Just as Ye Yin and his companions left the Yin Feng Territory and began their journey toward the border of the Star Luo Empire, a different kind of conversation was taking place miles away.
Within the grand, elegant main hall of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's castle, the soft scent of sandalwood incense filled the air. Sect Master Ning Fengzhi, dressed in a simple white robe that accented his refined demeanor, sat in the main seat, carefully reviewing a thick report. To his side, Sword Douluo Chen Xin stood silently, his eyes closed as he embraced his longsword. Across from him, Bone Douluo Gu Rong was leaned back lazily in his chair.
"Fengzhi, have you seen the latest briefing from the southwest?" Gu Rong was the first to break the silence, a half-smile playing on his lips. "That precious grandson-in-law of yours has stirred up quite a commotion again."
Ning Fengzhi set the report down and rubbed his temples. A complex smile, a mixture of relief and headache, appeared on his face. "I've seen it. It's much more than just a small commotion…" He tapped the report lightly. "In just a few months, he has completely integrated four cities, won the hearts of the people, established a new military force, and opened up trade. What's even more unbelievable is that the innate talent of newborns in the region has generally increased, and he even managed to form the Yin Feng Guard—an entire troop composed of Spirit Masters. Such methods, and at such a speed... it's nothing short of a miracle."
Chen Xin slowly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them. "Integrating cities, developing the populace, and training an army… these things are difficult, but not impossible with the full backing of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. But enabling ordinary people to have children with spirit power, and forming a Spirit Master army in such a short time? That's beyond any normal means." His gaze was as sharp as a sword's edge. "Those special meat soups and new candies are probably the key. This Ye Yin has more secrets than we imagined."
Gu Rong chuckled and sat up straight. "More than secrets? It's downright unnatural! I've lived a long life, and I've never heard of a bowl of soup or a piece of candy that can make people utterly devoted to you, let alone help women give birth to talented babies! Everyone talks about 'force-feeding chicken soup,' but this is the first time I've seen it actually work."
"Putting the methods aside, the results are far more beneficial than they are harmful," Chen Xin interjected, a rare hint of appreciation in his tone. "A completely loyal Spirit Master army and several cities full of devoted people with limitless potential—this is strategically significant for our school's position in the southwest. The chaotic times are coming, and strength is the only thing that matters. Ye Yin's actions, while risky, have forged a solid barrier for our school, and for the Heaven Dou Empire. As for his methods… extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. As long as he doesn't use them to harm innocent people, we don't need to be overly critical."
Ning Fengzhi nodded in agreement. "Well said. The continent is in turmoil. His Majesty the Emperor granted those four fiefdoms to them precisely so they could act as a buffer against the Star Luo Empire and the southern duchies. At the same time, he didn't want them to grow too powerful. As it turns out, Ye Yin has achieved His Majesty's objective perfectly."
After leaving Shi Jian in charge of the four cities' defenses and Dugu Bo to oversee the central command, the group of seven—Ye Yin, Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, Tang San, and Dugu Yan—set off. They traveled in a modified carriage, built to be more robust and comfortable for the long journey, escorted by a team of twenty of the most elite Yin Feng Guard cavalry. They quietly left the Yin Feng Territory and headed towards the Star Luo Empire.
Although Dugu Bo could not accompany them, he gave Ye Yin several newly developed poisons as a parting gift, cautioning him to use them carefully.
The convoy traveled south along a newly planned trade route, making the journey much smoother than when they had first arrived. However, the closer they got to the Star Luo Empire's border, the more somber the atmosphere became. Merchant caravans they passed on the road were heavily guarded, and the travelers they saw wore vigilant expressions.
One evening, the convoy arrived at the last sizable town on the border between the two empires: Black Stone Town. The town was named for the black rock commonly found nearby, and most of its buildings were constructed from it, giving them a rugged, imposing style. It was an important stop for merchants and travelers, a place where all sorts of people mingled.
The convoy stopped in front of the town's only major establishment, the Black Stone Tavern, planning to rest for the night before officially crossing into the Star Luo Empire the next day. The tavern was bustling with noise, filled with the mixed scents of ale, roasted meat, and sweat. Mercenaries, merchants, and adventurers packed the hall, laughing loudly and exchanging news.
The arrival of Ye Yin's group immediately drew countless gazes. Their distinguished attire and noble bearing, along with their formidable guards, made them stand out in the rough border town. The exquisite beauty of Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, and Dugu Yan, in particular, caused many patrons to stare, their eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and greed.
Dai Mubai snorted coldly. His evil eyes swept across the room, and the powerful aura he released caused some of the more ill-intentioned onlookers to quickly look away. Ye Yin's expression remained calm as he found a relatively quiet corner for his group to sit, ordering some food and drinks. The Yin Feng Guard spread out around them, subtly forming a protective circle as their sharp eyes scanned their surroundings.
After a few rounds of drinks, several men dressed as mercenaries at a nearby table began to speak louder as the alcohol took effect.
"Have you guys heard? There's been a lot going on in the Star Luo Empire lately!" a scar-faced man said, lowering his voice, though it was still easily audible to any Spirit Master.
"Yeah! Prince Dai Weisi was seriously injured somehow a while back. After he returned, he flew into a rage and is apparently purging all of his opponents!"
"The Zhu family is in an uproar, too. I heard Zhu Zhuyun has locked herself away since she got back, and the family's internal struggles are getting intense!"
"Hmph, it's all because of that Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing, isn't it? I heard they made Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun lose a huge amount of face during the Continental Tournament!"
"Hehe, more than just a loss. I heard from a merchant caravan that Prince Dai Weisi was practically carried back, and Zhu Zhuyun seemed to have suffered a huge shock…"
"Hiss… Are Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing really that powerful? Weren't they exiled?"
"Times change! I heard they found a powerful backer… Shrek Academy, was it? And they have an extremely wicked captain…"
At the mention of their names, Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing both tightened their grips on their cups, their eyes turning cold. Ye Yin lightly tapped the table, signaling for them to remain calm.
Another, smaller mercenary took a big swig of wine and added mysteriously, "More than just wicked! I have a distant cousin who works in Spirit Hall, and he told me that during that tournament… tsk tsk, Prince Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun were almost beaten to death by their own people! And… and they suffered that kind of humiliation in public!"
"What kind of humiliation?" someone else asked curiously.
"Can't say, can't say…" the skinny mercenary said, waving his hands, though a lewd smile spread across his face. "It's the kind where the younger brother messed around with the older brother's wife. Anyway, the Star Luo royal family and the Zhu family have completely lost face! Now, Prince Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun have become total laughingstocks!"
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