seems to not want to accept the title of Marquis of Divine Arrows. He wants to devote himself to Cultivation and does not want to be delayed by other matters," Qian Renxue said.

"Is that so?"

After speaking, Xue Ye thought for a while before continuing, "Su Ling has already reached level 65 at the age of twenty; he is indeed a Genius rarely seen in ten thousand years and should be valued. He must have suffered a loss by exchanging the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud for this Spirit Bone."

"Qinghe, you said today that you want to become his sworn brother? Was that a joke?"

Qian Renxue said, "Father, this is not a joke. Tomorrow, I am prepared to hold a formal ceremony with Su Ling."

Xue Ye nodded and said, "Very good. Using such a method to recruit a Genius rarely seen in ten thousand years is much more useful than a title. Dealing with such a Genius indeed requires different methods."

"Since you are sworn brothers, I cannot give him a Prince or Duke title for now. Let's still give him a Marquis title. The title of Marquis of Divine Arrows remains unchanged. Allow him freedom, and he does not have to obey orders, but for now, I will not grant him a fief."

"Wait until he is truly helpful to my Empire in the future before granting these rewards, or even granting a higher title," Xue Ye said.

"Father, if we wait until he has truly grown up to reward him, wouldn't it be a bit late?" Qian Renxue said; she still wanted to strive for more for Su Ling.

After hearing Qian Renxue's words, Xue Ye hesitated for a moment.

He had to admit that what Qian Renxue said made sense.

"Qinghe, these rewards are enough for now. Letting him not obey orders, what you said makes sense, but after all, Su Ling has offended Spirit Hall."

"He has not grown up yet. He is indeed a peerless Genius, but he is not yet a peerless expert. Let's forget about the fief for now and discuss it later. Moreover, the rewards are too high now; how can we reward him in the future? This is also disadvantageous for you to control him later," Xue Ye said.

Qian Renxue still wanted to retort, but thinking about it, Su Ling didn't seem to care about these things, and Xue Ye's last two sentences were also correct.

"Then let it be as Father wishes! Here, I thank Father on behalf of Su Ling," Qian Renxue said.

Xue Ye smiled, looking at Qian Renxue with a kind face, nodding with satisfaction. Subsequently, he made a certain decision and actually took out the Spirit Bone he had only obtained from Su Ling today.

"Qinghe, you are the next ruler of the Empire. I am old, and absorbing this Spirit Bone will not be of much use."

"You are still young. I have also had several people appraise this Spirit Bone; its quality is excellent, and it is very suitable for the Swan Spirit. In the future, it can serve as a Legacy Spirit Bone for every generation of emperors."

"The Heaven Dou Empire will be yours sooner or later, and the first time one absorbs a Spirit Bone, the benefits are the greatest. Your cultivation talent is not very high, so this Spirit Bone should be helpful to you. Therefore, take this Spirit Bone and absorb it."

After Xue Ye finished speaking, Qian Renxue was stunned. How could she absorb it?

She knew this Spirit Bone was very good, but she was not the real Xue Qinghe, nor did she have a Swan Spirit.

As a Seraphim, she had nine Spirit Bones to absorb—the Angel Spirit Bone set.

But now, asking her to absorb this Spirit Bone—wouldn't that harm her?

Qian Renxue was truly speechless; a Spirit Bone brought by Su Ling had actually put her in a difficult position.

If she absorbed this Spirit Bone, what would happen to the Angel set Spirit Bones in the future?

Moreover, she couldn't pretend to absorb it. The Spirit Bone she had absorbed now allowed her to disguise herself, but it couldn't disguise a Spirit Bone.

Once absorbed, she would definitely have to demonstrate the effects here in front of Xue Ye.

"Father, you are still young. You should absorb this Spirit Bone yourself," Qian Renxue refused.

"I absorb it?" Xue Ye did not expect the Crown Prince to ask him to absorb it.

To be honest, he did have a Spirit Bone on him, but its quality and age were far worse than this one; they were simply not on the same level.

It was just that for the future of the Heaven Dou Empire, it was better for Crown Prince Xue Qinghe to absorb it.

In his heart, he really wanted to absorb it, and this absorption would very likely allow him to break through his current Bottleneck.

Qian Renxue said, "Father, since you have defined this Spirit Bone as a Legacy Spirit Bone, then you should be the one to absorb it. How could I take it!"

"Qinghe, do you really think so?" Xue Ye said.

"This son does not deceive Father; every word is true," Qian Renxue said with a serious face.

"Good. Since you insist on not taking it, then I will absorb this Spirit Bone. When that day comes and I am gone, it will be yours anyway."

Xue Ye smiled; in the end, he still could not resist the temptation and wanted to absorb this Spirit Bone.

"Qinghe, where will your sworn brotherhood ceremony be held tomorrow? I want to come personally to witness it for you," Xue Ye said.

"I have just discussed it with Su Ling; it will be held at my Crown Princes Mansion!" Qian Renxue responded.