Incorporating Soul Douluo Branches, Golden Crocodile Returns, Bibi Dong Opposes the Dragon-Serpent Sect?

The middle-aged man's gaze was calm.

"I have brought my clansmen here today to seek refuge. I wonder if you would accept us, Young Master?"

Dugu Ce's eyes flickered slightly.

"A Soul Douluo? There is someone of your level among the branch families?"

Yu Chengzhi gave a bitter smile.

"My lineage is considered one of the larger ones among the branches. For these past years, we have been hiding in the northern mountains and forests, living by hunting soul beasts and never involving ourselves in the sect's internal strife. Yesterday, upon hearing that you had wiped out the main lineage, my clansmen deliberated and decided to come and seek refuge."

Dugu Yan leaned toward Dugu Ce's ear and whispered, "I have heard the name Yu Chengzhi before. Grandfather once said that he is the most capable person among the branch families. He has always lived in seclusion with his clansmen and never associated with the main lineage."

Dugu Ce nodded and looked at Yu Chengzhi. "Since you have been in seclusion for so many years, why come out to join me now?"

Yu Chengzhi sighed. "You may not know this, Young Master. Back when your father went to True Dragon Mountain, the main lineage struck too ruthlessly. I once secretly advised Yu Yuanzhen to leave a path for survival. Yu Yuanzhen did not listen; instead, he reprimanded me, calling me 'womanish and soft-hearted.' Ever since then, I took my clansmen and hid in the north."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "Now that the main lineage has been destroyed, the disciples of my branch need a place to belong. You are building the Dragon-Serpent Sect and lack manpower; my bringing the clansmen here is like sending charcoal in snowy weather. If you trust me, I am willing to serve you. If you do not, I will turn around and leave immediately, and I will not pester you."

Dugu Ce stared at Yu Chengzhi for a long time before asking, "How many people did you bring?"

"Forty-seven people. Seven are above the Soul King level, and the rest are Soul Ancestors and Soul Elders," Yu Chengzhi replied. "They are all waiting at the foot of the mountain. I brought a few trusted aides up first to scout the path."

"Scout the path?" Dugu Ce laughed. "Afraid that I would kill you?"

Yu Chengzhi did not shy away and said bluntly, "The methods you used to wipe out the main lineage were too ruthless. It is understandable that my clansmen feel uneasy."

"Ruthless?" Dugu Ce stood with his hands behind his back. "When the main lineage killed my father, they were far more ruthless than I. However, rest assured, I, Dugu Ce, am not a man who kills indiscriminately. As long as you truly pledge your loyalty, I guarantee you will have no worries about food or clothing, and there will be no shortage of cultivation resources."

He glanced at Dugu Yan and continued, "My sister is the Vice Sect Master of the Dragon-Serpent Sect. Your lineage will be under her jurisdiction. Do you have any problems with that?"

Yu Chengzhi cupped his fists and said, "We are grateful for your acceptance, Young Master. We shall be loyal and devoted."

Dugu Yan stepped forward and looked at Yu Chengzhi. "Elder Chengzhi, are there any other Soul Douluo-level experts among the clansmen you brought?"

"Aside from myself, there is one clan uncle at Level 81, though he is old now and can no longer fight," Yu Chengzhi answered truthfully.

"That is enough," Dugu Yan nodded. "Bring the clansmen up the mountain to settle in first. Specific duties will be assigned after the sect is officially established."

Yu Chengzhi accepted the order and headed down the mountain with his four confidants.

Dugu Yan turned her head to look at Dugu Ce:

"Do you think this Yu Chengzhi is trustworthy?"

"More so than Yu Chengsi."

Dugu Ce said indifferently.

"At the very least, he dares to speak the truth."

Mentioning Yu Chengsi made Dugu Yan frown again:

"Ce'er, do you really intend to keep that group of Yu Chengsi's people until the Myriad Poison Array is set up?"

"No rush."

Dugu Ce glanced at the figures camping at the foot of the mountain in the distance.

"Let them stay for now.

Once Yu Chengzhi's clansmen arrive and the two groups are living together, friction will naturally arise.

When that time comes, who is loyal and who is treacherous will be clear at a glance."

Dugu Yan nodded thoughtfully.

Just then, a golden figure streaked across the horizon, moving at extreme speed.

"Teacher?"

Dugu Ce raised an eyebrow.

"Back so soon?"

The golden light landed, and Golden Crocodile Douluo stood with his hands behind his back, though his expression was somewhat gloomy.

"Teacher, what happened?"

Dugu Ce sensed something amiss.

Golden Crocodile Douluo let out a cold snort:

"Ce'er, something has happened at Martial Soul Hall."

"What is it?"

"This old man returned to Martial Soul Hall and spoke to the Great Worship about you establishing a sect.

The Great Worship agreed to confer the title of one of the Upper Three Sects upon the Dragon-Serpent Sect and also agreed to allocate resources to you."

Golden Crocodile Douluo paused, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"However, there are those who disagree."

Dugu Ce's eyes sharpened:

"Who?"

"Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan."

Golden Crocodile Douluo said coldly.

"He claims you took his immortal herbs and wants to settle the score with you. Ghost Douluo Gui Mei joined in the clamor as well, saying things like 'the Dragon-Serpent Sect is nameless and faceless, unworthy of being ranked among the Upper Three Sects'."

Dugu Ce was stunned, then he laughed:

"Elder Yue Guan? Since when did he have such courage?"

"He doesn't have much courage, but he has someone behind him."

Golden Crocodile Douluo lowered his voice.

"This old man investigated, and Yue Guan and Gui Mei have been close to Hu Liena recently, and Hu Liena... is Bibi Dong's disciple."

Dugu Ce narrowed his eyes:

"Does Teacher mean that the Pope is backing them?"

"Hard to say."

Golden Crocodile Douluo shook his head.

"Bibi Dong is deep-thinking; even this old man cannot see through her.

But one thing is certain.

There are people within Martial Soul Hall who do not wish to see the Dragon-Serpent Sect grow powerful.

Ce'er, what do you intend to do?"

Dugu Ce pondered for a moment and asked:

"What is the Great Worship's stance?"

"The Great Worship has not expressed an opinion."

Golden Crocodile Douluo frowned.

"He said, 'Let the young ones settle their own affairs.'

The meaning is clear:

He will not intervene, but he will not stop others from doing so either."

Dugu Ce sneered.

"In that case, we shall play by the rules."

"What rules?"

"Doesn't the Martial Soul Hall boast of a 'Golden Generation'?"

Dugu Ce looked at Golden Crocodile Douluo.

"Since Yue Guan and Gui Mei are using Hu Liena as an excuse, I will go straight to her.

If I defeat her, let's see who dares to say the Dragon-Serpent Sect is unworthy."

Golden Crocodile Douluo's eyes lit up.

"You intend to challenge Hu Liena?"

"No."

Dugu Ce shook his head.

"I intend to challenge the entire Golden Generation.

Do they not pride themselves on being the ceiling of the younger generation in the Martial Soul Hall?

Then I shall shatter that ceiling right in front of everyone in the Martial Soul Hall."

"Good!"

Golden Crocodile Douluo laughed heartily.

"Such ambition!

I shall return and make the arrangements.

Half a month from now, at the Martial Soul Hall Martial Arts Arena, I will let you have your moment of glory."

"Wait."

Dugu Ce called out to Golden Crocodile Douluo.

"Teacher, in these next two weeks, could you help me find a suitable soul beast?

I require a fifth soul ring."

Golden Crocodile Douluo raised an eyebrow.

"You have broken through to level fifty?"

"Not yet."

Dugu Ce raised his right hand, the dark golden flames of the Calamity Sacred Dragon dancing in his palm.

"But I still have the immortal herb.

Back at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, there wasn't enough time.

Half a month is enough for me to refine the herb and boost my soul power from level 45 to 50!"

Golden Crocodile Douluo stared at the dark golden flames, a flash of amazement in his eyes.

"Good lad, this martial soul is more than just a little stronger than before.

Very well, I will go and scout for a suitable soul beast, ensuring you obtain a ten-thousand-year fifth ring worthy of this martial soul."

"Many thanks, Teacher."