Chapter 177: Second Deal with Qian Renxue
After slaying the three members of the Elephant Armored Clan, Yang Potian decided not to use spirit skills to heal himself, preferring to see how quickly his body could recover from his injuries. Glancing at the remains of his would-be robbers, he shook his head. "The strongest of them was only an eighty-two-level Spirit Douluo, yet they dared to steal from me—utterly suicidal."
It was likely the commotion of his battle with the Demon-Eyed White Tiger King that had drawn their attention. Hoping to assess his own physical endurance, Yang Potian had allowed the three to misjudge his abilities, leading to their fatal mistake. After collecting three storage soul tools from them, he turned his focus back to the injured White Tiger King, finishing it off with a swift strike. He harvested a white right arm bone from its corpse, then stored both the body and spirit bone before leaving the area.
Although this was the heart of the Sunset Forest, Tian Dou City was merely 300 kilometers away. Activating his wings, Yang Potian flew swiftly, reaching the city within an hour. To his satisfaction, his wounds were nearly healed by the time he arrived, a testament to the impressive restorative powers of the Blue Silver Emperor's spirit ring.
Upon entering Tian Dou City, he quickly located a hotel to freshen up. Then, clean and presentable, he headed to the Crown Prince's residence, intent on meeting with Xue Qinghe. At the gate, he displayed the Yang Clan's insignia to the guards. "Inform the Crown Prince that Yang Potian requests an audience. We will meet tomorrow morning at the Tian Dou Grand Hotel," he instructed, departing before the guards could respond. The palace was Xue Qinghe's stronghold and housed two Title Douluos, a combination Yang Potian had no desire to challenge.
The following morning, Xue Qinghe arrived punctually at the hotel, looking pleased and in high spirits. As Yang Potian led him to a secluded room on the top floor, he noted the barely hidden cheer on Xue Qinghe's face—a hint that his schemes against the young prince, Xue Beng, were likely succeeding.
As they settled in, Xue Qinghe looked around and remarked, "Yang, why the need for such a private location? Is there something pressing?"
Yang Potian smiled. "Nothing too critical, Your Highness. I was simply hoping to arrange a discreet transaction. I thought a private setting would be most suitable."
Xue Qinghe's expression shifted slightly, a hint of caution in his gaze. Yang Potian spoke calmly, "No need for concern, Your Highness. Our last collaboration was quite successful, wasn't it? I trust you haven't forgotten."
Xue Qinghe forced a slight smile, "You jest, Yang. That deal was indeed mutually beneficial. I assume you've come with a new proposition?"
Yang Potian's expression grew serious. "I've heard that the Tian Dou Empire possesses an artifact of great repute, the Sea God's Heart. I'd very much like to borrow it."
At this, Xue Qinghe's face changed abruptly. "You must be joking, Yang. The Sea God's Heart is a national treasure. Securing it isn't as simple as just asking. Perhaps you should appeal to my father directly; given his high regard for you, he might oblige."
"You're being modest, Your Highness," Yang Potian replied. "Given our successful past arrangement, I'd prefer to negotiate with you directly. We both stand to gain from this exchange."
Xue Qinghe paused thoughtfully. "If it's a transaction you want, Yang, surely you have something valuable to offer in return. I can't simply hand over the empire's treasure on goodwill alone."
Yang Potian opened a jade box he had brought along, revealing a Phoenix-Tail Crestflower. A wave of intense, fiery energy radiated from the blossom, filling the room with vibrant fire-elemental energy.
Yang Potian explained, "This rare flower is called the Phoenix-Tail Crestflower, a fire-element herb with the essence of the phoenix. With your royal family's Swan Spirit, consuming this might cause your spirit to evolve, perhaps even granting you access to the Phoenix's fiery powers."
His eyes narrowed as he added, "Does this Phoenix-Tail Crestflower seem worth the Sea God's Heart?"
Xue Qinghe's gaze remained fixed on the flower, his spirit seemingly resonating with it. Nevertheless, he fought to remain composed. "With such a valuable treasure, why don't you present it to my father? Surely he could reward you handsomely."
Yang Potian shook his head. "Involving Emperor Xue Ye would complicate things. I'd rather deal with you directly. We both benefit, and our agreement stays between us."
Xue Qinghe considered this before replying, "Five days. Let's finalize the exchange here in five days."
"Then, we have a deal," Yang Potian replied, rising to leave.
After he left, Snake Spear Douluo emerged from the shadows and addressed Xue Qinghe, "Young Master, why not just eliminate him? We'd get the treasure without giving up the Sea God's Heart."
Xue Qinghe glared at him. "You underestimate Yang Potian. He's sharp enough to anticipate my every move. And we cannot risk exposing my true identity now."
"Go to Spirit Hall and consult Yue Guan," he instructed. "I want confirmation on whether this Phoenix-Tail Crestflower would benefit my spirit."
Without delay, Snake Spear Douluo left to fulfill the request. Four days later, he returned to the palace, bringing Yue Guan, the Chrysanthemum Douluo, who had come despite his severe injuries. Xue Qinghe greeted him respectfully, "Chrysanthemum Douluo, it's good to see you. How is your recovery progressing?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo replied, "Thank you for your concern, Young Master. With Spirit Hall's treatment, I should be fully recovered within two years."
Xue Qinghe's expression turned serious. "What did you discover about the Phoenix-Tail Crestflower? Can it aid me?"
After a brief pause, Chrysanthemum Douluo explained, "The Phoenix-Tail Crestflower is a supreme fire-element herb. For fire-aligned spirit masters, it provides an enormous boost, especially those with avian spirit forms. In some cases, it can even cause a spirit evolution. It's a remarkable treasure."
Xue Qinghe frowned. "Yang Potian certainly seems aware of the flower's value. He's no fool; he wouldn't offer it if the Sea God's Heart were of lesser value. Investigate the artifact further."
Removing a blue, triangular crystal from his cloak, Xue Qinghe revealed the Sea God's Heart. As he set it on the table, the room filled with an ocean-like aura, bathing everything in soft blue light. But despite Chrysanthemum Douluo's examination, they could discern little beyond its impressive storage capacity.
Finally, Snake Spear Douluo advised, "The Sea God's Heart may indeed be priceless. Should we still proceed with the trade?"
Xue Qinghe's frustration grew, realizing that none of his subordinates could fully understand the artifact's properties. After a long silence, he replied, "Of course. I'm exchanging something of no use to me for a treasure that will strengthen my abilities. This is still worthwhile. As for what happens later—well, we'll see."
Despite his inherent talents, Xue Qinghe had begun to feel the pressure of Yang Potian's rising strength. With Yang Potian's cultivation surpassing his own, Xue Qinghe would not ignore a chance to grow even stronger. But he remained wary.
"Any signs of other members from the Yang Clan?" he asked.
Snake Spear Douluo nodded, "Yes, Young Master. Dugu Bo recently returned to Tian Dou City, along with Yang Zhentian from the Yang Clan, who is here to manage some business affairs."
"Anything on Yang Zhentian's strength?" Xue Qinghe pressed.
"We're unsure. He likely has some means of concealing his spirit power," Snake Spear Douluo replied. "He may be around the Spirit Douluo level, but we cannot confirm without confronting him. The Yang Clan is renowned for their formidable attack power."
"Let's not provoke them unless absolutely necessary," Xue Qinghe ordered. "For now, we'll proceed with the trade as planned and avoid any unnecessary conflict."
Yang Potian had carefully selected the Phoenix-Tail Crestflower for this deal, choosing a treasure that his clan could do without. He knew Qian Renxue was no fool; to have hidden within Tian Dou City's royal family this long took remarkable intelligence. However, he was confident the Phoenix-Tail Crestflower would be a temptation she could not ignore.
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