Winning Them Over

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As Liu Tian roared, a terrifying golden lion instantly merged with his body. In the blink of an eye, he broke free of Ghost Douluo's restraints.

But Ghost Douluo was no fool. Why would he stand there waiting like an idiot?

The moment he finished devouring the blade-wielding Titled Douluo, he had already left to pursue Yu Xiaofeng. Otherwise, how could Liu Tian have broken free?

Old Wu carried Yu Xiaofeng and raced deep into the forest. Along the way, he took out a pill and fed it to him, allowing him to quickly recover his Soul Power.

"Who is it?"

Old Wu suddenly cried out and came to an abrupt halt. He held Yu Xiaofeng tightly in his arms and refused to give an inch.

"Old Wu, it's me."

Ghost Douluo's figure came rushing in from his right. He then said, "Come on. Let's find a place for Xiaofeng to rest properly first."

The two hurried onward with Yu Xiaofeng and finally found a crevice between the mountain walls where they settled down.

Elsewhere...

Elder Fang slumped on the ground, his eggplant-purple face twisted out of shape. Liu Tian walked over and asked, "Elder Fang, what do we do now?"

"My younger brother died a miserable death this time. It wasn't just your responsibility; we also underestimated the strength of the god's chosen candidate."

Liu Tian was right. Who could have imagined that a Level 40 Soul Elder could hold off eight Soul Emperors for an entire hour? If his Soul Power had been any stronger, the eight Soul Emperors might not even have known how they died.

Fortunately, there had been eight Soul Emperors. If there had been any fewer, they would likely all have died here.

After a moment of silence, Elder Fang sighed. "Let's go back first. We'll ask 'God' for instructions and let him decide."

Determination filled Liu Tian's eyes. He shook his head and roared, "Elder Fang, I'm not going back. I'm going to kill Yu Xiaofeng and the other two with Ghost Douluo to avenge my brother."

Of course, Elder Fang understood Liu Tian's pain. But would God really allow him to kill His candidate?

He immediately tried to persuade him. "Liu Tian, your brother may be dead, but perhaps God can bring him back to life. Come back with us."

Liu Tian was silent for a moment. "Sorry."

With that...

Liu Tian chased after the direction in which Ghost Douluo had disappeared. Elder Fang watched his departing back and sighed. "Sigh... you're too impulsive. So be it."

A day later, Yu Xiaofeng slowly opened his eyes. Old Wu and Ghost Douluo were seated cross-legged before him. Looking at the two of them, warmth rose in Yu Xiaofeng's heart. "You two elders, are you all right?"

Old Wu and Ghost Douluo opened their eyes. Old Wu smiled. "You brat, you're finally awake. You scared me to death."

"What could possibly happen to these old bones of mine?"

Yu Xiaofeng grinned. He glanced at Ghost Douluo, who seemed hesitant to speak, and asked, "Old Ghost, you don't mind if I call you that, do you?"

Ghost Douluo nodded without saying anything. Yu Xiaofeng noticed the deliberately concealed look in his eyes and smiled. "Just say whatever you want to say. Quit hemming and hawing—you're not even half as straightforward as some old woman."

"Ha ha ha ha!"

Old Wu was instantly amused by Yu Xiaofeng's words. He patted Ghost Douluo on the shoulder and said, "Old Ghost, we've been through life and death together. Just say it. Xiaofeng doesn't see you as an outsider."

Ghost Douluo pondered for a moment before saying awkwardly, "Xiaofeng, do you have some way to help people increase their Soul Power?"

Ghost Douluo had considered this question again and again before finally voicing it. To him, improving his Soul Power cultivation outweighed everything else.

His expectant gaze carried confusion, and the emotions in his eyes were incredibly complicated. He hoped Yu Xiaofeng would say yes, but it surely had to be difficult. Otherwise, why had he not helped Old Wu advance directly to Level 100 and become a god?

Yu Xiaofeng froze for a moment. Recalling how he had helped Old Wu clear the blocked Soul Power last time, he finally understood. "Yes, and it's very simple. But after I help you improve once, you'll need to accumulate your cultivation until you reach another bottleneck before I can help you again. And even then, it depends on whether I have enough Soul Power."

Upon hearing Yu Xiaofeng's words, Ghost Douluo finally breathed a sigh of relief. He immediately said, "Focus on recovering first. We'll discuss it after your injuries have healed and you've obtained your Soul Ring."

Yu Xiaofeng looked at him, then gave Old Wu a meaningful glance. Naturally, Ghost Douluo noticed the gesture.

"Forget it. I'll tell you the truth."

After thinking it over carefully, Ghost Douluo decided it was better to say it sooner.

"The people we encountered before specialize in capturing Body Spirit possessors. I came to find you this time to warn you, but I never expected to arrive just in time."

Yu Xiaofeng frowned. "Did Grandpa Qian send you to warn me?"

The instant Yu Xiaofeng spoke those words, his heart tightened. He was afraid this had been Ghost Douluo's personal decision, since he had never planned to oppose Spirit Hall.

Ghost Douluo shook his head, unsure how to continue.

Seeing that he remained silent, Yu Xiaofeng sighed. "A drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring of gratitude, let alone the fact that you just saved my life."

"I already regard you as one of my elders. What can't you tell me?"

"Even if Grandpa Qian didn't send you, I wouldn't blame him. After all, my identity is rather awkward, isn't it?"

Ghost Douluo said, "Actually, His Holiness the Pope didn't say anything. He only asked me to investigate where these people live and whether such a force truly exists."

"Also, he had someone notify Chen Hao and tell him of your whereabouts and level. I'm afraid they'll come knocking before long."

"If they happen to appear together with that group from before, we won't even have a chance to escape."

Yu Xiaofeng's heart instantly twisted as if cut by knives. He, Yu Xiaofeng, did not want trouble, but neither was he afraid of it.

Yes, you're damn powerful, but if you give me time, would I, Yu Xiaofeng, really be afraid of you?

Seeing the sorrow in Yu Xiaofeng's eyes, Old Wu smiled. "You're not young anymore. There are some things you should decide for yourself."

"For example, changing the world?"

Old Wu's words gave Ghost Douluo a shock. His pupils visibly contracted.

Old Wu patted Ghost Douluo and said, "Old Ghost, if Xiaofeng helps you raise your Soul Power to Level 100, would you be willing to protect him?"

Yu Xiaofeng also looked at Ghost Douluo. To the surprise of both of them, Ghost Douluo smiled. "I've been waiting for you to say that. Work is work no matter who I work for. As long as Xiaofeng can help raise my Soul Power to Level 100, protecting him for the rest of my life won't be a problem."

Yu Xiaofeng grinned. "Good. I finally have the beginnings of a team."

"For now, my safety will depend entirely on you two. Don't worry—before long, another Titled Douluo will join us."

"What?"

The two cried out in unison. Old Wu looked at Yu Xiaofeng with helpless amusement. "You brat, so you had it all planned out long ago."

Yu Xiaofeng shook his head. "I'm only preparing for a rainy day. As for whether he'll join us, that's hard to say. After all, I'm not a god, and my Soul Power is still too low."

Elsewhere...

"What do you think you're doing? This is Spirit Hall. Do you think it's your backyard?"

Hu Liena snapped angrily.