Yu Xiaogang was still working with the Shenlan Yunlan researchers on expanding the small space inside the fairyland. Meanwhile, in a hotel in Tiandou City, Flender had ordered a table full of food and was enjoying a feast.
"Honestly, why does Xiaogang want to ally with the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect? It's not easy to collaborate with a major power like that. Looks like I'll have to step in again! But ever since I opened up the Sea of Spirit, my mental power has been really useful. My flying speed has doubled—but the consumption is a bit high. I really don't understand how Xiaogang trained! His mental power feels endless."
Flender burped, remembering how he went to spar with Yu Xiaogang after awakening his mental power. But Yu Xiaogang had just floated in the air without moving. None of Flender's soul skill attacks could break through Xiaogang's mental power barrier, and then he was effortlessly lifted into the air by Xiaogang like a chicken.
It was then Flender truly realized how absurdly powerful Yu Xiaogang had become. A Soul King without even his fifth soul ring—yet so overwhelming. If he ever reaches Titled Douluo level, it would be terrifying!
"Since his second martial soul awakening, Xiaogang's become like a whole new person. His personality's more like a young man now! Much better than before. He used to look bitter and resentful all the time. Now he's actually likable. Alright, time to get to work."
Flender stood up, clapped his hands, straightened his coat, left a pile of gold soul coins to pay the bill, and walked out of the hotel. He took to the skies and flew straight toward the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect. Before long, he arrived at their grand gate.
Gazing up at the tall city walls and luxurious defensive structures, Flender couldn't help but comment:
"The Seven Treasures Glazed Sect is filthy rich! Their headquarters is basically a city. I hope Xiaogang wasn't bluffing—his reputation better be useful."
Just then, a patrol team approached, led by a Soul King. Seeing Flender's aura, they stood firm—confident in the backing of the sect behind them.
"Sir Soul Master, this is the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect. May I ask your business here? I can pass along a message."
Flender pulled out Yu Xiaogang's token from his storage soul guide and handed it over to the captain.
"I'm an elder from Longmen. Our sect leader is an old friend of your Sect Master. This is his personal token. Just show it to Sect Master Ning—he'll know what it means."
The captain took the token and replied respectfully, "Please follow us to the VIP reception room to rest. I'll report this to the sect immediately."
He signaled to his men, who guided Flender inside for tea and rest, while he rushed off to inform the higher-ups.
Flender was surprised how easy it all seemed—clearly, Yu Xiaogang's name carried serious weight. Once seated in the VIP room, a maid brought over fragrant tea. Flender sniffed it and smiled. "Good tea! The Seven Treasures Glazed Sect is truly loaded."
Looking at the luxurious decor filled with gems, Flender's eyes gleamed. We need to decorate Longmen like this. I'll have to talk to Xiaogang.
---
Meanwhile, Sect Master Ning Fengzhi was toying with Yu Xiaogang's token, smiling as he spoke to Bone Douluo beside him:
"Uncle Gu, it seems Master Yu Xiaogang is finally paying us a visit. Recently, I received news that four of his disciples have absorbed soul rings beyond their limit. We may have seriously underestimated this man—known as the greatest theorist on the continent."
Gu Rong crossed his arms and mused, "Indeed. You made a wise bet, Ning Fengzhi. As always, your judgment is sharp. Your daughter's future as Sect Master might be in good hands! But Fengzhi, you need to work harder. Why hasn't your wife shown any signs yet? Want me to find you a rare fertility potion?"
As the words left his mouth, Gu Rong realized how inappropriate they were. But Ning Fengzhi remained calm as ever, simply smiling and changing the subject:
"That's up to fate, Uncle Gu. In any case, we shouldn't keep such an important guest waiting. For Yu Xiaogang to send one of the Golden Iron Triangle here personally, it must be something big."
Gu Rong chuckled and placed his hand on Ning Fengzhi's shoulder. His soul ring flashed, and in a blink, they vanished from the hall.
---
Outside the reception room, Ning Fengzhi tidied his robe, then entered with a gentle, springlike smile.
"Welcome, Elder Flender of Longmen, to the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect. May I ask what brings you here on behalf of Master Yu Xiaogang? If it's only a message, you could've sent a disciple."
Flender stood up and respectfully saluted Bone Douluo. He recognized him instantly—Yu Xiaogang had warned him that Bone Douluo always stayed close to Ning Fengzhi.
"Greetings, His Majesty Bone Douluo, and Sect Master Ning. This is a letter from our sect leader, Yu Xiaogang. It contains all the details of his request."
Ning Fengzhi used his soul power to lift the letter gently from Flender's hand.
"You may call me Ning Fengzhi. Although Yu Xiaogang and I have never met personally, we've cooperated before. And since we already have an agreement, please feel at ease."
Soon, desserts and more tea were brought in. Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong sat opposite Flender and opened the letter. As he read, a gleam flashed in Ning Fengzhi's eyes when he saw the note about whale glue's medicinal effects. Clearly, Yu Xiaogang had sent him a real gift. The letter also mentioned the household soul tools produced by Dragon Gate, proposing a win-win deal: Dragon Gate provides the products, and the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect handles distribution.
Putting down the letter, Ning Fengzhi smiled at Flender:
"Master Yu Xiaogang's proposal is accepted. On top of that, our sect will send disciples to assist you. And, Elder Flender, there's a gift for you as thanks for making the trip."
The three chatted warmly for a while. Ning Fengzhi gently asked about Yu Xiaogang's recent activities. Flender dodged most of the questions, sticking to harmless anecdotes. As it grew late, Flender took his leave. Ning Fengzhi personally saw him off.
Watching Flender fly into the sky without even using his martial spirit, Ning Fengzhi muttered to Gu Rong:
"Uncle Gu, Yu Xiaogang truly has many secrets. Flender's self-created flying technique was impressive, and Yu Xiaogang becoming a Soul King so quickly—it's almost unnatural. Is it the result of years of effort? Or maybe some divine treasure, like whale glue?"
Gu Rong stood silently beside him, then replied:
"Whatever the case, you made the right call this time, Fengzhi. Let's hope your dream is realized through your child. Do you really believe the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile can evolve into the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile?"
"I do, Uncle Gu. I believe in my intuition."
Read 20+ chapters ahead at
[email protected]/Horizons685
(End of Chapter)
--