NOVEL WEB Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Gathering Storm
Regarding the use of cheats?Laughable.
In the infinite multiverse, which true powerhouse ever reached the pinnacle through mere hard work? No matter how diligent you are, someone will always outwork you. No matter how talented, someone will always surpass you. The grind never ends...
To truly become a powerhouse, forget about effort, talent, or competition—those are irrelevant, even unnecessary.
Reaching the summit requires cheating. Only by mastering the art of cheats can you catch up to—and surpass—those who started earlier, possessed greater talent, or stood stronger than you.
Wu Tong felt no shame about his shortcuts. On the contrary, he took pride in them.
——
Meanwhile, as Wu Tong philosophized about the virtues of cheating...
Wuhun CityPapal Hall
"What? You're saying that beam of light last night was Dugu Bo's doing?"
Bibi Dong, resplendent in her papal robes and scepter, sat upon her throne, her beautiful face a mask of shock as she stared down at Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan standing respectfully below.
The previous night, after returning to Heaven Dou City, Dugu Bo had gone straight to Dugu Xin's gravesite and used a Resurrection Coin to bring his son back to life.
No one anticipated the pillar of light that erupted into the heavens upon revival—a divine spectacle visible across the entire continent. While most could only marvel at its grandeur, a select few, like Yue Guan, recognized its origin.
As Dugu Bo's longtime frenemy, Yue Guan knew the Dugu family's whereabouts intimately. The moment the light appeared, he'd pinpointed its source. Now, he shared his theory with Bibi Dong.
The Bibi Dong's expression darkened.
A light visible continent-wide... A miracle... Could it be... a god?
"Yue Guan, take Ghost with you and visit Dugu Bo. Uncover the truth behind that light."
"At once, Your Holiness. However... given my... strained relationship with that old poisoner, our meeting may end in violence."
"Then let Ghost handle negotiations. Extract whatever information you can." Bibi Dong sighed, well aware of their feud.
Shortly after, a streak of gold and a wisp of shadow shot from the Papal Hall toward Heaven Dou City.
——
Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School
"Fengzhi, reports confirm last night's light originated near that old venomous reptile."
The speaker was a gaunt, skeletal figure—his frame unnaturally large, his skin clinging to bones like parchment. With sunken eyes and sparse white hair, he resembled a walking corpse. This was the school's guardian, Bone Douluo Gu Rong.
"Obviously! Fengzhi knew before you did. Must you state the obvious?" Sword Douluo Chen Xin, the other guardian, sneered from across the room.
"Shut it, coward! I wasn't talking to you!"
As the two titans bickered, the elegant man between them—Ning Fengzhi—rubbed his temples.
"Uncles, please. My hall can't withstand your squabbles, let alone your clashes."
The duo huffed and turned away like petulant children.
Ning Fengzhi exhaled, then gazed toward Heaven Dou City.
"Dugu Bo couldn't have produced that light... but he's connected to it. Uncle Sword, accompany me to visit him."
Within the hour, a sword-light pierced the skies from the school.
——
Heaven Dou Imperial Palace
Emperor Xue Ye reviewed the intelligence scroll in his hands, his expression inscrutable. "Summon the Crown Prince."
Soon, Xue Qinghe arrived and bowed. "Father, you requested me?"
"Qinghe, you're aware of last night's phenomenon?"
"Naturally. The entire capital buzzes with talk of it. Though I can't imagine which Douluo could manifest such divine might."
"My sources indicate Dugu Bo's involvement."
"Poison Douluo?" Xue Qinghe feigned surprise. "With all respect, his capabilities shouldn't permit such feats."
"Precisely. But if he's connected, he knows something. Visit him discreetly. Extract whatever you can."
"As you command."
After Xue Qinghe departed, Xue Ye rose and gazed out the window.
The once-clear sky had darkened, thick with oppressive clouds. Beneath the calm surface, turbulent undercurrents stirred—a storm gathering momentum.
He sighed.
"The wind howls as the storm approaches..."
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