In the Star Dou Great Forest, the crescent moon reflected on the lake's surface, adding a glimmer of light to the pitch-black forest.
By the lakeside, three people stood. Two of them were disheveled, yet their expressions were vivid, filled with joy, confusion, and the relief of survival.
After hearing the words of the middle-aged man in the black dragon robe, Di Tian, Ning Fengzhi was stunned, finding it hard to believe.
For the two super Douluo, it was an impossible task, yet for this man, it was a bargaining chip that could be offered at any time.
Was this the depth of the Beast God, Di Tian, the ruler of spirit beasts?
Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin exchanged glances, both filled with strange emotions.
The Beast God Di Tian was willing to provide him with divine equipment components, it was something Ning Fengzhi had never dared to imagine before!
And the result?
Di Tian casually agreed.
After the initial excitement, Ning Fengzhi calmed down, his eyes filled with doubt.
The other party was offering a complete set of spirit bones, such a treasure couldn't come without conditions.
As a merchant, he understood the principle of equivalent exchange all too well.
Ning Fengzhi cupped his hands toward Di Tian and said, "May I ask what the Beast God requires of me?"
He tried to remain calm, though it was difficult.
Did he have any other choice?
It seemed like a trade, but in reality, it was a forced transaction.
If he refused this deal, he and Chen Xin would likely rest eternally in the Star Dou Great Forest today.
There was only one option, accept the other party's terms.
Although he didn't yet know the specifics of the transaction, he had no room to refuse.
In this situation, he only wanted to live because he still bore the fate of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. He couldn't die!
It wasn't that Ning Fengzhi feared death. At their level, sometimes dying was simpler and more acceptable than living. But he couldn't die, at least not before passing on his spirit.
The more he carried, the more he had to survive.
"Good. I like dealing with smart people like you."
Di Tian nodded, quite satisfied with Ning Fengzhi's reaction.
"Smart people, huh..."
Ning Fengzhi forced a bitter smile but said nothing more.
Seeing this, Di Tian showed no change in expression. He indeed preferred dealing with smart people, as it saved time.
After a pause, he continued, "What I ask of you is very simple."
"???"
Ning Fengzhi was filled with questions. If it was simple for him, wouldn't it be even simpler for the other party?
Suddenly, Ning Fengzhi seemed to realize something, and a strange expression crossed his face.
"Could it be... the Divine Realm?"
He had guessed correctly. Di Tian could handle matters in the Douluo Continent, but the Divine Realm was different.
He needed to understand some major decisions and events in the Divine Realm to prepare for rescuing the Golden Dragon King.
As for Ning Fengzhi's combat power, that could be ignored.
Di Tian turned slightly, facing the Lake of Life, his hands clasped behind his back, his eyes tinged with sorrow and nostalgia.
After a long while, he turned his head and said to Ning Fengzhi, "I won't make it difficult for you. One day in the Divine Realm equals one year in Douluo. After you ascend to godhood, you will send me updates from the Divine Realm every three thousand years according to Douluo's calendar."
Ning Fengzhi already knew about the difference in time flow between the Divine Realm and the Douluo Continent, but he was deeply puzzled. Why would this being want to know about the Divine Realm?
Before Ning Fengzhi could ask, Di Tian continued, "These updates should include major decisions in the Divine Realm and any matters targeting the beast race."
Ning Fengzhi fell silent, his expression a mix of astonishment and confusion as he glanced at Di Tian.
"Is it really that simple?"
Yes, it wasn't a life-or-death struggle or a battle against others. All the other party needed was some information.
Moreover, three thousand years in Douluo would be only about seven or eight years in the Divine Realm, meaning he'd only need to send updates once every few years.
But the simpler it seemed, the more uneasy Ning Fengzhi felt.
Because, on the surface, this transaction didn't seem balanced.
A trade that appears too good to be true is often a trap!
At this point, Ning Fengzhi was unaware of the conflicts between human deities and the beast and dragon races, which made this seem simple to him.
Di Tian was momentarily stunned and glanced at Ning Fengzhi without showing any emotion.
"Simple?"
It seemed this human knew nothing about the Divine Realm.
"Yes, it's that simple."
Di Tian nodded expressionlessly. This human was interesting. Though he was being led into a trap, Di Tian would still leave him a way out, if he wasn't discovered later.
"You only need to send six updates, and our transaction will be complete."
Six pieces of spirit bones, one for each update, that was quite reasonable.
For both Di Tian and the current Ning Fengzhi, it was a win-win.
Suddenly, as if remembering something, Di Tian spoke with a serious expression, "But you must swear an oath, using your spirit and godhood, that the information you provide will be truthful. Only then can I trust you."
Were humans trustworthy?
For Di Tian, humans were utterly untrustworthy.
Only an oath could bind them to any semblance of honesty.
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi thought for a moment and then agreed.
"No problem."
If he didn't agree, could they leave the Star Dou Great Forest?
Clearly, that was impossible.
Suddenly, Ning Fengzhi seemed to realize something, his eyes lighting up as he looked at Di Tian as if he were a treasure trove.
Di Tian, with his immense power, sensed Ning Fengzhi's gaze and was momentarily stunned.
What was with this human's fervent expression?
Ning Fengzhi didn't keep Di Tian waiting and said, "By the way, Beast God, my son-in-law is also a deity inheritor. I wonder..."
Di Tian: "..."
Even without Ning Fengzhi finishing his sentence, Di Tian understood what this human was thinking.
Good grief, was he treating the Beast God like a walking treasure vault?
Wait, his son-in-law?
Two deities in one family?
Di Tian frowned, puzzled.
What was happening in the Divine Realm?
Why were so many deities passing down their positions and leaving?
For a moment, Di Tian's mind was filled with questions, and he didn't hear what Ning Fengzhi said next.
After a long while, Di Tian finally said, "He must also swear an oath, and I have other arrangements for him."
"Thank you, Beast God!"
Ning Fengzhi could accept this outcome, though he wondered what arrangements Oscar would receive.
"Have this human bring that person here. I need to explain some important matters to you."
Clearly, the following conversation wasn't meant for Chen Xin's ears.
As for whether Chen Xin would take the chance to escape, Di Tian wasn't worried in the slightest.
"Uncle Chen, I'll trouble you."
Chen Xin and Ning Fengzhi exchanged glances. Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly, showing no unusual reaction, and Chen Xin turned to leave.