NOVEL NEXT Chapter 14: Chapter 14: Invitations from Bibi Dong and Ning Fengzhi
"Is this the might of cultivators? It's… truly terrifying!"
"We Soul Masters truly can't compare to cultivators."
"Alchemists, Formation Masters, Talisman Masters, Artifact Refiners—any one of them could easily surpass us Soul Masters. Yet, they're merely branches of cultivation. As such, we Soul Masters are not even worth a tenth of their power."
"Body Cultivators, who can break through a thousand techniques with brute force, are vastly more powerful than our Strength or Power-type Soul Masters. One punch to shatter stars, one palm to end lives—just thinking about it is exhilarating!"
After hearing Lu Yunzhou's explanations about cultivation, the crowd began to come to terms with reality.
Amid the murmurs of the crowd, Lu Yunzhou's mind was filled with the mechanical, indifferent voice of the "Cultivation" system.
[Congratulations, Host, on completing the task: 'Discourse on Cultivation.']
[Congratulations, Host, you have obtained the 'Golden Light Formation.']
[Mortal Heart Cultivation Progress: 2/10]
Only eight tasks remained before Lu Yunzhou would be able to acquire the "Celestial Technique of Grand Ascendance."
When that day arrived, the so-called "god ranks"—first-tier, second-tier, third-tier—would be nothing but ants beneath his feet. As for god-kings? Just larger ants, at best.
Seeing that the sky was gradually darkening, Lu Yunzhou understood that it was time to find a place to stay for the night and to visit Dugu Yan the following day.
In one day, he had completed two tasks—a satisfying progress. If things continued at this pace, he would hold the "Great Celestial Technique" in his hands within five days.
Thinking of this, a smile crept onto Lu Yunzhou's face.
"It's getting late. Today's discourse ends here. If fate allows, we'll meet again," he announced to the crowd.
Just as he was preparing to leave, Lu Yunzhou seemed to recall something, stopping in his tracks.
"Thank you for today," he said, his gaze lingering intently on the graceful, shapely Liu Erlong.
After his words, he sent a technique called Scorching Heaven and Boiling Sea into Liu Erlong's mental sea. "This is a technique that can be learned as a Soul Skill. It will greatly benefit you," he explained.
Hearing Lu Yunzhou's words, Liu Erlong, recalling his astonishing abilities and deep, unfathomable strength, understood that Scorching Heaven and Boiling Sea was no ordinary technique. Grateful, she accepted his goodwill.
"Thank you, Senior. Then, I'll graciously accept it. You are always welcome to visit me at Blue Tyrant Academy," she said openly.
Liu Erlong was a woman in her thirties. Reserved behavior was neither her style nor her habit. She either wanted something or didn't—there was no beating around the bush or coyness.
In response, Lu Yunzhou nodded. "Sure."
As soon as Lu Yunzhou finished speaking, Bibi Dong's voice rose.
"I've heard your discourse for some time now, but I still don't know your name. Might you share it with us? Perhaps we could… become friends?"
After a brief pause, Lu Yunzhou responded, "Lu Yunzhou."
Upon hearing his name, Bibi Dong nodded thoughtfully. "'Clouds over the State'—the name itself carries quite the poetic meaning."
Bibi Dong was no ordinary woman. Her question about his name was merely a way to engage him further. Thus, she quickly moved on to reveal her true intentions.
"Is this your first time on the continent, Mr. Lu? Otherwise, your name would already have shaken the land," she began.
"If this is your first visit, I imagine you're still without a place to stay. Today, I, Bibi Dong, would like to extend my hospitality to you, to properly entertain you. What do you think?"
Bibi Dong wasn't foolish; she understood that someone like Lu Yunzhou was worth befriending. Even if she couldn't recruit him, forging a friendly relationship would be beneficial.
The instant her voice fell, Ning Fengzhi, the cunning old fox, promptly spoke up.
"Her Majesty the Pope comes from Spirit City, so she may not be as familiar with Heaven Dou City as I am. Besides, the Crown Prince of Heaven Dou Empire is my disciple."
"To properly host Mr. Lu, I believe it's only fitting for me to do so, wouldn't you agree?"
With that, Ning Fengzhi approached Lu Yunzhou respectfully. "Mr. Lu, if you have any needs, please let me know. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has plenty of wealth, and in Douluo Continent, ninety-nine percent of things can be solved with money."
He smiled amiably, reinforcing that whatever Lu Yunzhou wanted, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect could provide. And if the sect couldn't, the Heaven Dou Empire stood behind him.
By inviting Lu Yunzhou with the backing of both a wealthy sect and an empire, Ning Fengzhi was confident that he wouldn't refuse.
And if he did refuse, it would be an affront not just to Ning Fengzhi, but to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Heaven Dou Empire as well.
Faced with invitations from both Bibi Dong and Ning Fengzhi, Lu Yunzhou naturally understood their intentions to win him over. With a faint, amused smile, he responded with a slight hint of disdain, "No need for either of you to trouble yourselves. Both of you are busy with your duties; there's no need to waste your time and energy on someone as insignificant as me."
The crowd preparing to leave began murmuring among themselves after hearing his response.
"Refusing Sect Master Ning's invitation is one thing, but to decline Her Majesty the Pope's as well? What's he thinking?"
"He's a cultivator. We Soul Masters can't compare. What does it matter what he wants?"
"Yes, yes. Just because someone invites you doesn't mean you have to accept. Why can't he refuse?"
Hearing Lu Yunzhou's answer, Ning Fengzhi's brow furrowed.
"This Lu Yunzhou… he truly doesn't know how to appreciate kindness," he thought, his expression showing traces of annoyance.
Meanwhile, Bibi Dong smiled and graciously replied, "Mr. Lu, you're far too modest. I may have been too forward. Should you need anything, feel free to reach out. After all… we're friends."
Observing Lu Yunzhou's firm and direct refusal of Bibi Dong's invitation, yet noticing her continued smile, Ghost Douluo, Gui Mei, realized that Lu Yunzhou would soon become renowned across the land.
"To even refuse Her Majesty the Pope's invitation… this man is indeed extraordinary," Gui Mei thought, his view of Lu Yunzhou shifting with respect.
Nearby, seeing Bibi Dong's rejection, Qian Renxue silently rejoiced. "Serves that old hag right!"
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