Facing Xia Feng's blunt and forceful declaration, Zi Ruolin felt both shy and pleased.
"You're so wicked, I really like it."
However, with so many people present, even with Zi Ruolin's thick skin, she felt too embarrassed. It was too explicit; what woman could endure it?
Still, outright refusal was impossible. Zi Ruolin lowered her head and softly nodded, "Mm, I am willing."
"Good. Then starting today, you will follow by my side. You have the Innate Spirit physique, and I will need your help later. This physique will cause your cultivation to stagnate indefinitely. Once my affairs are settled, I can remove the Innate Spirit physique for you, allowing you to return to normal. Reaching the late stage of Divine Venerable will be within easy reach."
Seeing Zi Ruolin agree, Xia Feng finally stated his request.
Zi Ruolin was utterly dumbfounded upon hearing this.
"What in the world?"
Had she been misinterpreting everything all along?
When Xia Feng said she was his person, he didn't mean it in the way she had imagined? Zi Ruolin had always assumed Xia Feng wanted to be intimate with her, and her misunderstanding started from the beginning because Xia Feng hadn't explained it clearly. Anyone would have misunderstood. Everyone present would have misunderstood, let alone Zi Ruolin herself.
Therefore, Xia Feng's sudden shift in tone made Zi Ruolin feel extremely awkward, and even a bit ashamed and indignant. It was like preparing for an intimate act, having done all the foreplay and gotten all wet, only for the other person to say, "I didn't mean it that way, and I don't want to do it." Who could possibly accept that?
Zi Ruolin's eyes widened, her expression one of utter speechlessness.
Xia Feng looked at the frozen Zi Ruolin and asked, "Did you perhaps misunderstand something?"
Zi Ruolin, looking at Xia Feng's question, suppressed the embarrassment on her face and said, "Young Master, you have given me a chance for a new life. Ruolin is willing to pledge her life to you."
"Good. How you wish to handle your ancestor is entirely up to you," Xia Feng said, pointing at Zi Zhulin, who was still trembling on the ground.
"Ruolin thanks you, Young Master," Zi Ruolin said quickly, expressing her gratitude. Then, glancing at Zi Zhulin, who was trembling on the ground, Zi Ruolin sighed and pleaded with Xia Feng, "Young Master, he was unkind to me, but I cannot be unfilial. No matter what, he considered the interests of Great Xia Kingdom, and he is my ancestor. I cannot take revenge on him. I beg you to spare him."
Upon hearing Zi Ruolin's words, Zi Zhulin's remorse brought tears to his eyes. He truly lived so long only to be outseen by a junior. He had thought Zi Ruolin would at least ask Xia Feng to strip him of his divinity and turn him into a cripple. More importantly, he had actually attacked Xia Feng. Attacking a Divine Emperor powerhouse – in any other circumstance, he wouldn't have even dared to imagine it. But he had actually done it. It was like a dream that he, of all people, had the audacity to slap a Divine Emperor. If he survived this calamity, this feat would be something he could boast about for the rest of his life, telling everyone he met.
"A death sentence can be commuted, but a living crime is hard to escape. Although he is your ancestor, if he can betray you once, it is inevitable that it will happen again. You are following me now, meaning you are my person. Naturally, I will smooth out the rough edges for your future path."
Having said that, Xia Feng took out the Fuxi Qin, preparing to turn everyone present into Zi Ruolin's servants. This kind of soul contract was not as simple as swearing an oath to the Heavenly Dao. Once this contract was signed, they would not betray Zi Ruolin from the depths of their souls, or they would be instantly annihilated. The moment the Fuxi Qin appeared, the eyes of the several Divine Venerable powerhouses twitched. They could sense the divine artifact in Xia Feng's hand. Such immense power was worthy of a divine artifact, something only a Divine Emperor could wield.
"Thank you, Young Master." Zi Ruolin did not know what Xia Feng intended to do with the Qin. She dared not ask, lest there be another misunderstanding. Getting embarrassed once was enough; she absolutely could not get embarrassed a second time, as that would be too awkward.
Xia Feng looked at everyone and commanded, "Everyone, clear your minds." Xia Feng's voice was not loud but carried an irresistible divine authority. No one dared to refuse, and no one even dared to entertain the slightest thought of resistance. A Divine Emperor, such a terrifying existence, how could they possibly be qualified to harbor thoughts of resistance? In front of a Divine Emperor, they were not even comparable to a weak ant, and could be treated as nothing at all.
Everyone obeyed Xia Feng's command and cleared their minds. Xia Feng whispered a word to the Fuxi Qin. The Fuxi Qin flew into the air, establishing a connection between everyone and Zi Ruolin, then extracting their divine souls to sign the contract with Zi Ruolin. The Fuxi Qin's action quickly completed the task. Zi Ruolin was stunned. She found that she could communicate with everyone present. Before she could react, everyone bowed to Zi Ruolin, saying, "Greetings, Master."
Zi Ruolin looked at Xia Feng inexplicably, as if asking for an explanation for her confusion. Xia Feng put away the Fuxi Qin and looked at the bewildered Zi Ruolin, explaining, "They have now become your complete servants. I used a special method to have them sign a soul contract with you, binding them never to betray you."
Was there such an unbelievable thing? It was simply unheard of. Zi Ruolin's small mouth parted in surprise, and she exclaimed, "Ah..."