Chapter 24: Tang Hao Meets Ning FengzhiThe two days that followed settled into a strange, bifurcated rhythm at Shrek Academy. Two distinct philosophies of power were being forged in parallel under the same unforgiving sun, creating a quiet but palpable schism within the small student body.
On one side were the Shrek Six Monsters, subjected to the relentless, rigid tutelage of Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang. His methods were stripped of all flair, focusing on the brutal, grinding basics. There were no more spontaneous punishments or public humiliations; that initial display had served its purpose of establishing his absolute authority. Now, it was simply about work.
They ran with heavy baskets of rocks on their backs. They hiked up and down the surrounding hills with weights strapped to their ankles. They performed endless sets of push-ups, squats, and sit-ups until their muscles screamed in protest. Yu Xiaogang's focus was clear: he was building their physical foundation and, more importantly, forcing them to rely on each other.
He observed their progress with a quiet, analytical satisfaction. He saw the way Tang San would instinctively slow his pace to match a wheezing Ma Hongjun, in the way Xiao Wu would offer a word of encouragement to a flagging Oscar. When Dai Mubai's arrogance flared, a single, grueling group exercise would remind him that his success was tied to the others. They were becoming a team.
The only outlier, the single discordant note in his carefully composed symphony, was Zhu Zhuqing. She performed every task with a cold, silent efficiency, never complaining, never falling behind. But she remained aloof, a solitary island in their sea of growing camaraderie.
Yu Xiaogang noted her resistance, particularly towards Dai Mubai. Even during team exercises that required physical contact, she would recoil at his slightest touch, her expression turning to one of deep-seated revulsion. The Grandmaster, in his infinite theoretical wisdom, attributed this to a simple lover's quarrel, a spat between fiancés that was hindering team cohesion.
'A temporary problem,' he concluded with his usual arrogance. 'Her childish emotions are getting in the way of optimal team dynamics. But under my guidance, through structured interaction and shared hardship, she will come to understand her duty to her partner and her team. It is simply a matter of applying the correct psychological pressure. I will fix it.'
He was, as usual, completely and utterly wrong.
On the other side of the academy, in a world far removed from punishment runs and forced cohesion, a different kind of training was taking place. Zhang Tian's methods were a stark contrast to the Grandmaster's blunt-force approach. They were creative, tailored, and intellectually demanding.
For these two days, he set aside the intense gravity training, allowing Ning Rongrong's body time to recover and adapt. Instead, he focused on sharpening her mind.
"A support master's greatest weapon is not her spirit power," he told her as they stood in a quiet, sun-dappled clearing on the first morning. "It's information. Your ability to process a chaotic battlefield and make the right decision in an instant is what will keep you and your team alive. To do that, you need to develop a habit of constant, active observation."
His training was deceptively simple. As they walked through the woods, he would suddenly stop and ask, "Rongrong, what color was the bird that just flew past?" or "How many yellowing leaves are on that specific branch to our left?"
At first, she was bewildered. "What? I don't know! Why would I be looking at that?"
"Because you should be looking at everything," he replied patiently. "Every detail, no matter how insignificant it seems, is a piece of data. The color of a bird could tell you the season, the type of predator in the area. The state of the leaves could tell you about the health of the forest, the presence of blighted soil, or a plant-type spirit beast nearby."
He had her spend an hour each day simply sitting and watching a single patch of forest floor, and then describe every insect she saw, every blade of grass that swayed, every shadow that moved. He was instilling in her the art of observation, forcing her mind to become a sponge, constantly absorbing and cataloging her surroundings.
"Any piece of information can become a life-saving advantage if it's used correctly at the right time," he explained. "Train your mind to see the world not as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing database."
While she trained her mind, he trained her body with the same creative flair. He set up complex agility courses with his vines, but now he added a new layer. He would hang small, different-colored bells throughout the course.
"As you run," he instructed, "I will call out a color. You must strike that bell before moving on. It will train your ability to identify and react to a target while under physical duress."
Ning Rongrong found herself working harder than ever before, but it didn't feel like a punishment. It felt like a series of challenging games. She saw Zhang Tian practicing his own routines nearby, his movements a blur of grace and power as he drilled the strange footwork which seemed similar to Tang San's footwork. This was only natural as this was the 'Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track.' His dedication was a silent motivator. Seeing him push himself to his limits, sweat glistening on his brow, made her want to work harder, to not fall behind, to prove she was worthy of his unique tutelage.
After their physical conditioning, they would move on to spirit power control.
"I'm sure your sect has its own special methods for controlling spirit power," Zhang Tian said as they sat facing each other. "And I'm certain they are excellent. My method is a little different. It's less about raw control and more about… responsive multitasking."
Ning Rongrong nodded, a flicker of pride in her eyes. 'He's right. My Seven Treasure Glaze Tile Sect has the Heart Separation Control method. It's the foundation of our power.' She was currently at the Three Aperture Governing Heart level, able to simultaneously apply three different buffs to three different targets. But the next stage, the Four Aperture Constant Heart, felt like an insurmountable wall. She didn't mention this to him, seeing no reason to reveal her sect's secrets.
Zhang Tian, blissfully unaware of the Heart Separation Control technique, began his exercise. He didn't ask her to do four things at once; he knew that would be a recipe for failure and frustration. Instead, he made it a game.
Four small, glowing orbs of blood-red grass, each a different, vibrant color—red, blue, yellow, and green—materialized in the air before her. They began to drift and weave in slow, random patterns.
"Alright, Rongrong," he said, a playful smile on his face. "This is simple. Each color corresponds to one of your buffs. Red for Strength, Blue for Agility, Yellow for Spirit Power, and Green for Defense. I will call out a sequence of colors. Your job is to apply the correct buff to the correct colored orb, in the order I call it. Ready?"
She nodded, intrigued.
"Blue, Red, Green," he said.
She focused, her spirit power flaring. Her Seven Treasure Glaze Tile Pagoda appeared, and three rays of light shot out. A blue ray hit the blue orb, a red ray hit the red one, and a green ray hit the green one. Success.
"Good," he praised. "Now, a bit faster. Yellow, Red, Blue, Green."
The orbs began to move a little faster, their paths crossing. It was harder now. She had to track four moving targets, remember the sequence, recall the correct buff, and execute it accurately. She missed the green orb on her first try, the ray of light sailing past it.
"Don't get frustrated," he said calmly. "Clear your mind. Just react. See the target, apply the buff. Let's try again."
They continued this game for over an hour. He would change the speed of the orbs, the complexity of the sequences. It was mentally and spiritually exhausting, but it was also incredibly fun. She found herself laughing when she missed, her determination doubling with each attempt.
It was during one particularly complex sequence—"Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, Red!"—that she felt it. A faint, almost imperceptible 'click' in her mind. As she tracked the five commands, her spirit power splitting and flowing with a new, instinctive ease, she felt the barrier to the Four Aperture Constant Heart tremble. It hadn't broken, but for the first time, she could feel a pathway through it. She felt that if she continued this unique training, breaking through was not a matter of 'if', but 'when'.
A profound shock washed over her, momentarily breaking her concentration.
'How is this possible?' she thought, staring at Zhang Tian with wide, disbelieving eyes. 'The Heart Separation Control is a core technique of my sect! Its cultivation methods have been refined over generations! And he… without even knowing it exists, he created a training game that directly addresses the core difficulty of mastering it? He's helping me cultivate my clan's secret art better than my own clan's methods!'
The realization was staggering. Her admiration for him, already immense, deepened into a kind of awe. He wasn't just a genius; he was a monster of intellect and creativity, a completely different species from the dogmatic Grandmaster.
While she trained, Zhang Tian's own progress was relentless. The continuous, passive flow of life force from his domain was channeled directly into his physical body, tempering his muscles, strengthening his bones, and increasing his resilience. His familiarity with the Tang Sect techniques grew with every passing hour of practice. The Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track was no longer a clumsy imitation; it was becoming a second skin, allowing him to move with an eerie, unpredictable grace.
But his greatest breakthrough came during his nightly cultivation. Fueled by the immense energy drawn from his domain and refined by the fire hydrant of his devouring ability, his Mysterious Heaven Skill roared to life. On the second night, he felt the pathways of the first level give way to a new, more complex circuit. He had reached the second stage. His spirit power underwent another qualitative leap in purity and density.
Though the past two days hadn't resulted in a leap in his spirit rank, the foundation of his power had become terrifyingly solid. He was a coiled spring, gathering immense potential, ready to be unleashed.
On the night of the second day, as the moon once again cast its silver glow over the academy, three figures arrived at the dilapidated entrance. They moved with an aura of power so immense, so profound, that the very air around them seemed to vibrate with respect.
The man in the center was middle-aged, with a gentle, scholarly face and an air of refined elegance that seemed utterly at odds with the shabby surroundings. This was Ning Fengzhi, the leader of the Seven Treasure Glaze Tile Sect.
To his left stood a tall, slender old man with a face as sharp and cold as a winter morning. He carried a long, simple sword on his back, but his entire being radiated an aura of peerless, piercing sharpness, as if he himself were a blade drawn from its sheath. This was the Sword Douluo, Chen Xin.
On his right was another old man, his frame skeletal and strange, his skin dry and wrinkled like old parchment. Yet, his eyes held a deep, unshakeable power, and his presence felt as solid and unyielding as a mountain range. The Bone Douluo, Gu Rong.
They stood before the gate, their gazes taking in the pathetic state of the so-called academy.
"This… is where Rongrong is studying?" Sword Douluo Chen Xin asked, his voice a low, dangerous growl. "This hovel? Ning Fengzhi, you should have just brought her home."
"Now, now, old sword," Bone Douluo Gu Rong chuckled, his voice a dry rustle. "The girl needs to experience the world. It builds character. Besides, she seems to have found a rather interesting… friend."
Before Ning Fengzhi could reply, a figure materialized from the shadows of the forest. He wore tattered, grimy clothes, his hair was a mess, and he reeked of cheap alcohol. But the moment their eyes fell on the massive, black hammer he held casually in one hand, all three powerful men tensed. The hammer was a symbol, an icon of terrifying, world-shaking power.
"Tang Hao," Ning Fengzhi said, his voice calm, but his eyes wary. He recognized the Clear Sky Douluo, the youngest Titled Douluo in history, the man who had vanished after his legendary battle with the previous Pope of the Spirit Hall.
Tang Hao's gaze was heavy, filled with a deep, weary sorrow. "Sect Leader Ning," he acknowledged with a slight nod. "Sword Douluo. Bone Douluo."
He looked at the academy. "I know why you are here. Your heiress is inside. You may see her. I have no intention of stopping you."
He then added, his voice low and serious. "But I have one condition. There is another in this academy. A spirit beast. One hundred thousand years old, transformed into human form. You will not target her. She is… mine to deal with."
The three visitors exchanged a look of profound surprise. A hundred-thousand-year-old transformed spirit beast? Such a creature was a priceless treasure, its spirit ring and bone being very valuable even for their Seven Treasure Glaze Tile Sect. But to fight the legendary Clear Sky Douluo for it? The cost would be immense.
Ning Fengzhi, ever the diplomat, smiled graciously. "Of course, Clear Sky Douluo. We have no quarrel with you. Your target is your own. The Seven Treasure Glaze Tile Sect will not interfere."
Though Chen Xin's hand twitched towards the sword on his back, a warrior's instinct yearning for a challenge, he respected his sect leader's decision. Gu Rong simply shrugged, his interest in a fight far less than his interest in seeing his beloved granddaughter.
With the agreement made, Tang Hao gave a final, silent nod and melted back into the shadows, his oppressive presence vanishing as if it had never been.
The trio proceeded onto the grounds, their powerful senses easily locating the two small figures in the secluded clearing. They arrived just as Zhang Tian and Ning Rongrong were finishing their spirit power control training for the night.
"Daddy! Grandpa Sword! Grandpa Bone!"
The moment Ning Rongrong saw them, all her training, all her newfound seriousness, melted away. She let out a cry of pure, unadulterated joy and ran towards them.
She threw herself first into the arms of the Sword Douluo. "Grandpa Sword! I missed you so much!"
Chen Xin's cold, sharp face broke into a rare, warm smile as he hugged her tightly. He shot a smug, victorious look over her head at Gu Rong. "See, old bone? I told you she'd greet me first."
Bone Douluo Gu Rong simply snorted, ignoring his old rival's taunt. He gently pulled his granddaughter into his own embrace the moment Chen Xin let go. "Who cares about that old fool? Come here, my little Rongrong."
Finally, she hugged her father, Ning Fengzhi, who held her with a deep, paternal love.
"We received your letter, my dear," he said softly, stroking her hair. "It was… most intriguing."
He then released her and turned his full attention to the calm, blue-haired boy who had been watching the reunion with a polite smile. His eyes, wise and discerning, scanned Zhang Tian from head to toe.
"And you," Ning Fengzhi said, his voice carrying the smooth, practiced charm of a great leader. "You must be Zhang Tian. I have been very eager to meet you."
Chapter 25: Zhang Tian's Conversation With Ning FengzhiThe moment of joyous reunion was a whirlwind of hugs and happy tears, a warm, familial bubble in the cool night air of the shabby academy.
When the initial excitement settled, Zhang Tian stepped forward, his posture straight, his expression serene. He performed a formal, respectful bow.
"Sect Master Ning. Your Excellency, Sword Douluo. Your Excellency, Bone Douluo," he greeted them, his voice calm and clear, each title delivered with the perfect measure of deference due to their station. "It is an honor to meet you."
The three powerful men were momentarily taken aback. They had expected many things from the boy their little princess had written about—arrogance, perhaps, or a nervous apprehension. They had not expected this. This was the calm, unshakable confidence of an equal, delivered with the flawless etiquette of a junior. It was a contradiction that was deeply impressive.
Ning Fengzhi smiled, a genuine, appreciative light in his eyes. "The honor is ours, young friend Zhang Tian."
Before he could continue, a small pout formed on Ning Rongrong's lips. She trotted over to Zhang Tian's side and tugged on his sleeve.
"Zhang Tian! Why are you being so formal?" she complained. "This is my daddy, my Grandpa Sword, and my Grandpa Bone! You should just call them Uncle and Granduncle! It's weird when you're so stiff!"
A collective, unspoken thought flashed through the minds of the three men. Their little princess, who had only been away from home for a little over a week, was already siding so fiercely with an outsider. The feeling was a strange cocktail of happiness to see that she has a friend and a bittersweet pang of loss that she was so close to this friend already.
Zhang Tian offered Ning Rongrong a small, placating smile but tactfully ignored her suggestion. Addressing a Titled Douluo as 'Granduncle' without permission was a breach of etiquette he had no intention of committing.
He turned his focus back to Ning Fengzhi. "Sect Master Ning," he said, smoothly steering the conversation. "My friend Rongrong must have mentioned the weapons I have crafted in her letter. Would you be interested in witnessing their power for yourselves?"
Ning Fengzhi's eyes lit up with keen interest. "Indeed," he nodded. "Your creations were the primary reason for our visit. My daughter's descriptions were… enthusiastic. I am very eager to see these tools and discuss the deal she proposed."
"Daddy!" Ning Rongrong chimed in immediately, her voice sharp with a protective warning. "Zhang Tian is a very close friend of mine! You can't take advantage of him in this deal! I'll be watching!"
A few black lines seemed to appear on Ning Fengzhi's forehead. He stared at his daughter, a look of utter disbelief on his handsome face. It was one thing for her to be friendly with the boy, but to so openly warn her own father to be fair, as if he were some unscrupulous merchant, was both mortifying and deeply embarrassing.
He let out a strained cough. "Rongrong," he said, his voice taking on a stern, paternal tone. "How could you possibly think I would take advantage of a junior? That is not the way of our Seven Treasure Glaze Tile Sect."
Ning Rongrong just hmphed, crossing her arms defiantly. "We'll see. I'll be the judge of that."
Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo exchanged helpless glances. Against their precious, spoiled princess, they were utterly, completely powerless.
They moved deeper into the woods, finding a secluded clearing far from the main academy grounds. Just as they were about to begin, Zhang Tian turned to the Sword Douluo.
"Your Excellency," he began respectfully. "If I may be so bold as to make a request? Could you please shield this area with your aura? To ensure our conversation remains private and no sound escapes."
The request was sudden and specific, and it landed with the weight of an unsaid truth. The three powerful men froze, their expressions turning sharp. They instantly thought of the same thing: the oppressive, sorrowful presence they had encountered at the gate. Tang Hao.
'He knows,' Sword Douluo Chen Xin thought, his sharp eyes narrowing as he studied the boy. 'But how? We only sensed him because we are at the same level. For a Spirit Grandmaster to notice a concealed Titled Douluo…'
Without a word, Chen Xin complied. A subtle, almost invisible wave of energy radiated from him, forming a vast, soundproof dome over the clearing. It was his domain, a net of pure sword intent that would alert him to any interloper who dared to eavesdrop.
With the barrier in place, Ning Fengzhi's curiosity could no longer be contained. "Young friend Zhang Tian," he began, his voice low and serious, "why did you ask my Uncle Sword to create this barrier?"
Zhang Tian offered a polite, knowing smile, his answer masterfully evasive. "I believe you gentlemen already know the reason. You must have met a certain individual before entering the academy grounds."
His words were a quiet confirmation, and it sent another shockwave through the trio. Ning Rongrong, however, was utterly lost.
"What are you talking about?" she asked, looking from her father to Zhang Tian. "What person? Who did you meet?"
Ning Fengzhi ignored his daughter for the moment, his gaze fixed on Zhang Tian, his disbelief plain to see. "You knew he was here?"
Zhang Tian nodded calmly. "I discovered his presence by accident, due to a unique sensing ability my spirit possesses. I don't know who he is, but his power is immense. I suspect he is a Titled Douluo, at the very least. He seems to be watching over someone in the academy, protecting them in secret."
He delivered the information with the air of a simple observer, feigning ignorance of the man's true identity, a masterful piece of acting that preserved his secrets while demonstrating his value.
With the necessary precautions in place, he decided it was time to change the subject. He reached into his storage ring. In a shimmer of light, an arsenal appeared in his hands. He presented the weapons to Ning Fengzhi.
"These are the tools Rongrong wrote to you about," he said, his voice turning professional. "As you can see, they are purely mechanical. There is not a hint of spirit power in their construction. But their destructive capability is not to be underestimated."
He began his demonstration, his explanations clear and concise. "This is a pistol, a mid-range weapon. This version fires penetrating rounds." He handed one to Ning Fengzhi. "This one fires rounds that explode on impact."
He then presented the larger weapons. "This is a shotgun, for close-quarters combat. And this," he said, indicating the long, elegant rifle, "is a sniper rifle, for ultra-long-range precision strikes and assassinations."
Finally, he held up a familiar ceramic sphere. "And these are grenades. Against a Spirit King or even a Spirit Emperor, a well-placed shot from one of these firearms can be a decisive factor. As for a Spirit Saint…" He paused, letting his next words land with their full weight.
"During our entrance exam, I used thirty grenades against Teacher Zhao Wuji while he was in his Vigorous Vajra Bear Spirit Avatar form. The combined explosions were enough to injure him."
The trio's eyes widened. To injure a defensive Spirit Saint in his avatar state? This was no longer just a weapon; it was a strategic asset of immense value. They looked at the deceptively simple tools in their hands with a new, profound respect.
Zhang Tian patiently explained the operation of each weapon. They were, by design, simple to use. After the brief tutorial, the three powerful men took turns trying them out, firing at distant trees and rocks within their soundproof dome. The resulting cracks, booms, and whip-cracks were a symphony of destruction.
"Marvelous," Chen Xin murmured, examining the clean hole the sniper rifle had punched through a thick oak tree. "Truly marvelous."
"The sheer force of this shotgun," Gu Rong added, "at close range, it would be devastating to any agility-type master who managed to get close."
Ning Fengzhi held the weapons, his mind racing. He saw not just tools of war, but a solution to his sect's greatest weakness. With these, his precious support masters could defend themselves. He looked at Zhang Tian, a deep, assessing light in his eyes. This boy was a dragon hiding amongst fish.
But instead of immediately launching into a negotiation, Ning Fengzhi did something unexpected. He set the weapons down.
"Young friend Zhang Tian," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "Before we discuss any deals, I would like to know more about you. Tell me about yourself."
Zhang Tian was genuinely surprised. He had expected a swift, business-like negotiation. This personal question, this desire to understand the person behind the inventions, was a sign of true wisdom and character. He knew, at that moment, that an alliance with this man was the right choice.
He also knew that they must have already investigated him. Hiding the truth now would be pointless, even counterproductive.
He took a deep breath. "Very well, Sect Master Ning. I will tell you everything."
He began his story, his voice a calm, steady narrative. "I was born in a place called the Holy Spirit Village. An orphan. At the age of six, I awakened my Martial Spirit. It was the Blue Silver Grass."
He glanced at Ning Rongrong, who gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. She couldn't reconcile the powerful, brilliant boy before her with such low innate spirit power.
Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, and Gu Rong, however, merely narrowed their eyes. Their expressions didn't change, but their internal gears were turning furiously. 'So, our information was correct,' Ning Fengzhi thought. 'He is the same boy. But this only deepens the mystery. Innate Spirit Power of 0.5... how did he reach Level 27 in just six years? His cultivation speed rivals Rongrong's, and she has Innate Spirit Power of nine!'
A dark, terrifying guess formed in their minds. An Evil Spirit Master. It was the only logical explanation for such unnatural growth.
As if reading their minds, Zhang Tian continued his story, leaving no room for their dark speculations to fester.
"My Innate Spirit Power was 0.5," he confirmed. "But I was… resourceful. I had sold some designs for improved farming tools in my village, so I had a small amount of money. Enough to pay the tuition for the Nuoding Elementary Academy without needing to work."
"I spent four years there. While others played, I read, and I cultivated. I found that my spirit absorbed spirit power faster from surroundings when I was in a place with a high concentration of Blue Silver Grass. By the age of ten, through sheer, painstaking effort, I reached Level 10."
"Then, I hunted my first spirit beast. I didn't want a normal ring. I knew my spirit was weak, so I sought a specific beast, one whose attribute could force a mutation of my spirit. I found a hundred-year-old Earth-Corrupting Blood Vine in the Star Dou Great Forest." He briefly described how he used two grenades to easily dispatch the weak beast.
"When I absorbed its spirit ring, my Blue Silver Grass mutated. It became what you see now, this red grass. I named it the Blood Silver Grass. And its first ability was 'Devour,' allowing me to absorb ambient spirit power to fuel my cultivation. To hide this mutation, I lied on my report to the Spirit Hall, claiming a ten-year ring. As I expected, they dismissed me without a second glance."
Ning Fengzhi frowned, his sharp mind immediately catching the flaw in the narrative. "That still does not explain your cultivation speed, young friend. Even with a devouring ability which is a pure Spirit Power absorbing ability, to go from Level 11 to Level 27 in just two years... that is almost unbelievable."
Zhang Tian nodded. "You are correct, Sect Master Ning. That is not the full story."
He paused, a look of remembered awe on his face. "After leaving Nuoding, I returned to my village. During my cultivation sessions in the nearby mountains, I stumbled upon a... fortuitous encounter. It was a strange plant, a type I had never seen before or since."
He described it perfectly, a stalk of bamboo as black as polished jade, exuding an aura of divine purity and immense vitality. He didn't know its name, he explained, but he knew it was a treasure.
"I used my 'Devour' ability on this plant. The energy was overwhelming. It purged my body of all impurities and sent my spirit power rocketing straight to Level 20. It was also at this time that my appearance changed. My hair and eyes turned blue. It was a complete rebirth for someone like me of low talent."
"This sudden leap in power made it impossible for me to remain in my village. So I came here, to Suotuo City. I hunted my second ring, a hundred-year Corpse-Puppet Flower, which gave me my spore ability. It was this ability that allowed me to sense the powerful individual lurking around the academy."
"After that," he concluded, "I opened my shop to earn a living, and have been quietly cultivating ever since, slowly digesting the residual medicinal energy from that mysterious plant."
His story was a perfect, seamless narrative. It explained his past, his mutation, his unnatural cultivation speed, and even his change in appearance, all while protecting his greatest secrets—Ah Yin and the spirit bone he had absorbed.
The three powerful men were left speechless, their minds struggling to process the sheer luck and audacity of the boy. To stumble upon such a heavenly treasure... his fortune was truly profound.
"To dispel any lingering doubts," Zhang Tian said, offering his arm forward. "Please, feel free to inspect my spirit power. You will find no trace of the impure energy associated with evil cultivation."
This time, it was the Sword Douluo who stepped forward. He placed a hand gently on Zhang Tian's arm. His piercing sword-intent flowed into Zhang Tian's body, a probing, analytical stream. A moment later, he withdrew his hand, a look of profound shock on his sharp face.
"It's true," Chen Xin confirmed, his voice filled with awe. "His spirit power is incredibly pure. Denser and more refined than any Spirit Grandmaster I have ever encountered. There is not a single trace of malevolence or impurity."
The final, unspoken doubt had been erased. This boy was not an Evil Spirit Master. He was a genuine, heaven-defying genius at this moment.
Ning Fengzhi looked at Zhang Tian, his decision made. "Young friend," he began, "let us discuss the terms of our deal for these weapons. First...Let me ask you, would you sell the blueprint of those weapons?"
"I will sell them to you," Zhang Tian said, his quick agreement once again surprising them.
Seeing their confusion, he explained. "My reasons are simple. First, I am entitled to a high price, and I trust that the Seven Treasure Glaze Tile Sect is wealthy enough to meet it. Second," he continued, a knowing smile on his face, "From what I know your sect. You will use these weapons to arm your own people for defense, not sell them indiscriminately for profit. Besides...I plan to have a long and prosperous alliance with your sect. And, it is always best to enhance an ally's strength as much as possible. So... I believe it is a mutually beneficial arrangement."
Ning Fengzhi laughed, a sound of genuine delight and appreciation. "An excellent assessment. You are a wise young man. Very well, tell us your price."
Zhang Tian laid out his conditions, exactly as he had told Ning Rongrong. The massive storage spirit tool. A spirit tool that could store living creatures. The samples of rare metals and the three random spirit tools. And finally, the non-negotiable demand: the Breaking Clan's complete knowledge of herbs and alchemy.
As he finished, Ning Fengzhi sighed, the final condition as troublesome as he had anticipated. "The Breaking Clan… that is a difficult proposition, young friend. They are proud, and our influence in the Star Luo Empire is limited."
"Then do not approach them as a superior, but as a partner," Zhang Tian countered smoothly. "What if you could offer them something they desperately want? The protection of your sect, a place to call home, free from the attacks of the Spirit Hall. What if you were to absorb the Breaking Clan as your subsidiary clan?"
"The risk would be immense," Ning Fengzhi countered. "Why should my sect provoke the Spirit Hall for the Breaking Clan? Although the value of those weapons is immense and the Breaking Clan's submission to my sect would also strengthen my sect...But the Spirit Hall's threat is much greater to a sect like mine when they are already eyeing us so warily."
Zhang Tian smiled, the final, irresistible bait now ready to be deployed. "Because the reward, Sect Master Ning, would be a prize beyond measure. Tell me… what if the seven floors could become nine?"
The words struck the clearing with the force of a thunderbolt. Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, and Gu Rong stared at him, their faces a mask of utter, profound shock. Ning Rongrong, who had never heard this from Zhang Tian before, felt her heart hammer in her chest.
"How…?" Ning Fengzhi breathed, his voice barely a whisper. "How is that possible?"
"I read of a method in an ancient, obscure text," Zhang Tian said, using his well-worn excuse. "It spoke of gem-type Martial Spirits being able to repair their innate defects by absorbing the essence of the sun and moon, infused with a massive amount of heaven and earth spiritual energy."
He looked directly at Ning Fengzhi. "With the Breaking Clan's alchemy, you can create the pills. Pills made from rare herbs that absorb solar and lunar essence. If those herbs cannot be found, you can substitute them with the blood of powerful spirit beasts with solar and lunar attributes. Combine this with pills containing immense spiritual energy from other treasures. With this method, I am confident you can repair the defect in your pagoda. Within a few weeks, you should see the results, and you will break through your bottleneck to Level 80."
Ning Fengzhi was trembling, his hands clenched into tight fists. Hope, a dangerous, beautiful, intoxicating hope, was blooming in his heart. Was this boy lying? He didn't think so. The logic seemed sound, and the boy had no reason to deceive them on a matter of such importance, especially if he sought a long-term alliance. This secret was his true price, the key to binding their fates together.
"I will do it," Ning Fengzhi declared, his voice filled with a new, unshakeable resolve. "I will bring you the Breaking Clan's alchemy methods, pill formulas and all their book about herbs." He looked at Zhang Tian. "Give me three months. In three months, I will personally deliver everything you have asked for. The other items, the spirit tools and the rare metals, will be delivered to you within the week."
"I thank you for your trust, Sect Master Ning," Zhang Tian said with a sincere bow.
With the deal concluded, a sense of elation filled the air. Zhang Tian excused himself, letting Ning Rongrong have some private time with her family.
As he walked away, Ning Fengzhi turned to his daughter, his eyes shining. "Rongrong, my dear… what kind of person do you truly think this Zhang Tian is?"
Ning Rongrong watched his retreating back, her heart filled with a warmth she couldn't quite name. She turned to her father, her expression serious and absolute.
"He is a person," she said, her voice filled with unwavering conviction, "that our Seven Treasure Glaze Tile Sect must absolutely have."
Ning Fengzhi beamed, his heart swelling with pride. "That is my assessment as well." He looked at his daughter, a teasing smile on his face. "Do you think he would be willing to join our sect?"
"He will," Ning Rongrong said with a confidence that startled him.
A faint blush dusted her cheeks as she thought to herself, 'If I marry him, he'll be considered a part of the sect, right?'
Well, they didn't seem to notice her thoughts but felt that her confidence was quite reassuring.