"Death..." As the final word fell from Ning Fengzhi's lips, the four Titled Douluos kneeling in the hall fell deathly silent, their breathing nearly coming to a standstill.
There was no warmth in Ning Fengzhi's voice. At this moment, a single sentence from him could decide their fate.
Ning Fengzhi was acting this way out of pure fury. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was already so powerful, yet they hadn't moved against Spirit Hall. Yet, Bibi Dong actually dared to strike first.
Unlike Gu Xuan, who had foreknowledge, Ning Fengzhi was a true native. Even though the clan's intelligence system was excellent, Bibi Dong's methods were indeed sophisticated. If Zuo Yi hadn't been the one on duty today, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan might truly have suffered some losses.
Fortunately, as the clan grew stronger, at least one Titled Douluo was assigned to patrol every day, rotating every month to ensure security. Furthermore, after the attack began, Zuo Yi had already led Long Wu and Mi He toward the Sunset Forest. Although Ye Haitang and Yang Wudi were there, Ning Fengzhi took no chances to ensure the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well remained secure.
Gu Xuan didn't stop him. What if Bibi Dong had discovered the well? One couldn't assume that having a prophetic advantage meant total security. This Soul Hunting Operation, for instance, had occurred roughly three months earlier than in the original story.
Hearing Ning Fengzhi's words, the four Spirit Hall Titled Douluos nodded sincerely. They didn't want to die; otherwise, they wouldn't have surrendered. The sight of Devil Bear Douluo being insta-killed by Chen Xin had shaken them to the core. As Titled Douluos themselves, they had never seen a powerhouse of their level killed in a single strike.
Seeing their decent attitude, Ning Fengzhi continued. "Besides this clan, what were Spirit Hall's other targets? Who are the participants?"
Ghost Leopard Douluo was the first to answer. "This mission is called the 'Soul Hunting Operation.' The primary targets are your noble clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, as well as several factions that refused to join Spirit Hall."
"Approximately ten thousand Soul Masters were mobilized. All Titled Douluos of Spirit Hall were deployed. Elders Chrysanthemum and Ghost are leading the sneak attack on the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Calculating the time, the battle there should have already begun."
Spirit Kite Douluo added hastily. "We—no, Spirit Hall also allied with the Four Lower Sects. Besides the operations against the two great sects, there is a plan to subvert the Heaven Dou Imperial Family. The Pope... Bi... Bibi Dong arranged an undercover agent within the royalty. It is the former Second Prince, Xue Qinghe, who is now the Crown Prince. The plan is to replace the Emperor, seize the throne, unify Heaven Dou, and then use it as a foundation to annex the continent and establish the Spirit Empire..."
Ning Fengzhi asked his questions, and the four Titled Douluos, kneeling like dogs to find a sliver of hope, confessed everything they knew without daring to hide a thing. Given the clan's current strength, they knew it wouldn't fear Spirit Hall's retaliation. If they lied now, even if they survived, they would eventually be exposed. Being smart men, they chose the wisest path.
After answering all of Ning Fengzhi's questions, the four pleaded simultaneously. "Clan Leader Ning, we were merely carrying out orders. If you can overlook our past transgressions, we four are willing to risk our lives for you."
Ning Fengzhi glanced at them and then looked at Gu Xuan. Gu Xuan was slightly stunned. He hadn't expected Ning Fengzhi to consider his opinion at this moment, especially in front of these four. By not asking the Sword and Bone Douluos, Ning Fengzhi was making it clear to the captives that Gu Xuan held immense weight and status within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Gu Xuan didn't shy away. He said softly. "Clan Leader, these four are seniors in the Soul Master world. Since they hold no personal grudge against the clan and were only working for Bibi Dong, perhaps we should keep them. They are four Titled Douluos, after all. Even as cannon fodder, they are stronger than ordinary men."
The four captives nodded quickly. Although Gu Xuan's words were a warning, living was better than dying right now. Whether they became cannon fodder depended on their value and ability. Having lived for decades to reach the Titled Douluo realm, they understood this truth perfectly.
However, they were surprised by Gu Xuan's high standing. Specifically, Snake Lance and Porcupine. If not for Snake Lance's secret letter back then, Gu Xuan might not have successfully married Qian Renxue as his sixth wife. That letter had drawn Qian Daoliu's attention and led Golden Crocodile Douluo to investigate Gu Xuan. But Snake Lance and Porcupine didn't dare mention that now; such things were for building rapport later, not for risking their lives in the present.
After learning of Bibi Dong's plan, Ning Fengzhi fell into thought. He had known about Qian Renxue from Gu Xuan. While the news had initially worried him, those worries vanished once it was confirmed she would marry Gu Xuan. His student of many years was becoming Gu Xuan's woman; the "benefits" stayed within the family.
Moreover, if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan wanted to unify the continent, the Heaven Dou Imperial Family was an obstacle that had to be removed. Because of Gu Xuan's relationship with Xue Ke, Ning Fengzhi hadn't found a good way to solve this. Now, Bibi Dong was doing the dirty work for him. He was happy to let the imperial family be cleared out without lifting a finger.
He had worried Gu Xuan might act on emotion, but it turned out he had overthought it. Gu Xuan noticed Ning Fengzhi's contemplation and offered his suggestion. "Clan Leader, the imperial family will surely be a stumbling block on our future path. Since Bibi Dong is helping us with this favor, there's no need for us to rush to Heaven Dou City."
Gu Xuan paused, then continued. "However, I think we can save the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
Ning Fengzhi raised an eyebrow, testing Gu Xuan. "Why? What are your thoughts?"
Gu Xuan didn't answer immediately. Instead, he called out to Gu Rong. "Grandpa."
Seeing Gu Xuan's expression, Gu Rong understood instantly. His spatial power activated, isolating the space around the four kneeling Titled Douluos so they couldn't hear the conversation.
With Gu Rong's nod, Gu Xuan continued. "If we want to unify the continent, doing it entirely on our own won't be easy. If we can get the backing of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, it will be much simpler."
Ning Fengzhi nodded in agreement. With the clan's current strength and the support of the Elder Hall's Worships, they could easily sweep across the continent. But Gu Xuan didn't want to slaughter everyone; these people would be his future subjects. He wanted a flourishing era with many schools of thought. Preserving the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was fine. They had no power to oppose him now, and even less in the future.
As one of the upper three sects, their support would give the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan both prestige and legitimacy. With the support of one of the upper sects and the Elder Hall, the clan's ascension to the throne would face far less resistance. Once they reached the top and spent a few decades developing, the continent would truly be unified.
Taking Gu Xuan's advice, Ning Fengzhi looked back at the captives as Gu Rong released the spatial seal.
"You four, since you wish to join this sect, I naturally welcome you. However, since you previously committed an invasion against us, I intend to give you something as a safeguard." Ning Fengzhi wore a warm smile, as if truly accepting them.
The four looked up joyfully and nodded repeatedly. "Thank you, Clan Leader. From now on, we are willing to give our all for the clan until our dying breath."
Ning Fengzhi nodded with satisfaction. "Stand up. From now on, you four will serve in the Elder Hall."
"Thank you, Clan Leader."
The four stood up slowly. Because they hadn't dared to use soul power to relax while kneeling under the pressure of the Sword and Bone Douluos, their knees were bruised, and they were trembling.
As they stood, Ning Fengzhi took out four porcelain vials and tossed them over. They didn't know what was inside, but under Ning Fengzhi's gaze, they opened them. A strange fragrance wafted out, making their hearts leap. It wasn't a treasure, but a poison. A formidable one.
Porcupine Douluo, who lived on poison and had immense resistance, looked particularly grave upon smelling it.
"Clan Leader, this is?" Ghost Leopard Douluo asked.
Ning Fengzhi chuckled. "This is Elder Dugu's latest masterpiece. Even for a Titled Douluo, if you don't take the antidote within a month of consumption, your organs will rupture, and your body will rot until you die."
"However, if taken with the antidote for refinement, it is a rare treasure that greatly benefits cultivation."
Looking at Ning Fengzhi's warm smile and hearing those words, the four felt a chill down their spines. 'This is what you give us?' But they knew they had no choice. They were prisoners. To live, they had to swallow it.
Seeing their grim expressions, Ning Fengzhi's smile remained. "Don't worry. Shortly, Uncle Bone will take you to reinforce the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. This is just a precaution. If Uncle Bone is satisfied with your performance during the rescue, I will hand over the antidote upon your return. Combined with this 'Fragrant Marrow Refinement Liquid,' it might even help your cultivation advance."
The four hesitated no longer. They poured the contents into their mouths. The liquid turned into a heat wave that entered their bodies like a maggot in the bone. Even Porcupine Douluo's toxin-swallowing ability couldn't remove it. Within seconds, they felt weak, and an agonizing burning sensation spread through them.
They realized Ning Fengzhi wasn't lying. The poison was real and acted almost instantly, even on their constitutions. This deepened their fear of Dugu Bo. They were already shocked by his Rank 95 cultivation, as he was once known as the weakest Titled Douluo.
That reputation existed because while his poison was terrifying, it usually couldn't breach the defenses of a Titled Douluo. Now, however, Dugu Bo's strength had exploded, and since the four had swallowed the poison willingly, it had bypassed all defenses. Even Porcupine Douluo couldn't clear it.
Seeing the poison take effect, Ning Fengzhi threw four more vials. They swallowed the contents without hesitation. Their faces calmed as the pain subsided. The toxin was still there, hidden, but no longer acting.
Ning Fengzhi said. "The pills you just took suppress the liquid. But if you don't get the antidote within a month, you will still die. Everything depends on your performance."
The four knelt again, voices trembling. "We have no secondary heart. We are willing to die for the Clan Leader!"
Ning Fengzhi raised a hand. "Elders, there is no need for this. This poison is a warning, but also an opportunity. The choice is yours."
"We understand," they replied in terror.
Ning Fengzhi then said to Gu Rong. "Uncle Bone, I must trouble you to take them to reinforce the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
Gu Rong nodded. As he was about to speak, Gu Xuan interjected. "Uncle, Yan'zi and I will go as well."
This time, Gu Xuan didn't say "Clan Leader," but called him "Uncle."
Ning Fengzhi initially wanted to refuse, as this was a battle of Titled Douluos, but remembering Gu Xuan's strength, he reconsidered. They all knew of Qian Renxue's Rank 90+ strength, and that Gu Xuan had defeated her even with her two hundred-thousand-year rings. His power was beyond doubt.
Ning Fengzhi nodded. "Prioritize your safety above all else."
"Understood." Gu Xuan nodded.
He then looked at Gu Rong. "Grandpa, let's go."
(End of Chapter)
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