Two days later.
On the main road leading to Heaven Dou City, a spirit-powered carriage pulled by a ten-year spirit beast, the Cloud-Treading Horse, moved steadily along the path.
Though no one held the reins, the carriage remained perfectly centered on the road, its direction unwavering as it advanced toward Heaven Dou City.
The carriage was crafted entirely from Wutong wood, its ancient yet refined carvings exuding understated elegance. Upon closer inspection, one could sense a profound simplicity—a return to the essence of beauty.
The Wutong wood emitted a faint, soothing fragrance, capable of calming the mind and repelling insects and wild beasts.
This carriage was none other than the Cloud-Treading Carriage, a top-tier luxury highly favored by nobility—and among the finest of its kind.
Inside the carriage sat Wu Tong and Dugu Bo, who had recently departed from Sunset Forest.
Wu Tong shifted uncomfortably as the carriage jolted beneath him.
He remembered this ride being far more pleasant before.
But after experiencing the modern comforts of Zhang Chulan's world, he could no longer tolerate the roughness of this ancient mode of transport.
When it came to quality of life, the underdeveloped, quasi-medieval world of spirit masters simply couldn't compare to the conveniences of modern society.
The difference in transportation alone was staggering.
Now that he'd grown accustomed to smooth-riding cars, this bumpy carriage felt unbearably primitive.
'Sigh… I suppose indulgence really is the ladder of progress.'
'Once I return, I'll have to build a better vehicle myself. Now that I've acquired the technology from the Otherworlders' world, combining it with spirit tool engineering might yield something far superior.'
As he mused, Wu Tong tried to distract himself from the discomfort by striking up a conversation with Dugu Bo.
"Old man, you said my academy's headquarters is already built—but where exactly is it located?"
"Finally, you ask! I thought you didn't care at all. Keeping it to myself was torture!"
The moment Wu Tong posed the question, Dugu Bo seized the chance to vent.
"…"
Wu Tong stared at the old man, who shed all dignity in front of acquaintances, and sighed.
"Alright, alright, I'll tell you."
Under Wu Tong's deadpan gaze, Dugu Bo quickly relented.
"Originally, your academy was supposed to be built within Heaven Dou Empire's borders. But when the other factions heard, they all objected—nearly starting a brawl over it."
"As expected, talent is sought after everywhere. And someone like me? It's only natural to be fought over."
Wu Tong smirked, earning a sharp glare from Dugu Bo for the interruption.
Wu Tong promptly mimed zipping his lips, signaling he wouldn't cut in again.
Satisfied, Dugu Bo continued:
"While the factions were deadlocked, I considered the matter of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well."
"So, I secured a location near Sunset Forest for you."
"This way, traveling between the academy and the Yin Yang Well will be much more convenient."
"The academy now stands in a valley east of Sunset Forest, fully equipped with all necessary facilities."
"As for the environment—don't worry. I oversaw the construction personally. Knowing your tastes, you'll love it."
"Now, all that's left is for you to inspect it and decide when to open the academy."
"Then why are we heading to Heaven Dou City instead of going straight to the academy?"
Wu Tong frowned in confusion.
Dugu Bo stroked his beard and chuckled.
"Naturally, to reap the benefits. After all this time, the factions must have gathered whatever resources they could."
"Once they learn I've come to fetch you, they'll send representatives to trade with you."
"Why wait when we can cash in now?"
"Ah, right!"
Wu Tong's eyes lit up with realization.
He began eagerly anticipating just how many points the gathered resources would yield.
Soon, the carriage arrived at Heaven Dou City.
Recognizing the noble-exclusive Cloud-Treading Carriage, the city guards didn't dare obstruct them, allowing immediate entry.
Pedestrians on the streets barely spared the carriage a glance.
As the imperial capital, Heaven Dou City housed mansions of nobles great and small.
While not every noble could afford such a carriage, sightings weren't rare enough to draw attention.
Little did they know, the passengers inside were none other than the infamous Poison Douluo and the prodigious scholar Wu Tong.
Unperturbed by onlookers, the Cloud-Treading Horse proceeded unerringly toward its destination.
Wutong Courtyard, Entrance.
A crowd had gathered, waiting.
At a glance, it was a who's who of the spirit master world:
Ning Fengzhi and the Sword Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
The Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo of the Spirit Hall.
Heaven Dou's royal representative, Xue Qinghe.
Star Luo's royal representative, Dai Weis.
The Tang Sect's representative, Tang Yuehua.
The heads of the Five Elemental Academies.
Every figure present was a titan of the spirit master world—yet all had assembled here, awaiting one man's arrival.
The moment Dugu Bo left Heaven Dou City, every major faction had been alerted, instantly deducing his purpose.
Thus, they dispatched envoys bearing their collected resources to Wu Tong's residence, poised for his return.
"Mr. Wu Tong has arrived!!!"
Suddenly, a sharp-eyed observer in the crowd spotted a Cloud-Treading Carriage approaching and cried out.
The crowd turned as one, confirming the sight.
Though the Cloud-Treading Horse appeared to move leisurely, it covered ground swiftly, soon halting before Wutong Courtyard.
All eyes fixated on the carriage.
Then—a leg emerged.
'He's here.'
The crowd tensed, ready to greet Wu Tong.
"What are you lot doing here? And why are you staring like that? It's creeping me out."
To their collective dismay, the first to exit was Dugu Bo.
The old man recoiled under the intense, expectant gazes of the assembled dignitaries.
Ignoring him, they rolled their eyes.
"Who's waiting for you, Poison Old Freak? We're here for Mr. Wu Tong. Try not to flatter yourself."
The Chrysanthemum Douluo didn't mince words.
"Ju Guan, you—"
Before Dugu Bo could retort, Wu Tong smoothly interjected, stepping out.
"Greetings, everyone."
Seeing Dugu Bo about to engage in a spat, Wu Tong swiftly intervened—this was no place for petty squabbles.
...
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