Chapter 220: An Encounter with Chrysanthemum Douluo
After everyone's injuries were treated, Yang Potian and the group changed into fresh clothes, ready to head home.
Ever since Yang Tianyue had received the Sea God's inheritance and obtained the Sea God's Trident, Yang Potian felt that the trident seemed awkward for her, as if she were carrying a fishing spear. So, he casually cut down a ten-thousand-year willow tree to craft a long wooden case for her, which she now wore strapped to her back, looking much less conspicuous.
However, one could only wonder—if the Sea God knew Yang Potian was treating his sacred trident as a mere fishing spear, would he die of anger?
The six made quick progress on their journey back to Skybound Academy. Yet, halfway through, Yang Potian noticed someone rapidly approaching from behind with an intense fire aura. Odd, he thought. We haven't done anything to provoke them. Why the sudden interest?
Yang Potian motioned for everyone to halt. Soon enough, a massive flaming eagle appeared in the sky—the Flame Eagle Douluo from Spirit Hall.
Flame Eagle Douluo cut an impressive figure, exuding an aura of strength and authority. With short silver hair, leather attire, and a commanding presence, she radiated confidence. If she were from the modern era, she'd surely have her share of admirers.
Yang Potian greeted her with a polite smile. "Flame Eagle Douluo, what brings you here? I don't believe we have any conflicts with Spirit Hall, do we?"
Flame Eagle Douluo shook her head. "It's not me who needs you. The twisted old Chrysanthemum Douluo wants to see you and your friends for a little 'chat.'"
Yang Potian chuckled. So it's Chrysanthemum Douluo, he thought. After taking a serious beating in the Star Dou Forest, he's likely still recovering. Probably wants Lingling's help with healing.
Yang Potian was also curious about Spirit Hall's recent activities in the Star Dou Forest, particularly their outcome in the battle, which might impact his next moves. He gathered the group, and in a flash, they were standing on the back of Flame Eagle Douluo's flaming eagle, shocking her with their agility. She hadn't even sensed them moving.
She raised her brows slightly, now more cautious, before nodding and guiding the eagle in a swift flight.
After just a few minutes, they reached a concealed cave, clearly camouflaged and secured to evade detection.
Without hesitation, Yang Potian led his group inside. Inside the cave was a grim sight: about ten people, including Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, and the Golden Generation's Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan from the tournament, along with five Spirit Saints. Most of them, except for two healing specialists, were visibly injured, their wounds appearing consistent with the cutting power of Extreme Gold.
Yang Potian smirked. "Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo—who could have injured such powerful individuals?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo groaned. "Potian, don't waste time. Get your little girlfriend over here to treat us. We hit some serious setbacks."
Yang Potian shrugged. "Healing is fine, but shouldn't we discuss compensation first? Surely you don't expect a free treatment?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo's face twisted with displeasure. "Oh, so now you're asking for payment? We've done a lot to protect you in secret."
Yang Potian shook his head, unmoved. "Spirit Hall is wealthy enough to have countless healing specialists. Skybound Academy, on the other hand, only has Lingling, and her responsibilities are heavy. If there's no compensation, we'll be on our way."
Chrysanthemum Douluo sighed in resignation. "Alright, Potian. What do you want?"
"Only two conditions. First, Spirit Hall must recognize Skybound Academy's independence, and neither side will interfere with the other. Second, Spirit Hall will not meddle in Elder Ye Renxin's affairs."
Turning to Hu Liena, Yang Potian smiled. "Surely, these are small requests, Saintess."
Chrysanthemum Douluo and Hu Liena exchanged troubled looks. But before they could respond, Yang Potian continued, "We at Skybound Academy have no interest in trouble. This arrangement suits you best, doesn't it? Besides, only Lingling can properly treat your injuries."
After brief eye contact with the others, Hu Liena nodded. "I accept your conditions, on the understanding that you also won't interfere with Spirit Hall's actions."
Yang Potian smiled. "Skybound Academy has never interfered, as you saw last time with Spirit Hall's activities. Lingling, start their treatment."
Lingling understood immediately and stepped forward, healing them with glowing green energy, though she refrained from summoning her spirit and rings, using only basic methods to mend their wounds.
Meanwhile, the other five from Skybound Academy remained nearby, resting and keeping a lookout.
Within a day, Spirit Hall's injuries were significantly improved. Chrysanthemum Douluo marveled at the speed of recovery, and even the two Spirit Saints from their own hall were deeply impressed by Lingling's skill.
Chrysanthemum Douluo couldn't contain his curiosity and asked, "Potian, aren't you interested in knowing how we got these injuries?"
Yang Potian shrugged. "If I had to guess, these wounds came from your fight near the Lake of Life in the Star Dou Forest. There's nothing mysterious about it."
His words stunned the Spirit Hall members, as if he'd revealed a hidden truth.
Yang Potian chuckled softly and pulled out a chrysanthemum petal from his spatial storage—a petal he'd found during his visit to the Lake of Life, evidence of Chrysanthemum Douluo's skirmish.
Chrysanthemum Douluo's eyes widened. "You went to the Lake of Life too? That place is riddled with danger. Aren't you afraid of dying?"
Yang Potian smirked. "We weren't there to catch rabbits. What danger could there be?"
The Spirit Hall members' faces went pale with shock. Yang Potian had not only deduced the nature of their mission but seemed to know far more than they'd ever expected.
Chrysanthemum Douluo's face grew serious. "Yang Potian, how did you come by this information?"
Yang Potian replied calmly, "It's no secret that Pope Bibi Dong has twin martial souls and that her second soul is still missing a full set of spirit rings. Back during the Soul Master Tournament, she failed to capture that rabbit. Now she's sent so many top fighters to the Star Dou Forest—it's obviously to catch that same rabbit, or else she'd likely go herself."
Smiling, he continued, "Spirit Hall doesn't treat its Titled Douluo well enough. Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, why not come teach at Skybound Academy? You'd have lighter duties, better benefits, and even free medical care."
The Spirit Hall members' faces stiffened, and Chrysanthemum Douluo quickly interjected, "Come now, Potian, stop with the jokes. We're not leaving Spirit Hall."
"By the way," he added, "why did you ask us not to interfere with Ye Renxin?"
Yang Potian shook his head, eyeing him with open disdain. "Is Spirit Hall's intelligence really this poor? Do I need to spell it out for you?"
Ghost Douluo spoke coldly, "Ye Renxin treated Tang Hao. Doesn't he know that Tang Hao is our enemy?"
"Grandfather Ye is a doctor—he doesn't care who his patients are. And you could seek treatment from him too. He's healed plenty of Spirit Hall members before; you're just too afraid to go."
Chrysanthemum Douluo tried to protest, "Who says I'm afraid? It's just that Heaven Dou City is quite far…"
"More like you're afraid of Sword Douluo cutting you to pieces," Potian remarked coolly. "Why aren't you just going back to Spirit Hall for treatment instead of hiding out here?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo hesitated, at a loss for words.
Ignoring him, Yang Potian turned to Hu Liena. "Saintess, how about we discuss a deal?"
Hu Liena looked intrigued. "What kind of deal could we make?"
"Tell the Pope that we'd be willing to team up against the three great soul beasts in the Star Dou Forest. Skybound Academy is ready to send two Titled Douluo—but I'll need that serpent."
With that, Yang Potian gathered his group and left, leaving the Spirit Hall members stunned.
After a while, Hu Liena said, "Chrysanthemum Douluo, do you think he's after the Sky Azure Bull Python? Could Potian have already reached Rank 90?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo's expression turned grave. "Yang Potian is always an enigma. I don't know his exact level, but I suspect he has ulterior motives for this proposed alliance."
The others stayed silent, unwilling to get involved in something beyond their authority.
After they left, Ye Lingling turned to Yang Potian. "Potian, thank you for looking out for my grandfather. I've been worried about his safety in Heaven Dou City."
Yang Potian nodded. "The situation in Heaven Dou City is chaotic right now. It'd be best if you persuaded him to come to Skybound Academy. Given that he saved Tang Hao, the Haotian Clan and Heaven Dou Empire are unlikely to harm him, so it should be safe unless Spirit Hall gets involved."
"I'll head there soon myself to try convincing him to leave before things get worse."
Yang Tianyue looked puzzled. "Brother, why propose an alliance with Spirit Hall? They don't seem trustworthy."
Yang Potian smiled. "Spirit Hall's untrustworthiness is exactly the point, especially with Bibi Dong's ambitions. She's undoubtedly set her sights on those three soul beasts for herself, so it's unlikely she'd ever truly cooperate with us."
"Then why mention working together?" Tianyue persisted.
Rather than answering directly, Yang Potian turned to Yang Ping'an. "Ping'an, care to guess why I brought it up?"
Yang Ping'an thought for a moment before responding, "You didn't actually want an alliance. You wanted to make them believe you were interested in the Sky Azure Bull Python, pushing the Pope into action against the soul beasts. Ideally, they'll clash with each other and suffer heavy losses."
Yang Potian's eyes turned cold. "Neither that rabbit nor Spirit Hall are our allies. My goal is for them to face off and both take damage. Either outcome benefits us."
"Bear Lord is no real threat—I want Bibi Dong to test Emperor Di Tian's strength. He's the one who's truly difficult to handle."
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