Qian Renxue directly rejected what Ju Douluo had said.
"Elder Ju, we must prioritize the bigger picture. You should know about Yang Xiong and Lin Gong's relationship. Lin Gong has been protecting Yang Xiong all these years, and your conflict with Lin Gong has persisted for many years. I fear this could lead to unforeseen complications."
Ju Douluo reluctantly nodded. Though he valued the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum immensely, his loyalty to the Spirit Hall was even more important.
Xue Qinghe continued: "By the way, Elder Ju, you mentioned earlier that Yang Xiong consumed the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum. What effects does it have? How does it compare to my Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone?"
Ju Douluo replied: "Your Highness, legend has it that consuming the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum can invigorate the limbs, circulate blood through the eight extraordinary meridians, and allow one to cultivate an indestructible body."
"Based on my covert observation of Yang Xiong earlier, he likely consumed the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum not long ago. However, his physical prowess likely far exceeds that of soul masters at the same level, and his cultivation talent has also significantly improved."
"In comparison, the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum and the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone each have their strengths. Both share a similar essence, but the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum is more aggressive and domineering, while the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone is relatively gentler. In terms of pure soul power enhancement, the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone might be better."
Ju Douluo quickly elaborated on his understanding of the two immortal herbs, though he wasn't aware that they were connected. After all, immortal herbs were exceedingly rare.
Xue Qinghe nodded: "Very well, obtaining an immortal herb for free isn't bad. But I still feel that Yang Xiong might have ulterior motives."
After leaving Tian Dou City, Yang Xiong immediately rushed back to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect at full speed.
Earlier, on the top floor of Yue Xuan, Yang Xiong had distinctly sensed a peculiar aura.
This aura was extremely subtle—so faint that even a Title Douluo might not detect it.
However, having consumed the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, Yang Xiong recognized it as the unique aura of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum. This meant that, aside from himself and Xue Qinghe, Ju Douluo Yue Guan was likely present as well.
Yang Xiong harbored no doubt about Ju Douluo's obsession with immortal herbs, which was why he intended to return to the sect as soon as possible.
Upon returning to the sect, Yang Xiong immediately sought out Ning Fengzhi.
After years of careful observation and analysis, Yang Xiong realized that major events in the world of Douluo largely followed the trajectory of the original storyline. If he didn't intervene deliberately, historical milestones would likely remain unchanged.
In other words, within less than a year, the Spirit Hall would launch the Soul Hunt Operation, which would culminate in the ultimate battle for the survival of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Yang Xiong had already analyzed this war from the original storyline.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's downfall could be attributed to two main factors: betrayal by spies and the overwhelming strength of the enemy.
The spy was likely Qian Renxue. Despite the Spirit Hall mobilizing tens of thousands of soul masters for a long-distance assault, the sect received no prior warning. This was likely orchestrated by Qian Renxue, the fake crown prince.
Additionally, during the sect's destruction, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect normally had close to five thousand soul masters. Based on the sect's deployment, even against ten thousand soul masters, they shouldn't have suffered such a crushing defeat, especially with the unparalleled support provided by the Seven Treasures Pagoda.
However, the timing of the Spirit Hall's attack was impeccable. Forty percent of the sect's disciples were away on missions, leaving the sect at its weakest. This timing was undoubtedly calculated by Qian Renxue. Otherwise, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect might have stood a chance.
Another factor was the disparity in strength. The Spirit Hall dispatched a force of ten thousand soul masters, including four Title Douluos and a thousand soul masters from the lower four sects.
Don't underestimate the thousand soul masters from the lower four sects. These sect members generally had high soul power levels, including top-tier Soul Douluos like Huyan Zhen.
On the other hand, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect only had two Title Douluos: Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo. Bone Douluo had to focus entirely on protecting Ning Fengzhi, placing immense pressure on him, while Sword Douluo had to single-handedly face four Title Douluos.
In Yang Xiong's estimation, the combined strength of Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and Ning Fengzhi should have been enough to take on four Title Douluos, especially since none of the opposing Title Douluos were above level 95.
However, the battlefield was flooded with Spirit Hall soul masters, vastly outnumbering them. Ning Fengzhi was under constant attack, effectively neutralizing the sect's three core pillars. If Sword Douluo hadn't broken through at a critical moment, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would have been annihilated.
Now, the situation has changed. Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo had all significantly increased in strength, and Lin Gong, another Title Douluo, had joined their ranks. Their combat effectiveness and flexibility had greatly improved, with the only concern being the sheer number of enemies.
Moreover, Yang Xiong had prepared a contingency plan. Yunwu Mountain was only thirty kilometers away from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. There, he had stationed a thousand soul masters and a Title Douluo. In an emergency, the Title Douluo could arrive in ten minutes, and the thousand soul masters within half an hour. At that point, it wouldn't be about whether the Spirit Hall's ten thousand soul masters could win—it would be about how many of them could escape.
When Yang Xiong arrived at Ning Fengzhi's location, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and Ning Rongrong were all present.
With Yang Xiong's current status in the sect, he could come and go freely, even entering the sect's treasure vault at will.
Ning Fengzhi wore a pleased expression: "Little Xiong, you've finally returned. I've already heard from Uncle Sword about how you obtained your soul ring. I'm very proud of your growth."
Yang Xiong replied: "I must thank Teacher Sword Douluo for his help. Without him, I wouldn't have been able to obtain a hundred-thousand-year soul ring so easily."
"By the way, Sect Leader, these are some insights I gained during my recent travels. They might relate to our sect's situation and even its safety."
Ning Fengzhi appeared nonchalant: "Little Xiong, you're overthinking things. Our sect is currently thriving, reaching unprecedented heights in strength. With the defensive systems we've established outside the sect, there shouldn't be any issues."
Yang Xiong shook his head: "Sect Leader, though our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is powerful, we are far from reaching the heights of the former Hao Tian Sect. The Spirit Hall dared to confront the Hao Tian Sect back then, so sooner or later, they'll target us as well."
"Though our sect has developed well in recent years, the Spirit Hall has grown even faster. The gap in strength between us has widened."
Ning Fengzhi's expression turned serious: "Little Xiong, explain in detail. What anomalies have you discovered?"
Yang Xiong replied: "Sect Leader, you should know that I visited the Star Luo Empire a few years ago. Elders Bai He and Yang Wudi, among others, have certain channels of information there. The lower four sects—Sacred Dragon Sect, Black Tiger Sect, and Wind Sword Sect—have secretly aligned with the Spirit Hall. The Elephant Armor Sect has always been under the Spirit Hall's influence. This indicates that the Spirit Hall's strength is unprecedentedly formidable."
Ning Fengzhi was shocked: "I'm somewhat aware of the Elephant Armor Sect's situation. Though they operate covertly, I've managed to uncover some traces. As for the Sacred Dragon Sect, their distance made investigation impossible. I never expected such significant changes."
"If what you say is true, the Spirit Hall's strength is indeed formidable. Thankfully, the Elephant Armor Sect has suffered heavy losses in recent years and shouldn't pose too much of a threat. However, though Huyan Zhen has disappeared, they might resort to other schemes."
Yang Xiong quickly interjected: "Sect Leader, I've already killed Huyan Zhen. Alongside him, a Soul Douluo, three Soul Sages, and Huyan Li from the Elephant Armor Sect also perished."
Ning Fengzhi was stunned again: "Little Xiong, how could you possibly kill so many of them? Huyan Zhen had defense capabilities rivaling a Title Douluo and was considered the strongest below the Title Douluo level."
Yang Xiong chuckled: "It wasn't just me. I encountered Huyan Zhen and his group in Sunset Forest and lured them near Dugu Bo's medicinal garden. I killed Huyan Zhen, while the others were taken down by Elder Yang Wudi."
Ning Fengzhi nodded: "So Elder Yang Wudi intervened. That makes sense. His strength should be on par with Huyan Zhen, and with your newly acquired hundred-thousand-year soul ring, you were indeed capable of handling Huyan Zhen and his group."
"By the way, you cleaned up the scene thoroughly, right? After all, Huyan Zhen was backed by the Spirit Hall."
Yang Xiong replied: "The scene has been reduced to ashes. Even the Spirit Hall shouldn't be able to investigate."
"However, I believe the real threat is the Spirit Hall. In recent years, they've been biding their time. Even after Tang Hao caused chaos within their ranks years ago, they didn't capture him. Clearly, they're concealing their strength for a major move. Aside from our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, they shouldn't have any other targets."
Ning Fengzhi remained silent for a long time before speaking: "Little Xiong, I've long sensed what you're saying. Normally, even among the top three sects, we'd try to eliminate talented individuals from other sects. It's precisely because we felt the Spirit Hall's threat that we protected Tang San back then. The top three sects have reduced their conflicts in recent years; otherwise, the Spirit Hall would become overwhelmingly dominant."
"Besides the Spirit Hall's concealed strength, have you discovered anything else?"
Yang Xiong nodded: "Sect Leader, the Soul Master Tournament is held every five years, but it's been over four years since the last one. There's been no news about the next tournament, and even the reigning champions, the Spirit Hall, haven't announced anything. It's not that they lack talented individuals—it's that they don't want to reveal their strength further."
"Based on various signs, the Spirit Hall will likely make their move against us within the next three to five years."
Ning Fengzhi's expression darkened. After a long silence, he spoke: "Little Xiong, I've always clung to a sliver of hope, thinking the Spirit Hall wouldn't act against us so soon. It seems you're right. When the Spirit Hall strikes, they'll annihilate our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan with overwhelming force. At that point, no other sect will dare oppose them, and the soul master world will be dominated solely by them."
"Do you have any suggestions on how we should deal with the Spirit Hall? By the way, your understanding of their strength is still somewhat limited."
With that, Ning Fengzhi retrieved several thick books from his spirit-guiding tool. They contained vast amounts of information about the soul master world, primarily focusing on the Spirit Hall.
Yang Xiong opened the first book. The first page detailed Grand Elder Qian Daoliu of the Spirit Hall: his martial spirit, the Six-Winged Angel, and his level—99, a Limit Douluo.
Aside from recording Qian Daoliu's soul power level and biography, the book included details of numerous battles, making it arguably the most comprehensive record of Qian Daoliu, even analyzing his age clearly.
On the second page was Second Elder Jin E Douluo, with the martial spirit Golden Crocodile King, a 98-level Title Douluo.
As Yang Xiong flipped through the pages, his astonishment grew. He hadn't expected Ning Fengzhi to have such deep knowledge of the Spirit Hall. Clearly, there were spies from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect within the Spirit Hall.
Ning Fengzhi spoke somberly: "Little Xiong, these records cost the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect countless resources. Many of those mentioned have vanished without a trace in the soul master world."
"For example, Qian Daoliu and Jin E Douluo—these two haven't appeared in the soul master world for nearly fifty years. No one even knows if they're still alive."
"The other Worships are similar—they've disappeared from the soul master world for many years, their fates unknown."
"It's precisely because of these Worships that the Spirit Hall's depth remains unfathomable. Only the combined strength of the top three sects could hope to match them."
"And though that's what we say, the truth is we've only ever relied on one person. Unfortunately, this person has also been missing for fifty years."
With that, Ning Fengzhi opened another book. The first page bore only one name: Hao Tian Douluo Tang Chen.
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