Negotiation!

Over the next while, the two children began their respective training. Huo Yuhao honed his Human Emperor Sword Technique, while Zhu Lu practiced how to use her Chain Blades.

At first, Zhu Lu could only wield the Chain Blades like whips. But as time passed, she became able to switch back and forth between close-range and long-range combat.

Watching the two children's performance, Wei Qing, their coach, nodded in satisfaction.

As time passed, the two children reached the age of nine. Their childish faces had grown into the sturdy features of young adolescents.

However, an uninvited guest came to the side residence today!

Xu Xingling, for some reason, had brought a middle-aged man here.

"Xu Xingling, I believe I told you before—people from the main residence are not to set foot in our side residence. Are you looking to die? Those old fools can't stop me now!"

The old butler stroked his beard and looked disdainfully at the haughty Xu Xingling. If she did not still have the status of an imperial princess, he would have cut her down long ago.

"Hmph! Don't get cocky, you old bastard. We came here today to demand an explanation from you!" Xu Xingling got straight to the point, while the middle-aged man beside her nodded in agreement.

"An explanation? What do you need an explanation from me for? You should be answering to me instead!" the old butler snapped back, while inwardly pondering the matter. An explanation? What explanation?

"Old bastard, don't think I don't know just because you won't say it. Where's Zhu Lu? Where have you hidden my son's fiancée?!" Xu Xingling roared furiously.

The old butler finally understood. No wonder that girl from the Zhu Family had appeared here. So she was the fiancée of that mongrel Dai Huabin!

"Zhu Lu? Then who might this be?"

"I am Zhu Lu's father, the current head of the Zhu Family, Zhu Ling." The man inclined his head slightly in respect. The old butler before him was far stronger than he was; he was merely a Soul Saint.

"Oh? Zhu Lu is indeed staying with us, but she doesn't seem to share the same heart as that mongrel of yours, does she?" The old butler looked mockingly at Xu Xingling.

"Old bastard! Are you courting death?!" Surging Soul Power erupted, sending the table before them flying. Yet even Soul Saint-level Soul Power could not shake the old butler, let alone that arrogant Soul Emperor!

"Hmph! Xu Xingling, do you think you're qualified to yap in front of me?" The old butler merely released his Soul Rings, and a terrifying pressure crashed directly onto Xu Xingling, forcing her back several steps.

"Mr. Old Mo, please stop. We only came here to discuss this." Zhu Ling immediately released his Soul Rings and stepped before Xu Xingling, helping her withstand the oppressive Soul Power.

"Hmph!" Seeing Zhu Ling before him, the old butler snorted and withdrew the pressure. The three of them sat down again to negotiate.

"We came this time only in the hope that you would let us take Zhu Lu back. We guarantee that once we take her back, we'll leave immediately." Zhu Ling stated their purpose and signaled for Xu Xingling to remain quiet.

Although Xu Xingling was unwilling, she still nodded almost imperceptibly.

"Hmm, then let's ask the child what she wants," the old butler said after some thought, setting forth his condition.

Smack!

"Old bastard, what do you mean by that?! You know perfectly well that Zhu Lu won't come back with us." Indeed, over the past few days, they had sent people to call Zhu Lu home more than once, but she had refused every time.

Xu Xingling knew that the girl had fallen for that bastard born of Huo Yuner. Furious, she had berated Zhu Ling harshly. Only after discussing the matter had the two of them come to the side residence.

"So what? If she doesn't intend to return, you have no way to force her!" As he spoke, Soul Power burst forth from the old butler's body, his stance exceedingly resolute.

"Old bastard, don't you dare think we can't do anything to you!" Xu Xingling was livid and was about to attack when Zhu Ling grabbed her and shook his head, signaling that they should withdraw for now and seek help from the Elder Hall.

"Hmph! Old bastard, let's see how long you can protect them!" Xu Xingling pointed at the old butler and threatened him before she and Zhu Ling left for the main residence.

"Ah, troubled times indeed!" The old butler stroked his beard and looked toward where the two children were training, a headache brewing.

The next day, Xu Xingling and Zhu Ling brought the House Dai's First Elder to the side residence.

"So you're here to speak on their behalf as well?" The old butler summoned his Martial Soul, Soul Rings spinning beneath his feet as he warily watched House Dai's First Elder above him.

"More or less. But not entirely, because they must agree to one of my conditions." The First Elder calmly descended to the ground.

"What do you mean?" The old butler was somewhat puzzled.

"Grandpa Butler!" The two children arrived at that moment. Wei Qing had already explained the situation to them, and worried, they had ended their training and hurried over.

"What are you two doing here?" If this old fellow attacked, he might not be able to protect them both. Yet the First Elder waved his hand, signaling for him not to worry.

"Rest assured. This time, it is both a test for Xu Xingling and an opportunity for the girl from the Zhu Family."

The three of them were left somewhat baffled by the First Elder's words.

"Hua Bin, come here!" At the First Elder's call, Dai Huabin emerged from behind Xu Xingling. The instant he appeared, he felt a murderous gaze fixed upon him.

Huo Yuhao's eyes were bloodshot as he stared at Dai Huabin, as though he wanted to tear him apart. Zhu Lu held him back from the side, while the old butler narrowed his eyes, seemingly having guessed something.

"Looks like your head hasn't been muddled by your cultivation after all," the old butler remarked. The First Elder merely smiled, unconcerned by the mockery.

"Old Mo, you and I are both elders. Naturally, we know the requirement for House Dai's Martial Soul Fusion Skill: their hearts must be connected. If their minds cannot become one, then they cannot unleash the true power of the Netherworld White Tiger!"

"So that's what you mean?" The old butler had already confirmed his suspicions. This old fellow truly was calculating.

"I mean to have Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu try their Martial Soul Fusion Skill. If they can still fuse, I will take her away. If they cannot, then Zhu Lu will be left to you. She may even be allowed to enter into a marriage contract with Dai Hao's son."

Hearing the First Elder's words, the old butler began to weigh the pros and cons. After considering it for a while, he nodded and motioned for Zhu Lu to step forward and try.

Zhu Lu did not hesitate. She understood that this was her only chance to escape the Zhu Family, and she immediately stepped forward. Dai Huabin walked toward her with a solemn expression.

The two looked at each other. Seeing the determination in Zhu Lu's eyes, Dai Huabin somehow felt uneasy. At the same time, he hoped they could fuse—otherwise, wouldn't it prove that he was inferior to that bastard beside her?

"Come on. Let this decide our fate!" Zhu Lu extended her hand, calmly looking at the man who was her fiancé in name.

Dai Huabin did not reply. He grasped her hand directly, and they both began channeling Soul Power. A stream of pure white Soul Power and a stream of dark purple Soul Power collided in their palms.

The Soul Power that should have merged could not blend together at all! Each could only occupy its own territory.

"This... this is impossible!" Dai Huabin stared at their hands in disbelief, while the old butler and the First Elder wore expressions of just as expected.

"Do you two have anything to say now?" The First Elder calmly looked at the two behind him. Their faces were so dark they seemed ready to drip water.

"Hmph! Hua Bin, let's go!" Xu Xingling grabbed her son and left at once. Zhu Ling cupped his hands in farewell and took his leave as well.

"Hmm! Since this matter is settled, I shall also... Hmm?" Just as the First Elder was preparing to leave, his gaze suddenly caught the Soul Power Zhu Lu had released drifting unconsciously toward Huo Yuhao.

"Could it be? Huo Yuhao, hold hands with the girl from the Zhu Family once and see!"