Chapter 50: Negotiation and Temptation Dugu Bo's Hidden Agenda
After releasing Dugu Bo, Guang Ling casually slung an arm over Han Li's shoulders and led him a short distance away. He then raised a simple spirit barrier to isolate their conversation, though he kept his Spirit Bow out and his spiritual energy locked onto Dugu Bo.
"Are you sure we're not killing him?" Guang Ling frowned. "And you actually want to cure him? That guy's reputation is terrible. Bibi Dong tried recruiting him multiple times, but he always refused. Even if you save him, what makes you think he won't turn against us later?"
As someone familiar with Dugu Bo's past, Guang Ling naturally didn't trust him.
"I can't be sure," Han Li admitted, "but killing him wouldn't benefit us much either. At most, we'd get one or two spirit bones assuming they're even usable since his body is full of poison. Besides, Master, he's still a Titled Douluo. He may not be your match, but on the continent, he's among the strongest."
"Keeping him alive is far more valuable than killing him. I'll eventually need to travel the continent, and you won't always be by my side, right? You still need to break through to Ultimate Douluo. Having a subordinate like him could be useful. Plus, his biggest weakness is his granddaughter. As long as we hold that leverage, he won't betray us unless he's certain he can win."
Han Li gestured toward Dugu Bo, who was still lost in thought. His reasoning was clear and logical.
Guang Ling stroked his chin. "You have a point. That old man was willing to die just to save his granddaughter he's not completely heartless."
Han Li smirked. "Exactly. Now let's see what he's willing to offer in return."
By then, Dugu Bo had finally snapped out of his daze.
"Thank you for sparing my life."
He bowed deeply to Guang Ling, cold sweat dripping down his back. He had truly brushed shoulders with death today.
"Don't thank me." Guang Ling waved him off. "If it weren't for Han Li insisting on saving you, you'd already be dead."
Dugu Bo ignored Guang Ling's dismissive tone and turned toward Han Li instead. This time, his gaze was filled with gratitude and desperation.
He knew Guang Ling was telling the truth. His survival was entirely due to Han Li's insistence and more importantly, Han Li held the key to curing both him and his granddaughter.
"Thank you for your mercy, young friend," Dugu Bo said solemnly. "I swear upon my Martial Soul that I will never reveal what happened here today. Not even to my granddaughter."
He needed Guang Ling's trust first and foremost. If his silence could eliminate Guang Ling's desire to kill him, it was a small price to pay.
Then, he bent even lower.
"I, Dugu Bo, am willing to offer everything I own in exchange for my granddaughter's cure. As long as she can be saved, I will serve you without question."
Guang Ling raised an eyebrow. "Even if he orders you to kill yourself?"
Dugu Bo didn't hesitate. "If I see Yan Yan fully cured with my own eyes, even if you demand my life afterward, I will comply."
His son had already died from this poison if his granddaughter could escape the same fate, he would gladly trade his life for it.
But Han Li laughed.
"No need for that, Senior. I wouldn't waste a Titled Douluo's life so easily."
He then gave Dugu Bo a knowing look. "I see what you're trying to do. You're not asking me to cure you, are you?"
Dugu Bo's expression stiffened.
He had been caught.
His initial plea was only for his granddaughter. He had deliberately not asked for himself.
Because once she was cured, he assumed Han Li would naturally need him alive after all, wouldn't it be a waste to let a Titled Douluo die?
It was a gamble, but a calculated one.
Han Li's insight was terrifying.
Seeing Dugu Bo's slight embarrassment, Guang Ling clicked his tongue. "Hah! I knew this old fox wasn't that selfless!"
But Han Li wasn't angry. "It's human nature. I don't mind. But let's make this clear after I cure you both, you'll protect me whenever I need it. As for your belongings, keep them. Save it for your granddaughter's dowry."
Dugu Bo visibly relaxed.
"I swear upon my Martial Soul, I will uphold my promise. If I break it, may I die a horrible death."
A Martial Soul Oath in the world of soul masters, this was absolute.
Han Li nodded. "Then it's settled."
With the agreement in place, he turned toward Guang Ling. "Master, let's go collect some herbs."
Just as he was about to leave, Dugu Bo hesitated before speaking up.
"Wait. Shouldn't you introduce yourselves first? I don't even know who I'm pledging loyalty to."
Han Li paused mid step.
…He had completely forgotten to introduce himself.
Even Guang Ling hadn't bothered.
For a brief moment, there was an awkward silence.
But Han Li was quick to recover. If I don't feel embarrassed, the embarrassment belongs to others.
Ignoring Guang Ling's barely restrained laughter, Han Li turned to face Dugu Bo and gestured at his master.
"This is Guang Ling, the Fifth Consecrated of the Spirit Hall. A Rank 97 Assault type Super Douluo."
Dugu Bo's expression darkened.
"I knew it. You're from Spirit Hall."
He wasn't surprised. On this continent, only Spirit Hall had such hidden experts.
Han Li ignored his reaction and continued.
"As for me my name is Han Li. Seven years old. Rank 23 Assault type Grandmaster."
Dugu Bo stared at him in shock.
"Seven…?
Twenty three levels?!"
He looked back and forth between Han Li's tall stature and his reported age, wondering if he had misheard.
To confirm his words, Han Li calmly summoned his Martial Soul.
A golden blue bow appeared in his hands, and two spirit rings materialized above him one yellow, one purple.
Dugu Bo's jaw dropped.
"A… a thousand year second ring?! How did you achieve that?!"
He had accidentally broken the unspoken rule no soul master asked another about their spirit ring secrets but in his shock, he completely forgot.
Han Li's response was simple.
"It's a secret. My secret. Spirit Hall's secret. Once I trust you enough, I don't mind telling you. But not yet."
Dugu Bo sucked in a breath, unable to take his eyes off Han Li as he retracted his Martial Soul.
Even though he had nearly died today, he suddenly realized
Perhaps this was the best thing that could have happened to him.
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