Chapter 232: The Contest
Bibi Dong stood by with a faint smile, while Ju Douluo and Ghost Douluo maintained a disinterested air, choosing not to intervene. However, a subtle tension had formed between Qingluan Douluo and Lingyuan Douluo, who eyed each other with quiet rivalry. Lingyuan Douluo studied Feng Wutong carefully, immensely satisfied with what she saw but unable to express her intentions first, as her rank was far lower than Qingluan Douluo's.
Feeling a touch of frustration, she glanced at Qingluan Douluo, seeking some signal to negotiate, but he ignored her entirely, leaving her feeling slighted.
Despite his age, Qingluan Douluo's outward appearance was that of a youthful man at the peak of his prime. His serene gaze, however, hinted at the wisdom of his years. He smiled gently and addressed Feng Wutong directly: "Wutong, you must have felt the natural bond between our spirits."
Feng Wutong nodded cautiously.
Pleased, Qingluan continued, "You can likely guess why I'm here. Since I'm interested in accepting you as my disciple, it's only right that I introduce myself. I am a rank ninety-seven Titled Douluo, the Third Enshrined of the Elder Hall, bearing the title: Qingluan."
Feng Wutong hesitated, looking puzzled. "Your Eminence, with your status, I imagine there are countless others eager to become your disciple. Why must it be me?"
Qingluan Douluo's eager insistence left Feng Wutong uneasy. Her experiences as a commoner soul master had taught her that unsolicited kindness often came with hidden motives. She recalled her days at the Star Luo Academy, where noble soul masters would offer "small favors" to less privileged students, only to seek exploitation in return.
Noting her reluctance, Qingluan Douluo merely chuckled and replied, "Young lady, do you understand what your spirit represents? It's the Emperor of all Avian Spirits! Your innate power rivals that of the Six-Winged Seraphim…"
Catching himself, he cleared his throat and shifted his words quickly, realizing he'd nearly said too much. "The Vermilion Bird spirit is unparalleled. Throughout the history of the continent, no other avian spirit compares. Among all avian spirits, the Phoenix has always reigned supreme—be it the Fire Phoenix, Light Phoenix, or Dark Phoenix."
"But the Vermilion Bird surpasses even those top-tier spirits. A small difference in spirit quality at the beginning becomes a vast chasm as you reach higher soul ranks. For instance, if you and I were both at rank ninety-seven as Titled Douluos, you would defeat me effortlessly."
"That's the power of the Vermilion Bird. Although this spirit has never been documented, those of us with avian spirits have long sensed that there exists a supreme soul capable of ruling over all avian creatures. Until now, we didn't know what that spirit was. But today, seeing yours, we finally understand—it's the Vermilion Bird! You are destined to become a legend of the continent."
Qingluan Douluo's words left everyone in stunned silence, even causing a gleam of intrigue in Bibi Dong's eyes. The Ghost and Ju Douluo, too, looked sharply at Feng Wutong. Lingyuan Douluo's gaze grew fervent—her determination to take Feng Wutong as her disciple solidified.
Feng Wutong's shoulders slumped slightly. "So, it's because of my Vermilion Bird spirit…" she murmured. She couldn't shake the quiet disappointment that lingered within her heart. "If I didn't have this spirit, would I still be overlooked, just another commoner soul master?"
Her bitterness quickly passed, and she focused on what truly mattered. Dai Yao had gifted her the Scarlet Lotus with no hesitation, a treasure she now realized was of immense value. Knowing how much he trusted her, she became resolved to keep his secrets and serve him as his attendant with even greater loyalty.
"Your spirit holds immense promise, Wutong," Qingluan continued, eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "Only a fellow avian spirit master like myself can help you realize your full potential. No other soul master on the continent has a higher rank among avian spirit wielders. So, how about it? Become my disciple."
Qingluan looked at her with fatherly affection, confident she would agree. Seeing Wutong's softened expression, Lingyuan Douluo grew anxious, glancing at Bibi Dong in desperation. Compared to Qingluan, her position was significantly weaker.
Bibi Dong's gaze sharpened—she needed to prevent this from happening. Feng Wutong's talent was undeniable. If she joined the Elder Hall, Qingluan's influence would only grow, further fortifying the Hall's foundation. For her own ambitions, Bibi Dong couldn't allow it.
In a voice laced with gentle authority, she intervened. "Third Enshrined, no need to rush. You may be an avian spirit master, but Lingyuan Douluo is, too. Let's give Feng Wutong a chance to hear her terms as well."
Qingluan Douluo's expression darkened. He'd been so close to securing Feng Wutong's agreement, only to be interrupted by Bibi Dong. But he dared not express his frustration openly, as she was one of the few who could openly challenge even the Grand Enshrined, Qian Daoliu. He could only begrudgingly comply.
Relieved, Lingyuan Douluo quickly stepped forward and took Feng Wutong's hand, speaking softly. "Wutong, as the Supreme Pontiff just mentioned, I too possess an avian spirit. Though my soul rank is lower than Qingluan Douluo's at only ninety-two, I am a respected elder of the Supreme Pontiff Hall. The resources I can offer are far greater than those of a solitary enshrined elder."
"Resources are secondary to the true power of a soul master," Qingluan scoffed, dismissing her claim. "Only through years of personal cultivation can one grow. My experience alone far surpasses what this young lady can offer."
Lingyuan Douluo opened her mouth to argue, but Bibi Dong silenced them with a raised hand and turned to Feng Wutong with a small smile. "Well, Wutong, what is your choice?"
After a moment's pause, Feng Wutong looked down, her mind already made up. To her, being strong had always been a dream since she'd been freed from the limitations of her mutated spirit. But as Dai Yao's servant, her fate was his to decide.
Steeling herself, she glanced at Dai Yao before answering. "Honored elders, the choice of my master rests with Dai Yao. I cannot make that decision alone."
Qingluan Douluo frowned. "What business is it of his whom you choose as your master?"
Lingyuan Douluo also looked perplexed.
With composure, Feng Wutong explained, "I am his servant. Therefore, it is his decision, not mine."
Her words shocked everyone present, most of all Qingluan Douluo, whose face clouded. The future pinnacle of the avian soul masters as a mere servant to a man? Such a position for his disciple was beneath him and would bring shame to his title.
Turning sharply, Qingluan Douluo's gaze bore into Dai Yao. "Young man, I know you are esteemed among the younger generation, but Wutong's potential is immense, and I am determined to have her as my disciple. Release her from this servant position, and I will provide you ample compensation."
Before Dai Yao could respond, Feng Wutong interjected, "Your Eminence, I do not wish to renounce my position as his attendant. If you require me to do so, then I would rather not become your disciple."
A subtle spark of intrigue appeared in Bibi Dong's eyes, while the other Titled Douluos exchanged startled glances, surprised by the depth of her loyalty to Dai Yao.
Qingluan Douluo's expression softened in surprise. "Wutong, this is for your own good. Your spirit has boundless potential—why cling to such a menial role? I assure you, there are countless soul masters within Spirit Hall who would vie for the chance to train under me."
Feng Wutong shook her head gently. "Your Eminence, this is my private matter. Please understand and respect my decision."
Lingyuan Douluo watched Feng Wutong closely, and a flash of insight struck her. Here was a young woman with boundless potential, yet she chose to remain a servant. There had to be a reason. As a woman herself, Lingyuan Douluo understood that some women, once in love, could be unwavering to the end. The hint of affection in Feng Wutong's gaze toward Dai Yao suggested that she was exactly that kind of woman. Even if she were a servant, so what? Considering the strength Dai Yao had shown today, it wouldn't be surprising if he eventually became a peerless Douluo. Such a master would hardly be a blemish on her status.
With a small smirk, Lingyuan Douluo used her soul power to send a message directly to Feng Wutong:
"Little one, if you like Dai Yao and want to be with him, come to me. I don't care whether you're a servant or not. I can teach you not only about cultivating your martial spirit, but also how to make a man fall for you…"
Hearing this, Feng Wutong was taken aback, looking at Lingyuan Douluo with deep gratitude. Those words stirred her, especially the part about "making a man fall for you." Her aspirations of becoming a strong soul master were momentarily overshadowed by this new hope.
Qingluan Douluo noticed Lingyuan's discreet approach, but he didn't bother to interfere. In his view, Lingyuan was no real threat to him. Fixing Dai Yao with a cold stare, he acknowledged to himself that it would be rare for any man to part with a servant possessing such a remarkable spirit, particularly when Dai Yao himself was equally talented.
With a snort, Qingluan Douluo demanded, "Dai Yao, let's hear your decision."
Immediately, the attention of all five Titled Douluo shifted toward Dai Yao.
Dai Yao's mind raced—this choice was tricky. Picking Qingluan Douluo could mean Lingyuan's resentment, but picking Lingyuan would likely earn him the enmity of Qingluan. However, given his role as Feng Wutong's master, he had a duty to secure the best for her. On the Douluo Continent, cultivation knowledge alone didn't hold great value since training soul power was relatively straightforward. Thus, for Feng Wutong, the choice between these two Titled Douluo didn't hold much practical difference.
What mattered most was securing the best possible benefits for her.
With a calculated smile, Dai Yao said, "Honored Douluos, I'm a straightforward man. Since you both wish to take Feng Wutong as a disciple, I think it's only fair we discuss what she might gain from it."
Both Douluos' faces darkened. They, revered Titled Douluos with countless prospective disciples, now found themselves being bargained with in a way they'd never expected.
Qingluan Douluo maintained a calm demeanor, letting Lingyuan Douluo respond first.
Lingyuan Douluo laughed lightly and said, "If Wutong becomes my disciple, I'll personally ensure her spirit rings are of the highest possible configuration!"
With a sidelong glance at Dai Yao, Qingluan Douluo replied, "In addition to the best spirit rings, I'll provide three spirit bones—each over ten thousand years old and particularly suited to avian spirits."
The mention of three spirit bones left Lingyuan Douluo's face ashen. As a newly ascended Titled Douluo herself, she didn't even have enough spirit bones to satisfy her own needs, let alone offer any extras.
Feigning the manner of an auctioneer, Dai Yao asked with mock gravity, "Any more offers? Or perhaps... Lingyuan Douluo, do you have something else to add?"
Lingyuan Douluo frowned, then said, "As an elder of the Supreme Pontiff's Hall, I command a formidable group of skilled followers, unlike the Third Enshrined here, who stands alone. If Wutong earns their respect, she could eventually lead them herself."
These subordinates, though private forces, belonged to the Supreme Pontiff's Hall and thus to Bibi Dong's own domain. Offering their future leadership to Feng Wutong was a substantial concession, verging on overstepping her authority. Still, the potential boost to her own cultivation from exposure to Feng Wutong's Vermilion Bird spirit made it worth the risk.
Watching Dai Yao's smug, calculating look, Lingyuan Douluo's face hardened. She had to admit, despite her frustration, that his maneuvering was for Feng Wutong's benefit. Otherwise, neither she nor Qingluan Douluo would be showing such tolerance for his attitude.
Feigning indecision, Dai Yao replied, "The terms from both Honored Douluos are incredibly generous, making this decision very difficult. However…"
At this word, both Titled Douluo frowned, irritation flaring in their eyes.
Dai Yao continued, "But, Wutong and I haven't officially joined the Spirit Hall yet. We'll be joining after the tournament. In the meantime, why not have her spend a few days with each of you? Once we're officially members of Spirit Hall, we can make a final decision."
The assembled Douluos exchanged amused glances, understanding Dai Yao's intentions.
By having Feng Wutong train under both Titled Douluos, he ensured that each would teach her their most guarded techniques in an effort to win her over. In the end, even without an official title, they would both serve as her teachers. Dai Yao's diplomatic phrasing made it difficult for either to refuse, but they were left with little choice but to comply.
With the rewards each Douluo had promised—a set of spirit bones, the optimal ring configurations, and the future command of Lingyuan Douluo's private forces—all of it was now set to become Feng Wutong's eventual inheritance. It was clear to everyone that Dai Yao had played the two Titled Douluos into an expensive but inevitable agreement.
Although Lingyuan and Qingluan Douluo understood the hidden meaning in Dai Yao's words, their faces soured.
Qingluan Douluo briefly considered walking away. But for the Vermilion Bird spirit, he swallowed his frustration. With a cold snort, he conceded, "Very well, as you wish!"
With that, he transformed into a flash of light, disappearing from the Supreme Pontiff Hall.
Lingyuan Douluo gave a rueful laugh. "Dai Yao, you clever boy—you played me right into your hand! I'll agree to your terms, but mark my words, you'll have to answer for this later!"
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