Yue Qingning seemed to be making a serious proposal, looking at Ye Ling with a solemn expression. "My offer is genuine. As the Chaos Sovereign, and you being supreme, uniting with me would be no loss for you."
"W-wait... give me a moment to process..." Ye Ling took two steps back, creating distance between himself and Yue Qingning, his mind a whirlwind of chaos.
He simply couldn't accept Yue Qingning's idea.
Yue Qingning appeared to be an icy beauty with unparalleled looks. Such individuals typically had no shortage of powerful suitors, and forming a Dao companion with someone of equal standing would be effortless for her. Yet, Ye Ling never expected Yue Qingning to be so direct with him!
Yue Qingning, however, was unfazed and continued, "My request isn't unreasonable, and it poses no loss to you. It's also the simplest way to maintain our cooperative foundation. Furthermore, becoming my Dao companion wouldn't impede your other freedoms."
Ye Ling found himself at a loss for words in response to Yue Qingning's statement, feeling a mix of amusement and despair.
He truly couldn't accept such an emotionless union, let alone... the matter of borrowing a seed, which he found utterly unacceptable.
Having regained his composure, Ye Ling cleared his throat twice, making an effort to compose himself before looking at Yue Qingning and politely refusing, "Your proposal... I must decline."
Yue Qingning frowned. "Why? Am I not worthy of you?"
Ye Ling gave a wry smile. "It's not a matter of worthiness. This concerns emotions... I truly cannot accept your proposal."
"Emotions?" A flicker of surprise crossed Yue Qingning's eyes. "You are still bound by such things?"
The World-Destroying Spirit Fire interjected, "Kid, cultivators above the supreme level possess infinite lifespans. As long as they are not erased by a more powerful being, they are effectively immortal. Emotions are... the least important thing. I advise you to accept her offer. Yue Qingning seems quite good."
Ye Ling couldn't help but retort to the World-Destroying Spirit Fire, "Didn't you just want to kill her moments ago? How can you find her good now?"
The World-Destroying Spirit Fire chuckled. "I didn't realize she could become your wife! Honestly, Yue Qingning's looks and figure are among the best in the Outer Realms. Moreover, her original strength far surpassed yours, and the Tianqing Dao Palace is a vast and powerful sect. Becoming her Dao companion would be a gain for you."
Ye Ling replied, "I think it would be a gain for *you*..."
Ye Ling now understood. The World-Destroying Spirit Fire was a staunch believer in self-interest. It was willing to do anything that benefited itself.
If destroying the Inner Universe could restore its strength, Ye Ling had no doubt that the World-Destroying Spirit Fire would act against it!
Unable to agree with the World-Destroying Spirit Fire, Ye Ling ignored it and replied to Yue Qingning, "For me, possessing human emotions is not a bad thing. We've only known each other for a short time, so I cannot agree to your proposal."
"Strange... to have already reached the supreme level..." Yue Qingning murmured, suddenly feeling as though she couldn't quite see through Ye Ling.
Generally, after cultivators sever their inner demons, their moral compass tends to fade, and their actions become increasingly unrestrained.
Ye Ling's refusal to form a Dao companion with a Chaos Sovereign-level being was, in the eyes of many cultivators in the Outer Realms, a complete anomaly.
Yue Qingning couldn't comprehend it, and her curiosity about Ye Ling's true intentions grew!
However, Yue Qingning did not press the matter further and asked Ye Ling, "Since you are unwilling to unite with me and have me bear offspring, then we have no basis for cooperation. How shall we proceed?"
Ye Ling stated, "Maintaining a cooperative relationship doesn't solely rely on being husband and wife; there are other ways. If you are truly worried about me backstabbing you, then I can swear an oath on my inner demon. Once we have cooperated to hunt down other powerhouses, as long as you do not harm the Inner Universe, I will never act against you."
Yue Qingning nodded. "This would indeed alleviate my concerns, but I still don't see my benefit."
"After all, hunting other powerhouses offers me no benefit. I can simply ignore it and wait for my strength to recover before leaving the Inner Universe."
Ye Ling then said, "As long as you help me, I promise that when I travel to the Outer Realms in the future, I will do three things for you free of charge."
Yue Qingning raised an eyebrow. "Anything?"
Ye Ling replied, "Yes, but the premise is that it does not endanger my safety or the safety of those around me."
Upon hearing Ye Ling's words, Yue Qingning's eyes lit up slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. She conjured a contract out of thin air and presented it to Ye Ling. "I understand. Let us each swear an oath on our inner demons and sign the contract."
Seeing Yue Qingning's decisiveness, Ye Ling opened his mouth, sensing a slight unease.
However, from his current perspective, the conditions he proposed could secure the help of a Chaos Sovereign, which was an incredibly good deal.
Ye Ling didn't overthink it. He carefully reviewed the contract, confirmed that its contents were without issue, and then he and Yue Qingning signed their names.
As Ye Ling and Yue Qingning signed the contract, it transformed into specks of light and dissipated, merging into the heavens and earth.
Ye Ling and Yue Qingning could vaguely sense a "shackle" being placed upon them.
The contract had taken effect.
If either party violated the contract, they would be反噬 by their inner demon.
This "shackle" would be the foundation for Ye Ling and Yue Qingning to maintain trust.
After signing the contract, Ye Ling once again extended his hand to Yue Qingning and smiled, "This time, it's a true cooperation. Please guide me."
Yue Qingning smiled slightly and clasped Ye Ling's hand. "Please guide me."
The World-Destroying Spirit Fire grumbled sourly, "Tsk tsk tsk... 'Please guide me.' Kid, we're also in a cooperative relationship, yet you never treat me like this. Is it because she's a beauty?"
Ye Ling teased in response to the World-Destroying Spirit Fire, "Then you guide me as well?"
The World-Destroying Spirit Fire immediately replied, "I wouldn't dare to guide you. Just cherish your life, and don't get yourself killed."
"I don't need you to tell me that. I'm well aware."
After exchanging a few playful remarks with the World-Destroying Spirit Fire, Ye Ling then asked Yue Qingning, "Do you have any thoughts on our next target?"
Yue Qingning nodded slightly and, with a wave of her hand, conjured an image of a green-clad woman before them.
Upon seeing the image of the green-clad woman, Ye Ling remarked, "Ancient Moon Immortal Bai Qing?"
Yue Qingning nodded. "Yes, Bai Qing is a Grand Dao Immortal Lord. Although her offensive abilities are somewhat weak, her healing techniques are exceptionally powerful. If she were to ally with others, it would be nearly impossible for us to kill her. Therefore, we must eliminate Bai Qing before others can react, to prevent her from joining forces with them."
"Without Bai Qing, hunting others will be much easier."
"I understand..."
Ye Ling nodded slightly and shattered Bai Qing's image with his Chaos Sword, stating, "Then our next target is Bai Qing!"