Chapter 360: The Three-Eyed Golden Lion
It wasn't just Di Tian who feared Yang Potian; the entire continent felt apprehensive about his strength, particularly within the Wuhun Empire. Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu, two of the most influential figures, were now seated together, reviewing various reports detailing the recent battle at Tianxing Academy.
This battle had revealed most of Tianxing Academy's hidden power, including the formidable abilities of Niu Jinfeng and Ye Lingling, who had rarely engaged in battle. The Empire was left uneasy by this display of strength.
During the confrontation, Yang Zhentian showcased his formidable power, reaching a level of 98. In theory, he was on par with Golden Crocodile Douluo, lacking only a 100,000-year spirit ring to complete his strength. Adding to the Academy's lineup, Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, Dugu Bo, Yang Zhentian, Niu Mang, Niu Jinfeng, Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and Ye Lingling made a total of nine Titled Douluo, including a rare healing Douluo, all supplemented by Ning Fengzhi's remarkable support abilities.
This kind of power was intimidating even to the Wuhun Empire, which also only had a limited number of Titled Douluo. There was no telling if Tianxing Academy had yet more hidden masters.
What truly shocked Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu was the combat prowess of these Douluo. While containing Tang San might be explainable, that they managed to subdue Bear Lord was extraordinary. They knew from experience that Bear Lord's power neared the limits of Rank 99, and even the Wuhun Empire had struggled to restrain him.
But most troubling of all was Yang Potian, who had long hidden his true strength. To think he had been able to suppress and critically injure Di Tian—something even Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu might not achieve without the full strength of the Wuhun Empire.
Bibi Dong's expression was somber. "Great Worship, Tang San's power has grown far beyond our expectations. I never imagined he would reach Rank 98 so quickly. If he advances to Rank 99, we may need you to personally intervene."
Qian Daoliu nodded. "So be it. Tang San is, after all, the successor of Tang Chen, who once defeated me. Our enmity with the Clear Sky Clan has long demanded a final resolution."
Both Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu, seasoned strategists, were acutely aware of the threat Tang San posed to the Wuhun Empire. The battle at Tianxing Academy had also revealed the academy's stance, confirming they would not align with Tang San or the soul beasts.
After some further discussion, Qian Daoliu brought up another matter. "Your Majesty, I understand that Tianxing Academy has sent us Yu Xiaogang, who was Tang San's teacher. How do you intend to deal with him?"
At the mention of Yu Xiaogang, Bibi Dong's hand trembled, shattering the cup she held. After a long silence, she finally responded, "I'll keep Yu Xiaogang imprisoned for now. There's a chance Tang San may come to his rescue. I'll decide on his fate later."
Qian Daoliu nodded again. "As long as you act with the Empire's interests in mind, your choices will be respected. After all, this kingdom was built by your own hand."
After a brief pause, he continued, "Xue'er has been back for some time now. Don't you intend to meet her? The two of you can't go on in silent estrangement."
Hearing Qian Renxue's name, Bibi Dong seemed momentarily lost, before biting her lip and replying, "It's better if we don't meet. Some wounds are not so easily mended."
Qian Daoliu sighed, then vanished from the hall, leaving Bibi Dong in a pensive silence.
Sometime later, a guard arrived at the hall entrance to report, "Your Majesty, Ghost Douluo requests an audience. He has captured the spirit beast you mentioned."
A flash of golden light appeared in Bibi Dong's eyes. "Good. Tell him to bring it to the hall."
In the grand hall, Bibi Dong sat upon the throne, surrounded by the gathered elders, including Hu Liena and other key figures, underscoring the importance of this occasion.
The guards brought in a large cage of black iron. Inside was a relatively small spirit beast, resembling a lion but with dragon-like claws, each foot resting on a golden flame. Its snout was longer than that of a typical lion spirit beast, and beneath its golden fur, intricate scales shimmered. Above its regular eyes was a golden vertical pupil, adding an air of profound mystery.
Upon Bibi Dong's arrival, Ghost Douluo respectfully bowed and reported, "Your Majesty, this is the Three-Eyed Golden Lion. Though only 5,000 years old, its strength rivals that of a 10,000-year spirit beast."
Bibi Dong approached the cage, reaching a hand inside, and felt a mysterious force in the air. Even with her power, she couldn't fully sense its origin.
Ghost Douluo continued, "Your Majesty, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion possesses extreme attributes of fire and light, and also holds a rare power. I've found that any spirit beast near it seems to heal faster and even grow more rapidly. According to ancient records, it's known as the Emperor's Auspicious Beast."
Bibi Dong nodded in appreciation. "Indeed, this Three-Eyed Golden Lion is impressive. No wonder Yang Potian holds it in such regard; it truly exudes an unusual power. If I were to absorb its spirit ring, I wonder if I could gain such abilities myself."
Ghost Douluo quickly interjected, "Your Majesty, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion is extraordinary. Although it's only 5,000 years old, it resides in the Star Dou Forest's core region, guarded by a fierce beast. If we kill it, we may incite the wrath of the entire forest. Besides, a mere 5,000-year spirit ring is beneath your level; it would hardly be of much use to you."
Though she managed to maintain her composure, an inexplicable urge tugged at Bibi Dong's mind, as if something were compelling her to absorb the lion's spirit ring.
After a lengthy silence, she finally decided, "For now, imprison this spirit beast and ensure it stays alive. I'll determine what to do with it later."
Even Yang Potian hadn't expected the Wuhun Empire would successfully capture the Three-Eyed Golden Lion; his careless remark had indeed set events in motion beyond his intentions.
Meanwhile, back in the Star Dou Forest, the entire core was in an uproar. The fiery-tempered Scarlet King, Red King, had been savagely beaten by Di Tian as a show of fury.
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