Schemes and Shrewdness

Seeing Oscar's unmoved expression, Xu Kun hesitated for a long time before taking out a brocade box.

In front of everyone, Xu Kun opened the brocade box, revealing a crystal-clear Spirit Bone.

Upon seeing this Spirit Bone, Xue Qingluan couldn't help but twitch her brow.

Oscar looked at Xu Kun meaningfully. The two elders beside him had already closed their eyes to rest again, seemingly not taking the Spirit Bone seriously.

Xu Kun picked up the Spirit Bone and solemnly said to Oscar, "Young Sect Master is a discerning person. This is a Right Arm Soul Bone that is 15,000 years old. We would like to use this as a gift to establish a marriage alliance with the Great Elder. This Spirit Bone can be considered as our dowry for Azure Luan. What do you think, Young Sect Master?"

Before Oscar could answer, Xue Qingluan stood up abruptly. "What, you're resorting to bribery after failing to coerce? A ten- Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone is the foundation of a sect. As far as I know, a sect only has two Spirit Bones in total, right? And you just handed them out like that?"

Xu Kun sighed, "Compared to Que'er, what is this Spirit Bone? As long as he can inherit the position of sect leader in the future, he will be more than enough!"

Seeing that Xu Kun was no longer hiding anything, Xue Qingluan laughed in anger, "Brother-in-law, what's wrong with you now? Not only did you sacrifice a Spirit Bone for Xu Que, but you're still not willing to let Bing'er go?"

"There are so many women in the world, can't you just buy a slave?"

Xu Kun was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then glared at Xue Qingluan: "Azure Luan, what are you saying?! Don't you know the function of the sect's secret technique? If it were an ordinary woman, would I need to go to such lengths? Besides, Que'er said that he would not marry anyone but Shui Bing'er in this life, so I had no choice!"

Xu Kun then stopped looking at Xue Qingluan and said to Oscar, "Young Sect Master, as long as you are willing to cooperate, I will offer this Spirit Bone with both hands. Furthermore, if the struggle for the throne is successful in the future, the Xuan Ming Sect will be the Sword Sect's eternal ally. What do you think?"

Hearing Xu Kun's words, it would indeed be a huge temptation for an ordinary person, but for Oscar, it was just a mere 15,000-year-old Spirit Bone. How could it compare to a genius like Shui Bing'er? Did anyone really think that Oscar came for his master's wife? It was indeed for Xue Qingluan, but Oscar came in person not only to support his master's wife, but also for Shui Bing'er.

Given what has happened, Shui Bing'er naturally not be able to enter the Xuan Ming Sect in the future, and therefore she will definitely not stay in the academy.

Therefore, this is the best time to invite her to join the sect, and you can also promise to protect her safety.

With enough resources, a genius like Shui Bing'er could definitely break through to the Titled Douluo level in the future.

Investing in a Titled Douluo in advance is far more valuable than a Spirit Bone that is over 10,000 years old.

Oscar will definitely not stay in the Douluo Continent in the future, so the power he leaves behind must have successors. The direct descendants of the Four Single-Attribute Sects, Shui Bing'er, and others are all his targets.

Of course, if any of them are talented enough, or have received Divine Inheritance, Oscar will increase his support for their development.

Shui Bing'er's talent and attributes gave her a suitable deity, but that's a story for another time.

Before Oscar could even speak in response to the conditions proposed by Xu Kun, Xue Qingluan became restless; this was exactly the situation she had feared most.

Although Gai Yue is the Great Elder of the Sword Sect, he is not the Sect Master. Such matters involving interests cannot be decided by one person alone.

The value and allure of Spirit Bone are self-evident, especially since the other party has offered their sect as a guarantee. A Hermit Sect member may not seem like much at first glance, but once he emerges into the world, he will become an invaluable force.

However, Oscar just smiled and said, "Your offer is indeed very generous, but have you considered this issue?"

Xu Kun was slightly taken aback, somewhat puzzled.

Oscar's smile widened as he stepped forward and took the brocade box from Xu Kun's hand.

Xu Kun was slightly stunned, not knowing what Oscar meant, but since the other party had chosen the Spirit Bone, it meant that the other party had agreed to his conditions.

Xue Qingluan's expression darkened slightly upon seeing this, but she didn't know how to speak.

The two elders remained as still as old monks, seemingly unconcerned about anything.

However, Oscar's next words made Xu Kun's face turn extremely ugly. "If I were to take your Spirit Bone and then imprison the two of you forever, how would your sect react?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Kun and Xue Qingfeng's expressions turned extremely ugly. Before they could say anything, Oscar's voice rang out leisurely.

"I don't think your sect would dare to clash with my Sword Sect for the sake of your two seniors, right? Once I'm certain that you've already returned, your sect will most likely have no choice but to let it go in the end."

"Moreover, what you're after is the position of sect leader, senior. I don't believe your sect leader is completely unaware of that."

Oscar spoke slowly, seemingly unconcerned that Xu Kun, this Soul Douluo, might retaliate. He calmly closed the brocade box and then looked at Xue Qingluan: "What do you think, Master's Wife?"

Xue Qingluan opened her mouth, but couldn't utter a word for a moment.

She had considered many possibilities, but she never expected the Young Sect Master to say such a thing, let alone that he would be so ruthless.

Oscar smiled slightly at Xue Qingluan: "In this way, the two seniors can stay with Master's Wife forever. When the time comes to seal their Soul Power, they won't be able to cause any trouble in front of Master's Wife."

Xue Qingfeng finally couldn't hold back any longer. "You! You brat, despite the illustrious name of your Sword Sect, you actually dare to do such a despicable thing! Aren't you afraid of ruining your reputation?"

This time, Xu Kun did not stop his wife. On the contrary, his anger was more than ten times stronger than Xue Qingfeng's.

How could someone who could become the Great Elder of a sect and still dare to covet the position of sect leader be a kind soul? Facing Xue Qingfeng's anger, Oscar's smile remained unchanged, "Who knows? Everyone only knows that my Sword Sect came here for an engagement and to present betrothal gifts. No one would know that there is another Hermit Sect that is connected to this matter."

Upon hearing this, Xu Kun's hands trembled slightly. Just as Oscar had said, if they were truly detained here today, the sect leader might not show up.

After all, they were originally Hermit Sect. Without the restraint of their Great Elder, wouldn't their subordinates scatter like monkeys when the tree falls?

His two sons were of average talent, and although Xu Que's talent was once in a century, he was indeed of questionable character...

Xu Kun dared not think any further. He forced down his anger little by little and managed to force a smile, "Young Sect Master is joking. Since the Sword Sect looks down on my Xuan Ming Sect, we will not presume to associate with them."

"Consider this Spirit Bone as Azure Luan's dowry, and we will not mention Shui Bing'er's matter again. What do you think?"

Oscar's smile faded, and he looked up, his voice becoming calm. "Senior, have you thought this through?"

Xu Kun practically spat out the words through gritted teeth. "I've thought it through."

Oscar pressed on. "No regrets?"

Xu Kun immediately pulled Xue Qingfeng back from her outburst. "I won't go back on my word."

"Hehe, in that case, I thank you both for going to the trouble of bringing this gift." Oscar turned to Xue Qingluan and handed her the brocade box. "Master's Wife, you heard this. This is your dowry from the two seniors, and it is right to give it to you for safekeeping."

Xue Qingluan looked embarrassed as she gazed at Oscar's innocent smile and took the brocade box.

"Young Sect Master, I'm afraid this is inappropriate?" Xue Qingluan hesitated.

Oscar smiled and said, "You're too kind, Master's Wife. Just call me Xiao Ao."

"As for whether it's inappropriate, Master's Wife can't let down your sister and brother-in-law's blessings, can she? After all, they said it themselves, and I didn't force them."

Upon hearing this, Xue Qingluan's expression turned strange. Although the other party was her sister and brother-in-law, she felt no sympathy for their plight and was even somewhat pleased.

As for Xu Kun and Xue Qingfeng, there's no need to say more. Upon hearing these words, they wished they could tear Oscar to pieces, but with two Titled Douluo sitting beside them, they dared not speak out!

Furthermore, the fact that the two elders were sitting there and did not stop Oscar's actions at all meant that they had already tacitly approved of it.

If Xu Kun dares to make any other move now, they might really be detained today, just as Oscar said.

Out of respect for Xue Qingluan, the couple might not be in mortal danger, but their later years are destined to be difficult.

Xu Kun didn't refute anything, because this was the law of survival in this world: those with power and strength could act so domineeringly.

No one would even criticize their domineering behavior; they would only think that Xu Kun and the others had done something wrong.

In this dog-eat-dog world, might makes right. Truth lies only in the edge of the sword.

Oscar turned to look at Xu Kun and the other man. "Since the gifts from the two seniors have been delivered, I will not see you off any further."

"Oh, by the way, please convey to your sect leader that if the Xuan Ming Sect intends to emerge into the world, the Sword Sect is willing to provide assistance. Please do not hesitate to help in any way that is within your power."

Xu Kun was initially relieved when he heard Oscar's words, but upon hearing the next sentence, an inexplicable anger rose within him.

Not only did he fail to reach an agreement on this trip, but he also lost a Spirit Bone for nothing? That's not all; Oscar's last words almost completely extinguished any possibility of revenge for him.

What will he say to the sect leader then? Smear the Sword Sect? That might seem plausible on the surface, but once the Sword Sect and the sect leader make contact, today's events will be exposed. If the Sword Sect then tries to curry favor with the sect, will the sect leader believe him?

Xu Kun's smile vanished completely. He flicked his sleeves, grabbed Xue Qingfeng, and left.

As soon as the two opened the door, Xue Qingfeng turned to Xue Qingluan and said, "Since you don't care about our decades-long sisterly bond, from now on..."

Before Xue Qingfeng could finish speaking, Xu Kun violently pulled her away, not daring to say another word.

However, even if Xue Qingfeng didn't say the second half of the sentence, how could Xue Qingluan not know? Her older sister had married Xu Kun early on. Although her marriage was happy, she was simple-minded and kind-hearted, but easily fell into misconceptions.

Xue Qingluan wanted to explain, but couldn't utter a single word.

Oscar watched Xu Kun and the other man leave, then slowly knelt down beside Xue Qingluan: "Master's Wife, did I do something wrong?"

Xue Qingluan glanced at Oscar, gave a bitter smile, and shook her head. "You're not wrong, my sister and the others aren't wrong either, the one who's wrong is that little rascal."

After a pause, Xue Qingluan looked at the brocade box in her hand. "But you really shouldn't have brought this Spirit Bone. I've already wronged my sister about this, and you still..."

Oscar smiled and said, "This Spirit Bone is for you. I won't interfere with how Xiao Ao deal with it."

Xue Qingluan is a smart person. Oscar's words indicate that he will not keep the Spirit Bone for himself, which means that Xue Qingluan can return the Spirit Bone at any time, and in her own name.

This undoubtedly gave the older sister and her family a way out. Once this period of time passed and the other party's anger subsided, things wouldn't be awkward later.

Xue Qingluan was even more surprised. This was a Spirit Bone, and a Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone at that. This young man not only had no greed, but from the very beginning he was thinking of his future Master's Wife, whom he was not yet betrothed to? She had naturally heard of Oscar's deeds and already had high expectations for this gifted child. However, upon meeting him today, Oscar gave her the impression that he was hardly a child.

Even if Xue Qingluan were in Oscar's position, she might not be able to achieve such perfection.

Is this really a seventeen-year-old child?

Is this the heir of a major sect? It's no wonder that the Sword Sect became famous throughout the continent in just a few years, thanks to its ability to cultivate an heir like Oscar.

Thinking of that little rascal Xu Que, and then looking at the handsome young man in front of her, if he were like Oscar, why would she be like this?

Xue Qingluan could only manage a bitter smile in the end, "Xiao Ao, thank you."

Oscar stood up and poured Xue Qingluan a full cup of tea. "Please don't say that. Before I came, my teacher told me that if I don't do well, he will have a hard time in the future, and I won't have a good time when I go back."

Upon hearing this, the corners of the two elders' mouths turned up almost imperceptibly.

Hearing the junior's teasing, Xue Qingluan couldn't help but lightly pat Oscar: "Although I'm not officially married yet, you already call me Master's Wife, how dare you tease your Master's Wife?"

Oscar didn't try to dodge, since his Master's Wife wasn't going to actually beat him like his teacher Gai Yue. She just smiled and said, "I won't do it again. You mustn't tell the teacher."

Upon hearing this, Xue Qingluan deliberately glared at Oscar: "You still say you wouldn't dare! Was your earlier imposing manner just an act? Why are you being so mischievous as soon as everyone leaves?"

Oscar chuckled, "Enough teasing your Master's Wife, let's get down to business."

Xue Qingluan then regained her composure, hesitated for a moment, and then put the brocade box into her Soul Tool.

Oscar gave her the power of choice and suggested ways to ease the tension, so she had no reason to refuse.

After all, he was her only close relative in the world, and she couldn't just cut ties with him like that.

"Speak, what other important business do you have to discuss?"

Oscar returned to his seat and took a sip of tea. "About your apprentice."

Xue Qingluan's brow twitched. "What, you want to be with Bing'er..."

"Cough cough!" Before Xue Qingluan could finish speaking, Oscar spat out the water he had just sipped.

"Master's Wife, please don't misunderstand. What I mean is that since this has already happened, wouldn't it be better for her to stay? The Sword Sect is full of talented people and has a large and prosperous family. It's not like we're missing out on one more bowl of rice."

Seeing Oscar's expression, Xue Qingluan couldn't help but chuckle, "Just kidding. But why should I agree to let such a promising young girl leave with just a few words?"

Oscar stared blankly at Xue Qingluan. "You weren't this shrewd just now, how come you're so quick to act now..."

Xue Qingluan elegantly picked up her teacup. "I'm not stupid. You think you can get something for nothing from me?"

Oscar thought for a moment and said, "This is called keeping the good stuff in the family. You are my Master's Wife, and then the Great Elder's Wife of the Sword Sect. Isn't it only right that your disciples cultivate in the Sword Sect?"

Xue Qingluan put down her teacup. "I'll go ask Bing'er."

P. S.: Typos will be corrected first and then fixed later.