"Level ninety-four? And another powerhouse?" Ning Fengzhi was delighted. He had never expected a spur-of-the-moment visit to bring such a pleasant surprise. He just wondered whether he could win them over.
In the past, he had regarded Dugu Bo more with wariness than any desire to recruit him. But a level ninety-four Titled Douluo warranted serious consideration. After all, he was a poison-type Soul Master capable of attacking entire groups.
Sword Douluo's claim that someone even stronger than him was inside made Ning Fengzhi all the more eager to win them over. Since that person was sharing a private box with Dugu Bo, their relationship had to be close.
Having thought it through, Ning Fengzhi said, "Won't you invite me in to catch up?"
"Well..." Dugu Bo glanced hesitantly at Wang Qiu'er, who nodded her permission.
"Come in." With Wang Qiu'er's approval, Dugu Bo stepped aside.
Just as I thought. Ning Fengzhi understood. Even Dugu Bo had to seek her permission, so she was undoubtedly a powerhouse. He just did not know where she hailed from.
Then Ning Fengzhi entered the private box with Ning Rongrong in his arms.
Lin Changgeng turned to look at Ning Fengzhi. He had clearly come for them-or, more precisely, for Lin Changgeng and Wang Qiu'er-to sound them out.
Once Ning Fengzhi sat down, Dugu Bo pointed at Ning Rongrong in his arms and asked, "Is this your daughter?"
"Yes, this is my daughter, Ning Rongrong. Rongrong, say hello to Grandpa Dugu," Ning Fengzhi said with a smile.
Ning Rongrong lifted her head and greeted him in a bright, clear voice. "Hello, Grandpa Dugu."
"Hahaha, what a good girl. Rongrong is so adorable." Dugu Bo laughed heartily.
"Of course! Everyone loves Rongrong." At Dugu Bo's praise, Ning Rongrong grinned until her eyes narrowed into crescents.
Perhaps because she was still young, Ning Rongrong was not yet quite so scheming.
Then Ning Rongrong mischievously pointed at Wang Qiu'er and said, "Big sister, you're so pretty! Will you play with Rongrong?"
"Well..." Dugu Bo's heart leaped into his throat. Why had she picked the prettiest and strongest one? If she upset Wang Qiu'er, he would have no way to save her.
"Of course." Wang Qiu'er leaned down and stroked Ning Rongrong's head. The Nine-Colored Goddess's childhood self felt rather nice to the touch.
"What about that big brother?" Ning Rongrong pointed at Lin Changgeng. "Big brother, will you play with me?"
"Me?" Lin Changgeng pointed at himself, utterly bewildered.
"Yes, yes! Will you play with Rongrong?" Ning Rongrong nodded happily.
"No." Lin Changgeng shook his head in refusal. He had no interest in little children. He was interested in older girls like Wang Qiu'er.
"Huh?" Ning Rongrong's tiny head was filled with enormous confusion. "Why? Isn't Rongrong cute?"
"It's not that you aren't cute. Big brother needs to cultivate." Wang Qiu'er pinched Ning Rongrong's little cheek.
"Cultivate?" Ning Rongrong did not quite understand. Wasn't this the age when they were supposed to play?
"All right, Rongrong. Daddy still has something to discuss. Why don't you go play with Grandpa Sword first?" Ning Fengzhi said, stroking Ning Rongrong's head.
"Oh, all right." Ning Rongrong's little face immediately fell, looking thoroughly unhappy, but she still left with Sword Douluo.
After Ning Rongrong left, Ning Fengzhi looked at Lin Changgeng and asked, "What should I call you, young friend?"
The corner of Lin Changgeng's mouth twitched. A real shit-stirring stick, all right. He's digging into my background right off the bat.
"Greetings, Sect Master Ning. My name is Lin Changgeng," Lin Changgeng said, cupping his hands.
"And this esteemed lady?" Ning Fengzhi glanced at Wang Qiu'er.
"Wang Qiu'er." Compared with Lin Changgeng's, Wang Qiu'er's tone was somewhat cold.
This woman won't be easy to handle. Ning Fengzhi inwardly broke into a sweat. One look at Wang Qiu'er's attitude told him she was not someone to trifle with, much less someone easy to win over.
Then Ning Fengzhi turned his gaze toward Lin Changgeng.
"Little Lin, may I call you that?" Ning Fengzhi asked.
Can't win Qiu'er over, so you're trying me instead? Lin Changgeng thought. Ning Fengzhi's intentions were hard to miss. Because his Martial Soul could only provide support, he wanted to recruit every powerhouse and genius he encountered to ensure his sect's survival. Having them join would be ideal, but even if they refused, he could still forge a friendly connection.
Honestly, Lin Changgeng rather admired people like him. Anyone capable of building such a vast sect and business empire was remarkable. His only flaw was his fondness for cultivating connections.
As for the things he had done, Lin Changgeng could only say that a gentleman should be judged by his deeds, not his heart. Who cared whether his kindness was feigned? At least he had acted, unlike others who had done nothing at all.
He also had considerable personal charisma. Otherwise, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo would never have held out for so long during the Soul Hunting Operation.
Lin Changgeng had no objection to the form of address. He would certainly need the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's connections and wealth to support him in the future, so establishing a good relationship now could not hurt. Speaking of which, it was time to ask Wang Qiu'er to teach him about Soul Tools. She most likely knew how to make them.
"If Sect Master Ning wishes to call me that, of course you may."
"You needn't be so formal. I'm several decades older than you. If you don't mind, just call me Uncle Ning."
"Hello, Uncle Ning." The words rolled smoothly off Lin Changgeng's tongue. After all, he would need the man's help in the future.
Just then, the auction officially began.
"Good evening, honored guests. Heaven Dou City's annual auction has officially begun. Our first lot is something sure to get your blood running hot..."
As the auctioneer finished speaking, a maid beside him placed a square silver tray at the front at just the right moment. The instant it was opened, a jet-black object with an aged, weathered appearance was revealed to everyone.
The moment it appeared, the eyes of certain middle-aged and elderly nobles in the stands involuntarily lit up.
The glances they exchanged also took on a teasing gleam.
The auctioneer immediately proceeded to introduce it to the crowd.
"This is a piece of thousand-year whale rubber. Its effects need no explanation from me. However, weathering has diminished some of its medicinal potency, so the starting bid is one Gold Soul Coin."
Dugu Bo showed no surprise whatsoever at this sight.
After all, even thousand-year whale rubber was worth only around eight hundred to a thousand Gold Soul Coins at most, and weathering would reduce its price considerably.
Its effects, however, were rather intriguing: it helped men improve their prowess in bed. Still, offering it at a low starting price to liven up the atmosphere was reasonable enough.
In the blink of an eye, several middle-aged nobles below had already driven the price of the thousand-year whale rubber up to nearly five hundred.
"Want to buy it?" Wang Qiu'er glanced at Lin Changgeng.
"No." Lin Changgeng shook his head. "It's no use to me."
"True." Wang Qiu'er nodded. After Ice and Fire Body Tempering, this stuff was practically useless to Lin Changgeng. It would be better to let those old geezers below boost their prowess.
Meanwhile, the looks in Dugu Bo's and Ning Fengzhi's eyes grew somewhat strange.
Before you continue