NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 215: Storyteller
Wang Chen, who had been assisting a frail old man, suddenly grew contemplative. Almost without thinking, he asked, "Respected elder, have you heard of the deeds of Lord Martial God Douluo?"
Since they were not far from Heaven Dou City, the old man naturally knew of Zhongli's exploits. He nodded instinctively and replied, "Young man, of course, I've heard Lord's deeds."
"Then would you agree that Lord Martial God Douluo, is both merciful and unmatched?"
The old man was slightly taken aback, feeling a bit confused.
The deeds of the Martial God were things he had only heard through rumors, their truth uncertain.
But this kind-hearted young man before him was asking him to acknowledge the benevolence and unparalleled greatness of the Martial God?
Benevolence?
To be honest, as a commoner, he had never felt any benevolence from Zhongli.
With the existence of this so-called Martial God, his life had not changed in the slightest.
If the "sunlight" couldn't shine on him, why should he acknowledge the other's benevolence?
"Young man, this old man has not received a shred of grace from the Martial God. How could I possibly acknowledge his benevolence and unparalleled greatness?"
It's often said that the elderly grow wise with age, and this was no exception.
Though his body had begun to wither, his wisdom had not diminished but had instead become clearer than ever.
Hearing these words, Zhongli nodded slightly. Indeed, he had not helped this old man in any way. If the man were to "acknowledge" him, he would feel undeserving.
Wang Chen was momentarily stunned. As someone who had benefited greatly from Zhongli's blessings, his perspective was inherently biased in favor of Zhongli, never considering the plight of ordinary people.
It was Zhongli who had enabled him to cultivate. It was Zhongli who had given him great power.
To him, Zhongli was his faith.
As a "follower," it was his duty to spread Zhongli's faith.
Seeing Wang Chen deep in thought, the old man pondered for a moment and then said, "Young man, if it's about acknowledging the Martial God's unmatched martial prowess, this old man could swear to that."
According to rumors, the Martial God was the strongest in the Douluo Continent. Not even the soul masters of the past had ever refuted this claim.
It seemed that, in the hearts of soul masters, the Martial God Douluo was indeed unparalleled.
One should be truthful, not pursue "falsehoods."
Wang Chen scratched his head. He had initially wanted to tell the old man that he was currently carrying out acts of kindness on behalf of the Martial God. Wasn't he already providing assistance?
But hearing the old man's words, a new idea sprouted in Wang Chen's mind!
If there were those who did not know of Lord Zhongli's benevolence, then he would first proclaim Zhongli's martial strength and then demonstrate his benevolence through his own actions.
"Yes, that's the way to go!"
Hidden in the shadows, Zhongli suddenly felt an ominous premonition, though he couldn't pinpoint why.
This boy... could he be planning to "backstab" me?
After all, in the Douluo Continent, deities often schemed against one another for the sake of faith and power.
But Zhongli had no need for such faith!
"Maybe I'm just overthinking it," Zhongli murmured, rubbing his chin.
"Elder, I apologize…"
Wang Chen scratched his head with his right hand, looking slightly embarrassed. "I am the most devoted follower of the Martial God. I am walking the path he once tread."
"If it weren't for the Martial God, I wouldn't be who I am today."
"I thought the world knew of the Martial God's benevolence, which is why I asked such a question. My apologies."
"The Martial God once taught me to…"
Half an hour later.
The old man's head was buzzing, leaving him dazed.
Listening to Wang Chen's words felt like listening to an endless sermon.
He was utterly stunned!
But he now had a much deeper understanding of the Martial God Douluo from Wang Chen's perspective.
"So, the Martial God truly is a benevolent Titled Douluo," the old man sighed.
"Thank you for your praise, elder. I have always firmly believed that the Martial God is the most benevolent being in the world!"
Wang Chen clasped his hands and spoke solemnly.
As time passed and Wang Chen parted ways with the old man, the encounter left the old man with a profound impression of Zhongli, as described by Wang Chen.
Though faith was not established, the world gained another devoted admirer of the Martial God.
Incidentally, this old man's profession was that of a storyteller!
"To think that this young man has actually received the blessings of the Martial God. The Martial God Douluo he described truly inspires admiration."
"If I were to compile this information into a book…"
At that moment, the old man made a decision.
"Legend has it that before the founding of the Body Sect, the Martial God roamed the world…"
"One day, suddenly…"
"No, no, this doesn't highlight the main points. I'm an old man now; I mustn't cause the Body Sect to resent me over this matter."
"Hmm, let's write it like this."
After pondering for a long time, the old man finally picked up his pen again and began writing:
"Before, Martial God roamed the land…
One day, a pack of ten-thousand-year-old wolf-shaped soul beasts plotted to attack a village…"
Zhongli and Wang Chen: "???"
Wang Chen indeed possessed a pure heart, but he wasn't foolish. He had deliberately avoided mentioning anything about the divine Vision.
This section was a bit ambiguous, but who was the old man? He was a storyteller.
Making things up, exaggerating, and embellishing—it all came naturally to him.
After more than a dozen revisions, the old man finally nodded in satisfaction.
The content of the story was both vivid and meticulous, so much so that even if he were a member of the Body Sect, there was no flaw to pick on.
"Excellent, praise be to the Martial Lord!"
With this book in hand, his plans to establish himself in Heaven Dou City were as good as done!
Zhongli: "This is targeting me, isn't it?"
Meanwhile, the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition continued as usual, unaffected by anyone's departure.
Although Emperor Xue Ye and the others were puzzled, they did not openly inquire about Zhongli's abrupt departure.
For a powerhouse of Zhongli's caliber to leave for personal matters was entirely reasonable and beyond their authority to question.
---
At Shrek Academy
"Have you found her?"
"No!"
"What about your side?"
"Still nothing!"
Panic was evident among the group at Shrek Academy.
Zhu Zhuqing had gone missing!
Despite searching the entirety of Heaven Dou City, they couldn't find her.
"I—I have news!"
When Ma Hongjun rushed back in a flurry, Dai Mubai immediately pressed him, "Fatty, spill it!"
"L-let me… catch my breath first."
Ma Hongjun panted heavily, struggling to speak.
Their competition wasn't until the afternoon, so it didn't matter whether they went to the Arena in the morning. However, when they gathered early that morning, they noticed that a usually quiet and reserved member of their team was missing.
Though Zhu Zhuqing wasn't particularly close to everyone, her disappearance caused concern. After all, what if the next person to vanish was one of them?
After a moment, Ma Hongjun finally managed to explain: "I just found out that Zhu Zhuqing left through the east gate by herself yesterday evening!"
"Then, as it got dark, she returned with the Martial God Douluo…"
"???"
At this point, everyone's expressions turned strange.
Especially Dai Mubai, whose face alternated between green and white.
"She's really playing it bold…"
Ma Hongjun continued, "Afterward, she and the Martial God Douluo went to the Seven Treasures Hotel for dinner."
Dai Mubai's expression darkened further, but before he could interrupt, Ma Hongjun added, "Boss Dai, there's one thing you need to mentally prepare for."
"It's just a meal, isn't it? We've all been to the Seven Treasures Hotel before!"
"Speak!"
"Alright then."
"The Martial Lord left the Seven Treasures Hotel alone."
"But Zhu Zhuqing left together with Crown Prince Xue Qinghe!"
"What did you just say?!?"