Heaven Dou City, the inner palace.
Ning Fengzhi emerged from the main hall, his expression grave.
When Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe, brought the news to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, he had set out at once.
He had personally met with Xue Ye and asked Dugu Yan to confirm the details. In the end, he concluded that Poison Douluo had indeed met with disaster.
"Though that old poison's temper was eccentric, he was still a bona fide Titled Douluo. Who could have left him utterly helpless?"
Outside the hall, Sword Douluo Chen Xin and Bone Douluo Gu Rong had been waiting for quite some time.
They quickly learned more from Ning Fengzhi. After hearing the clues, they both furrowed their brows.
They were quite familiar with Dugu Bo. Though he was weaker than they were, his combat prowess was still not to be underestimated.
How had he ended up ambushed for no apparent reason at his own stronghold—and seemingly subdued with just a few moves?
Something was wrong. Nine parts out of ten, something was very wrong!
Ning Fengzhi led the way, and the three left the palace together.
As they walked through the streets of Heaven Dou City, they discussed what to do. The situation seemed extremely delicate.
"Whether it's Emperor Xue Ye's request or the matter itself, we need to investigate."
"What I'm afraid of is that this might have something to do with Spirit Hall. If so, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect could be in danger too!"
Ning Fengzhi paced back and forth, looking worried.
Even someone as clever as he was couldn't guess that another plane had invaded.
So he fixed his suspicions on Spirit Hall, and the more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed.
Everyone in the upper circles knew of Bibi Dong's ambition and forceful nature. It was no secret.
It fit the situation they were facing all too well. After a brief discussion with Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, the three made their decision.
"Old friend, you're stronger than I am. Go back to the sect with Fengzhi. I'll handle the investigation."
"If I don't come back, that means Dugu Bo's disappearance wasn't a personal grudge. Recall all the disciples at once and prepare the defenses!"
Gu Rong grinned, managing a helpless smile.
Though he knew it could be a trap, he had no choice but to go.
Without any information, waiting until the crisis truly arrived could turn it into a catastrophe.
As for who should go, Ning Fengzhi was the sect leader and had no combat ability, so he was ruled out immediately.
Sword Douluo Chen Xin was at a higher level and better suited to serve as their trump card. So Gu Rong volunteered to leave.
"Uncle Gu, be careful! Remember, your priority is to investigate!"
"If anything seems wrong, make sure you put your own safety first."
Ning Fengzhi sighed. He didn't try to talk him out of it; he knew someone had to take responsibility.
Beside him, Chen Xin watched Gu Rong with a complicated look and patted his old comrade on the shoulder, bracing himself for the worst as well.
"Don't do anything reckless!"
Chen Xin warned him in a low voice.
Hearing that, Gu Rong pursed his lips and put on a carefree air.
"Don't worry. I'm stronger than Dugu Bo, and I'm already prepared for trouble."
"Even if Bibi Dong comes herself, if I can't beat her, can't I still run? Hurry back to the sect and wait for news!"
With that, Gu Rong didn't waste any more time.
His Martial Soul appeared, and Soul Power lifted him into the air.
Time was short, and there was no time to delay. Ignoring Heaven Dou City's Sky Ban, he flew straight out of the city.
Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin exchanged a glance, worry flickering in their eyes. They both had a bad feeling.
"Fengzhi, should we call Rongrong back first?"
"I heard she's planning to go to Heaven Dou Royal Academy soon."
"She can come home for a visit. If nothing happens, all the better. If something does, she'll be here to protect her at once."
Chen Xin's words gave Ning Fengzhi pause. Soon, he nodded in agreement.
From their conversation, it was clear that the timeline was now at a point when Shrek had only just begun to make a name for itself.
With that, the two hurried back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, unaware that someone nearby was secretly watching them.
Deep in the inner palace, in a secluded corner, Qian Renxue—disguised as Xue Qinghe—stood before two powerful men. They were discussing the matter as well.
"Miss, Gu Rong has left alone," Porcupinefish Douluo reminded her quietly.
"I've confirmed it. This matter has nothing to do with Spirit Hall," Snake Lance Douluo added.
Qian Renxue's bright eyes flickered with unease and agitation. Her instincts had always been sharp.
"Elder Porcupinefish, set out a few minutes later. The destination is Sunset Forest, after all. It's not going anywhere."
"If the target is powerful, come straight back and tell me. We don't need to clean up the mess for the Heaven Dou Empire."
Clearly, Qian Renxue thought much like Ning Fengzhi.
They would go, of course, but they had to be careful.
Porcupinefish Douluo bowed respectfully. After waiting a moment, his figure abruptly vanished like ink dissolving in water.
His departure hadn't disturbed anyone, but Gu Rong was different. He flew straight out of Heaven Dou City, plain as day.
As it happened, Long Xingyu and Dugu Bo spotted him. They had just left the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well in disguise and were preparing to head to the City of Slaughter.
"Gu Rong? Is he heading for Sunset Forest?"
At the city gate, Dugu Bo had suppressed every trace of his aura.
He had disguised himself completely, making sure no one could recognize him.
When he noticed Bone Douluo in the sky, he froze for an instant, then understood. Was he going to "save him"?
His eyes flickered, but the next second he remembered that he was no longer a royal retainer. He was now under the command of the mysterious Lin Feng.
"Thinking of resisting? I'd advise you to give up on that idea." How could Long Xingyu miss such a small gesture? He grinned, his smile full of mockery.
"Ahem, don't worry. This old man is still counting on you to help Yanyan treat her snake venom." Dugu Bo didn't dare admit it. He immediately put on the easygoing air of an old hand.
Long Xingyu walked into Heaven Dou City.
Hearing that, he merely shrugged, unconcerned.
Dugu Bo had been forced to submit. Loyalty was out of the question; he was useful, and that was all.
It was best if he behaved. If he didn't, Long Xingyu could activate the Slave Brand. He wasn't worried about Dugu Bo trying anything.
"Come on. Don't just stand there."
Long Xingyu's gaze was sharp, his tone low.
The warning was unmistakable. Dugu Bo caught it at once and hurried to change the subject.
"I mean, aren't you worried at all? The one who just flew past was Bone Douluo Gu Rong."
"A Level 95 Titled Douluo, with a Bone Dragon Martial Soul that could both attack and defend. He's no pushover like me."
"None of those youngsters we left at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well have reached the ninth rank, have they? Shouldn't we go back first?"
Dugu Bo's words could just about pass for a show of loyalty.
He shared information about Gu Rong, keeping his eyes fixed on Long Xingyu.
He still knew nothing about this Level Nine powerhouse before him, or the even more mysterious Lin Feng.
Though he had submitted, he still hadn't been given any information. He could only guess that their background was extraordinary and their ambitions great.
Secretly, he planned to test the waters. He'd revealed Gu Rong's level and strength, hoping to see how Long Xingyu would react.
"There's no need. Though Hao Chen and the others are only Level Eight, they're no weaker than the weakest Level Nine."
"Together, they can handle the one who just flew past. Besides, His Majesty said he would send reinforcements."
"I know what you're thinking. There's no need to beat around the bush. The strength of the Holy Demon Federation is far beyond your imagination."
"In the future you can foresee, you'll be immensely glad you made this choice today. By following His Majesty Lin Feng, even you will have a chance to grow stronger—and perhaps even touch that supreme divine throne..."
Before you continue