Chapter 317: Clap to Swear an Oath

"You... are you really willing to help me?"

Xu Yang looked at Princess Wushuang, who was dressed as a guard, with a surprised expression.

"Although I don't entirely believe your words, nor the notion that this world is merely an empty illusion, since you saved me last time, and I happen to be in a position to assist, why not repay that favor now?"

Wushuang's sudden offer came as quite a surprise to Xu Yang. Undeniably, if there was anyone who stood at the apex of the entire Divine Kingdom, it was this remarkably beautiful and refined Princess before him.

"Alright then, I'm counting on you!"

Xu Yang touched his brow and projected a spiritual imprint, intending to connect it with the Princess's soul sea. However, he quickly discovered that her spiritual world was like a vast ocean; even his own soul world, now imbued with color, couldn't access her soul sea space.

"Heavens... is this the true extent of her power as the supreme ruler of the Divine Kingdom? Such mental energy is simply too terrifying."

Without much thought, when Wushuang reopened her eyes, their soul link was naturally severed.

"Let me offer you some advice: don't test me lightly. You should already know that I'm regarded as the faith of the Divine Kingdom because my soul is exceptionally pure, capable of containing the light of faith that nurtures the divine essence. In other words, my soul sea is unlike anyone else's spiritual space. A rash attempt could very well harm you."

Wushuang showed no hint of anger; her words were merely a warning spoken with concern for Xu Yang. What she didn't know, however, was that Xu Yang was not as straightforward as she imagined either.

"I will give you an answer within three days. You should return for now."

Xu Yang seemed momentarily stunned, then simply nodded with a smile.

"What, already can't bear to part with me?"

"Uh... I was just thinking that there are already enough women at home, and your status is so unique. If you're constantly with them, you might not adapt well."

As Xu Yang spoke, for some reason, he even turned his body away, avoiding Wushuang's gaze.

"Pfft! Fool, I'm just rushing back to the palace to help you with the investigation. If you wish to accompany me, I have no objections."

Xu Yang instinctively shivered, waved his hand dismissively behind him, and vanished from the spot in a flash of light.

Watching Xu Yang's quickly departing back, Wushuang couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. But in an instant, she seemed to revert to her empress-like coolness and majesty, overseeing all. Even her gaze, when surveying the world's mountains and rivers, held an indescribable elegance.

This woman was one of the few beings Xu Yang found hard to gauge or comprehend, yet she had unexpectedly, and irresistibly, entered his team and his life.

Surprises often coexist with danger. Xu Yang understood this principle well, but for now, all he could do was hope that Wushuang could indeed provide him with some useful clues. After all, she was the most powerful being in the entire Divine Kingdom. If even she couldn't find anything, then Xu Yang's chances of breaking free from this illusory world at the top of the Endless Tower would be slim to none.

In truth, this illusory world hadn't caused Xu Yang any direct harm, but its most terrifying aspect was its ability to assimilate every soul that entered it. Even Xu Yang himself couldn't help but start to wonder if, after truly spending some time in this illusory world, he would indeed lose the desire to leave.

Returning to the courtyard, Xu Yang was genuinely startled. He saw no fewer than twenty or thirty unfamiliar faces there, and the moment they saw Lord Viscount Xu Yang return, they all became exceptionally excited.

"Lord Viscount, you've finally returned!"

"Uh... what's going on here?"

Xiao Hua quickly approached, whispering awkwardly to Xu Yang, "Young Master, they are all high-ranking officials and nobles from the Divine Kingdom's capital, likely here to curry favor with you. I already gave them their marching orders, but these people are incredibly thick-skinned and simply won't leave..."

Xu Yang smiled and gently nodded. "It's fine, it's not your fault. Leave it to me."

As he spoke, Xu Yang moved to the center of the courtyard, first clasping his hands in a respectful gesture to the assembled dignitaries, then briefly outlining his plans for the near future.

"What? My Lord, you... are planning to travel far?"

"That might not be advisable! Lord Viscount! You've only just gained the Royal Family's trust; if you don't seize this opportunity to further consolidate your position, wouldn't that be a shame...?"

The faces of these dignitaries were filled with disappointment. They quickly tried to speak, attempting to change Xu Yang's mind. After all, they had no desire to miss the rise of such a supernova; hitching their wagon to Xu Yang's star was a dream opportunity for everyone present.

"My apologies, but my mind is made up. Xu Yang appreciates your patronage, and if there's anything I can assist with in the future, please don't hesitate to ask. However, I will be departing from the Divine Kingdom's capital within three days to explore various places, and I'm unsure how long it will be before I return."

The dignitaries' faces were etched with disappointment, but they couldn't openly express their displeasure to Xu Yang. After all, no one had invited them to the manor; they had come voluntarily, and it was entirely unrelated to him.

"Alright, if that's the case, we won't trouble you any further. Viscount Xu Yang, we still hope you'll consider carefully. Currently, the competition between the Martial God Officials and the Fabian Divine Ministers within the Divine Kingdom is quite intense. If you don't intend to establish a third force, you might very well be crushed by these two factions working together. Should that happen, your situation could become dire."

Xu Yang nodded, expressing his thanks once more. "Xiao Hua, please show them out."

***

Xu Yang personally took charge, and in no more than five minutes, he had completely cleared out all the various dignitaries.

"My goodness, Young Master, you truly have a way! You dismissed them all with just a few words?"

Xu Yang shook his head helplessly. "They're just a bunch of sycophantic hangers-on who won't amount to anything. I can't let them delay my important work. Worldly fame and fortune no longer hold any influence over me."

A hint of disappointment flickered in Xiao Hua's eyes, but she didn't betray her emotions, continuing to busy herself for Xu Yang.

The back of the courtyard suddenly seemed to become lively. However, when Xu Yang returned to the backyard, the sight before him nearly made him faint.

The "Five Golden Flowers," along with Xiao Tuantuan, Long Kun, and Ling Yao, who had come directly after work, had actually set up two tables for a game of chess!

"Uh... oh my god!"