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"Today was seriously eye-opening," Oscar smacked his lips in lingering amazement. "So many Titled Douluo, hundred-thousand-year Spirit Beasts appearing one after another… and those auction items—half of them sounded like myths."
Ma Hongjun's eyes glazed over as he replayed the scenes in his mind, saliva nearly dripping from the corner of his mouth. "If I could get my hands on a Five Extremes Spirit Pill, it would completely suppress my evil fire and let me live another five hundred years."
He began counting on his fingers, grinning foolishly. "Five hundred years of eating, drinking, and sleeping peacefully…"
"Stop dreaming," Zhao Wuji interrupted bluntly. "That's a seventh-grade pill. Outside the auction, only god-level existences are even qualified to place a reservation."
"Hey, thinking about it doesn't break any laws," Ma Hongjun retorted enthusiastically. "Teacher Zhao, don't tell me you've never fantasized about some treasure falling from the sky."
Zhao Wuji opened his mouth—then shut it again.
The Shrek group burst into laughter, chatting animatedly about the auction's shockwaves. Only Dai Mubai stood silently at the edge, head lowered, expression heavy.
Flender noticed at once. He walked over and patted Dai Mubai's shoulder gently. "Mubai, don't overthink it. As long as you don't return to Star Luo and voluntarily give up your right of succession, your brother won't deliberately target you."
After all, Zhu Zhuqing hadn't come to fulfill the engagement. Without the Hell Civet, the Zhu family wouldn't support him. A lone White Tiger posed little threat—certainly not enough to warrant Dai Weisi's concern.
"I want to go back," Dai Mubai said suddenly, his voice steady, almost rigid. "I want to gamble once."
"What?!"
Oscar grabbed his arm immediately. "Boss Dai, your brother's cultivation already suppresses yours completely. If you stay away, he won't even consider you a rival. You can keep living freely in Soto City."
"If you go back and lose, he won't spare you a second time."
"I know," Dai Mubai replied quietly. "But Imperial Father bought Longevity Pills—and even a Douluo Pill. He can live at least another hundred years. He won't rush to establish a Crown Prince or pass on the throne."
"I still have time… time to prove myself again."
"And Dai Weisi's talent isn't outstanding anymore. He didn't even make the Talent Rankings. Imperial Father won't pour endless resources into him."
Ma Hongjun scratched his head and spoke without much tact. "Boss Dai… if your Imperial Father can live another hundred years, why would he give you a chance? Wouldn't it be better for him to keep the resources for himself? He could just keep buying Longevity Pills."
Ma Hongjun paused, then added mercilessly, "Besides, your talent's just average, right? You can't even beat Little San. Now even with the Clear Sky Sect backing him, Little San can't squeeze into the top twenty. You…"
Dai Mubai's shoulders sagged.
Those words were like ice water poured straight over the fragile spark of resolve he had just ignited.
"Don't rush, Mubai," Flender said gravely. He had no intention of letting his student die in meaningless imperial struggles. "What you're feeling now is impulse—brought on by what you saw at the auction. Think it through carefully after you return."
"…I understand, Dean."
—
"This auction went extremely smoothly," Li Rong said, clearly satisfied. "Your performance was excellent."
"The credit isn't mine alone," Bi Ji replied modestly, gathering the unsold items and handing them over. "Spirit power was sealed in the Training Ground, and the items you prepared were simply irresistible."
"This will be the standard format for future annual auctions," Li said as he accepted them. "The final items will always be seventh-grade."
Dugu Yan frowned slightly. "Boss, is it really fine if those go unsold? Spirit Masters and Spirit Beasts can't afford seventh-grade items right now."
If they could afford them, I wouldn't even put them up, Li thought silently.
"How would I harvest faith points if I didn't give them something to yearn for?"
"Desire creates motivation. Without pressure, how will they grow stronger? If their strength stays too low, wouldn't it be embarrassing when I open plane matching?"
"Plane matching?" Dugu Yan's eyes lit up instantly. "You're opening inter-plane exchanges?"
"Not yet. Just a heads-up." Li opened one eye. "You can leak the news a little. Let them prepare."
"Boss…" Dugu Yan's voice turned soft and sweet, eyes sparkling. "When you go to other worlds, can you take me with you?"
"We'll see. There's no concrete information yet. Promising anything now would be meaningless."
"Then… can you prioritize me?"
Li responded by closing his eyes again, flawlessly executing his usual pretend-sleep routine—while quietly observing the geniuses battling in the Training Ground.
Annoyed, Dugu Yan kicked the leg of his reclining chair, huffed, and stormed off to her room, clearly intending to vent her frustration in combat.
At that moment, Snow Princess and Ye Leng Leng were still working at the front desk. Only Li Rong and Bi Ji remained in the courtyard.
Bi Ji watched his profile silently. After hesitating for a brief moment, she gently reached out and took his right hand.
Li opened his eyes. "What's wrong?"
"Thank you," Bi Ji said softly.
"For what? For exposing the ugly truth of powerhouses from both races who wanted everything but could obtain nothing?"
"For ending hundreds of thousands of years of conflict between humans and Spirit Beasts," she replied calmly. "For giving us a peaceful future."
"That wasn't my achievement," Li said directly. "I'm just an agent. Even without me, the Sacrificial Dao Lord would have sent someone else."
"We met you," Bi Ji said, looking straight at him. "So we thank you."
Li raised an eyebrow. "You suddenly sound very sweet. What—do you want to go to other worlds too?"
She shook her head. "I don't have much desire for that. In the Star Dou Great Forest, I was used to staying in one place—watching flowers bloom and wither, slowly understanding life."
"Then what's with today?"
"I just feel this shop is wonderful. You're wonderful too." Bi Ji's gaze was gentle and unwavering. "I'm happy staying here. Can I… stay forever?"
Li paused, then nodded. "Yes. But it's a lifelong contract. Once you sign, there's no leaving."
"I'm lazy, indulgent, and I'll recruit more people the more worlds I visit."
Bi Ji didn't answer.
She simply leaned into his embrace, resting her forehead against his chest, eyes closed in quiet contentment.
Li wrapped an arm around her waist and looked up at the Blood Dragon Tree, his thoughts drifting far away.
From the main hall, Ye Leng Leng happened to see the scene. Her face flushed crimson, and she hurried back to Snow Princess, whispering what she'd seen.
Snow Princess's cheeks reddened as well. She sneaked a glance outside, marveling silently at Bi Ji's boldness before saying calmly, "It's nothing strange. Everyone will have their turn eventually."
"…Ah?" Ye Leng Leng froze.
"If you can't accept it, you can resign," Snow Princess added kindly. "With his temperament, he'll part amicably."
Ye Leng Leng shook her head. "That's not it. I was mentally prepared. I'm just surprised Sister Bi Ji succeeded so quickly—especially when the Boss kept avoiding it before."
Snow Princess blinked as well. "I didn't expect it either."
I'll ask her later.
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