Chapter 40: Yu Yuanzhen's Calculated Ambition
Yu Luomian sighed inwardly. He had already reached level 85, but advancing from 84 to 85 had taken him four long years.
Reaching level 90—or even 89—might take a lifetime.
He honestly doubted he would ever break through to Titled Douluo.
"Forget about training Tianheng and Tianxin," Yu Yuanzhen said bluntly. "Go visit your daughter more often. Strengthen that bond. The clan needs another Titled Douluo—and I believe she stands a better chance than you."
Yu Luomian could tell his elder brother was in no mood for argument. Swallowing his irritation, he nodded quickly. "I've been looking after her already. She wanted to build an academy, and the clan has given her all the resources and connections she needs. Everything she asks for, she gets."
Only then did Yu Yuanzhen's expression ease slightly.
But inwardly, his thoughts ran elsewhere.
Seven years ago, when Bibi Dong ascended to the position of Pope, he had gone to his son, Yu Xiaogang, to learn more about her martial soul.
His son had told him just one thing—Bibi Dong possessed twin martial souls.
Nothing more needed to be said. The oppressive power radiating from that single fact had been enough to make Yu Yuanzhen uneasy then—and seven years later, the reality had proven it true.
Bibi Dong had risen swiftly, consolidating her rule with terrifying speed. Even the old elders of Spirit Hall—Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, and the rest—had long since bent to her will.
Her control was absolute.
Lately, Spirit Hall had grown even bolder—so audacious that they had begun poaching from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan itself.
For all his shortcomings, Yu Xiaogang's placement in Spirit Hall had been a stroke of genius. The boy was useless in cultivation but naturally gifted in theory. Through the resources of Spirit Hall, he had published revolutionary research, deepening the world's understanding of martial spirits—and indirectly elevating the Blue Lightning Clan's standing across the continent.
"Xiaogang... I'm starting to be impressed by you," Yu Yuanzhen murmured to himself. "You accepted that disciple—Tang San. What secret did you see in him?
Tang San... Born with innate full soul power, yet wielding a Blue Silver Grass martial soul. And his surname—Tang.
How very interesting.
Xiaogang, I hope you prove me right one day. Make your father truly proud."
As he thought, Yu Yuanzhen let his mental perception sweep toward the Dugu Clan's carriage.
If he could draw the Dugu Clan into alliance with his own, their factions combined would become a formidable force.
Dugu Shuo had, by poisoning Hu Yanzhen, openly challenged Spirit Hall. That act alone meant his family could no longer remain neutral.
Dugu Shuo... you have no idea how dangerous Bibi Dong truly is, Yu Yuanzhen thought grimly. One day, you'll come to me for protection.
By then, his son Tianheng would likely have won over Dugu Yan as well—binding the Dugu family firmly to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Yu Yuanzhen smiled coldly to himself. His plan was falling neatly into place.
Morning came swiftly after a restless night.
Having cultivated without stop, Dugu Feng felt the inner bead within his body surge with new power—two points higher, reaching eighty-eight.
At this rate, he realized, it would take only six more days to fill it completely.
The process of gathering energy and condensing soul power felt nothing short of addictive.
After another quick meal of serpent meat, gallbladder, and fried scorpion, he stepped out of the carriage refreshed and roaring with energy.
Outside, Ge Ying was already waiting.
"Brother Ge, you've recovered! You should've seen yourself yesterday—you scared us half to death! That damned Breaking Clan, how dare they poison you!"
Dugu Feng spoke with righteous indignation.
Ge Ying smiled helplessly. His father, Ge Long, had already told him the truth.
He was simply collateral damage.
The Holy Dragon Sect and the Elephant Armored Sect had tried to frame the Dugu Clan, poisoning him to shift the blame onto Dugu Shuo. And now, both those sects had paid the ultimate price.
He was still reeling from the realization.
"I actually came to thank Clan Chief Dugu for saving my life," Ge Ying said earnestly.
"You're too polite, Brother Ge," Dugu Feng replied cheerfully. "You're my teacher! I'll be counting on you back at the academy!"
Ge Ying could only laugh bitterly. You, needing my care? Don't make me laugh.
After last night, the destruction of the Elephant Armored Sect—one of the Five Element Sects—was sure to send shockwaves across the continent.
Even though Dugu Shuo denied his involvement, everyone knew the truth.
The Dugu Clan's reputation would soon blaze across the land once more, just like when Dugu Bo ascended to Titled Douluo years earlier.
Ge Ying patted Dugu Feng's shoulder silently, remembering his father's warning: Never make enemies of the Dugu.
They had a Titled Douluo, a ruthless clan chief, and now a prodigious heir.
Few in this world were more dangerous.
As the sun climbed the sky, the convoy resumed its journey.
Their destination was finally near—Suoto City.
Travel no longer felt leisurely. After the Holy Dragon Sect's fiasco, everyone was more vigilant.
It took two full days to traverse the last stretch.
And when they finally neared the city, they were met by sprawling military camps stretching endlessly to the horizon.
The Suoto garrison alone numbered no less than a hundred thousand—an unmistakable sign of the city's strategic importance.
As they drew closer, Dugu Feng saw the mighty walls, towering even higher than those of any city they had passed.
Suoto City stood as Heaven Dou Empire's bulwark—the first line of defense against the Star Luo Empire.
Within the gates, their three carriages drove straight toward the tallest structure in sight—a white tower nearly a hundred meters high, radiating solemn dignity.
Through the curtain, Dugu Feng gazed upon the Suoto Grand Battle Arena. Something about the sight struck him oddly.
Technically, his family was one of the controlling shareholders of this enormous establishment—yet this was his first time seeing it in person.
"The Suoto Grand Battle Arena is among the largest on the continent," Old Snake said, eyes gleaming like coins. "It houses one main arena, twenty-four secondary ones, seats for sixty thousand spectators, and over a hundred private VIP booths. The profits alone are astronomical!"
Old Scorpion and the others smiled proudly.
"The Clear Sky Sect's withdrawal opened up a fortune. We can't let Spirit Hall take it!"
Dugu Feng's eyes glittered with gold.
Before, he hadn't cared much about money. If Spirit Hall claimed it, so be it.
But now that the arena stood before him, gleaming with wealth, he felt a pang of possessiveness.
That's mine. Mine!
Do you know how much whale glue I could buy with that!?
Their clan needed massive resources—to train soul masters, craft antidotes, develop poison techniques, and support the secret Nine Heavens Centipede branch. Even his father often joked that "not even landlords have savings left."
When their carriages arrived, the group entered through a private route—not the combatants' quarters but the reserved uppermost floor of the arena.
That entire top level belonged exclusively to the Six Great Families—their private residences and viewing halls.
From here, they overlooked all twenty-five arenas below, along with the roaring crowds.
Standing above it all, Dugu Feng couldn't help but grin. The sight of thousands betting on victories and deaths below had a certain dark exhilaration.
Whoever designed this place had surely felt a wicked sense of accomplishment.
(END CHAPTER)
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