In the grand hall of the Qian family estate.
Jiang HuanYu and Chonglou were seated together.
Qian Jiuqiu and several high-ranking elders of the Qian family were also present.
Upon seeing the unfamiliar face of Chonglou, they inquired about his identity.
Jiang HuanYu informed them that Chonglou was an esteemed guest of the Jiang Dynasty.
Although Qian Jiuqiu and the others couldn't discern Chonglou's cultivation level, the fact that he was a guest of the Jiang Dynasty implied he was a highly skilled expert.
Therefore, everyone in the Qian family treated him with respect and courtesy.
"Patriarch Qian, where is Xinrou?" Jiang HuanYu asked.
"Hahaha," Qian Jiuqiu laughed. "No need to worry. I've already sent for my daughter. She will be here shortly."
"I'm not in a hurry," Jiang HuanYu smiled. "Since Xinrou isn't here yet, there's something I'd like to discuss with you regarding the Sun and Moon Treasure."
At the mention of the Sun and Moon Treasure, the expressions of the Qian family members turned serious.
Qian Jiuqiu spoke earnestly, "I assume, Emperor HuanYu, that you have obtained one of the Sun and Moon Keys from Feng Mobai?"
"That's correct," Jiang HuanYu nodded. "Moreover, through soul-searching, I've learned much about the Sun and Moon Treasure. However, while Feng Mobai knew the specific route to the treasure within the relic, he didn't know its exact location."
"We need to combine the two Sun and Moon Keys to reveal the location of the relic. If I'm not mistaken, the other key should be in your possession, Patriarch Qian?"
He had learned from Feng Mobai's memories that the value of the Sun and Moon Treasure was immense enough to entice even Semi-Saints or true Saint Realm experts.
To obtain the treasure, the two keys must be combined to reveal the location of the relic. Then, on the night of the full moon, the relic would appear, and using the keys to unlock it would grant access to the treasure.
"Indeed," Qian Jiuqiu admitted. "The other Sun and Moon Key is in my possession."
Jiang HuanYu smiled. "In that case, there's less than two months until the next full moon. Would you be willing to collaborate with the Jiang Dynasty for mutual benefit?"
"A fifty-fifty split, perhaps?"
Qian Jiuqiu was delighted upon hearing this. He had expected Jiang HuanYu to assert dominance and take the treasure by force, but instead, he proposed an equal share.
"Of course," Qian Jiuqiu agreed without hesitation. "It's our family's honor that Emperor HuanYu is willing to share the Sun and Moon Treasure with our Qian family."
Subsequently, both of them took out their respective Sun and Moon Keys and combined them.
Swish!
Immediately, the merging of the two keys emitted a golden light, projecting an image in mid-air within the grand hall.
The image resembled a mountain range.
"It's the Beixing Mountain Range!" an elder of the Qian family exclaimed upon recognizing the place.
"The Beixing Mountain Range…" Jiang HuanYu mused. He had heard of it—a vast mountain range in the Northern Domain, close to the Ten Thousand Beasts Forest, where powerful beasts roamed.
Having clarified the location of the relic, Jiang HuanYu felt assured. They each retrieved their keys, now needing only to wait for the night of the full moon.
Just then, Qian Xinrou entered the hall.
"Father."
"Emperor HuanYu."
Qian Xinrou greeted both Qian Jiuqiu and Jiang HuanYu with a respectful bow.
"No need for formalities, Xinrou," Jiang HuanYu said, gesturing. "Come, sit here."
Qian Xinrou took a seat beside him.
"Patriarch Qian, when I return to the palace this time, I intend to bring Xinrou with me," Jiang HuanYu stated directly. "Is there any issue with that?"
"No issue at all!" Qian Jiuqiu replied with a smile. "It's our family's honor that my daughter has the fortune of Emperor HuanYu's favor."
The high-ranking members of the Qian family also smiled and chimed in.
"Hahaha, indeed!"
"Jiang and Xinrou are truly a match made in heaven."
"Emperor HuanYu, we've watched Xinrou grow up. Although she's a bit slow in cultivation, she's very intelligent. The rumors outside are unfounded."
"Once you spend more time with her, you'll realize just how clever she is," the elders said, eager to dispel any misconceptions about Qian Xinrou.
Jiang HuanYu hadn't paid any mind to those rumors. He suddenly took Qian Xinrou's hand, feeling her smooth, delicate skin. Addressing the elders, he said, "In that case, it seems I've found a treasure."
"Hahaha," the Qian family members laughed in unison.
A blush appeared on Qian Xinrou's beautiful face. In a gentle voice, she said, "You're too kind, Emperor HuanYu. I'm just a humble woman; I hope you won't find me lacking."
"Xinrou," Jiang HuanYu replied, "that's not true. Men and women are equal in this world. Women can also have grand aspirations. I would never underestimate anyone because of their gender."
His words resonated deeply with Qian Xinrou, causing her to develop a favorable impression of him.
After a short conversation in the hall, Qian Jiuqiu suggested that Qian Xinrou show Jiang HuanYu around the Qian family estate to familiarize himself.
The implication was clear.
He intended for the two to spend time alone, possibly advancing their relationship further.
Qian Jiuqiu had done his research.
Currently, Jiang HuanYu has not officially taken any concubines. If Xinrou could be the first to bear his child, once the child was born, the Qian family would rise in status alongside him.
Qian Xinrou understood her father's intentions and did not refuse.
She led Jiang HuanYu to stroll through the Qian family's rear garden.
Holding her hand, they walked for a while. As night fell, Jiang HuanYu said, "It's getting late. Allow me to escort you back to your room to rest."
Qian Xinrou bit her lip, initially hesitant.
She hadn't expected things to progress so quickly. Truth be told, while she had some expectations, she wasn't fully prepared in her heart.
After some hesitation, perhaps in a moment of impulsiveness, she replied, "Alright, I'll trouble you then, Emperor HuanYu."