Chapter 104: Trouble Afoot

Chapter 104: Trouble Afoot

Yang Potian stored away the two spirit bones he had acquired, feeling a bit incredulous.

In this hunt, they had obtained three spirit bones: a 70,000-year-old Gale Demon Wolf left leg bone, an 80,000-year-old Vajra Gorilla right arm bone, and a 40,000-year-old Monoceros Tyrant Dragon left arm bone.

These three spirit bones were considered top-tier and incredibly valuable; at any auction, each could easily sell for tens of millions of gold soul coins, if not more.

With these bones in different locations on the body, it was as though he had already completed half of his spirit bone collection in one hunt. But he wasn't particularly impressed, as their ages were still relatively low. With twin martial souls, he was determined to eventually gather a full set of 100,000-year spirit bones.

Yang Potian thought to himself that in future hunts, he should always bring Dugu Bo along to poison the beasts to the brink of death first, potentially increasing the odds of acquiring spirit bones.

After some contemplation, he took out the 40,000-year Monoceros Tyrant Dragon's left arm bone from his storage soul tool and handed it to Dugu Bo. Although Dugu Bo wasn't family, the two clans shared a close bond, and Dugu Bo had contributed significantly to this hunt. While friendship was valuable, it's often best maintained with material incentives.

Dugu Bo accepted the spirit bone, momentarily speechless. This "little treasure trove" was actually handing over such a rare prize! Given that this bone had dropped while Yang Potian was absorbing the spirit ring, it could have been highly beneficial to him.

Yang Wushuang, Potian's second grandfather, watched this exchange with a satisfied nod. Meanwhile, his other grandfather, Niu Gao, couldn't help but feel a bit neglected. After all, he had diligently protected his grandson along the journey, and here he was without a spirit bone to show for it. But considering that his advancement to Title Douluo was thanks to a gift from Yang Potian, he felt he couldn't really complain.

Time passed slowly in the Star Dou Forest. Yang Wudi took a full 30 hours to absorb the Vajra Gorilla's spirit ring, leaving Yang Potian nearly questioning his own sanity as he waited.

When Yang Wudi finally completed the process, he found the corpses of the two beasts beside him dissected and dismantled, no doubt his grandson's handiwork.

As they were preparing to leave the Star Dou Forest, Yang Potian suddenly spoke up.

"Wait, Grandfathers! Shouldn't we begin the plan now?"

Yang Wushuang looked puzzled. "We're still in the heart of the Star Dou Forest. Isn't it a bit early to start?"

"Second Grandpa, if we want it to look real, we should start now. If we happen to encounter anyone on our way out, the ruse would be ruined."

After some thought, Yang Wushuang agreed. "Fine, let's do it here."

Dugu Bo and Niu Gao exchanged confused glances, not understanding what Yang Potian meant.

Then, Yang Wushuang sat down, took out a medicinal pill, and swallowed it. Soon after, he fell to the ground, his breathing and heartbeat seemingly gone, with no trace of soul power.

Yang Potian then took a knife and slashed at his second grandfather's clothing, leaving it in tatters as if he had been through a fierce battle.

Next, he doused Yang Wushuang in blood from the Vajra Gorilla, ruffling his hair and smearing him in gore until he looked like a casualty of a brutal fight.

Yang Potian then turned to his grandfather, Yang Wudi, and did the same, tearing his clothes and adding bloodstains.

With Dugu Bo and Niu Gao still looking bewildered, Yang Potian dragged them over as well and subjected them to similar "treatment."

Finally, Niu Gao couldn't help but ask, "Potian, what on earth are you doing?"

"Grandpa, the Po Clan suddenly having two Title Douluo would draw too much attention. So we've decided to have my second grandpa 'fake his death' after being 'killed by a spirit beast.' That way, we won't stand out as much."

Niu Gao swallowed, then turned to Yang Wudi, "Old Goat, this was your idea?"

Yang Wudi shrugged, "Old Rhino, this scheme was actually your dear grandson's idea."

Yang Potian thought his setup was still missing something, so he addressed the group. "Grandpa, Dugu Bo, Grandpa Niu, here's the story we'll tell: Our group fought a fierce battle to kill the 80,000-year-old Vajra Gorilla. But while my grandfather was absorbing its ring, a Titan Giant Ape went berserk and attacked us. My second grandfather fought it to the death to protect my grandfather and tragically perished."

"We'll say the Titan Giant Ape and Vajra Gorilla were close friends. Many have seen these two soul beasts playing together—they could be related for all we know."

Titan Giant Ape Er Ming: "??" Vajra Gorilla: "??"

Dugu Bo and Niu Gao exchanged skeptical glances, both thinking: Where on earth did he get the idea that those two soul beasts were friends? This kid is too clever by half.

But neither objected; given their close relationship, they could keep this secret. And besides, Dugu Bo had just accepted a spirit bone.

With no choice, they let Yang Potian continue his "decorating," which left them all looking like battered and bloodied survivors.

Once the scene was set, Yang Potian carefully packed away the corpses of the spirit beasts. "Grandpa, we're ready to head back now."

Yang Wudi raised an eyebrow. "Potian, we've all dressed for the part. Aren't you going to dress yourself up too?"

Yang Potian gave him an exasperated look. "Grandpa, we were supposedly fighting an 80,000-year Vajra Gorilla and a 100,000-year Titan Giant Ape. Do you really think I could even be part of a battle like that? If I were hurt, it would only raise more suspicion."

Yang Wudi was momentarily taken aback, but after thinking it over, he had to admit his grandson made a good point.

After a bit more discussion, Niu Gao carried Yang Potian, while Yang Wudi slung the "lifeless" Yang Wushuang over his shoulder. They quickly left the forest.

As they reached the spirit-hunting town on the forest's outskirts, their battered and bloodied appearance drew countless curious stares.

Since Dugu Bo was a well-known guest of the Heaven Dou Empire, many recognized him. Given their appearance, people assumed something had gone wrong during their spirit hunt, and someone had died.

Ignoring the crowd's reactions, Yang Wudi returned to the Po Clan with his "fallen" brother.

Soon after, rumors spread across the continent. Witnesses had apparently "seen" everything and described it with alarming accuracy.

The story that reached the various powers was as follows: The Po Clan's leader, Yang Wudi, had ascended to Title Douluo and, to celebrate, had invited Poison Douluo Dugu Bo and Niu Gao, leader of the Defense Clan, to the Star Dou Forest for a spirit ring hunt. The group succeeded in killing an 80,000-year Vajra Gorilla, but while Yang Wudi was absorbing the ring, its friend, the Titan Giant Ape, arrived in a rage. Yang Wushuang fought to protect his brother but was tragically killed in the process.

Upon returning to the Po Clan, the estate was draped in mourning, clearly preparing for a funeral.

It was also rumored that Yang Wudi planned to organize a hunting party to take revenge on the Titan Giant Ape for his brother's death.

News of the incident spread quickly, with different powers reacting in various ways.

Several sent representatives to offer condolences. Meanwhile, Yang Ping'an and Yang Tianyue were heartbroken, crying rivers of tears.

This incident led many to take the Po Clan more seriously. Yang Wudi, long known for his powerful attacks, had now become a Title Douluo, making him an even more formidable force.

The Spirit Hall invited Yang Wudi to the Douluo Palace for an official Title Douluo investiture, but he declined, citing his grief over his brother's death. He did, however, promise to go eventually.

Likewise, Niu Gao deferred his visit, citing clan responsibilities and promising to go later.

In Spirit City, the Papal Palace:

Pope Bibi Dong sat on her throne, with various Spirit Hall elders standing below.

She questioned them, "What's the status of Niu Gao and Yang Wudi? Have they indicated when they'll come to Spirit Hall for investiture?"

Chrysanthemum Douluo, standing at the forefront, responded, "Your Holiness, both Niu Gao and Yang Wudi have stated they're currently too busy with clan matters to visit the Douluo Palace, but they've promised to come after resolving their affairs."

"They have also pledged to visit within five years."

"Five years? They need five years? Are they trying to defy Spirit Hall? I never thought that sparing them once would be letting a tiger roam free."

Chrysanthemum Douluo hesitated before adding, "Your Holiness, the Po Clan's deputy leader, Yang Wushuang, died in this recent incident, which may have impacted them."

"Apparently, Yang Wudi intends to gather a team to take revenge on the Titan Giant Ape. He has said that if Spirit Hall aids him in this hunt, he'll come to Douluo Palace immediately, and Niu Gao seems to feel the same way."

The hall fell into silence. If the Titan Giant Ape were so easily hunted, it wouldn't have survived this long.

Bibi Dong sat in contemplation. The Titan Giant Ape was one of her own targets; there was no way she'd help Yang Wudi hunt it. Besides, such a hunt would require massive resources and potentially reveal Spirit Hall's strength, a risk that wasn't worth taking.

Finally, Bibi Dong spoke, "Five years. I expect to see both Yang Wudi and Niu Gao in Spirit City within five years."

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan were also greatly affected by the news.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, already dominant in the Heaven Dou Empire with its two Title Douluo, was considered the number-one sect in terms of power.

Now, two more Title Douluo had appeared in the subsidiary clans, Po Clan and Defense Clan, putting the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's position at risk. However, for the time being, the two clans seemed intent on keeping a low profile.

Meanwhile, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was left deeply frustrated. Though they were still one of the top three sects, they only had one Title Douluo, Yu Yuanzhen, barely holding up the clan. They had invested countless resources to cultivate another Title Douluo, but to no avail.

In contrast, the Po Clan and Defense Clan suddenly produced two Title Douluo each, casting a shadow over the reputation of the top three sects.

(End of Chapter)

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