Ning Fengzhi showed Yu Xiaogang's letter to Gu Rong and explained:
> "We all underestimated Yu Xiaogang. He's such a big shot that he managed to publish something that was once a secret of the sect. Whale glue—everyone used to think it was just some medicine for couples to enjoy their time together!
> But Master Yu Xiaogang discovered the real secret. After special treatment, whale glue can actually enhance a soul master's body strength without side effects, increasing their ability to absorb soul rings. Looks like the Douluo Continent is about to be shaken up again. Uncle Gu, I need to trouble you. Hurry and get Master Yu Xiaogang to share the whale glue method with us. We'll quietly buy up the high-year whale glue on the market—but be discreet. The Spirit Hall has been quite active lately."
Gu Rong read Yu Xiaogang's letter as he listened. When he finished, he widened his eyes and shouted in disbelief:
> "What?! Yu Xiaogang's disciple Su Yuntao has an innate soul power of level 2, and his first soul ring is 850 years old?! His martial soul even evolved?! Ning Fengzhi, we've really found a treasure! I'll go collect the high-year whale glue on the market right away!"
Seeing Gu Rong about to activate his soul skill and rush out, Ning Fengzhi quickly stopped him:
> "Uncle Gu, don't collect too much ten-thousand-year whale glue. Let's focus near Tiandou City. If we buy up too much, we'll attract envy and suspicion!
> Once we've gathered enough, we can sell the secret for a good price. Anyway, Master Yu Xiaogang will be making it public in a few days. Why stir up trouble before that?
> Also, please send some supplies to support our ally, Longmen. As partners, we must show sincerity."
Gu Rong nodded, and in a flash of soul ring light, he vanished, leaving behind a parting comment:
> "Ning Fengzhi, you really think things through! I'll do as you say. I'll send the old swordsman to protect you too. I'm tired of him waving that broken sword in front of me every day!"
Ning Fengzhi smiled bitterly and shook his head. Uncle Gu and Uncle Jian were still bickering like kids despite their age. But it was good to have company in old age.
> Should I try hard tonight? The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect also needs an heir…
Meanwhile, Flender had finished helping Yu Xiaogang and was now traveling back. On the way, he awakened the martial spirits of eligible children in nearby villages, hoping to find a genius soul master. Though he envied Yu Xiaogang's disciples, Flender lacked his talent for teaching. He could only hope to discover a prodigy and take them as his own disciple.
---
In the Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect within the Thunder Mountain Range of the Douluo Continent, Liu Erlong sat with legs crossed, sipping tea across from her father, Yu Luomian.
She calmly observed Yu Luomian's changing expression as he read Yu Xiaogang's report. Suddenly, he stood up, eyes sharp with disbelief, and asked:
> "Erlong, are you sure Yu Xiaogang didn't lie to me? Su Yuntao's first soul ring was really 850 years old? Does whale glue truly have such an effect? It's just too shocking!"
Liu Erlong set her teacup down and looked her father in the eye without flinching:
> "Father, this is easy to verify. Just test the whale glue yourself and see the results. Are you still worried that Xiaogang would lie to you? Su Yuntao is currently staying at Longmen Sect near Notting City. You can send someone to investigate it all."
Yu Luomian faltered under his daughter's firm gaze. He owed too much to Liu Erlong and her mother. Still, he asked:
> "Then why didn't Yu Xiaogang return to the sect himself to share this? And he even founded Longmen Sect outside. Is our Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect not good enough?"
Liu Erlong rolled her eyes. Her father was still too proud. But pride was common among direct descendants of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect—one reason she disliked staying there.
> "Heh. Father, don't forget—it was the Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect that expelled Yu Xiaogang. Now, Xiaogang still thinks of this sect and shares his discoveries. That's already generous! Here—this is a basic body-strengthening method Xiaogang gave for free. Consider it a token of gratitude for the years of training he received here."
Yu Luomian clenched his fists and slammed the table. The room fell silent.
After a long pause, he let out a sigh:
> "Sigh… Yes, it was the sect's arrogance that ruined Yu Xiaogang's future. But this is still his home—his bloodline. We cannot deny that. Since he has created a new sect, then as his uncle, I will provide some material support."
Liu Erlong nodded, ready to leave this place where "blood" mattered more than anything. She placed down a stack of Yu Xiaogang's latest theory books and said:
> "Father, here's Xiaogang's newest theoretical material. Help promote it in the sect. I need to return and report to him."
As she turned to leave, Yu Luomian called out softly:
> "Wait, Erlong… How have you been lately? Have you found someone you can rely on?"
Liu Erlong paused. The air turned cold. Yu Luomian stood silently at the door, not daring to breathe too loudly. He gazed at her profile with a mixture of guilt and affection.
After a long silence, Liu Erlong's face flushed slightly as she responded:
> "Don't worry about me anymore. I'm doing well—busy, fulfilled, teaching students daily. Boss Flender is a good man. If there's nothing else, I'll return to Xiaogang's sect."
Before Yu Luomian could reply, Liu Erlong activated her martial soul and soared into the sky, quickly vanishing. Yu Luomian held Yu Xiaogang's letter tightly behind his back, walked to the door, and looked toward the sky.
> "Congratulations, my daughter. Forgive me for being such an unworthy father… Looks like I'll be busy soon. I must speak with my elder brother about what's next.
> Yu Xiaogang… I was wrong! But your words ring true—There are no useless martial souls, only useless soul masters! I can't imagine how chaotic things will get when the secret of whale glue spreads. I must warn those young brats in the sect to behave!"
---
At the exit of the Slaughter City, a ragged, wounded figure rested behind a large rock. It was none other than Tang Hao.
Leaning on the Clear Sky Hammer, eyes bloodshot, he let out a loud, crazed laugh. Then he looked up at the moonlit sky and shouted:
> "Ayin! I did it! I passed the trial in the Slaughter City! I'm now the God of Slaughter, and I've reached level 80! Next, I'll head to the Star Dou Forest for my spirit ring, and then… I'll come to Notting City to find you!
> Ayin, wait for me! I said I'd protect you forever! I won't let anyone hurt you again!"
After resting, Tang Hao forced himself onward. Though exhausted and near mental collapse, he pressed on. Without his deep love for Ayin, he would've lost himself to madness in the endles
s bloodshed of the Slaughter City.
---
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(End of Chapter)
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