Chapter 2149 - 2142: I Just Grabbed a Few Handfuls

"Why is it so easy to say," the Princess sighed, "We as members of the Royal Family often find ourselves unable to act freely. Sometimes, for the sake of national stability, sacrifices are unavoidable."

"True," Zhang Menglong nodded, "Back when our country was a feudal dynasty, princesses were also sent for arranged marriages. And I mean real princesses, mind you. But I think you should still strive for your own goals."

"But how do I strive?" the Princess sighed again, "I once made a pact with my father. If I can become a Transcender before turning twenty-two, he would shoulder the pressure for me and annul the marriage agreement."

Shadeer smiled bitterly, "But where do I have the ability for that? To this day, I’m just an intermediate Beginner. My Soul Rank isn’t naturally high, and even with these Supreme Crystals sent by the King, it’s impossible to reach Transcender level in just a month’s time."

"This bet is quite high stakes," Zhang Menglong recalled that Karon was already thirty-five years old this year. If not for his own Supreme Crystals, he’d only hope to become a Transcender at over forty. Achieving Transcendence in one’s twenties in this Mansha Kingdom certainly marks a true genius."

"But it’s not difficult," Zhang Menglong said, "Would the Princess be willing to marry? If today you just tell me you’re unwilling, I’ll definitely help you!"

"No!" Shadeer answered almost without a second thought.

She was someone who pursued freedom, having protested against this arranged engagement countless times. But firstly, the marriage was arranged by her grandfather, and her father dared not cancel it on his own.

Secondly, the opposite party was a noble from Qinglan Kingdom, and offending them could bring disaster upon the entire Mansha Kingdom.

Proposing this nearly impossible wager was actually the Emperor’s calculated move.

If Shadeer’s Gift was ordinary, she naturally wouldn’t meet the requirement, and she’d have to faithfully marry the noble from Qinglan Kingdom as promised.

However, if she truly met the requirement, it would signify an immense Gift, allowing her to be sent to some academy for enrollment exams. Entering a top institution would make even Qinglan Kingdom hesitant to push too hard.

This plan could be considered a win-win.

"Since that’s the case, we must strive hard in the coming month."

"What should we do first?" the Princess asked.

"Let’s take a stroll through the Royal Family’s herb vault first," Zhang Menglong, as a King, now possessed immense authority. There was virtually no place in the palace beyond his reach. Whatever he desired, he could directly take if it wasn’t highly valuable, and he could easily acquire higher value items with a simple request.

After all, without Zhang Menglong, the entire Royal Family would have been invaded, gifting him half the kingdom wouldn’t be unreasonable, let alone some supplies.

The Royal Family’s herb vault was massive, covering more than ten football fields and even reaching hundreds of levels high, passed down through generations in Mansha Kingdom.

"King!"

"Princess!"

The guards at the herb vault bowed deeply to Zhang Menglong. The Emperor had already instructed them to directly allow Zhang Menglong entry; he could take whatever he wanted without interference.

Zhang Menglong led Shadeer straight to the top floor, where the most precious herbs of Mansha Kingdom were stored.

"Wow, great stuff, with good years too!"

"Take this along; it will enhance the effects."

"Oh my, this rare thing is here! The Emperor has quite a collection!"

Like a bandit, Zhang Menglong ransacked items. He wasn’t entirely collecting them for Shadeer; he indulged himself too since there were no burdens, taking what he deserved.

"That’s about right," Zhang Menglong stuffed a space storage device full.

"King, what are you up to?"

"Naturally giving you a boost," Zhang Menglong smiled, "Without an adequate boost, even if your Soul Rank increases, achieving Transcendence soon remains difficult.

"Let’s go, and test your Soul Rank first. I need to identify your current basic level to create the most suitable enhancement plan!"

...

There are various methods to test Soul Rank. For rough testing, a special crystal can resonate with the soul, allowing rank determination based on resulting phenomena.

Precise methods do exist but require instruments to analyze resonance fluctuations. As Royal Family members, they have easy access to these resources.

Princess Shadeer brought Zhang Menglong to the exclusive Royal Family training area, where a testing hall housed the needed equipment. The instrument wasn’t large, just about the size of a computer, with a gemstone suspended in the center.

Shadeer placed her hand on the equipment. She had done this countless times, mostly in disappointment, her hands now slightly trembling at the sight.

As Shadeer’s hand touched the instrument, the gemstone emitted faint light, and the data on the device began to change slowly.

"15.626."

This indicated Shadeer’s Soul Rank was approximately intermediate First-class. For most citizens, this was very good, and even within the Royal Family, it wasn’t poor. However, expecting to be a Transcender by twenty-two was still daydreaming.

Despite knowing the outcome, Shadeer’s beautiful eyes flashed hints of disappointment.

"Turn around!" Zhang Menglong approached Shadeer.

Shadeer obediently turned, clueless about Zhang Menglong’s intentions.

Suddenly, she felt her soul sensing waves of something, greedily absorbing a sudden substance filling the space. Her soul experienced unprecedented hunger.

"Alright, try placing your hand back on it."

Zhang Menglong’s voice came from behind Shadeer once more.

Unaware of Zhang Menglong’s actions, Shadeer placed her hand on the device.

The gemstone immediately burst into dazzling light, filling the entire room with brilliance.

Shadeer was astounded by the peculiar spectacle, staring at the unexpected digital readout on the instrument in disbelief.

"42.883! Fourth-class Soul Quality!"

She turned her gaze on Zhang Menglong, realizing he did something while she turned around.

She’d heard Zhang Menglong had accidentally damaged the Emperor’s bedchamber during a rescue, compensating with several Supreme Crystals. She’d learned this from a royal brother, as the Royal Family favored sons, and the Emperor gifted the Supreme Crystals to the Crown Prince.

"King, did you just use Supreme Crystals..."

Elevating her Soul Quality from intermediate First-class to beginner Fourth-class required a substantial amount of Supreme Crystals!

"Actually, not too much," Zhang Menglong muttered, "Your bodies are lacking. I merely grabbed a handful, and the rank soared like this!"