Chapter 70: The Calculations of Qian Xunji and Ning Fengzhi

Qian Xunji's agreement to let Gu Han take Chen Xin as his master was no impulsive decision—it was a carefully calculated move.

Now that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had willingly drawn closer to the Spirit Hall, there were still lingering doubts in his heart. However, by deepening their ties through Chen Xin and Gu Han's master-disciple relationship, the connection between their factions would only grow stronger.

For the next century or so, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would effectively become a half-vassal of the Spirit Hall.

As long as Chen Xin was alive, the two sides would remain closely aligned in mutual cooperation.

But even Titled Douluo were not immortal. When the time came that Chen Xin passed on, and if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan failed to cultivate a new guardian of equivalent strength, their eyes would inevitably turn to Gu Han—Chen Xin's only disciple.

And Gu Han, being also a direct disciple of the Pope, would never truly join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—only serve as a protector at most.

By that time, the clan would be left with no other choice but to fully rely on the Spirit Hall to maintain its status across the continent.

"Congratulations, Uncle Sword, on gaining such a fine disciple."

Ning Fengzhi, too, was genuinely pleased. He had seen Gu Han's potential firsthand. With Chen Xin taking him under his wing, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would remain unthreatened even without a Titled Douluo in future generations.

As for the risks such a bond might bring, Ning Fengzhi saw them clearly—but what of it?

As long as the clan survived, the opportunity to rise again would always exist. That was far preferable to being weakened and gradually devoured by the two empires and the other major sects due to the lack of a true powerhouse.

And besides, the future was always uncertain. He was simply planning for the worst-case scenario.

"My thanks again to Your Holiness for your generosity."

Chen Xin, elated by having taken Gu Han as his disciple, still didn't forget to express his gratitude to Qian Xunji.

Qian Xunji casually waved his hand, smiling. "No need. It's Xiao Han's good fortune to have earned Sword Douluo's recognition."

Ning Fengzhi then produced a token from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. It was carved from fine jade, circular in shape, with an intricately detailed image of a seven-tiered pagoda etched upon it.

He handed the token to Gu Han.

"Since you've become Uncle Sword's disciple, that makes you my brother as well—and by extension, half a member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. With this token, you're free to come and go as you please within our territory."

"If you ever need help, our clan will stand by you."

Gu Han couldn't help but be impressed—Ning Fengzhi certainly had a knack for winning people over.

He accepted the token with a smile. "If you're willing to accept me as a brother, then I'm honored. And if there's ever anything I can do for you, I won't refuse, Clan Head Ning."

"Haha, still calling me Clan Head Ning?" Ning Fengzhi chuckled warmly. "Though I'm a bit older, we're of the same generation. If you don't mind, just call me Brother Fengzhi from now on."

"If you don't mind, how could I possibly object?"

"Very well, then we'll call each other brothers from now on!"

The two laughed together, a quiet camaraderie forming.

"This journey has truly been worthwhile."

"Xiao Han," Chen Xin said, "There are still many matters at the clan that Brother Fengzhi needs to handle. I'll accompany him back first, then return to continue guiding you. In the meantime, read this book."

"It contains my insights on the sword. As for the Seven Kill Sword Technique—there is no written manual. It has always been passed down orally."

Gu Han accepted the slender booklet and bowed to both Chen Xin and Ning Fengzhi. "Thank you, Master. I wish you both a safe journey."

"Mm."

Ning Fengzhi nodded, then turned to Qian Xunji. "Your Holiness, we've imposed upon you long enough. There are many matters awaiting me back at the sect. I'll put our collaboration into motion once I return—no need to keep us any longer."

"I'll escort you from Spirit City myself."

"There's no need to trouble you. You're busy with state matters—no need for ceremony. We'll take our leave."

Ning Fengzhi waved his hand with a polite smile.

Still, despite saying that, Qian Xunji personally led Gu Han, Bibi Dong, Ghost, and Yue Guan to see off the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Only after more farewells were exchanged did both sides finally part ways.

—

"Brat, it's about time I set off for the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. If you ever need anything, go find Old Ghost—or have him bring you to Sunset Forest to find me."

With the Pope's grand wedding finally behind them, Yue Guan would now return to his post as guardian of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, which would become both his training ground and his responsibility.

Surprisingly, the Spirit Hall had sent Lingyuan as the accompanying elder. After consuming high-grade medicinal ingredients, her strength had surged—she was now at the peak of Rank 97, and on the verge of breaking through to Rank 98. It was only a matter of time.

It was believed that with the support of the well's unique environment, her breakthrough would come even faster.

"Uncle Chrysanthemum, my senior sister, Uncle Ghost, and I will definitely come visit you often," Gu Han said with a smile.

Yue Guan might've seemed flamboyant and theatrical on the surface, but Gu Han could feel his genuine care. During his time in Spirit City, Yue Guan had overseen all his daily matters. In truth, he'd been more like a teacher in everything but name.

And Gu Han had long regarded him with a disciple's heart.

"Haha, you're a good kid. But you and Dong'er are still young—this is your prime cultivation period. Training comes first."

"You're right. Then my senior sister and I wish you an early ascension to the Titled Douluo realm!"

"Haha, I'll take that blessing!"

Yue Guan laughed heartily, said his farewells to Ghost Douluo and Bibi Dong, and left Spirit City alongside Lingyuan.

After watching them go, Gu Han turned to Bibi Dong.

"Senior Sister, it's getting late. You should rest for now. Tomorrow, let's visit Elder Dugu."

Gu Han hadn't forgotten his promise to Dugu Bo and his son—to help them resolve the issue with their martial soul. The two were still staying at an inn in Spirit City.

Now that everything else had settled, it was time to finally turn to that matter.

"Alright."

Bibi Dong nodded, walking with him for a while before the two parted ways outside the Holy Maiden Hall.

—

The problem with Dugu Bo's martial soul—the Jade Phosphor Serpent—was something Gu Han had researched in his past life. He had seen many suggested methods, but none offered a permanent solution. At most, they could stave off the danger for one or two generations.

The core issue wasn't difficult to understand. The Jade Phosphor Serpent possessed an extremely potent poison attribute, and its wielder couldn't fully refine or neutralize it, causing toxic buildup within the body.

On the surface, solving it sounded simple: one only needed to enhance the user's cultivation technique until it could purify all poisonous soul power.

But that was extremely hard to do.

Generations of the Dugu family had sought a solution. Cultivation technique optimization was surely one of the first things they tried—but due to the limited understanding and development of cultivation techniques on the Douluo Continent, no one had succeeded.

Dugu Bo had already entrusted Gu Han with the family's core cultivation method. After days of study and modification—combined with simulations using his own Nameless Manual—Gu Han had finally devised a solution.

He could now help Dugu Bo gradually convert the poisonous buildup in his body into soul power by condensing it into a Poison Core, which could be slowly refined over time.

This method allowed excess poisonous soul power to be stored and processed bit by bit, preventing it from corroding the body further.

While it wouldn't trigger a martial soul mutation or evolution like in the fantasy novels Gu Han had read in his past life, it would ensure that Dugu Bo's descendants no longer lived under the threat of being devoured by their own martial soul.

~~~

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