Half an hour later,
the carriage arrived at a luxurious courtyard.
The driver reined in the horses and respectfully announced, "Your Highness, we have arrived at the villa."
The carriage was specially made soundproof—no outside noise could penetrate, but the inside could hear outside clearly. After a while, the door opened, and Chiyan Xue, disguised again as Snow Qinghe, stepped out first, with Yun Chuan following closely.
After stepping down, Chiyan Xue invited Yun Chuan inside the villa.
Once Yun Chuan was settled, Chiyan Xue hurried back to the palace to report to Emperor Xue Ye.
——
In the palace,
Emperor Xue Ye's eyes brightened after hearing the report: "That Blue Silver Douluo really intends to become a guardian protector?!"
"Though he hasn't agreed yet, I'm confident I can persuade him," said the Crown Prince firmly. "He's a lone cultivator, not affiliated with big clans or sects. With sincerity, Tiandou might well keep such a powerful Douluo."
Emperor Xue Ye pondered and nodded: "If Tiandou could have a Title Douluo as protector, Crown Prince, you would have truly done a great deed. These days, treat the Blue Silver Douluo well and fulfill all his reasonable requests—even if he demands the National Treasure, we should consider."
Amazingly generous.
For an empire, the National Treasure is precious beyond measure. Yet the emperor was willing to part with it to recruit a Title Douluo—a testament to how desperately they needed strength.
Chiyan Xue feigned shock: "Father, giving away the National Treasure is extreme…"
But Emperor Xue Ye waved off her protest:
"Our losses to the Star Luo Empire have been severe; some vassal states grow restless. Without strong protection, our imperial authority risks erosion. Having a Title Douluo in the court could deter threats and bring respite."
At this time, Title Douluos were few—less than ten openly recognized on Douluo Continent—mostly heads of major sects or official protectors.
According to the emperor, this Tang Chuan, at just over 40 years old, was youngest Title Douluo, promising an even stronger future. With a base lifespan sustained for 300 years after titling, having him as protector would secure Tiandou's dynasty for centuries.
Because of this, Emperor Xue Ye laid down vast resources to recruit him.
Truthfully, the symbolic value of the National Treasure outweighed practical use. Offering it was a significant gesture of respect and importance toward the Blue Silver Douluo.
Chiyan Xue was silent, acknowledging she could say no more.
"Go. Entertain the Blue Silver Douluo well," Emperor Xue Ye commanded weakly, his health deteriorated by poisoning.
"Understood, Father. I take my leave."
——
At the Crown Prince's villa,
all staff had been replaced by Chiyan Xue's confidants—all loyal to Spirit Hall—so Yun Chuan casually discarded his disguise to stroll the grounds.
As expected, even a small villa was vast, with pavilions, gardens, and elegant buildings.
After exploring, Yun Chuan rested in a pavilion at the center of a man-made lake, casually feeding brightly colored koi fish.
As he scattered fish food with calm thoughts, he reflected on becoming a guardian protector—surely only a matter of time now.
Once established, he planned to seek the National Treasure of Tiandou—the Vast Sea Heaven-and-Earth Cover. Though likely useless to him, possessing such a divine relic symbolizing godly heritage would be better than it collecting dust… unlike the heir Tang San.
Tang San's remarkable luck made it likely such treasures might one day fall to him by fate, crucial to his sea god legacy.
So Yun Chuan intended to secure the Vast Sea Cover by right—not theft—but with the goodwill from his protector position.
"Could I bargain my protection for the treasure?" he pondered. But given its sacred status, and Tiandou's current strength, he doubted the emperor would part easily. The original story only had it given in desperate times.
Although Tiandou was declining under Star Luo's assault, it wasn't yet a crumbling ruin, so the treasure's transfer seemed unlikely.
(End of Chapter 120)