Ning Fengzhi, anxious beyond words, couldn't be bothered with anything else. He quickly called for Chen Xin and Gu Rong, then immediately flew toward the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's stronghold with Xu Yang in tow. True to his title as a Titled Douluo, the journey took only the span of two breaths.
Upon arriving at the sect, the group headed straight to the cultivation area.
The cultivation area housed a variety of simulated environments—created through different materials to mimic ideal conditions for spirit masters to train in. For instance, in the secluded rooms where Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda spirit masters trained, the space was filled with all kinds of gemstones, representing the Seven Treasures. These treasures allowed the pagoda to absorb their essence during cultivation, thereby accelerating progress.
For fire-type spirit masters, there were cultivation chambers forged with geothermal flames, allowing them to harness the power of earthfire for training.
There were also forest-like environments for plant-type spirit masters, among others. One could say the place had everything imaginable.
"Yang'er, now can you show us the effects of this whale glue?"
Soon, the group arrived at a remote area. Compared to the other simulated environments, this space was quite simple—a quiet room with nothing but a few meditation cushions.
"Yang'er, now can you show us the effects of this whale glue?"
Ning Fengzhi asked with a smile, reverting to his original affectionate way of addressing Xu Yang.
Xu Yang nodded, took out the two pieces of whale glue from the box, and approached Sword Douluo. In a soft voice, he asked, "Elder, could you use your spirit power to heat this whale glue and remove its impurities? Once it becomes gelatinous, please hand it back to me."
Sword Douluo glanced at Ning Fengzhi, then stretched out his hand. The two pieces of whale glue were lifted by an invisible force, then enveloped in a sky-blue flame in midair. Under this flame, the whale glue began to melt quickly, releasing wisps of black smoke.
These black wisps were the impurities, and the blue "flame" wasn't ordinary fire—it was plasma formed by highly compressed spirit power. Achieving such a feat required not only profound cultivation but also extraordinary control over spirit power.
"This… is a Super Douluo?! He can compress spirit power into plasma… just how immense must his spirit power be?! What about Limit Douluos, then?!"
Xu Yang watched Sword Douluo's technique in awe, unable to snap out of his shock.
Plasma! And in the form of fire!
Though he didn't fully grasp the physics, he knew plasma of this caliber only existed naturally in stars and lightning. That alone hinted at the terrifying density of such energy.
Under such concentrated spirit power, it didn't take long for all the impurities in the whale glue to be removed. The glue transformed into a viscous, gelatinous substance that gave off a fragrant aroma—far from the usual sickening stench.
Though Sword Douluo wasn't a pharmacologist, his powerful spiritual sense allowed him to monitor the state of the whale glue precisely. Xu Yang didn't even need to remind him when to stop.
Five minutes passed, and there was no trace of black smoke left. The gelatinous glue was now as clear as yellow crystal—its optimal state. Sword Douluo ceased his technique at the perfect moment.
The liquefied whale glue floated toward Xu Yang.
Without concern for the heat, Xu Yang coated his mouth and throat with a thin film of spirit power to prevent burns, then swallowed the glue in one gulp. A surge of heat radiated from his abdomen through his entire body, his skin gradually turning red.
"Hmph!"
He grunted, resisting the burning sensation, and quickly entered meditation to refine the medicinal effects with his spirit power.
Seeing that Xu Yang hadn't recklessly ingested the glue without preparation, Chen Xin nodded approvingly. Though this was a minor use of spirit power, it was far from simple. Many high-level spirit masters couldn't manage it, yet this young child had done so with ease—a testament to his talent.
The effects of the whale glue soon became evident. Beads of greasy sweat oozed from Xu Yang's skin, and his previously contorted face relaxed noticeably.
The four elders continuously monitored Xu Yang's condition. As soon as his expression eased, Ning Fengzhi smiled.
"It seems Yang'er wasn't lying—the whale glue truly does improve physical fitness!"
"Well, what are you waiting for? Hurry and send people to collect it before other factions catch on!"
Watching Ning Fengzhi's grin, which was harder to suppress than an AK's recoil, Madam Ning rolled her eyes and said sharply. As the sect master's wife, she was no ornament. Upon realizing the glue's value, her first thought was to collect more.
At the same time, she felt a pang of guilt. She had wronged the child without fully understanding the situation. Yang'er was still so young…
I must make it up to him!
"But what excuse do we use to collect it all?"
Ning Fengzhi frowned. Gathering small quantities could be explained as stockpiling. But if they tried to monopolize the entire market, other powers would definitely investigate—and likely discover the glue's true use.
If they collected it in batches, people might speculate that Ning Fengzhi had health issues and needed whale glue for… personal reasons. That would be bad for his reputation.
He wasn't being paranoid—if even one person believed it, the rumor would spread, and soon the whole continent would assume he was unwell. As long as the sect kept collecting the glue, his name would be forever tarnished.
"Just admit you're sick! What's a little loss of face for the good of the sect? … Or, we can make Uncle Jian and Uncle Gu take the fall—say these two elderly Titled Douluo want to leave descendants and need the glue's help!" Madam Ning suggested earnestly.
Hearing her first idea, Ning Fengzhi's face darkened. But when she mentioned the second option, his eyes lit up, and he turned to the Sword and Bone Douluos.
"I'm devoted to swordsmanship. Women only slow down my blade. If I wanted children, I'd have them already. Who'd believe that story?!"
Sword Douluo's gaze was sharp as a blade, making Ning Fengzhi's scalp tingle. He quickly turned to Bone Douluo.
"If even that old sword can't convince people, do you think I could?! I'm a Super Douluo. Even near a hundred years old, my body is far superior to a Spirit Saint's. Do you think I need whale glue for that kind of thing?!" Bone Douluo said firmly.
(End of Chapter)