Chapter 158 Da Ge, I Bleed for You

Chapter 158: Brother Da, I Shed Blood for You

"The evolutionary potion was fake, but I definitely didn't intend to deceive you. It was all a well-meaning lie to awaken Kela." Old Wang quickly explained, "I read it in an ancient book in our library. It said that for Beastmen to awaken their bloodline, apart from external stimuli and bloodline purity, the most important factor is their own belief. That's where I started. As for the potion, it was just a trick by Eagle Eye, giving them a false impression!"

"I used a mental victory tactic. Beforehand, I had no guarantee of success; it was a desperate attempt. But for this method to work, Kela and the others had to believe it completely. To ensure there were no mistakes, I even deceived myself! So..." Old Wang looked apologetically at Brother Da.

If he could deceive himself, then boasting and lying to Karida and taking the money for making the evolutionary potion made perfect sense.

Karida had guessed as much. The formula for the evolutionary potion was legendary and long lost. Even Nine Gods didn't have it, let alone someone like Wang Feng, a minor spy. Besides, awakening through belief was indeed mentioned in ancient records, with many powerful Beastmen achieving it.

Still, hearing him admit it felt disappointing to Karida. If only the evolutionary potion were real.

"Of course, external stimuli were also essential!" Old Wang always saved the best for last. After accomplishing such a feat, not praising himself would be a waste: "I devised a detailed training plan for them, forcing them to train hard every day. Sometimes, when I was too busy, I'd have Winnie supervise them instead."

"Alright, alright, I know you've worked hard." Karida clearly understood how the team trained. Wang Feng didn't do much physical labor, but he did come up with plenty of ideas. Kela's awakening was his doing, so she wouldn't expose him, "Tell me, what reward do you want?"

Seeing Karida's expression, Old Wang sensed she wasn't being polite. Could he ask for her?

"Cough, cough, Brother Da, today's victory was purely luck. I think the position should go to someone else. At the very least, don't make me fight. I'm better suited for logistics and coming up with ideas. If I participate in a hero tournament, it could be disastrous." Wang Feng was honest; he was leaving soon and wanted to give Brother Da a heads-up.

Karida smiled wryly at Wang Feng, "You really prefer lying down to standing up. This year's hero tournament has been canceled, and it might never happen again."

"What, really... Cough, cough, why?"

"Nine Gods protested, claiming our tournament deliberately targets the Nine Gods Empire. Each time, the tournament brings negative publicity against the empire, which they see as a challenge to the imperial dignity." Karida's red lips curled in disdain. Clearly, Nine Gods' protest had worked; the League of Blades council feared upsetting the empire.

"Really?"

Karida didn't treat Wang Feng as an ordinary Holy Sanctuary disciple. He had a broad perspective, "You should know about the conflict in Dragon City. It's the most crucial city on the border between us and Nine Gods. Though it belongs to us, Nine Gods occupies it. We've been negotiating for its return, but Nine Gods uses it to gain advantages. Do you have any ideas?"

Wang Feng shrugged, "A philosopher from my hometown once said, 'Without sufficient leverage, negotiations become begging.'"

"See, even you understand that. Your hometown truly produces talented people." Karida often wished for simpler times, free from such entanglements.

Old Wang was indignant, "Brother Da, what do you mean by even I understand? We're on the same side. Our Wang Family Village has some good fortune. Wang Meng..."

"Stop!" Karida waved her hand, "Discovering runes and finding Mihao, your frequent exposure due to the Beastmen's awakening has drawn attention. Don't think they won't investigate you. Wang Family Village? I warned you. The Holy Sanctuary isn't like the League of Blades. There's no precedent for pardoning someone like you. Moreover, I have many enemies. If your identity is exposed, the consequences are unpredictable."

"Investigate away!" Old Wang was unconcerned. Clara had already secured the materials. Since he was leaving soon, the Holy Sanctuary could investigate all they wanted: "I live and die for you, Brother Da! My loyalty to you and the Holy Sanctuary is unwavering. My heart is pure, regardless of the schemes of those vile people..."

Karida couldn't tell if he was sincere or just acting better.

She sighed, "You overestimate Nine Gods' concern for your small disguise. Headquarters has already investigated you. Your fabricated story about your non-existent rural parents, how you ended up in Aurora City, and your coincidental entry into Rose, full of holes. Do you think you can fool the Holy Sanctuary's targeted investigation?"

Old Wang froze, genuinely nervous.

Goodness, are they here to arrest me? With the materials ready for my departure, if they intercept me...

Damn! I shouldn't have come to say goodbye to Brother Da. I should have left immediately when the materials arrived!

"Brother, Brother Da!" Old Wang suddenly became dramatic, trembling, "You know I shed blood for the Holy Sanctuary and am loyal to you..."

It had been a while since she saw him tremble in fear. Karida felt relieved.

"Enough, stop pretending. Your records have been altered. From now on, you're Blue Sky's cousin..." Karida said meaningfully, "You're now a legitimate descendant of our League of Blades' loyal family. Anyone who questions you will have to question me first."

Relief washed over him. Brother Da's tough exterior hid a soft heart. She didn't need to go to such lengths to protect him. It was more than necessary for winning hearts.

Sigh, Brother Da is perfect—beautiful, capable, and aligned with my values. Honestly, if I weren't leaving, I'd love to mess with her.

What a shame! Truly a shame!

Seeing her playful smile, Old Wang almost didn't want to leave. If he stayed, their relationship might deepen.

"Brother Da, though you're usually harsh on me, you're actually quite nice!" Old Wang spoke from the heart, moved, "You should smile more. When you smile, you're more beautiful than any woman I've ever seen!"

Emotions are contagious, more profound than words.

Karida didn't mind his flirtation, smiling, "That depends on my mood. If you help me more, I might smile more often."

"Ready to face fire and water, Brother Da!" Old Wang thumped his chest, looking ready to bare his soul, "As long as I'm here, I'll face any danger without flinching. If I do, write my name backwards!"

"Hmm..." Karida nodded, then frowned.

Something seemed off.

Since the great victory, Old Wang's popularity soared. While outsiders attributed Wang Feng's final battle to luck, did it matter?

Results mattered. Old Wang's reputation reversed, and everything went smoothly. The only trouble was Li Sitan, who didn't want Wang Feng bogged down by trivial matters. Yet, he knew Principal Karida needed him.

Clara's materials were checked, especially the α5 soul crystal. Compared to α4, it was a work of art.

It resembled a diamond but wasn't perfectly cut. Natural, untouched, its internal colors were mesmerizing. Holding it, Old Wang felt its immense energy pulsating, yet its surface remained unchanged, seemingly static.

With abundant energy, Old Wang was confident. This time, he'd enter the light point leading home.

With greater assurance, Old Wang wasn't in a rush. He listed people he needed to see before leaving. The list was surprisingly long.

Old Wang sighed. The longer he stayed, the more attachments he formed. Would he still want to leave after a few years?

A deep existential question. Old Wang pondered it for two seconds, then dismissed it.

Be a little more worldly.

After Brother Da, his biggest concern was Fantasia, his closest friend.

His first brother in this world, trusted deeply, but with questionable emotional intelligence, worrying him.

Old Wang prepared a grand gift.

"Playing again? Just the two of us?" Axi Ba could hardly believe his ears and couldn't help but reach out to touch Old Wang's forehead, worriedly saying, "A Feng, are you sick? I feel like something’s off with you lately. You suddenly stopped pranking me, and it makes me feel uneasy. Did I do something wrong? Tell me, I'll fix it!"

"How old are you now, always thinking about playing? Where do you find so much good fortune?" Old Wang gave him a sideways glance. This guy wouldn’t be a masochist, would he? No wonder Rachel had him wrapped around her finger back then. It’s impossible to even try to be nice to him: "There’s serious business! Aren’t you always complaining about being broke? Today, your brother is going to take you to make some money! Big money!"

Make money? Big money?!

Fantasy’s ears perked up, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

What kind of big money? Selling potions? Could it be that A Feng was struck by lightning again yesterday and came up with an amazing potion formula?

No, wait, weren’t we supposed to go to the bar? The bar isn’t a place for selling potions...

The Black Iron Bar. To be honest, Axi Ba has been coming here quite frequently recently. Apart from delivering a couple of mysterious messages for Old Wang, he mainly came along with Wang Feng and the others to hang out. He was familiar with the place and knew that Old Wang had a good reputation here. The enthusiasm of the Beastmen always made Axi Ba feel welcome.

But today, as soon as they entered the bar, he noticed that the Beastmen’s gazes were different. Instead of their usual warm welcome, the place fell silent instantly.

Even Old Wang was puzzled. He hadn’t done anything to offend the Beastmen brothers. What was going on today?

To be honest, it was indeed different...

There have been many rumors lately, but not about the outcome of the battles between the two Holy Sanctuaries. Who cares about that among the Beastmen? What they cared about was the rumor about Kela...