Dugu Bo had been staying at the Seven Treasures Academy recently.
The first team of the Imperial Academy had been directly advanced to the finals, leaving Dugu Yan relatively free these days.
Dugu Bo had called her here and occasionally provided guidance on her cultivation.
After Sun Buyu conveyed Ning Tianchen's message, he immediately headed to the tournament venue.
In a secluded corner of the Great Spirit Arena
Ning Tianchen gave Dugu Bo a meaningful glance.
Understanding his intention, the latter used his soul power to create a barrier, isolating the air around them to prevent their conversation from being overheard.
"Little monster, what is this matter that has you acting so cautiously?" Dugu Bo couldn't help but ask.
Ning Tianchen inquired, "Old man, how much do you know about Shi Nian?"
Since they had already decided to act against him, they couldn't proceed without knowing the basics of their target.
"Shi Nian of Canghui Academy?" Dugu Bo was somewhat surprised. "I've seen your schedule. Your match with Canghui Academy is in the final days of the tournament. Why are you asking about him now?"
Ning Tianchen explained, "Recently, several contestants have gone missing. The tournament organizing committee has investigated for a long time but hasn't found any clues. If it were a battle soul master who acted, there would definitely be traces of soul power fluctuations nearby."
"However, based on the current situation, the strong individuals from the organizing committee haven't detected any signs of fighting within the city. Therefore, I believe the person responsible is very likely a spirit-type soul master."
Dugu Bo realized and nodded in agreement. "The methods of spirit-type soul masters are extraordinary. If someone managed to kill without leaving a trace, it's highly possible that only such a soul master could pull it off."
As he spoke, he paused for a moment, recalling his impressions of Shi Nian.
After a short while, he said, "Shi Nian is cunning and unscrupulous in his actions. The ultimate reward for this Soul Masters Tournament includes three spirit bones—Shi Nian might be tempted by them."
"Killing members of other teams to ensure their own advancement is quite a clever plan."
"But if you've already figured out that it's him, why not report it directly to the organizing committee? Why call me here?"
Ning Tianchen hinted, "Old man, do you remember the incident involving the lost auction rankings at Tiandou Auction House some time ago?"
Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow. "You mean…"
Ning Tianchen nodded. "Once the organizing committee discovers Shi Nian's actions, he'll be dead for sure. At that point, the fate of the spirit bone will be uncertain."
"Now that we have the advantage of foreknowledge, why not secure the spirit bone for ourselves?"
Dugu Bo nodded seriously. "Alright, I'll do it. But let me make this clear—if the spirit bone fits a position I'm lacking, it belongs to me. Since Shi Nian values it, it's likely a spirit-type spirit bone. Boosting my mental power would greatly benefit me."
"Of course, I won't take it from you for free. If I come across other spirit bones in the future, I'll compensate you accordingly."
Ning Tianchen nodded in agreement.
The spirit bone on Shi Nian was a head spirit bone. Dugu Bo already had a head spirit bone, so he naturally couldn't absorb it.
Ning Tianchen wouldn't keep taking advantage of Dugu Bo indefinitely. If he found a better spirit bone in the future, he'd give one to him as compensation.
---
Three days later
Ning Tianchen informed Ke Jie, "Principal, I'm going out with the old man today. Let Xiaotian lead the team for today's duel."
Ke Jie didn't object. "Today's opponent isn't strong, so I'll give you a day off. Go quickly and return soon—don't delay the upcoming matches."
He had an inkling of Ning Tianchen's purpose but didn't press the issue.
The disappearance of participants had caused quite a stir, and Ning Tianchen's departure at this time made his intentions obvious.
After Ning Tianchen left, Ke Jie still felt uneasy and sent someone to inform Ning Fengzhi of the situation.
---
After leaving the rest area, Ning Tianchen called Dugu Bo and hid near the competition venue.
"If we already know it's Shi Nian, why don't I just capture him and interrogate him first? Once we confirm the details, we can kill him and take the spirit bone. Why are we wasting time hiding here?"
Dugu Bo's approach was straightforward and brutal.
In other words, regardless of whether the harm done to the participants was actually caused by Shi Nian or not, the mere fact that he possessed a spirit bone made him guilty enough to die.
Without sufficient strength, exposing a spirit bone on one's body would inevitably invite disaster.
This was also why Ning Tianchen rarely used his sword wings in public.
Those who knew better understood it was an external spirit bone. Those who didn't would mistake it for a torso spirit bone and attack without hesitation.
"Not yet—let the bullet fly a little longer."
Ning Tianchen had a plan in mind.
---
On the other side, after receiving the news, Ning Fengzhi said to Gu Rong, "Bone Uncle, go check it out. I feel uneasy about this."
Gu Rong shook his head. "Master, if I leave, what will happen to you? Besides, Old Poisonous One's soul power level has reached ninety-four. With Tianchen following him, I doubt there will be any trouble."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "I'm by His Majesty's side—I'm not in danger. Even if something urgent comes up and I need to return to the sect, Elder Ke is still here."
According to the sect's ancestral rules, "Whenever the sect leader travels, a powerful escort must accompany them."
Ke Jie was also a Title Douluo, so having him present didn't violate the rules.
Gu Rong shrugged. "If someone is targeting the participants, their strength can't be high. I wonder why Tianchen has the leisure to meddle in this."
Finally, under Ning Fengzhi's repeated insistence, Gu Rong reluctantly agreed to go out and investigate.
He soon spotted Dugu Bo and Ning Tianchen near the tournament venue.
Seeing no immediate developments, he prepared to return when he inadvertently noticed a black-robed figure lurking in the shadows.
Gu Rong's lips twitched slightly. "A ninety-five-level Title Douluo… who is this person, and why are they here?"
If this person attacked Ning Tianchen, even Dugu Bo's strength might not be enough to stop them.
With a thought, he locked onto the black-robed figure with his aura.
Sensing that they had been exposed, the black-robed figure quickly fled toward the outskirts of Tiandou City.
The sudden appearance of an unknown super Douluo in Tiandou City was something Gu Rong couldn't ignore—he chased after them immediately.
---
Inside the Crown Prince's residence
The Qingluan Douluo suddenly looked toward the outskirts of the city. "Young Master, an unfamiliar super Douluo has appeared in Tiandou City."
"Who is it!" Xue Qinghe asked urgently.
"The Bone Douluo is pursuing them. I'll need to follow to understand the situation," the Qingluan Douluo hesitated.
To keep up with their speed, he would need to use his soul power, risking exposure.
If this was a trap, a ninety-six-level and a ninety-five-level super Douluo would be more than enough to hold him back—not to mention the ninety-seven-level Sword Dao Chenxin.
Xue Qinghe thought for a moment and decided, "Third Grandfather, stay far behind them and don't expose yourself."
"If we can recruit this unknown super Douluo, it would be a great advantage for us."
"But I suspect this person might be Tang Hao. In any case, stay cautious."
Through his investigations, Xue Qinghe had uncovered many suspicious points about Tang San's identity—it was possible that he was Tang Hao's son.
If that were true, it would make perfect sense for Tang Hao to be hiding in Tiandou City to protect Tang San.
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