Chapter 194: Successful Recruitment, Curing Tai Nuo in Passing

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Longxing City, the Residence of the Yu Clan! 

Not long ago, the four single-attribute clans had proposed forming a unified sect, but due to various issues, they had been unable to finalize a suitable plan. 

However, things were different now—Wang Li had arrived. With him here, they no longer needed to rack their brains over it. 

Titan had likely sent word ahead, so by the time they arrived, Niu Gao of the Yu Clan, Bai He of the Min Clan, and Yang Wudi of the Po Clan were already waiting at the entrance. 

As Wang Li and Duguyan stepped out of the carriage, the three elders immediately greeted them with a respectful bow. 

"Your Excellency Lan Yin, Miss Dugu!" 

There was an undeniable sense of awkwardness. Wang Li was still under twenty, yet he had already reached the rank of Titled Douluo. Meanwhile, these seasoned elders, despite their age, were still at the Soul Douluo level. The stark contrast was enough to make them feel a bit ashamed. 

Wang Li smiled faintly and said, "From an age perspective, you are all my seniors. Formalities aren't necessary. I've come to discuss important matters—let's talk inside." 

As the host, Niu Gao stepped aside, gesturing toward the entrance as he spoke in a deep voice: 

"I wouldn't dare, Your Excellency. Please, follow me. We've prepared food and wine—we can discuss things over a meal." 

With that, Wang Li and Duguyan, accompanied by Niu Gao, proceeded into the residence. 

Behind them, Bai He and Yang Wudi exchanged questioning glances with Titan. Their eyes practically asked, What's going on? Why did you bring him here? 

Titan grimaced. He found it difficult to explain. If Wang Li had only taken an interest in the Li Clan, Titan could have made the decision himself. However, Wang Li was looking at all four single-attribute clans, and Titan couldn't make that choice on behalf of his old friends. 

Left with no alternative, he muttered, "You'll find out soon enough." 

Bai He and Yang Wudi were perplexed but not overly concerned. After all, back when Dugu Bo purchased the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng, Wang Li and Duguyan had been present. They were at least familiar with each other. 

Inside the residence, Niu Gao had indeed prepared a banquet. As they dined, the conversation flowed naturally. 

With a warm smile, Wang Li spoke first: "Clan Leader Bai, Clan Leader Yang, it's been seven years since we last met. Time flies. Clan Leader Bai, the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng from back then was of immense help to us." 

Hearing this, Bai He felt reassured. Wang Li wasn't as arrogant or overbearing as he had imagined. Smiling, he replied: 

"As long as it helped, that's all that matters. The 150,000 gold spirit coins you paid also greatly improved our clan's living conditions. Over the years, our people have been able to focus on cultivation without worrying about survival." 

At that moment, Duguyan spoke seriously: 

"Clan Leader Yang, your family's secret techniques benefited me greatly. The Dugu Clan's poison techniques focus on martial soul toxins, whereas the Yang Clan's expertise lies in herbal poisons. Your research into rare medicinal herbs and the refining of herbal toxins was truly an eye-opener." 

Yang Wudi's usually stern face softened into a rare smile. Having his family's secret techniques praised meant more to him than receiving personal compliments. He responded: 

"Miss Dugu, for you to be recognized by the Yearning Heartbroken Red, you must possess great fortune. Such an immortal treasure deserves to be used to its fullest potential." 

As the conversation continued, Niu Gao, the host, watched them with an expectant expression. Damn, they all know each other so well? He felt like an outsider in his own home, unable to find a place to chime in. 

Weren't we supposed to advance and retreat together? Why didn't anyone introduce me? 

Clearing his throat, Niu Gao finally forced his way into the conversation: 

"Ahem!" 

Then, taking the initiative, he asked, "Your Excellency Lan Yin, what brings you here so suddenly? Is there something you need from us?" 

Hearing Niu Gao's question, Wang Li didn't hesitate and got straight to the point: 

"Since Clan Leader Niu has asked, I'll be direct. When Clan Leader Tai came to me, he asked me to save his son. I agreed—but in exchange, he had to work for me. He accepted." 

"However, he also mentioned that your four single-attribute clans are currently discussing the formation of a unified sect. Recently, due to the Spirit Hall's decision to reselect the Seven Great Sects, every major force on the Douluo Continent has been stirred into action, and the chaos is already beginning to take shape." 

"Forming a sect is indeed a strategic response, but with only four Soul Douluo among you, I doubt you'll be able to handle the turmoil that lies ahead. That's why I'm here—I want all of you to pledge allegiance to me." 

"I know your history well. You were once vassal sects of the Clear Sky Sect. But the Clear Sky Sect has abandoned you. Do you still believe that, once they reemerge, you'll have a place by their side?" 

At these words, Titan, Niu Gao, Bai He, and Yang Wudi all wore dark expressions. Wang Li had struck a nerve. They were, after all, the ones discarded by the Clear Sky Sect. 

When the elders of the Clear Sky Sect fled with their direct bloodline, they hadn't even bothered to inform them. Meanwhile, they had foolishly stayed behind and resisted. 

Of them, Niu Gao and Yang Wudi harbored the deepest resentment toward the Clear Sky Sect. Titan had once hoped that Tang Hao's return might change their fate. 

But Tang Hao never returned. Instead, Tang San came back—only to injure his grandson and poison his son. Despite his grievances, Titan had endured it all. 

Yet, Tai Nuo had remained bedridden for seven years, caught between life and death, surviving solely through medicinal baths. That agonizing period had completely drained Titan's loyalty. 

As for Bai He, he was, in fact, the uncle of Tang Xiao and Tang Hao. Yet even that blood relation had not earned him any special treatment—he had been discarded just like the rest. 

At that moment, Niu Gao glanced at Titan. It was clear—Titan had already pledged allegiance to Wang Li. Now, only three of the four clans remained independent. Frowning, Niu Gao asked, 

"Your Excellency, you're not wrong. We, the four single-attribute clans, were indeed abandoned by the Clear Sky Sect. Because of that, we will never have anything to do with them again, even in death." 

"However, I do have my doubts about your invitation. You are a genius, the youngest Titled Douluo in the Douluo Continent, and now you seek to establish your own power. Does this mean you plan to participate in the Spirit Hall's reselection of the Seven Great Sects?" 

"If that's your goal, then I must decline. I have a responsibility to my clan. We are forming a sect to secure a place of peace on the continent—not to throw ourselves into the chaos." 

Bai He and Yang Wudi shared similar thoughts. They had already been betrayed by the Clear Sky Sect once before; they would not so easily pledge their allegiance to another. 

Wang Li nodded in understanding. Even as a Titled Douluo, he knew that mere words wouldn't be enough to convince them to entrust him with their entire future. So, he calmly explained: 

"I have no interest in the Spirit Hall's Seven Great Sects tournament. I simply have things I wish to accomplish—and I need capable people to help me." 

"For me, cultivation is too easy. That's why I reached the Titled Douluo level so young. With so much free time, I want to pursue greater achievements." 

Titan, Niu Gao, Bai He, and Yang Wudi stared at him, resisting the urge to punch him in the face. 

Every word Wang Li spoke was true—but that was precisely what made it unbearable. Lies wouldn't hurt them, but the truth cut like a knife. What did he mean, 'cultivation is too easy'? What did he mean, 'too much free time'? They barely had enough time to train! 

Ignoring their reactions, Wang Li continued, 

"The Li Clan excels in forging, the Yu Clan in construction, the Po Clan in herbal medicine, and the Min Clan in reconnaissance. These skills complement one another perfectly. With your allegiance, I will have a solid foundation." 

"Next, I plan to establish—or directly acquire—a Soul Master Academy. There, I will introduce a Soul Tool division, training specialists in the field. My goal is to revive and expand the lost art of soul tool creation." 

"The talents of Soul Masters should not be limited to combat. The four single-attribute clans are a prime example. Forging, construction, herbal medicine, reconnaissance—these are invaluable skills. In the future, the reemergence of soul tools may face opposition, but they will inevitably reshape the continent." 

"This is my true ambition. Whether it's founding a new force to become one of the Seven Great Sects, or even ruling the entire Soul Master world—none of that compares to the unparalleled achievement of changing history itself." 

As Wang Li's words fell, Titan, Niu Gao, Bai He, and Yang Wudi's expressions subtly changed. They had underestimated him. What Wang Li sought to accomplish was nothing short of challenging the entire upper echelon of the Soul Master world—far more ambitious than merely vying for a place among the Seven Great Sects. 

The disappearance of soul tools wasn't just a matter of lost knowledge. To put it bluntly: If you have it and we don't, then either you share it with us, or we make sure you lose it too. 

Yang Wudi spoke in a deep voice, 

"Your Excellency, this is no simple undertaking. You'll have to invest an immense amount of time, effort, and wealth, and it will inevitably earn you the hostility of many forces. Besides..." 

"By revealing something this confidential to us, what happens if we refuse your invitation?" 

Hearing this, Wang Li chuckled and nodded. 

"A sharp question. If others covet what I aim to build, then let them join in. Let them also invest their time, effort, and wealth. I have enough power to bring them to the negotiation table." 

"And if you refuse? Then you refuse. Do you think I'd kill you over it?" 

"I've put the opportunity before you, but I won't extend it twice. If you pledge allegiance to me, then forget about any other factions—even the Spirit Hall won't dare trouble you again." 

"You don't yet understand my strength. If you want to test it, I don't mind giving you a beating to help you experience it firsthand. Now, make your decision." 

The four men hesitated. They each had confidence in their abilities, but none of them wanted to fight Wang Li. His reputation had been forged through raw power. Now that he had become a Titled Douluo, his strength could only be more terrifying. 

And behind him stood another terrifying figure—Dugu Bo. Together, they already formed a force to be reckoned with. Even the Spirit Hall would have to show them respect. 

With two Titled Douluo as their shield, the four single-attribute clans could finally have the peace they longed for. As long as Wang Li didn't treat them as mere pawns, joining him was a risk-free, high-reward decision. 

Realizing this, Niu Gao, Bai He, and Yang Wudi exchanged glances before finally nodding in agreement. 

Niu Gao cupped his fists and said apologetically, 

"Your Excellency, your ambitions are great, but we also have to consider our clans. Since you are willing to protect us, we are willing to lend you our strength. From now on, the four single-attribute clans will follow your lead." 

Wang Li smiled—not overly excited, but satisfied. The four clans had simply made the right choice. He then said, 

"Good. Then it's settled. The Yu Clan, Po Clan, and Min Clan will temporarily relocate to Heaven Dou City and settle at the Li Clan's estate." 

"Gather your people first. Once everyone is in place, I'll make further arrangements. Titan, can you handle their accommodations?" 

Titan immediately nodded and replied, 

"Your Excellency, you can rest assured—there won't be any issues." 

He spoke excitedly, 

"Then, Your Excellency, can we go and treat my son now?" 

Wang Li responded, 

"Of course. By the way, where did you send your son?" 

Titan turned to Yang Wudi, his eyes shimmering with emotion and a few tears welling up. 

"To Xingyao City, at the old goat's place." 

Wang Li nodded, 

"Alright, arrange it. We can leave whenever you're ready." 

Titan was eager to leave immediately, but since they had already traveled a long way from Heaven Dou City and stayed overnight in Longxing City, they decided to rest for the night. 

The next day, the group set off together. Not only Titan, who was leading Wang Li and Dugu Yan, but Niu Gao, Bai He, and Yang Wudi all joined the journey. 

They were all curious to see how Wang Li would treat Titan's son, Tai Nuo, who had been unconscious for over seven years—essentially as good as dead. They wondered how Wang Li would be able to bring him back to life. 

A day later, at Xingyao City, the Yang Family! 

Under Yang Wudi's lead, the group arrived at a room deep within the family estate. Even outside the room, the faint scent of medicine filled the air. 

Once inside, Yang Wudi explained, 

"My nephew's life is currently being sustained by medicinal baths. Each bath consumes a significant amount of precious herbs, but it only lasts for seven days. Back when the continent was more peaceful, obtaining money and herbs wasn't a huge issue. But with the current chaos, these have become serious problems. We're not sure what your Excellency plans to do to treat him or what we need to prepare." 

Wang Li had already spotted the medicinal tub and noticed Tai Nuo lying inside. Though Tai Nuo looked somewhat similar to Titan, he appeared to be middle-aged. Wang Li said, 

"There's no need for anything special. As long as he's here, it's enough." 

After saying that, Wang Li summoned his martial soul. The Blue Silver Grass extended and spread across the room. Nine soul rings appeared in sequence—two yellow, two purple, three black, and two red. 

Wang Li waved his hand, and the tendrils of the grass extended, wrapping around Tai Nuo. He then used his second soul skill, Life Force, channeling it into Tai Nuo's body. In an instant, every part of Tai Nuo's body—the limbs, organs, and all vital functions—were revived. His decaying organs and nerves, which had been destroyed, began to repair themselves. The life energy that had been devoured was quickly replenished. 

Wang Li had the ability to revive even the dead. With Tai Nuo still alive, bringing him back to consciousness was nothing difficult. 

The others were left dumbfounded. Could this really be enough to save Tai Nuo? Yang Wudi was the most surprised. He could see the extent of Tai Nuo's condition and thought that only a rare and divine herb would be capable of restoring his life. He didn't think that merely healing soul skills—no matter how powerful—could replenish the lost life force. 

But just as he thought this, Wang Li withdrew his hand and said, 

"Alright." 

As his words finished, Tai Nuo's eyes opened. His voice was loud and filled with confusion as he spoke, 

"Where am I? Dad, Uncle Niu, Uncle Bai, Uncle Yang, you're all here!" 

Titan, overcome with emotion, rushed to his son's side, tears streaming down his face. He slapped Tai Nuo's head lightly and exclaimed, 

"You little brat, you've woken up! This is wonderful—truly wonderful…" 

(End of Chapter)