Chapter 223: The Phantom
After a conversation with his grandfather and uncle to put their minds at ease, Yang Potian suddenly spoke to a shadowed corner of the room, "You've been eavesdropping for a while. How about coming out? If you keep hiding, I might not be able to resist keeping you here permanently."
In the corner, a figure flickered into view—a ghostly presence. It was Ghost Douluo. The others, including Yang Wudi, were stunned to see him; they hadn't realized Ghost Douluo had been present and overheard their entire conversation.
Ghost Douluo's voice was dark and slightly resentful. "Yang Potian, when did you notice me?"
Yang Potian gave a faint smile. "Your concealment skills are impressive, but I noticed as soon as I entered. If I hadn't intentionally avoided you when I unleashed my killing intent, I doubt you could have remained hidden."
Ghost Douluo's face showed shock but also irritation. "Why did you just give Tang Hao that Earth-Origin Fruit? Tang Hao is an enemy of Spirit Hall."
Yang Potian shook his head slightly. "It's just a healing herb, not a precious treasure. And if I had truly attacked earlier, the first to suffer would have been a certain 'Grandmaster.' Strange, isn't it, that despite Spirit Hall's resources, you haven't neutralized a mere master who's been rallying others against you in Heaven Dou territory? Surely, with your skill, you could eliminate him quietly."
Ghost Douluo stiffened at Yang Potian's words. As a Titled Douluo and a master of concealment, he could kill a mere Grandmaster as easily as crushing an insect—but there were higher orders within Spirit Hall that prevented him from doing so.
Yang Potian continued, "Whether it's Spirit Hall or the Upper Three Sects, both have considerable power and influence. We at Skywalk Academy, a small institution, prefer not to take sides or provoke anyone."
He paused and then added, "The Upper Three Sects hope we'll provoke Spirit Hall and take the first hit, while Spirit Hall hopes we'll turn against them, with both sides hoping to benefit. But I'll say it once more: anyone who doesn't offend me, I won't offend, but if they do, they'll pay. As for past grievances, consider today's gift of the Earth-Origin Fruit a severing of all past ties."
Saying this, Yang Potian vanished, only to reappear directly before Ghost Douluo with a swift, silent movement that even Ghost Douluo found impressive.
Yang Potian gave him a measured look. "I trust Spirit Hall and Her Majesty the Pope will find this answer… satisfactory?"
After a pause, Ghost Douluo replied, "I'll report everything to Her Majesty the Pope."
Yang Potian raised another point. "Speaking of which, I believe Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang is technically an elder of Spirit Hall, acknowledged by Her Majesty during the Soul Master Tournament. Perhaps it's time to clarify his position within Spirit Hall. If he's still considered an elder, Spirit Hall may owe me a debt of gratitude. And considering that Ye Lingling saved your party last time, perhaps Spirit Hall owes us more than one favor."
Ghost Douluo hesitated before replying, "Spirit Hall never ignores its obligations. Her Majesty has agreed to your previous two requests: Spirit Hall will no longer interfere in the affairs of Skywalk Academy, nor will anyone disturb the elder physician, Ye Renxin."
Yang Potian nodded with a smile. "That's good to hear. Spirit Hall truly lives up to its reputation as the model for all soul masters."
"Oh, one last thing. Regarding the collaboration proposal I mentioned to the Holy Maiden—has the Pope reached a decision?"
Ghost Douluo's face darkened. "Her Majesty the Pope intends to enter seclusion and will be unavailable for collaboration for a few years."
Yang Potian's expression was indifferent. "Suit yourself. I'm sure other options will be available. Seven Titled Douluo are currently in Heaven Dou City, after all, and perhaps the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo might be interested in joining me to hunt spirit beasts."
Ghost Douluo's expression turned sharp. "I thought you claimed Skywalk Academy does not get involved in the affairs of the soul master world. Would you really join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect in hunting soul beasts?"
"Well, the lure is too great, and I can't deny I've taken an interest in that Azure Bull Python. Besides, it would be a simple alliance of mutual interest, nothing more. I have no intention of engaging in any battles with Spirit Hall."
Eventually, after their lengthy discussion, Ghost Douluo prepared to leave.
But Yang Potian gave him a final warning. "Given your concealment skills, I trust you'll avoid drawing attention to your visit. If any outside parties find out, I may have to ask you to remain here as an instructor… for the next ten years."
Ghost Douluo's face shifted, and in an instant, he vanished like a shadow from Skywalk Academy. Yet, his expression was dark and troubled. It was clear that he had been caught in Yang Potian's web from start to finish. Yang Potian's powers and cunning were becoming increasingly formidable, even detecting his stealth. As he left, his mind wandered back to the Pope's palace.
After returning to Spirit Hall, Ghost Douluo reported the details of his visit to the Pope. Hearing Yang Potian's demands, including collaboration to hunt soul beasts, Bibi Dong's face darkened. Not only had the mission failed, but Yang Potian had also caught wind of her intentions to target certain beasts.
Upon reflection, Bibi Dong ordered Ghost Douluo to continue observing Skywalk Academy, hoping to sow discord with the Clear Sky Sect and provoke a conflict. Yet things had not gone according to plan, as Yang Potian had used the Earth-Origin Fruit to heal Tang Hao, thwarting Spirit Hall's scheme.
After Ghost Douluo's departure, Yang Potian turned to his grandfather, Yang Wudi, and his uncle, Niu Gao. "Grandfather, Uncle, have you truly not made up your minds about severing ties with the Clear Sky Sect and Tang Hao?"
Yang Wudi hesitated before responding, "As Tang Xiao said, our two families were once humble clans that rose to prominence with the Clear Sky Sect's help. We've spent most of our lives there; it's hard to cut those ties."
Yang Potian shook his head. "The Clear Sky Sect has always been arrogant. Today, we gifted them a medicinal treasure, but that might only embolden them to think we're weak. If Tang Hao recovers, they may become even more audacious."
With a trace of disdain, Niu Gao chimed in, "If those Clear Sky Sect members dare to act, we'll take them down with us. And if we old ones fall, you younger ones can avenge us in due time."
Yang Potian was momentarily speechless after hearing this. They were being way too reckless, disregarding their own safety like that.
After a moment's hesitation, he turned to Dugu Bo. "Senior Dugu, what do you think of all this today? Do you agree with what my grandfather did?"
Dugu Bo, who had remained silent throughout the entire situation, sighed. "Though it leaves a bit of a sour taste, I do think the Old Goat and the Old Rhino did the right thing. Repay kindness with kindness and grudges with grudges. That's why I like dealing with those two old fellows."
He shrugged with a wry smile, "Besides, if they really dare to make a move, I can just avoid them for a while, then let them suffer the consequences later."
Recently, Dugu Bo's luck had been remarkable. After absorbing multiple soul bones, his power level had risen to rank 94, and he'd even acquired a speed-type right leg soul bone—perfect for quick getaways. His new confidence had him feeling bold, practically dismissing any threats.
Grandfather Yang Wudi then asked, "Potian, was letting Ghost Douluo go the right decision? And what was that talk of cooperation with him?"
Yang Potian shook his head. "I could have detained Ghost Douluo, but I'd rather not become Spirit Hall's number-one enemy just yet."
He went on, "Especially with what just happened, I made sure to control my killing intent. Given that, Ghost Douluo likely suspects I've reached the rank of a Titled Douluo and could also deduce that Father has as well. Now it's obvious that Skywalk Academy has five Titled Douluo—something that should serve as a deterrent to any would-be enemies."
His father, Yang Zhentian, raised an eyebrow, somewhat exasperated. "If I'd known you wanted to flaunt my strength, I wouldn't have bothered concealing it so much. I thought for a moment there that your killing intent had slipped out of control."
Yang Potian smiled. "It's better to show our strength subtly, letting a bit slip out here and there. That way, enemies will be cautious, thinking Father is our academy's secret weapon, luring them into a false sense of security. When the time comes, it'll be an effective trap."
The others were stunned by his clever maneuver. Yang Potian's schemes had set it up so that if any enemies attacked, they'd be walking right into his trap.
Yang Wudi sighed with relief. "Potian, as long as today's approach was sound, that's all that matters. Let's hope the others get the message and show some sense from now on."
Yang Potian shook his head. "It's still early for that. For now, we've just cut ties with the Clear Sky Sect. But it's likely both Heaven Dou Empire and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will want to meet with us separately soon."
Later, after returning to his room, Yang Potian reflected on the events of the day, a sigh escaping him. Just as he expected, his grandfather and uncle were struggling to fully sever their ties with the Clear Sky Sect. He could only hope the sect wouldn't push their limits. If they did, no matter how it might displease his grandfather and uncle, he'd ensure they were dealt with.
As for the matter of the Earth-Origin Fruit given to Tang Hao, it was a minor affair. Besides its healing properties, it had no significant effects; it certainly wouldn't enable Tang Hao to break through further. Tang Hao posed no threat to Yang Potian now.
What puzzled him was why Yu Xiaogang had spoken at all during a meeting of such high-level representatives. After all, today's attendees were leaders of the major factions, while Yu Xiaogang's Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had been destroyed. Snow River certainly didn't value him the way Prince Xue Beng once did.
It was as if Yu Xiaogang was a tool for the other factions, used as a means to provoke him. If he had actually killed Yu Xiaogang, it would only have delighted the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Clear Sky Sect.
(End of Chapter)
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