After much swearing and promises, Yun Chuan finally soothed Qian Renxue's suspicion—a big step forward in their relationship, cementing them as official lovers.
What was once ambiguous—childhood friends and almost-siblings—became clear. Their feelings, long suppressed, erupted after their first kiss, and Yun Chuan's old "Snow-jie" (sister) became "Xue'er." Qian Renxue quietly accepted this new, intimate title.
In the following days, the two lived as a passionate couple, learning more about each other, growing close—and almost crossing the line from affection to intimacy. Yun Chuan, though tempted, always stopped short out of respect.
After a few days, Qian Renxue finally remembered her father's orders and went to the palace to report.
——
Imperial Palace.
"The Blue Silver Douluo agreed!"
Emperor Xue Ye instantly revived, color returning to his sickly face at the news.
Qian Renxue (as Xue Qinghe) explained, "After several days, he agreed—but asked for proof of our sincerity…"
"Oh? What kind? Just say it," Xue Ye replied, eager. "As long as he doesn't want the throne—even a royal title is not out of the question." He was growing weaker and feared his son's youth and lack of prestige, desperate for a protector's presence.
"He wants the imperial treasure, the Vast Sea Heaven-and-Earth Cover."
Xue Ye was stunned, hesitated, but then considered his state and impending death. Finally, he agreed:
"Tell him I accept."
—
Yun Chuan had previously explained the treasure's importance to Qian Renxue; she requested it on his behalf, not expecting Xue Ye to yield so easily. But to the imperial family, the artifact was more symbolic than practical—they didn't know it was critical to divine succession.
Thus, the emperor's agreement was almost routine for the sake of securing a young Title Douluo as imperial protector.
——
With Xue Qinghe, Yun Chuan visited the palace.
Security was tight—scores of Spirit Masters patrolled constantly, with several dozen Soul Kings standing watch near the emperor's quarters.
Compared to the great clans, the empire didn't have as many top Spirit Masters, but sheer numbers gave them an edge, since basic talent alone was enough to join as imperial guards.
Entering the emperor's chambers, Yun Chuan found Emperor Xue Ye accompanied by Xue Beng and an elder in yellow robes—Prince Xue Xing. Yun Chuan maintained a dignified bearing as befitted a Title Douluo.
After greetings, both sides exchanged flattery—Yun Chuan praised Tiandou's strength, the emperor humbly deflected, praising Yun Chuan's own talent.
The atmosphere warmed into friendly banter.
After half an hour, Emperor Xue Ye took a more formal tone and announced:
"Tang Chuan, from today you are Blue Silver Douluo, protector of the realm. You need not bow to royalty, and are granted a royal (non-blood) title: Blue Silver King. Within the empire, all officials defer to you by three ranks."
Yun Chuan expressed his gratitude with a formal bow, thinking, "The old emperor really knows how to spend big."
Now, not only did he get the imperial treasure, he was even made a king—complete with lands and privileges. In the original story, only when the empire was on the brink of collapse did Tang San get this deal, after proving his usefulness. Now, just agreeing to serve earned Yun Chuan the same.
A servant arrived with a tray, covered in red cloth. Yun Chuan lifted the cover, revealing a palm-sized, blue crystal triangular artifact: the Vast Sea Heaven-and-Earth Cover.
Blue light filled the hall—beautiful carved patterns moved on its surface, sending out mysterious energy waves.
Feigning confusion, Yun Chuan asked about the object.
The emperor, while painfully reluctant, explained, "This is the Vast Sea Heaven-and-Earth Cover, a soul tool and symbol of your new authority. Its uses are wondrous; you'll see once you invest your spirit power."
Yun Chuan, putting on a show of humility, initially refused, but after multiple exchanges, finally "reluctantly" accepted the imperial treasure. He privately scoffed at all the formalities, but was very satisfied to have secured the Sea God's key relic before Tang San could.
As imperial protector and titled King, Yun Chuan now received an immense monthly salary, broad privileges, and a fiefdom—the "Blue Silver Kingdom"—practically his own domain, with full control over taxes and laws.
Emperor Xue Ye, truly desperate, gave everything to bind Yun Chuan—and anyone else might have been entirely bought at this price.
(End of Chapter 122)