Chapter 77 - 77 - Betting on Titles: Spirit Hall VS Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan

Dugu Bo examined the two soul bones he received. One was a skull, the other a left arm bone. Neither exuded a particularly strong aura, and their quality seemed mediocre at best. This was no surprise to Dugu Bo. How could Spirit Hall possibly gift him valuable soul bones? However, the skull bone carried a poison attribute. Was this meant to mock Dugu Bo? While it aligned with his attributes, he already possessed the Medusa Skull Bone. The technique he had just used—Medusa's Gaze—was a soul bone skill. Even if he were given this poison-type skull bone, he wouldn't be able to absorb it again. Dugu Bo didn't mind. If he couldn't use it, he could always save it for his granddaughter. Seeing Dugu Bo casually claim two soul bones, the crowd was filled with jealousy, but with so many Titled Douluo present, no one dared to make a move, even if they had the courage. "Old Ghost, when did you become so shameless? Attacking a mere nine-year-old child?" Dugu Bo's grudge against Ghost Douluo had been somewhat settled with these two soul bones, but he still disliked Spirit Hall and didn't mind throwing a few jabs. "Hmph. I was merely testing him. As a Titled Douluo, do you think I'd target a child? Dugu Bo, you've got your soul bones now, so mind your own business. This concerns Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan," Ghost Douluo retorted coldly. "If he won't interfere, then I will!" Chen Xin stepped forward, standing protectively in front of Tian Lin. His killing intent was palpable. "Ghost Douluo, if you don't give me an explanation today, I'll make sure you die here!" Although Ghost Douluo's earlier attack lacked lethal intent and seemed more like a warning, doing so in the presence of Tian Lin's teacher was a blatant provocation. Did he think Sword Douluo was dead? "I said it was just a test of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's genius. Chen Xin, look, isn't he fine? Fine, I'll apologize if that's what it takes," Ghost Douluo replied, unbothered. Backed by Spirit Hall, he wasn't afraid. If Sword Douluo attacked now, it would give Spirit Hall a legitimate reason to act against the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. "Teacher, I'm fine. Don't worry!" Tian Lin tugged on Chen Xin's sleeve and shook his head. Although Chen Xin could easily defeat Ghost Douluo with his current strength, doing so would give Spirit Hall a reason to openly act against the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. The clan wasn't yet strong enough to contend with Spirit Hall at full power. Chen Xin suppressed his anger and moved to stand beside Tian Lin, ready to protect him if Ghost Douluo tried anything again. But Ghost Douluo wasn't foolish. A sneak attack was effective only if unexpected. Now that the other side was prepared, any further action would only enrage Chen Xin, yielding no benefits. "Alright, let's get to the main point. Spirit Hall confers the title 'Thunder God' upon Yin Yang. You have no objections, do you?" Ghost Douluo announced, revealing his primary purpose for being here. He had no intention of backing down. "Ning Sect Master, Spirit Hall has bestowed such a powerful title on Thunder God. Shouldn't you thank the elders of Spirit Hall for their generosity? It would be rude not to," Huyan Zhen said mockingly, clearly siding with Spirit Hall. "Fine, we accept. It's not a big deal," Tian Lin said with a grin. Then, turning to Dugu Bo, he asked, "Senior Dugu, thank you for saving me just now. By the way, what's your title again? Is it Poison Douluo or Jade Phosphor Douluo?" Understanding Tian Lin's intent, Dugu Bo smirked mischievously and replied loudly, "Of course, I'm the Poison Douluo who dominates the world!" Spirit Hall had previously conferred the title "Jade Phosphor Douluo" upon Dugu Bo, but he had never acknowledged it. He much preferred the self-proclaimed title "Poison Douluo," and most people called him that anyway. Ghost Douluo's face darkened. This brat had disrupted his plan again. The meaning was clear: Spirit Hall could record whatever title they wanted in their records, but the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would call Yin Yang "Thunder Hawk Douluo" instead of "Thunder God Douluo." "Well said. Fine, we accept," Yin Yang said, bowing slightly. "Thank you for the title, Ghost Douluo. From now on, I'll be known as Thunder Hawk Douluo." "Congratulations, Thunder Hawk Douluo!" "Thunder Hawk Douluo, our respects!" Yu Yuanzhen and Shi Lei stepped forward to offer their congratulations. Spirit Hall's attempt to monopolize the narrative was turning into a farce. Like Dugu Bo, Yin Yang's situation was simple: Spirit Hall could call him whatever they wanted, but most people would respect the title a Titled Douluo chose for themselves. After all, having a personal title was a fundamental right of a Titled Douluo. This turn of events only made Spirit Hall appear domineering and unreasonable. Why pursue strength if not for freedom? If even a Titled Douluo had to obey Spirit Hall's whims, what was the point of cultivating? "Damn brat!" Ghost Douluo glared at Tian Lin, wishing he could tear him apart. But with Chen Xin by his side, Ghost Douluo could only suppress his anger. At this moment, a fiery-armored youth stepped forward and shouted, "How dare you insult Spirit Hall! Do you have a death wish?" "Who are you?" Tian Lin asked. "I am Yan, a disciple of Spirit Hall. I challenge you to a duel—to the death! Do you dare accept?" So, this was Yan, one of the three members of Spirit Hall's Golden Generation. No wonder he was so arrogant. That meant the other two must be Xie Yue and Hu Liena. "I am Xie Yue, a disciple of Ghost Douluo. I too challenge you to a duel—to the death." "And I am Hu Liena, a personal disciple of the Supreme Pontiff." Before Tian Lin could respond, the two introduced themselves, their eyes filled with hatred. To them, Spirit Hall was sacred. Anyone who disrespected it was an enemy they would fight to the death. Duels typically ranged from friendly sparring to life-and-death battles. If Tian Lin accepted, they could kill him in the arena without repercussions. Ghost Douluo's mind raced. This was a perfect opportunity. He couldn't act directly, but the younger generation could. "Ning Sect Master, how about we make a bet?" "What kind of bet?" Ning Fengzhi asked. Ghost Douluo smirked. "Let's bet on the right to the title. Your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will send three young representatives to face these three from Spirit Hall. If you win, Spirit Hall will no longer interfere with the title. If we win, Yin Yang must publicly announce his acceptance of the title 'Thunder God' across the continent." Ning Fengzhi hesitated. He could see that these three youths, though only around fifteen years old, were already four-ring Soul Ancestors. Among the younger generation of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, no one could match them. "Ning Sect Master, a faction's strength isn't judged by the present alone. The younger generation is the foundation. Or are you afraid?" Huyan Zhen taunted. "It's not fear; the terms are simply unfair," Tian Lin interjected, subtly signaling Ning Fengzhi to trust him. Then, he continued, "It's already outrageous for Spirit Hall to strip Titled Douluo of their right to choose their titles. Now you want to make a bet without offering anything in return?" "What do you propose, then?" Ghost Douluo asked, no longer treating Tian Lin like a mere child. This boy was far too cunning. Tian Lin raised a finger. "At the very least, you need to put up a soul bonr as collateral. And not just any soul bone—a jewel-class soul bone over ten thousand years old. If you agree, we'll accept. Also, the life-or-death duel will only involve me. The other two matches will be standard duels. How about that?"