After Bibi Dong departed, it was not until dawn that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan finally discovered Yu Xiaogang's death.
Yu Xiaogang's withered corpse lay at the center of the hall. Ignoring Liu Erlong, who had collapsed in grief and was crying uncontrollably, Yu Yuanzhen stood with an expression so cold it seemed carved from ice.
"This was the work of an evil Spirit Master," he declared.
"Xiaogang's talent has recently spread across the entire continent. Someone must have targeted his Bright Holy Dragon bloodline and taken the risk to infiltrate the sect and devour him."
Yu Luomian's eyes burned with resentment. Yu Xiaogang's bloodline had represented a rare opportunity for the clan's future growth.
"Did the guards discover anything last night?"
"The infiltrator was extremely powerful," an elder replied gravely. "The Ninth and Tenth Elders were on duty, yet they sensed nothing unusual."
"Are any other disciples missing?"
"One," came the answer. "A disciple who returned late from cultivation was also found dead. His body was hidden in a flower bed. According to his roommate, he never returned last night."
"No signs of devouring?"
"No."
Then the target had been Xiaogang alone.
Yu Yuanzhen fell silent for a long moment before his jaw clenched audibly. "Announce to the entire continent that an evil Spirit Master devoured Yu Xiaogang. This individual likely possesses a Dragon-type or Light-type spirit and now has the potential to break through to Titled Douluo—or may have already done so."
He continued coldly, "Notify Spirit Hall and request their assistance. Investigate all Spirit Masters with Dragon-type or Light-type spirits across the continent. There aren't many Spirit Douluo or Titled Douluo-level experts. Compile a list of every possible suspect and give me their names."
Even if I have to cast the widest net imaginable, I will find this person—and slaughter them.
Yu Yuanzhen's fury was barely contained. His most precious son had been drained dry by an enemy who infiltrated his own sect. The humiliation and rage threatened to tear him apart.
None of the surrounding elders objected. Regardless of Yu Xiaogang's talent, the sheer audacity of the culprit demanded death.
Invitations had already been sent out, and yet the groom-to-be was murdered inside the sect on the eve of his grand wedding. If this news spread, who would still respect the authority of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan? Not even the Lower Four Sects had ever suffered such a disgrace.
While the major forces were still reeling from the incident, Li Rong was welcoming guests in Heaven Dou City.
Bi Ji had arrived from the far north, accompanied by the Snow Empress. Dugu Bo had also tagged along, looking entirely too comfortable.
"We meet again, Boss Li," Bi Ji greeted with a gentle smile.
Beside her stood the Snow Empress, her ice-blue hair cascading down her back, her temperament cold and refined. Dugu Bo, meanwhile, had already found a seat and settled in as if it were his own home.
Li Rong glanced at them calmly. "What brings you here?"
Bi Ji spoke frankly. "Snow Empress and I arrived yesterday. Brother Dugu mentioned that your shop possesses a method allowing Spirit Masters to advance without hunting Spirit Beasts for spirit rings."
Li Rong shot Dugu Bo a glance. The latter laughed awkwardly, pretending not to understand.
"We do," Li Rong replied.
"May I ask what methods exist to condense spirit rings without killing Spirit Beasts?" Bi Ji asked, unable to hide her anticipation.
"One thousand sacrificial coins," Li Rong said flatly.
Having already learned the shop's rules—both overt and unspoken—through Dugu Bo, Bi Ji did not hesitate. She produced a crystal card and completed the transaction.
"There are three methods," Li Rong explained.
"First, the Ring Condensing Method. Created by a God-level expert for the purpose of attaining godhood, it uses one's own spirit power to condense spirit rings. The advantages are perfect compatibility, no rejection, and automatic growth of the ring's upper limit as cultivation increases, greatly reducing the difficulty of breaking through bottlenecks—even beyond level 100. The disadvantage is the extreme difficulty of mastery and the absence of Spirit Abilities."
"Second, the Spirit Gathering Method. Because self-condensing spirit rings is too demanding, spirit-tool experts created soul-gathering spirit tools. A Spirit Beast and a Spirit Master each occupy one end. Using a portion of the Spirit Beast's cultivation and blood as guidance, the tool draws upon the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to form a spirit ring that reaches the Spirit Master's absorption limit. The advantages are simplicity, safety, and guaranteed ring quality. The disadvantages are fixed limits and the need for prior negotiation with Spirit Beasts. Advancement to godhood later relies on other means."
"Third, spirit ring pills. God-level experts can condense spirit rings using faith power—or conjure them outright if they have broken through independently. The advantages are guaranteed compatibility and ideal Spirit Abilities. The disadvantage is cost."
Dugu Bo was astonished. Bi Ji and the Snow Empress, however, exchanged glances, their expressions tinged with helplessness.
The first and third methods were simply not universal.
"Boss Li," the Snow Empress asked, "what is the price of the soul-gathering spirit tool?"
"No need," Li Rong replied after a brief glance at her.
Seeing their confusion, he continued, "In the eyes of the Sacrificial Dao Lord, all races are equal in cultivation. Humans and Spirit Beasts may fight or even annihilate each other for profit—but extermination for basic cultivation needs violates the shop's principles."
The three were stunned into silence.
"The Sacrificial Dao Lord's vision humbles us," the Snow Empress said sincerely. "May I ask how this conflict between races will be resolved?"
"I haven't fully decided yet," Li Rong replied.
They were momentarily speechless.
"This matter doesn't require the Dao Lord's direct involvement," Li Rong added. "That responsibility falls to me. I simply need time."
"Why not erase the rule requiring spirit rings altogether?" Bi Ji asked bluntly.
"No," Li Rong said firmly. "That rule was set by the gods of this world. I won't erase it—only bypass it."
"Then place soul-gathering spirit tools across the continent?" the Snow Empress suggested.
"That would make spirit rings too easy to obtain," Li Rong replied. "The shop does not support unearned gains."
Dugu Bo opened his mouth to speak—
"I have an idea," Li Rong interrupted.
"I plan to construct Training Towers across the continent. Within their range, Spirit Masters who are willing and not in combat can enter a divine training space."
"In this space, death results only in expulsion for three days—no losses, no permanent consequences."
"Spirit Masters may duel freely or enter matchmaking against opponents of similar strength. Victories grant one point, draws change nothing, defeats deduct one point."
"One point exchanges for a white spirit ring. Ten for yellow, one hundred for purple, one thousand for black, five thousand for red, and ten thousand for rings approaching a million years."
"I'll also establish arena leaderboards. Humans and Spirit Beasts alike may defend arenas and receive monthly rewards."
"What do you think?"
The three fell silent, their minds reeling as they struggled to process the sheer scale of what they had just heard.
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