Chapter 578: Gengxin City

As Ning Fengzhi absorbed the information about the God-Given Spirit Ring, Chen Xin couldn't help but ask, "Rongrong, where did Su Ming get something like this? A God-Given Spirit Ring… could it be a gift from the Goddess of Life?"

Ning Rongrong could only nod, unable to reveal that it was actually a gift from Su Ming's mysterious "system."

Gu Rong also sighed, impressed by the power of divine beings. This God-Given Spirit Ring essentially functioned as a "man-made spirit ring," and he couldn't help but think how much safer and easier cultivation would be if such resources were readily available in the lower realms. There would be no need for soul masters to risk their lives hunting spirit beasts to advance.

Gu Rong, with concern, cautioned, "Fengzhi, remember, you're a support-type soul master, which makes your physique much weaker. Even with a God-Given Spirit Ring, aiming for the highest ten-thousand-year level might be too risky. For now, choose a defensive ring as high as you can manage. And consider finding suitable spirit bones to strengthen your body so you can safely reach the highest spirit ring level possible."

Ning Fengzhi nodded with determination, fully aware of the challenge. However, obtaining a suitable spirit bone was easier said than done. Although the sect had many thousand-year spirit bones, finding the right ten-thousand-year one that suited him was an altogether different challenge.

With this plan, Ning Rongrong relaxed a bit and urged, "Father, let's head to Star Dou Forest today and make the most of our time. Brother Su Ming's Spirit Hall Saint Child appointment is in half a month, and Spirit Hall will be declaring its empire. We need to hurry!"

Ning Fengzhi, a bit distracted, muttered in agreement until he suddenly realized what she meant. "Rongrong, are you saying… you've reached level 50?"

Ning Rongrong giggled, "Yes, I broke through while training last night."

In reality, it was thanks to Su Ming's "guaranteed spirit power" rewards that she managed to reach this milestone, though she had been diligently training as well. Gu Rong and Chen Xin were stunned for a moment before breaking into laughter. "Fengzhi, Rongrong, let's set off right away!"

Ning Fengzhi decided to leave Gu Rong in charge of matters at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, while Chen Xin would accompany him and Rongrong to hunt for spirit beasts in Star Dou Forest. Though Gu Rong felt reluctant to stay behind, the sect needed a Titled Douluo to oversee its affairs. The sect's lack of younger Titled Douluo only emphasized its dependence on fresh talent.

Meanwhile, after several days of travel, Su Ming and his group finally arrived in Gengxin City. Along the journey, Niu Gao kept busy, sketching plans for the four halls they intended to establish: the Forge Hall, Defense Hall, Speed Hall, and Alchemy Hall. He often presented the designs to Su Ming for feedback. True to his architectural expertise, Niu Gao's designs blended aesthetic appeal with practical function, perfectly tailored to each hall's purpose.

Su Ming, unfamiliar with the intricate requirements, entrusted Niu Gao and his group with full control over the designs. As long as they were satisfied, so was he. Covering the immense construction costs didn't worry Su Ming at all, thanks to his personal wealth. When he assured Niu Gao that he'd handle the expenses, the architect eagerly enhanced the plans, including top-tier materials and designs to ensure durability.

For Su Ming, these halls represented his core assets, and they deserved the best. Over the years, he had amassed an abundance of gold soul coins through system rewards, most of which were stashed in his storage. Now, these coins were simply a number to him—an endless string of currency he hardly needed.

Gengxin City, although located in the Star Luo Empire, lay in the empire's inland region, opposite to their previous location in Longxing City. To save time, Su Ming used his Kamui teleportation ability to expedite the journey, as it was faster and more sustainable than using Ghost Douluo's travel methods.

Though Gengxin City was one of the main cities of the Star Luo Empire, it wasn't particularly famous and was considered a mid-to-lower-tier city. Known as the "City of Metals," it wasn't highly regarded by the empire's nobility, as Douluo Continent's culture prioritized innate soul power over craftsmanship. Consequently, the Star Luo Empire had neglected Gengxin City's blacksmith guild, even when Spirit Hall's local division had once pressured the guild with little resistance from the empire.

As Su Ming and his group entered the city, they were ready to continue their plan and bring the guild's expert smith Lou Gao into their fold.