Looking at Du Zundao in this state, Elder Shen Hou and Han Lingâer, hidden in the forest, both breathed a sigh of relief. Their task was that as long as Du Zundao didnât move, they wouldnât move, ensuring everyoneâs safety. However, if Du Zundao moved, they all had to actâthis was a matter where pulling a single strand affected the whole body.
Of course, they didnât need to ask; they definitely hoped Du Zundao wouldnât move. If Du Zundao didnât move, it meant things were good for everyone. But if he did, even with Elder Monkeyâs Molten Furnace Realm ability, he had no certainty.
After all, standing before them was a Melt God Realm expert. Although not a Heavenly List Strong Person, he ranks in the top twenty among the vast numbers of Daqian.
Facing such an expert in a duel, Elder Shen Hou felt his scalp tingling. Therefore, when Du Zundao moved a bit, he broke out in a cold sweat until Du Zundao sat back down. Only then did he and Han Lingâer in the woods relax.
Looking at Du Zundaoâs direction, Han Lingâer said, "It seems heâs not planning to move, so we can be a bit safer."
Elder Shen Hou said, "Paper canât conceal fire. Once the real fire starts on the other side, it wonât be hidden."
"Then what should we do?"
Han Lingâer asked Elder Shen Hou. After hearing this, Elder Shen Hou was silent for a long time before speaking, "We can only gamble on who is faster."
"Who is faster? What do you mean?"
Elder Shen Hou said, "Using Du Xiong to hold back Du Zundao; this strategy, if used against ordinary people, would definitely work. But Du Zundao is very cold-blooded; he might not care about Du Xiongâs life or death. Itâs the same old saying. Du Xiong dies, but he can regenerate sons. But if the Qiankun Great Method is gone, thereâs truly no chance of becoming Sect Hierarch."
"But heâs his son."
Elder Shen Hou said, "So what?"
Meanwhile, in a concealed house on Bright Peak, Liu Caidie stands with two guards, watching over Du Xiong, who is tied up with ropes and has a cloth stuffed in his mouth.
Du Xiong, having had his acupoint pressed, is powerless and unable to shake off the ropes before him.
At this moment, looking at Liu Caidie, he issued muffled sounds. Liu Caidie glanced at him and said, "Thereâs no need for that; youâre not going to be released."
Du Xiong continued to look at Liu Caidie, making muffled sounds twice. Liu Caidie was thinking if Chen Jiusi could save her grandfather, hearing Du Xiongâs muffled voice, she felt uneasy.
Looking at the guards beside her, she said, "Remove the cloth from his mouth. What do you want to say?"
Liu Caidie looked at Du Xiong.
"Cough cough..."
After the cloth was removed, Du Xiong coughed violently twice and said to Liu Caidie, "Itâs useless that you caught me. You think using me to pull my father is possible? Itâs not going to happen. My father wouldnât give up the Sect Hierarch position just for me."
Liu Caidie frowned, saying, "Donât play tricks. Youâre his son. Even a tiger doesnât eat its cubs. You think he would disregard your life and death?"
Du Xiong laughed sorrowfully and said, "A Melt God Realm expert like my father, barring any accidents, can naturally live to a hundred years or more, perhaps even reaching the human limit of 150. Heâs only 63 now, which means he still has nearly a century of life left."
"In these hundred years, he can entirely reproduce more children, and the opportunity to be Sect Hierarch might just be this once. Is there any hesitation over what to choose?"
"Certainly he would abandon me to secure his position as Sect Hierarch!"
Liu Caidie frowned, looking at Du Xiong, saying, "No, could it be that Uncle Du is so heartless?"
Du Xiong said, "His ruthlessness far exceeds your imagination. Youâve lived too well; the Master cherished you like a precious pearl, while I was merely a bargaining chip in my fatherâs hand. Can you imagine? Since I was seven, Iâve been rigorously practicing Shaolinâs Golden Bell Shield for a mere chance to win the Ruinsâ slim opportunity!"
"If the Sect Hierarch isnât dethroned, or the Master himself becomes the hierarch, I might never have any use in my life. Even so, my father gambled. He gambled my entire life."
Hearing Du Xiongâs words, Liu Caidie deeply inhaled, her face turning somber, "Maybe, maybe you misunderstand him?"
Du Xiong chuckled and said, "Iâve lived with him for so many years. Do you think I misunderstood him?"
Liu Caidieâs face was full of a bitter smile. After a long while, she said, "I didnât expect your life to be so miserable."
Du Xiong laughed bitterly, saying, "Youâve always been the high and mighty princess, while Iâve always been the lowly frog in the mud. How could you know my experiences?"
Thinking about this, Du Xiong sighed and said, "So stop wasting your energy; just kill me."
Liu Caidie shook her head, saying, "I wonât kill you. I understand what you said, but I must tell you, Iâve always considered you a friend, truly."
Du Xiong was taken aback, looking at Liu Caidie, "Friend?"
Liu Caidie said, "Yes, Iâve always considered you a friend. You, Lingâer, and Brother Linâer, arenât we the best of friends?"
After hearing Liu Caidieâs words, Du Xiong was stunned for a long time, then shook his head, saying, "You really are naive."
After saying this, Du Xiong went silent, and Liu Caidie also fell into silence. After a long while, Du Xiong suddenly spoke, "Are you interested in making a bet?"
Liu Caidie said, "Bet on what?"
Du Xiong said, "If my father can be drawn to rescue me, I will admit Iâm wrong. From then on, I wonât bother you anymore, and I can be friends with you."
"If my father doesnât come to rescue me, thatâs my win. Would you dare to marry me as my wife?"
Hearing this, the two guards beside her were inwardly annoyed. Only a foolish kid would agree to such a bet.