Chapter 43: Dugu Bo's Private Instruction
"Whether I'm making it up or not, you'll find out in time." Dugu Bo couldn't be bothered to argue with Yu Yuanzhen. In his eyes, the moment the resurrection token appeared, Yu Yuanzhen was already a dead man.
After all, once someone wished to exchange for a resurrection item, the most obvious target to win Wu Tong's favor would undoubtedly be someone from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
What Dugu Bo could think of, naturally everyone else present could as well.
Everyone let out a sigh. One of the Upper Three Clans, the sect with the strongest beast-type spirit, might just wither away like this—or even disappear entirely. It was truly a case of a single misstep leading to eternal regret.
Although many felt sympathy for Yu Yuanzhen, if it came to acting against him, not a single one of them would hold back.
"No, no, no—you're definitely lying to me." Yu Yuanzhen refused to believe it, shaking his head, muttering incoherently in self-deception.
Seeing this, Dugu Bo and the others felt no sympathy for him. A pitiful man must have something detestable about him. Moreover, Yu Yuanzhen was no victim—on the contrary, he was the perpetrator.
"Alright everyone, how about we all help escort Sect Master Yu out, and then continue our discussion about the resurrection token?"
Yu Yuanzhen tried to speak again, but Dugu Bo had already lost patience and made the proposal to the group.
"Since our host has spoken, then it's our duty to comply. Uncle Jian, let's help escort Sect Master Yu out," said Ning Fengzhi. Naturally, he wouldn't refuse. This was a great chance to show goodwill.
Though he already had a good relationship with Wu Tong, there was no reason not to deepen it further.
As soon as Ning Fengzhi spoke, the other factions quickly voiced their agreement.
In no time at all, under the combined effort of several Title Douluo, Yu Yuanzhen was directly thrown out of the Dugu residence.
As for why they didn't simply kill him—none of them were fools. Sucking up in front of Dugu Bo was far less effective than doing so in front of Wu Tong.
Since the fall of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect was already inevitable, whether Yu Yuanzhen died now or later made no difference. At most, he would live a few more days.
"Alright. Now that the eyesore is gone, let me explain more about this resurrection item."
Watching Yu Yuanzhen leave in a daze, Dugu Bo turned back to address the crowd.
"These past few days, while Mr. Wu Tong was helping me detoxify, he encountered a fortuitous opportunity—his spirit underwent an evolution."
"Because of that, after his spirit evolved, Mr. Wu Tong's talent caught the attention of a deity. He became a Divine Trial Candidate. If he passes nine trials set by the deity, he can ascend and become a god."
At the mention of deities, divine trial candidates, and the nine tests, a brief flicker of strange light passed through Xue Qinghe's eyes, but it went unnoticed by all.
"According to Mr. Wu Tong, the deity in question has already been a god for far too long and has grown bored in the Divine Realm. He wants Wu Tong to ascend quickly and take his place. As compensation for accelerating the process, Mr. Wu Tong is allowed to exchange some resources with the deity for assistance—one such item is the resurrection token."
In such a formal setting, Dugu Bo, unusually, did not refer to Wu Tong as "little freak," but used an honorific.
"I believe, after what happened with Xin'er, everyone can now confirm the resurrection item is real."
That much was clear.
So much time had passed, and everyone was already certain that the person before them was indeed the deceased Dugu Xin.
"After careful consideration, Mr. Wu Tong has decided to allow the resurrection item to be exchanged. Various factions may use large quantities of resources to trade for it, but a ten percent markup will be required."
As for the markup, everyone had already anticipated it the moment resources were mentioned, so no one was surprised.
"Except for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and His Highness the Crown Prince—they may purchase at base price."
At these words, all present couldn't help but cast envious and resentful glances at Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe.
One had saved Wu Tong's life. The other was his protector. Preferential treatment was only natural.
A ten percent difference might seem small, but if they exchanged enough resources for ten resurrection items, the others could only get ten, while those two could get eleven. That made everyone's eyes go red with envy.
What made them most jealous wasn't even the discount—but the fact that with a small act of kindness or a simple investment, those two had managed to forge a relationship with a future god. That was the root of all their envy.
Under the gaze of the crowd, Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe kept calm expressions, but inside, they were nearly bursting with joy.
They hadn't expected that such a small gesture or investment could earn the favor of someone destined to become a god.
"Alright, that's the situation. You can go prepare your resources now. When Mr. Wu Tong returns, seek him out to make the exchange."
"For now, you may all return to report back. Sect Master Ning and His Highness the Crown Prince, please stay behind."
With that, Dugu Bo began dismissing the crowd. He really wasn't used to being surrounded by so many people.
Hearing Dugu Bo's signal to leave, the others also began departing slowly. After all, Dugu Bo was now someone favored by Mr. Wu Tong, and his value had risen significantly. His influence had clearly grown.
Only Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, Xue Qinghe... and also Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo remained.
"Chrysanthemum Guan, why haven't you left yet? Shamelessly hanging around my home—what are you planning to do?"
Dugu Bo was anything but polite toward Chrysanthemum Douluo and questioned him directly.
"Why did I stay? Obviously to catch up with Xin'er. It's been so long since we met. Or did you think it was because of you?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo acted as if he didn't hear the dismissal in Dugu Bo's tone and made no sign of leaving.
"Chrysanthemum Guan, you—"
Before Dugu Bo could finish, Ning Fengzhi stepped in to smooth things over. "Senior Poison Douluo, please don't be angry over such a trivial matter. It's not worth upsetting the harmony. I noticed that Mister Dugu Xin and Elder Ju seem to be old acquaintances—why not let them stay?"
It wasn't the right time to fall out with Spirit Hall. If they forced them out now, Spirit Hall would surely come knocking again. Better to just let them stay, Ning Fengzhi reasoned.
"Hmph." Hearing Ning Fengzhi's words, Dugu Bo, who was already somewhat resigned because of the connection between Dugu Xin and Chrysanthemum Douluo, had no choice but to compromise. He snorted coldly at Chrysanthemum Douluo to show his displeasure.
"Heh, what's with the grunting—are you a pig?" Chrysanthemum Douluo mocked as he heard Dugu Bo's snort.
"Chrysanthemum Guan, you damned ##&$#%#..."
It was clearly an extremely foul insult.
"Your Excellency Poison Douluo, may I ask—was there a reason you kept us behind?"
Just as the two were about to argue again, Xue Qinghe spoke up, stopping the escalation.
Seeing Xue Qinghe intervene, Ning Fengzhi gave him an approving glance. As expected of my disciple.
Hearing the question, Dugu Bo had to swallow the curses that were about to burst out of his mouth.
As Wu Tong's investor, Xue Qinghe had an especially close relationship with him.
Out of respect for Xue Qinghe's mediation, Dugu Bo relented and replied gloomily.
"When I returned, the little freak mentioned to me that his first divine trial is to establish a faction. I thought you all might be of help, so I kept you behind to discuss it."
At his words, everyone present could no longer hide their delight. This was major news.
If they could help Wu Tong successfully found his faction and pass his trial, they might gain even greater benefits.
With that thought, everyone nearly burst with excitement. Investing in—or saving—Wu Tong was easily the best and most profitable decision they had ever made.
"Senior Poison Douluo, may I ask—what kind of faction does Mister Wu Tong intend to establish?" Ning Fengzhi asked.
"How would I know what kind of faction that little freak wants to start? He didn't tell me... or did he?"
Dugu Bo's voice trailed off as if he suddenly recalled something. He looked sharply at the others.
"I remember now—he once told me that he wanted to build a..."
...
By the time they left the Dugu residence, it was already evening.
"Teacher, your student will take his leave." Xue Qinghe bowed to Ning Fengzhi.
"Go on, Qinghe," Ning Fengzhi said with a gentle smile.
Then, turning to Sword Douluo beside him, he said, "Uncle Jian, let's go. Back to the sect. We've got a busy night ahead of us."
Sword Douluo looked at him and replied, "You really don't know how lucky you are. So many people would kill to be this busy. But honestly, I never imagined that the decision we made back then would lead to such a great opportunity."
"Indeed. As they say, those who treat others with kindness are treated with kindness in return."
Then, a streak of sword light soared through the sky, shooting in the direction of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Only a series of reverent gazes remained, watching longingly at the sword trace left behind in the air.
"That was His Excellency Sword Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, wasn't it? Truly awe-inspiring."
"No wonder he's a Title Douluo—such overwhelming power."
"And the one standing beside him must've been the legendary Sect Master Ning. Just as the rumors say—cultured and approachable."
...
[End of Chapter]
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