"Hmph—"
Dugu Bo made no effort to suppress his displeasure and let out a cold snort, releasing the overwhelming aura unique to a Titled Douluo.
The pressure instantly swept across the area, causing Chao Tianxiang and Zhao Wuji to break out in cold sweat.
This aura… it belonged to a Titled Douluo.
After exchanging glances, both Chao Tianxiang and Zhao Wuji saw the shock in each other's eyes.
(After Dugu Bo's Martial Spirit underwent transformation, his appearance also changed. Additionally, he had been busy with Wu Tong's affairs and hadn't been seen in public much, so few knew about his new appearance. Most of those who did were high-ranking members of major factions.)
Since Wu Tong's theories were proposed, more Spirit Masters had broken through to the Titled Douluo level. While the number wasn't overwhelming, it was certainly significant. As a result, Titled Douluos were no longer just legends on the Douluo Continent, and many high-level Spirit Masters had encountered them at least once.
Chao Tianxiang and Zhao Wuji, as high-level Spirit Masters, had witnessed the presence of Titled Douluos before. After sensing Dugu Bo's aura, they immediately recognized his identity.
Once they felt Dugu Bo's pressure, neither dared to act recklessly. After all, facing a Titled Douluo, a single misstep could cost them their lives—and no one would bat an eye. Titled Douluos stood at the pinnacle of the Douluo world.
Aside from Zhao Wuji and Chao Tianxiang, one other… individual (?) also sensed Dugu Bo's strength.
Xiao Wu felt the aura and was instantly startled. She quietly began shifting her steps, trying to hide behind the Shrek group to minimize her presence.
"Well, well, long time no see, little rabbit."
Ignoring Dugu Bo's petty temper, Wu Tong glanced at the wary group before him and chuckled, greeting Xiao Wu, who had been trying to hide behind the others since their arrival.
"…"
So much for playing ostrich. Xiao Wu's subtle movements were immediately noticed as everyone's gaze turned toward her.
Seeing the group's eyes on her, Xiao Wu forced a stiff smile. She knew there was no escaping now.
It's over, Mom. Xiao Wu's been spotted by a Titled Douluo today. I won't be able to avenge you. And Third Brother, I'm sorry… Xiao Wu has to leave you…
Just as Xiao Wu was imagining how Wu Tong would kill her to obtain her Spirit Ring and absorb her Spirit Bone, she suddenly heard his greeting. She froze in disbelief.
What was happening?
She never expected that, at such a critical moment, Wu Tong wouldn't immediately strike her down but instead greet her. It almost sounded like he was familiar with her.
Wait… did they know each other?
"You are…?"
Xiao Wu stared at the extraordinarily handsome man before her—his striking features, outstanding demeanor, and towering presence—and voiced her confusion.
"Hmm? Don't remember me? Ah, well, it has been six years. I suppose my appearance has changed quite a bit."
Hearing Xiao Wu's question, Wu Tong paused before realizing that while he had kept tabs on her, the reverse wasn't true. Six years had passed, and his appearance and aura had undergone dramatic transformations. It was no surprise she didn't recognize him.
"Here's a hint: the major upheaval six years ago, the former Dormitory Seven of Nuoding Academy, and the boy who disappeared after that day."
Dugu Bo, who had been staring at Xiao Wu since her arrival, nearly facepalmed. That was practically spelling it out.
"Dormitory Seven… six years ago… You're Wu Tong?!"
With Wu Tong's hint and the events at Nuoding Academy six years ago, Xiao Wu immediately recognized him. After all, that upheaval had left her unable to stay safely in Nuoding City for a long time.
Do you have any idea how terrifying it was for a transformed Spirit Beast to witness over a dozen Titled Douluos descending on a small town to search for someone?
She had specifically chosen a small city to avoid attention, yet she'd nearly been exposed. Because of this, Xiao Wu instantly recalled Wu Tong—the one who had caused it all.
...
Hearing Xiao Wu's words, the others present reacted in their own ways, but without exception, the name "Wu Tong" stirred something in their hearts.
"This handsome man is actually the legendary Wu Tong?! He really is as dashing as the rumors say."
"I never thought I'd get to witness Wu Tong's presence in person. Coming to the Star Dou Great Forest was the right decision!"
This was the thought of Wu Tong's little fan, Meng Yiran.
"So this is the so-called 'Greatest Sage of the Continent'? Nothing special. Not even as handsome as me."
This was the thought of the Evil Fire Phoenix, Ma Hongjun.
"Wu Tong? If I can get his help, could I defeat my elder brother?"
This was the thought of the runaway Third Prince, Dai Mubai.
"This is the so-called 'Strongest Scholar'? Pathetic. He looks like he couldn't even take a single hit. I don't get why the dean and Teacher Zhao respect him so much when they're clearly far stronger."
This was the thought of the power-obsessed Kizuo.
"So this is the legendary Wu Tong? A sage like Vegapunk from our world? I wonder if he can send me back… Nojiko, Genzo, everyone… I miss you."
This was the thought of the interdimensional stowaway, Nami.
"Wu Tong is so young. From the news Rongrong shared, it seems many major factions are trying to win his favor—even the Star Luo royalty. If I can gain his help, maybe I can break free from this endless fate?"
This was the thought of Zhu Zhuqing, who longed to escape her destiny.
...
...
"Correct, it's me."
Wu Tong didn't pay attention to the commotion his identity caused among the others. Instead, he smiled and confirmed Xiao Wu's guess.
"We meet again. It's been six years, hasn't it?"
"Yes, six years. I still remember how diligently you studied back then. No wonder you've achieved so much now."
...
Read 50 advance at patreon.com/CNBLUE
(End of Chapter)