Chapter 112: The Eighteen License Holders and the Young Master of the Duan Family

To others, it appeared that Duan Wenxuan was comprehending profound truths at the Kunlun Dao Palace. In reality, he covertly observed his bargain disciples using the so-called ‘Qing Qi of Daoism.’

Without his intervention, their lives would have unfolded quite differently.

Hu Dali and his brother remained hidden in the mountains, while Hui Xiuran and Pang Zhu cultivated underwater. If fortune smiled upon them, they could stay submerged indefinitely; otherwise, they risked either being slain by fiends or perishing amidst aquatic conflicts. Dongmen Hong, Tuo Wenjing, and Zhun Pu, despite appearing prosperous as Daoists, were still limited to lifespans of around a hundred years before returning to dust like everyone else.

As for Zhang Youren and Yuan Daoyuan, one seemed destined for a wealthy merchant’s life, while the other, after much turmoil, likely faced being forced into marriage by his family.

However, now these individuals’ fates had dramatically transformed, proving that when opportunity strikes, some can seize the moment, rise swiftly, and leave behind their former limitations akin to being trapped in mud.

Currently, Hu Dali and his brother unexpectedly established a Monster Court, treating it almost like a child’s game, starting from their ancestral forest. They continuously recruited spirits using the violet gold hammer and Four Symbols Tower.

Hui Xiuran had returned to the Sishui Water Palace, once merely a modest dwelling amidst countless other great monsters beneath the vast Sishui River. Now, Hui Xiuran clearly aimed to conquer each Water Palace, seeking control over the entire Sishui River system.

Dongmen Hong went back to Qingzhou Prefecture and embarked on vigorously expanding Baiyun Monastery, as if intending to welcome all aspiring cultivators from across the land. Interestingly, Tuo Wenjing decided to relocate Changchun Monastery from Qingzhou Prefecture, indicating plans to move it elsewhere alongside Zhun Pu.

It seemed they reached an agreement; despite Qingzhou’s size, accommodating disciples of two Old Ancestor Taiyi sects was untenable, necessitating one party’s departure.

Yuan Daoyuan remained with the great ox, first discreetly returning home. They collected some silver coins, left them at his doorstep, along with a letter, before departing again. The duo, man and ox, embarked on a journey to explore renowned mountains and rivers.

Zhang Youren, upon returning home, dedicated himself wholeheartedly to becoming a philanthropist—building bridges, paving roads, distributing clothes, and offering porridge. He lived contentedly, seemingly having entirely forgotten his experiences at Kunlun Mountain.

Observing these diverse life paths, Duan Wenxuan found it fascinating. Although things appeared tranquil on the surface, behind the scenes, his interventions were steadily unraveling numerous predetermined destinies in this world.

Of course, all this required time. Duan Wenxuan estimated that peace would prevail for a while yet, but staying here now seemed futile. Before leaving, he made a significant effort to accelerate the flow of time within this realm relative to the real world, ensuring rapid progression during his absence.

Of course, all this required time to unfold.

Duan Wenxuan anticipated that tranquility would prevail for some period in this world, and staying here now seemed futile. Before leaving, he specifically incurred a significant cost to accelerate the flow of time within this realm relative to the real world.

Upon his next visit, major changes would be evident.

After exiting this world, Duan Wenxuan first returned to the real one. During his absence, the selection process for license holders from “The Tramps” and “Monster World” had concluded. Except for those who perished, everyone else had already returned to the present reality. Additionally, both the Southeast and Western Alliances had chosen their respective nine license holders.

With these eighteen individuals becoming official license holders, the International Alliance promptly updated the secret network with their information. Naturally, full details were not disclosed; only their names and general abilities were made public.

Interestingly, Yue Fei—the fellow who competed against Duan Wenxuan for the gate symbol but ultimately failed—ended up joining the Hermit Union and became a license holder himself.

Yue Fei likely suspected the connection between Duan Wenxuan and the Hermit Union but still chose to join without hesitation, indicating that he wasn’t foolish after all.

Duan Wenxuan hadn’t killed Yue Fei, allowing him to retain the various enhancements bestowed by the gate symbol on his body. In fact, Yue Fei’s current talents had become quite formidable, surpassing most others significantly. With one ‘gate symbol’ owner providing protection and considering the two symbols Yue Fei held, he suspected that Duan Wenxuan might have nearly collected all the door symbols. Aware of their immense power, having such a strong backer behind him, it would be foolish not to take advantage.

As a modern individual, Yue Fei wasn’t someone deeply embittered or vengeful; although admittedly, he did feel some frustration and anger. However, life has its realities, and sometimes you just have to adapt, right?

Whenever possible, Duan Wenxuan made time to observe these eighteen individuals. Among the nine from Hanming Country, as expected, seven were officially affiliated with the government. However, due to the unexpected incident involving Tan Yibai and Master Gu, all government representatives were prematurely sent back, inadvertently benefiting the civilians who weren’t at Cuwei Mountain, thus securing them two spots.

Surprisingly, within these nine, Tan Yibai managed to secure a position for himself. Upon meeting again, Duan Wenxuan noticed significant changes in Tan Yibai.

In the past, Tan Yibai carried a deep-seated pride within her, stemming from a life of privilege and success, bolstered by her exceptional abilities and affluent background. Naturally, she looked down upon ordinary people.

However, the present Tan Yibai exuded a grounded, pragmatic demeanor. Following Winter’s instructions, she searched for mutated plants and brought them to the laboratory for experiments. With diligence, Tan Yibai led researchers across the globe, faithfully completing their missions—a model license holder embodying unwavering dedication.

Of course, there were rewards as well. As a cardholder now, she could naturally harness the power of her identity card. Additionally, Tan Yibai began earnestly studying martial arts, devoting all her free time with relentless determination to learn.

Duan Wenxuan observed her briefly before leaving her to her own devices.

Subsequently, Duan Wenxuan had his paper figurines discreetly investigate each of the eighteen license holders. Once he discerned their true intentions, he directly informed Winter which individuals required special ‘attention’ and what specific matters to watch out for, while identifying those who could genuinely be trusted as license holders.

Winter found this unsurprising, considering Duan Wenxuan was the king’s chosen successor; it would have been odd if he didn’t possess some unique advantages.

Apart from these new license holders causing a ‘celebrity effect’ in the real world, which Duan Wenxuan had no interest in, he planned to return to the monster world. Having nearly transformed Lanruo Temple beyond recognition, it was now time for the monster world’s overhaul. Once both realms were modified, they would serve his greater purpose.

However, before leaving, two matters piqued Duan Wenxuan’s curiosity.

The first involved Wang Wudi, the exceptional dog. Duan Wenxuan had entrusted its care to Zong Cheng, but upon returning this time, Zong Cheng asked him to take the dog back. The reason being, despite becoming a martial arts master himself, Zong Cheng found the dog’s icy ferocity unsettling. Moreover, Wang Wudi showed reluctance to stay at Zong Cheng’s home and often returned to Duan Wenxuan’s place with a dispirited expression. Each time, Zong Cheng felt sympathy for the dog’s demeanor.

“This dog misses you dearly; it barely eats when you’re not around. Look how thin it is, refusing to eat much no matter what I offer.”

Duan Wenxuan crouched down, and Wang Wudi approached, rubbing its head against him affectionately. In those large, dark eyes shone a calm intelligence.

Moved by this connection, Duan Wenxuan couldn’t resist stroking the old black dog. After all, the canine had been by his side for a long time. Despite feeling somewhat like a fleeting dream, every memory of their past together remained vividly present.

“Eat up, and later I’ll take you somewhere special.”

The old black dog promptly barked, devouring the meat hungrily. Notably, it had no interest in dog food or human meals; its preference was for raw meat.

When its appetite kicked in, it could finish a large plate easily.

After eating heartily, Wang Wudi regained some of its lively demeanor. It slowly stretched its limbs, stood tall, then glanced at Zong Cheng with a dismissive tone, “Thanks, human. Won’t need your help anymore.”

Zong Cheng’s eyes widened dramatically, “You can talk?!”

Throughout this entire time, he had never heard Wang Wudi speak even once.

Wang Wudi rolled its eyes, walking over to Duan Wenxuan and lying down beside him. This dog typically despised humans, preferring the freedom of roaming wild landscapes.

Of course, there was an exception - its long-time owner, Duan Wenxuan.

Duan Wenxuan gently patted the black dog’s forehead before taking it to the monster world. As for himself, he transformed back into Duan Yuanhui, the identity of the Duan Family’s young master that had been unused for quite some time. There remained one more matter of interest, which coincidentally involved the Duan family.