"Ning Fengzhi, you meddlesome troublemaker." The Demon Subduing Duoluo pointed his coiled dragon staff at Ning Fengzhi as he spoke.
Yu Yuanzhen's gaze toward Ning Fengzhi also turned unfriendly. If it weren't for the Body Sect, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect could have risen to second place. But now that you've brought the Body Sect in, aren't we stuck as number three again?
Facing the gazes of many powerful figures, Ning Fengzhi had no choice but to brace himself and step forward. "Your Holiness the Pope, and honored worship elders, I believe that since this is a re-selection of the top sects across the continent, we absolutely cannot leave out the Body Sect."
Bibi Dong said with a half-smile, "Sect Master Ning does make a good point. Without the Body Sect, your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect might have become the number one sect. And yet you're willing to sacrifice two-tenths of your sect's wealth just to invite the Body Sect to take the place you should have had?"
Ning Fengzhi replied stiffly, "Your Holiness, status is but an illusion — strength is what matters. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect does not have the strength to be the number one sect and dares not occupy that position falsely."
"Very well. Since the members of the Body Sect are already here, let's give them seats," Bibi Dong ordered her attendants to rearrange the seating, then turned to the delegation. "Sect Master Huo, please."
Huo Qiang nodded and found a seat.
A massive open square lay ahead — spacious enough for multiple Titled Douluo to unleash their full power.
Bibi Dong announced, "Now we begin the official re-selection of the Upper Three Sects. First, the position of the Number One Sect, currently held by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
Ning Fengzhi stepped up to the arena with Chen Xin and Gu Rong.
"You all go ahead," Huo Qiang said, making no move himself, and instead sending all seven of the Body Sect's Titled Douluo elders to the arena.
Seeing this, Ning Fengzhi gave up the idea of fighting entirely. He bowed to Bibi Dong and said, "Your Holiness, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect concedes this match and willingly yields the position to the Body Sect."
Bibi Dong smirked. "Sect Master Ning is indeed generous. Very well, I hereby declare that the Body Sect wins this round. Are there any other sects who wish to challenge them?"
Since even the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect conceded, no other sect dared step forward. Thus, the Spirit Hall was left with no choice but to declare the Body Sect as the new Number One among the Upper Three Sects.
"Next, the position of Number Two among the Upper Three Sects, with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect defending it," said Bibi Dong.
The trio from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect stepped into the ring again. Yu Yuanzhen watched them, tempted. But considering his current strength — a Level 95 Super Douluo — fighting either Chen Xin or Gu Rong would be tough, especially with Ning Fengzhi supporting them. He gave up the idea of contesting second place.
In the end, Yu Yuanzhen looked helplessly at his son Yu Xiamen and said, "Your father is getting old. The future of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect's glory rests on you now."
Xiaomen nodded, "Yes, Father."
Ultimately, since no sect challenged them, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect retained the position of Number Two among the Upper Three Sects.
"Now we move on to the Third Seat of the Upper Three Sects, with Sect Master Yu Yuanzhen of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect defending it," Bibi Dong said.
According to the rules, Yu Yuanzhen stood alone on the stage to defend his sect.
Below the stage, Ning Fengzhi adjusted his glasses and said, "Now comes the most important moment. Bibi Dong organized this grand event to promote the Dragon Elephant Sect — a Spirit Hall-affiliated sect — into the ranks of the Upper Three. Originally, that third spot was basically reserved for them. But now with the Body Sect here, who knows?"
Gu Rong analyzed, "Although the two from the Dragon Elephant Sect are Titled Douluo, the strength gap among Titled Douluo is huge. Yu Yuanzhen's martial spirit is of top-tier quality and has strong suppressive power against typical beast spirits. I doubt Huyan Zhen or Tuoba Xi will have the guts to challenge him."
"Hmph." Ning Fengzhi snorted. "Those from the Lower Four Sects should stay in their place."
"Yu Yuanzhen!" Huyan Zhen's rough voice rang out. He and Tuoba Xi stepped onto the stage together. Huyan Zhen pointed at Yu Yuanzhen and said, "The Dragon Elephant Sect is here today to challenge you and knock your sect out of the top three!"
"Hahaha, bold indeed!" Yu Yuanzhen laughed heartily, activating his Spirit Possession. The image of a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon appeared behind him. Nine spirit rings descended: yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black.
"Let me show you the power of the strongest beast spirit in the world!"
Huyan Zhen activated his Spirit Possession as well — a Diamond Mammoth, with the same ring configuration as Yu Yuanzhen, but his spirit power level was only 93.
The real surprise came from Tuoba Xi. Upon Spirit Possession, his martial spirit evolved from the typical White Armored Earth Dragon into the White Armored Holy Dragon. The Holy Dragon showed no fear of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon's aura and even challenged it with a defiant roar.
Tuoba Xi's spirit rings: yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, red — with the last one being a 100,000-year red spirit ring.
His spirit power level was 94, just one level below Yu Yuanzhen.
When that final blood-red ring appeared, Yu Yuanzhen was filled with resentment.
Damn it! Bibi Dong has three 100,000-year spirit rings, Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo each have one, and the Body Sect has a bunch of them too. Now even a small fry like Tuoba Xi has a 100,000-year spirit ring? When did those things go on wholesale!?
"The old dragon king has met his match," Chen Xin said.
"Let's hope the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect can hold on to its spot," Ning Fengzhi added.
No one expected the fiercest battle of the re-selection would take place over the third seat, between the top of the Lower Four Sects and the bottom of the Upper Three.
Yu Yuanzhen had the level advantage, but he was in a 1 vs 2 situation. Both opponents were tough:
Huyan Zhen was known for his defense — even before becoming a Titled Douluo, most others couldn't break his defense.
Tuoba Xi, though slightly weaker in level, had the better spirit quality and ring configuration.
The Dragon Elephant Sect's leader and deputy worked in perfect sync: one drew Yu Yuanzhen's attacks, while the other launched focused assaults. In the end, they forced Yu Yuanzhen into a desperate situation. He was shamefully beaten down from the stage.
As he lay defeated by Tuoba Xi's humiliating blow and lost his place among the top three sects, Yu Yuanzhen couldn't help but think of a certain crew-cut youth:
If I hadn't wasted my energy on Xiaogang all those years ago, I'd probably be level 96 by now. Then I wouldn't be suffering this disgrace.
With Yu Yuanzhen's defeat, Bibi Dong immediately stood up and announced the results of the sect reselection. The new Upper Three Sects were: Body Sect, Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and Dragon Elephant Sect.
Yu Yuanzhen returned to his seat with a pained expression.
Bibi Dong continued, "Next, we will proceed with the reselection of the Lower Four Sects. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect will defend its position as the leading sect among them."
Yu Yuanzhen stood up and said to Bibi Dong, "Your Holiness, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect can only be part of the Upper Three Sects. If we cannot be, then we would rather not take the lead among the Lower Four."
After saying this, he turned to the Dragon Elephant Sect and declared, "Dragon Elephant Sect, one day our Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect will reclaim the honor that belongs to us."
With that, he left with his sect members.
With the withdrawal of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, the Spirit Hall proceeded with the reselection. The final Lower Four Sects were: Wind Sword Sect, Fire Leopard Sect, Rock Antelope Sect, and Black Tiger Sect.
After finalizing the new ranking of the sects on the Douluo Continent, Bibi Dong ordered new Papal Decrees to be forged and granted one each to the new leaders of the Upper Three Sects.
The new decrees had all references to the Clear Sky Hammer and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Souls removed and replaced with an image of a white dragon and a body totem.
With the transition of old and new powers complete, the sect leaders bid farewell to each other and left.
Regarding the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect's removal, Ning Fengzhi sighed in disappointment.
"I didn't expect Old Dragon King Yu Yuanzhen to lose to those two from the Dragon Elephant Sect," Ning Fengzhi remarked.
Gu Rong sneered, "From what I know, Yu Yuanzhen wasted decades passing his cultivation to that useless son of his. That's why he's still stuck at level 95. If he had focused on his own cultivation, even breaking through one level would have made a huge difference in today's result."
"Yu Yuanzhen's decision was truly unwise," Ning Fengzhi agreed.
"In the end, the title of Upper Three Sects is just a name. Real strength comes from foundation. Right now, the Dragon Elephant Sect has taken their place, but don't forget Yu Yuanzhen still has a son," Chen Xin said. "That child has the Golden Holy Dragon Martial Soul. In a few years, he'll be a Titled Douluo too. When that happens, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect will have two Douluo-level powerhouses."
"That's true," Ning Fengzhi nodded.
As he saw the Body Sect members preparing to leave, he quickly approached and said, "Sect Master Huo, I would like to invite you to visit the Heaven Dou Empire. Would you do me the honor?"
Huo Qiang instructed his sect members to return on their own, then replied, "Sect Master Ning, with your kind invitation, how could I refuse? I'll accompany you."
The Heaven Dou Royal Auction House was partially owned by the royal family, hence the word "Royal" in its name. Only nobles and elites were allowed to attend.
The auctioneer brought out one rare item after another—rare soul bones, finely crafted armor, and even soul beast pets...
After a count purchased the previous item, the next item was brought on stage—a metal cage covered in red silk.
The auctioneer announced, "The next item is a rare slave."
As the red cloth slowly fell, it revealed the inside of the cage: a young girl chained at the neck, hands, and feet, her delicate skin covered in whip marks and bright red wounds.
Despite the cruelty, the scars on her tender skin had a certain broken beauty.
More striking, however, was the fact that this girl had cat ears and a cat tail. Sitting on the ground with her legs folded, her eyes were lifeless, devoid of any light.
"Due to an accident during Martial Soul awakening, this slave permanently fused with her Martial Soul, which is why you see the cat ears and tail."
"At first, she was wild and untamed, but our slave hunters soon broke her in. Look at these soft cat ears, and this flexible cat tail." The auctioneer stroked her ears and tail and continued, "If a normal woman can satisfy your needs, she can too. If a normal woman can't, she still can. Now, let the auction for the cat-eared slave girl begin! Starting bid: 200,000 gold soul coins."
The gathered nobles—many of whom were jaded with the mundane—found the exoticness irresistible. Who could resist the allure of a beast-eared girl?
The bidding quickly soared past a million gold soul coins.
"Two million!" announced Prince Xue Xing, standing and raising his paddle.
His threatening gaze swept across the room: This beast-eared girl belongs to me.
Seeing that even royalty was involved, the other bidders lost their nerve and gave up.
"Two million once, two million twice…"
Prince Xue Xing felt triumphant, already considering the girl in the cage his.
But just as the hammer was about to fall, a warm voice called out from the corner: "Three million."
"Who dares to snatch my prey?!" Prince Xue Xing roared, nostrils flaring as he turned toward the source of the voice.
When he saw it was Ning Fengzhi, Xue Xing instantly backed down.
There was nothing he could do—he might be royalty, second only to the emperor in the Heaven Dou Empire, but against a Titled Douluo-backed super sect, he was nothing.
Reluctantly, Prince Xue Xing gave up. But he didn't give up on the girl.
With Ning Fengzhi's usual righteousness, he's probably going to free the slave girl. Just have the slave hunters keep an eye on her after that, he thought darkly.
"Three million once, three million twice, three million—sold!" the auctioneer declared.
And just like that, this young beast-eared slave girl became Ning Fengzhi's possession.
The girl in the cage looked toward the corner at the man who would soon become her new master. When she recognized his identity, a flash of surprise and hatred crossed her eyes, but she quickly suppressed it.
Elsewhere, in the audience, Huo Qiqiang was seated beside Ning Fengzhi.
Seeing that Ning Fengzhi had finished bidding, Huo Qiqiang joked, "I didn't expect this from you, Sect Master Ning. You've got quite the unique taste, huh? So you like beast-eared girls. Not bad, not bad at all."
Ning Fengzhi hurried to explain, "Not at all, Sect Master Huo. You misunderstand me. I didn't buy her for that reason."
"Oh? Then what is the reason?" Huo Qiqiang asked curiously.
Gu Rong explained on Ning Fengzhi's behalf, "The Sect Master never buys slaves. It's just that he is compassionate. He spends money to buy these slaves and then sets them free."
Huo Qiqiang nodded and said, "I see. But in this world, freeing one or two slaves won't change anything."
Ning Fengzhi replied calmly, "I do not have the power to change the world. I only seek to do what I can and live with a clear conscience."
Huo Qiqiang praised, "Sect Master Ning, you truly have a kind heart. For that girl to encounter you—it must be a blessing earned over several lifetimes."
To people like Huo Yuhao and Ning Fengzhi, the Royal Auction didn't have anything truly valuable. Occasionally, there might be something interesting, like a soul bone, but even those wouldn't be of high age.
And so, the auction ended.
Ning Fengzhi, who had brought the slave girl with him, personally unlocked the shackles on her hands and feet, then handed her a bag of gold soul coins.
The girl stared blankly at him, confused.
"Child, you are free now. This money is for you—go and live your life," Ning Fengzhi said gently.
The girl suddenly asked, "Why… why did you save me?"
Gu Rong scolded her, "The Sect Master saved you because he is a righteous and benevolent man who cannot bear to see suffering. You should be thanking him, not questioning him."
"Thank you." After softly saying thanks, the girl took the bag and left.
The surrounding nobles, witnessing this scene, all gave Ning Fengzhi a thumbs-up. "Sect Master Ning truly is a man of righteousness."
"For that little slave girl to meet someone like you… she must have accumulated great fortune in her past lives."
Huo Qiqiang also exclaimed, "To see your act of kindness today, Sect Master Ning, truly fills me with admiration." With that, he, too, gave a thumbs-up.
"Oh no, not at all," Ning Fengzhi quickly replied. "I only do what I can."
After his daily act of kindness, Ning Fengzhi invited Huo Qiqiang to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to discuss some matters—that is a story for another time.
Meanwhile, after leaving Ning Fengzhi, the slave girl found a piece of discarded black cloth to cover her cat ears and tail. She didn't dare stay for even a moment and fled the city, wanting to get far away from Heaven Dou City.
During her time as a slave, she learned that girls like her were auctioned off as playthings, used to satisfy the particular desires of Heaven Dou City's nobles. She knew the nobles of the Heaven Dou Empire were twisted in their tastes—some liked children, some enjoyed the screams of young girls, and some indulged in grotesque body modifications. A girl like her fell perfectly within their hunting range.
She didn't believe that just because Ning Fengzhi had set her free, she was truly safe. From the moment she "gained freedom," the slaver squads had already marked her.
She was eventually caught again in an alley within Heaven Dou City.
"Your freedom ends here. Come with us," one of the slavers said coldly.
The girl didn't reply but turned and ran the other way—only to find more slavers waiting for her at the end of the alley.
She turned again, but all around her, from every direction, more slavers emerged. She was completely surrounded.
Finally, she spoke. "Sect Master Ning set me free. You can't take me."
The slavers paused for a moment, then burst into cruel laughter.
"Hahaha... You really are naive. It's true that Sect Master Ning set you free, but did he promise to protect your freedom? No, right?" the slaver leader sneered. "Over the years, that 'righteous' Sect Master has freed many slaves—but we always catch them again. One slave sold twice—he gets his reputation, we get our profits. A win-win."
"You fool. Give up your delusions. All those slaves he freed? We recaptured every single one of them. You'll be no different," another slaver jeered.
"Just come quietly, clean yourself up. The prince is waiting to be entertained," a third slaver added.
Their mocking laughter filled the alley as they slowly advanced toward her.
The girl shut her eyes in despair.
But after a while, the expected hands and blows never came. Her sensitive skin felt a sudden chill in the air.
She instinctively opened her eyes and saw that the slavers—who had moments ago been smug and arrogant—were now frozen in blocks of ice.
Their twisted smiles were still visible within the translucent ice.
What... what had just happened? She couldn't process it.
"You are Luo Xingqi," came a clear, ethereal voice from behind her.
The girl turned around and saw a stunning silver-haired woman standing between two frozen blocks of ice, looking at her. She was the source of the chilling cold. The slavers had all been killed by her icy powers.
She must be an immensely powerful soul master. But what was her goal?
The girl eyed her warily.
"Don't worry. I'm not like them. I came to save you," the woman said.
"Thank you." The girl gave a perfunctory reply. Having already been "saved" once, she had become immune to the false kindness of others.
"You once had a decent life—not wealthy, but you never lacked food or clothing. You saw the beautiful side of the world," the woman continued, "but then you fell into the abyss, saw its darkest side. Tell me, don't you want to change something?"
The girl shook her head, her eyes dull, voice bitter. "What could I possibly change?"
"The thing you most want to change—that answer lies within you. But I can give you the power to change everything."