Gathering of Multiple Forces

[Check Out My P4treon For +50 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! And get chapters before publishing them here for free on my p4treon][https://p4treon.com/roooaaa]

===

Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Emperor had only won a thousand gold spirit coins this time, as the odds were too low.

"Only a thousand? It's already the second day, and we haven't even saved up five thousand yet. How are we supposed to gather fifty thousand in the remaining six days?" Blue Silver Emperor sighed, holding the bag of coins.

"Looks like I'll have to step into the arena too," she added, her tone filled with resignation.

"It's fine. Tomorrow, we'll head to the Spirit King area and catch them off guard. If we bet more, we should be able to earn ten to twenty thousand gold spirit coins," Lin Yongming reassured her.

"That's the only way," Blue Silver Emperor nodded.

As they spoke, the two quickly made their way to the front hall, heading toward the hotel entrance.

"Xiao Ming, that guy from yesterday, Yu Xiaogang, is here again," Blue Silver Emperor noticed Yu Xiaogang pacing near the entrance and warned Lin Yongming.

"Let him be. As long as he doesn't bother us," Lin Yongming replied calmly.

"I don't think that's going to work. He's seen us," Blue Silver Emperor said as Yu Xiaogang spotted them and hurried over.

"Brother Asura, I've been waiting for you. I'm sorry about yesterday. I didn't express myself properly. How about I treat you to some late-night snacks as an apology?" Yu Xiaogang approached with a smile.

"Sorry, we don't eat late-night snacks," Lin Yongming replied indifferently.

"Then how about some drinks? We can sit and chat," Yu Xiaogang persisted, unfazed by Lin Yongming's tone.

"Wait, are we even familiar with each other?" Lin Yongming continued to refuse.

"Uh…" Yu Xiaogang was momentarily speechless. After all, they had only met twice. "Even if we're not familiar now, we can get to know each other. It's always good to make more friends when you're out and about."

Lin Yongming couldn't help but think to himself, "How did someone as brilliant as Bibi Dong fall for someone as shameless as Yu Xiaogang? Was it because of his relentless persistence?"

Lin Yongming shook his head slightly, unable to comprehend it.

"Sorry, but we don't need to get familiar with you. And aren't you just trying to get close to us for your so-called theories?" Blue Silver Emperor retorted proudly.

"Well, yes, but I'm not just trying to befriend you to improve my theories. I genuinely enjoy making friends," Yu Xiaogang replied, forcing a smile despite his inner reluctance.

"Ugh! Just looking at you, I can tell you're weak, spineless, cowardly, and full of lies. And that fake smile of yours? It's so obvious," Blue Silver Emperor fired off a rapid series of insults.

Lin Yongming couldn't help but silently applaud her. "You really see through people," he thought.

Yu Xiaogang's face darkened instantly. "For the sake of my theories, I'll endure this!" he thought.

"I know I was a bit abrupt last night, but if you get to know me, you'll realize that's just a one-sided impression. That's why I wanted to treat you to something and apologize properly," Yu Xiaogang said, his smile quickly returning as if he hadn't heard Blue Silver Emperor's insults.

"Let me formally introduce myself. I'm Yu Xiaogang, 20 years old, a direct descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, one of the top three sects. My father is the current clan leader," Yu Xiaogang said with a confident smile.

"Oh! So you're from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. No wonder the surname Yu sounded familiar," Lin Yongming said, feigning surprise.

"It's nothing, just the honor passed down by our ancestors," Yu Xiaogang replied with a hint of pride.

"But sorry, we're just ordinary spirit masters. We're not worthy of associating with one of the top three sects, nor are we interested," Lin Yongming said flatly.

"You're from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan? You don't look like it. From the spiritual energy you're emitting, it doesn't seem like you've even reached level 20. Are you sure you're not an imposter?"

"Why don't you summon the mighty Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon spirit to prove your identity?" Blue Silver Emperor suddenly suggested, eyeing Yu Xiaogang.

"Hmm… A'yin, you have a point. Just because he shares the same surname doesn't mean he's actually from the clan. He could be using their name to scam people."

"Yu Xiaogang, if you can summon the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, we might consider sitting down for a chat," Lin Yongming added, inwardly praising Blue Silver Emperor's quick thinking.

"Uh…" Yu Xiaogang's face darkened. He didn't have the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon spirit. If he did, he wouldn't be researching spirit theories or groveling like this.

"Brother Asura!" A familiar voice called out from behind. It was Hong Ying. "I thought you and your sister had already left."

A group of people approached, and Hong Ying quickly broke away from the group to stand in front of Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Emperor. "Thank you for going easy on me. If you're free, let's grab some late-night snacks. I haven't properly thanked you for what happened a few days ago."

"Sister Hong Ying, there's no need. We don't usually eat late-night snacks, so don't worry about it," Blue Silver Emperor replied with a smile, though her lower face was still covered by a light blue scarf.

"Yeah, we're about to head back to the hotel to meditate and train," Lin Yongming added.

"Then how about you tell me where you're staying, and we can have lunch together tomorrow?" Hong Ying suggested.

"Hong Ying's right. You saved us in the Sunset Forest, so it's only right that we thank you properly. Otherwise, we'd feel guilty and wouldn't be able to sleep well," Song Zhu and Lin Yan chimed in.

"Why is Hong Ying so enthusiastic about him but so cold toward me?" Ning Fengzhi thought, feeling a pang of jealousy.

"They're right. We should properly express our gratitude," Ning Fengzhi said, stepping forward despite his inner turmoil.

"So, the famous Asura causing a stir in the Great Spirit Arena is you. Long time no see, Brother Lin," a deep, familiar voice came from the side.

Tang Xiao and Tang Hao walked over confidently from the Spirit King area. Tang Yuehua wasn't with them.

"What's going on? Representatives from the Clear Sky Clan, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan are all here!" Lin Yongming thought, feeling overwhelmed.

He hadn't expected to run into Tang Hao, Ning Fengzhi, and Yu Xiaogang all at once.

"What's with this guy? He knows the direct descendants of the Clear Sky Clan and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?" Ke Luo'er, who had been observing from the shadows, couldn't help but wonder.

"Long time no see, you two. It's been over two months, and you're still in Heaven Dou City?" Lin Yongming replied.

"Yeah, we heard the Great Spirit Arena is great for practical training, so we stayed for a few days. But you've already reached level 44 as a Spirit Ancestor in just two months. That's impressive," Tang Xiao explained.

"Brother Lin, I heard rumors that your fourth spirit ring is a ten-thousand-year ring. Is that true?" Tang Hao asked, slinging an arm around Lin Yongming's shoulder.

"Uh… It's just barely ten thousand years," Lin Yongming replied, pushing Tang Hao away.

"It's true?! How did you do it?" Tang Hao asked in amazement.

Yu Xiaogang perked up, leaning in slightly to hear the answer. Ning Fengzhi and the others also listened intently.

"If you're strong enough, it's not that hard," Lin Yongming replied with a faint smile.

"Alright, I get it. It's your secret. I won't pry, but let's spar sometime. I've never fought a Spirit Ancestor with a ten-thousand-year ring," Tang Hao said, noticing the crowd around them.

"Get lost! You're a Spirit King with the Clear Sky Hammer," Lin Yongming retorted.

"What?! The Clear Sky Hammer, from the Clear Sky Clan, one of the top three sects?" Ning Fengzhi and Yu Xiaogang turned their attention to Tang Xiao and Tang Hao.

They were well aware of the Clear Sky Hammer's reputation as the number one tool spirit on the continent.

"Brother Lin, you're not being fair. Are these your friends?" Tang Xiao asked with a wry smile.

"Uh… We just met recently," Lin Yongming replied.

"Are you two the famous 'Twin Heroes of the Clear Sky Clan,' Tang Xiao and Tang Hao?" Yu Xiaogang interjected. "I'm Yu Xiaogang, from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."

"You're Yu Xiaogang?" Ning Fengzhi stepped forward, his tone filled with surprise. Having grown up near Heaven Dou City, he had heard of Yu Xiaogang.

"Everyone, I'm Ning Fengzhi, with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile spirit," Ning Fengzhi introduced himself, seeing the representatives from the other top sects.

"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile, the inherited spirit of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, known as the number one support-type tool spirit on the continent. I've heard of you. You're the next candidate for clan leader, right?" Tang Xiao said with a smile.

"It's just a candidacy for now," Ning Fengzhi replied modestly.

"Well, since you're all getting acquainted, we'll take our leave," Lin Yongming said, not wanting to get involved.

"Wait, Brother Lin. It's rare for us to meet again, and with so many friends here, we should at least have some late-night snacks and enjoy ourselves before leaving," Tang Hao insisted.

Before Lin Yongming could respond, another group arrived at the entrance of the Great Spirit Arena. This time, it was a group of armored guards led by a man in luxurious clothing, clearly someone of high status.

"It seems I've arrived late. Which one of you is Asura?" the man, in his thirties, asked with an air of authority.

"Greetings, Prince Xue Xing!" Hong Ying and the others quickly bowed.

Blue Silver Emperor, seeing the growing crowd, tightened her grip on Lin Yongming's arm.

"That would be me," Lin Yongming replied calmly.

"Haha! Truly a remarkable young man. You've impressed me," Prince Xue Xing said, noting the black cloth covering Lin Yongming's eyes. Based on the information he had, he knew Lin Yongming wasn't lying.

"I heard you're from the Balak Kingdom, which makes you a subject of the Heaven Dou Empire. His Majesty is very impressed with you and wishes to grant you the title of Baron. What do you think? Of course, the terms are negotiable," Prince Xue Xing stated his intentions openly, not hiding his desire to recruit Lin Yongming, even in front of the top sects.

"Damn it, this is getting complicated. I should've asked my father to handle this," Yu Xiaogang thought, seething with frustration.

"Thank you for His Majesty's kindness, but I've already joined the Spirit Hall. I'm afraid I can't accept the title," Lin Yongming replied, pulling out his Spirit Hall token.

"That doesn't conflict with accepting an imperial title," Prince Xue Xing said, though he was momentarily taken aback by the token. "After all, most spirit masters on the continent are part of the Spirit Hall."

"Is that so?" Lin Yongming was surprised.

"Of course. The Spirit Hall is the sacred ground for all spirit masters. Even the Sword Douluo, an elder of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, is an honorary elder of the Spirit Hall. Isn't that right, Young Master Ning?" Prince Xue Xing said, glancing at Ning Fengzhi.

"Uh… That's true. The Spirit Hall is indeed recognized as the sacred ground for spirit masters," Ning Fengzhi replied, feeling put on the spot.

"Prince Xue Xing, while that may be true for others, he cannot accept your empire's title because he is a core member of our Spirit Hall," Ke Luo'er stepped out from the shadows to intervene.

"He holds the Yellow Record Medal, personally awarded by His Holiness the Pope. He's not far from earning the Purple Record Medal. His ten-thousand-year fourth spirit ring is the result of the Pope's careful nurturing."

"Also, his blindness is the price he paid for absorbing a spirit ring beyond his limits," Ke Luo'er lied through his teeth, standing beside Lin Yongming.

"Uh… Right, right," Lin Yongming nodded along, realizing he had no choice but to play along.

"Brother, didn't he tell us he was born blind?" Tang Hao whispered to Tang Xiao.

"Shh!" Tang Xiao gestured for him to be quiet.

"Lin Yongming, show Prince Xue Xing your Yellow Record Medal," Ke Luo'er said, noticing the prince's doubtful expression.

Lin Yongming reluctantly took out the unique medal and showed it to the crowd.

"That's the Yellow Record Medal! So impressive!" Hong Ying and her friends whispered.

"What a shame. I didn't realize he was a core member of your Spirit Hall. We were too hasty," Prince Xue Xing said, his face darkening as he led his entourage away.

"Everyone, it's getting late. We'll have to decline the late-night snacks. Thank you for your kindness," Lin Yongming said to Tang Hao and the others.

With Ke Luo'er following, they left the Great Spirit Arena.

"Could it really be the Spirit Hall's careful nurturing that allowed him to absorb a ten-thousand-year ring?" Yu Xiaogang wondered, sensing there was more to the story.

However, it wasn't the right time to press further, so Yu Xiaogang left as well.

"Hong Ying, let's invite him another day. Since he's at the Great Spirit Arena, he probably won't be leaving anytime soon. He's likely here on a mission from the Spirit Hall, so we'll see him again," Ning Fengzhi said, noticing Hong Ying's gaze lingering on Lin Yongming's retreating figure.

Hong Ying glanced at Ning Fengzhi but said nothing as she left the arena.

"Lin Yongming, I think I'll need to book a room next to yours at the hotel," Ke Luo'er said as they walked.

"Do you really have to?" Lin Yongming sighed.

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 178 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 60 power stones I will publish the next chapter.