"If Wuhun Sect is willing to cooperate with our empire, the entire Star Luo Empire will provide the best possible treatment. We could even consider making it our state religion. As for the other details, we can determine those through further discussion," the Empress said. Although, as a woman, she was not supposed to meddle in state affairs, the current circumstances demanded that she make a commitment.
A sect of this level would be treated with the utmost regard by any country.
At this point, whatever Qing Ran asked for, she wouldn't refuse.
The Sun Moon Empire was becoming increasingly restless. Perhaps the commoners hadn't noticed it yet, but as the Star Luo imperial family, they could clearly see that the Sun Moon Empire had grown more aggressive over the past years.
At such a time, the addition of a powerful sect would not only boost the morale of the Star Luo Empire but also strengthen the spirits of the three Douluo Continent nations.
"You're too kind, Your Majesty. This sounds quite acceptable."
"If possible, we would also like to establish a sect outpost near Star Luo City," Qing Ran thought for a moment. Since they were cooperating with the Star Luo Empire, it was time to start developing their sect.
For Qian Renxue, who had once controlled the Wuhun Empire and Spirit Hall, handling such matters was a simple task.
Besides, Qian Renxue had always had a fixation—she felt it was her fault that Spirit Hall had fallen, so she always carried a sense of guilt. If Qing Ran rebuilt Spirit Hall, she would be delighted.
"We will provide the funds for that," the Empress quickly said, her smile growing even broader.
If Wuhun Sect established an outpost near Star Luo City, it would bring great benefits to the city. Moreover, it signified that Wuhun Sect had an interest in developing deeply within the Star Luo Empire.
If Wuhun Sect were located elsewhere, no matter how strong they were, it wouldn't be of much concern to the Star Luo Empire.
"Thank you very much." Qing Ran was also in a good mood.
After all, he was the true leader of Wuhun Sect. Once the sect grew, Spirit Hall could once again flourish on the continent.
"Mr. Qing Ran, forgive my curiosity. What is your position within Wuhun Sect? Can you make decisions regarding such matters?" The Empress's curiosity about Qing Ran grew, and her tone became more respectful.
"Wuhun Sect, Holy Son. I have a rather special status within the sect, which allows me to make decisions on behalf of the sect leader for certain matters," Qing Ran casually created a title fitting his identity.
Besides having several powerful individuals, Wuhun Sect hadn't even set up a basic structure yet.
However, quality over quantity was his priority, and only those who could grow to Spirit Emperor or higher would be considered geniuses worthy of joining in the future.
"I understand," the Empress said, her attitude towards Qing Ran becoming more solemn. Given his talents, it made sense—after all, Qing Ran was being groomed as the future leader of Wuhun Sect, which granted him authority in sect matters.
"You are undoubtedly a rare genius in this world. May I ask, are you already engaged or married? If you don't mind…" The Empress pursed her lips slightly.
A marriage alliance could greatly strengthen their cooperation.
"Are you referring to Princess Xu Jiujiu?" Qing Ran asked curiously. He could consider Xu Jiujiu, but he wasn't ready to agree to any other princess.
"Jiujiu, come out now," the Empress called out towards the inner room, feeling a bit embarrassed. She hadn't known that Qing Ran had such influence before, and Xu Jiujiu had wanted to sneak a peek at Qing Ran, which was why she was hiding.
Now, calling Xu Jiujiu out made both the Empress and Xu Jiujiu feel quite awkward.
"Empress Sister-in-Law."
"Mr. Qing Ran."
The door to the small room opened, and a beautiful young woman stepped out.
The young woman looked about seventeen or eighteen years old. Her beauty could rival Jiang Nannan's, but given that she was a bit older, her figure was even better. She wore a red gauze dress that contrasted with her pale skin, giving her a flawless appearance.
Her slender and shapely body had all the right curves. While most of her figure was covered by the long red dress, her exposed shoulders and arms were smooth and flawless. It seemed like her legs were wrapped in shiny silver stockings, partially hidden under the red dress, visible only when the hem of her dress swayed as she walked.
The young woman walked gracefully towards Qing Ran, performed an elegant curtsy, then shyly moved to the Empress's side.
Princess Xu Jiujiu was the sister of the current Star Luo Emperor, Xu Jiawei. Though still young, she was only a few years older than Tang Ya and Jiang Nannan.
Despite her youth, Xu Jiujiu had a refined maturity due to her royal upbringing. At her young age, she had already become a gold-level auctioneer at Starlight Auction House. Not only was she powerful, but she was also elegant and well-versed in proper etiquette. Even as she walked, her movements exuded a sense of grace.
Most importantly, Xu Jiujiu was quite skilled. Even though she had to handle numerous tasks, her strength was far from weak. Had it not been for the many royal responsibilities, she might have been on par with Jiang Nannan and the others in terms of ability.
"No wonder some people are fond of these noble daughters," Qing Ran thought, beginning to understand the appeal. Beyond mere beauty, the grace and refined mannerisms of a noblewoman could indeed win people's favor.
Seeing such an elegant and noble princess, who wouldn't want to see her brought down to the level of ordinary mortals?
Standing next to the Empress, both Xu Jiujiu and the Empress exuded elegance and beauty, enhancing each other's charm, making them even more captivating.
Blushing under Qing Ran's gaze, Xu Jiujiu looked down, staring at her own chest.
The Empress was overjoyed, her heart settling into a comfortable certainty.
"Is His Highness, the Holy Son, satisfied?" the Empress asked with a smile. Xu Jiujiu felt nervous at that moment. As a princess, she had no say in choosing her partner.
She was a thousand times, a million times willing to be with Qing Ran, but she didn't know how Qing Ran felt about her. What if he rejected her? How embarrassing would that be?
If it were any other man in the empire, he would be thrilled at the prospect of marrying a princess. But for someone of Qing Ran's status, that was far from certain.
"Of course, I'm satisfied. Princess Jiujiu is so beautiful and well-mannered, how could I have any objections?" Qing Ran wasn't foolish. How could he refuse such a beautiful opportunity that came knocking on his door?
This noblewoman was graceful and dignified, her every movement exuding a refined charm, clearly the result of her aristocratic upbringing. Who wouldn't want to see how such a refined lady would behave in other, less graceful situations?
Elegance only stirred in Qing Ran a desire to disrupt it. Truth be told, he hadn't yet had such a woman around him—Xu Jiujiu was the first.
Having reincarnated, Qing Ran wanted to experience everything—he wanted to do what he hadn't dared to do in his previous life.
Princess Xu Jiujiu of the Star Luo Empire, Princess Vena of the Heavenly Soul Empire, Princess Xu Tianzhen of the Sun Moon Empire, Princess Xue Lingxun of the Dou Ling Empire—it seemed that he wanted them all.
(End of the chapter)