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The Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was situated within the Tian Hun Empire.
And Nine Treasures City—its very own sovereign metropolis—stood as the sect's heart. Though its predecessor, Seven Treasures City, had been razed during the Spirit Hall's soul-hunting campaign ten thousand years ago, it was rebuilt after the war by that era's sect master and renamed "Nine Treasures."
Over the millennia, successive sect masters had continuously renovated and expanded the city, transforming it into the magnificent metropolis it was today—a seamless fusion of ancient grandeur and modern sophistication.
"Is this… Nine Treasures City!?"
Junting gazed out in awe. Towering walls of weathered stone rose from the plains, radiating an aura of timeless antiquity. Yet within those walls soared countless high-rises, their silhouettes sharp against the twilight sky. As night fell, ten thousand lights blazed to life, illuminating the city in a dazzling radiance that rivaled the stars above.
Broad stone-paved streets crisscrossed the urban expanse, some main avenues stretching over ten meters wide.
In this life, Junting had never witnessed such splendor.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Ye Xuanji stroked his white beard, amused by Junting's wonder. "This city was modeled after the Mingdu of the Sun-Moon Empire. I must say, thanks to soul-guidance devices, life has grown far more convenient. Among all the great powers of Douluo Continent, our sect has benefited the most."
Indeed, the advent of soul-guidance technology had granted support-type soul masters offensive and defensive capabilities on par with their battle-oriented peers—bolstering the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect with thousands of additional combat-ready soul masters.
"Master," Junting murmured, staring down at the glittering cityscape, "our sect is truly ahead of its time."
Looking down at the dazzling lights, Jun Ting couldn't help but secretly click his tongue. If he remembered correctly, these were all Soul Guidance Devices. Building such a city and equipping so many Soul Guidance Devices must cost a fortune in gold soul coins.
But then he recalled the sect's legendary reputation:
"Wealth rivaling empires!"
Ah. That explained everything.
*And soon, I'll be part of this… How incredible!*
"Heh. Our trade networks span two continents," Ye Xuanji chuckled lightly. "Adapting to the times is essential."
Beneath his feet, the Star Saint Sword accelerated, swiftly carrying them over the city gates and into the skies above Nine Treasures City.
Suddenly, Junting's hairs stood on end.
A wave of deathly pressure crashed over him—instinctive, primal.
Before he could react, Ye Xuanji produced a token, infused it with soul power, and projected a glowing sigil into the air. Instantly, the lethal aura vanished.
"That must've been Nine Treasures City's defensive array," Junting realized.
As he pondered, Ye Xuanji guided the sword to a gentle descent—because now, they had arrived at the true seat of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
At the center of the compound stood a nine-tiered pagoda, surrounded by grand palaces and pavilions arranged with exquisite harmony. Gilded roofs gleamed under the moonlight, yet elegance tempered their opulence. Courtyards stretched deep into the grounds, winding paths led through tranquil gardens, and meticulously pruned flora framed trickling streams and artfully placed rockeries—creating a paradise worthy of immortals.
After walking a short distance, two colossal statues loomed ahead, partially blocking the lantern light.
Each stood ten meters tall, carved from pristine marble, with eyes inlaid with finely cut jade that lent them startling lifelikeness.
Ye Xuanji halted here, offering a silent bow.
Junting followed suit. At first glance, he recognized the figures: one an elder gripping a sword, the other caressing a dragon. His mind raced with recognition.
"Master… these must be the Sword and Bone Douluos from ten thousand years ago."
"You've guessed correctly," Ye Xuanji confirmed.
"During the Three Gods' War ten millennia ago, our two ancestors sacrificed themselves to save Sea God Tang San. Their swords shattered, their bones broke—and they gave their lives. Their remains lie buried beneath these statues, honored by every generation of our sect. And these very statues were personally designed and overseen by our ancestor Ning Rongrong herself—crafted to mirror their true likenesses with astonishing fidelity."
Junting's eyes roamed over the sculptures.
The statue of Gu Rong appeared gaunt—sunken eyes, withered skin stretched over a frame of astonishing bone structure. Only a few sparse strands of hair clung to his scalp. His eerie, knowing smile and the coiled Bone Dragon martial soul wrapped around him perfectly captured the Bone Douluo's cunning, unpredictable nature.
'Truly a masterful recreation!'
By contrast, the statue of Sword Douluo Chen Xin radiated noble grace. Flowing robes, long hair cascading over his shoulders, a face of refined handsomeness—he resembled a celestial sword immortal descended to the mortal realm. In his hand, the Seven Kill Sword proclaimed an aura of unrivaled supremacy.
Yet both statues shared two key traits:
They faced inward—toward the sect—symbolizing eternal guardianship.
And in their jade-inlaid eyes, a gentle, almost paternal warmth shone through.
"Come," Ye Xuanji said. "Let's go meet the Sect Master."
They headed toward the Grand Council Hall.
But Junting noticed something odd: aside from these two statues, he'd seen no others. Did the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School not worship the two Gods, Ning Rongrong and Oscar?
He finally asked as they reached the hall's entrance.
Before Ye Xuanji could answer—
"Because that was their own decree."
The great doors swung open, and a gentle voice drifted out.
Junting looked inside. Eight figures sat within the hall. The speaker was the man seated at the center of the northern wall—a man in his forties, with a face fair as jade, straight nose, square jaw, and an aura of serene refinement. Dressed in spotless white robes, his long black hair flowed freely down his back, utterly unpretentious—yet radiating quiet authority.
"Greetings, Sect Master," Junting bowed immediately upon recognizing him.
Ning Bowen, Sect Master of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, regarded the prodigy before him with open admiration. "Truly a heavenly talent—a peerless jewel among mortals."
After a slight nod, he turned to Ye Xuanji with a warm smile. "Congratulations, Uncle Ye, on gaining such an outstanding disciple."
"Heh heh! Mutual joy, mutual joy," Ye Xuanji replied, stroking his beard with evident pride.
The other seven elders also offered their congratulations. Through brief introductions, Junting learned their identities—and his respect for the sect deepened.
Eight Grand Elders… eight Title Douluos!
- Chief Elder Ye Xuanji, Level 97 Star Sword Douluo, martial soul: Star Saint Sword
- Second Elder Zhi Yong, Level 96 Sky Azure Douluo, martial soul: Sky Azure Vine
- Third Elder Wu Yan, Level 95 Crimson Dragon Douluo, martial soul: Crimson Dragon
- Fourth Elder Bai Sheng, Level 95 Heavenly Furnace Douluo, martial soul: Starry Furnace
- Fifth Elder Zhang Ming, Level 94 Demon Illusion Douluo, martial soul: Dream Demon
- Sixth Elder Tai Yu, Level 93 Thousand-Pound Douluo, martial soul: Vigorous Orangutan
- Seventh Elder Yang Zihan, Level 93 Soul Breaking Douluo, martial soul: Soul Breaking Spear
- Eighth Elder Qing Lan, Level 92 Qing Luan Douluo, martial soul: Qing Heaven Luan
The sheer might of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect left Junting breathless.
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