Wang Li actually knew very little about the Bai family of the Speed Clan. From the storyline, he only knew that they had once been one of the four major affiliated sects of the Clear Sky Sect.
During the period when the Clear Sky Sect was attacked by the Spirit Hall, the four affiliated sects were also targeted. In the end, the Clear Sky Sect sealed its mountain gates, and the four affiliated sects withdrew one after another.
Aside from the Strength Clan, the Tai family, which settled in Heaven Dou City, the Defense Clan, the Niu family, the Agility Clan, the Bai family, and the Breaking Clan, the Yang family, gradually migrated to the Star Luo Empire.
They did not enter provinces directly controlled by the Star Luo Empire, but instead settled in kingdoms and duchies subordinate to it.
This created a problem. If Wang Li wanted to find the Defense Clan, the Niu family, he still knew they were in Longxing City. However, he did not know the exact locations of the Breaking Clan, the Yang family, or the Agility Clan, the Bai family.
With no other option, they had to inquire along the way.
After Dugu Yan obtained her fourth soul ring, Dugu Bo, Dugu Yan, and Wang Li crossed the Star Dou Forest and entered the territory of the Star Luo Empire.
They then traveled rapidly between various cities and soon gathered the information they needed. It led them to a place called White Clan Fortress.
As they walked along the road, Dugu Yan looked at the desolate surroundings and asked in confusion:
"What is going on with the Bai family? They built their White Clan Fortress in such a remote and impoverished place!"
Wang Li thought for a moment before replying:
"Probably because they couldn't afford houses in the city. After all, city properties aren't cheap."
Dugu Bo's expression was unreadable. When he was young, the Clear Sky Sect had been the foremost of the seven great sects in the soul master world, possessing the world's strongest assault-type weapon spirit, the Clear Sky Hammer.
As one of the four affiliated sects of the Clear Sky Sect, the Agility Clan, the Bai family, had once enjoyed great glory. But now, they seemed to be living in quite miserable circumstances.
Along the way, everything they saw was barren and desolate. The place was extremely remote, and even the land was infertile. It was hardly a good location.
After walking for some time, they finally saw a fortress-like structure at the end of the road. It was built against the mountainside and looked rather imposing. Unfortunately, the surrounding desolation made it seem completely out of place.
As they noticed the fortress, the people inside also discovered them. After a sharp whistle, seven or eight flying soul masters swiftly flew toward them, faintly surrounding them.
Dugu Bo circulated his soul power, and a fierce aura flashed for an instant. The flying soul masters in the sky reacted as if they had encountered some terrifying soul beast. Flapping their wings, they scattered in panic.
After making their presence known, Dugu Bo said calmly:
"I want to see your clan leader."
Inside the fortress,
Wang Li and Dugu Yan stood beside Dugu Bo. Wang Li secretly observed his surroundings, guessing that the fortress was likely built by the Defense Clan, the Niu family. However, since the Agility Clan, the Bai family, lacked the money to settle in a city, they could only reside in the countryside. That was why such an imposing fortress stood in such a poor and remote area.
At this moment, Bai He, the clan leader of the Bai family, felt deeply uneasy. He was, after all, a Soul Sage, yet standing before Dugu Bo made his heart pound with fear. That alone spoke volumes.
Gritting his teeth, Bai He stepped forward and bowed:
"I am Bai He, clan leader of the Bai family. May I ask Senior's name? What brings you to White Clan Fortress? As long as it is within our ability, we will certainly satisfy Senior's request."
Dugu Bo lifted his eyelids slightly and spoke indifferently:
"My surname is Dugu, given name Bo. I have heard that your Bai family possesses a treasured heirloom, the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng. It happens to be of some use to me, so I have come to purchase it. Name your price. As long as it is reasonable, I will not bargain."
Bai He's heart skipped a beat. They did indeed possess the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng, but it was never shown lightly. Not even the Old Goat, Yang Wudi, had been told about it. How could news of it have spread?
However, Bai He did not dare question him. The surname Dugu and the name Bo,he already knew who stood before him.
The Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo, one of the most powerful figures on the continent, a name that inspired fear wherever it was spoken.
This was not someone the Bai family could refuse. Even if the four single-attribute clans gathered together, they would not dare provoke him.
Bitterness filled Bai He's heart, but he forced himself to speak, tentatively naming a price:
"So it is Your Excellency Biling. To be honest, our clan does indeed have a Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng. Since it is of use to Your Excellency, we are willing to part with it. How about… thirty thousand gold soul coins?"
Even Wang Li was shocked. Did Bai He not have a proper understanding of the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng's value? Thirty thousand gold soul coins was practically selling it at a loss.
Then again, in the original story, Bai He had given the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng to Tang San for free. Although there were familial ties involved, perhaps Bai He truly did not know its true worth.
At this moment, Dugu Bo could not accurately assess its value either. But if it could help Dugu Yan resolve her martial spirit defect, then it was priceless. After thinking for a while, he said:
"I do not like owing favors, nor do I wish to take advantage of you. However, I have always lived alone, and my financial resources are limited. One hundred and fifty thousand gold soul coins. What do you think?"
When Bai He heard this, his head spun. Having lived in poverty for so long, he knew exactly what an enormous sum one hundred and fifty thousand gold soul coins was.
With that amount, the entire Agility Clan would not have to worry about their livelihood for at least ten years. They could devote far more time to cultivation.
Exchanging one Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng for ten years of development for the entire clan was absolutely worth it in Bai He's eyes.
He nodded repeatedly, almost afraid Dugu Bo might change his mind:
"I agree, I agree! Your Excellency Biling is truly noble and upright. I admire you greatly. Please wait a moment, I will return shortly!"
With that, Bai He hurried off as fast as he could.
After he left, Dugu Bo lowered his voice:
"Xiao Li, is that price worth it for a single Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng?"
Wang Li glanced at Dugu Yan and nodded firmly:
"It's worth it. As long as it can help Sister Yan, we're still getting the better deal."
Dugu Yan was also nervous. As far as she knew, one hundred and fifty thousand gold soul coins had nearly emptied her grandfather's savings.
Now it all depended on whether the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng could truly improve her martial spirit defect.
Before long, Bai He returned. However, compared to the joy he had displayed when leaving, his face was now filled with despair. In a sorrowful voice, he said:
"Your Excellency Biling, our clan's heirloom, the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng, has been stolen!"
"What!"
Dugu Bo's face twisted fiercely, his eyes brimming with ferocity. The sudden turn of events enraged him. Nearly roaring, he shouted:
"Are you playing me for a fool? I did not treat you unfairly in price, and now you tell me the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng has been stolen!"
Wang Li and Dugu Yan were also left completely stunned.
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