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I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: Seven Kill Shock the World
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At first glance, Chen Gang gave the impression of a fiery-tempered old man, but at this moment, he was surprisingly calm, sitting as solidly as Mount Tai in his armchair.
Chen Gang had to admit that when Ye Wen offered the prospect of becoming a Title Douluo, it immediately piqued his interest. And when Ye Wen added the promise of resolving the hidden dangers in his daughter Ye Xixi's cultivation, Chen Gang was almost ready to accept outright.
However, having come from humble origins and now well into his seventies, Chen Gang was no longer the reckless youth he once was.
He knew that no one would offer such an immense benefit without a reason.
Behind every tempting offer often lay a trap that could leave one unable to recover. He couldn't afford to take that gamble.
Because if he lost, the Ye family, which he and his wife had painstakingly rebuilt, might truly face eternal ruin.
The original Douluo storyline indeed reflected this—later in the series, countless extraordinary martial souls emerged, but the Nine-Heart Begonia, capable of reviving the dead and mending shattered bones, never appeared again.
Yet, directly rejecting such an enticing offer was something Chen Gang found hard to do. His expression shifted rapidly as he asked:
"What exactly is this 'faction' you're asking us to join? Can you elaborate?"
After much deliberation, Chen Gang decided to ask more questions before making a decision.
A faint smile played on Ye Wen's lips, and he felt a sense of satisfaction. In his view, the moment Chen Gang asked this question, his resolve had already begun to waver.
At this point, Ye Wen began to explain softly:
"Rest assured, Senior. Our faction has no intention of getting involved in any disputes.
As you can probably tell, the relationship between the two empires, the top three sects, and the Spirit Hall has become increasingly strained in recent years.
If war breaks out, smaller factions like ours will inevitably be dragged into it. Therefore, I boldly took the initiative to form a small faction under the name of my teacher, Dugu Bo.
The core idea behind this faction is to rely on the strength of several Title Douluos to avoid being entangled in the conflicts of these major powers while securing some benefits for ourselves amid future disputes. That's all. What does Senior Chen Gang think?"
Chen Gang didn't respond immediately. Instead, he tapped the armrest with his thick index finger.
It had to be said that Ye Wen's proposal aligned perfectly with Chen Gang's desires.
The Ye family had managed to survive as an auxiliary clan by maintaining strict neutrality, avoiding alignment with any faction.
In other words, if the Ye family joined Dugu Bo's small faction, not only would there be no drawbacks, but they would also gain the protection of several powerful Title Douluos. It was all benefits and no harm.
But precisely because it seemed too good to be true, Chen Gang, who had faced countless hardships and witnessed humanity's darker side, felt uneasy.
"Little Friend Ye Wen, you've outlined the benefits. But what specific responsibilities and obligations would the Ye family have if we join?" Chen Gang asked in a low voice.
Upon hearing this, Ye Wen knew the deal was practically sealed. He then spoke softly:
"Rest assured, Senior. If the Ye family joins our faction, your responsibilities will be no different from those of guest elders or advisors in other factions. You'll simply need to lend a hand when the organization faces enemy attacks or assist important members in hunting for soul rings. There will be no overly stringent conditions.
The core principle of our organization is mutual support."
Upon hearing this, Chen Gang finally relaxed completely. The terms were incredibly favorable, with clear guarantees and no hidden clauses.
It seemed there was no reason to refuse.
Just as Chen Gang was about to agree, his gaze suddenly shifted to Huo Rui beside him. His mouth paused, and a flash of insight struck him.
"The specifics of this faction are still unclear, but its core must revolve around Title Douluos. In other words, it's centered around Dugu Bo and this Tianxin Baroness here, who is said to possess power rivaling a Title Douluo.
One is your teacher, and the other is the grandmother of your fiancée...
Hiss—"
Chen Gang inwardly gasped, though he maintained a composed exterior. The shifting emotions in his eyes, however, were unmistakable.
"There's no such thing as absolute fairness in this world. Based on the talent this young man has displayed, he surpasses even Tang Hao in potential and is undoubtedly destined to become a Title Douluo.
This means that once he grows stronger, Dugu Bo and Huo Rui may step back, leaving this young man in full control of the organization..."
At this moment, Chen Gang recalled something interesting Ye Lingling had mentioned to him recently.
"I remember Lingling telling me that Dugu Bo's granddaughter broke up with her boyfriend from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family, and it caused quite a stir.
But she used to say their relationship was quite strong. This breakup seems far too abrupt.
It's unusual... very unusual."
Chen Gang's brows furrowed tightly. Ye Lingling had only mentioned it casually during a chat, so he didn't have more detailed information.
But judging from his experience as a seasoned veteran, marriages among high-ranking families were no trivial matter. Without Dugu Bo's tacit approval, Dugu Yan wouldn't have become romantically involved with the young man from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family in the first place.
But now they had broken up so suddenly. Chen Gang seemed to realize something, and his gaze toward Ye Wen brightened.
"So that's it. That old fox Dugu Bo had this plan in mind all along."
Having unraveled the key to the situation, Chen Gang straightened his back slightly and looked directly at Ye Wen, speaking with a serious tone:
"Little Friend Ye Wen, I'm indeed tempted by your offer to join your faction. But I have one condition. If you don't agree, I won't join your faction no matter what.
You must understand that as long as the Nine-Heart Begonia lineage continues and the Ye family maintains its stance, no soul master family will dare to attack us. After all, there are too many people in this world who fear death.
And the only ones who can save them are the Nine-Heart Begonias!"
Upon hearing this, Ye Wen inwardly sighed, thinking, 'This is troublesome.'
But Huo Rui couldn't hold back any longer. She slammed the table and exclaimed, "Chen Gang, don't be ungrateful! My grandson-in-law has offered such excellent terms, and you're still adding conditions! Are you even human?!"
"Hey, hey, Grandma, calm down, calm down! Business can fall through, but we can still maintain goodwill. Don't act impulsively!" Ye Wen quickly intervened to calm the situation, preventing the two sides from coming to blows.
But Chen Gang remained unfazed and said indifferently, "I know that in your eyes, my demands may seem ungrateful. But for the sake of the Ye family's future, I absolutely cannot recklessly allow the Ye family to join any faction."
Ye Wen nodded in understanding and then asked:
"Then may I ask, what is the condition you speak of? Please be clear."
Chen Gang looked directly at Ye Wen and spoke with a firm and resolute tone:
"I want you to marry Lingling."
Ye Wen instinctively nodded, thinking, 'So this is the condition.'
But the next second, his expression abruptly changed.
Oh no, this is aimed at me (°°)!
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