NOVEL NEXT Chapter 85: Chapter 85
Chapter 85: Benefits Come and Go
The elder nodded repeatedly, his cloudy eyes blazing with fury.
"Fine! Your Great Fighting Soul Arena is remarkable. To curry favor with the Spirit Hall and protect that Zhao Ling, you dare to declare that both dogs and members of my Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family are barred from entering. Very well.
We'll leave immediately, but mark my words: if any member of my family ever sets foot in your arena again, it will be a slap in my face. Hmph!"
With a huff, the elder waved his sleeve and barked, "Let's go!"
The three elders cast one last searing glare at the audience before turning and striding out, their subordinates trailing behind.
---
Although the elders could have caused a larger commotion, they chose not to. The Great Fighting Soul Arena had a history of sending healers to aid both Yu Xiaogang and Yu Xiaolong, and this was common knowledge among the spectators. A public outburst could tarnish the reputation of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family.
The elder's claims about the arena colluding with the Spirit Hall and protecting Zhao Ling were nothing more than a strategic attempt to seize the moral high ground.
After leaving the arena, the elders stood outside, their faces livid, teeth grinding in frustration.
The second elder clenched his fists, staring at the main gate with bloodshot eyes. "The Great Fighting Soul Arena has gone too far! They know our family has suffered at the hands of the Spirit Hall and that man Zhao, yet they blatantly lie to protect him.
How convenient that the Spirit Hall and Zhao Ling left just this morning. Do they take us for fools? Clearly, they were tipped off about our arrival and hid him!"
The third elder nodded in agreement. "Exactly! What are the chances? Zhao Ling and the Spirit Hall leave the same day we arrive? Only an idiot would believe such a coincidence!"
The first elder, his expression dark, gritted his teeth. "Those blind fools at the arena thought we wouldn't see through their lies. Very well. Since they've chosen to side with the Spirit Hall and protect Zhao Ling, they leave us no choice. From now on, the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family will target them. Let's see how long their high-ranking officials can hold out!"
"Agreed," the second elder said with a sharp nod. He turned to address the sideline members accompanying them. "How many of you were here last time with the young master and have seen Zhao Ling in person?"
Among the dozen collateral members, three stepped forward.
"Second elder, the three of us accompanied the young master last time and saw Zhao Ling."
The second elder nodded. "Good. Each of you will take two people and station yourselves in the busiest streets of Soto City. If you spot Zhao Ling or anyone from the Spirit Hall, follow them discreetly and report back immediately.
I refuse to believe that Zhao Ling will hide forever. Sooner or later, he'll come out to shop or eat."
The three collateral members nodded resolutely. They each chose two companions and hurried to their posts in Soto City's busiest areas.
Meanwhile, the elders exchanged grim looks before directing the rest of their group to find lodging. With nightfall approaching, they needed a comfortable place to stay.
---
Inside the Great Fighting Soul Arena, the manager held an emergency meeting with senior officials. His face was grim as he addressed the room.
Initially, the arena had invested significant resources into aiding the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family, believing it would yield long-term benefits.
Their reasoning was simple:
1. Preventing Yu Xiaogang or Yu Xiaolong from dying in the arena would avoid unnecessary tension with the powerful family.
2. Befriending a family with a Titled Douluo could prove advantageous in the future.
Even a minor favor in times of crisis could make a world of difference.
But now, it was clear their efforts had been in vain. Despite the arena's generous assistance, the family repaid them with hostility and baseless accusations of collusion.
The manager sighed heavily. "All that time, effort, and expense… wasted. If we'd known this would be the outcome, we'd have let them fend for themselves. Perhaps it would've been better to let Yu Xiaogang and Yu Xiaolong meet their fate here."
The senior officials nodded in agreement, regret etched across their faces.
"From this point forward," the manager continued, "we'll no longer extend favors to the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family. Let them think whatever they want. If they already believe we're siding with the Spirit Hall, then so be it."
---
For three days, the three elders remained in Soto City, determined to track down Zhao Ling. The collateral members tasked with patrolling the streets barely managed nine hours of rest in total, their exhaustion evident.
Eventually, the elders were forced to accept the truth. Zhao Ling and the Spirit Hall contingent had indeed departed for Spirit City on the very morning of their arrival.
The realization left them seething. It was infuriating to think that their paths might have crossed unknowingly.
---
Meanwhile, Liu Erlong's carriage had reached the road in front of her home. She paid the fare, stepped out, and entered the courtyard in high spirits.
As she opened the door, she was greeted by the sight of her father watering flowers. He turned to face her, his expression stern.
"You little troublemaker," he said. "You've been gone so long without telling me where you went. Do you think I don't worry? And… wait a minute. I've never seen that dress before. When did you buy it?"
Liu Erlong glanced down at her outfit: a blue-and-white dress paired with white high heels. The ensemble was stylish and flattering—a gift from Zhao Ling during their shopping trip in Soto City.
Zhao Ling, eager to win her over, had spared no expense. With nearly 300,000 gold soul coins at his disposal, he could afford to indulge her whims without hesitation.
PS: Read +25 advance chapters on my Patreon: [patreon.com/Thebeginning331]
(End of chapter)