Chapter 329: Chapter 329: Liu Erlong's Goodwill Gesture and Su Ming's Curiosity
Liu Erlong had come to apologize to Su Ming and felt that bringing the valuable gift to her own academy would be safer. After all, if the spirit bone's aura were noticed, even with the low likelihood, it could attract unwanted attention.
When she finally saw Su Ming approaching, she let out a sigh of relief. Since hearing he had returned to the city, she had people watch the academy's gates to report his whereabouts. She had been waiting nearly an entire afternoon, almost giving up when he finally appeared.
She quickly approached him, excitement evident on her face. "You're Su Ming, right? I'm Liu Erlong from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
Although she knew Su Ming recognized her name, this was their first official meeting. Since she wanted to establish a connection, it was crucial to introduce herself and make her intentions clear.
Feigning confusion, Su Ming asked, "Oh? The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan? Are you here to attack me as well?"
Xiao Wu and the others already knew Su Ming was playing along, and since Liu Erlong could hardly be his match, it took all they had to hold back their laughter.
Liu Erlong felt a twinge of helplessness but quickly explained, "No, I'm here on behalf of my branch of the clan to apologize."
Her meaning was crystal clear, and Su Ming understood, though he found it odd. Did Liu Erlong and Yu Luomian really believe he would someday gain enough power to threaten the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan?
"Su Ming, would you be willing to visit my Blue Tyrant Academy? It's here in the city, a school I established. I'd like to show you the sincerity of our side of the family—it's also my father's wish."
Yu Luomian's wish? Su Ming had little knowledge of Yu Luomian aside from his status as a Spirit Douluo and his intervention to prevent Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong's marriage. Still, that incident alone revealed much about him. If he hadn't cared about Liu Erlong, he would've ignored their hidden marriage plans, which only they knew about. The fact he intervened just in time indicated his concern.
After some thought, Su Ming's curiosity got the better of him. "Alright, I'll go with you."
How Liu Erlong had recognized him so quickly didn't bother him; being part of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan likely gave her access to sufficient intelligence resources.
Turning to Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling, Su Ming said, "Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling, I'll go to Blue Tyrant Academy with her. If you need anything, let's meet tomorrow, as it's already getting late after the auction. How about meeting somewhere specific tomorrow?"
Dugu Yan thought for a moment, then agreed. "Then tomorrow morning as usual, let's meet by the grove next to the academy's back hill."
Su Ming nodded. "Sounds good."
Turning to Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing, he added, "You three should head back too."
None of them objected; they trusted that Liu Erlong wouldn't do anything out of line.
At the academy's secluded cottage, a private space for Liu Erlong, she spoke to Su Ming in a serious tone, "Su Ming, I apologize for what happened previously. I know you'll probably go after Yu Tianheng and the clan leader, but I hope you only seek retribution against those involved in that incident, sparing the others, like my father's branch of the family."
Su Ming looked at her with a smirk. "You're so certain I'll have the strength to trouble the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan?"
Liu Erlong explained earnestly, "I am. Not only were you able to escape unscathed from powerful opponents, but your support network is formidable. With both the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Poison Douluo on your side, you're not to be underestimated."
"While Ning Fengzhi may prioritize his sect's disciples over taking aggressive action against our clan, Dugu Bo doesn't have such constraints. With his granddaughter safe at the academy or in hiding, he alone could inflict significant damage on our clan."
"Once I realized all this, I went back to confirm whether my father was involved. Thankfully, he wasn't even informed by the clan leader about their plans, so he knew nothing of it."
"That's why I returned and discussed things with him, and we decided the best course of action was to separate ourselves from Yu Yuanzhen's branch and extend our goodwill toward you—taking your side, so to speak."
Her words were straightforward, as she knew Su Ming disliked beating around the bush. Having gotten a sense of his character, she saw no need for elaborate schemes or tests. If it worked, it worked; if not, no amount of persuasion would change his mind.
Su Ming didn't particularly care for their apology, but knowing that Yu Luomian's branch hadn't been involved was enough. Being a person of clear principles, he had no intention of troubling their side unnecessarily. Besides, Liu Erlong was a character he respected from his previous life—fiery and loyal in love, though sometimes unwise in her choices.
Then, a thought struck him. Since they were face-to-face, why not ask a question that had piqued his curiosity for a while? Although the system had offered an explanation, he wanted to hear her perspective on her feelings for Yu Xiaogang.
"Liu Erlong, are you telling me you're entirely cutting ties with Yu Yuanzhen's branch? If I remember correctly, isn't Yu Yuanzhen Yu Xiaogang's father? Doesn't that bother you? I thought you two were… close?" Su Ming asked, watching her expression closely.