"This is an incredibly precious item. You could even call it a family heirloom, passed down through the royal family of the Great Frost Dynasty."
"I'll leave it with you as collateral for now."
"If I fail to unite the Southern Region within thirty years, you may take it without returning it. Consider it my apology to you."
"If I succeed, you may take the Innate Spirit Treasure, the Supreme Purity Mystic Bell, but you must return this item to me."
"This is all the sincerity I have to offer. If even this cannot persuade you, then I can only regret that we will not be working together."
Su Tao fell silent after saying his piece.
He had said everything he needed to say, offered everything he needed to offer, and made every promise he needed to make.
Now he only had to wait for Ye Lin's answer.
While Ye Lin remained silent, a pair of soft, snow-white hands, seemingly boneless, settled on his shoulders and began gently massaging them.
Ye Lin closed his eyes and thought.
Those terms were generous.
Even if I failed, I'd still be paid for my trouble.
And if I succeeded, I'd get an Innate Spirit Treasure.
Thirty years, wagered against an Innate Spirit Treasure.
Looking at the purple gourd and the fragment in his hands, Ye Lin finally made his decision.
"I can see your sincerity."
"I'll help you for thirty years."
"But if we cannot defeat them, I hope you won't blame me."
Ye Lin's answer delighted Su Tao.
"Rest assured. If we cannot win, you may abandon me and leave on your own. That would be my fate, not your fault."
"From this day forward, you will be the Great Frost Dynasty's second Imperial Lord, equal in standing to me."
Overcome with