Exclusive Garrison Rights and Tax Collection? Meeting Qian Renxue Leaves Snake Lance Stunned-Wasn't This Carving Out a Fief?

Yin Changqing quickly weighed the four options in his mind.

Option one was too conspicuous. Drawing the attention of the Heaven Dou royal family's upper ranks so early would do more harm than good.

Option three would make the Holy Dragon Sect take the heat for Qian Renxue, putting the Sect squarely in the line of fire.

Only options two and four offered a chance to build an alliance while securing the richest prize for the Sect!

As for the price of option two—the Holy Dragon Sect's intelligence network would be transparent to Qian Renxue, and they would struggle to regain control of it in the short term?

To Spirit Hall, the Holy Dragon Sect's intelligence hardly mattered.

The truly important information, such as Soul Cores and Immortal Herbs, would remain within the conversations of Yin Changqing's family of four.

"System, I choose [Option Two: Intelligence Network Sharing] and [Option Four: Territorial Edict]."

Yin Changqing made his choice silently.

[Ding! Selection successful. Rewards locked in. Their effects will take hold gradually during the trip to Heaven Dou.]

Gathering his thoughts, Yin Changqing looked up at Tuoba Xi and Yin Yu and said gravely:

"Grandfather, Dad, the young master's position in the Heaven Dou court is a tremendous opportunity. But we can't drag the Holy Dragon Sect there just to be used as someone else's weapon."

Tuoba Xi's eyes sharpened.

"Changqing, what do you have in mind?"

Yin Changqing slowly raised two fingers.

"Someone like Qian Renxue, I suspect, is fiercely proud.

"If we go there with nothing but the Worship Hall's name behind us, she'll see us as another group of subordinates waiting for orders.

"If we want her to treat us as equals, we need to offer something she can't refuse—and demand enough in return."

Yin Yu's interest was piqued.

"Go on. What sort of arrangement?"

"First, an intelligence network."

Yin Changqing lowered his voice.

"Over the past few years, the Holy Dragon Sect has secretly established quite a few intelligence outposts in Heaven Dou City and three nearby cities.

"Once we reach Heaven Dou City, we can offer to share that entire network with Qian Renxue.

"She's been undercover for years, but what she lacks most is firsthand information from the streets, beyond the court. This will earn her trust at once."

Tuoba Xi nodded approvingly.

"Good. Sharing our intelligence shows sincerity and proves the Holy Dragon Sect has roots in Heaven Dou."

"The second point is the crucial one: an exchange of interests."

A sharp gleam flashed in Yin Changqing's eyes.

"We declare our support for the Crown Prince's faction and help clear her path through the court.

"But nothing comes free. We have 'Xue Qinghe' issue a Territorial Edict in the name of the Heaven Dou Crown Prince.

"Three mid-sized cities within the Holy Dragon Sect's sphere of influence in the Heaven Dou Empire will be placed entirely under our administration!

"With exclusive garrison rights and the authority to collect taxes on the empire's behalf!"

"Exclusive garrison rights?

"Tax collection authority?!"

Yin Yu drew a sharp breath, visibly shaken.

"Changqing, that would practically turn those three cities into private fiefs of the Holy Dragon Sect!

"We wouldn't be merely a Sect anymore. We'd be a lordly power with real territory and governing authority!"

Tuoba Tingxue's eyes lit up too.

"If we secure the right to run those three cities and collect their taxes, the Sect's wealth and resources could at least double!

"Even if the Heaven Dou Empire changes hands one day, that foundation will already be firmly in our grasp."

Tuoba Xi clapped his hands and laughed, his eyes full of pride.

"Excellent!

"What a Territorial Edict!

"The Grand Worship ordered us to serve as her backing, and you're already taking a bite out of the Heaven Dou Empire!

"Qian Renxue needs the Holy Dragon Sect's influence to hold the other princes and ministers in check. She'll make this deal!"

With their strategy settled, Tuoba Xi rose and said briskly:

"Then there's no time to lose.

"Changqing, pack your things. You're coming with me to Heaven Dou City tomorrow!"

Early the next morning, Tuoba Xi and Yin Changqing secretly left the Holy Dragon Sect and headed straight for Heaven Dou City.

Several days later, in a Secret Chamber within the Crown Prince's Residence in Heaven Dou City.

Qian Renxue had assumed the identity of Xue Qinghe, the Heaven Dou Crown Prince. Dressed in a white robe edged with gold, she appeared gentle and refined, though her calm expression carried the authority of one accustomed to command.

Behind her stood Snake Lance Douluo Yu Long and Ci Xue Douluo Ci Xue, never far from her side.

Tuoba Xi led Yin Changqing inside and casually erected a Soul Power barrier to conceal their presence. He bowed slightly to Qian Renxue.

"Tuoba Xi greets the young master."

Qian Renxue nodded faintly. Her gaze passed over Tuoba Xi and settled on Yin Changqing, who stood calmly beside him. A flicker of interest crossed her eyes.

"No need for formalities, Sect Master Tuoba.

"Grandfather explained everything in his secret letter.

"This child... is Yin Changqing?"

"He is my grandson."

Tuoba Xi stepped aside to introduce him.

"Changqing is twelve years old. His Soul Power has reached level forty-two, and his Martial Soul is the supreme Light Saint Dragon."

Qian Renxue's brow rose almost imperceptibly. A note of appraisal entered her gentle voice.

"Level forty-two at twelve. A rare talent indeed.

"But the struggles at court are tangled and complex. Talent alone won't earn anyone a place in them."

Her tone was mild, but her meaning was clear.

She would accept the Worship Hall's support, but the right to make plans would remain hers.

As for Qian Renxue's apparent composure at Yin Changqing's age and Soul Power Level?

That was only on the surface.

Qian Daoliu had already told her about him in his letter.

And she had been deeply shocked.

Yin Changqing stepped forward, met Qian Renxue's eyes, and went straight to the point.

"Young master, we haven't come merely to await orders as your subordinates. We've come to offer you a decisive piece in your bid for power in Heaven Dou."

Qian Renxue gave a small smile and regarded him with interest.

"Oh?

"Let's hear it."

Yin Changqing spoke evenly.

"First, over the past few years, the Holy Dragon Sect has secretly built a complete intelligence network across Heaven Dou City and three nearby cities.

"From today onward, we'll share that entire network with you.

"You'll hear of every stir on the streets, beyond the court, before even Xue Ye does."

At those words, surprise flashed through Snake Lance Douluo's eyes.

Qian Renxue had been undercover for years, but building a street-level intelligence network under the Heaven Dou royal family's nose risked exposing her. The Holy Dragon Sect's offer filled precisely that gap.

Qian Renxue's smile faded, and her gaze turned serious.

"Good. That is a generous gift.

"What's the second?"

"An exchange of interests."

Yin Changqing showed no fear as he answered frankly.

"The Holy Dragon Sect can throw its full support behind the Crown Prince's faction, shield you openly from pressure on all sides, and even provide Soul Sage- and Soul Douluo-level fighters.

"But you must issue a Territorial Edict in the name of the Heaven Dou Crown Prince:

"Place three mid-sized cities within the Holy Dragon Sect's sphere of influence in the Heaven Dou Empire under our administration, and grant us exclusive garrison rights and the authority to collect taxes on the empire's behalf."

"An exclusive garrison?

"Tax collection?!"

Snake Lance Douluo could not help exclaiming. His voice hardened.

"Boy, that's tantamount to carving out land and granting a fief!

"Do you understand what you're asking?"