[Check Out My P4treon For +50 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! And get chapters before publishing them here for free on my p4treon][https://p4treon.com/roooaaa]
===
Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan were stunned.
How could they not be?
The difference in strength was akin to the gap between social classes.
Would an emperor sit down to eat with a beggar?
The disparity between a Titled Douluo and a Soul Ancestor was even greater than that between a human and an ant.
Yet, Zhongli had actually invited them to share a meal…
The three exchanged glances before quickly cupping their hands in salute. "Thank you, Your Excellency!"
"No need for formalities."
"Yes, Your Excellency."
Zhongli: "..."
Were people in the Douluo Continent always this stubborn?
He had told Chiyu to simply call him "Zhongli," yet she insisted on addressing him as "Master."
Now, he told Hu Liena and the others not to stand on ceremony, and they became even more deferential.
After taking their seats, the three sat ramrod straight, eyes fixed ahead, like students who had done something wrong.
They were only here to observe, not to negotiate.
Besides, given their current status, representing the Spirit Hall in negotiations with a Titled Douluo would be nothing short of disrespectful.
Even if Hu Liena was Bibi Dong's disciple, the same logic applied.
Unless she became the Spirit Hall's Holy Maiden, she wouldn't even have the right to speak to a Titled Douluo as an equal.
"His Excellency truly is as kind and approachable as the rumors say."
"Most importantly, he's even more dignified and handsome than the stories suggest..."
Hu Liena mused to herself.
Compared to Zhongli, her brother Xie Yue and Yan looked like immature children with their "rebellious" styles.
Well, anyone who could become a Titled Douluo was definitely not young.
Zhongli appeared very youthful, but his actual age was probably similar to that of the Chrysanthemum Douluo or her teacher, Bibi Dong, right?
Xie Yue and Yan sat rigidly, not daring to relax. Before meeting Zhongli, Yue Guan had warned them—especially Yan—to speak as little as possible.
Given Yan's personality, Yue Guan feared he might say something inappropriate and ruin the mission.
The same caution applied to Hu Liena and Xie Yue.
After all, they were mere juniors. If they spoke too much in front of their seniors, the atmosphere would turn awkward.
It was better to stay quiet, like background characters.
Aside from the necessary formalities, they shouldn't say anything unnecessary.
"Old man, what business do you have with Zhongli?"
Suddenly, Paimon, as if remembering something, spoke up first.
She was the God's Mouth—ahem—no, no!
She was Paimon, the best guide!
The purpose of coming here wasn't just to eat—there was something important to discuss, right?
"Yes, a matter of great importance."
Yue Guan spoke solemnly. In his eyes—no, in everyone's eyes—this was an extremely important matter.
As an elder of the Spirit Hall, he naturally understood the significance of twin spirits. He also had an inkling of Zhongli's intentions—unless, of course, Zhongli was unaware of the secrets of twin spirits!
Before Pope Bibi Dong, there had been another recorded twin-spirit soul master.
That soul master had successfully cultivated to a high level before adding spirit rings to his second spirit.
At first, everything seemed fine. But after adding a few spirit rings, his body exploded!
That one had failed to solve the problem of twin spirits.
But Bibi Dong had succeeded!
Before setting out, Bibi Dong had sent him a mental message about this.
If Zhongli intended to use his second spirit to reach the divine level, then he must already know the secret of twin spirits.
But if Zhongli feared self-destruction and thus avoided adding spirit rings to his second spirit…
Then, as long as Zhongli joined the Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong was willing to share the secret of twin spirits with him!
"Sigh..."
Paimon blinked. Why wasn't this old man getting straight to the point?
Another cryptic speaker?
"What's the important matter?"
Hearing this, Yue Guan glanced at Paimon, then at Zhongli, before nodding.
"I came here to invite Elder Zhongli to join the Spirit Hall."
Yue Guan spoke bluntly.
After a pause, he continued, "And also to discuss the matter of your spirit ring acquisition!"
Yue Guan wore a confident expression. He was certain Zhongli would be interested in this!
Yet, to his disappointment, Zhongli merely sipped his tea leisurely, showing no reaction whatsoever—as if he couldn't care less.
"???"
Yue Guan was utterly baffled. He stared at Zhongli in confusion.
Could it be that Zhongli already knows how twin spirits can absorb spirit rings without self-destructing?
Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan shuddered. Was this something they were even allowed to hear?
The three immediately suppressed their breathing, trying to make themselves as inconspicuous as possible.
"Me? Acquire spirit rings?"
Paimon scratched her head. What spirit rings was he talking about?
She wasn't even a soul master…
Wait, though she wasn't a soul master, she had formed a contract with Zhongli. In the Douluo Continent, she had to pretend to be his spirit.
And spirits could absorb spirit rings to grow stronger.
But she was a fake! Not a real spirit!
Realizing this, Paimon chuckled awkwardly.
"Heh heh..."
Then she flew back to Zhongli's side. "Zhongli, the old man is inviting you to join the Spirit Hall..."
Though Paimon wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, she wasn't completely clueless. Changing the subject was the best way out.
After all, she had a contract with Zhongli—she couldn't break her word. But she had no idea how to respond, so diverting the conversation was her only option.
Zhongli set down his teacup, his expression as calm and unreadable as ever.
"Elder Yue Guan, please relay this message to your Pope."
"I am merely an ordinary guest elder of the Crown Prince's residence."
"Invited by Qian Renxue."
After speaking, Zhongli leisurely picked up his tea and took another sip.
Using Qian Renxue's name would save him a lot of trouble.
Besides, wasn't it Qian Renxue who had invited him to become the Crown Prince's guest elder?
There was nothing incorrect about his statement—it all depended on how the other party interpreted it.
The moment those words left his mouth, Yue Guan shot up from his chair, his face a mask of shock.
His eyes widened, his lips parted slightly—but no words came out.
Zhongli actually knows about Qian Renxue?!
He—
Snapping back to reality, Yue Guan quickly composed himself. "My apologies for my earlier lapse in composure."
"Elder Zhongli's words will be delivered without fail!"
Qian Renxue, Qian Renxue…
What a long-forgotten name. It had been nearly ten years since she arrived in Heaven Dou City.
Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan exchanged confused glances.
Why had the Chrysanthemum Douluo reacted so strongly—no, so panicked—upon hearing that name?
Given their status, they had never even heard of Qian Renxue, let alone met her!
Yue Guan had "understood" Zhongli's meaning. There was no need for further invitations.
All he had to do was deliver this message, and the Pope would comprehend everything.
If Zhongli had been invited by "Xue Qinghe," then he would be considered a guest elder of the Crown Prince's residence—aligned with Heaven Dou.
But this was an invitation from Qian Renxue!
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 130 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 20 power stones I will publish the next chapter.