Chapter 323: Liu Erlong: I Want My Father to Be an Angel Investor!

After a while, Liu Erlong finally saw her father come out, holding a very ornate box. Curiously, she asked, "Father, what's in that box?"

Yu Luomian sighed. "See for yourself. I was planning to give this to you someday, a small way to make up for the years I've neglected my duties as a father for the sake of clan rules. This is my most treasured possession. Originally, I intended it for you, but now… well, it's up to you to decide whether to keep it or use it as a gesture of goodwill toward Su Ming and his companions."

Liu Erlong immediately had a hunch about what might be inside. Carefully, she opened the box, which glowed with a golden light. Her guess was right: it was a spirit bone!

(A little creative liberty here, as the original story doesn't delve much into Yu Luomian. But as vice leader of a powerful clan, he'd likely have a few treasures!)

"Father… a spirit bone? Are you sure you want to give this to Su Ming?" Liu Erlong asked, both surprised and uncertain.

She hadn't expected her father to be so determined, willing to part with such a valuable treasure. This spirit bone had to be at least ten thousand years old—wait, didn't he originally mean to gift it to her? Now, she had to decide whether to use it herself or offer it to Su Ming.

"This spirit bone is a 30,000-year-old Golden Armor Dragon left arm bone. I believe it grants a powerful defensive skill. Most of your own spirit skills are offense-oriented, making your defenses a bit weak, so this bone would suit you well," Yu Luomian explained.

Liu Erlong felt a surge of emotion, touched by her father's thoughtfulness. If she hadn't returned, she would never have known.

"Father, why didn't you absorb it yourself? You've been stuck at the Soul Douluo level for so long—maybe this spirit bone could help you break through," she said, trying to gauge his thoughts.

Yu Luomian shook his head. "I'm old now, and I know my potential is nearly exhausted. If I could have advanced, I'd have done it long ago. At this stage, this spirit bone wouldn't make much difference to me. I'm well equipped to protect myself. It would benefit you more."

He paused, then continued, "So, it's your choice, Erlong. Do you want to keep this spirit bone for yourself, or give it to Su Ming?"

Liu Erlong thought deeply. Though the spirit bone was a tempting prize, her instinct told her that forming a strong alliance with Su Ming was even more crucial.

"Father, I've made up my mind. I'll give this spirit bone to Su Ming in your name," she said decisively.

Hadn't Su Ming written in his diary about "angel investors" like Sea Grandfather? Well, now she would have her father be an angel investor too!

Even if the spirit bone wasn't as suitable for Su Ming, it was the best offer they could make.

Yu Luomian, surprised at his daughter's resolution, asked, "Erlong, are you sure you won't regret it?"

Liu Erlong shook her head. "No regrets. And Father, if you trust me, then if Su Ming ever faces danger, you must stand by his side without hesitation, no matter the threat—even if that threat is the clan leader."

Her words stunned Yu Luomian. This would mean risking not only his own life but also the future of his entire branch of the clan. Could Su Ming really be worth such a gamble?

And considering his brother's immense strength, Yu Luomian felt some hesitation.

Seeing his doubt, Liu Erlong, unable to reveal everything, said, "Father, the clan leader's faction has already made an enemy of Su Ming. Meanwhile, he has the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Poison Douluo. Supporting Su Ming will be worth it!"

"When the time comes, Su Ming will face the clan leader, and the whole family's dynamics will shift. Think carefully."

After a moment of realization, Yu Luomian finally nodded in agreement, solidifying his commitment.

With her father's assurance, Liu Erlong felt relieved. At least he had listened, and now she knew what she needed to do next.

Back at Lanba Academy, Liu Erlong refocused, making plans to find the right moment to visit Su Ming and explain everything in person.

Meanwhile, in Ye Lingling's dorm room, Dugu Yan was there too. Since they both had access to Su Ming's diary, they preferred hanging out together to chat in real time rather than through the diary.

"Lingling, it's been months. Su Ming's finally got some free time again. Don't you think it's time you talked to him about your spirit fusion skill? I'm dying to know what it is—attack or support?" Dugu Yan asked, grinning.

Ye Lingling, calm as ever, shook her head. "Going to Su Ming so directly might not be ideal. We're not that close…"

Dugu Yan sighed, exasperated. "Lingling, you can't stay so distant. Sometimes, if you want something good, you have to go for it! Forget the fusion skill for a moment—don't you care about improving your martial spirit's abilities? Su Ming could help."

"My own martial spirit evolved, my poison problem's solved, and I've become so much stronger. Aren't you even a little tempted?"

Ye Lingling wavered. While her friend's words did tempt her, her reserved nature held her back. The thought of initiating contact with Su Ming made her heart beat faster, a mix of excitement and anxiety.

Seeing Lingling hesitate, Dugu Yan gave a final nudge. "Think it over, Lingling. I'll be off to train."

As Dugu Yan left, Lingling took a deep breath, now genuinely considering her friend's advice.