As soon as Xu Tianran finished speaking, silence filled the study.
"Hmm?"
Xu Tianran was puzzled. Even if these two weren't shocked, they should at least show some surprise.
Why were their expressions completely unchanged?
Three seconds passed, and the study remained silent.
"Ahem, this Titan Snow Demon's right palm bone is of extremely high quality..."
...
Still, no one spoke.
The leader of the Holy Spirit Cult, Zhongli Wu, simply stared at Xu Tianran indifferently.
In his eyes, while the Titan Snow Demon's right palm bone was valuable, it was not enough to astonish him. After all, he possessed three hundred-thousand-year spirit rings.
Jiang Jue, on the other hand, was indeed a bit surprised, but he kept it to himself, maintaining an expression as calm as still water.
Since Xu Tianran had already taken it out, it was obviously meant for him. There was no need for surprise.
"Your Highness' collection is truly impressive."
At this moment, Elder Xue stepped in to break the awkward silence.
Elder Xue was a Title Douluo, a veteran powerhouse known as "Shadow." He had made many enemies in his early years, but in the end, he was taken in by Xu Tianran.
Xu Tianran chuckled awkwardly, then looked at another golden nanmu wooden box and continued.
"This one is a right arm bone from a twenty-thousand-year-old Radiant Winged Dragon. This dragon possesses a high concentration of true dragon bloodline, with a light attribute."
"I believe it suits Saint Jiang quite well, so I brought it out today."
This Radiant Winged Dragon's right arm bone was about the size of a baby's arm. Its structure was clearly defined, and golden light flowed across its surface, radiating a gentle and holy aura.
Ever since Jiang Jue showcased his light attribute in the chaotic battle at the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy, Xu Tianran had taken notice and prepared accordingly.
Xu Tianran smiled warmly at Jiang Jue.
Jiang Jue's mouth twitched.
Light attribute? Suited for him?
His so-called "light attribute" came from Elder Yi's light enchantment; it wasn't something he inherently possessed.
Zhongli Wu was also confused. Light attribute suits my disciple?
Is this Xu Tianran an idiot?
To him, Jiang Jue's martial spirit carried an aura more sinister than his own Death God Puppet—it was absolutely and irreversibly evil. How could a light-attribute spirit bone possibly suit him?
Since Jiang Jue had left for the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy, Zhongli Wu had kept an eye on him but hadn't been overly involved. After all, the academy had Title Douluos within its ranks, and it wouldn't be appropriate for him to come and go as he pleased.
Besides, he had been quite busy lately. He only knew that Jiang Jue had defeated numerous Spirit Ancestors and even a Spirit King during the academy's chaotic battle. But as for how Jiang Jue won, he wasn't sure.
"Could it be that Xu Tianran is mocking me?"
Zhongli Wu's anger flared. Giving my Holy Spirit Cult's Saint a light-attribute spirit bone? How ridiculous!
"Hmm?"
Just as Zhongli Wu was about to erupt in anger, Jiang Jue lightly touched his arm.
"Master, I'll explain this to you later."
Hearing this, Zhongli Wu was still puzzled but suppressed his fury.
"These two spirit bones are both gifts for Saint Jiang," Xu Tianran said.
Elder Xue stepped forward, closed the two wooden boxes, and handed them to Jiang Jue.
Jiang Jue glanced at Zhongli Wu. Seeing his master nod slightly, he accepted the boxes.
"Many thanks, Your Highness."
"Oh, Saint Jiang, what are you saying? Our Holy Spirit Cult and I have always been on good terms. This is only natural," Xu Tianran replied in an unhurried tone. His words carried a deceptive sincerity, as if they were completely genuine.
Looking at Jiang Jue, Xu Tianran's eyes flickered, and he suddenly said:
"Saint Jiang, you are so young yet already possess such cultivation. I am only a few years older than you. Why don't we address each other as brothers?"
After speaking, he looked at Jiang Jue expectantly.
Jiang Jue was stunned and quickly waved his hands in refusal.
He was well aware of the fine traditions of the Xu royal family—killing their own brothers and betraying their allies.
They were only second to a certain someone Jiang Jue knew, a true master of backstabbing his foster fathers.
Seeing Jiang Jue reject the offer, Xu Tianran's eyes flashed with disappointment. But in an instant, his smile returned, as if nothing had happened.
"Your Highness, if there's anything else, please say it directly," Zhongli Wu said, his tone slightly improved.
After all, Xu Tianran had just given two spirit bones to Jiang Jue. Since they had benefited, he couldn't keep acting cold.
"It's about my disobedient royal uncle."
"He has refused to take a stance and remains neutral. This worries me. Furthermore, he controls the Sun Moon Empire's strategic reserve treasury, and I simply cannot feel at ease with this."
Xu Tianran shook his head slightly, a look of regret on his face.
The uncle he referred to was Xu Guozhong, a prince.
In Xu Tianran's eyes, the countless rare metals and soul tools in the empire's strategic reserves were the truth he needed to ascend to the throne.
Only when he controlled the truth could he become the truth.
"Alright, leave this matter to me. Your Highness will soon have no more 'royal uncle' to worry about," Zhongli Wu declared without hesitation, already preparing to eliminate Xu Guozhong.
"Huh? No... No, that's not what I meant, Cult Leader Zhongli!"
Xu Tianran was momentarily stunned before quickly waving his hands in denial.
"You misunderstood me. I only wanted you to intimidate my uncle, not kill him."
Xu Tianran let out a bitter laugh.
After all, Xu Guozhong was not just a prince; he was also a Rank 9 Soul Engineer. His combat strength was among the top in the Sun Moon Empire, and killing him would be a great loss.
If Zhongli Wu actually killed him, it would be a disaster—Xu Tianran still needed him to contribute after he ascended the throne.
Moreover, it would give him the reputation of having killed his own uncle. While he wasn't afraid of such a title, it could negatively impact his claim to the throne.
"Understood. Within three days, your uncle will come begging for your favor," Zhongli Wu said.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be taking my leave."
Xu Tianran was about to stand up to see him off but remembered what Zhongli Wu had said upon entering. He opted instead to remain seated and simply watched them leave.
Once Zhongli Wu and Jiang Jue were gone, Xu Tianran sat in his wheelchair, gazing outside as he let out a soft sigh.
"Elder Xue, my entire life has been like walking on thin ice. Do you think I will make it to the other side?"
…
Just as Zhongli Wu and Jiang Jue were about to leave the imperial palace, Zhongli Wu's expression suddenly darkened. He grabbed Jiang Jue and teleported them out of the palace.
The world blurred around them, and the scenery shifted rapidly.
Within mere seconds, they arrived at the outskirts of Mingdu.
"Come out. You've been following us for quite a while now."
Zhongli Wu's voice carried a chilling intent to kill.
"Sigh… Cult Leader Zhongli, your bloodthirst remains as strong as ever."
Ripples distorted the air, and a tall, silver-haired elder appeared.
This elder wore a robe of indistinguishable material. His gaze was piercing, yet his body emitted no soul power fluctuations—he appeared just like an ordinary person.
"Oh, so it's Elder Kong. What brings you here?"
Zhongli Wu raised an eyebrow in confusion.
He had no significant interactions with Kong Deming, aside from the latter helping his mother refine some soul tools in the past.
"I hope that Cult Leader Zhongli will cease bringing bloodshed to the royal family."
"That's not my fault. It's your own people trying to kill each other. I merely assist," Zhongli Wu sneered.
Kong Deming sighed. He knew better than anyone what kind of people the royal family consisted of.
Murdering brothers, slaughtering fathers to ascend the throne—these things were commonplace.
"Still, I hope you will not interfere further in royal affairs," Kong Deming pleaded.
"Hmm?"
Zhongli Wu's expression turned grim. Is he trying to disrupt my Holy Spirit Cult's plans?
"Kong Deming, I call you 'Elder Kong' out of respect. But if I didn't, you're just a filthy old soul engineer. Do you dare threaten me?"
As his words fell, the air grew deathly silent.
Kong Deming was momentarily stunned.