Chapter 456: Never Return Empty-Handed!

Lu Yu took the brocade box and opened it. What came into view was an exquisite token, which was silver-white and engraved with the emblem of the Tiandou Empire, emitting a faint light. The token was engraved with complicated patterns around it, and it was obviously an extraordinary thing.

"This is..." Lu Yu frowned slightly and looked up at Xue Qinghe.

Xue Qinghe smiled and explained, "This is a token I made myself. It represents my personal commitment. Whenever Brother Lu Yu needs something, just come to me with this token. Whether it's resources, support, or any other request, as long as it's not excessive, I will do my best to help you."

Lu Yu's eyes flickered slightly. He certainly understood the meaning of this token. Although Xue Qinghe was the crown prince, he was not the only crown prince. With this token, he would be allied with the crown prince and have an extremely important helper in the Tiandou Empire. However, along with this, there must be Xue Qinghe's expectations.

"Your Highness, this item is too valuable. I'm afraid Lu Yu cannot afford it." Lu Yu said tentatively, with a hint of refusal in his tone.

"Precious?" Xue Qinghe shook his head and chuckled, with a look of certainty in his eyes. "It may be precious to others, but to Brother Lu Yu, it is just a trifle. I, Xue Qinghe, never do meaningless things. I am willing to give this token."

Lu Yu heard the deep meaning in his words, raised his eyes and looked at Xue Qinghe with a hint of inquiry in his eyes.

Xue Qinghe took the initiative to speak when he saw this: "Two years from now, the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition will be held as scheduled. By then, the top academies of the major empires will send their strongest teams to participate. Brother Lu Yu, I have heard of your strength and talent. If you are willing, I hope you can represent Tiandou Royal Academy as captain and lead the team to participate."

Lu Yu frowned slightly when he heard this. He didn't have much affection for Tiandou Royal Academy, and didn't want to get involved in the royal family's disputes easily. But Xue Qinghe's proposal was tempting. This competition was not only a stage to show strength, but also a battlefield for the major forces to secretly compete.

"Lu Yu appreciates your kindness, Your Highness." He said in a deep voice, "However, I am just a casual cultivator, I am afraid I am not qualified for such an important task."

Xue Qinghe shook his head, his expression still as gentle as before: "Brother Lu Yu is too modest. You are definitely qualified with your strength. Moreover, I will never let you fight alone. I will do my best to provide you with the best team members and the most sufficient resources to ensure that you can participate in the competition in the best condition."

Lu Yu remained silent. He was aware of Xue Qinghe's sincerity, but he also knew that behind this sincerity lay some kind of constraints.

"Since Your Highness thinks so highly of Lu Yu, it would be unkind of me to refuse again." After a long time, Lu Yu finally spoke, his tone containing some helplessness and deep thought.

Xue Qinghe smiled with satisfaction when he saw this. He patted Lu Yu's shoulder gently and said, "Brother Lu Yu is indeed a smart man. It is my honor to cooperate with you."

Lu Yu looked at Xue Qinghe, his eyes flickering slightly. He knew in his heart that this decision might bring him into a huge storm, but Xue Qinghe's promise and token were chips that could not be easily rejected.

Xue Qinghe seemed to sense his complex emotions, and his voice became softer: "Brother Lu Yu, you don't have to worry too much. I only admire you, and I have no other intentions. If you don't want to be trapped in the vortex of power, I will never force you after the competition."

Although these words sounded frank, Lu Yu still remained somewhat alert in his heart. He nodded, put away the token, stood up, clasped his fists towards Xue Qinghe and said, "Lu Yu thanks your Highness for your kindness, and I will definitely live up to your trust."

Xue Qinghe nodded with satisfaction, raised his glass and said, "Okay, if that's the case, then it's a deal. Tonight, let's toast to this cooperation."

Lu Yu picked up the wine glass on the table and clinked glasses with Xue Qinghe. The golden wine swayed in the glass, as if foreshadowing the magnificent journey in the future. The two looked at each other, each with deep meaning in their hearts, but both maintained superficial harmony at this moment.

After three rounds of drinking, Xue Qinghe led the topic to a more relaxed place, telling some interesting anecdotes in the empire, and the atmosphere gradually eased. However, Lu Yu remained sober in his heart. This cooperation with Xue Qinghe has just begun, and his future path will become more complicated.

The moonlight was still bright, and the lights outside the mansion were still on. Lu Yu stood up to say goodbye, and Xue Qinghe personally sent him to the door of the mansion and watched him leave.

"Brother Lu Yu, the road to genius is always full of thorns, but I believe that you can go further." Xue Qinghe's voice came from behind, with some profound meaning.

Lu Yu stopped, looked back at him, and smiled faintly: "Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness. Lu Yu will remember it in his heart."

After he finished speaking, he walked away, his back gradually disappearing into the night. Xue Qinghe stood there, his eyes full of deep thought, a meaningful smile on his lips.

Under the night sky, Tiandou City is still prosperous, but behind this prosperity, undercurrents are surging...

As night fell, the prosperity of Tiandou City became more and more lively. In a magnificent building in the center of the city, countless bright lights dotted the surroundings. This was the large auction venue that was famous throughout the Tiandou Empire. The entrance was already crowded with people, nobles, wealthy merchants, powerful people, and even some sect representatives wearing luxurious robes.

Lu Yu walked calmly, holding a golden VIP token in his hand. Although the token was small, it contained endless power. Seeing him appear, the attendant in charge of welcoming guests hurried forward with a smile on his face.

"Dear distinguished guest, please follow me." The servant said respectfully, bowed and led Lu Yu into the auction hall.

As he walked along, Lu Yu's eyes swept around. The venue was bustling with people in various clothes. Under the guidance of the attendant, he was led to an independent box, isolated from the noise of the outside world.

The decoration in the box was extremely luxurious, with thick carpets and exquisitely carved furniture, everything showing the special status of the VIP. After Lu Yu sat down, the attendants brought him tea and snacks.

"Sir, please wait a moment, the auction is about to begin. If you need anything, please feel free to let me know." The servant said respectfully and then stepped out.

The box was very soundproof. Lu Yu raised his hand and picked up the teacup, taking a sip, but he was not completely relaxed. He had some expectations for the auction, but he was more cautious. Although he got the VIP token by chance, the influence behind it was enough to make many people covet it.

Just as he was thinking, there was a slight knock on the door of the box.

"Come in." Lu Yu said lightly.

The door of the box was pushed open, and a man in a luxurious robe walked in. He had an elegant face and a look as gentle as the spring breeze, but his every move revealed a majesty that could not be ignored.

"Master Ning?" Lu Yu raised his eyebrows slightly and recognized the person.

The person who came was the leader of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi.

Ning Fengzhi smiled slightly when he saw Lu Yu recognized him, nodded and said, "Mr. Lu is indeed extraordinary. He remembered me after just one encounter."

"Master Ning is of noble status, how could it be easily forgotten? I wonder what the Master is here for today?" Lu Yu put down the teacup, his tone calm.

Ning Fengzhi sat down calmly after hearing this, raised his hand and made a gesture of invitation, indicating that Lu Yu did not need to be so reserved. He then said, "I came here today because I do have some private matters to discuss with Master Lu. But before that, I still want to thank Master Lu for helping me that day and protecting the people of my sect."

Lu Yu's brows showed a trace of thought. He quickly recalled what happened that time. It seemed that he passed by a place a few months ago and happened to rescue a trapped soul master, but he didn't pay much attention to it.

"Master Ning, you are too polite. It's just a piece of cake." Lu Yu said calmly.

"It may be just a small favor for you, but it is a great favor to our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect." Ning Fengzhi said sincerely, and then said seriously, "Mr. Lu, I came here for another reason. Excuse me for asking, do you have a family?"

Lu Yu's eyes narrowed slightly, and he understood in his mind.

"Belonging? Does the master refer to the sect or the power?" he asked calmly.

"That's right." Ning Fengzhi nodded, with a hint of expectation in his eyes.

"The martial arts world is in turmoil now, and the world of soul masters is full of twists and turns. A strong man like Mr. Lu, if he doesn't have a strong enough backing, I'm afraid it will be difficult for him to stay out of trouble."

Lu Yu did not respond directly, but just smiled softly: "From what the Sect Master said, you want to invite me to join the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect?"

Seeing that he was speaking frankly, Ning Fengzhi did not hide anything and said, "That's right. Young Master Lu is gifted and has extraordinary strength. If you are willing to join our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, our sect will do its utmost to support your future development. At the same time, any resources, information, and even some special training environments can be provided by our sect."

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Lu Yu raised his eyes to look at Ning Fengzhi, his gaze was like lightning, his tone was calm but sharp: "Sect Master Ning really thinks highly of me. I wonder why the Sect Master thinks I will agree?"

Ning Fengzhi was not intimidated by Lu Yu's aggressiveness, and the smile on his face deepened.

"Mr. Lu is a wise man, so he naturally understands the difference between walking alone and relying on a big tree." He said, "What's more, our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has always been governed by benevolence and justice, and never forces others. If you are willing to join, we will never restrict your freedom, and we only ask for mutual support."

After the words were spoken, the box fell into a brief silence.

Lu Yu narrowed his eyes slightly, thinking about the deep meaning of the other party's words. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has an excellent reputation in the soul master world, but because of this, Lu Yu understands more clearly that a person like Ning Fengzhi would not throw out an olive branch without a purpose.

After a long while, he finally spoke: "Master Ning's proposal is indeed tempting, but I am used to being alone and have no intention of joining any forces for the time being."

Ning Fengzhi sighed slightly when he heard this, but did not show any disappointment.

"It's not surprising that you have such a carefree personality," he said. "However, the door of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is always open to you. If one day you change your mind, you only need to come to our sect and announce your name, and you will become the most distinguished guest of our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."

Lu Yu nodded and said nothing more.

Ning Fengzhi immediately stood up and bowed slightly to Lu Yu.

"In that case, I won't disturb you any more. I hope you can gain something from today's auction."

After he finished speaking, Ning Fengzhi turned and left, and the box returned to silence.

Lu Yu sat there, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes. Ning Fengzhi's visit surprised him, but it was not without warning. A large sect like the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect would not easily show goodwill to the outside world, especially to a casual cultivator like him with an unknown background.

He shook his head and put these thoughts aside for the time being. As the auction was about to begin, the atmosphere in the venue became increasingly heated. The noise coming from outside the box vaguely revealed the lively scene that was about to happen.

Lu Yu picked up the teacup, took another sip, and a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect? Interesting."

At dusk, the sunset glowed like brocade, and the red clouds in the sky were reflected on the face of Ning Fengzhi, the leader of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. His gentle face showed a calm smile, and his eyes were peaceful but meaningful. At this moment, he was standing outside a quiet bamboo forest, gently waving his sleeves. The Sword Douluo Chen Xin and the Bone Douluo Gu Rong who followed him were deep in spirit, silently guarding him.

The courtyard deep in the bamboo forest was quiet and peaceful, with bamboo shadows dancing and the gate ajar. This was where Lu Yu lived. This man, known as one of the most mysterious spirit masters of the time, had already entered the realm of Titled Douluo at a young age, but had never joined any faction. Ning Fengzhi knew that if such a talent could be incorporated into the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect, it would undoubtedly take the sect to a higher level.

"Master, it is still unknown whether Lu Yu is willing to see us. He has always been indifferent to fame and fortune, I'm afraid..." Bone Douluo said in a low voice, with a hint of worry in his words.

Ning Fengzhi smiled slightly, his eyes gentle but firm, "Since I'm here, I won't return empty-handed. Although Lu Yu has a casual temperament, he is definitely not an unsympathetic person. As long as he is willing to see me, there will be room for maneuver."

Sword Douluo Chenxin remained silent, his hand on the hilt of his sword, his aura fierce but restrained. He had never doubted Ning Fengzhi's confidence, but he had a vague feeling that this visit might not be smooth sailing.

Ning Fengzhi raised his hand gently and pushed open the gate. Behind the gate was a path covered with fallen leaves, and at the end of the path was a simple wooden house. The bamboo breeze swayed, and the gentle sound was like a whisper, revealing a bit of tranquility and aloofness.

"Since you're here, why don't you come in and sit down." A clear voice came from the wooden house. There was a hint of laziness in the calmness, but it seemed to contain an inexplicable attraction.

Ning Fengzhi was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "Thank you, Brother Lu."

He walked slowly into the courtyard, followed by Chen Xin and Gu Rong, but they only stopped at the edge of the courtyard and did not go any further. Ning Fengzhi pushed open the door of the wooden house alone, and saw a wooden table in the house, with a pot of tea and two teacups on the table. Lu Yu was sitting at the table, wearing a plain dress, with his hair tied up casually, and a bit of laziness on his handsome face.

"Master Ning, you have come from afar. I wonder what brings you here?" Lu Yu picked up the teacup and took a sip. His tone was flat, but his eyes were as calm as an ancient well.