Chapter 134 - 31: Negotiations conclude, with the gathering of three top quality flowers worthy of the Crown Prince.
Zhao Huai faced the terms proposed by the palace master of Exquisite Palace with a cleared mind, carefully glancing at Qiu Yueqing by his side.
The woman was incredibly beautiful but terribly cold. It seemed as if there was nothing in her eyes besides cultivation.
Such a woman was not to his taste.
Besides, he was already a married man. Even if he was to take a concubine, he would need his wife’s consent.
Both factors made it clear that he wouldn’t accept Qiu Yueqing.
At a glance, Qiu Yueqing seemed even less appealing than the palace master of Exquisite Palace herself, considering how open-minded the latter was.
What was he thinking?
“Ahem!”
At this moment, Gu Tianji let out an untimely cough, as if deliberately.
Both the Palace Master of Exquisite Palace and Zhao Huai looked at him. Gu Tianji scratched his head, giving an awkward smile,
Only then did the Palace Master of the Exquisite Palace let it pass, her gaze landed on Zhao Huai again, calm as ever.
She continued to wait for Zhao Huai’s answer.
She knew that such matters couldn’t be rushed, time was needed for consideration.
Gu Tianji’s cough just now reminded Zhao Huai of his warning.
You can’t resist, be careful, you’ll be drained.
Zhao Huai couldn’t help but think.
Did the cultivation technique of Exquisite Palace possess some unknown drawbacks?
Would it take something away after dual cultivation?
Soon, Zhao Huai decided not to think about it anymore.
No matter what, he couldn’t possibly dual cultivate with Exquisite Fairy.
At this moment, Zhao Huai’s gaze also turned serious.
“I apologize, senior.”
“I am wholeheartedly pursuing the Immortal Path, hoping to rely on my own strength, not external forces or the help of others. Moreover, I’ve just met the Exquisite Fairy and I can’t agree to such a request, please forgive me,”
Zhao Huai was not only serious but also quite justified, showing no signs of being flustered.
Upon hearing this, most of the surrounding cultivators couldn’t help nodding. On one hand, they admired Zhao Huai for resisting the temptation. On the other hand, they admired him for speaking up in front of the Palace Master of the Exquisite Palace.
The Palace Master of the Exquisite Palace smiled faintly and spoke gently,
“Young friend, the path to immortality is long and hard, against the heavens, you either move forward or slide back. You have ambition, which is good. But if you are alone, even if you cultivate into an immortal, what then? To spend a thousand or ten thousand years alone, giving up the best years of your life, for a distant immortal path?”
“Aren’t men supposed to aspire for power to rule the world and kneel before beauty in their lives? Choose Exquisite Palace, and you could lay on different beautiful knees every day. As for power, it will come effortlessly.”
“1…”
Zhao Huai just wanted to explain, but the Palace Master of the Exquisite Palace interrupted him and softly said,
Only after enjoying these things can you say that they’re meaningless, uninteresting, and all but a handful of dust. But let me ask you, have you had them before?”
The Palace Master of the Exquisite Palace was indeed someone who lived for thousands of years. With these words, she had closed all retreats for Zhao Huai and baited out the latent desires deep within him.
Would one choose a monotonous life to cultivate into an immortal, or choose a life filled with beauties accompanying you along the path to immortality?
For an ordinary person, the choice might be easy.
After all, who doesn’t like beautiful women? Who wouldn’t be tempted?
However, Zhao Huai didn’t fall for her provocations.
Ever since his solitary ride and an overnight tour in the capital, his heart already held the answer.
On the path of cultivation, there was only room for one. “My apologies, but I already have someone I hold dear in my heart.” One sentence was enough to express his stance.
Hearing his response, the palace master of the Exquisite Palace showed no change in expression, while the surrounding cultivators were quite surprised. They couldn’t believe Zhao Huai was actually rejecting such a prospect.
Elder Mu looked at Zhao Huai’s back with admiration in his eyes.
It was indeed a man capable of bearing the national fortune of Yan Country. 1–1is persistence and Taoist mind already surpassed many.
Chu Longxiang’s eyes were filled with a complex emotion, as he thought he was only inferior to Zhao Huai in talent, but it turned out he was also inferior in mindset.
Gu Tianji was very satisfied with Zhao Huai’s answer, and promptly praised him: “The allure of women can lead heroes to their graves. But with your talents, you might not be unable to cultivate into an immortal in the future.
After becoming an immortal, there wouldn’t be a woman you couldn’t have. Not to mention Exquisite Palace, all the beauties in the world would be in your hands.”
However, just as he finished speaking, he was glanced at coldly by the Palace Master of the Exquisite Palace.
Gu Tianji felt a buzz in his mind, and his face showed signs of suffering. It seemed he had been subjected to some kind of torment.
He almost forgot that, in front of this level of powerful people, even transmission of sound wouldn’t work.
The Palace Master of the Exquisite Palace didn’t want to apply too much force.
A simple warning was enough. After all, he was the senior disciple of the Eternal Taoist Temple, she didn’t want the Master of the Eternal Taoist Temple coming after her.
“Your Highness… has grown up.”
Seeing Zhao Huai’s firm stance, Song Heqing couldn’t help but wipe away a tear that slipped down his cheek.
He didn’t know what hardships his Highness had gone through over the years. In his previous impressions, Zhao Huai was just a playboy who idled around all day.
He couldn’t even resist feminine attraction, let alone handle more difficult tasks.
After a moment of silence, the Palace Master of the Exquisite Palace calmly asked,
“So, you’re choosing the Eternal Taoist Temple?”
For some reason, a heavy, oppressive feeling rushed upon them.
Zhao Huai suddenly felt a surge of pressure.
But he still shook his head and said with a serious tone,
“Senior, Brother Gu, Fairy Yueqing, and everyone here represents the Immortal Sect, coming to help me. I am truly grateful and intimidated. However, I cannot give you all a satisfactory answer. I hope you understand..”