Chapter 68: Sword Douluo’s Recognition

What made Ning Fengzhi even more uneasy was this: the Spirit Hall had a legacy spanning thousands—almost ten thousand—years. Its foundation ran deep, and no one could truly gauge the extent of the Angel Douluo's inheritance, or how many trump cards were hidden within.

Compared to the Spirit Hall, the clan sect founded by Tang Chen was still too lacking in heritage.

As for the current Clear Sky Clan, while Tang Hao might be a worthy successor to Tang Chen's mantle, what about the generations that followed?

Ning Fengzhi didn't believe the Clear Sky Clan could produce a powerhouse like Tang Chen or Tang Hao in every generation.

Moreover, on the Spirit Hall's side, aside from Qian Xunji, there was also Gu Han—whose strength clearly surpassed even Tang Hao's.

If the upper three clans were to band together in opposition to such a terrifying Spirit Hall, what kind of fate would await the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?

Most likely, it would be a miserable one.

As things stood now, the coming century might well become a time when the Spirit Hall ruled supreme—an unstoppable force.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was a support-type sect. They had to start considering their alignment and alliances very carefully.

As for remaining neutral?

Ning Fengzhi sneered inwardly. Throughout history, those who tried to stay neutral—pleasing neither side—were usually the first to fall.

True neutrality could only be sustained by absolute strength.

And with the clan's current circumstances, there was no longer a third path to choose.

Whether the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would rise or fall in the future now rested squarely on Ning Fengzhi's shoulders.

After the intense final battle concluded, the Clear Sky Clan lingered in Spirit City for another two days. During that time, Gu Han and Tang Hao sparred several more times, with wins and losses on both sides.

Afterward, Tang Chen led the Clear Sky Clan disciples and departed.

---

Inside the Pope's Hall, Qian Xunji sat regally upon the Pope's throne, his golden eyes calmly fixed on Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin seated in the guest area below.

All the other sects had already left, even the senior bishops of Soul Sage rank and above had returned to their posts. Only the newly appointed clan leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had yet to leave. Qian Xunji couldn't help but wonder what exactly he was scheming.

"Clan Head Ning, what brings you here to see me?" he asked coolly.

"Your Holiness, I came to discuss the possibility of deepening the cooperation between the Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."

"Oh? I'm listening."

Qian Xunji raised an eyebrow. His previously dismissive demeanor eased a little, though his expression remained composed.

In his eyes, the only force on the continent that could be considered comparable to Spirit Hall was the Clear Sky Clan—and that was solely because of Tang Chen.

While the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was indeed one of the top three sects and wealthy beyond measure, Spirit Hall could crush them with the flick of a hand if necessary.

Still, since the other side had come bearing goodwill, he saw no reason to make things difficult.

Ning Fengzhi stood and gave a respectful bow. His elegant speech and eloquent arguments stirred Qian Xunji's interest.

This time, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was truly offering a great deal—nearly all the benefits they could give were placed on the table. Even interests they previously monopolized were now proposed to be jointly developed with Spirit Hall.

This cooperation would effectively bind the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to the Spirit Hall's war chariot.

"I wonder what Your Holiness thinks of my proposal?" Ning Fengzhi asked with a slight smile.

"Hmm… Since Clan Head Ning holds our Spirit Hall in such high regard, naturally, we welcome this partnership."

Qian Xunji rose from his throne and stepped down slowly.

"I'll appoint someone to discuss the details of the agreement with your clan."

"Excellent. In that case, I'll return as soon as possible to begin making arrangements on our end."

Ning Fengzhi nodded. Though he had given up many benefits, the alliance with Spirit Hall was ultimately a profitable one for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.

With Spirit Hall's influence backing them, the clan might even rise to a new level.

---

"Your Holiness, I have a personal request. I hope you'll grant me this favor," said Chen Xin as he stepped forward after the business talk concluded.

"There's no need for such formality, Sword Douluo. If it's within my power, I'll certainly assist you."

Qian Xunji maintained great respect toward Chen Xin, a powerhouse with potential at least at the Worship Elder level. When such a figure made a personal request, he naturally listened carefully—so long as it was within reason.

"Your Holiness, I've taken quite a liking to your disciple. Might I be allowed to teach him for a while?"

Chen Xin finally voiced his request. Ever since that duel, he had developed great admiration for Gu Han. The boy's talent with the sword gave him a feeling of meeting a kindred spirit too late in life.

Such a gifted child who walked the sword path—how could Chen Xin bear to let his development proceed without his own guidance? That would be a lifelong regret.

"Hahaha, so that's all it was?"

Qian Xunji burst into laughter, clearly relieved. He had expected some grand favor, only to find it was merely a case of a senior swordsman spotting a promising talent and wanting to mentor him.

"If that rascal Gu Han has earned Sword Douluo's recognition, it's his honor. That you're willing to teach him shows your high regard—I have no objections."

At this moment, Qian Xunji felt more and more validated in his original decision. His pride in his own foresight had never been stronger.

First there was Guang Ling, and now even Sword Douluo Chen Xin—each was a top-tier powerhouse of the continent.

Even his own father held Gu Han in high esteem, saying that if Qian Xunji hadn't taken him in first, he would have done so himself.

"Thank you very much, Your Holiness. Might I ask—where is young Gu now?" asked Chen Xin, unable to hide his excitement.

"He should be practicing swordsmanship with Dong'er in the training grounds behind the Holy Maiden Hall. I'll take you there."

Qian Xunji paused to think and calculated the time.

Gu Han was a stickler for routine; his daily schedule was always meticulously arranged.

Ever since Bibi Dong acquired her fourth soul ring, she had been unusually enthusiastic about training with Gu Han every day. She even insisted that Qian Xunji have a high-quality longsword forged for her from top-grade metal.

Just as expected, Gu Han was indeed training with Bibi Dong at the time, in the training ground behind the Holy Maiden Hall.

---

"Senior Sister, soul abilities are just techniques for channeling soul power. Follow the method I described: infuse your soul power into the blade. This allows for a basic form of sword qi release—and it sharpens your sword's cutting edge as well."

"Got it!"

Bibi Dong nodded eagerly. The sword she held had been modeled after Gu Han's Frostblade Sword. Though it didn't have the same properties or sharpness, it was forged from some of the continent's finest metal.

And when she circulated her soul power as instructed, its effectiveness was on par with high-grade tool-type martial souls.

Bibi Dong was exceptionally gifted and grasped sword techniques with ease.

Tall and poised, she stood upright with her sword raised in front of her. Her left hand formed a sword-finger and ran it along the blade, coating it in purple-black soul power.

Sword qi gathered—then with a shout, she slashed forward.

"Slash!"

A streak of razor-sharp purple sword qi burst forth, splitting the wooden training dummy clean in half.

"Junior Brother, I did it!"

Elated by her success, Bibi Dong leapt with joy and rushed over to Gu Han to share her excitement.