Chapter 610: Sacred Covenant

"So, what is the price?"

Lei En blurted out a retort.

He still believed that saying, there is no free lunch in the world. The Titan Elder offered such tempting two conditions that either one excited him.

A soul contract with a Titan Giant can grant "Titan Divine Power", one of the most famous legendary Elements, and also four other Elements; the Eye of Soul has already examined Axi Na countless times. The other Elements cannot compare to Titan Divine Power, yet they are also extremely powerful and practical.

Forming a contract with Axi Na alone can more than double the power, with the overall strength increasing even further.

But compared with Suolim's promise of three strikes, the value of a single legendary Element seems insufficient, perhaps only a bonus.

A demigod's promise, even if only once, is incalculable in value.

At a crucial moment, it could potentially reverse the entire situation.

Moreover, Suolim promises three times and can transfer them to the family's heir; it must be said, Suolim is truly very sincere.

But the sincerity is so great that Lei En feels a bit overwhelmed.

The heavier the promise Suolim is willing to give, the more he demands in return; if one is blinded by temptation and blurted out agreement, later failing to fulfill it to the Titan Elder's satisfaction, the debt will eventually be reclaimed with interest.

Hearing Lei En's retort, Suolim admired him even more.

"Your composure truly exceeds that of others; no wonder you achieved so much in just a few years," Suolim first praised, then continued: "Listen carefully, I have two demands as well. First, within the next hundred years, deliver one thousand pounds of source crystal to the Storm Temple each year. Second, when you control the Oriense Empire, or can command more than three Fu Kong Cheng, you must cleanse our enemies in the Storm Plane."

Lei En slowly nodded, his face showing contemplation.

Indeed, this lavish lunch is not free; winning the beauty's hand is not that easy.

The first demand—providing one thousand pounds of source crystal each year for a hundred years, totaling one hundred thousand pounds—is not harsh. My own mine currently yields over six thousand pounds annually, and by purchasing throughout the Empire and Kangjiatuo, I can gather about eight thousand pounds per year.

Even if the mine dries up after a few years, I can still sustain it for many years.

Since I will have to find new sources anyway, an extra thousand pounds per year is acceptable.

One hundred thousand pounds of source crystal for a legendary Element and Axi Na's formidable combat power is still a good deal, especially as a staggered payment.

The real difficulty lies in the second demand.

Lei En asked in surprise, "Elder, do you and your clan have enemies in the Storm Plane?"

The Storm Plane is fairly well known in the Prime Material Plane; it is a transitional plane between the Wind Element Plane and the Thunder Element Plane, its area comparable to the Empire, and it is the birthplace and homeland of the Storm Giants. In the Second Era, the Storm Plane was the holy land of the Giant Empire, with many Storm Temples built.

Now the giants have declined; they never expected even the holy sites could not be defended.

"Of course there are," Suolim said solemnly, nodding. "The Storm Plane originally belonged only to the Storm Giants; at its peak, six Storm Temples firmly controlled the entire plane, and now only this one remains."

"The other five were destroyed?" Lei En couldn't help asking.

Suolim shook his head: "Three were completely annihilated at the end of the era, and the remaining two are occupied by enemies from the Wind Element Plane and the Thunder Element Plane respectively. Their leaders are about as strong as me, and they command massive armies, numerous elemental beings and subordinate races, making their overall strength greater."

"If I couldn't activate the Temple's power, the Storm Giants would have already been driven out of the Storm Plane, wandering outside."

Speaking of his people's hardships, Suolim's expression grew heavy.

Lei En was also left speechless.

The Storm Giants' predicament is far more severe than imagined.

Whether the Wind Element Plane or the Thunder Element Plane, both are massive planes comparable in size to the entire Old Continent; the environment may not be as pleasant as the Prime Material Plane, yet under harsh conditions they have also nurtured countless alien races.

Especially the Wind Element Plane, which ranks among the four great Elemental Planes.

In any of the four Elemental Planes, there exist innumerable species, with extraordinary powers surpassing those of the Prime Material Plane; Saint Rank and above warriors are countless, and many obscure yet powerful beings exist. If a planar war were to break out with the Prime Material Plane, the outcome would be unpredictable.

Moreover, several deities' divine realms lie within the Elemental Planes.

The Storm Plane is certainly not as terrifying as the four great Elemental Planes, but opposing two demigods whose strength is comparable to Suolim's, driving them away, or even eliminating them, is far too difficult.

Suolim's goal is evident.

He intends to reclaim the two remaining Storm Temples, regain control of the Storm Plane, and then use that as a basis to acquire resources and territory, increase the population, and revive the Storm Giants' glory.

Lei En thought that even with the Empire's involvement, success was not guaranteed.

Moreover, whether mastering the Empire or commanding three Fu Kong Cheng, he is still far away, not knowing when he could achieve it.

"Elder, I fear I cannot fulfill the second demand," Lei En tentatively said.

"This is not a compulsory demand," Suolim, aware of the difficulty, explained: "I set no time limit and will patiently wait for you to grow. When I deem you have sufficient strength, I will present the request again; then whether you act is your own choice."

"All I want is a promise from you."

"However, before cleansing the Storm Plane's enemies, I will intervene for you only once. If you take no action, I will not fulfill the remaining two strike opportunities."

Seeing Lei En still hesitating, he added: "The Storm Plane hides many secrets and treasures; conquering it will yield great benefits. I will not monopolize them; we can discuss the exact division later."

Lei En's expression softened.

If it is not a compulsory obligation, then it is more relaxed.

One promise in exchange for a demigod's strike is certainly a good deal; whether I can keep the promise later is a matter for the future, and I need not worry about it now.

Suolim's offered terms are impossible to refuse.

The crucial point is that this deal can draw the two sides closer, mutually beneficial. Refusing would be ungracious, possibly even losing the chance to exchange source crystals for items, which would be a loss and self‑inflicted boredom.

"Thank you for your generosity, Elder."

Lei En rose solemnly and said, "I hope that one day I can offer my strength to reclaim the Storm Giants' homeland."

"Then you must work even harder."

The Titan Elder's stern face finally broke into a smile; he lifted two crystal bottles from the table, unscrewed the caps, and handed one to Lei En.

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

The two raised their crystal bottles, lightly clinked them, and drank the lightning essence in one gulp.

After sitting down again, Lei En thought of something, hesitated briefly, then couldn't help asking, "Elder, how should I tell Axi Na?"

"Just say it directly," Suolim replied nonchalantly.

"Um..." he said cautiously, "Should I first…"

Suolim, not particularly concerned, replied, "No need for such trouble; Axi Na is a sensible young person, she will understand..."

"I understand, but I don't agree," Lei En asked again.

"She must agree; for the Storm Giant's hope she has no right to refuse," Suo Lim set down the crystal bottle and said in an unquestionable tone, "Moreover, this is also for her benefit. By signing a Soul Contract with you, she will receive five powerful Elements from you, her strength will surge, and her chances of advancing to Saint Rank will increase dramatically. In the Prime Material Plane she will still be under your protection, with no loss whatsoever."

"Storm Giant women are indeed few, but she's not lacking either."

"Given A Xina's talent, I've never considered having her bear children solely for the clan; she should use her advantages and abilities to make a greater contribution to her people."

Suo Lim spoke with a look of obvious certainty on his face.

Lei En realized that a demigod is still a demigod.

Humans and gods are different; even the most compassionate junior is merely a sacrifice in Suo Lim's eyes, with no regard for A Xina's own feelings.

Suo Lim can ignore it, but I cannot.

In the future, A Xina will have to live with me long‑term; if I force her to agree to a Soul Contract with me under the pretext of racial duty, it will leave a thorn in my heart and cause conflict.

Even from a personal standpoint, Lei En does not want to make A Xina sad.

If possible, Lei En would even forgo the first deal, as long as the mutual promise of the second item is kept, but Suo Lim would certainly refuse. A Xina's Soul Contract is a bond between both parties; without a marital foundation, that promise is not firm enough and will fade over time.

A Soul Contract is the most unbreakable sacred covenant, more convincing than marriage; once signed it cannot be revoked until one party dies.

So letting A Xina go with me alone is also not acceptable.

Lei En thought for a moment and felt he needed to give some counsel.

"Elder, we should first seek A Xina's consent, at least give her some time to consider," he said earnestly, "I don't want to hurt her heart."

Suo Lim stared at Lei En for a few seconds, then suddenly smiled.

"It seems you don't truly understand A Xina," the Titan Elder said as if everything were under control, "I know you mean well, but it's really unnecessary. We are Storm Giants, unlike you humans; we always speak plainly and don't have the delicate thoughts humans have."

Without waiting for Lei En's reply, Suo Lim snapped his fingers, sending a bolt of lightning that vanished into the void, "A Xina will be here soon; I'll speak to her in person."

Lei En was stunned.

In less than two minutes, footsteps sounded outside the Furnace Holy Temple, and a smiling A Xina walked in.

The injuries from the earlier battle had fully healed, and her spirit was abundant.

"Elder, Lei En."

She greeted the two, and upon seeing Lei En and Suo Lim seated at the table with empty crystal bottles scattered across it, she was surprised yet slightly hopeful; the Elder had summoned her, surely for something important related to what she is about to go outside for.

"A Xina, come over."

After A Xina sat down, Suo Lim said directly, "I discussed some matters with Lei En and decided to have you sign a Soul Contract with Lei En, becoming his spouse. What do you think?"

"Ah!"

A Xina let out a light cry, clearly having no expectation of this.

Then she quickly glanced at Lei En sitting beside her, her ears flushing red and a faint pink spreading on her cheeks, but she soon returned to normal. Shifting her gaze from Lei En to Suo Lim, she asked, "Elder, is this your intention or Lei En's idea?"

"This is my idea," Suo Lim replied calmly, "Lei En also agreed."

A Xina lightly nodded, "I agree."

Suo Lim smiled satisfactorily, "Very good, A Xina, you truly haven't disappointed me."

Lei En stared dumbfounded beside them.

"Is this a joke?"

Most people would carefully select a bunch of cabbage at the supermarket, yet for this lifelong matter, A Xina blurted out an agreement without any thought, deciding in less than ten seconds. Doesn't she ask whether she has another partner? What is the Elder's purpose in arranging this? Or does she even like me?

Suo Lim noticed Lei En's expression, turned his head, and laughed, "Lei En, I told you there's no need for such trouble; A Xina will agree."

"But…" Lei En still felt it was too hasty.

"There's nothing to object to; this matter is settled," Suo Lim waved his hand, sealing it with a decisive strike.

A Xina also said softly, "Lei En, the Elder would never harm us; whatever the Elder does is always for the future of the Storm Giant clan."

She suddenly asked, "How old are you this year?"

"Twenty‑five," Lei En replied instinctively, still bewildered.

"So young!"

A Xina covered her mouth, "My age is exactly twice yours, but in our giant race we become adults then we should seek a mate. Many years ago I decided that only someone who defeats me qualifies as my spouse, must be my age, with at most a ten‑year difference; you already meet all the criteria."

"And also…"

She studied Lei En's face seriously, a hint of shyness flashing in her eyes, "You are very handsome, more favored than all the young male giants in the temple; I quite like you."

"I'm not a giant."

Lei En emphasized this point: interspecies marriage is thrilling, yet it may be discordant.

"That's perfect!" A Xina exclaimed joyfully, "Members of the same race cannot form a Soul Contract; being human makes you ideal. I can share my Titan divine power with you, so you can grow in size, becoming, inside and out, like a true Titan Giant, and my own strength will increase greatly."

She had already personally witnessed Lei En's strength and was indeed impressed by his powerful Elements.

Seeing A Xina so candid and carefree, Lei En felt that further refusal would seem hypocritical; a poised, unworldly, bright‑tempered, stunningly beautiful woman with long, fiery legs offering love—no man in the world could refuse.

Anyway, he couldn't resist any longer.

"From today onward, we are partners in life and death; please look after me," Lei En extended his hand. A Xina graciously grasped it, feeling the warmth and strength in his hand, and smiled, "Shouldn't it be you who looks after me?"

(End of Chapter)