They had set out early in the morning, prepared for a journey that might last several days. Instead, they returned to Heaven Dou City before nightfall.
The disappointment on Dugu Bo and the others' faces was unmistakable. After all, failing to earn sacrificial coins was no different from losing them.
Facing the hesitant expressions of the five, Li Rong felt a rare trace of awkwardness.
"Originally, I expected it would take several days to locate suitable customers," he explained. "I didn't anticipate that the customer from the Lake of Life would proactively spread the word. As a result, the other two routes we prepared were rendered unnecessary."
He paused briefly, then continued in a businesslike tone.
"The total time spent was one day. Everyone's employment compensation is 30,000 sacrificial coins. Please take out your crystal cards."
The group exchanged glances, momentarily speechless, before obediently producing their cards. When the sacrificial coins were credited, each of them spoke almost in unison, their reluctance barely concealed.
"Boss Li, when you expand to new customers next time, please remember to consider us."
Earning sacrificial coins, broadening their horizons, and gaining access to knowledge that was otherwise priceless—all in a single outing. It was hard not to feel regretful that it ended so quickly.
"All of you are loyal customers of my shop," Li Rong replied evenly. "If there is ever a task that requires additional manpower, you will naturally be given priority."
With that assurance, the group finally dispersed.
"A God-level Spirit Beast?!"
Ning Fengzhi shot to his feet, his voice filled with disbelief.
"Did you really see it?"
Gu Rong nodded solemnly.
"Anyone capable of ordering a seventh-grade pill from the Sacrificial Shop cannot be anything less than God-level."
Ning Fengzhi began pacing back and forth, his expression dark and unsettled.
"What's making you so uneasy?" Dugu Bo asked, puzzled. "That being doesn't seem to have any intention of leading Spirit Beasts out of the Star Dou Great Forest. She merely dispatched two powerhouses to Heaven Dou City to gather information."
"He who does not plan for the future will inevitably invite trouble," Ning Fengzhi replied, unable to calm himself. "If they ever require a massive amount of sacrificial coins, who do you think they will target first? Especially when they don't even need to personally dispatch a God-level existence to suppress the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School."
Chen Xin, however, appeared relaxed.
"They possess a God-level being and several powerhouses comparable to Rank 99 peerless Douluo. Even if you worry, Fengzhi, what can be done? Since offending them is impossible, the only option is to seek goodwill."
"Old Man Jian is right," Dugu Bo agreed. "Boss Li is ultimately human. No matter how impartial he is, he won't truly allow Spirit Beasts to trample the human race without restraint."
Seeing that the others did not share his alarm, Ning Fengzhi forced himself to calm down.
"What kind of temperament do the Spirit Beasts stationed in Heaven Dou City have?"
Gu Rong pondered briefly before answering.
"She is gentle and intelligent. The other fierce beasts defer to her opinions, yet before exchanging cultivation techniques, she confirmed she had no combat power."
Ning Fengzhi immediately grasped the implication. A Spirit Beast without combat power who could still earn the respect of fierce beasts—and even be trusted by a God-level existence—must possess both intelligence and a mild disposition. Otherwise, she would never have survived, let alone been entrusted with such a task.
"Brother Dugu and Uncle Gu have both interacted with them," Ning Fengzhi said slowly. "That is our advantage. Even if friendship is impossible, we absolutely must not become enemies."
He took a deep breath and made his decision.
"Brother Dugu, I hope you temporarily station yourself at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's property directly opposite the Sacrificial Shop. Once the Spirit Beasts arrive, they will inevitably seek a residence that is quiet, safe, and close to the shop. That location is ideal."
"If they are not wantonly aggressive, then with this gesture alone, even if they seek to establish authority or acquire sacrificial coins, we will not be their first target."
"Understood," Dugu Bo replied after a brief pause. Their strength was inferior—this was the only viable precaution.
With no better options available, Ning Fengzhi could only proceed this way.
As his thoughts settled slightly, he recalled something else.
"The Spirit Beasts sent here all seem to be female…"
His thoughts inevitably drifted to his daughter.
"Uncle Jian, how is Rongrong's temperament now?"
"She's suffered quite a bit during her time with the treatment team," Chen Xin said, wincing slightly. "Living a poor life has tempered her considerably."
"It's still not enough," Ning Fengzhi frowned. "If the Spirit Beast side gains the initiative first, we may never get another chance."
"If you hadn't interfered back then," Dugu Bo snapped, "Yan Yan's chances would've been better than anyone's!"
Ning Fengzhi could only admit his mistake with a bitter smile.
"But Boss Li dislikes nobles and forbids idle loitering," Gu Rong asked doubtfully. "How will there be any chance for private interaction?"
"You haven't seen our Sect's properties, Uncle Gu," Ning Fengzhi replied confidently. "When new goods used to arrive, the crowds could circle the street three times. When the Sacrificial Shop's monthly ranking refreshes next month, the powerhouses competing for limited pills will wrap around Heaven Dou City three times over."
"At least twenty Titled Douluo-level powerhouses will appear. Add Spirit Douluo and Spirit Saint experts, and Boss Li will inevitably be overwhelmed."
Gu Rong's eyes lit up.
"So he'll need to recruit employees."
"Exactly," Ning Fengzhi nodded. "From Uncle Gu's account, Boss Li treats humans and Spirit Beasts equally. One employee slot will almost certainly go to the Spirit Beast race—likely Bi Ji. Brother Dugu, you can pass this information along to earn goodwill."
"After all, gentle people are far easier to work with."
Dugu Bo scoffed.
"Even if he recruits, Boss Li won't choose someone whose personality clashes with his own."
"That's exactly why I'm worried," Ning Fengzhi sighed inwardly, filled with regret over how he had spoiled Rongrong in the past.
Dugu Bo laughed smugly.
"There's still time. Besides, maybe Boss Li likes that kind of personality."
Gu Rong and Chen Xin shot him sharp looks.
Ning Fengzhi waved his hand.
"Boss Li likely dislikes arrogance and hypocrisy. Rongrong's chances are slim. However, my niece Dugu Yan, with Brother Dugu's support and the backing of our Sect, still has a real opportunity."
"If only one human employee is recruited, that position must go to Dugu Yan."
Otherwise, if Spirit Hall or Star Luo seized the opportunity, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's path to godhood would be sealed for decades.
"What should be done now?" Dugu Bo asked seriously.
"We cannot be stingy with sacrificial coins," Ning Fengzhi replied calmly. "Yan Yan has already exchanged two auxiliary secret techniques. How is her cultivation progressing?"
"She has already entered the initial stage," Chen Xin replied.
"Good," Ning Fengzhi said. "Each consultation only costs 1,000 sacrificial coins. Let her continuously inquire about her own cultivation. It will deepen her understanding, accelerate her progress, and—more importantly—leave an impression on Boss Li."
Sometimes, recognition was worth far more than sacrificial coins.
_____________________
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