Chapter 22: Want My Insights? Sure, But It'll Cost You
At this moment, it wasn't just Bibi Dong who was feeling uncomfortable Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo behind her also had grim expressions, unsure whether to speak or remain silent.
They had considered this issue before. As Bibi Dong's most trusted subordinates, they had been stuck at Rank 95 for years. More than anyone, they wanted to break through. The problem was that they had personally witnessed Bibi Dong's gradual rise in strength some of her spirit rings had even been added with their help. Yet, she had never mentioned how she had managed to surpass the bottleneck, as if she had never needed any profound comprehension at all.
Not only had their leader never brought it up, but she was also prone to unpredictable bouts of fury. They had frequently sensed an ominous, dangerous aura from her. Were they brave enough to ask? Absolutely not.
Now, Guang Ling had bluntly thrown this question onto the table for everyone to see. What were they supposed to do?
Apart from the three visitors feeling suffocated, Han Li, who stood among the Worship Elders, was also overwhelmed with conflicting emotions. He had never expected his teacher's verbal attacks to be so lethal.
Although he had always known Guang Ling was fiercely loyal to the Angel Clan, this level of hostility was shocking. His words were practically a direct slap to Bibi Dong's face.
Master, have some restraint… This woman is no saint.
If not for the divine trial restraining her power, Han Li had no doubt that Bibi Dong would eventually find an opportunity to discreetly eliminate Guang Ling during one of his solo outings.
But even though Bibi Dong couldn't touch Guang Ling, she could still come after me.
Because if Han Li were in her position, that's exactly what he would do.
Noticing his teacher was about to speak again, Han Li hurriedly activated his spirit bone ability, transmitting a silent message to Guang Ling.
Over the past three months, he and Qing Luan had tested the ability thoroughly so long as Han Li controlled it properly, his one way transmissions were nearly undetectable. Even Qing Luan, unless deliberately probing, would have trouble noticing it, let alone anyone weaker than him.
This is it my ability's first real test.
Just as Guang Ling was about to press further, his mind suddenly echoed with his beloved disciple's voice, momentarily halting his next attack.
"Master, enough. Do you really want your beloved disciple to get killed by Bibi Dong someday? You're not alone anymore, remember? I'm only six! Do you have the heart to leave me behind?"
Guang Ling's body stiffened, his mouth opening before quickly shutting again.
The Worship Elders all looked at him in surprise was this really Guang Ling? Since when had he learned to hold back?
Only Qing Luan's eyes flashed with understanding. He subtly glanced at Han Li, silently noting the connection.
Bibi Dong, too, narrowed her eyes slightly. With her divine sense, she had caught a faint but nearly imperceptible energy fluctuation traveling from Han Li toward Guang Ling.
That alone allowed her to piece together the likely reason for Guang Ling's sudden restraint.
Han Li… So, he's more than just some lucky kid.
Of course, Han Li knew Bibi Dong would detect his transmission. That was precisely the point.
While he had no fondness for her and had no intention of serving her, he also didn't want to paint a massive target on his back just yet. He needed to buy time.
He could only hope that Bibi Dong's cunning nature would prevail that she wouldn't discard her long game just because of this minor shift.
Judging by the original timeline, she had been patient for years.
"Master, she's still the Pope Grand Worship personally appointed her. Even if you dislike her, you should at least respect Grand Worship's decision."
"She wants you to mentor those two? Fine, make them pay for it. Give them vague, philosophical insights stuff that sounds profound but is ultimately useless."
"Think about it: in doing so, you'll gain resources, win Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo's gratitude, and publicly show deference to Grand Worship. If they still fail to break through after listening, that's their problem, not yours."
"You get something tangible, they lose valuable resources, and even if they realize later that you duped them, they'll have no choice but to swallow their losses. Hell, they might even have to thank you for trying!"
"Wouldn't this be far better than outright hostility? You get both face and profit. That's real wisdom, isn't it?"
Guang Ling's eyes gleamed.
Why didn't I think of that?!
This kid is really something… Just like me!
With his decision made, Guang Ling straightened his robe, cleared his throat, and took a few steps forward.
"Want to hear my insights?" he asked, suddenly shifting gears. "Sure, I don't mind sharing."
"But, as the old saying goes, even among brothers, business is business. Even as a member of the Spirit Hall, I can't just give away something this valuable for free. Wouldn't you all agree?"
The Worship Elders exchanged puzzled glances before nodding in agreement.
Bibi Dong remained expressionless, while Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo nodded so quickly they looked like pecking chickens.
If this was the price for their long awaited breakthrough, they were more than willing to pay.
Guang Ling paused for dramatic effect, listening to another whispered message from Han Li, before continuing:
"You want to hear it? Fine, but let's be clear I can't guarantee it'll work for you."
"After all, at our level, breakthroughs are deeply personal. Everyone's path is different, you understand?"
"And this is the culmination of my entire life's insights. You think I'd just give it away for free?"
"So… it'll cost you."
He deliberately enunciated the last sentence, savoring the reaction.
A stunned silence followed.
Did… did Guang Ling just ask for money?
Even the Worship Elders were baffled when had Guang Ling become this money hungry?
Without waiting for them to process it, he continued.
"Soul bones "
Before he could finish, Bibi Dong's grip on her scepter tightened, and Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo paled in despair.
But then, Guang Ling smirked.
" I doubt you have any spare ones, so let's be more reasonable."
"You each owe me one million gold spirit coins."
"Plus, some high grade medicinal herbs. Don't tell me you don't have any if you don't, then forget it."
"And since I just broke through, I plan to focus on my well being for a while. Chrysanthemum, I'll need your full collection of botanical knowledge every single plant and flower record you own, along with samples of each."
"A fair price for insights into reaching Rank 97, don't you think?"
He glanced at Bibi Dong with a polite smile, exuding sincerity.
"Of course, it's fair. But, Fifth Worship, how do we know your insights are genuine?"
Bibi Dong tossed a subtle counterattack.
"Guarantee? I can't guarantee anything." Guang Ling waved dismissively. "Honestly, I'm more worried you will claim my insights were useless later. So let's be clear my insights are real. I swear upon the Angel God's name."
Angel God…
Bibi Dong sneered inwardly but, upon further thought, realized Guang Ling was likely telling the truth his fanaticism toward the Angel Clan wouldn't allow him to swear falsely on it.
She cast a sidelong glance at Han Li, her lips curling slightly.
Guang Ling's change in approach… It's because of you, isn't it?
Very well. I'll remember this.
Enjoy your warmth while it lasts, Guang Ling. One day, you'll have to choose between your beloved student and the Angel Clan. And when that day comes, the pain will be far greater than any battle wound.
"Fine. Agreed."
Bibi Dong's voice was calm, but a dark glint flickered in her eyes.
"You'll have the payment by tomorrow."
"Excellent," Guang Ling said, still smiling. "One hand over the goods, the other delivers the knowledge let's keep things fair."
With that, the deal was struck.
And Bibi Dong, without another word, turned and left, Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo following behind.
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