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Faced with Zhongli's remark, Tang San wanted to say something but found himself at a loss for words.
If Dai Mubai hadn't provoked him back then, this man called Zhongli—a titled Douluo—would likely never have revealed his true strength.
After all, even the Crown Prince, whom Zhongli served as an advisor, had been unaware of his power.
It was clear Zhongli had no intention of exposing his cultivation. He simply wanted to live quietly as an "ordinary person."
Tang San had been in Heaven Dou City for some time now, and from time to time, he would hear rumors about Zhongli.
Listening to music, strolling through the streets, drinking tea…
He was either enjoying a performance at some pleasure house or sipping tea while listening to songs in a teahouse.
Though Zhongli appeared young, how could a Titled Douluo truly be young?
Having such hobbies wasn't strange at all.
Tang San had even investigated and found that, among Heaven Dou City's commoners, Zhongli was regarded as a near-perfect figure.
Before revealing his strength, he had never used his power to oppress ordinary people.
Even after his identity was exposed, he remained unchanged.
Faced with such a person, even if they had once been "opponents," Tang San found it impossible to truly hate Zhongli. There was simply no reason to.
As for the "real culprit," Dai Mubai—he was one of their own. Though he had made a mistake, how could Tang San blame his own people?
The situation was subtly awkward. Tang San didn't know what to say about Zhongli, especially since the incident was already in the past, and Zhongli hadn't actually done anything wrong.
If not for Zhongli's magnanimity, their entire group might have already been reincarnated.
"To think the usually arrogant Prince Xue Xing would actually be afraid."
"As expected, strength is the only real foundation for authority."
Tang San clenched his fists, his yearning for power growing even stronger.
He hadn't forgotten how they were driven out of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy so easily.
"He's like me—a twin-spirit master. In the future, can I reach his level?"
With this thought, Tang San glanced toward the direction of the No. 1 Black VIP room. Though he couldn't see inside, it was a gesture of acknowledgment.
Lost in his thoughts, Tang San failed to notice Xiao Wu beside him.
Xiao Wu was trembling, instinctively hiding behind Tang San.
Yet she didn't realize that Chen Xin, standing beside Ning Fengzhi, had never taken his eyes off her.
Inside the No. 1 Black VIP room, Zhongli's eyelid twitched slightly. He opened his mouth as if to speak but ultimately remained silent.
To outsiders, Prince Xue Xing was the biggest playboy in the Heaven Dou Empire, and his current behavior was simply fear toward a Titled Douluo.
But Zhongli knew the truth—Xue Xing's ability to endure far surpassed even Xue Beng's!
Xue Xing had long suspected that "Xue Qinghe" was not who he seemed, but without concrete evidence, he had no choice but to bide his time. He even taught Xue Beng that only by playing the fool could he survive.
In the original timeline, he had succeeded.
After Xue Ye's death, when "Xue Qinghe" was exposed, it was Xue Xing who ensured Xue Beng's smooth ascension to the throne. Without him, the transition of power would not have been so seamless.
"Advisor…"
"Xue Qinghe" blinked at Zhongli, as if asking whether they should accept Xue Xing's "kind gesture."
Anyone with eyes could see this was Xue Xing's way of saving face while also attempting to mend relations.
Now, it was up to Zhongli to decide whether to accept.
Zhongli nodded. Who paid to rescue the cat girl didn't matter—as long as the goal was achieved.
"Then I thank His Highness the Prince."
Hearing this, Xue Xing finally let out a sigh of relief.
He might suspect "Xue Qinghe," but he had no such doubts about Zhongli.
Why?
Simple.
If Zhongli were a spy sent by the Spirit Hall or the Star Luo Empire…
How could he possibly be a spy?!
A normal Titled Douluo might still be plausible, but Zhongli not only possessed a 100,000-year spirit ring—he was also a twin-spirit master!
It was only a matter of time before he became the most formidable individual on the Douluo Continent.
Sending someone like him as a spy?
Were they out of their minds?!
Besides, if Zhongli were a spy, he'd be the most incompetent one in history.
With the countless benefits Emperor Xue Ye had offered, any real spy would have eagerly climbed the ranks—either becoming a royal guardian or an imperial advisor.
So why was he just idling in the Crown Prince's residence?
And most crucially—Zhongli had been brought to Heaven Dou City by Dugu Bo, who had even gifted him a mansion!
Who was Dugu Bo?
Given his history, there was no way Zhongli could be from the Spirit Hall!
"How I regret my past decisions…"
Xue Xing sighed. He had initially thought Dugu Bo merely admired Zhongli's knowledge, hence the generous gift of a mansion.
He hadn't paid it much mind.
Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine Zhongli would turn out to be a Titled Douluo even stronger than Dugu Bo himself…
When "Xue Qinghe" first approached Zhongli, he hadn't known the man's true strength either—he had simply been drawn to his wisdom and invited him to serve as an advisor.
Upon learning the truth, Xue Xing had nearly smashed his entire palace in frustration!
"200,000 gold soul coins—going once!"
"200,000 gold soul coins—going twice!"
After such a scene, who would dare to bid further?
Raising the price now would mean offending the Crown Prince, the Prince, and a Titled Douluo all at once.
Who in their right mind would choose death over living?
"200,000 gold soul coins—sold!"
Bang!
The auctioneer was more than satisfied with the price. Prince Xue Xing's bid had far exceeded the market value.
He was also surprised—who would have thought the one interested in the cat girl was that very lord?
Had they known Zhongli favored cat girls, she wouldn't have even made it to the auction stage.
"Congratulations to the guest in the No. 2 Black VIP room for successfully winning the finale of today's auction!"
"With this, our auction has officially concluded!"
Did he not know who was in the No. 2 Black VIP room?
Of course he did—but even if the person's identity was "exposed," he couldn't openly announce it.
As the auction ended, the attendees gradually dispersed.
Those who had won bids headed to the back to pay and collect their items.
Xue Xing didn't linger. After settling the payment, he left without hesitation.
"Xue Qinghe," accompanied by Zhongli and Paimon, made their way to the back to retrieve their purchase.
"Your Highness, Lord Zhongli, Prince Xue Xing has already settled the payment. The cat girl now belongs to Lord Zhongli."
The staff member smiled obsequiously.
"You may leave now."
"Yes!"
Once the staff had withdrawn, "Xue Qinghe," Zhongli, and Paimon finally turned their attention to the cage before them.
The cat girl remained inside, huddled in a corner, watching the trio with wary eyes.
Like a wild feline ready to strike at any moment.
"Zhongli, Zhongli, let's let her out. She looks so pitiful…"
Paimon couldn't bear the sight.
The staff had earlier handed Zhongli the key to the cage.
"Mm."
With a few quick turns, Zhongli unlocked the cage—but the cat girl showed no intention of coming out, still eyeing them with suspicion.
As an auction item, she had heard the entire process.
She understood that these three were no ordinary figures, especially this man called Zhongli…
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 95 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 20 power stones I will publish the next chapter.