Upon hearing this, Chu Chengzhou shook his head and said, "Uncle Ning, this is a family-secret technique and is not for sale."
After some thought, Chu Chengzhou felt that outright refusal wasn't appropriate, so he continued, "Forging is a vast field of study. Even if you obtain the secret method, ordinary craftsmen would find it difficult to reach the Spirit-Refining level, let alone even the Thousand-Refining level one step below.
Forging requires immense talent—not just intellectual aptitude but also a certain level of soul power cultivation on the part of the blacksmith.
Compared to soul masters, blacksmithing is considered a lowly profession. How many soul masters are willing to take up blacksmithing? And among those, how many possess the necessary forging talent?
Additionally, possessing the secret method alone isn't enough—practice is required. I'm very busy with cultivation and don't intend to waste time teaching others."
Ning Fengzhi hadn't expected Chu Chengzhou to refuse so firmly. As the saying goes, "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." Naturally, he understood this principle.
The Spirit-Forged armor was excellent and powerful, but since Chu Chengzhou wouldn't sell the secret method, and the price Xiao Wu had mentioned was exorbitant, even if he were willing to splurge, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Sect would still have to rely on Chu Chengzhou in the future.
"Then, nephew, would you be willing to sell your Spirit-Forged armor? If so, at what price? Also, I'd like to ask—are you still in possession of the Beautiful Silk Tulip and the Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia? If you do have them, I am willing to exchange for them at any cost!"
Ning Fengzhi probed further.
If the forging secret couldn't be bought, purchasing the Spirit-Forged armor at an acceptable price wasn't out of the question since its effects were indeed remarkable.
Of course, compared to the Spirit-Forged armor, he valued the Beautiful Silk Tulip and the Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia more.
His beloved daughter's martial soul had evolved into the Nine-Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda due to the Beautiful Silk Tulip, and his own martial soul had transformed into the Eight-Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda thanks to the Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia, breaking through martial soul limitations and advancing to an eight-ring Soul Douluo. Unsurprisingly, Ning Fengzhi was eager to acquire these two treasures.
After all, he wasn't alone—he had the entire Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Sect behind him!
Though the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda had flaws, it was still a top-tier martial soul. Those who awakened this martial soul generally possessed decent cultivation talent. The sect wasn't lacking auxiliary-type Soul Sages restricted by their martial souls' limitations, just like Ning Fengzhi himself in the past.
"I no longer have the Beautiful Silk Tulip or the Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia. As for the Spirit-Forged armor, Uncle Ning, to be honest, I don't want to sell it.
Forging takes time, and my need for wealth isn't great. However, if Uncle Ning desires it, as long as there are materials available, I can craft a few sets for free."
Shaking his head, Chu Chengzhou replied.
Gold spirit coins were external possessions. His cheat system didn't follow a pay-to-win model, so accumulating them held little value for him.
As for the Beautiful Silk Tulip, even if it could regrow from its remaining roots, it would take ten thousand years.
And the Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia? Even under the prime conditions of the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Eye, growing a ten-thousand-year Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia would require over a thousand years.
Such a lengthy period was unfeasible for anyone except immortal beings with endless lifespans.
Seeing Chu Chengzhou practically flaunting his indifference to money, Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but frown.
Good grief! Today's visit to Chu Chengzhou, aside from expressing gratitude, had achieved nothing?
"Fengzhi, why don't we just kidnap this brat back! Once he's in our hands, he'll surely cooperate," Chen Xin whispered to Ning Fengzhi.
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi slightly shook his head.
Our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Sect stands upright (self-praise). We aren't some evil soul master faction—how could we harm someone who has done favors for the sect?
After some thought, Ning Fengzhi glanced at his beloved daughter and whispered to Chu Chengzhou, "Boy, I know about your relationship with Rongrong. Tell me, how much for your Spirit-Forged armor?"
Ning Fengzhi intended to bluff Chu Chengzhou.
As the saying goes, "He who is overly kind without reason is either cunning or stealing!"
Though unclear about the exact nature of Chu Chengzhou's relationship with his daughter, Ning Fengzhi was certain there was some connection beyond mere classmate friendship.
Otherwise, why would this young man have his beloved daughter deliver the Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia to him?
Instantly, Chu Chengzhou's pupils contracted.
Did Ning Fengzhi, Rongrong's father, know about his relationship with her?
Impossible! Even Xiao Wu didn't know—how could Ning Fengzhi?
Could it be that Ning Rongrong had slipped up?
Thinking this way, Chu Chengzhou looked at Ning Rongrong.
Ning Rongrong: "???"
Seeing Chu Chengzhou looking at her, Ning Rongrong was puzzled and could only offer a smile.
"Uncle Ning, don't make assumptions! Rongrong and I are just classmates—I have a girlfriend!"
Chu Chengzhou responded telepathically.
Upon hearing Chu Chengzhou's telepathic message, Ning Fengzhi's expression turned serious.
Soul power telepathy was common among soul masters—it was merely a small skill in soul power application. But for a three-ring Soul Elder like Chu Chengzhou to possess such control? Impressive!
"Is that so? Then I must have misunderstood! By the way, I plan to arrange a marriage between Rongrong and a talented disciple within the sect—she doesn't know yet, so don't mention it. However, nephew, you must attend the banquet when the time comes!"
Ning Fengzhi smiled.
One scheme having failed, Ning Fengzhi tried another.
If there was any romantic interest between them, his statement would surely provoke a reaction from Chu Chengzhou.
Chu Chengzhou: "…"
You doting father, dare you arrange Rongrong's marriage without her knowledge?
Even if Rongrong says a single word against it, the two doting grandfathers, Sword and Bone Douluos, will never let you off!
"Uncle Ning, stop bluffing me. Just tell me your price—if it's reasonable, I'll make the deal."
Realizing Ning Fengzhi's determination to acquire the Spirit-Forged armor, Chu Chengzhou felt it inappropriate to refuse further.
"Ten thousand gold spirit coins per set!"
Ning Fengzhi nodded and communicated telepathically.
"I'll give you ten sets for free—no charge!"
Chu Chengzhou rolled his eyes. Ten thousand gold spirit coins per set? Are you kidding me?
"Then how much do you want?"
"At least a million!"
Clicking his tongue, Chu Chengzhou replied.
Ning Fengzhi frowned. Though this price was more reasonable compared to five million, it was still too expensive.
Consider this: the sect had several hundred direct disciples who awakened the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul.
If each received a set of Spirit-Forged armor, it would amount to billions of gold spirit coins!
"Boy, listen to your Uncle Ning's advice—don't be too greedy. I'm Rongrong's father, think carefully!"
Ning Fengzhi said solemnly, emphasizing his role as Rongrong's father.
A threat! A blatant threat!
Chu Chengzhou felt threatened!
Was Ning Fengzhi implying that if the armor was priced too high, he wouldn't give away his daughter?
After a moment of contemplation, Chu Chengzhou responded, "Look at me forgetting myself, Uncle Ning. I misspoke earlier—Rongrong and I are very close friends. How could I charge you? Here's the deal: I'll craft a hundred sets of armor for free!"
Chu Chengzhou didn't intend to accept money. Gold spirit coins held little use for him, whereas letting Ning Fengzhi owe him another favor would justify his future demand for his daughter.
Surprised, Ning Fengzhi raised his eyebrows. This money-grubber was refusing payment?
"Free armor won't do! Boy, I'll give you ten million gold spirit coins as a service fee!"
Ning Fengzhi dared not accept free armor. Having developed the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Sect successfully, he understood the principle that there was no such thing as a free lunch!
"Uncle Ning, don't sully my noble soul with filthy money! I said no charge means no charge!"
Chu Chengzhou resolutely declined.
Do I look like I care about ten million gold spirit coins?
If you, Ning Fengzhi, accept my free armor, wouldn't Sword and Bone Douluos protect me in the future? If enemies come after me, wouldn't your Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Sect stand behind me? When I come to claim your daughter, would you dare to make things difficult for me?
"Boy, how can you say you have no relationship with Rongrong?"
Ning Fengzhi was furious. You refuse ten million gold spirit coins and still claim you're not eyeing my beloved daughter?
"Just tell me whether you want these hundred sets of armor or not!"
Chu Chengzhou didn't intend to continue playing around with Ning Fengzhi. If he didn't want the Spirit-Forged armor, fine—his little devil had already taken shape. Even if a certain father wanted to separate them, it wouldn't work.
Ning Fengzhi: "..."
Good grief! Am I being manipulated here?
"Dad, why are you and Senior Chu staring at each other?"
At this moment, Ning Rongrong asked curiously.
Chu Chengzhou: "..."
Ning Fengzhi: "..."
"Nephew, Principal Liu mentioned that your strength is commendable. Let my sword uncle guide you!"
Ignoring his daughter's curiosity, Ning Fengzhi directly stated.
Little brat, trying to manipulate me? You're not qualified yet! I'll have Sword Uncle teach you a lesson first.
"Cough cough, Uncle Ning, don't believe Principal Erlong's nonsense—I'm an auxiliary-type soul master, not skilled in combat."
Chu Chengzhou hastily waved his hand in refusal.
Are you kidding? Don't I know that this so-called guidance is punishment?
If you send a five-ring Soul King, that's acceptable. But a Titled Douluo? Forget it—I don't have a masochistic streak.
"Auxiliary?"
Ning Fengzhi looked at Chu Chengzhou in shock.
According to the intelligence he gathered earlier, this guy's soul skill effect was summoning soul beasts. That white lion could beat even higher-level opponents like Dai Mubai. How dare you call yourself an auxiliary?
"Exactly! I don't have offensive or defensive soul skills. My martial soul's power lies entirely in the summoned creatures, making me an auxiliary-type soul master."
Chu Chengzhou said earnestly.
Ning Fengzhi: "..."
This youngster truly has no shame!
Half an hour later, Ning Fengzhi left Lan Ba Academy with Chen Xin.
Clan Leader Ning remained steadfast—those hundred free sets of Spirit-Forged armor, he refused.
Joke! If he accepted, wouldn't that be selling his daughter?
I, Ning Fengzhi, will never sell my beloved daughter!
Today's visit to Lan Ba Academy, apart from expressing gratitude to Chu Chengzhou, achieved none of its other purposes. However, upon leaving, Ning Fengzhi showed no sign of disappointment.
As long as this young man still harbors feelings for my beloved daughter, the forging secret and other things will eventually fall into the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Sect's hands.
Having a girlfriend and still wanting my daughter? Wait until you become a top-tier powerhouse on the continent and pay the bride price!
That way, the forging secret will naturally be ours.
If he has no relationship with my daughter, or they break up?
Heh, then I won't need to consider my daughter's feelings anymore. I'll kidnap him to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Sect—then he'll be at my mercy!
---
In the afternoon, at Lan Ba Academy.
Liu Erlong, Flender, and Zhao Wuji stood on the playground, proudly observing the seven spirited individuals before them.
Xiao Wu, Level 45 Offensive Soul Ancestor.
Chu Chengzhou, Level 37 Auxiliary Soul Elder.
Ning Rongrong, Level 36 Auxiliary Soul Elder.
Zhu Zhuqing, Level 37 Agile Offensive Soul Elder.
Oscar, Level 37 Food Soul Elder.
Ma Hongjun, Level 34 Offensive Soul Elder.
Dai Mubai, Level 38 Offensive Soul Elder.
In the past half month, Chu Chengzhou and Xiao Wu each advanced one soul power level, reaching Level 45 Soul Ancestor and Level 37 Soul Elder respectively.
On the surface, the oldest among the seven were Chu Chengzhou and Xiao Wu at 18 years old, followed by Dai Mubai at 16, and the youngest was Zhu Zhuqing at 13.
However, Liu Erlong and Flender knew the truth: Chu Chengzhou was 14, and Xiao Wu was 13. Thus, the eldest was 16, and the youngest was 13, yet their soul power levels were at least three rings, with one four-ring.
Looking back at previous Soul Master Competitions, a team with one Soul Ancestor and six Soul Elders was considered strong.
The reason it was merely "strong" was due to the competition's age limit of 25 years. Chu Chengzhou and his group were far below this limit.
Moreover, with nearly a year until the next competition, barring unforeseen circumstances, Chu Chengzhou and Dai Mubai would undoubtedly advance to Soul Ancestors.
By then, while championship wasn't guaranteed, qualifying for the finals would be no problem.
What Flender and Liu Erlong didn't know was that, excluding Xiao Wu and Dai Mubai, the other five had consumed immortal herbs, making their cultivation speeds defy conventional expectations.
Excluding Ma Hongjun, whose soul power was relatively low, by the time of the competition, Lan Ba Academy's lineup would consist of at least six Soul Ancestors and one Soul Elder.
By the final stages, the team could potentially comprise one Soul King and six Soul Ancestors.
If possible, Chu Chengzhou didn't wish to team up with Dai Mubai for the Soul Master Competition. Unfortunately, Lan Ba Academy wasn't under his control. With Dai Mubai's strength—even without consuming immortal herbs—he could occupy one of the team's seven main slots.
"Cough"
Liu Erlong cleared her throat, stepped forward, and said, "You all likely know that the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition will begin in about a year.
Previously, I learned from Flender that although you've had experience in large-soul arena battles, most were one-on-one duels or two-on-two fights, lacking team battle experience.
Therefore, I've decided to provide you with professional team battle training over the next year. Zhu Zhuqing, step forward!"
"Yes!"
Zhu Zhuqing took a step forward.
"As far as I know, your Netherworld Spirit Cat martial soul can form a spirit fusion skill, 'Netherworld White Tiger,' with Dai Mubai's White Tiger martial soul. Can you two use it?
If possible, this would undoubtedly be one of our academy's trump cards in the competition."
Liu Erlong asked curiously.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing calmly glanced at Dai Mubai, then addressed Liu Erlong, "Principal Erlong, not every Netherworld Spirit Cat soul master can form a spirit fusion skill with a White Tiger soul master—it's only a possibility. Instances of fusion skills are rare."
The implication was clear: they couldn't.
"Is that so?"
Liu Erlong raised her eyebrows, though Zhu Zhuqing's response was within her expectations.
After all, they were practically strangers. A spirit fusion skill occurring would be miraculous.
"Principal Erlong, rest assured. Even without a spirit fusion skill, we'll win this competition's championship!"
At this moment, Chu Chengzhou confidently declared.
"Don't get cocky just because you're somewhat strong. The continent breeds genius soul masters. In previous competitions, there have been participants at the Soul King level."
Liu Erlong scolded.
The numerous advanced soul master academies across the continent were cradles of strength, encompassing most of the continent's talented soul masters.
With a large base of geniuses, a few reaching Soul King before age 25 was inevitable.
Especially the Spirit Hall, which typically had Soul King participants in every competition.
Facing Liu Erlong's lecture, Chu Chengzhou didn't refute her.
She was right. In this upcoming competition, the Spirit Hall would send a trio known as the 'Golden Generation,' each at the Soul King level.
Most importantly, these three Soul Kings weren't ordinary Soul Kings. Team leader Xie Yue and his sister Hu Liena could unleash spirit fusion skills.
When two Soul Kings combined their spirit fusion skills, their combat power increased by at least one major rank, surpassing most Soul Emperors.
However, despite the formidable opponents, Chu Chengzhou wasn't worried.
If everything went according to plan, by then he'd possess a ten-thousand-year Dark Golden Terror Claw Bear summon. Specifically, it would exceed ten thousand years.
In his plans, the Dark Golden Terror Claw Bear summon would be one of his biggest trump cards in terms of early strength.
Until the summon reached ten thousand years or his body couldn't handle higher-level soul rings, he'd keep the bear summon continuously leveling in the background.
With the Dark Golden Terror Claw Bear's strength, even titled Douluos would avoid its wrath. Even if the opponent had spirit fusion skills, rivaling the best below emperor-level soul masters, victory would be assured!
Chu Chengzhou: The advantage is mine!
"Alright, enough talk.
I've decided that, starting now until the Soul Master Competition begins, every three days, Vice Principal Zhao Wuji and I will alternate conducting live combat training for you."
Clapping her hands, Liu Erlong announced.
Team battle experience was simple—just practice more.
Including herself as principal, the academy had four Soul Sages.
Excluding Shao Xin, the food-type Soul Sage with little combat ability, the rest were experienced and capable soul masters who could point out these youngsters' shortcomings.
Considering Flender could fly, and both sides' powers were already unequal, plus Chu Chengzhou's group lacked effective countermeasures against high-level flying soul masters, Liu Erlong excluded Flender. Otherwise, it would be a one-sided massacre.
"Principal Erlong, we'll fight against you and Teacher Zhao?"
Upon hearing that the future team training opponents would be Liu Erlong and Zhao Wuji alternating, Xiao Wu immediately widened her eyes.
Are you overestimating us?
We're just one Soul Ancestor and six Soul Elders. Do you really call this team training, or collective punishment?
"Rest assured, Teacher Zhao and I will control our strength and won't use soul skills above the fifth ring."
Waving her hand dismissively, Liu Erlong reassured them.
Before Xiao Wu could speak again, Liu Erlong cut her off, saying, "Alright, prepare yourselves. Today's training will be led by Teacher Zhao!"
"Lao Zhao, give these youngsters a taste of your power, knock their arrogance down."
Liu Erlong telepathically instructed Zhao Wuji.
She understood that geniuses were proud. For the first team training, she didn't expect any significant gains—first, knock down these youngsters' pride.
Hearing this, Zhao Wuji grinned maliciously and nodded.
Bullying students was something he loved doing!
---
On the playground.
After selecting a captain via a show of hands (Chu Chengzhou: Who else but me?), and briefly discussing tactics, Chu Chengzhou and the others released their martial souls, yellow and purple soul rings glowing.
" Vigorous Vajra Bear, possess!"
Taking a few steps forward, Zhao Wuji's martial soul activated, his already muscular physique swelling further, seven soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black—glowing.
"Little ones, come on!"
Pounding his exceptionally solid chest muscles, Zhao Wuji bared his teeth, beckoning Chu Chengzhou's group with a finger, full of malice.
"First soul skill, summon: Sky Azure Tree.
Second soul skill, summon: Light Lion.
Third soul skill, summon: Fire Phoenix."
As soul power surged, Chu Chengzhou's three soul rings lit up consecutively. With a wave of his banner, a tree, a lion, and a phoenix suddenly materialized.
"Xiao Wu, Zhuqing, Fatty, Big White (Da Bai), Little Red (Xiao Hong), Little White (Xiao Bai), go!"
Pointing his banner at Zhao Wuji, Chu Chengzhou began issuing orders.
As for the Sky Azure Tree summon, Xiao Qing (Little Azure)? She was a healer, unsuited for frontline combat, better staying in the back to heal teammates and protect auxiliary units.
Dai Mubai: ??? Am I Big White?
Glancing at the five-meter-long Light Lion beside him, Dai Mubai felt calling him Little White was... Suitable my ass! I am Dai Mubai, not Little White, nor Big White!
------------------------------------------------------
Double Chapters Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)