He Didn't Really Intend to Stop Him Either

Although Kong You's words were ill-timed, it must be said that they made the atmosphere in the private room much more ambiguous.

Oscar could also feel that Zhu Zhuqing's resistance toward him had lessened slightly, but now was not the time to dwell on that.

After leaving the Soto Grand Spirit Fighting Arena, the group of four headed to a nearby tavern called Gulan Pavilion.

This tavern was not particularly famous within Soto City, but among high-ranking officials, wealthy nobles, and pleasure-seeking Spirit Masters, it was practically a household name.

As soon as he stepped inside, Oscar could sense the unique nature of the service, and after glancing at Kong You, he shook his head helplessly.

Coming here today was primarily to discuss follow-up matters with Kong You; after all, the chaotic environment of the Grand Spirit Fighting Arena was hardly suitable for a detailed conversation.

Once the lavish meal was served, Kong You finally opened the conversation:

"Brother Yuan, I am truly impressed by today's match. The strength you and Brother Jueyu displayed is far beyond what a Spirit Grandmaster should possess.

The terms we discussed previously can naturally be scrapped. I will do my best to secure some benefits for you within the family, and as for our cooperation, I hope it can be even more..."

Just as Kong You reached this point, he was interrupted by the sound of Oscar's fingers tapping against the table.

"The cooperation remains as it was before. You know we prioritize discretion."

Although Kong You hadn't achieved his goal, he didn't feel it was a pity. After all, he had only been testing the waters—what if it had worked?

Instead, he laughed and invited everyone to eat, highlighting some of the tavern's specialty dishes.

Oscar and Kong You's conversation had left Zhu Zhuqing completely confused, but since she and Oscar were only ordinary friends, she wasn't in a position to ask further, though she couldn't help but feel that Oscar had become much more mysterious.

As for Ma Hongjun, he didn't care what his senior brother was discussing. He knew that when the time was right, his senior brother would tell him, and besides... no matter what his senior brother wanted to do, he would always follow by his side, never taking a step back.

"And the item I requested?"

What Oscar was referring to was a 100,000-year Spirit Bone. Even though the two spoke of it casually, in reality, many Spirit Douluo and even some Title Douluo had never possessed such a thing!

It was only because one of them had set their sights on the one belonging to Tang San's mother, and the other had a family with an unknown, long-standing heritage, that such a thing could even be considered by two Spirit Grandmasters.

Kong You pondered for a moment. This Spirit Bone naturally couldn't be promised to Oscar on his own authority; the promise was made on behalf of the Sky Net, which, while only showing the tip of the iceberg, remained incredibly mysterious!

Given the self-created spirit skills Oscar had displayed, he was already somewhat tempted. He believed that as long as his family could obtain a portion of Oscar's self-created skills, they would absolutely be willing to pay the price of a 100,000-year Spirit Bone.

But now that Oscar had clearly rejected the possibility of deeper cooperation, it meant that this Spirit Bone still held some... suspense.

However, he still spoke up:

"Brother Yuan, you don't need to worry about this matter. I will discuss it with the family and guarantee you a satisfactory result."

Kong You dared to make such a guarantee because he had already prepared himself. If the family were to weigh the costs and reduce the compensation, he was willing to pay a portion out of his own pocket to secure the 100,000-year Spirit Bone.

The relationship between him and Oscar wasn't purely transactional; a large part of it was that they simply hit it off. Otherwise, given Oscar's years of experience practicing in the world, he would have certainly sensed the ulterior motives and distanced himself.

"That's great to hear. I thank you in advance, Brother Kong."

Oscar smiled and raised his glass, downing the drink in one gulp. Although it was called wine, it tasted somewhat like the... beverages he had consumed in that other world.

The meal was a pleasant affair for both host and guest. After eating, Kong You cast an ambiguous look at Oscar and, deciding not to follow the three of them any further, turned and left.

Oscar guessed that this guy was likely heading back to his family to discuss the subsequent matters.

What was even more absurd was that this guy wasn't actually very old—he was even younger than Dai Mubai.

Sure enough... none of these hidden families were simple. Although none of these hidden families had appeared during the turmoil in the Inner Scene, it was highly likely that... it was simply because they had no vested interest in it?

Oscar had always been too lazy to overthink matters that didn't concern him, so he left it at that.

By the time they left the tavern, it was already midnight, but the streets outside were still brightly lit.

In high spirits, Oscar called for Ma Hongjun, intending to wander around a bit more at night. He tentatively asked Zhu Zhuqing, and to his surprise, she agreed.

And so, the three of them strolled aimlessly through Soto City. For some reason—perhaps because they all shared the same subconscious thought—it wasn't long before they found themselves outside the Rose Hotel.

Coincidentally, there was a man at the entrance with his arm around a young girl, looking around as if he hadn't decided where to spend the night.

"Brother Ao! Hongjun! Over here!"

The man was none other than Dai Mubai. Seeing Oscar and Ma Hongjun, he quickly walked over with the girl in his arms.

However, his brows furrowed slightly. He felt a tremor from his own spirit coming from the young girl beside Oscar.

Could she be... someone from the Nether Civet Family? But why would someone from the Nether Civet Family be involved with Oscar?

Is she wearing Oscar's clothes? Have they already... been together?

In an instant, countless thoughts raced through Dai Mubai's mind, eventually settling on one:

"If Oscar is truly involved with the Nether Civet Family, then we could be considered relatives. In that case, Oscar should finally be willing to help me..."

Lost in thought, Dai Mubai walked up to Oscar.

Dai Mubai was taken aback by the disgusted look the girl gave him, but he didn't pay it much mind. He had been separated from Zhu Zhuqing for too long, and they hadn't seen much of each other even when they were young.

If he could recognize her now, it would be a miracle.

He only thought to himself: "What's with that look?"

What he found even more strange was Oscar. It was normal for Ma Hongjun to be annoyed by his lack of cultivation, but Oscar usually took a laissez-faire attitude toward his training.

Why did he have such a look of disappointment today, mixed with something he couldn't quite put into words—an awkwardness? An apology? Or something else entirely?

What on earth is going on?!

Dai Mubai still had his wits about him, so he didn't ask directly. Instead, he glanced at Zhu Zhuqing with a smile, then turned to drape an arm over Oscar's shoulder and whispered:

"You're pretty quick on the draw, aren't you? Keeping the red flag at home while the colorful flags flutter outside? Want me to teach you a few tricks? And who is this? Aren't you going to introduce us?"

"..."

For a split second, Oscar didn't know what to say. He looked up at Zhu Zhuqing and saw that she had already summoned her martial soul, her pair of cat claws instantly swiping toward Dai Mubai.

By the time he wanted to stop her, it was already too late... well, truth be told, he hadn't really intended to stop Zhu Zhuqing anyway...