Electrolux, Negotiation (Bonus Chapter to Hit the Word Count)

Under the night sky, Shu Yan sat alone atop the pavilion, bathed in moonlight that made him appear even more handsome and dashing. If those young girls just beginning to understand love saw him like this, they would probably become just like Xu Jiujiu...

After gently exhaling a breath of stale air, Shu Yan slowly opened his eyes. After Di Tian had tested him with his pressure yesterday, several previously blocked acupoints in his body had been forcibly opened. His Soul Power had risen as well, and he was now nearing Rank 56. In a few more days, he could begin attempting a breakthrough.

Suddenly, Shu Yan's expression stiffened slightly. Then he said softly:

"Elder Yi, casually prying into someone else's memories isn't very polite."

Within his Sea of Consciousness, the gray bead attached to the Blade of Life trembled faintly. Then, an aged voice suddenly sounded:

"Hehe..."

"This old man has been presumptuous. But you are no ordinary little fellow—your perception is remarkably keen..."

Shu Yan chuckled, not particularly bothered by it, and merely asked casually:

"What did Elder Yi see? Would you care to tell me?"

Electrolux fell silent for a while before his voice rang out again:

"Little fellow, this old man had no intention of prying into your privacy. I merely happened to glimpse a few fragments upon awakening. Your memories are covered by an impenetrable mist. I cannot see through it, nor can I delve deeper. Yet from those fragments alone, you should be the same as this old man..."

Shu Yan did not deny it. He merely said softly:

"Perhaps. I have always been the same person. I merely changed the way I lived."

Electrolux smiled. His aged voice carried a trace of warmth as it echoed through Shu Yan's Sea of Consciousness.

"Earlier, you created such terrifying negative energy and Spiritual Power fluctuations in that great forest. This fragment of this old man's Divine Sense was drawn here because of it. Later, I was attracted by the Living Gold within your Sea of Consciousness, so I entered it on instinct. From now on, I fear this old man will be unable to leave your Sea of Consciousness. But you need not worry. This old man bears you no ill will. In fact, I can offer you many unexpected forms of help and surprises in many fields. As a gesture of sincerity, once I recover a little, I will help you cleanse the lingering evil intent and curse within this piece of Living Gold..."

Shu Yan nodded and did not refuse Electrolux's goodwill. The lingering evil intent and curse within the Living Gold would always be troublesome if left alone. Resolving them early would be a good thing, so there was naturally no need to refuse.

After a moment of silence, Electrolux continued:

"Little fellow, this old man's memories are incomplete. Thanks to the Living Gold, I was able to awaken and recover some memories in such a short time. Yet I have still forgotten many things. I need time to slowly repair myself before all my memories can return. When you released that negative energy before, this old man felt something familiar, yet I did not know how to explain it. Still, give me some time. Remembering it is only a matter of sooner or later. In the days to come, if you have any questions, you may awaken this old man at any time. This old man would be glad to lend you a hand..."

Shu Yan gave a quiet hum and said softly:

"That would be for the best. Elder Yi has only just awakened, so you should continue using the Living Gold to repair your soul and restore your memories. There should be nothing in the short term that needs to trouble Elder Yi."

Electrolux chuckled twice, his voice gradually fading until everything returned to silence.

Shu Yan raised his head and gazed at the river of stars filling the sky. The smile at his lips was no longer concealed. Everything in the future was still moving in a better direction. That was a good thing.

Since he had left Star Luo City a few days ago and caused such a huge commotion in the Star Dou Great Forest, Shu Yan naturally had to properly explain every detail of the matter to everyone. At the same time, he had to meet his future brother-in-law again. This was something that could be delayed, but could never be avoided. Shu Yan felt rather helpless about it.

Perhaps because he had been busy with state affairs lately, Xu Jiawei did not choose the side hall specially used to receive guests last time. Instead, he arranged the meeting in the main hall.

The magnificent, brightly lit hall had corridors carved from jade, with four enormous redwood floor-to-ceiling windows on each side. Warm sunlight streamed in, giving the entire hall an imposing, solemn atmosphere.

A writing desk sat atop the raised platform, and behind it was an entire wall carved with an image of the Crown of Stars from special ore. Xu Jiawei sat behind the desk. Noticing the movement below, he lifted his eyes slightly and said:

"A Yan is here. No need to stand on ceremony. Find a seat."

Shu Yan raised an eyebrow. He was not polite in the slightest, directly finding a chair covered in soft fur and sitting down.

Xu Jiawei's pen did not stop moving. Memorial after memorial was casually piled beside him as he spoke gently:

"A few days ago, you took Jiujiu and those two to the Star Dou Great Forest. Can you tell me what exactly you did there?"

Shu Yan thought for a moment, then said:

"I went there for a great opportunity. The result was perfect, though there was a minor accident before we left."

Xu Jiawei's pen paused slightly. He then raised his eyes and asked:

"What accident?"

Looking into Xu Jiawei's eyes, Shu Yan said:

"Before we left, perhaps because the commotion we caused was too great, or perhaps because of the aura of the Ice Snow Two Emperors, the Beast God Di Tian personally came to the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest. However, he did not make things difficult for us. He only appeared briefly before returning to the depths of the Star Dou Great Forest."

Xu Jiawei's grip on his pen suddenly tightened considerably, but after hearing Shu Yan's later words, it slowly relaxed again.

"No matter what, do not casually take risks in the future. You are the empire's future. I do not wish for you to face any danger to your life. Be careful in all things. Never place absolute trust in others. Even yourself may not always be the one most worthy of absolute trust."

Shu Yan nodded, then heard Xu Jiawei continue:

"Are those two doing well?"

Shu Yan's gaze shifted slightly. After thinking for a moment, he said:

"They are doing very well. Imperial Brother, rest assured. They and I have all sworn great oaths. Nothing will go wrong."

Xu Jiawei sighed softly, set down his pen, and rubbed his brow before saying:

"Are you wondering whether I am being overly cautious?"

Shu Yan shook his head upon hearing that and said:

"No. If I were in your position, I would likely be even more worried and hesitant than you. It is difficult for trust to form between opposing races, especially when the strength of both sides is unequal. Star Luo City is not some border town. Its significance to the entire empire, and even the entire Douluo Continent, is extraordinary. The greater one's status and authority, the more one must take into consideration. That cannot be avoided. One can only adapt to it over time."

We're almost at one hundred thousand words today, so I added another chapter to bring it up to one hundred thousand. Smart Recommendation starts next Tuesday, along with a PK for recommendations. I'll add another chapter then, so everyone, please be sure to lend me a hand!