Chapter 90 — Secret Talks of the Imperial Court
When Dugu Bo claimed that the herb before them could evolve a martial soul, Manager Fu was startled.
After hesitating, he said carefully,
"This… this matter is of great importance. I'm afraid I don't have the authority to decide."
But inwardly, he was doubtful.
Yes, this person held the highest-tier VIP card of the Heaven Dou Auction House.
But taking out a random herb and claiming it could evolve a martial soul?
How could he believe that so easily?
If it turned out to be false and made a fool of them, the auction house's reputation—built over many years—would be ruined.
That responsibility wasn't something he could bear.
Dugu Bo's expression immediately darkened.
"Do you think a Title Douluo like me would lie at the expense of my own reputation?"
As he spoke, he stood up.
Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, red!
Nine soul rings silently unfolded around him.
A terrifying pressure filled the small room.
Manager Fu's eyes widened in shock.
He stared at Dugu Bo—and the soul rings surrounding him—in disbelief.
An overwhelming pressure like a mountain crashed down on him.
He almost dropped to his knees.
Fortunately, the pressure vanished as quickly as it came.
But even in that brief moment, cold sweat had already soaked his forehead.
He nodded frantically.
"Yes, yes! Of course, Your Excellency—your status as a Title Douluo is beyond question!"
"It's just… the claim is so shocking that I couldn't react in time."
When he first entered, he had already sensed that Dugu Bo was extraordinary.
But he never imagined—
This young-looking man was actually a Title Douluo.
And one who even possessed a hundred-thousand-year soul ring…
Where did such a figure come from?
Why had he never heard of him before?
To ease his concerns, Dugu Bo said calmly,
"You don't need to worry. When the auction begins, I will personally appear."
This statement reassured Manager Fu completely.
Since Dugu Bo had said so, refusing now would be foolish.
Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he asked,
"When would you like to schedule the auction? And for the transaction—gold soul coins, or barter?"
For treasures of this level, barter was usually preferred.
After all, for top experts, gold meant little.
Manager Fu hesitated before adding,
"This item is extremely valuable. If you're not in a hurry, I suggest waiting a few days."
"We can promote it in advance and increase competition—so it sells for a higher price."
Of course, he also intended to use that time to have experts verify whether the herb was truly as miraculous as claimed.
If it turned out to be fake—
Even if Dugu Bo was a Title Douluo, the auction house would cancel the event.
After all, behind the Heaven Dou Auction House stood the Heaven Dou Imperial Family.
Even a Title Douluo would think twice before offending them.
Dugu Bo replied,
"Set it for five days later."
"As for the method—gold soul coins plus treasures."
"Don't worry. I will attend in person."
Clearly seeing through Manager Fu's thoughts, Dugu Bo lightly patted his shoulder before leaving.
Manager Fu's body tensed instantly.
For a moment, he genuinely feared that a single slap might kill him.
Facing a Title Douluo—
Even the auction house might not dare stand up for him.
Fortunately, Dugu Bo merely patted him lightly and walked out.
Manager Fu hurried after him, escorting him to the entrance.
"Your Excellency, take care!"
After Dugu Bo disappeared from sight, Manager Fu immediately rushed back inside with the jade box.
He had to show this herb to his superiors before making any decisions.
After all—
This was a claim made by a Title Douluo.
He didn't dare take it lightly.
He understood very well what it meant if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda could evolve.
It could change history.
It could elevate the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to an even higher position on the continent.
This decision had to be made at the highest level.
And many of the auction house's higher-ups were members of the imperial family.
So that very night—
The news reached the ears of the Heaven Dou Emperor, Xue Ye.
After receiving the report, Emperor Xue Ye immediately ordered the Beautiful Silk Tulip to be brought into the palace.
The Heaven Dou Empire and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect were allies.
Strengthening them would only bring benefits.
Moreover, he knew that Ning Fengzhi had long sought a way to evolve his martial soul.
If this was real—
He had to inform them in advance.
The night sky was clear, with a full moon hanging high.
Inside the imperial bedchamber:
Emperor Xue Ye sat at the head.
Beside him were the Crown Prince Xue Qinghe—who was actually Qian Renxue in disguise—and the recently advanced Title Douluo, the Grand Consecrator.
"Father, is that information true?"
Xue Qinghe asked, a strange glint in his eyes.
"It came from a mysterious Title Douluo," Xue Ye replied without looking up, still examining the jade box.
"He also stated he will appear on the day of the auction."
"So the information is most likely true."
Not from Dugu Bo?
Hearing this, Xue Qinghe was slightly surprised.
She had assumed this herb also came from Dugu Bo.
Had her earlier judgment been wrong?
After examining it for a while without understanding anything, Xue Ye handed the box to the Grand Consecrator.
"Take a look. Is it really as miraculous as claimed?"
The Grand Consecrator studied it carefully before shaking his head.
"I cannot say for certain."
"But it feels similar to the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower I once consumed."
"It's very likely that it can indeed evolve the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda."
Xue Ye fell into deep thought.
The Grand Consecrator asked quietly,
"Your Majesty, are you planning to trade this directly to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"
Xue Ye nodded, then sighed slightly.
"I did consider that."
"But since that Title Douluo chose to auction it, he clearly won't agree to a private deal."
The reasoning was simple.
If he wanted, he could have gone directly to the sect.
Clearly—
He wanted to maximize his profit.
After thinking for a moment, Xue Ye ordered writing materials and composed a letter.
He handed it to the Grand Consecrator.
"Please make a trip and deliver this to Sect Master Ning."
"Understood, Your Majesty."
With that, the Grand Consecrator disappeared into the night.
Meanwhile, after leaving the auction house, Dugu Bo did not return to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
Instead, he found a hotel in Heaven Dou City and stayed there.
Now—
All he had to do was wait.
Wait for the auction house to build momentum.
Wait for both the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Spirit Hall to receive the news.
Then, on the day of the auction—
He would appear under this current identity.
After that—
He could simply switch back to his identity as Dugu Bo.
Everything…
Was proceeding exactly as he planned.
[End of Chapter 90]
T/N: a risky but smart move may I say