With the Blue Tyrant Academy backing him, Tang Lan had no intention of accepting this favor—after all, even when taking advantage of opportunities, one had to know their limits.
Qian Renxue wanted to win him over, but she wasn't a fool willing to be taken advantage of.
He had to be selective about what to accept.
"I already have a location in mind, so there's no need for Qinghe to worry about that," Tang Lan said naturally. "But with the founding of the Tang Sect, we'll inevitably recruit many new members. Vetting their backgrounds will be a massive undertaking—it's a headache."
With the Tang Sect Encyclopedia circulating, many soul masters had already gathered in Heaven Dou City, just waiting for Tang Lan to establish his sect so they could flock to him.
Manpower was the least of his concerns.
The real challenge lay in screening candidates—rooting out criminals, troublemakers, and opportunists looking to take advantage of the situation.
Qian Renxue smiled confidently.
Wasn't this exactly the kind of thing she could handle with a mere word?
And besides—
She could use this opportunity to plant some of her own people inside.
"This matter will be entrusted to Qinghe. The Imperial Guard will maintain order, and we'll clear out some inns for Tang Sect's use."
"I will also arrange for the relevant departments to assist in vetting identities."
"We will ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that Tang Sect isn't infiltrated by... certain individuals."
Key phrase—'certain individuals'.
Most people wouldn't pick up on the hidden meaning.
But Tang Lan, knowing Qian Renxue's true identity, understood immediately.
Not that he minded.
—What sect doesn't have a few spies?
He could always weed them out later.
"Then I'll trouble Qinghe with this," Tang Lan said with a smile. "That really saves me a huge hassle."
"No need to be so polite," Qian Renxue replied indifferently. "Uncle Ning could have handled this just as easily. As a student, I'm merely doing my part."
This was nothing more than a minor gesture, a simple favor.
Winning over Tang Lan, let alone controlling Tang Sect?
She was still far from that goal.
For now, she had merely come to establish familiarity—not to directly take Tang Lan under her wing.
Just as she was about to find an excuse to leave, Tang Lan suddenly spoke.
"Qinghe, you've cultivated the Nine Yang Divine Art as well, haven't you?"
Qian Renxue nodded without hesitation—the effects of the Nine Yang Divine Art were even better than what her grandfather had taught her.
Not cultivating it would be foolish.
She sighed again, "Xiao Lan, you're truly generous, using such a priceless technique just to screen disciples for Tang Sect. A first in history!"
Tang Lan merely smiled.
Qian Renxue's words sounded like praise, but they were laced with bewilderment—such a precious technique, and he wasn't keeping it to himself? Instead, he was openly sharing it?
Even if it was incomplete, wasn't this sheer stupidity?
But who could have known—
That once the Nine Yang Divine Art was mastered, it could absorb inner strength of the same origin?
His so-called generosity was, in fact, a well-calculated scheme.
Those who mastered the Nine Yang Divine Art and joined Tang Sect? No problem.
But if they ever became enemies—
Well, too bad for them. They'd be sucked dry.
Not dwelling further on the topic, Tang Lan chuckled.
"I'd like to trade something with you, Qinghe. In exchange for the complete Nine Yang Divine Art and the exclusive rights to sell Tang Sect firearms in Heaven Dou Empire."
Qian Renxue's eyes sharpened.
A complete Nine Yang Divine Art needed no elaboration.
It was undoubtedly the greatest cultivation technique on the continent.
Earlier, when she had embraced Tang Lan, the pure, blazing soul power in his body had made her feel incredibly comfortable.
Even her martial soul had trembled slightly—
As if she had encountered her destined match?
However, her martial soul was the Six-Winged Angel, something she couldn't reveal right now.
So she had kept quiet about it.
But now, Tang Lan was offering it for free?
And even throwing in the sales rights for Tang Sect firearms in Heaven Dou Empire!
What did this mean?
It meant Qian Renxue could selectively arm her faction with these weapons.
Or—
She could secretly funnel a large portion of them back to Spirit Hall!
With such powerful weapons of war,
The future founding of the Spirit Empire would be like a tiger gaining wings.
So—
Qian Renxue grew serious.
"Name your request!"
A hundred different possibilities flashed through her mind.
Status, power, wealth, women, soul bones...
But she never expected—
Tang Lan merely said, "Qinghe, you know I've done some research on soul tools. I heard that the Heaven Dou Imperial Family possesses a soul tool called the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, and I'd like to study it."
Qian Renxue fell silent.
The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud...
That was the national treasure of the Heaven Dou Empire!
Its mysteries remained legendary to this day.
Some claimed it was the relic of a Peerless Douluo who had ascended beyond mortality.
Others said it was the remains of the Star Luo Empire's Evil-Eyed Holy King.
Still others believed it was a divine artifact left behind by a god.
Heaven Dou's emperors had sought out countless experts to decipher its secrets—
Yet all had failed.
One thing was certain—its value far exceeded a hundred-thousand-year soul bone!
As a symbol of imperial power, it was currently in the hands of Emperor Xue Ye.
Even though Qian Renxue was the crown prince in name, she was not yet the true ruler.
If she tried to obtain the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud...
Would it be seen as an attempt to seize power early?
It was hard to say.
Tang Lan remained silent, waiting for Qian Renxue's decision.
This matter...
It was indeed difficult for her.
In the original story,
Tang San had saved Emperor Xue Ye during Qian Renxue's coup, thwarted her scheme, and restored the Heaven Dou Empire's royal authority.
He then had Xue Beng take him as a teacher, solidifying their alliance.
Only then did Emperor Xue Ye offer this national treasure as a token of gratitude.
Obtaining it now?
Almost impossible!
But on the other hand—
If it were easy, Tang Lan wouldn't have offered such generous terms in exchange.
—Though he distributed the Nine Yang Divine Art freely, who among them dared to leak it?
Even when Tang San wanted to teach it to Oscar, he had to seek Tang Lan's permission.
Anyone wanting the advanced techniques had to come to him.
After a few minutes of silence—
Qian Renxue exhaled deeply, having made her decision.
The Nine Yang Divine Art wasn't just a technique—it could be passed down!
And it was exceptionally suited to the Angel Clan.
If Spirit Hall could obtain it, their foundation would be elevated to an entirely new level.
A mere soul tool?
Even if it meant offending Emperor Xue Ye slightly, it was worth it!
—The imperial family only had two princes left: her and Xue Beng. And Xue Beng was a useless playboy.
Could Emperor Xue Ye even pass the throne to someone else?
If he did...
Well, she could always send someone to eliminate the competition.
"Xiao Lan, give me a few days."
Qian Renxue said seriously—
"I will report to my royal father and have the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud temporarily loaned to Tang Sect. Once I ascend the throne, I'll find an excuse to formally gift it to you."
"What do you think?"
Tang Lan nodded in satisfaction.
Temporary loan? What a joke.
Once it was in his hands, was there any chance of returning it?
In two years, her identity would be exposed.
By then—
Tang Lan would be the one to save Emperor Xue Ye, snatching Tang San's fortune while also earning a debt of gratitude.
Who would dare ask him to return it?
"Then we'll do as you say, Qinghe," Tang Lan agreed.
Qian Renxue was overjoyed!
"Wasting no time, I'll return at once to speak with Father!"
Worried that delays could cause complications,
She immediately got up and left in a hurry.
She was in such a rush that she didn't even say goodbye to Ning Fengzhi.
This led to a misunderstanding.
"Brother Lan, did you have a falling out with Qinghe?" Ning Fengzhi frowned.
He pondered to himself—
If the two really turned against each other, what position should he take?
Tang Lan saw through his concerns but didn't expose them.
—As the master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi naturally prioritized the interests of his sect.
His attitude had cooled slightly.
At the end of the day—
Their relationship was built more on mutual benefits than anything else.
"I made a trade with Qinghe. He's probably just anxious, afraid I'll change my mind," Tang Lan said calmly.
Ning Fengzhi secretly sighed in relief.
Sensing the shift in Tang Lan's mood, he inwardly blamed himself for being too hasty earlier.
"This hotel is now owned by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Consider it a gift, a place for you to stay," Ning Fengzhi offered. "Additionally, I have transplanted some Blue Silver King. Would you prefer to place them in the sect, or somewhere else?"
This was a subtle test of Tang Lan's stance.
"Let's go with what we discussed earlier," Tang Lan replied indifferently. "I'm a bit tired. If there's anything else, let's talk tomorrow."
"As you wish, Brother Lan." Ning Fengzhi smiled. "Rongrong, your Bone Grandpa misses you dearly. Come back with me tonight."
Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong instinctively turned to look at Zhu Zhuqing.
Zhu Zhuqing's face remained cold as always.
But for some reason—
Ning Rongrong saw something else—delight!
Damn it!
If she left tonight, that wildcat would definitely sneak into Tang Lan's room!
No doubt about it!
Unacceptable!
She couldn't leave!
She had to stay here and guard against that wildcat!
(End of Chapter)
Notes-Read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X