Ning Fengzhi remained outwardly refined and composed, but inwardly he was in turmoil.
He knew better than anyone that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul possessed a rarely revealed talent—treasure hunting.
Knowing the names and properties of materials, and combining them with the Martial Soul's guidance, the efficiency in finding rare metals far surpassed that of ordinary people by a hundredfold.
No matter how difficult the materials for the Buddha's Wrath Lotus and the Rainstorm Pear Blossom Needles were to find, as long as the blueprints were available, they could eventually be gathered.
Even if they were to concede, the materials for the Peacock Feather were relatively easy to obtain; if they could be mass-produced, every disciple of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would be a deadly assassin.
But he pretended to ponder and gently shook his head: "Young friend Lin Yuan, I'm afraid that's inappropriate. The blueprints for these three hidden weapons are of immeasurable value, and the materials are extremely rare.
You're only using them to exchange for my sect's distraction and control of the Sword Elder's sword manual. It's too much of a loss for you. Is this a sign that you look down on my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"
Lin Chen chuckled upon hearing this, shook his head, and bluntly pointed out:
"Sect Leader Ning, why test this junior? You've forgotten that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda has another talent: treasure hunting. With this ability, as long as you're willing to put in the effort, it's not impossible to find even the rarest materials."
"Even if the materials for the first two types of hidden weapons are indeed hard to find, the materials for peacock feathers are relatively common, enough for the sect leader to produce in large quantities and make a profit. Now you say that I look down on your sect? Could it be that the sect leader wants to get these blueprints for nothing?"
He paused, his smile now tinged with understanding:
"Fortunately, I had already learned about the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's talent from Miss Rongrong. Otherwise, after today's transaction, I'm afraid I wouldn't even have a place to cry afterward."
Ning Fengzhi never expected that his precious daughter would reveal the sect's secrets; she was practically a leaky little darling. He instantly felt like he was on a hot seat, caught in a dilemma. But being a shrewd and calculating man, he immediately put on a gentle smile and quickly tried to smooth things over:
"Young friend Lin Yuan, you flatter me. I am not the kind of person who would seize by trickery or force. However, this matter is indeed of great importance. Please allow me to return to my sect and discuss it carefully with the elders. I will definitely give you a satisfactory answer."
Having said that, Ning Fengzhi dared not linger any longer. He immediately pulled up Sword Douluo Chenxin and hastily took his leave.
Throughout the journey, Ning Fengzhi had already been gritting his teeth inwardly:
I must teach Ning Rongrong a lesson when I get back! She's completely siding with outsiders! If she hadn't leaked the secret, I was confident I could have gotten the blueprints for free today. Now, not only do I have to hand over the Distraction Control Technique, but I might even lose Uncle Jian's family sword manual. What a huge loss!
Just as the two were about to leave the small building, Lin Chen suddenly spoke again:
"Sect Leader Ning, there's no need to rush. I plan to head to the Soul Hunting Forest these next two days to obtain my sixth soul ring. This journey is fraught with danger and the time required is uncertain. It's not too late to discuss the deal after I return."
Ning Fengzhi felt relieved upon hearing this, and his smile deepened: "Alright, then young friend Lin Yuan, please go ahead with peace of mind. When you return, I will give you a satisfactory answer."
After saying that, the two left completely.
Inside the small building, only Lin Chen and Qian Renxue, who was still disguised as Xue Qinghe, remained.
Lin Chen turned around, his gaze falling on the refined and elegant "Crown Prince," a meaningful smile playing on his lips, and asked directly:
"Brother Xue, would you be interested in having a copy of the blueprints for these hidden weapons?"
Xue Qinghe appeared to be deep in thought, but in reality, she was already calculating rapidly. If she could obtain these hidden weapon blueprints and create Peacock Feather, Rainstorm Pear Blossom Needles, and even Buddha's Wrath Lotus in batches, she would have a hidden force capable of countering the Spirit Hall. Even if she were to break ties with Bibi Dong in the future, she would have sufficient resources to protect herself and retaliate.
He quickly raised his head, a warm smile on his face: "Since Brother Lin Yuan has this intention, I am naturally happy to oblige. I just wonder, what do you want in exchange?"
Lin Chen chuckled lightly, his gaze frank: "I want the Heavenly Dou Royal Family's national treasure—the Vast Ocean Universe Cover. I wonder if Brother Xue can make this decision?"
Upon hearing this, Xue Qinghe lowered his head slightly, looking as if he was pondering something difficult, but he already had a plan in mind.
Although the Vast Ocean Universe Cover is hailed as a national treasure, its true secrets have remained unknown for many years, and it has only been regarded as a top-tier soul tool with considerable defensive capabilities. She could easily return to Emperor Xue Ye and suggest using this unparalleled genius, whom no one else could use, to win him over—a sure win.
After a moment, he smiled again, feigning helplessness, and said, "Young friend Lin Yuan, you have really given me a big problem. But don't worry, I will do my best to discuss it with my father when I get back and try my best to get this item for you."
After saying this, Xue Qinghe stood up to take his leave: "It's getting late, I should return to the palace."
Lin Chen escorted him all the way out of Yuexuan before turning back to his own small building.
He closed the door, gazed at the empty hall, and couldn't help but mutter to himself:
"They're really two foxes... an old fox and a young fox, neither of them are easy to deal with."
Lin Chen was alone in the small building, secretly calculating. He focused his mind on his body to examine his soul power, which was already firmly at the peak of level 59. With just one opportunity, he could successfully break through to level 60 Soul Emperor.
During these past few months of self-cultivation in Yuexuan, he had not wasted a single night, diligently studying the profound mysteries of the Great Sumeru Hammer he had obtained from the Haotian Sect. Although he had never actually used it in combat, he had already mastered the technique and could be considered to have made initial progress. This trip to the Star Dou Great Forest would be a perfect opportunity to test this secret technique of the Haotian Sect while hunting soul beasts.
His core objective for this trip had already been decided—
Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, and the three brothers, Thousand-Pound Ant King.
Firstly, it was to complete the task assigned by the Divine Trial; secondly, it was to equip his Thor's Hammer with several powerful and perfectly matched spirit rings, and incidentally, to avenge the previous pursuit.
The only thing that gave him a slight concern was the ten ferocious beasts in the core area of the Star Dou Great Forest. If this journey deeper into the forest disturbed those super ferocious beasts guarding the core and attracted a group attack, trouble would be inevitable.
But then he thought again that he still had the Shura Blood Sword, a super artifact, hidden at his waist. If he really needed to be in a critical situation, he could activate the power of the artifact and, even if he couldn't win, it wouldn't be difficult for him to escape unscathed.
"There's no use thinking about it too much, just take it one step at a time."
Lin Chen shook off his distracting thoughts and stopped worrying. He packed his belongings and left Yuexuan, planning to first find a reputable restaurant in Tiandou City for a good meal, and then take a good stroll around the city to relax.
On the other side, the magnificent carriages of the Heavenly Dou Imperial Palace were traveling smoothly down the street.
Inside the carriage, Xue Qinghe, having shed his usual gentle demeanor, was deep in thought. Beside him stood two figures with cold auras and imposing presence, their oppressive aura no less than that of an ordinary Title Douluo.
These were the two Douluo sent by the Spirit Hall's Hall of Worship, who had been secretly protecting Xue Qinghe for many years—
The Porcupine Douluo and the Serpent Spear Douluo.
Inside the carriage, Xue Qinghe's gentle male voice suddenly vanished, replaced by a clear and melodious female voice.
She looked at the elderly man beside her, whose aura was as sharp as a cold spear, and asked softly, "Uncle Snake, do you think those hidden weapon blueprints that Lin Yuan mentioned can really have such terrifying power?"
Serpent Spear Douluo was slightly taken aback: "What kind of hidden weapon is the young master talking about?"
Qian Renxue finally came to her senses. She had been so shocked that she had forgotten to explain the power of the Zhuge Crossbow, the Peacock Feather, the Rain of Pear Blossom Needles, and the Buddha's Wrath Lotus. She immediately told the two Title Douluos beside her everything Lin Chen had said.
As soon as he finished speaking, the carriage fell into a deathly silence.
The obese Douluo with a strange, poisonous aura surrounding him suddenly narrowed his eyes and exclaimed in shock, "Instantly kill dozens of Soul Saints? Even Soul Douluos can be killed in an instant? How can there be such a heaven-defying hidden weapon in this world!"
Serpent Spear Douluo also had a solemn expression, clearly shocked by the unimaginable destructive power.
The Porcupine Douluo composed himself and said in a deep voice, "Young Master, this is feasible. Even if the power of those hidden weapons is slightly inferior in the end, it is still a sure win to win over a peerless genius like Lin Yuan. Moreover, His Holiness the Pope has mentioned many times that he wants to get to know this person."
Qian Renxue nodded slightly, a resolute glint in her eyes: "That's what I'm planning too. We'll return to the Crown Prince's palace first, then go to see Father Emperor to discuss the Vast Ocean Universe Cover."
Soon after, the prince's carriage smoothly entered the prince's palace.
Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe, walked straight into the living room. But as soon as she stepped into the palace gate, she suddenly sensed two terrifying auras as vast as mountains and seas, far surpassing those of the Serpent Spear and the Porcupine.
Her heart tightened, and she immediately turned around and walked quickly towards her bedroom.
Upon entering, two elderly men with white hair and beards, exuding an incomparably domineering aura, sat upright inside. Their deep, imposing presence was chilling.
Qian Renxue instantly shed all pretense, revealing her stunning beauty. She quickly stepped forward, calling out with a mixture of surprise and confusion:
"Sixth Grandfather, Seventh Grandfather! What brings you here?"
The newcomers were none other than the Sixth Elder, Thousand-Pound Douluo, and the Seventh Elder, Demon-Slaying Douluo, from the Spirit Hall's Hall of Worship. They were twin brothers with almost identical appearances, differing only slightly in their auras.
When the slightly older Qianjun Douluo saw her, a gentle smile appeared on his face, and he reached out to pat her head: "Xiaoxue, it's been a long time."
Qian Renxue was filled with unease and quickly asked, "Grandfathers, why did you suddenly appear here? This is a crucial time for me to infiltrate the Heavenly Dou Sect. If two Title Douluos were to appear here rashly and be discovered, the consequences would be unimaginable!"
The Demon-Slaying Douluo standing to the side frowned, his tone full of confusion and anger:
"It's all because of that Pope Bibi Dong! Who knows what she's up to? She actually sent all five remaining elders from the Elder Hall to Tiandou City, saying it was for urgent business."
"In addition, she said that it was not safe for you to be with only Serpent Spear and Porcupine by your side, and asked the High Priest to ask us two brothers to come and protect you. For some reason, the High Priest agreed."
"That woman also said the situation was critical, and that she had gathered all the Title Douluos she could mobilize to come to Heaven Dou City. She instructed us to meet up with Serpent Spear and Porcupine and set off immediately, without even explaining the reason... It's really inexplicable!"
Upon hearing Demon-Slaying Douluo's words, Qian Renxue's expression changed drastically, filled with shock and unease.
What could be so important that it would require all seven Title Douluos from the Spirit Hall's Elder Hall to take action?
Her first thought was: Could it be that they were going to ambush and kill Lin Yuan and Dugu Bo? This kind of spectacle is too terrifying.
But then she thought about it again and immediately realized what she meant.
Previously, Bibi Dong had clearly sent four Title Douluos to forcibly bring Lin Yuan back to the Spirit Hall, but what happened? Lin Yuan not only escaped unharmed, but also arrogantly declared that Bibi Dong should either come to see him in person or wait for him to come to her. This arrogance in defying the Pope had already angered that ruthless woman.
Lin Yuan then mysteriously disappeared for several months, only recently reappearing in Tiandou City.
Just then, Serpent Spear Douluo and Porcupine Douluo also entered. Upon seeing the two elders, Qianjun and Jiangmo, they immediately bowed and greeted them: "Greetings, Sixth Elder and Seventh Elder!"
The two worshippers waved their hands dismissively.
Qianjun Douluo stepped forward, pointed out a hidden stronghold, and said in a deep voice, "You two go there and wait. Bibi Dong will meet you there after she finishes dealing with her business. Don't worry, Xiaoxue will be protected by us two brothers."
Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue froze completely, her mind going blank.
Bibi Dong... is actually going to lead the team here personally?
With the five titled Douluo in the Elder Hall, plus Serpent Spear and Porcupine, and now even the Pope himself coming to Heaven Dou City, this force is enough to sweep across half the continent!
Did she come to Tiandou to see the young master who had been lurking in the shadows for many years?
Or... did they come specifically for Lin Yuan?
What do you want to see Lin Yuan for?
A chilling thought instantly gripped her heart—
Given Bibi Dong's personality, if she cannot be won over, she will definitely resort to ruthless methods.
She probably harbors the thought that if she can't have him, she'll destroy him, and she's going to come to Tiandou City herself to kill Lin Yuan, this uncontrollable peerless genius.
Qian Renxue's thoughts shifted instantly, and she calmed down immediately—she hadn't yet obtained the hidden weapon blueprints from Lin Chen, and she absolutely couldn't let Lin Chen die at Bibi Dong's hands now; this deal couldn't be a loss.
She immediately instructed Serpent Spear Douluo and Porcupine Douluo: "Uncle Serpent, Uncle Porcupine, you two go to the agreed location and wait for Bibi Dong."
He then turned to the two elders, Qianjun and Jiangmo, and said, "Sixth Grandfather, Seventh Grandfather, please protect me from the shadows. I must go see Emperor Xueye immediately, or the losses will be too great."
Serpent Spear and Porcupine knew perfectly well that she was eager to close the deal, but although the two Douluo, Thousand Jun and Demon Subduing, were completely confused, seeing their little princess's anxious expression, they did not want to ask any more questions and simply nodded in agreement.
Qian Renxue disguised herself as Xue Qinghe again and headed straight for the Tian Dou Imperial Palace.
Upon meeting Emperor Xueye, she emphasized the terrifying power of the hidden weapon blueprints in Lin Chen's possession, especially the point that "it requires no soul power and can be activated by ordinary people." Emperor Xueye, already troubled by the insufficient military strength of the royal family, immediately agreed upon hearing that there was a weapon capable of mass-arming and instantly killing Soul Saints, and unhesitatingly took out the national treasure, the Vast Ocean Universe Cover.
After obtaining the Vast Ocean Universe Cover, Qian Renxue dared not linger for a moment and rushed towards Yuexuan without stopping.
On the way, she told Qianjun Douluo and Jiangmo Douluo in detail about how Lin Chen exchanged the complete set of top-level hidden weapon blueprints for the Hanhai Qiankun Cover.
Both of them were shocked and moved after hearing this—if the Spirit Hall could master these hidden weapons, its overall strength would increase dramatically, and it would be a risk-free and highly profitable deal, especially since it was done by exchanging treasures from the Heaven Dou royal family.
Qian Renxue rushed to Yuexuan, only to learn that Lin Chen had gone out for dinner and had not yet returned.
On the surface, she maintained the Crown Prince's gentle and composed demeanor, but inside she was already burning with anxiety:
Could this guy have run into Bibi Dong as soon as he stepped out the door and already been killed?
She immediately ordered Yuexuan's men to go out and search as quickly as possible.
Not long after, Lin Chen, who was relaxed and had just finished eating and drinking, was found and brought back.
Lin Chen was greatly surprised when he heard that Qian Renxue, who was disguised as Xue Qinghe, was in a hurry to see him.
He had thought the other party would not give a reply until at least tomorrow, but he did not expect it to be unusually fast.
Although he had a vague feeling that something was wrong, he still quickly returned to his small building and saw Xue Qinghe waiting there.
Upon seeing Lin Chen return, Xue Qinghe immediately stepped forward, her voice filled with barely concealed urgency:
"Brother Lin Yuan, Father has already granted your request."
As he spoke, he flipped his palm, and a strange object slowly appeared—
It was a palm-sized triangular prism, its entire body flowing with a clear and deep azure light. Its surface had fine, star-like natural patterns, and its radiance was restrained yet exuded a vast, ocean-like pressure. At its center, a faint golden flame slowly pulsed. It was the core of the Sea God's power—the Heart of the Sea God.
Lin Chen's gaze sharpened, and after carefully examining it for a moment, he confirmed that it was indeed the genuine Vast Ocean Universe Cover. Without further hesitation, he took out a stack of neatly arranged hidden weapon blueprints from his spatial ring and handed them over.
"Genuine products at fair prices, a pleasure to cooperate with."
Xue Qinghe took the blueprints and glanced at them quickly. He said, "Then I won't disturb Brother Lin Yuan's rest any longer. I have important matters to attend to in the palace, so I'll take my leave now."
Before he finished speaking, he turned and left in a hurry, at an almost abnormal speed.
Lin Chen stood there, completely dumbfounded.
What's going on? Why are they in such a hurry?
However, he didn't think much of it and his gaze returned to the Vast Ocean Universe Cover in his hand.
He focused his mind slightly and probed into it with his spiritual power. The Sea God's artifact, which would normally overwhelm an ordinary person's consciousness with its immense pressure, was like flat ground to him. He opened the spiritual connection with it completely with almost no effort and gained full access to the artifact.
Lin Chen was secretly surprised: That guy Poseidon actually let me use his divine artifact so easily?
Unbeknownst to him, the atmosphere within the Sea God's Temple in the divine realm was already quite subtle at this very moment.
Seagod sat in the main seat, sweating profusely, looking nervously at the several powerful figures lined up opposite him.
The goddess of life, whose robes shimmered with vibrant green light; the god of destruction, whose body was enveloped in dark purple pressure; the ancient dragon god, whose dragon shadows appeared and disappeared; and the god of asura, whose blood-red cloak exuded a cold and aloof aura.
The god-kings all stared at him with amused expressions, their smiles quite profound.
The God of Destruction spoke first, his tone tinged with mockery:
"O Poseidon, my successor, is it... alright to borrow your Heart of the Sea God for a moment?"
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