Over a dozen figures surrounded them from all directions.
The leader was a young woman in her twenties with striking features her purple eyes shone like stars against twilight, deep and luminous, while her short purple hair gave her a spirited, heroic appearance.
"Hand over all valuables! We only want money, not lives!"
Assuming the trio was intimidated, the purple-haired woman softened her tone slightly.
"You dare rob us without even asking who we are? Aren't you afraid of breaking your teeth?" The woman's near-Soul Emperor strength and relatively young age made Ning Rongrong suspect her identity.
"The Purple Pearl Pirates have never feared robbing anyone!" A lanky man resembling a tactician stepped forward, raising his voice. "Pay up if you value your lives!"
"Fool. Learn your targets before robbing them." Dugu Bo's icy glare struck the skinny man.
Instantly, the man's head buzzed as he collapsed foaming at the mouth.
"Wangcai!" The woman paled seeing her companion fall not just him, but others also began dropping unconscious.
"Who are you?" Trembling slightly, she turned to Ning Rongrong's group for answers then broke into cold sweat seeing Dugu Bo's rising soul rings. "A... a Title Douluo!"
Disaster. They'd kicked an iron plate!
Two yellow, two purple, five black the standard optimal soul ring configuration for Title Douluos.
Though they specialized in robbing the rich to aid the poor, targeting a Title Douluo was unprecedented.
Dugu Bo said coldly, "Since you lacked killing intent, I merely poisoned them unconscious. No fatalities."
Having mellowed in recent years after resolving his toxin issues, Dugu Bo showed restraint unlike his past self who'd have taught these youngsters why Title Douluos commanded respect.
"R-really?" Despite her fear as pirate captain, concern for her crew made Zi Zhenzhu exhale in relief at Dugu Bo's words.
"Hmph. Would a Title Douluo lie to you?"
"With your talent and level, you must be somewhat renowned in Vast Sea City. Identify yourself."
"We require your assistance. Cooperate, and you'll be released afterward."
Hearing this, Zi Zhenzhu relaxed slightly a Title Douluo wouldn't bother deceiving a mere Soul King.
"I'm Zi Zhenzhu, twenty-seven years old, 59th-ranked Soul King, captain of the Purple Pearl Pirates. These are my subordinates. My deepest apologies for offending Your Excellency."
"Zi Zhenzhu." Dugu Bo murmured, surprised with such talent, why be a pirate?
Qin Ming, highly valued by Heaven Dou Royal Academy, only reached 62nd rank at thirty-four far inferior to this pirate.
While ages fifteen to twenty-five were prime cultivation years, progress didn't halt afterward. By Qin Ming's age, Zi Zhenzhu would likely exceed 65th rank.
"Rongrong, your thoughts?" Dugu Bo turned to the silent Ning Rongrong.
"Miss Zi Zhenzhu, with your age and talent, why not join Sea God Island?"
"Wouldn't they prioritize nurturing you?" Ning Rongrong inquired.
"I... dislike Sea God Island." Zi Zhenzhu gritted her teeth.
Normally she'd spout platitudes about Sea God Island being all sea soul masters' faith, but with her life in these land soul masters' hands, honesty prevailed.
"I see..." Ning Rongrong smiled, noting Zi Zhenzhu's fleeting expression before changing topics.
"Miss Zi Zhenzhu, we came to Vast Sea City seeking ten-thousand-year whale glue. Any leads?"
"Whale glue? Ten-thousand-year?" Zi Zhenzhu's gaze turned peculiar, shifting between Dugu Bo and purple-haired Dugu Yan while ignoring Ning Rongrong.
"Rongrong, her stare's weird." Unable to endure the scorching look, Dugu Yan whispered.
"Beyond enhancing constitution, whale glue has... special uses for certain people."
Ning Rongrong leaned in, whispering a few words that instantly reddened Dugu Yan's cheeks.
Nearby, Dugu Bo's Title Douluo hearing caught every word, making his mouth twitch.
As expected of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's young mistress such comprehensive knowledge!
Even he hadn't known whale glue's... unique applications.
Were he younger and more... motivated, perhaps ahem irrelevant thoughts.
Under Dugu Yan and Dugu Bo's strange looks, Ning Rongrong explained:
"While whale glue's medicinal properties are unconventional, they're not as outrageous as you're imagining."
Currently, whale glue's full effects remained obscure only known to slightly boost strength.
Its other function? Aphrodisiac.
Hence its rarity in markets.
Nobles had peculiar needs occasionally requiring such... assistance.
Even the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda stockpiled some purely for legitimate purposes, unlike certain flamboyant sects and nobles.
"Anyway, Miss Zi Zhenzhu, any leads on ten-thousand-year whale glue?" Ning Rongrong coughed, refocusing the discussion.
"None. Some millennium-grade exists, but ten-thousand-year..." Zi Zhenzhu shook her head.
"Few high-level soul masters risk hunting ten-thousand-year whale spirit beasts for marginal strength gains too dangerous."
"Any obtained gets consumed immediately because..." She gave Dugu Yan a knowing look.
Dugu Yan: "..."
I don't know Rongrong's the expert here.
Is this Zi Zhenzhu's orientation questionable? Why keep staring at me?
"We'll spare you on one condition: guide us to whale spirit beasts. We'll pay accordingly."
"10,000 gold spirit coins per ten-thousand-year whale glue obtained, capped at 100,000 total. Understood?"
"R-really?" Zi Zhenzhu brightened.
"Yes." Ning Rongrong nodded.
Zi Zhenzhu glanced excitedly at Dugu Bo, who remained silent implicit approval.
"When do we sail?" she asked carefully.
"Your decision. At sea, pirates hold the expertise, no?"
"I know a whale spirit beast location surfaces monthly, next due in about a week."
"But preparations will take three days." Zi Zhenzhu hesitated. "If that's acceptable..."
"No rush. Contact us at Vast Sea Grand Hotel when ready." Ning Rongrong tossed her an antidote vial. "Administer this to wake them."