Hu Xiaotian believed Hu Buwei was not exaggerating. Given his relationship with Long Xuanjiao, accomplishing this would hardly be difficult. Was that not precisely why he had come to ask for help?
Hu Buwei said, "If I help you become prince consort, what are you prepared to do for me?"
Hu Xiaotian was taken aback. He had clearly not expected Hu Buwei to be so mercenary. Whatever their relationship had become, they had, after all, once been father and son. He had never imagined Hu Buwei would so brazenly demand something in exchange. But on second thought, Hu Buwei had always been clearheaded. Every decision underwent careful deliberation; he would never do anything that offered him no benefit.
Hu Xiaotian said, "What do you want me to do?"
Hu Buwei said, "I want you to find something for me."
"What?"
Hu Buwei turned and headed toward the study. "Come with me!"
The study was tiny, barely ten feet square, with just enough room for a desk and a chair. Hu Buwei did not even invite Hu Xiaotian to sit. He simply took out a scroll and handed it to him.
Hu Xiaotian unrolled it and found a blue skull depicted on it. His heart jolted. How did Hu Buwei know he had seen this skull before? Had he discovered the secret of his infiltration into the Dragon Spirit Sanctuary? Knowing perfectly well what it was, he feigned ignorance. "What is this? A skull?"
Hu Buwei nodded. "A crystal skull, roughly twice the size of an ordinary skull, blue and transparent throughout."
Hu Xiaotian laughed. "I've never seen anything like it. Who would be bored enough to carve something like this?"
Hu Buwei said, "Bring me the skull, and I'll help you become prince consort. And..." He paused before continuing, "I