Chapter 496: The Imperial Connection
Ye Wen nodded to confirm the truth of what he had just said, but Emperor Xu Jiawei of the Star Luo Empire quickly noticed an inconsistency. "But… your disciple is only at the Soul Elder level, at thirty ranks. How could she have absorbed such a powerful spirit ring?"
Ye Wen responded with a knowing look. "It seems the long standing tension between humans and spirit beasts has caused you to forget a rare ability sacrifice. It is a power unique to 100,000 year spirit beasts."
The emperor's pupils contracted, remembering the ancient legends he'd once heard.
And now, Huo Yu'er moved. Her steps were slow and unhurried as if she wasn't on a battlefield but merely strolling through her private garden. Watching the members of the Baiye Academy team tremble like leaves, a trace of sympathy flashed in her eyes. From their nervous expressions, she could tell that if she asked them to surrender now, they would gladly give up without resistance. But she needed to demonstrate her strength for the reputation of Tianxing Academy, so she had no choice.
When only ten meters separated her from the team, Huo Yu'er calmly raised her delicate hands, bringing her fingers together before her.
"First soul skill: Empress Palm "
Before the Baiye Academy team could react, and even before the spectators could clearly see what was happening, Huo Yu'er seemed to vanish from the spot. In the blink of an eye, she reappeared behind the Baiye team, as if by teleportation.
"Captain!" One of the Baiye team members shouted, hoping to warn his leader. But at that moment, he noticed frost spreading from his chest, instantly covering his body in a layer of ice.
In a flash, six members of the Baiye Academy team were frozen where they stood. Only the team captain remained conscious, his head still able to move as Huo Yu'er had gone easy on him.
The captain had expected to lose, but he hadn't imagined they wouldn't even have a chance to resist. His heart filled with bitterness this was the power of a true prodigy.
Then Huo Yu'er's voice, cold and clear, cut through the air. "Surrender. My Ice Snow Maiden spirit has the Extreme Ice attribute. The longer you remain frozen, the more likely you'll sustain irreversible injuries."
Without a second thought, the Baiye captain accepted his fate. With a loud voice, he announced, "Referee! We surrender!"
Huo Yu'er nodded slightly, and the freezing effect of her soul skill faded. The frost dispersed, and she returned to her usual appearance as a gentle, girl next door type. Without saying another word, she hurried off the stage, eager to escape the tension of the battle.
"Whew… that was nerve wracking!"
Ye Wen, observing his disciple's nervous excitement, only smiled to himself. "Keep growing, Yu'er," he thought. "The time you have is short."
Seated next to him, Emperor Xu Jiawei had also noticed Huo Yu'er's nerves but had seen through the strength she held back. His earlier decision to hold back on strengthening ties with Ye Wen now seemed like a mistake. Reconsidering, the emperor engaged in conversation with Ye Wen, hoping to build rapport.
The more they spoke, the more the emperor's mind worked. Though Ye Wen seemed distant, his disciple's future potential was undeniably significant. She might not reach his level, but even reaching Rank 95 would make her nearly invincible. And as a young talent, she might still be drawn to the empire's side. The emperor decided that deepening relations with Ye Wen was essential.
As they chatted, Emperor Xu suddenly recalled details about Ye Wen's five disciples. Of the five, only Wei Na came from a notable background. The other four had relatively ordinary backgrounds, and, perhaps most surprisingly, they were all female.
The emperor cast a thoughtful glance at Ye Wen but immediately chastised himself for the assumption he was making. Surely, someone of Ye Wen's caliber would not have questionable intentions toward his students. After all, someone at his level could have any woman he wanted, and his most beautiful disciple, Jiang Nannan, wasn't even extraordinary in the emperor's eyes.
However, if Ye Wen were indeed interested in establishing connections, Emperor Xu thought he would gladly offer him another link one closer to the throne. He decided to make a bold suggestion, carefully choosing his words.
"Lord Tianxing," he began tentatively, "I have a younger sister with remarkable talent. Would you consider accepting her as a disciple?"
Ye Wen paused, recognizing immediately who the emperor was referring to. Xu Jiujiu, the emperor's youngest sister, was not only intelligent but also intuitive and quick witted. In the original story, she had become the chief auctioneer at the Royal Auction House, a role that allowed her to spot Huo Yu'er's potential early on.
Considering the possibilities, Ye Wen accepted the proposal. He intended for Tianxing Academy to be an open institution, unlike Shrek, and one that accepted students based on talent alone, regardless of background. A new disciple would further solidify the academy's reach across the continent, aligning with his plan to pave the way for Huo Yu'er's future.
The emperor was delighted by Ye Wen's acceptance. His sister's inclusion in Tianxing Academy would not only strengthen ties but also serve as a clear indication that Ye Wen's academy would remain politically neutral.
That very evening, Emperor Xu arranged a private dinner and presented Xu Jiujiu to her future master. She walked into the room with a natural air of grace and sophistication, her golden hair a signature trait of the royal family gleaming like platinum. Without any need for elaborate styling, her simple ponytail exuded the nobility and poise of the imperial family.
Xu Jiujiu was no naïve girl and accepted her situation calmly, knowing well the importance of building ties with influential figures. Unlike the dramatic refusals in lesser tales, she was aware of the honor of having a master like Ye Wen.
To avoid showing favoritism, Ye Wen initiated Xu Jiujiu into the academy with the same training regimen as his other students: the baptism of immortal herbs.
The emperor watched with thinly veiled envy as Xu Jiujiu absorbed the herbs' energy, knowing the difference between this gift and ordinary cultivation medicines. While others might improve their cultivation with manufactured elixirs, immortal herbs provided unparalleled purity without the impurities that could limit future growth.
That night, as the potent herbal aura permeated the room, Emperor Xu knew that this arrangement would greatly benefit the Star Luo Empire for years to come.
(To be continued…)
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Chapter 497: Rank Nine Soul Engineer
While Ye Wen could have assisted with Xu Jiujiu's process of refining the medicinal essence, he knew that certain personal thresholds were better crossed independently. Besides, it was customary to respect boundaries especially when it came to interacting with a young woman.
As Emperor Xu Jiawei engaged Ye Wen in light conversation, hoping to deepen their relationship, Ye Wen's expression suddenly shifted, his gaze turning sharply toward the distant horizon.
"Some people truly have no regard for their own lives," Ye Wen muttered quietly.
Noticing Ye Wen's reaction, Emperor Xu was taken aback and glanced out the window as well. The sky over Star Luo City, typically alive with light even at night, was suddenly pierced by a single intense beam that shattered the silence.
An instinctive realization struck Emperor Xu, who gasped, "This is…!"
Ye Wen, however, maintained his composure, taking a calm sip of his tea. "There's no need to worry. Some petty thieves have set their sights on things that don't belong to them."
The emperor's face tightened with seriousness. "Is there anything I can do to assist, Your Eminence? I can dispatch a squad to investigate immediately. For anyone to endanger students during such an event is beyond reprehensible!"
Ye Wen didn't react outwardly, though he noted Emperor Xu's eagerness to prove himself useful. True strength does command respect, after all. Since the emperor seemed so willing, Ye Wen nodded and replied, "Then please send your people to investigate. The rogue spirit master attacking my disciple has an unfamiliar aura. I'm also curious to know who would dare lay a hand on her."
As he spoke, a rare trace of killing intent appeared in Ye Wen's usually calm gaze.
Huo Yu'er was not someone to be toyed with. She was not only his disciple but also an extension of his own reputation.
Clearly sensing Ye Wen's wrath, Emperor Xu felt all the more compelled to take swift action, and he quickly summoned two of his nation's elite Spirit Douluo guards to investigate.
Once the two guards had departed, Ye Wen couldn't help but feel curious himself. After all, Huo Yu'er was not like the original story's Huo Yuhao, who had revealed his ice abilities and thereby caught the attention of a rogue Spirit Douluo who mistook him for a 100,000 year spirit beast.
Emperor Xu, still cautious, asked quietly, "Your Eminence, was that beam of light a security measure you'd placed on her?"
Ye Wen smiled faintly. "You needn't be so indirect with me, Your Majesty. If there's something on your mind, feel free to ask."
The emperor's face brightened. "You're right. We are practically family now, Your Eminence. I'm just curious."
"Well," Ye Wen explained with a hint of amusement, "it was simply a defensive soul device I'd left with my disciple."
Hearing this, Emperor Xu's eyes widened in surprise. Though the original three Douluo nations had sought to learn from the advanced soul engineering techniques of the Sun and Moon Empire, high level devices were closely guarded secrets. Even Shrek Academy had only advanced to developing rank eight soul devices at most.
Given the immense power of the beam, Emperor Xu suspected it had been at least a rank nine soul device a level once thought unattainable for the original Douluo nations.
"Your Eminence… you're also a soul engineer?" Though Ye Wen had never publicly demonstrated any aptitude for soul engineering or established a soul engineering branch at Tianxing Academy, Emperor Xu could hardly contain his shock.
"After reaching level 99, I took up the practice as a hobby," Ye Wen replied casually. "I'm afraid my talent is rather limited, and I've only reached rank nine."
In truth, this was a half truth at best. Ye Wen was far beyond rank nine by now, and the device he'd left with Huo Yu'er was a safeguard empowered by his spiritual energy. But to Emperor Xu, who was visibly thrilled, even Ye Wen's "modest" admission carried profound significance.
Just achieving rank nine meant that the Douluo nations now had their own top tier soul engineer a breakthrough that could diminish the Sun and Moon Empire's technological advantage. And the fact that Ye Wen had given his disciple an autonomous defensive device spoke volumes about his capabilities as a soul engineer, as such devices were notoriously difficult to create.
Ye Wen, noticing the emperor's elation, said nothing more. Instead, he furrowed his brow.
"They're taking far too long."
Emperor Xu's excitement paused. By now, his guards should have already gathered the information Ye Wen wanted. "Perhaps something delayed them," the emperor replied. "From the lack of further commotion, it appears that no ongoing battle is taking place."
Ye Wen nodded slightly, his curiosity tempered by a deeper sense of detachment. He'd developed certain bonds in this world, but it was his natural inclination to stay focused on his larger objectives.
Finally, the two Spirit Douluo guards returned, looking solemn.
"Your Majesty." They bowed to Emperor Xu.
Though they did not kneel, Emperor Xu was unsurprised; the age of revering all Spirit Douluo level individuals as ultimate warriors was long past. With a steady voice, he said, "Report. Did you uncover the details of this incident?"
The two guards exchanged glances before one of them stepped forward. "Your Majesty, by the time we arrived, the intruder had already been reduced to ash by the protections left behind by Lord Tianxing. We couldn't determine their identity or level, but from the residual energy, we suspect they were a dark spirit master."
Emperor Xu seemed satisfied with this explanation, though Ye Wen's expression was one of slight disappointment. But he quickly dismissed it, recognizing the limitations of this world.
"Your Eminence, what are your thoughts?" the emperor asked, bringing Ye Wen back to the present.
Glancing at the two guards, Ye Wen noticed the awe in their eyes as they looked at him.
(Chapter ends)
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Chapter 498: The Auction
Ye Wen quickly understood what the two Spirit Douluo wanted to ingratiate themselves with him. Once a spirit master breaks through to Spirit Douluo, each additional level becomes vastly more challenging. Without a skilled teacher's guidance, any self driven breakthroughs are limited, except for the rare prodigy.
One glance was enough for Ye Wen to assess their levels one at rank 91, the other at rank 92, the lowest tiers of Spirit Douluo.
Moreover, he couldn't help but feel a bit dismayed upon seeing the soul ring configuration of one of them two yellow, three purple, and four black, far from the optimal ratio. It was clear he had relied on medicinal shortcuts to reach his level. This Spirit Douluo likely wouldn't even measure up to the weakest of the past, like Dugu Bo. Standards had slipped greatly over time.
Even if he were seeking followers, Ye Wen wouldn't waste his time with subpar candidates, so he ignored their overtures entirely. If they could betray Emperor Xu for the favor of a rank 99 powerhouse, what would stop them from doing the same for Tang Shenwang someday?
"That will be all, Your Majesty," Ye Wen said pointedly. "However, I suggest tightening security in the imperial city. After all, the intruder I eliminated was a Spirit Douluo. A dark spirit master of that level operating under your nose poses a real risk."
Emperor Xu, catching the hint, felt his face darken. A dark Spirit Douluo wouldn't be something his weaker guards could easily handle. If such a figure had targeted him instead…
"Thank you, Your Eminence. I will certainly increase my vigilance," he replied seriously.
Just then, Ye Wen sensed something, glancing toward one of the nearby chambers. "Jiujiu has finished refining the medicinal energy," he remarked. "But I imagine she's exhausted, so I'll take my leave."
Emperor Xu, perceiving the leap in his sister's spirit power, was pleased. "I owe you my thanks, Your Eminence. Please take some rest; leave the follow up matters to me."
After a few more polite exchanges with Emperor Xu and some regretful looks from the two Spirit Douluo Ye Wen departed the palace.
The news spread quickly: a daring Spirit Douluo had infiltrated Ye Wen's residence with ill intent and been wiped out by Ye Wen himself. As this circulated through the capital, people marveled at Ye Wen's strength, while ridiculing the arrogance and foolishness of the would be intruder.
For several days, this topic dominated discussions in the capital. Though the intruder's identity remained unknown, the incident emphasized the disparity even among Spirit Douluo, and the awe inspiring power of an absolute master.
In the following matches, Huo Yu'er continued to advance with ease. Her stunning one versus seven debut had earned her a growing fanbase, but Ye Wen enforced a cautious strategy. Huo Yu'er mostly acted as a last resort "mascot," allowing her teammates to shine while she observed.
"Master, please let me fight!" Huo Yu'er pleaded, tugging at Ye Wen's sleeve. "Standing there doing nothing is so embarrassing…"
But Ye Wen was unmoved. "No. As I've taught you, information is one of a soul master's most vital assets. The more you reveal, the easier you are to counter. Standing still on the platform may be frustrating, but it strengthens your resilience. You'll get used to it."
Huo Yu'er sensed something slightly off in his reasoning but couldn't put her finger on it. Huffing, she went off to train in a corner.
A knock at the door disrupted her plans. Immediately, she dashed to open it, leaving Ye Wen curious about her eagerness.
"Jiujiu!" she cried happily as she opened the door, revealing a tall, graceful girl with golden hair it was Princess Xu Jiujiu.
Since formally becoming Ye Wen's disciple, Xu Jiujiu hadn't participated in the tournament, but she checked in on him daily. Despite her status, she quickly bonded with his other disciples and, though five years older than Huo Yu'er, respectfully addressed her as "Senior Sister."
Upon entering, Xu Jiujiu greeted Ye Wen with due formality. Afterward, Ye Wen asked, "What brings you here today, Jiujiu?"
Xu Jiujiu didn't waste time and took out a gold invitation from her storage device. "This is an invitation to tonight's event at the Starlight Auction House. Please join us as an honored guest. All expenses will be covered by our royal family."
Ye Wen smiled and accepted. He recalled that this auction might have some valuable items for his disciples, and with the royal family footing the bill, he saw no reason to refuse.
"Thank you," he said with a nod. "Extend my regards to your brother."
Xu Jiujiu, overjoyed by his polite acknowledgment, stayed for a simple yet delightful lunch, sharing in a meal that felt like a rite of inclusion into the group.
As the day turned to evening, Ye Wen and his disciples plus the two young women from the Body Sect headed for the auction.
Despite their quiet residence, clean and decent, the luxury of the Starlight Auction House made it look modest by comparison. The auction house radiated opulence, a place of wealth and splendor that reminded Ye Wen of an earthly paradise.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 499: Technological Pressure
Ye Wen and his group had barely approached the auction entrance when a sharp eyed staff member noticed them. A woman dressed in a red gown hurried over.
"Your Eminence, I've been expecting you. Please, follow me."
Without a word, Ye Wen followed her inside, silently noting that his presence had merited the highest ranking auction host's personal welcome. Power, it seemed, was a universal ticket to privilege in any world.
Although he hadn't investigated this world's customs thoroughly, it was obvious that Douluo Continent's five color hierarchy white, yellow, purple, black, and red permeated many social structures. The color red wasn't something anyone could casually wear, and at the auction house, only the top auctioneers or senior managers had that privilege. The red attire confirmed the respect the Star Luo Empire afforded him.
As expected, they were led into a private box. Inside, the attendant pressed a hidden panel on the wall, illuminating the room with soft light.
While this was now common due to soul tools' popularity, something else surprised Ye Wen: an entire wall transformed into a huge glowing screen. He had his own soul recording and playback devices, but to see something so advanced used as a display in this era was unexpected.
Still, he kept his reaction muted; after all, he was a rank 99 Titled Douluo he wasn't about to act like a country bumpkin seeing technology for the first time.
But his disciples were far less restrained, letting out little exclamations of surprise. Huo Yu'er, the youngest and most curious, whispered to the attendant, "Miss, is that a soul tool?"
The woman answered with a polite smile, unbothered by Huo Yu'er's question. "Yes, miss. This is a light guided screen specially commissioned from the Sun Moon Empire. It uses a unique method to transmit images, though the core array doesn't use soul power it's powered by a special mineral found only in the Sun Moon Empire."
Huo Yu'er was fascinated, not realizing the implications of the technology due to her lack of formal soul engineering training.
Jiang Nannan and Tang Ya grasped its significance but remained quiet, focused as they were on physical combat and techniques that allowed non soul masters to confront soul masters.
"That's enough, Yu'er," Ye Wen's calm voice cut in. "It's an incomplete technology still under development in the Sun Moon Empire. Currently, it's only effective for low power household soul tools, and it's inefficient. For now, it's more for display than practical use."
At his words, the group settled down in their seats, but the woman in red watched Ye Wen with newfound interest. She could tell from his casual disdain that he likely had deep knowledge in the field.
Their awe at the technology wasn't unique; other prominent guests also marveled at it. For them, the screen symbolized that the Sun Moon Empire had begun exploring soul tools for non soul masters, an area long neglected by the Douluo Continent.
The impact wasn't lost on everyone especially the two Shrek Academy elders in attendance. They knew that with the Sun Moon Empire harboring the Holy Spirit Cult, they now equaled the Douluo Continent's nations in peak combat power, but more critically, their supply of soul tools far surpassed theirs. With the most level nine soul tools and soul cannons on the continent, the Sun Moon Empire's combat capabilities were intimidating.
The potential for commoners to use soul tools would complete the Sun Moon Empire's strengths, filling the gap in their lower ranks. It could truly tip the balance of power across the continent.
One of the Shrek Academy elders turned to the other. "Elder Song, I'll head back to report this. Keep an eye on things here."
In Ye Wen's box, Xu Jiujiu entered. Ye Wen was a little surprised shouldn't she be the lead auctioneer for tonight's event?
"Master," Xu Jiujiu greeted him respectfully.
"Are you finished with your duties?" he asked, a little puzzled. "How did you find time to join us at the auction?"
With a gentle smile and a touch of playful accusation, she replied, "Since all my senior sisters are here with Master, how could I, as the youngest, not join too? Or is it that Master dislikes my company?"
Her teasing words brought Ye Wen to attention, and he glanced at her warily. This clever, royal born disciple certainly had a knack for subtly weaving her words.
"Do as you please, but don't complain when I spend your money," he quipped. Xu Jiujiu's eyes gleamed with amusement.
Spending these days with him, she'd realized that Ye Wen, though a Titled Douluo, wasn't as distant and enigmatic as rumors claimed. In fact, he seemed more like a caring elder brother than a mysterious master.
With everyone now seated, the large screen began to display the auction floor, where a beautiful, graceful woman stood. Her pure face exuded an enticing charm; her smile seemed designed to capture any viewer's gaze.
But the women filled box remained unbothered by her allure, and Ye Wen continued watching without comment as the auction began with polite introductions.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 500: Xu Jiujiu
Ye Wen and his companions were soon drawn to the first auction item displayed on the screen, as the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room:
"This is the Dominator Tiger Soul Refining Blade, an eighth level melee soul tool crafted from rare materials, including the right arm bone of a ten thousand year Dominator Tiger soul beast. It has the Dominator Slash ability from its soul bone and enhances the power of similar soul skills by fifty percent."
Ye Wen nodded approvingly. Although the soul tool technology here diverged from what he'd seen in other timelines, it still held impressive advancements.
In his earlier years, Ye Wen hadn't relied much on soul bones for battle and only later realized that soul bones could manifest different skills depending on the individual. This particular soul tool was remarkable in its incorporation of an offensive soul bone skill.
Judging by its strength, this weapon could nearly match a Super Douluo's abilities and was one of the most powerful creations under the level of a true divine artifact. Compared to the Angelic Holy Sword that Qian Renxue had wielded, this was a few ranks lower, as her sword was a pure soul bone weapon, though it hadn't reached the hundred thousand year mark.
Xu Jiujiu noticed Ye Wen's slight interest and asked, "Master, would you like it?"
Her voice brought Ye Wen back to his senses, and he chuckled, shaking his head. "This weapon wouldn't be of any use to me. If I ever need something, I'll say so. Relax a little you must be tired from royal duties."
Ye Wen's words were more genuinely considerate than what she was used to hearing, and they pleased Xu Jiujiu greatly. She replied, "You're right, Master. For someone of your level, this mere eighth level soul tool doesn't compare. Unfortunately, even in the Star Luo Empire, ninth level soul tools are incredibly rare, but if I can obtain one, I'll make sure to secure it for you."
Ye Wen inwardly sighed. Years of royal life had trained Xu Jiujiu to adopt this political, courteous way of speaking, and he knew it would be hard for her to shake it off. Smiling, he gently declined her offer.
After all, nothing in this realm could truly enhance a rank 99 Douluo's strength. Xu Jiujiu knew when to ease off and, turning to his other disciples, joined their conversation with a comfortable balance between friendliness and restraint.
Ultimately, this Dominator Tiger Soul Refining Blade was purchased by Dai Yueheng from Shrek Academy's private box for 1.56 million gold soul coins. Though it seemed like a modest sum compared to the million gold soul bones that heroes seemed to acquire effortlessly, it was still everything Dai Yueheng, a duke's son, could afford.
From Ye Wen's perspective, the blade's reasonable price stemmed from its source material and skill. With soul tools prevalent, soul masters no longer had to rely solely on their battle techniques. The weapon's soul bone also hadn't surpassed the ten thousand year mark, which explained the price.
Then, the next auction item stirred even more excitement. The screen split into twelve sections, each displaying cylindrical objects. The auctioneer's voice explained:
"Ladies and gentlemen, here are twelve standard format stationary soul cannon shells, courtesy of Mingde Hall. They each carry unique attributes and can, when used correctly, pose a serious threat to Soul Douluo level masters. Each one is a standalone sixth level cannon shell. Their attributes are water, fire, earth, wind, light, darkness, poison, thunder, ice, metal, explosion, and paralysis.
"As a bonus, soul engineers in attendance may examine them up close for five minutes before we begin bidding."
At these words, dozens of figures dashed from their boxes toward the stage, eyes alight with fascination. They gathered around, studying the items intently, breath heavy with anticipation as if transfixed by rare treasures. The auctioneer a true beauty seemed momentarily invisible next to the allure of the shells.
Xu Jiujiu, certain Ye Wen wouldn't be interested, asked curiously, "Master, I heard from my brother that you're skilled with soul tools. Could you make ninth level cannon shells?"
"I could," Ye Wen replied calmly. "But it's unnecessary."
Xu Jiujiu paused, then quickly understood what he meant. While the Sun Moon Empire indeed had a significant stock of ninth level cannon shells, they merely leveled the playing field against the other three continents' Titled Douluos.
Moreover, given that these items were consumable and required precious metals resources already scarce in the three Douluo nations efforts would be better spent on creating enduring ninth level soul tools than on expendable weapons.
Though Xu Jiujiu kept her thoughts to herself, she began calculating internally. Meanwhile, the auctioneer resumed:
"Please note that each of these cannon shells is encrypted with Mingde Hall's unique array. If your intent is to study them, be cautious triggering the encryption could lead to self destruction. The starting bid for these twelve shells is 650,000 gold soul coins, with a minimum increment of 5,000 coins."
Despite the initial fervor over the shells, no one immediately bid. Xu Jiujiu was puzzled. These items seemed so valuable why was no one interested after the engineers had inspected them?
Glancing over at Ye Wen for insight, she caught his calm, unreadable gaze.
(End of Chapter)
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