Chapter 17: Departure
The next day, noon.
Although the events that occurred in Shrek City last night had already been suppressed by Shrek Academy, there were still many rumors spreading, and Ning Tian was among those who heard them.
At first, Ning Tian did not take it seriously, only thinking it was a conflict between Titled Douluo.
However, when she later learned that the incident took place at the residence she had specifically purchased for Jiang Li, a sense of unease arose in her heart.
At that moment, it happened to be midday break after morning classes.
Ning Tian decided to bring Wu Feng to check the situation and confirm whether Jiang Li was still alive.
However, just as they walked out of Shrek Academy, Jiang Li's figure appeared before them.
Seeing that Jiang Li was completely unharmed, Ning Tian finally let out a sigh of relief.
Then she asked curiously, "Jiang Li, what happened last night?"
"Just a small matter," Jiang Li waved his hand and did not elaborate.
Ning Tian was not foolish and did not ask further, instead changing the topic, "By the way, Jiang Li, are you here at this time specifically waiting for us?"
"Mm," Jiang Li nodded slightly.
After receiving confirmation, Ning Tian asked in confusion, "Is there something you need to tell me?"
Without wasting words, Jiang Li said directly, "Boss, I think I need to leave early, so I came to settle the remaining payment."
Upon hearing this, Ning Tian was slightly stunned, somewhat confused.
But after thinking about it, she guessed that Jiang Li's departure might be related to what happened last night.
With that thought, she refocused and slowly said, "Since you're leaving early, it must be for your own reasons. I won't ask further. Anyway, the freshman assessment is about to begin, and our contract is almost up."
After speaking, Ning Tian took out a gold soul coin card from her storage soul tool and handed it to Jiang Li.
Receiving the payment, Jiang Li smiled and nodded, "Boss is truly kind and generous. If there's any future commission, you can come find me in Heaven Dou City. Farewell."
With that, he did not linger and turned to leave directly.
Ning Tian watched his departing figure with a complicated expression.
At that moment, Wu Feng beside her asked in confusion, "Young mistress, why don't we continue using the commission to keep Jiang Li?"
Ning Tian remained silent for a moment, then slowly replied, "Jiang Li and us are only in a contractual relationship. No matter what, we cannot keep his heart."
Wu Feng nodded somewhat thoughtfully and said no more.
—
At the same time, in the Sea God Pavilion of Shrek Academy.
"Teacher, that Jiang Li was too ruthless. Not only did he cut off Elder Xuan's arm, but his soul power level also dropped by one rank!"
Yan Shaozhe said with a serious expression, anger flickering in his eyes.
Hearing this, the other elders in the meeting room also voiced their agreement.
Facing everyone's accusations, Mu En let out a deep sigh, his aged voice echoing through the room.
"Shaozhe, I understand your anger, but Jiang Li's strength is very formidable. Especially the two weapons he used at the time—they even possessed the ability to threaten my life."
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire meeting room fell silent.
Everyone's gaze turned toward Mu En, shifting from confusion to shock.
Finally, Yan Shaozhe asked, "Teacher, can Jiang Li really threaten your life?"
"If my judgment is correct, then anyone on the entire continent, even a Titled Douluo, would face life-threatening danger if caught in close range by Jiang Li," Mu En stated truthfully.
After this statement, everyone's expression turned extremely grim.
The meeting room once again fell into dead silence.
After an unknown period of time, Xian Lin'er sitting opposite Yan Shaozhe finally spoke.
"Elder Mu, are those two weapons Jiang Li used last night soul tools?"
Mu En gently shook his head and replied, "No, they are not soul tools, but they are extremely dangerous—likely special weapons designed specifically to target soul masters."
Xian Lin'er did not continue asking, but she had developed great interest in Jiang Li's weapons.
While everyone was deep in thought, Mu En suddenly said something even more shocking.
"From now on, if you encounter Jiang Li on the continent, do not offend him.
He is a bounty contractor who values only profit. In his own words, as long as he is paid, he will do anything."
After saying this, Mu En closed his eyes.
Yan Shaozhe and the others looked at each other, each with their own thoughts.
But they also understood that after the incident with Elder Xuan, it would likely take months before they could approach Jiang Li again.
Thus, a strange reality emerged—the only victim was Xuan Zi.
—
Time passed quickly.
One month later.
Heaven Dou City, Heaven Soul Empire.
In a familiar alley, in front of a familiar door.
Jiang Li lay in a reclining chair with his legs crossed, holding a freshly printed newspaper, looking extremely relaxed.
"You seem quite leisurely lately."
A voice suddenly came from nearby.
Jiang Li lowered the newspaper and smiled, "Well well, what wind brought Sect Master Du here?"
His gaze fell on the green-robed figure at the alley entrance—none other than Poison Douluo, Du Bu Si.
Hearing Jiang Li's teasing tone, Du Bu Si burst out laughing without caring at all.
His laughter was deep and thunderous, shaking moss from the surrounding walls, showing no trace of the bearing of a 98th-level peak Douluo.
After laughing enough, he walked over in large strides, sat down beside Jiang Li, and stared at him intently.
"You really surprised this old man. You actually cut off Xuan Zi's arm and reduced his soul power level."
Jiang Li raised an eyebrow, lazily tapping the armrest of the chair.
"Not worth mentioning. But Sect Master Du's information network is quite impressive. Shrek tried to suppress this tightly, yet you found out so quickly."
"As a sect master, having some intelligence channels is normal," Du Bu Si said proudly.
But then his tone changed, becoming serious.
"Still, you dared to attack a Sea God Pavilion elder. Aren't you afraid they'll settle accounts with you later?"
"What is there to fear?" Jiang Li sneered.
He stood up and stretched.
"If they really wanted revenge, they would have come already. Why wait until now?"
Du Bu Si stared at him for a long moment, then suddenly grinned and pulled out several portraits, tossing them in front of Jiang Li.
"Good boy, I like straightforward people like you! I've got a business deal for you."
Jiang Li glanced at the portraits and raised a brow.
"Oh? A job from Sect Master Du—must pay well, right?"
"Of course," Du Bu Si said seriously.
"Three disciples of my Body Sect were ambushed and killed by evil soul masters. Those attackers fled to Ming Capital of the Sun-Moon Empire. I can't leave at the moment."
Jiang Li immediately understood.
"So a difficult commission, huh? Going into Ming Capital is pretty dangerous."
Seeing his expression, Du Bu Si snorted and laughed.
"Just bring me their heads. Thirty thousand gold soul coins as a base reward. How about it?"
"As expected of a sect master—generous!" Jiang Li agreed immediately.
Du Bu Si nodded and handed over a gold soul coin card.
"This is the deposit. The rest will be paid upon completion."