The corners of Lin Chen's lips rose slightly. How could he not see what Ling Yuan was after? Hadn't she died in his previous life because she was too eager to claim credit?
Since this alluring beauty had come to him of her own accord, how could he let her slip away? But this woman placed great importance on power and profit. To win her over completely, he would need to employ a few tricks.
Otherwise, it would be all too easy to lift a stone only to drop it on his own foot someday!
"First, let's see if the system has anything useful."
He opened the panel, and the system automatically recommended a few spiritual items.
[Infatuation Powder: A Soul Master who smells it immediately loses their senses for half a day. Price: 5,000 Villain Value] [Calamity Poison Pill: A Soul Master who takes it is afflicted by a lethal poison that only the host's Soul Power can alleviate. Price: 10,000 Villain Value] [Many Children Pills (two): A Soul Master who takes one beforehand is guaranteed to hit the mark. Triple compensation if it fails; fair dealing for young and old alike. Price: 20,000 Villain Value]
"..." The corners of Lin Chen's mouth twitched. What was all this? "Huh, this one's pretty good."
[Love Soul Pill: After a Soul Master takes it, their spirit falls deeply in love with the host, faithful unto death. Price: 20,000 Villain Value]
"I wonder what would happen if I gave it to that wife I got for free~" Lin Chen's eyes lit up, but then he shook his head. "Forget it. She definitely wouldn't take a pill I gave her without a second thought right now. And if she really were willing, why bother going to such lengths?"
"But this pill would be suitable for Ling Yuan..."
If he could win her over, his position in Spirit Hall would be that much more secure. Besides, Ling Yuan wanted something from him right now, so she probably wouldn't refuse.
[Ding! Congratulations, host. Exchange successful] [Host: Lin Chen] [Soul Power Level: Level 55] [Villain Value: 150,000]
He had previously had 70,000 Villain Value left. He had then gained another 100,000 by thoroughly defeating Yu Tianxin and Yu Xiaogang in succession. Having just spent 20,000, he now had 150,000 left.
"It's time to absorb my fifth Soul Ring." Lin Chen carefully selected another Soul Ring suited to him and sat cross-legged.
[Ding! Exchange successful. Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring (from an Ancient Sword Bone Beast). Price: 100,000 Villain Value]
A red Soul Ring immediately appeared above Lin Chen's head and was absorbed by a mysterious energy within his body.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...
Fierce fluctuations radiated from Lin Chen's entire body as his Soul Power grew at a speed visible to the naked eye, even faster than it had earlier that day in the Spirit Gathering Mountain Secret Realm.
Peak of level 55, level 56, level 57, level 58, level 59...
His Soul Power finally stopped at level 59. A Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring had only raised him four minor levels in the late Soul King stage.
Lin Chen frowned slightly and sighed. "As expected, although the Ancient Desolate Sacred Physique is powerful, it has one tiny drawback. To break through a bottleneck, I probably need several times as much spiritual energy as an ordinary Soul Master."
"But no matter. I have the system to solve all my troubles!"
Two days later, early in the morning
Lin Chen strode into the outer hall with a dark expression. He was in an especially foul mood. That wife he had gotten for free didn't take him seriously at all. She had stayed out for another two nights, and there still wasn't a word from her!
Ling Yuan, who had been cultivating cross-legged in the outer hall, hurriedly rose and dropped to one knee. Her expression was respectful, with a hint of ardent love. "Your subordinate greets the Emperor~"
Only after seeing the aloof and beautiful woman did Lin Chen's mood ease a little. He had already given Ling Yuan the Love Soul Pill the previous day, and because of what she wanted, she had taken it without the slightest hesitation.
"Get up. How have you been feeling these past two days, Elder Ling Yuan?"
Ling Yuan's cool, pretty face flushed slightly. "Quite well~"
Lin Chen deliberately probed, "Won't staying by my side to protect me all the time be too much of a waste of your time, Elder Ling Yuan? How about I have my wife find someone to take your place?"
Ling Yuan's expression changed instantly. She dropped to the floor with a thud, a pleading look on her breathtakingly beautiful face. "No, it isn't a waste! Emperor, your subordinate is willing to follow you forever. Please don't have His Holiness the Pope replace me!"
The corners of Lin Chen's lips rose slightly. The Love Soul Pill really lives up to its name. It can make even a Titled Douluo this loyal.
"Why are you acting like this, Elder Ling Yuan? Could it be that you're after something from me?"
Ling Yuan's delicate body trembled, and she hurriedly explained, "Your subordinate did think of using you to seek opportunities before, Emperor, but now I only want to attend you at your side, without ever regretting it!"
Lin Chen stepped in front of her, lifted her chin, and looked straight at her. "Tell me why."
Ling Yuan caught a whiff of his distinctive scent, and a dazed look flashed through her beautiful eyes. She said softly, "Because... because I like you, Emperor~"
"Hehe..." Lin Chen smiled faintly and pinched her pretty cheek. "Be good and work for me. Becoming a god is only the beginning, understand?"
Ling Yuan's beautiful eyes lit up, and she nodded obediently. "I understand. Your subordinate understands!"
The Love Soul Pill's power lay in its ability to influence a person's spirit without harming it. Ling Yuan Douluo had already held favorable feelings toward Lin Chen, and now that she had taken the Love Soul Pill, she was infatuated with him in the depths of her soul. Other than that, it had not affected her soul or her mind in the slightest.
Knock, knock, knock...
Lin Chen greatly desired the beautiful woman before him, but just as he was about to reward the obedient Ling Yuan, another round of knocking came from outside the hall.
"Brother Lin Chen, Teacher has invited you to the Pope's Palace. The Soul Master finals have begun~"
A few breaths later...
Lin Chen walked out of his bedchamber and saw the charming young woman before him, looking both shy and expectant. A trace of helplessness appeared on his handsome face. "Nana, it's you again~"
A flicker of confusion crossed Hu Liena's beautiful eyes. "What's wrong, Brother Lin Chen?"
"Nothing. Let's go to the Pope's Palace."
"Mm~"
Hu Liena answered, then cast a meaningful glance at the aloof beauty behind him. Clever and perceptive as she was, she immediately guessed what was going on. But she felt no jealousy at all; she was even a little delighted.
If Elder Ling Yuan can be with Brother Lin Chen too, then Teacher probably won't object to Brother Lin Chen and me being together, will she?
The Pope's Palace
Bibi Dong sat in the papal chair with her legs crossed, dressed in a close-fitting purple gown. Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo stood on either side, and five elite disciples, Xie Yue among them, were also present.
Tap, tap... tap, tap...
Lin Chen strode into the hall hand in hand with Hu Liena. She had originally been a little worried about being affectionate in front of her teacher, but Lin Chen's large hand held hers too tightly. She simply couldn't pull free.
"Greetings, Your Holiness!"
Hearing his somewhat distant tone and seeing how close the two of them were, Bibi Dong knitted her delicate brows, feeling deeply uncomfortable.
Hehe, she's jealous...