The Plan: “Borrow” Something

"Cut the nonsense." Du Busi's face reddened, and he spoke irritably.

"Even if the embryo is real, it can't be that simple."

"What I'm curious about is why the Star Luo Royal Family would auction off a treasure like this."

Vena frowned. "They probably put it up for auction on purpose..."

"They're targeting the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy, aren't they?"

"Not bad, Vena. You've got a sharp eye." Song Que smiled and gave her a thumbs-up.

"I think so too. Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen from the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy are Jing Hongchen's grandchildren."

"They're both extraordinarily talented and already Soul Kings despite their age. Xiao Hongchen, in particular, is incredibly arrogant."

"And behind them stands Virtue Hall, the wealthiest organization on the continent."

"They're bound to go all out for this 100,000-Year Embryo. You could even say it was put up for auction specifically for them."

Vena rolled her eyes at Song Que. "Then there's basically no chance we can outbid them."

Song Que nodded. "That's why I asked you to invite Sect Master Du."

Du Busi pondered for a moment. "It's certainly a treasure we can't pass up. But getting our hands on it won't be easy."

"Especially if we have to snatch it for Yuhao."

Song Que looked at him. "What do you mean, Sect Master Du?"

Du Busi frowned. "Jing Hongchen came to Star Luo City in person this time. He can't beat me, but it would still be too difficult for me to take it by force alone."

"If I call on the Body Sect's elders, our chances will improve considerably. But then the treasure will belong to the sect. Even as my disciple, Yuhao won't be entitled to take it for himself."

"If we want Yuhao to have it, there's only one way."

"What's that?" Song Que asked.

"Make Yuhao the Body Sect's young sect master and name him my successor."

Huo Yuhao froze, bewildered.

"Me? Young sect master? Your successor?"

"Can I really do that...?"

Du Busi smiled. "Why not?"

"You have Twin Martial Souls: a Body Martial Soul paired with an ultimate martial soul. Your talent and potential surpass everyone your age, and your Spirit Eyes are among the finest Body Martial Souls."

"You're just young, and your Soul Power is still a little low."

"The only problem is that Song Que keeps taking you all over the place, so your heart isn't entirely with the sect." Du Busi shot Song Que a look.

Song Que gave an awkward smile. "I understand, Sect Master Du."

"I have no objection to Yuhao joining the Body Sect, or even becoming its young sect master."

"I just don't think shutting himself away to train with the sect is necessarily his best choice right now."

"Yuhao and I have both been blessed with great fortune. We'll grow faster if we travel and seize the opportunities we find."

He turned to Huo Yuhao. "What do you think, Yuhao?"

Huo Yuhao looked at Song Que beside him, then at Du Busi. After a moment's thought, he answered earnestly:

"Teacher, the Body Sect has treated me well. Of course I'll repay the sect with all I have."

"When I'm capable, I'll do everything I can for the sect. You can count on that."

"But Brother Song Que and I still have some personal matters to settle ourselves, so I can't devote myself to the sect just yet..."

"That's all right." Du Busi smiled faintly.

"What matters is that you want to."

"Before you, Ao Tian was the only one in the sect with decent talent. But at best, he'll only reach my level."

"You're different. One day, you might even surpass my elder brother and Mu En. I'm certain you can lead the Body Sect to greater heights."

"Where you train matters less than making full use of your talent."

Song Que shook his head with a helpless smile. "Sect Master Du, you've been waiting to name an heir all along, haven't you?"

Du Busi snorted and laughed. "Brat. You ask this old man for help, then have the nerve to tease me?"

"As for that Ice Jade Scorpion Soul Bone, leave it to me. The Body Sect isn't as rich as Virtue Hall, but we can certainly afford a Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone."

Vena smiled at Song Que. "You've been so busy picking treasures for Yuhao. What about yourself?"

"With so many treasures tonight, isn't there anything you want?"

Song Que shook his head. "They're too expensive for me."

"I don't have a Body Martial Soul. How could I ask Sect Master Du to spend his money on me?"

Du Busi immediately teased him. "You could marry into the Heaven Dou Empire and have our wealthy princess foot the bill."

Vena blushed. "Sect Master, don't joke about that..."

Du Busi burst out laughing. "What's there to be embarrassed about?"

"I'd planned to match you with Ao Tian, but Song Que will do. He's talented and has a bright future."

"Now that you've joined the Body Sect, Vena, there's no need for a marriage alliance. But if it works out, Song Que will be both the Heaven Dou Empire's prince consort and a son-in-law of the Body Sect. Everyone wins."

"Hahahaha...!"

Song Que quickly waved his hands. "I appreciate the thought, but my Barrett is still too young. Let's talk about it in a few years."

Du Busi: (￢‸￢)?

Huo Yuhao: ∠(°ゝ°)

Vena: (°ー°〃)

Song Que laughed awkwardly. "Haven't we gotten a little off track?"

"Back to the matter at hand. What are we going to do about the embryo?"

Du Busi chuckled. "Isn't it obvious?"

"The Body Sect has a Titled Douluo and three Soul Douluo stationed in Star Luo City. I'll take them over tonight and snatch it."

Seeing Song Que's expression, he immediately corrected himself with a sly grin. "No, I mean 'borrow' it. Hahaha!"

Song Que shook his head. "You're far too reckless."

Vena hurriedly urged him to reconsider. "Sect Master, that's not a good idea."

"This is the Star Luo Empire's territory. If things get out of hand and the royal family gets involved, we'll have a lot of trouble afterward."

Song Que nodded. "Exactly. We can't rush this. We should wait until the tournament ends and the Sun Moon Team leaves Star Luo City for home."

"That will be our best—and only—chance."

"Once they get back to Sun Moon Virtue Hall, we'll have no chance at all."

"And with Jing Hongchen here in person, it won't be easy. We need to prepare thoroughly, gather as many people as possible, and make sure we succeed on the first try."

"Understood." Du Busi nodded gravely.

"I'll send word to that old fellow Jinpeng right now and have him bring reinforcements."

"Jing Hongchen may be able to hold his own against Xuan Zi, but he's still no match for me. He's nothing to worry about."

Sea God Pavilion, Shrek Academy.

Xuan Zi had hurried back to the academy. Mu En led him to the deepest part of the Golden Ancient Tree.

"Elder Mu, what's going on? Even you can't resolve it?" Xuan Zi asked, looking around.

"Everything seems normal. I don't see a problem."

With his back to Xuan Zi, Mu En slowly shook his head and ran a hand over the tree before him.

"Hm?!" Xuan Zi froze. A blue mark flashed across the tree, and his eyes narrowed.

"That mark... is it a Trident?"