Chapter 46: The Sudden Persuasion
Douluo: Dugu Bo's Life Simulator
When Dugu Bo reached the platform atop the Worship Hall, Bibi Dong and the two Titled Douluo, Chrysanthemum and Ghost, along with Golden Crocodile—who was presiding over the coronation—were already there.
At the center of the platform stood a high dais, atop which rested a crown-like headpiece.
All eyes immediately fixed on Dugu Bo.
Even Bibi Dong, Golden Crocodile, and the other already Titled Douluo present were astonished by the red soul ring hovering beside him.
Chrysanthemum Douluo whispered in disbelief:
"Ten… it's a hundred-thousand-year soul ring?"
Although he knew Dugu Bo was a Titled Douluo, he had no idea he possessed a hundred-thousand-year soul ring.
The rarity of such a soul ring was known best to those who had already reached Titled Douluo status.
A Titled Douluo with a hundred-thousand-year soul ring was on an entirely different level from one without.
Setting aside the two extra soul skills it granted, the physical enhancements alone surpassed anything a ten-thousand-year soul ring could provide.
It was almost guaranteed that a soul master with a hundred-thousand-year soul ring could cultivate beyond level ninety-five.
Bibi Dong's eyes shifted as she realized the opportunity: she wanted to bring Dugu Bo over to her side.
Currently, she could command only the two Titled Douluo, Chrysanthemum and Ghost. If she gained another, she would have a stronger hand in her upcoming journey to the Star Dou Forest.
Golden Crocodile glanced at Bibi Dong knowingly, seeming to understand her thoughts.
He was also puzzled. He himself possessed a hundred-thousand-year soul ring. He knew how difficult it was to acquire such a beast. His ring had been obtained with the help of Qian Daoliu and a few of his old comrades.
But Dugu Bo… he hadn't joined any faction. Who could have helped him hunt such a beast?
Before he could ponder further, a platinum-ranked priest stepped forward. Acting as the master of ceremonies, he activated his soul power and announced loudly:
"The coronation ceremony officially begins!"
Dugu Bo strode along the red carpet toward the dais.
In a single step, he stood before Golden Crocodile.
Golden Crocodile regarded him, then slowly picked up the ornate crown from the table.
Dugu Bo slightly bowed in response.
Golden Crocodile placed the crown upon Dugu Bo's head.
The platinum priest immediately proclaimed:
"Dugu Bo, reaching Titled Douluo at seventy years old, title… Poison!"
At the priest's announcement, the rows of temple knights bowed in unison and shouted:
"Hail Titled Douluo, Your Grace Poison!"
Thousands of voices echoed across the sky.
A faint smile appeared on Dugu Bo's face.
The priest leaned closer and whispered with a smile:
"Your Grace, you should show yourself to the crowd."
Dugu Bo nodded, turned with the crown on his head, and leapt off the cliff.
Wind whistled past his ears, the robe billowing dramatically. As he neared the ground, he abruptly halted, suspended just meters above it.
The crowd below cheered and waved.
Spirit Hall's method was effective—it inspired all the soul masters living in Spirit City to train harder.
After flying around the city, Dugu Bo returned to the mountaintop, returning the crown to Spirit Hall.
No questions—just expensive.
With that, the coronation ceremony concluded.
The temple knights returned to their posts in orderly fashion.
Once most had left and Dugu Bo prepared to depart, Golden Crocodile called out:
"Dugu Bo, you haven't joined any faction yet, have you?"
Dugu Bo, anticipating the question, shook his head:
"No."
Golden Crocodile's face formed a seemingly friendly smile:
"Would you be willing to join our Worship Hall?"
Before Dugu Bo could answer, Bibi Dong approached gracefully and said lightly:
"Golden Crocodile, Titled Douluo Poison hasn't reached Super Douluo yet. Inviting him now seems premature, doesn't it?"
Drawn by the hundred-thousand-year soul ring, Bibi Dong had noticed Dugu Bo didn't look seventy but more like a thirty-year-old man.
His handsome face and dark green hair gave him an otherworldly charm. She couldn't help glancing twice.
She smiled slightly and teased:
"Aren't you afraid the Grand Worshiper will question you later?"
Golden Crocodile ignored her, maintaining a calm tone:
"If you join our Worship Hall, I can save a seat for you."
He glanced provocatively at Bibi Dong, attempting to exploit a loophole in the rules. Even Qian Daoliu couldn't object.
Dugu Bo watched them bicker and found it amusing—a current Pope of Spirit Hall and a peak Titled Douluo of level ninety-eight competing to recruit him.
Yet he knew their interest wasn't only in his strength; it was also to irk the other side.
He, a newly crowned Titled Douluo, wasn't yet that sought after.
Ignoring Golden Crocodile, Bibi Dong addressed Dugu Bo:
"Titled Douluo Poison, our Elders' Hall also has vacancies. Becoming an elder allows you to command Spirit Hall members below platinum-ranked priests within limits."
Golden Crocodile, inexperienced in recruitment, hadn't offered any real benefit. Why would anyone join him for just a title?
The Worship Hall, though prestigious, held little real authority. The elders were essentially retired; the Pope Hall had no jurisdiction over them.
Golden Crocodile, however, thought it was enough honor to offer a seat to Dugu Bo—also recognizing that he could easily surpass level ninety-five.
Dugu Bo smiled faintly:
"Thanks for your kind offer, but I'm used to acting alone. I don't wish to join any faction."
The expressions of Golden Crocodile and Bibi Dong shifted in surprise.
Neither expected Dugu Bo to reject both factions.
Both, however, held high positions and had already given face by attempting to recruit him.
Now, hearing his refusal, they could not push further.
Even Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo hadn't anticipated Dugu Bo would decline the invitations.
Their faces first froze, then flashed with anger.
In their eyes, Bibi Dong personally inviting him was already generous, yet Dugu Bo had the audacity to refuse.