A peerless genius beyond the imagination of the world is bound to become the target of everyone.
"Uh..."
Fang Ling lowered his head and fell silent.
That was actually quite true.
If the world knew his name, they wouldn't pay attention to how he had diligently cultivated step by step,they would only focus on his extraordinary cultivation level.
If he continued cultivating at the rate of one level per month, he would reach the Four-Ring Soul Ancestor realm in just three months.
An eleven-year-old Soul Ancestor,how heaven-defying!
This world doesn't allow someone that powerful to exist.
Although Dugu Bo was nearly unmatched in group combat, he still wasn't strong enough.
Of course, that didn't mean he should stop progressing out of fear.
Cultivation comes first. In the world of Douluo Dalu, if something can't be solved, it just means your strength isn't enough.
The solution to the current situation wasn't complicated either: just stop using points to level up and rely purely on meditation and training.
Now that he was a Soul Elder, the rate at which he earned points had increased again,about eight points per year.
He had already saved up three points.
From now on, he would rely entirely on self-cultivation and use all his points to enhance his martial soul instead of leveling up.
His meridians had been greatly strengthened. With the dual boost from battle willpower, his training speed had already doubled.
The immortal herb had also enhanced his cultivation speed.
It wouldn't be too slow.
A level-twelve Soul Ancestor shouldn't draw too much attention...
Shouldn't?
Fang Ling remained silent.
It was still a bit too eye-catching. A twelve-year-old Soul Elder was already extremely rare,let alone a Soul Ancestor.
Even Qian Renxue, with her innate level-20 talent, might not become a Soul Ancestor by twelve. As an undercover agent, even if she could, it would be very difficult.
If only Dugu Bo were stronger...
Waves of thoughts surged in Fang Ling's mind. He frowned and thought deeply, then suddenly came to a realization.
If he wanted to protect himself before becoming powerful enough, perhaps he could borrow Qian Renxue's influence?
After all, she was from the divine Seraphim bloodline, born into privilege, and didn't think much of even Titled Douluo. She only took geniuses like Tang San seriously, and even when on opposing sides, she repeatedly tried to recruit him.
As the crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, if he learned that such a person existed at the academy,even if that person wasn't aligned with Prince Xue Xing, or was even Dugu Bo's disciple,he would definitely want to bring him under his wing.
That kind of pride was exactly what someone with a god-level martial soul like the Six-Winged Seraph should have.
For Fang Ling, this could be a good opportunity.
He didn't want to get involved in Spirit Hall's power struggle, so for now, he would play along and buy time.
Let the ongoing political maneuvering hinder the faction within Spirit Hall that wanted to kill him.
Let Qian Renxue and Bibi Dong,the complicated mother-daughter pair,fight each other.
He could even use the same approach to deal with Bibi Dong.
After all, Spirit Hall would never kill a genius outright. They would most likely try to recruit him first.
They might even play a scene where they "save" him, knowing he values emotions, just to win him over.
Fang Ling evaluated everything in his mind.
For now, he would let Dugu Bo consume the immortal herb, which would speed up point accumulation for upgrading his martial soul,pursuing both goals at once.
He just needed to survive the next few years. Once he entered the Slaughter City and came out again, he could remain low-profile and wouldn't have to worry anymore.
With a plan in mind, Fang Ling said to Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan, "Let's just focus on cultivation for now. There's no rush,let me think it over."
This kind of scheming couldn't be explained directly.
"How about dropping out of school?" Dugu Bo suggested that Fang Ling didn't need to attend Heaven Dou Royal Academy anymore.
He could just quietly train until reaching level 90 and then return. It might not take too long.
"No, I can't drop out," Fang Ling refused firmly.
His future plans and rapid growth depended on Slaughter City. That's where he could obtain the Killing God Domain, which required participating in the Soul Master Tournament and winning the soul bones that Spirit Hall would generously offer.
However, no information about the soul bones had surfaced yet. Going to Slaughter City now would be too dangerous, and he couldn't explain that to the other two just yet.
Dugu Bo pondered for a moment. "You're right. I've never heard of a genius growing strong just by shutting themselves in."
Even before Fang Ling explained his reasoning, Dugu Bo felt it was wrong to confine a disciple who had fought his way to where he was. He immediately changed his stance.
"You're right to take your time. But don't rush to the academy just yet. Stay at the mansion and cultivate in secret. The news hasn't spread, and my reputation is enough to scare off petty troublemakers. Nothing to worry about."
Dugu Bo didn't know what else to do, so he could only keep them out of sight for now.
"Here, take this."
Temporarily setting aside the troublesome matters, Dugu Bo pulled out a large, purple flower with a faint pink center from a magical pouch that could store living things.
The flower was planted in a pot.
"This is the immortal herb your little girlfriend wanted. Take it and give it to her when she arrives."
Seeing Dugu Bo hand it over without reservation, Fang Ling felt a warmth in his heart. "Thank you, Teacher."
"Thank me? That's too formal," Dugu Yan said with a sideways glance.
"Hehe, I misspoke. But I still have to thank Teacher properly." Fang Ling said, taking Dugu Yan's hand.
Of course, Dugu Bo noticed the gesture and wasn't thrilled by Fang Ling's lack of loyalty.
But this was the same boy who had carved off his own flesh to give away an external soul bone. His talent, especially after consuming the immortal herb, was unmatched.
Aside from being a little flirtatious, what more could be asked?
Besides, Yanyan hadn't said anything. If anything, she was the one who came after.
Since the immortal herb guide came from the Ye family and he owed them this favor, Dugu Bo eventually chose to accept it.
He simply said, "It's normal for high-level soul masters to have multiple wives. Just don't betray Yanyan."
"Please rest assured, Teacher. I swear on my martial soul: as long as Sister Yanyan doesn't betray me, I will never let her down. If I break this oath, may I…"
Fang Ling declared his vow with firm determination.
Swearing on one's martial soul was an extremely solemn act in Douluo Dalu.
After all, willpower truly had power.
Although Fang Ling's relationship with Dugu Yan was still in its early stages,unlike the natural rapport he had with Ye Lingling,this vow showed his sincerity.
"Good. That's what I wanted to hear."
Dugu Bo smiled in satisfaction. He had gotten the assurance he needed.
The next day, Ye Lingling once again took a long leave and came to Dugu Mansion.
Fang Ling was already waiting at the gate.
"Fang Ling, when did you get back?" Her eyes curved with joy, and she ran toward him, unable to hide her smile.
"Not long ago. Lingling, are you ready for a surprise?"
Fang Ling led her into the mansion.
"A real surprise?" Ye Lingling was skeptical.
"You think I'm joking?" Fang Ling tapped her soft nose and said with a playful tone, "It's a big surprise!"
As Ye Lingling looked at him with hope in her eyes,
Fang Ling brought her to his courtyard.
Dugu Yan, who had been meditating, opened her eyes when she heard footsteps. Her face lit up with joy. "Lingling, you're here!"
She came forward and took Ye Lingling's hand.
"I knew it."
Catching the slight apology in Dugu Yan's golden-green eyes, Ye Lingling's smile faltered, and she silently muttered to herself.
She had long suspected that someone as talented as Fang Ling would be popular no matter where he went.
Especially after giving away an external soul bone.
He literally carved his own flesh,that was ruthless. It already felt off, and now it was confirmed...
Thankfully, I came first.
She silently repeated the thought. That was her only comfort.
"Sorry, Lingling." Caught so easily, Dugu Yan looked slightly guilty.
"It's fine. He's just too popular," Ye Lingling replied, although her heart felt a little sour. She gave Fang Ling, who looked sheepish, a fierce glare.
"You better hope this surprise is worth it!"
"I promise it'll be something you'd never expect," Fang Ling said with full confidence.
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