Heaven Dou Treasury Credential Jade Pendant, Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Yun Chen was inwardly shocked as well. He truly had not expected the Heaven Dou royal family—or rather, Xue Ye—to offer such a generous gift.

More importantly, he could choose any one item from the Heaven Dou Empire's treasury. Didn't that mean he could get the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud ahead of time?

That was the token of the Sea God's inheritance. Even if Yun Chen did not meet its requirements today, getting his hands on it would still be the best outcome.

The members of Xue Ye's faction were also observing the expression of Xue Qinghe, whom Qian Renxue was impersonating.

From their perspective, Xue Qinghe frowned slightly and swept his gaze over several ministers beside Xue Ye. Prime Minister Elder Yuan curled his lips into a faint smile and nodded at Xue Qinghe.

That old bastard thinks he can use such a trivial thing to pry away my people?

"Come, child. This is your credential for entering the imperial treasury. Take it."

A jade pendant was placed in Yun Chen's hand. It was exquisitely crafted, engraved with dragon and phoenix patterns, its heavy jade body adorned with gold.

Good heavens, the royal family really is rich. How much would this jade pendant fetch if I sold it?

Seeing Yun Chen captivated by the jade pendant, everyone assumed it was merely a child's nature. Xue Ye could not help smiling, feeling even more at ease about Yun Chen. In his eyes, no matter how gifted Yun Chen was, he was still only a child.

Yet Yun Chen's next action froze the smiles on Xue Ye and the others' faces. He suddenly turned and ran toward Xue Qinghe.

"Brother Qinghe, look at this jade pendant. It's so pretty."

As Qian Renxue looked at the adorable little Chenchen holding up the jade pendant, her heart nearly melted from the cuteness. But what pleased her even more was Yun Chen's action. He was openly making her look good, directly declaring that, at least for now, this child Yun Chen still leaned toward the Crown Prince's faction.

Even though everyone believed Yun Chen did not understand what the Crown Prince's faction meant, it did not matter. The talent and emotional inclination he displayed had already added tremendous weight to Qian Renxue's voice in court.

However, Yun Chen's act of running over had been rather improper. Even if it was all an act, Qian Renxue had to offer an explanation.

"Father, please do not blame him. Chenchen is still young and does not understand royal etiquette. It is also my fault for not teaching him properly. Once we return, I will have the maids in the residence instruct him well."

"It is nothing. It is simply a child's nature."

What else could Xue Ye say? Naturally, he merely waved his hand.

What followed was, in Yun Chen's opinion, an exceedingly troublesome socializing segment. The ministers brought their families, while Xue Ye hosted dances and the like.

It was worth mentioning that throughout the entire event, Qian Renxue, while playing Xue Qinghe, did not seek out a single dance partner. Many beautiful older sisters approached her, but Qian Renxue merely shook her head and declined.

Well... that was actually rather suspicious. But Xue Qinghe was still young, so it could be explained for now. Later on, perhaps not...

Inside the carriage returning to the Crown Prince's residence.

"Chenchen... this afternoon, Uncle She will take you to obtain your soul ring. You have to behave yourself then."

Qian Renxue gently stroked Yun Chen's head. At the moment, Yun Chen was lying across the lap of Xue Qinghe, whom Qian Renxue was impersonating.

Well, Yun Chen had not wanted to lie on Qian Renxue in the first place. After all, Qian Renxue was still a grown man right now—at least, in appearance.

But the carriage was quite cramped, and perhaps because he was in a child's body, Yun Chen truly was somewhat sleepy. So he let Qian Renxue have her way and lay leisurely across her lap.

"Your Highness, Young Master."

As soon as the carriage stopped, She Long and Ci Xue, the two Titled Douluo, were already waiting outside. Of course, their public identities were merely two level-seventy Soul Sage guards recruited by Xue Qinghe.

"Mm, you have worked hard."

Qian Renxue nodded, took the sleepy-eyed Yun Chen by the hand, and slowly stepped down from the carriage. The moment they entered the courtyard, a deep, booming middle-aged voice rang out, and Qian Renxue's body immediately stiffened.

"Xue'er, did you miss your Grandpa Lion?"

"Grandpa Lion."

Qian Renxue abruptly turned toward the source of the voice. There stood a tall, imposing middle-aged man, quietly watching them.

He looked at Qian Renxue with a kindly expression.

Lion Douluo? Why is he here?

From their few exchanged words, Yun Chen instantly sorted out their relationship and understood the visitor's identity. He was Lion Douluo.

"This is not a place to talk... Grandpa Lion... come with me."

Qian Renxue released Yun Chen's hand and lowered her voice as she spoke to Lion Douluo. Her gaze kept flicking toward Yun Chen, and judging from her expression, she was extremely nervous.

Yun Chen could also feel Lion Douluo's gaze occasionally sweep over him. Clearly, Lion Douluo was very interested in him.

Naturally, Yun Chen was interested in him as well.

As Lion Douluo left, he deliberately passed beside Yun Chen, reached out to gently pat his shoulder, and muttered softly.

"Interesting boy. We'll meet again next time."

Yun Chen bared his teeth slightly after being patted. When he turned to look, the shoulder Lion Douluo had patted was already a little red.

"Young Master, we should set off to obtain your soul ring."

At some point, She Long had already come to stand beside him. Yun Chen turned to meet his gaze. She Long's attitude was as respectful as ever, making him look like a loyal guard.

"Let's go, Uncle She."

Inside Qian Renxue's study, a burst of golden light suddenly erupted from Xue Qinghe's body. When the golden light faded, Qian Renxue's true appearance had emerged.

"Grandpa Lion, did you come alone?"

"Xue'er, it has truly been a long time."

"Your grandfather has been rather busy at the Hall of Worship, so he didn't come. I came instead."

"Alright..."

Qian Renxue puffed out her cheeks, somewhat unhappy, but there was nothing she could do except accept it.

"By the way, was the letter you sent back true? Does that child really possess the Golden-Haired Lion Mastiff martial soul?"

"Of course. I personally confirmed it. I also verified that he isn't a soul beast in human form, but a genuine human."

Lion Douluo grew even more interested. He raised a brow and looked at Qian Renxue's slightly awkward expression before asking curiously.

"So how do you plan to arrange his future?"

"Will he continue lurking in the Heaven Dou Empire with you, or will you send him back to Spirit Hall for me to personally teach?"

Qian Renxue's expression immediately fell. Her hands twisted together, her fingers constantly rubbing against each other. Clearly, she could not accept letting Yun Chen return to Spirit Hall.

"You also need to tell him about your identity. You can't keep hiding it from him forever, can you?"

"He's still young. If he learns this information early, it'll be easier for him to accept it in the future."

Qian Renxue once again stammered without being able to say anything. Clearly, she had considered the issue, but she truly had not found a solution.

"But... he likes the Heaven Dou Empire... I..."

"That's where you're mistaken, isn't it? He's only a child. His loyalty to the Heaven Dou Empire is merely the result of the teachings he received at the orphanage."

"Actually, you know that he doesn't understand what it truly means at all."

"You can absolutely deceive him. At the very least, you need to tell him your true identity—or your real appearance."

"That way, even if everything is revealed in the future, it'll be easier for him to accept."