Supernaturals.
Extraordinary powers that only emerged after spiritual energy's revival.
And they'd appeared a full year ago?
Hiding their trump cards, playing weak while being strong, concealing their true capabilities...
How very... Chinese of them.
Gu Ruoyi would bet her last shred of dignity that the government had even more powerful supernaturals hidden away as ultimate safeguards.
With a sigh, she turned to the man. "Your name? And if you're investigating spiritual tides, why come to my home?"
"Liu Feng. Field agent for the Relevant Department. My ability lets me phase into spatial folds—useless for combat but perfect for reconnaissance."
"As for why I'm here... our sensors detected an enormous spiritual energy vortex forming over your residence. The director feared an evolved beast might be emerging, so he sent me to investigate."
Ah.
Now Gu Ruoyi understood. When the angel genes transformed her body, they'd drawn in vast amounts of spiritual energy as fuel. The energy surge must have triggered government monitors, who assumed some creature was undergoing evolution. Hence Liu Feng's arrival—and his accidental eavesdropping.
What an absurd coincidence.
Still, this worked in her favor. Through this official, she could establish contact with the government and begin cooperation.
Exchanging glances with her parents, Gu Ruoyi's expression toward Liu Feng shifted into something... calculating.
——
While Gu Ruoyi schemed about governmental collaboration through Liu Feng, Wu Tong had already successfully absorbed both spirit rings. Not only had his internal energy surged, but Wisdom King's integration of new skills had enhanced its functions—bringing his plans one step closer to fruition.
Four more.
Rising from his meditation, Wu Tong's eyes gleamed with anticipation. Just four additional rings stood between him and completion. The thought of his nearing goal set his pulse racing.
"Congratulations, Brother Tong, on obtaining your desired rings."
Xue Qinghe's voice pulled him from his thoughts. The prince-turned-emperor offered sincere felicitations.
"Haha, all thanks to Brother Xue's assistance. Capturing these beasts alone would've cost me considerable effort." In high spirits, Wu Tong responded with rare warmth.
Their conversation continued until dusk, when Wu Tong hosted Xue Qinghe for dinner before seeing him off. With his guest departed, Wu Tong retreated into his workshop, channeling his restless energy into crafting Wisdom King's newly derived designs.
——
Time flowed like quicksilver.
Fifteen days had passed since Xue Qinghe delivered the spirit beasts—days filled with momentous events.
First came the imperial scandal following Prince Snow Star and Prince Snow崩's infamous brothel demise: Emperor Snow Night's sudden passing. Official reports claimed the aged ruler had exploded into cosmic particles when overpowering herbal energies overwhelmed his frail body—leaving not even ashes for potential resurrection.
After seven days of national mourning, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe ascended the throne as Emperor Qinghe, seamlessly delivering the Heaven Dou Empire into Spirit Hall's hands without bloodshed.
Next, news of Wu Tong's planned academy spread like wildfire across the continent. Every major faction now awaited its opening, eager to enroll their heirs under the tutelage of Douluo's foremost intellect.
Finally, the remaining three spirit beasts arrived—delivered by Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Wu Tong absorbed them immediately, extracting their skills to further refine Wisdom King's cognitive matrix.
——
Wu Tong ResidenceTraining Grounds
"At last... the final piece. The Wisdom Ape."
Wu Tong's voice trembled slightly as he gazed at the primate delivered by the Star Luo Empire. This was the keystone—the creature whose time-acceleration skill would complete his grand design.
He'd anticipated the Star Luo needing months to locate this rarity. Yet Emperor Star Luo had mobilized entire armies in a sweeping search. Within a week, the elusive ape was captured and personally escorted by Crown Prince Dai Weis, arriving this very day.
"Soon... very soon now."
The ape—bound in adamantine chains that restricted even finger twitches—met Wu Tong's burning stare with dull-eyed resignation. Its fate was sealed.
"Prince Dai, my deepest gratitude. You must be exhausted from the journey—allow me to arrange accommodations."
Dai Weis opened his mouth to decline, then caught Wu Tong's barely restrained urgency. The message was clear: Leave.
With diplomatic grace, the prince smiled. "The road was indeed long. I'll gladly accept your hospitality."
A snap of Wu Tong's fingers summoned maid Xiao Yun to guide their guest away.
Alone at last, Wu Tong turned to the ape.
No more delays.
His fist lashed out like lightning, trailing a shockwave that kicked up a dust storm engulfing both combatants. When the haze cleared, a gaping hole pierced the ape's torso—organs and sinews neatly displayed in cross-section.
The massive corpse toppled.
The Wisdom Ape was no more.
As black motes coalesced into a pitch-black spirit ring, Wu Tong sat cross-legged, drawing the ring onto himself to begin his final absorption.
...
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