Heavenly Dao Engine
Chapter 971 - 971 0581 Shallow Waters Cant Raise True

Chapter 971: Chapter 0581: Shallow Waters Can’t Raise True Dragons_2 Chapter 971: Chapter 0581: Shallow Waters Can’t Raise True Dragons_2 Qi Tian hastily said, “Please, no need for such courtesy. On one hand, helping Princess to stimulate her potential is due to her own fortune coming forth, as the heavens could no longer bear to watch the Princess linger in the minor realm of the Half-step Golden Core. Thus, through our hands, fate was delivered to the Princess. On the other hand, it is because the Princess has shown appreciation for learned individuals, treating us with special regard and generous hospitality, without putting on any airs befitting a princess. We are also willing to bestow such an opportunity upon a person like the Princess.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Shibo laughed heartily and said, “Master Qi speaks to my heart. Indeed, as you have said, my daughter has been trapped in the realm of the Half-step Golden Core for many years now, and by seniority, it is indeed her turn to advance to the Gold Core Stage. Nevertheless, if it were not for the two of you, my daughter might have continued to waste countless years, perhaps never encountering this opportunity for her entire life. Therefore, no matter what, I must express my gratitude to you both.”

Qi Tian simply smiled faintly without saying anything more.

Zhao Shibo continued, “Just now, I personally witnessed how Master Gao exhausted himself to the point of sheer fatigue, undoubtedly unable to continue helping my daughter unleash her potential. She is in dire need of rest. Hence, if the two of you do not disdain, please come to my residence. I can arrange accommodations for you both at the Prince Mansion, and you won’t have to worry about food and living expenses, as I will take care of everything. Moreover, if you are willing, you may reside at the Prince Mansion permanently, staying as long as you wish. I only ask that you not look down upon the simplicity of my residence and consider it beneath your great talents.”

Qi Tian feigned an alarmed appearance and said, “Prince, your generous offer is something we should not decline, but we are deeply indebted to the kindness of Young Master Xiang Bo and currently serve as his guards. Therefore, we must gracefully refuse your kind offer, and I hope the Prince takes no offense.”

Zhao Shibo had already learned some details about Qi Tian and Gao Jinmei, so he knew who Xiang Bo was. He said, “No problem, please just wait a moment. Allow me to summon Xiang Bo and ask him myself how he feels about this.”

Xiang Bo had been staying at the Princess’ residence and had not left. Initially, he did not know how long Qi Tian and Gao Jinmei would take to awaken Zhao Ninglu’s potential. However, after Zhao Shibo entered Zhao Ninglu’s residence with others, Xiang Bo found himself unable to leave and had no choice but to wait.

At Zhao Shibo’s command, servants swiftly fetched Xiang Bo.

Xiang Bo was not like Qi Tian; he held great reverence for Zhao Shibo’s princely attire. Once brought before him, Xiang Bo quickly knelt down and said with trepidation, “This humble man Xiang Bo, a new student of the Imperial College, pays his respects to the Prince.”

Zhao Shibo asked, “You are called Xiang Bo, the son of Xiang Songzhi?”

Xiang Bo hastily replied, “Yes, Prince. My father, Xiang Songzhi, is the City Lord of New Nine City.”

Zhao Shibo nodded and said, “I know of your father; he was recently active in the Eastern Capital City, seemingly for the sake of securing your place at the Imperial College, bustling about eagerly. Xiang Bo, there is something I require of you.”

Xiang Bo quickly responded, “Whatever task the Prince has, please command me. I am ready to go through fire and water at your behest.”

Zhao Shibo continued, “I am aware that you have sworn a brotherhood with my daughter, which makes us practically family. You can relax in my presence, there’s no need to be so nervous—yes, stand up and we’ll talk.”

After thanking Zhao Shibo, Xiang Bo then stood up, his hands hanging by his waist, his upper body slightly bent, still visibly in a state of apprehension. He wished he could feel less apprehensive, but Zhao Shibo was a Prince as well as a cultivator of the Gold Core Realm, and the son of the Prince; whether it was status or position, Xiang Bo had to look up to him.

Zhao Shibo did not press him further. He said, “Xiang Bo, you’re quite fortunate to have met both Master Qi and Master Gao before me and to have received many benefits from them, right? Let me tell you, in life, one should know when to stop. Having gained some advantages, you can’t be greedy and hope for more. Don’t you agree?”

Xiang Bo didn’t understand what Zhao Shibo meant, but he knew one thing, whatever Zhao Shibo said was right, and he couldn’t argue with Zhao Shibo. Otherwise, his life wouldn’t be guaranteed. He quickly replied, “Prince, what you said is right. If there’s anything you wish of me, please instruct, and I will do as you command.”

Zhao Shibo said, “I’m aware Master Qi and Master Gao have signed a contract to serve your household for one year. Could you do me a favor? Tear up this contract and give them back their freedom.”

After hearing this, Xiang Bo faintly guessed what was happening. Presumably, Zhao Shibo had noticed the extraordinary nature of Qi Tian and Gao Jinmei and was thus seeking this favor. Although reluctant and a bit unwilling to let them go, he knew keeping Qi Tian and Gao Jinmei tied to his side wouldn’t be feasible; one can’t raise a dragon in shallow waters, and he was that shallow pond. In a flurry, he produced the three contracts and, in front of Zhao Shibo, tore them to shreds, then burned them cleanly with fire.

Then, Xiang Bo said, “Prince, from now on, Master Qi and Master Gao, along with Master Xia, a total of three people, have no further ties to our household. They are all free now.”

Zhao Shibo nodded in satisfaction and said, “Xiang Bo, don’t harbor resentment nor think that I’m using my power to oppress you. You’re a smart man, and you should understand that one should act according to their capabilities. You managed to light up to the second blossom of the sixth layer on the Lotus Platform; your future is boundless. I have high expectations of you and believe you can make significant contributions to the royal family. I also am willing to speak highly of you to my father and give you a push on your path of cultivation, to send you on your way.”

Immediately overjoyed, Xiang Bo once again knelt before Zhao Shibo and thanked him, “Thank you, Prince, for your generous favor.”

Zhao Shibo laughed heartily and said, “I had you return the freedom of Master Qi and Master Gao for your own good. Without the constraints of a contract, you and the two great masters will be on the same level; no one is above the other, no more master and servant. In the future, you could even become friends, or brothers. Don’t you think that’s better than binding them with a piece of paper?”

At that moment, naturally, Xiang Bo wouldn’t argue with Zhao Shibo. Whatever Zhao Shibo said was correct.

Zhao Shibo waved his hand for Xiang Bo to stand up and said, “In a while, I will be taking Master Qi and Master Gao to my mansion. I’m going to arrange accommodations for them there. If you wish, you can also come along. I can arrange a place for you too. Would you like that?”

Xiang Bo knew this was Zhao Shibo extending an olive branch to enlist him. Xiang Bo was aware of his high value and could hold out for a better offer, perhaps even one better than Zhao Shibo’s. But he was also aware that finding such a patron wouldn’t be easy. He aspired to meet the Prince and would need Zhao Ninglu’s introduction, who was Zhao Shibo’s own daughter, and the Prince Zhao Ninglu would introduce him to was Zhao Shibo’s father, making it a closed circle.

As an outsider, it wasn’t easy to jump out of this circle and into another, lacking channels and connections. Even if he wanted to jump, would other Princes readily accept him? Each Prince had their own ways of selecting talents. Poaching did happen, but with his current situation, he didn’t have the qualification to be poached nor unconditionally trusted by other Princes. If he were to refuse Zhao Shibo’s allure now, he might end up empty-handed, all his efforts for naught, a hollow joy.