Chapter 294: Undercurrents in Tiandou City, the Idea of Forming a Sect
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The fact that the Hao Tian Sect chased the Hao Te team all the way to the Frozen Forest proved they had informants in the Spirit Beast Town.
At this point, the Hao Te team could no longer continue operating in Spirit Beast Town.
Hao Te said awkwardly, "To be honest, I formed the soul-hunting team to make money. Over these years, I've earned quite a bit—it's time for me to retire and live an easy life."
Ning Tianchen asked, "Have you considered joining the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?"
Hao Te shook his head and declined. "My talent has run its course. Even if I joined the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, there wouldn't be much room for improvement. I'd rather go home and live a carefree life."
"Xiao Ao, Fatty Chen—never slack off. With your talents, achieving the rank of Title Douluo in the future is entirely possible. I look forward to the day you become powerful."
The two nodded earnestly.
Since Hao Te didn't want to join the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Tianchen couldn't force him.
Now that Oscar had finished absorbing his soul ring, there was no reason for everyone to stay in the Frozen Forest.
Upon returning to Snowy Plains Town, Hao Te didn't linger. After bidding farewell to everyone, he left alone.
"Over these years, I owe a lot to Brother Hao Te," Oscar sighed, watching his departing figure.
"There's still more than half a year before the five-year agreement. What are your plans?" Ning Tianchen asked.
Chen Huayu replied, "Xiao Ao and I will travel around the continent for a while. The Hao Tian Sect only has Hao Te's portrait—they probably don't know about us. Traveling around shouldn't be a problem."
Ning Tianchen nodded. "Remember the date of the five-year agreement. Rongrong and I will return to the sect first."
---
Though the Snow Mountain Sect had emerged, their disciples knew little about the continent's situation. Only a small number of them were active on the continent, so they hadn't drawn much attention from various factions.
During this time, trade between the Snow Mountain Sect and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect flourished. The Snow Mountain Sect transported northern specialties to the south for sale, earning substantial profits.
Similarly, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect shipped southern goods to the north.
Notably, the two sects signed an alliance agreement. If one side faced threats, the other would unconditionally send reinforcements.
One day, in the meeting hall of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect…
"Uncle Ke, the situation on the continent is becoming increasingly delicate. Let's hold the academic exchange conference as soon as possible. I fear this year's Soul Master Tournament might not happen," Ning Fengzhi said gravely.
As the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor, he received a great deal of intelligence from the Tiandou Empire.
For this year's Soul Master Tournament, there was no news from the Spirit Hall, and the borders between the Tiandou and Star Luo Empires remained tense. It seemed none of the three major powers intended to host the tournament.
Ke Jie was slightly startled but quickly responded, "Sect Leader, rest assured. I'll arrange the academic exchange conference before the inter-academy competition. However, should we offer more generous rewards for this year's inter-academy competition?"
If the Soul Master Tournament wasn't held, the inter-academy competition would be the only major event for the academy teams.
These academy members had prepared for the Soul Master Tournament for a long time. If it didn't happen, wouldn't they feel lifelong regret?
After some thought, Ning Fengzhi replied, "You may proceed with that. For this year's inter-academy competition, invite more academy teams and adopt a format similar to the Soul Master Tournament."
Ke Jie accepted the order and withdrew.
With the academic exchange conference moved forward, he had many tasks to handle.
---
The Crown Prince's carriage stopped in front of Yue Xuan. Xue Qinghe, surrounded by guards, stepped out of the carriage.
Having learned of the Crown Prince's arrival, Tang Yuehua waited at the entrance early on.
"The arrival of His Highness honors this humble establishment."
Xue Qinghe bowed slightly. "Lady Yuehua, you're too kind. My younger sister has been studying here, causing you trouble."
Tang Yuehua smiled gracefully. "Princess Xue Ke has performed exceptionally well. Has His Highness come to review her progress?"
Xue Qinghe smiled faintly. "Lady Yuehua, please lead the way."
No one knew Tang Yuehua's background, but Xue Qinghe had some guesses.
Tang Yuehua hadn't even broken through to level ten soul power—a weak woman running Yue Xuan in Tiandou City was baffling.
After all, Yue Xuan was a place where even the Tiandou Imperial Family sent people to learn court etiquette.
To have connections with the imperial family, Tang Yuehua must have some skills. Xue Qinghe suspected she was backed by a powerful faction, and he already had some guesses about it.
Of course, Emperor Xue Ye surely knew Tang Yuehua's identity, but he never mentioned it. Xue Qinghe had asked a few times indirectly, but the answers were always evasive.
Entering the classroom of Yue Xuan, Xue Qinghe and Tang Yuehua sat at the edge of a tea table, listening to the students perform ceremonial music.
To Xue Qinghe's surprise, the leader of the performers wasn't Princess Xue Ke but a young man in blue.
Princess Xue Ke's musical skills weren't low—how could someone surpass her?
Tang Yuehua explained, "That's Tang Yin. Although he enrolled late, his talent is remarkable. After more than half a year of study, his musical abilities have gained recognition from everyone."
"So I decided that during the graduation ceremony, he'll represent the new students in the performance."
Xue Qinghe nodded slightly, not dwelling on the matter.
He didn't know that Tang Yin was actually Tang San. At this point, Tang San's demeanor and appearance had undergone a complete transformation. Unless he revealed his twin martial souls, no one would recognize him.
However, for Qian Renxue, who possessed the Six-Winged Angel martial soul, she could clearly sense the killing intent emanating from Tang San.
At his age, this killing intent couldn't have come from the battlefield—it was highly likely he had visited Slaughter City.
Xue Qinghe rested his elbow on the table, supporting his cheek with his hand, quietly observing Tang San.
The situation on the continent was unpredictable, and Tiandou City was also teeming with undercurrents.
---
After over a month of travel, Ning Tianchen and Ning Rongrong finally returned to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Upon returning, they immediately reported their journey and encounters during training to Ning Fengzhi.
They didn't disclose everything about the divine trial, only giving a general overview.
After hearing their report, Ning Fengzhi suddenly recalled a place. "There's also a divine inheritance site over the sea."
Chen Xin continued, "It's the Sea God Island. Back then, the Spirit Hall sent a large army to attack the Sea God Island. In the end, after losing two Title Douluo, they had no choice but to retreat."
"Later, I heard that Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu, the two strongest individuals on the continent at the time, went to the Sea God Island together. I'm not sure what happened there, but after they returned, rumors spread about a third Limit Douluo. Likely, this Limit Douluo hails from the Sea God Island."
"Sea God." Ning Rongrong murmured.
She had just begun to understand the divine trial and knew little about deities.
After a pause, she suggested, "Since the Sea God Island also has divine inheritance, why doesn't our sect send a team of soul masters to obtain it?"
Ning Fengzhi shook his head with a bitter smile. "Rongrong, you're oversimplifying things. The Sea God Island is deep in the ocean, and our sect has no presence in coastal cities, let alone the vast sea."
"We wouldn't even be able to find the location of the Sea God Island. And even if we did, what then? After the battle back then, the Sea God Island became extremely hostile toward soul masters from the continent. If we sent people, they'd likely be wiped out. Moreover, obtaining divine inheritance requires extraordinary talent."
"Every genius is a precious resource for the sect. If a genius were to perish at sea, it would be a tremendous loss for the sect."
After a pause, he changed the subject with a smile. "Tianchen, I must thank you for creating the opportunity for cooperation between our sect and the Snow Mountain Sect."
Initially, if it weren't for Ning Tianchen's persuasion, the Snow Mountain Sect wouldn't have budged.
When Ning Fengzhi received Ning Rongrong's letter, he realized his assumption was wrong.
Not all sects valued wealth. For a reclusive sect like the Snow Mountain Sect, inheritance was the most important thing.
Ning Tianchen shook his head. "Uncle Ning, it's not my doing. The Snow Mountain Sect already had plans to emerge—I merely helped them solidify their resolve."
Finally, Ning Fengzhi smiled. "In a few days, the academic exchange conference will begin. Tianchen, Rongrong, you'll represent the sect and attend. While you're there, take the opportunity to learn more about soul master theories."
After the conversation ended, Chen Xin took Ning Tianchen to the back mountain to check on his cultivation progress.
---
Back Mountain
"A soul ring configuration of six black and one red—what a remarkable boy."
Even Chen Xin, who was usually composed, couldn't help but be surprised upon seeing Ning Tianchen's soul ring configuration.
Six ten-thousand-year soul rings were impressive enough, but his seventh soul ring was a genuine hundred-thousand-year soul ring.
Even Super Douluo couldn't resist the allure of a hundred-thousand-year soul ring or soul bone.
Ning Tianchen said, "Grandpa, though I haven't fully grasped the Sword Heart, my Seven Kill Sword, aided by the innate domain, can now fully execute the 'Kill' character sword technique. Let me demonstrate it for you to see how much I lack."
Chen Xin had already been surprised numerous times that day, so this came as no shock.
"Let me take a look."
"Seven Kill Domain, activate!"
The domain expanded, and the Seven Kill Sword martial soul appeared in Ning Tianchen's hand. He slowly swung it in front of him.
Traces of sword qi formed in front of him, and the 'Kill' character sword technique was complete.
A massive "Kill" character shot into the sky, avoiding contact with the mountain to prevent a loud explosion that might alarm the sect disciples.
After watching Ning Tianchen's sword technique, Chen Xin chuckled. "I see. Perhaps because you obtained a hundred-thousand-year soul ring, your soul power quality has greatly improved, meeting the requirements to cast the 'Kill' character sword technique. Meanwhile, your Seven Kill Sword domain compensates for the remaining sword momentum."
Ning Tianchen immediately understood. "Grandpa, am I forcefully executing it—having form but lacking intent?"
Chen Xin nodded.
However, this time, he did not teach Ning Tianchen further.
"The path you walk is different from mine. I cannot offer any guidance on how to cultivate the Sword Heart." As he spoke, he placed his hand on Ning Tianchen's shoulder. "The rest of the journey is yours to take. Forge a completely new path in swordsmanship."
The road of the sword was long and arduous, with much responsibility and a distant goal.
With that, Chen Xin stepped onto the Seven Kill Sword and flew away from the back mountain.
Ning Tianchen stood there, lost in thought.
Carving out one's own path was no easy task, and the road ahead was bound to be filled with thorns. However, the corresponding benefit was that the path he forged would have no limits and almost no ceiling.
---
After being away from Tiandou City for several years, Ning Tianchen decided to visit Bao Zhen and Huang Wu first.
Unfortunately, they had recently left the sect to visit their families, so Ning Tianchen arrived to find them gone.
Without lingering further in the sect, he immediately headed to the Seven Treasures Academy.
Dugu Bo had a separate manor within the academy, and fortunately, he hadn't left, saving Ning Tianchen another trip.
At this moment, Dugu Bo was lounging in a chair in the manor, basking comfortably in the sunlight.
Sensing Ning Tianchen's presence, he slightly opened his eyes. "You're back."
Then, he closed his eyes again, continuing to enjoy his leisurely life.
"Old man, living the easy life, aren't you?"
In the courtyard of the manor, medicinal herbs were laid out to dry by Dugu Bo.
These herbs were of high quality, exuding a strong medicinal fragrance.
When Ning Tianchen arrived at the Seven Treasures Academy, he wasn't sure if Dugu Bo was there. But upon catching the scent of herbs wafting through the academy, he guessed that Dugu Bo wouldn't have gone far.
"Almost four years have passed, young one. You've grown quite a bit. Your strength—" As he spoke, Dugu Bo suddenly sprang up and rushed to Ning Tianchen.
"Old man, don't startle me like that!" Ning Tianchen couldn't help but complain.
Dugu Bo's gaze turned strange, as if examining some rare and exotic creature. "Young one, you've broken through to Soul Sage! How did you manage to increase your level by nearly twenty in just four years?!"
"I encountered some special opportunities in Slaughter City and the Extreme North. Moreover, my luck was good—I received the sacrifice of a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast. My seventh soul ring is a hundred-thousand-year soul ring."
As he spoke, he revealed his soul rings.
Everyone had their secrets, and Dugu Bo didn't ask further questions. He simply felt reassured that he hadn't chosen the wrong person back then.
A hundred-thousand-year soul ring greatly enhanced a soul master's physical attributes. With Ning Tianchen's seventh soul ring being a hundred-thousand-year one, his eighth soul ring would surely also be able to absorb a hundred-thousand-year soul ring.
Not to mention, he still had his second martial soul.
It was hard to imagine what kind of scene it would be when Ning Tianchen's second martial soul obtained all hundred-thousand-year soul rings.
As for whether there were enough hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts on the continent, that wasn't something Dugu Bo needed to worry about.
After a pause, Ning Tianchen asked in return, "Enough about me—what are your thoughts on repaying the favor you owe Prince Xue Xing? Surely, you don't plan to let him hold that favor over you for life, do you?"
Dugu Bo disliked Prince Xue Xing's character, but the favor was real. Until it was repaid, he still had to follow Prince Xue Xing's orders.
Though it irritated him, this was his principle.
"Old man, if you're willing, I have a way to make Prince Xue Xing use that favor on his own. Soon, the Seven Treasures Academy will host the academic exchange conference, and many scholars from across the continent will attend. Given the personalities of Prince Xue Xing and Prince Xue Beng, a little guidance will lead them to offend someone attending the conference."
"Every scholar is protected by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. If they dare to harm even one scholar, they'll undoubtedly face consequences from the sect. To preserve their political careers, Prince Xue Xing will surely use that favor."
Dugu Bo was taken aback. "Young one, isn't this method a bit too underhanded?"
Ning Tianchen rolled his eyes. "Old man, you're used to doing whatever it takes. Are you suddenly trying to play nice now?"
Dugu Bo shrugged.
He didn't explicitly agree or refuse. His attitude was clear—he didn't want to know about this matter. How Prince Xue Xing used the favor was none of his concern.
Ning Tianchen knew his personality. Not rejecting outright meant tacit approval.
After discussing the serious matters, Ning Tianchen voiced his thoughts. "Old man, I'm thinking of establishing my own sect. What do you think?"
At first, his intention wasn't strong.
Recently, during a conversation with Ning Fengzhi, both Gu Rong and Chen Xin casually mentioned candidates for the position of Young Sect Master.
It was clear that Gu Rong and Chen Xin wanted to support him for the position, but Ning Fengzhi seemed unusually hesitant.
The position of sect master in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had always been held by Ning Fengzhi's lineage, and he naturally didn't want to pass it to an outsider.
Thus, Ning Tianchen decided to establish his own sect to avoid internal conflicts within the sect.
Moreover, one shouldn't put all their eggs in one basket. The sect Ning Tianchen founded could share risks with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. At the same time, as the sect master of his own sect, he could live more freely in the future.
Dugu Bo pointed out the reason in one sentence. "It's about the selection of the Young Sect Master for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, isn't it? Heh, the sect is fundamentally still governed by clan mentality. You're not part of Ning Fengzhi's immediate family. Even if Ning Fengzhi agrees, the elders and clan leaders in the sect won't."
Ning Tianchen nodded and sighed. "This kind of conflict is difficult to reconcile. With the unpredictable situation on the continent, I can't allow internal strife within the sect."
If the sect fell, as a member, his days wouldn't be easy either.
Dugu Bo chuckled. "What good does it do if I agree to join your sect? An organization with only two people isn't called a sect."
Ning Tianchen replied, "I plan to bring in the three single-attribute families from the former Hao Tian Sect, as well as the Wind, Water, and Fire families, to jointly establish a sect."
Dugu Bo wasn't optimistic about his idea. "This approach creates problems with the sect's demographic structure. While you're in power, you can suppress these families, but can your descendants do the same?"
"With this kind of structure, the sect will inevitably change hands sooner or later."
Ning Tianchen shook his head.
Hereditary succession wasn't what he wanted.
"The position of sect master has always been for the capable. After me, the sect master will be elected—it doesn't have to be my descendant."
The concept of family was strong on the continent, and Ning Tianchen's decision essentially handed over a well-established foundation to others.
However, Dugu Bo could understand his reasoning.
With Ning Tianchen's current talent and strength, he could pursue higher realms in the future and didn't need to be bogged down by sect affairs.
After some thought, Dugu Bo said, "Alright, I'll wait for your news. But let's make one thing clear—I won't serve as an elder or vice sect master. While I still have some influence, I'll help you stabilize things, but afterward, I'll retire in the sect."
Ning Tianchen replied without hesitation, "No problem. I guarantee no one will force you to do anything."
"For now, the sect is still just an idea. I'll draft the charter as soon as possible. When the time comes, I'll discuss it with Uncle Ning and try to gain the support of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."
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