Chapter 44: Underlying Currents Stirring
After returning to their respective factions, everyone reported the results of their trip to the Dugu household to their superiors.
The outcome naturally caused a huge stir.
If those sent hadn't been die-hard loyalists, the faction leaders would never have believed what they heard.
The reappearance of the deceased Dugu Xin; resurrection items; divine trial candidates; resource exchanges...
Each of these alone would have been earthshaking, but all of them occurring together made it feel like listening to a folk tale.
And yet, it was all real. So, before others could react, the consensus among the major factions was to quickly gather resources.
Beneath this undercurrent, all the factions began to take action.
...
Spirit City.
Papal Hall.
"As expected of divine intervention." After hearing Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo's report, Bibi Dong sighed.
It was indeed the work of a god. And from the situation, this Wu Tong was the god's personally chosen sole successor—making it impossible to move against him lightly.
Better to stabilize him for now and hope he doesn't interfere with her spirit-hunting plan.
Bibi Dong let out a long, deep sigh.
However, thinking of the grand generosity of that god, Bibi Dong couldn't help but feel envious.
"Others inherit divine positions and the gods rush to pass it on, letting them exchange scraps for treasures—it's like treating them as their own child."
Indeed, while so-called resources were considered valuable by those in power, they still paled in comparison to divine treasures.
Being able to exchange resources for such artifacts, in Bibi Dong's view, was no different than trading garbage for pearls.
"And me? To inherit my divine position, I had to endure the corrosion of Rakshasa's divine power, be suppressed in cultivation, unable to fight at full strength—and I only got a single divine weapon?"
"Is Rakshasa too poor, or was it intentional? Is this really how a god treats their successor?"
Bibi Dong's heart was unbalanced.
...
Divine Realm.
Rakshasa Temple.
"Achoo—"
"What's going on? I'm already a god. Why would I still sneeze? Is someone plotting against me?"
Rakshasa God sneezed and immediately grew suspicious.
It was only natural—after all, they had offended so many in the Divine Realm, truly a universally despised existence.
"Could it be Sea God? Angel God? Or Fire God...? Don't tell me—it's Asura?"
Thinking of what they had done in the Asura God's inheritance grounds, Rakshasa felt a twinge of guilt.
But it wasn't really their fault. Asura's domain was simply too suited for them. That dense aura of negativity and slaughter was just irresistible.
"But it won't be long now. Once my scapegoat of a successor ascends, I'm out of here. Once I reach the universe, Asura and the others won't be able to find me so easily."
Imagining the fury on those faces, Rakshasa God couldn't help but laugh.
...
Spirit City.
Papal Hall.
While venting about Rakshasa God, Bibi Dong also began to doubt Rakshasa's true intentions—but she didn't let it show.
Looking at the two people standing before her, Bibi Dong said, "Yueguan, Guimei—since you brought this intel, the task of overseeing Wu Tong's academy construction will fall to you both."
"Yes, Your Excellency." ×2
...
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Main Hall.
"Fengzhi, this is truly crucial news. We must begin preparations immediately." Upon hearing the task assigned to their sect, Gu Rong was visibly excited.
"I never imagined that the little guy you two saved back then would now cause such a sensation."
Gu Rong praised Ning Fengzhi's earlier decision with great enthusiasm.
Ning Fengzhi replied with his usual gentle tone, "Uncle Jian and I didn't expect it either. At the time, we simply acted because Mister Wu Tong was under Qinghe's protection. We never imagined such a surprise would follow."
"We just didn't expect that the force Mister Wu Tong intends to found would be... an academy. But honestly, it suits him perfectly."
Recalling what Dugu Bo had said, even Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but admit—an academy truly was a perfect fit for Wu Tong.
"Uncle Jian, let's begin preparations as well. Go bring Rongrong back—don't let her continue fooling around outside. Once Mister Wu Tong's academy is established, we'll send her there to study."
"Understood. I'll head out right away." Hearing Ning Fengzhi's instructions, Chen Xin didn't hesitate. After all, being taught by Wu Tong was far better and more reassuring than any other teacher outside.
Ning Fengzhi might have his own intentions. Though Chen Xin had guessed as much, he didn't object. It was, after all, for Rongrong's own good.
"Uncle Gu, go summon the elders. Let's sit down and discuss the location for Mister Wu Tong's academy."
...
Heaven Dou Imperial Palace.
"What!!! Resurrection? A god? A divine trial candidate?"
Emperor Xue Ye stared in disbelief as he listened to Xue Qinghe's report.
"Yes, Father. These things were personally confirmed by Poison Douluo himself. And Poison Douluo's son has indeed come back to life. I believe this matter is genuine."
Xue Qinghe met Emperor Xue Ye's incredulous gaze, speaking calmly and steadily.
"Good, good, good! Who would've thought that your... no, your close friend, Wu Tong, would become a divine trial candidate? And from the situation, he's bound to ascend and become a god. You've done exceedingly well."
"Then, Qinghe, the matter of Wu Tong establishing an academy will be entrusted to you. Make sure everything is handled properly."
Looking at the refined, elegant, and noble figure of Xue Qinghe, Emperor Xue Ye couldn't help but feel even more satisfied with him.
"Yes, Father. I accept the command and will see it done well."
Xue Qinghe immediately responded to the emperor's directive.
"Very well. Go now, Qinghe. Don't delay."
"Yes. Then I shall take my leave. Please take care of your health, Father."
Xue Qinghe bowed and departed.
...
Crown Prince's Residence.
Xue Qinghe's Bedroom.
As a gentle golden light rippled across the room, Xue Qinghe dissolved the disguise and returned to the appearance of Qian Renxue.
Golden hair cascaded like a waterfall. Her skin, like fine white jade, looked delicate to the touch. A face of unrivaled beauty, enough to drive countless men mad, reflected in the mirror.
"To think that Wu Tong could earn the favor of a god... and from Dugu Bo's description, it sounds like he's even been designated as the sole successor. That means he's guaranteed to become a god."
Qian Renxue's rosy lips parted slightly, their vibrant red color making one almost want to press against them.
Unfortunately, no one else was present in this room to witness her most authentic beauty.
"No wonder he was the one I chose. But now that Wu Tong has begun walking the path of godhood, I wonder how much longer I must keep up this charade."
Qian Renxue sighed softly, reclining onto the bed.
"Ah... whatever. Let it be. I just wonder how that 'sister' of mine would react—if she found out about my relationship with Wu Tong, what expression would she make?"
Thinking of that woman, Qian Renxue's lips curled into a mocking smile.
"Elder Thornfish, please take care of Prince Xue Xing and Xue Beng."
Now that Dugu Bo was aligned with Wu Tong, Prince Xue Xing could no longer be allowed to remain. It wasn't about being overly cautious—it was about avoiding the slightest risk.
If Prince Xue Xing ever tried to sow discord, given his relationship with Dugu Bo, he could very well stir up trouble.
As for Xue Beng... that was just a matter of convenience. Did he really think she hadn't seen through his years of pretending? He had certainly worked hard, acting for so many years.
"As you command, Your Highness."
With the words spoken, a figure swiftly departed, vanishing into the distance.
"Elder Serpent Spear, go contact the Yu Clan for me. I need to meet them tomorrow to discuss helping with the construction of Wu Tong's academy."
"Yes, Your Highness."
...
(End of Chapter)
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