"You have something you wish to discuss with me? I wonder what it might be."
The speaker was Qian Xunji, his tone calm but carrying a trace of curiosity. As the Pope of Spirit Hall, he was accustomed to negotiations, alliances, and hidden intentions. Yet even so, the visit from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect's leader was enough to pique his interest.
Standing across from him, Yu Yuanzhen let out a faint sigh, his expression complicated.
"When my son was born," he began slowly, "something went wrong."
His gaze briefly shifted toward the young man standing beside him—Yu Xiaogang.
"For reasons I could not determine at the time, his soul was unstable. He spent his childhood in a constant daze, unable to respond to the world around him like a normal child."
Even now, recalling those years stirred emotions within him.
"It wasn't until the eve of his Martial Soul Awakening that something changed. It was as though he received a blessing from the heavens… and suddenly, he recovered."
Yu Xiaogang remained silent, but his eyes flickered slightly.
"However," Yu Yuanzhen continued, his voice lowering, "although his mind returned, his innate talent did not."
"A malignant mutation of his spirit. Innate Rank 1 Soul Power."
He paused.
"For years, this matter has weighed heavily on my heart."
On the opposite side, Qian Xunji and the others exchanged subtle glances.
What was the point of bringing this up?
This was hardly a secret.
In fact, throughout the upper circles of the Douluo Continent, Yu Xiaogang's early life had long been common knowledge. His initial disgrace… and later, his shocking reversal of fate.
Especially after he obtained his first spirit ring—a thousand-year one—Yu Yuanzhen had made sure the entire world knew.
So why repeat it now?
Yu Yuanzhen did not keep them waiting.
"Your Holiness is surely aware," he continued, "that my son's first spirit ring was a thousand-year ring. His second spirit ring… also a thousand-year ring."
Even now, the achievement was astonishing.
"Those two rings greatly enhanced his mutated spirit, allowing it to evolve slightly."
He paused briefly before adding:
"And through that evolution… we discovered something unexpected."
Qian Xunji leaned forward slightly.
"The attribute of his spirit… changed."
"From thunder…"
"To light."
Silence fell.
Then—
Understanding dawned in Qian Xunji's eyes.
So that's it.
Yu Yuanzhen wasn't here to reminisce.
He was here to negotiate.
He wanted his son to enter Spirit Hall.
After all, if one spoke of research into the light attribute, no force on the continent could compare to the Qian family.
Beside him, Bibi Dong quietly observed Yu Xiaogang.
She had met him once before, in the Star Dou Great Forest.
At the time, she had not thought much of him.
But later…
She heard about his achievements.
A thousand-year first spirit ring.
Something even she had not accomplished.
Her own first ring had only been a hundred-year one.
How could someone with supposedly inferior talent surpass her in such a way?
Now, seeing him again…
She frowned slightly.
He looked… ordinary.
Nothing remarkable.
And yet—
Her curiosity only deepened.
"Sect Master Yu," Qian Xunji finally spoke, his tone measured, "research into the light attribute is an inner secret of Spirit Hall."
"Even among our own members, not everyone has access to it."
The meaning was clear.
If you want it… you must pay for it.
Yu Yuanzhen nodded.
Of course, he understood.
The true value here wasn't knowledge.
It was exchange.
And right now, the most coveted thing the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect possessed…
Was not their legacy.
But their secret method.
The method that could increase the age of spirit rings.
"How about this," Yu Yuanzhen said.
"My son will study here in Spirit Hall."
"In exchange…"
"Our sect will provide one portion of the secret medicine that enhances a Soul Master's physique."
Qian Xunji smiled faintly.
But he shook his head.
"Sect Master Yu… I'm afraid that is not sincere enough."
"To trade access to our inner secrets for just one portion…"
"You are underestimating Spirit Hall."
The air grew tense.
Yu Yuanzhen narrowed his eyes.
"Two portions," he said firmly.
"That is my limit."
He raised two fingers.
"This formula cannot be obtained anywhere else."
Then, his gaze flicked toward Bibi Dong.
"I assume… Your Holiness would give one portion to your disciple."
"And keep one for your own bloodline."
"Beyond that… who else would receive such a reward?"
Qian Xunji was silent for a moment.
Then—
"Very well."
"Two portions."
"But…"
His eyes sharpened.
"They must be identical to the one used on your son."
"The results speak for themselves."
Yu Yuanzhen did not reply.
But his silence…
Was agreement.
"Then it is settled," Qian Xunji said.
"Two portions of secret medicine… in exchange for your son studying in Spirit Hall."
He raised his glass.
"I hope he gains what he seeks."
The glasses clinked.
The deal was done.
The Banquet
With negotiations complete, the atmosphere shifted.
The formal tension dissolved into the lively hum of a grand banquet.
As hosts, Qian Xunji and his entourage remained at the center of attention.
Meanwhile, as the Sect Master of one of the Upper Three Sects—and a Titled Douluo—Yu Yuanzhen quickly became surrounded by guests.
And naturally…
Yu Xiaogang became the focus as well.
Even before today, his name had spread far and wide.
From disgrace…
To legend.
Now, seeing him in person, many couldn't resist their curiosity.
"Is that really him?"
"The one with the thousand-year first ring?"
"He looks… quite ordinary."
Yu Xiaogang followed behind his father, maintaining a polite smile.
Answering questions.
Nodding.
Repeating explanations.
Again and again.
Soon…
His face began to stiffen.
This is torture.
He glanced at his father.
Yu Yuanzhen stood tall, composed, speaking effortlessly with each new guest.
But—
Yu Xiaogang noticed it.
The slight twitch at the corner of his father's mouth.
As expected of Father.
Even when he's dying inside… he still looks calm on the surface.
Another group approached.
More questions.
More smiles.
More polite responses.
I can't do this anymore.
Yu Xiaogang's patience reached its limit.
He scanned the room.
Then—
Opportunity.
While Yu Yuanzhen was occupied, Yu Xiaogang quietly stepped back.
One step.
Two.
Three.
Then—
He slipped away.
The Balcony
He moved quickly toward a quiet corner of the hall.
The balcony.
Opening the door just slightly, he slipped inside.
The night air greeted him.
Cool.
Refreshing.
Liberating.
Yu Xiaogang exhaled deeply.
His entire body relaxed.
Finally…
Looking down at his formal attire, he couldn't help himself.
He stretched.
Moved.
Even did a few exaggerated exercises.
"If only there were more space…"
"I'd do a few flips."
"Ahhh…"
"Refreshing!"
He leaned against the railing, letting the breeze wash away the exhaustion.
For a brief moment—
Peace.
Then—
"Pfft."
A soft sound.
Barely audible.
But unmistakable.
Yu Xiaogang froze.
Slowly…
Very slowly…
He turned his head.
And there—
In the corner of the balcony—
Stood Bibi Dong.
She held a small pastry in one hand.
The other covered her mouth.
Her eyes sparkled with suppressed laughter.
She had seen everything.
Yu Xiaogang's expression…
Cracked.
Socializing…
Was truly the worst.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)