Douluo Continent II: The Peerless Tang Sect: Starting with a Bond to God King Tang San

Chapter 136 A Long-Awaited Invitation (Part Two)

The woman bowed slightly and said respectfully, "Young Master Deng, my name is Xiangling, and I am a maidservant to Princess Jiujiu. The princess has heard of your deeds and greatly admires you. She has specially sent me to invite you to the princess's residence for dinner tonight. I hope you will do me the honor."

Hearing Xiangling's words, Deng Mu was a little surprised. He hadn't expected that Xu Jiujiu would invite him to dinner.

He had never met Xu Jiujiu before and couldn't understand why she would invite him to dinner.

After a moment's thought, Deng Mu nodded slightly and said, "In that case, please go back first and tell the princess that I will keep my appointment on time."

Xiangling looked delighted, bowed again, and quickly left.

After Xiangling left, Deng Mu returned to his room.

"Sister Xue, what do you think their purpose is?"

"It's highly likely they're trying to win you over; they might even use their charms to seduce you."

Hearing Deng Mu's question, Xue Di thought for a moment and answered Deng Mu's question jokingly.

She thought this was quite normal. Deng Mu was so strong, so she either wanted to win him over as one of her own or make him a partner, or she wanted to find a way to get rid of this rival.

Hearing Xue Di's words, Deng Mu chuckled and said, "The princess's honey trap will definitely not work, but if it were Sister Xue's honey trap, I would fall for it one hundred percent."

Xue Di snorted and said reproachfully, "You're so sweet-talking, always trying to make me happy. But seriously, you need to be careful. After all, she's a princess of the Star Luo Empire, and her invitation is probably not so simple."

Deng Mu nodded to indicate that he understood and felt that the problem was not a big deal.

As night fell, Deng Mu made some preparations and then set off for the princess's residence.

The princess's residence was brightly lit and heavily guarded. After announcing his name, he was led through the courtyard to an elegant hall.

She had been waiting there for a long time. Dressed in gorgeous clothes and with graceful bearing, she smiled when she saw Deng Mu arrive: "I have long admired your name. It is an honor to finally meet you today. Please take a seat."

After bowing respectfully, Deng Mu sat down at Xu Jiujiu's prompting.

I had a feeling that Xu Jiujiu's outfit must mean something was wrong.

The table was laden with delicacies. After a long while, Xu Jiujiu spoke first: "Young Master Deng, after witnessing your performance in the competition, I have nothing but admiration for your strength."

In all her years, this was the first time she had ever seen someone as talented and powerful as Deng Mu.

Her brother suggested that she get to know Deng Mu and, if possible, win him over. She agreed and invited Deng Mu to her princess residence.

Upon hearing this, Deng Mu replied, "You flatter me. I'm just a little more talented than others."

Xu Jiujiu gently shook his head, looking intently at Deng Mu, and said, "Young Master Deng, please don't be modest. There are many geniuses in this world, but those who have achieved such accomplishments at such a young age are extremely rare."

She couldn't help but envy Deng Mu's talent, thinking how wonderful it would be if she had Deng Mu's talent.

Reaching level 60+ at the age of 13 is a talent that is unprecedented and will never be repeated.

Deng Mu smiled and said calmly, "Your Highness flatters me. I was just lucky and had some good fortune. Besides, there are many outstanding students at Shrek Academy. I am just one of them and dare not be arrogant."

"Young Master Deng, if you were to join the Star Luo Empire after graduation, with your talent and ability, you would surely occupy an important place in the empire. As the princess of the empire, I am also willing to join hands with you to create a glorious future for Star Luo." Xu Jiujiu's eyes were filled with affection, and her words were full of implications.

Deng Mu put down his wine glass and replied with a smile, "Your Highness is too kind to me, but I have no such intention at the moment."

Just as Xue Di said, the other party really wanted to use a honey trap to seduce him.

But he has many people around him, and whether they have been around for a long time or not, it doesn't matter. There's no need for him to serve Xingluo just for one person.

After a long silence, seeing that Deng Mu remained unmoved, she bit her lip slightly and continued, "Young Master Deng, I know your mind is made up right now, but you should also understand that the situation on the Douluo Continent is unpredictable. The Star Luo Empire holds a pivotal position on this continent, and cooperating with us is an opportunity many would love to have. Moreover, I am not just making empty promises; as long as you agree, the empire's rare resources will be available to you."

The Star Luo Empire will definitely go to war with the Sun and Moon Empire in the future. If a genius like Deng Mu joins the empire, it will be like adding wings to a tiger.

If war breaks out in the future, Deng Mu's friends might come to help.

Deng Mu frowned slightly, already understanding the long-held plan in his heart, but still said calmly, "Princess, I have heard about the situation you mentioned, but I want to focus on developing the Tang Clan after graduation, and I have no intention of getting involved in the affairs of other forces for the time being."

Hearing Deng Mu's words, Xu Jiujiu looked at Deng Mu with some surprise. She naturally knew about the Tang Clan.

It was a sect founded by Tang San, the God of the Sea, but over time, the Tang Sect gradually declined and has now fallen into ruin.

Many people think that Tang San is just a legend, but she knows in her heart that Tang San is real. It is said that Tang San left Douluo Continent after becoming a god, but she doesn't know exactly where he went.

However, she was certain of one thing: Tang San and the others would definitely not be coming back. Otherwise, why would the Tang Sect have declined and the Star Luo Empire have changed hands?

After a long cough, he slowly said, "Young Master Deng, the Tang Clan's past was indeed glorious, but it has now declined. How easy is it to regain its former glory? Even if you are determined to develop it, there are countless difficulties and obstacles along the way. Without strong support, it will be difficult to achieve your goal. The Star Luo Empire has a profound foundation. With our support, the Tang Clan's revival may still have a glimmer of hope."

Since Deng Mu wanted to develop the Tang Clan, she invited him to help the Tang Clan develop.

If Deng Mu agrees, a new Tang Sect will be established near Xingluo City, at which point Deng Mu can be forcibly bound to the sect.

Deng Mu will definitely cooperate with the Star Luo Empire for the sake of the Tang Sect.

Listening to Xu Jiujiu's words, Deng Mu naturally understood what Xu Jiujiu was thinking.

She's trying to use the Tang Clan to control me and force me to submit, but how could I let her succeed so easily?

Deng Mu looked at Xu Jiujiu and said, "Princess, thank you for your kindness, but I don't need anyone else's help for the time being."

Seeing Deng Mu's resolute attitude, Xu Jiujiu was annoyed, but his eyes quickly darted around, and he put on a kind and gentle expression, smiling softly as he said, "Young Master Deng, since you have made up your mind, I will not force you. I just feel that it is truly rare for someone so young to have such insight and ambition. I sincerely want to be your friend. If you ever encounter any difficulties in the future, please feel free to come to me. The gates of the Star Luo Empire will always be open for you."

After a slight hesitation, Deng Mu smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "The princess is so generous; I am naturally happy to befriend her. It is my honor to have someone like the princess as a friend."

After a long while, seeing Deng Mu agree, she was secretly delighted, but on the surface she remained calm and said with a smile, "Young Master Deng is a straightforward person. From now on, we are friends, so there's no need to be so formal. If you encounter any trouble in Xingluo, just send someone to let me know."

The next step is to gradually build a good relationship; with her charm, winning over Deng Mu won't be difficult.

She felt that being with Deng Mu in the future would be a wonderful thing, as she greatly admired strong people.

Not to mention, someone as young and strong as Deng Mu, she vaguely felt that Deng Mu was very likely to become a Title Douluo-level powerhouse around the age of 18.

After several rounds of drinks, the dinner party drew to a close in a seemingly harmonious atmosphere.

After a long while, he rose, summoned a maid to bring him an exquisite wooden box, and presented it to Deng Mu with both hands, smiling as he said, "Young Master Deng, we had a very pleasant conversation today. This is a small token of my appreciation that I specially prepared for you. I hope you won't find it offensive."

Deng Mu smiled and accepted the wooden box with both hands, saying, "I am truly grateful for the princess's thoughtfulness, how could I possibly find it distasteful?"

After a long while, her eyes sparkled, and she said softly, "We're friends now. I'm a bit older than you, so you can call me Sister Jiu Jiu, and I'll call you Brother Mu."

Deng Mu was slightly taken aback, then a gentle smile appeared on his face as he said, "Princess... if Sister Jiu Jiu says so, then Deng Mu will respectfully comply."

Not a single mistake, not a single poem, not a single post, not a single piece of content, not a single look!

He knew in his heart that this seemingly simple change in address was a way for Xu Jiujiu to further close the distance between them.

After a long while, seeing Deng Mu agree, her smile deepened, her eyes filled with anticipation. She said softly, "Brother Mu, quickly open it and take a look. I put a lot of thought into choosing this gift, and I'm sure you'll like it."

Deng Mu opened the wooden box as instructed, and inside was a beautifully crafted jade butterfly pendant.

The jade pendant has a warm and smooth texture, and the butterfly carved on it is lifelike with its wings slightly open, as if it is about to take flight at any moment.

The edge of the jade pendant is also inlaid with a circle of tiny gemstones, which shimmer brilliantly in the light, adding to its luxurious feel.

After a long while, her eyes filled with tenderness and expectation, she said softly, "Brother Mu, this butterfly jade pendant is something I've worn since childhood. It holds extraordinary significance for me; it's my personal keepsake. I'm giving it to you now, hoping you understand my feelings. In the Star Luo Empire, whoever possesses this jade pendant is as if I were personally present. No matter what happens, they can use this pendant to mobilize certain royal resources and seek help."

Deng Mu felt a chill run down his spine, knowing full well the weight this jade pendant carried.

This is not only an expensive gift, but also a long-term attempt by Xu Jiujiu to bind him both emotionally and financially, but the problem is not too big.

On the surface, Deng Mu feigned a flattered expression, carefully picked up the jade pendant, examined it closely, and said, "Sister Jiu Jiu, this is too precious, I really dare not accept it. This is something you keep close to your body, how could I..."

After a long while, she shook her head slightly, gently took Deng Mu's hand, placed the jade pendant in his palm, and said in a gentle tone, "Brother Mu, please don't refuse anymore. Now that we have become friends, I hope to have a deeper friendship with you. This jade pendant has a more important meaning for me now that I am giving it to you."

After a brief hesitation, Deng Mu put the jade pendant away and thanked Xu Jiujiu again.

She secretly used her creativity to make a gift box, inside which was a hairpin.

Deng Mu pretended to take out a gift box from his storage soul tool, with a gentle smile on his face, and handed it to Xu Jiujiu with both hands, saying, "Sister Jiujiu, you gave me such a precious jade pendant, so I also have a gift for you."

With a hint of surprise, Xu Jiujiu accepted the gift box, gently opened it, and saw the hairpin.

The hairpin has a dreamy light purple color, like crystal dyed by the sunset, exuding a soft and charming luster.

The hairpin is shaped like a phoenix about to take flight, with its feathers inlaid with tiny, dazzling gemstones, each one shimmering with a lively light, as if infused with the power of life.

The phoenix's eyes are two round rubies that gleam in the light, like burning flames, making the entire hairpin look gorgeous and noble.

Deng Mu introduced with a smile: "Sister Jiu Jiu, this hairpin is no ordinary hairpin. It is made of special materials and has some special effects."

With a look of delight in her eyes, she gently picked up the hairpin and inserted it into her hair bun.

In an instant, the hairpin trembled slightly, and the phoenix's eyes flashed with a soft red light, enveloping Xu Jiujiu within it.

She felt a warm and pure energy slowly flowing into her body, and the fatigue she had accumulated from dealing with various matters instantly dissipated. Her soul power also became more condensed and ran more smoothly.

"This hairpin is truly magical!" Xu Jiujiu exclaimed in amazement, her eyes filled with curiosity and surprise as she looked at Deng Mu. "Brother Mu, where did you find such a treasure?"

Because of the hairpin, Xu Jiujiu's goodwill towards Deng Mu increased considerably.

She never expected that Deng Mu would prepare a gift for her, a gift that she quite liked.

Seeing that she liked it for a long time, Deng Mu smiled and replied, "This hairpin was made by an old man who taught me to make it with special materials. I've kept it until now. I think only someone as noble and beautiful as you, sister, deserves such a unique hairpin."

After listening for a long time, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she gently scolded, "You're so good at making me happy. But I really like this hairpin, and I'll definitely wear it properly from now on."

Some women don't like being praised, and if so, it's definitely because the way the compliment is taken is wrong.

Xu Jiujiu suddenly realized that the gift she gave to Deng Mu was nothing compared to Deng Mu's gift.

Deng Mu looked at the somewhat shy Xu Jiujiu and said, "Sister Jiujiu, it's getting late. I need to go back to the hotel to rest."

After a long while, she nodded slightly. Although she was reluctant to part with him, she didn't insist that he stay. She said, "Then Brother Mu, go back and rest early. If you have time in the future, remember to come and visit your sister."

She had a slight desire to keep Deng Mu here and have a good talk with him, as this was the first time she had ever felt so attracted to a man of the opposite sex.

Silently making up her mind, she was determined to win over Deng Mu and make him hers. Although she was much older than Deng Mu, that wouldn't stop her from winning him over. As long as there was love, age was not a problem.

Xu Jiujiu personally saw Deng Mu off from the princess's residence. Watching Deng Mu's retreating figure, he was pondering some things.

(End of this chapter)