In the hall of the Zhongli residence, Zhongli, who was sipping tea, slightly trembled as he held the teacup, feeling both amused and helpless.
When he had given away the Mora, he hadn't expected any return.
Little did he know that people had misinterpreted his intentions.
"Forget it... Perhaps there was indeed some deeper meaning in what I did..."
Zhongli shook his head and murmured to himself.
Shortly after, Xu Tianran and Jing Hongchen arrived in the hall.
Xu Tianran had heard much about Zhongli, his deeds, his appearance, and his demeanor.
But when he saw Zhongli in person, he couldn't help but be taken aback.
As the Crown Prince of the Sun Moon Empire, he had met many people and experienced many things.
Flattery, betrayal, hypocrisy, he had seen it all.
But someone like Zhongli, who seemed to wear the word "invincible" on his face, was truly something he had never encountered before.
Zhongli's face was both handsome and marked by a sense of timelessness. Every movement he made was natural and effortless. Even without any visible aura, he exuded an overwhelming presence!
"So this is the Martial God..."
A glint of admiration flashed in Xu Tianran's eyes as he bowed deeply to Zhongli, speaking with utmost respect, "Xu Tianran greets the Martial God!"
"Thank you, Martial God, for granting me a second life. Tianran will never forget this kindness!"
His bow was a perfect ninety degrees, reflecting his sincerity.
For Xu Tianran, this was a matter of genuine gratitude.
His disability had brought not only physical pain but also psychological torment.
Though people didn't say it to his face, the whispers behind his back had never ceased.
When he regained his legs and stood up again, those whispers vanished.
To Xu Tianran, Zhongli had not only saved his body but also healed his increasingly twisted mind.
As an ambitious and driven young man, the dual blows to his body and spirit had naturally led to a warped psyche, willing to do anything to achieve his goals.
But now, things were different. His not-yet-fully-twisted mind had been healed...
Zhongli waved his right hand, and a amber-colored energy gently lifted Xu Tianran.
"It was merely a stroke of fate. There's no need for the Crown Prince to dwell on it."
Zhongli's expression remained unchanged, his tone calm, as if it were of no consequence.
He truly didn't care, but for the person involved, it was impossible not to.
"Is this the magnanimity of the Martial God..."
Xu Tianran marveled inwardly.
He had once vowed that whoever could cure his legs would be treated as a VIP.
But no one had been able to do it.
If someone had, they would surely have used it as leverage to exploit Xu Tianran for the rest of his life...
Yet the Martial God simply dismissed it with a casual, "It was merely a stroke of fate."
Hahaha...
A god... truly a god!
Truly the man Xu Tianran admired as a god!
Suddenly, Xu Tianran seemed to recall something and continued, "Martial God, Tianran came in a hurry and only brought some local specialties. I hope you will accept them."
Xu Tianran didn't bring up the matter of his rebirth again but instead presented his gifts, which included a storage-type soul tool.
This storage soul tool was mixed in with the "local specialties," whether intentionally or unintentionally.
Clearly, this storage soul tool was Xu Tianran's true token of sincerity!
Jing Hongchen, seeing this, quickly understood the underlying message.
These "local specialties" had been purchased under his guidance!
The storage soul tool was also within his expectations, though he wasn't sure what was inside.
"The Crown Prince is too kind."
"Martial God, you may call me Xu Tianran or simply Tianran. The title of Crown Prince is too lofty for me, it would be an honor beyond my station."
Xu Tianran clasped his hands and spoke with utmost seriousness.
This scene left Jing Hongchen somewhat stunned.
Xu Tianran had completely lost the commanding presence he had in the capital, as well as the demeanor befitting a ruler.
Standing before Zhongli, he seemed as obedient as a student before a teacher.
This made Jing Hongchen look at him in a new light.
After some small talk, Xu Tianran and Jing Hongchen took their seats.
At that moment, both of them frowned, their eyes flashing with surprise and confusion.
Why were there three distinct fragrances in the hall?
Judging by the scent of the perfume, these were expensive items, something only nobles or royalty could afford!
Had three high-ranking women visited the Martial God before their arrival?
Jing Hongchen, being a Titled Douluo, had an exceptionally keen sense of smell.
As for Xu Tianran, his cultivation wasn't low either, and as the Crown Prince of the Sun Moon Empire, he had studied many things, including perfumes.
Though the three fragrances were mixed, with his abilities, he could still discern their origins.
"The Heavenly Soul Empire, the Dou Ling Empire, and the Star Luo Empire..."
"Have the three empires of Douluo come together? For what purpose?"
Xu Tianran's thoughts raced, filled with questions.
Xu Tianran's knowledge of perfumes wasn't due to frivolity but because such knowledge could provide valuable intelligence in certain situations.
Nobles, especially members of the royal family, particularly women, used items that were often specially supplied, royal provisions.
Perfumes were naturally included.
Each nation had different tastes, and the items used by royalty varied accordingly.
Under normal circumstances, they rarely changed the items they frequently used, a tradition of sorts...
Thus, upon smelling these three fragrances, Xu Tianran deduced that members of the three Douluo empires' royal families had visited Zhongli.
As for why they had come, as the Crown Prince of the Sun Moon Empire, Xu Tianran felt a twinge of concern.
After a moment of thought, Xu Tianran set the matter aside and said, "Martial God, the traditional grand event of Douluo, the Elite Competition held every five years, is only half a year away."
"Does Liyue have any intention of participating? If so, the Sun Moon Empire is willing to provide Liyue with a spot in the competition!"
Hearing this, Zhongli was slightly taken aback.
The three Douluo empires had just brought this up, and now the Sun Moon Empire was doing the same?
It seemed this so-called tradition was deeply ingrained in their memories!
"Previously, the princesses of the Sky Soul, Dou Ling, and Star Luo Empires came and mentioned this matter."
Zhongli didn't avoid the topic and spoke candidly, "Liyue has already accepted the special spots offered by the three empires."
Xu Tianran and Jing Hongchen's faces showed a mix of realization and regret, especially the former, who felt both relieved and disappointed.
Why hadn't he come a day earlier, or even just two hours sooner?
"What a pity, truly a pity!"
Xu Tianran thought to himself.
"Then congratulations, Martial God. Liyue is a land of talent and beauty, it will surely shine brightly in the competition."