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"Old White Bird, our Defense Clan is now a member of the Heaven Sword Sect. To be honest, the sect is still in its preparatory stage. I know the Agility Clan has been struggling financially, and joining the Heaven Sword Sect would provide them with some stability."
Niu Gao laughed heartily as he spoke.
For Ning Tianchen, among the four great single-attribute families, the Agility Clan was undoubtedly the easiest to recruit.
Their family was impoverished, and as long as their future livelihood was guaranteed, they would willingly join any sect.
However, Bai He was no fool.
If he agreed outright, the benefits for the Agility Clan would be minimal. Some negotiation was necessary to maximize their gains.
"Old Rhino, are you serious? At such a young age, can he really possess strength comparable to ours?" Bai He feigned astonishment.
Behind him, Bai Chenxiang added, "Grandpa Niu, you shouldn't joke about such matters. From their appearance, they seem to be around my age. How could their strength possibly compare to two Soul Douluo like you?"
"Do you dare to spar with me?" Feeling belittled, Chen Huayu stepped forward.
Niu Gao forced a smile.
During the days waiting for Bai He's arrival, he hadn't spared much time sparring with Ning Tianchen.
But even after using his eighth soul skill, he still couldn't gain an advantage over Ning Tianchen, let alone win a single match.
Such an embarrassing record made him hesitant to speak of it.
Once Bai He experienced Ning Tianchen's strength firsthand, he would understand that Niu Gao wasn't exaggerating.
Bai He chuckled and said, "Heaven Sword Sect Leader, Xiang Xiang here is a genius of the Agility Clan. Why don't we let them have a friendly bout?"
Ning Tianchen nodded. "Elder Bai He, as you wish."
As he spoke, he whispered into Chen Huayu's ear, "Fatty, the Agility Clan's martial soul excels in speed but has extremely weak defenses. Hold back a bit and don't injure her."
"Don't worry." Chen Huayu grinned.
Ning Tianchen casually took out a gold coin from his soul-guiding device and tossed it at Chen Huayu's feet. "Let's do this. Chen Huayu will defend the position, and if Bai Chenxiang can retrieve this gold coin, she wins the match. What do you say?"
Both sides agreed, and the match was set to begin.
Bai Chenxiang stepped forward with a proud expression, indifferently stating, "Bai Chenxiang of the Agility Clan. I'm starting!"
With that, a pair of pure white wings sprouted behind her back, and her body split into multiple afterimages as she darted toward Chen Huayu.
A faint smile appeared on Bai He's lips.
Bai Chenxiang possessed Soul Ancestor-level strength at such a young age, while Chen Huayu, given his age, was at most a Soul King.
Facing Bai Chenxiang's speed advantage, ordinary power-type Soul Kings wouldn't be able to track her movements.
This match seemed to favor Bai Chenxiang.
Beside them, Niu Gao couldn't help but feel nervous.
He had personally experienced the speed of the Swift-Tailed Swallow martial soul. It wouldn't be easy for Chen Huayu, a power-type soul master, to catch her.
However, Ning Tianchen remained calm and confident.
Chen Huayu was at least a Soul Emperor. A mere speed advantage was useless against the overwhelming gap in strength.
---
In the blink of an eye, Bai Chenxiang's figure reached Chen Huayu's side.
She reached out her hand to grab the gold coin on the ground.
A faint smile appeared on Chen Huayu's lips as he stomped his right foot hard on the ground.
The Giant Black Bear Rock martial soul instantly manifested, and six soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black—appeared in an instant. A powerful surge of soul force formed a soul field in front of him.
Bai Chenxiang, with only Soul Ancestor-level strength, couldn't withstand it. She was immediately blown away.
"Soul Emperor!" Bai He exclaimed in shock. With quick reflexes, he swiftly caught Bai Chenxiang to prevent further injury.
The impact of the soul force was no small matter. Bai Chenxiang clutched her chest and struggled to lift her head. "You! How could you possibly be a Soul Emperor?!"
As a genius of the Agility Clan, she had been highly regarded by her family since childhood and showered with love and care.
Geniuses had their pride. Now, seeing someone her age surpass her by two entire ranks, she found it difficult to accept.
Bai He couldn't help but gasp. "At such a young age, you've already reached Soul Emperor level. The title of the continent's youngest Soul Emperor undoubtedly belongs to you."
Chen Huayu clasped his hands together. "Elder Bai He flatters me. Our leader's strength far surpasses mine. I wouldn't dare claim that title."
"Oh?" Bai He turned his gaze toward Ning Tianchen.
He couldn't sense any trace of soul force emanating from Ning Tianchen and couldn't discern his true strength.
Ning Tianchen extended an invitation. "Elder Bai He, as the leader of the Heaven Sword Sect, I sincerely invite the Agility Clan to join our sect. What is your answer?"
Bai He didn't respond immediately. "Old Rhino says your strength is formidable. If you want to become the leader of the Agility Clan, let's see if your strength is up to par."
Ning Tianchen nodded and rose, walking out of the hall.
Niu Gao grabbed Bai He's arm and warned, "Old White Bird, I suggest you don't spar with the sect leader."
Bai He patted his arm. "Old Rhino, only through testing can I truly gauge his strength. Don't forget, when it comes to speed, I've never feared anyone."
---
On the Defense Clan's Training Ground
Upon hearing that Ning Tianchen was going to spar with Bai He, many disciples gathered around.
They wanted to witness their sect leader's prowess.
"Grandpa, teach him a lesson!" Bai Chenxiang called out coldly from below the arena.
Standing beside her, Chen Huayu chuckled. "Unless you're a Title Douluo, no one stands a chance against our boss—not even your grandpa."
"You!"
Bai Chenxiang stamped her feet in frustration, crossed her arms, and turned away, refusing to acknowledge him any further.
On the arena, Bai He stroked his beard and smiled. "You're the younger generation. You decide the rules of the match."
Ning Tianchen casually replied, "No restrictions on the arena. The match ends when one side concedes."
Bai He raised an eyebrow.
His martial soul had almost no offensive capabilities. How could he force the other side to concede?
"How about this, Old White Bird? If you can touch the sect leader's body within a set time, you win," Niu Gao suggested from below the arena.
Ning Tianchen calmly stated, "Then let's set the time to the length of one incense stick."
Bai He inwardly sneered.
With such a long duration, he was certain the opponent wouldn't stand a chance.
As Niu Gao lit the incense, the match officially began.
Bai He's speed was impossible to follow with the naked eye.
One moment, his body was still in place, and the next, he was already in front of Ning Tianchen.
His speed was so fast it felt like teleportation, leaving no room for defense.
"Look! Boss blocked him!" Chen Huayu exclaimed in amazement.
Everything had happened too quickly.
They didn't know when Bai He had moved, nor did they notice when Ning Tianchen activated the Dragon Sword Protection.
Faced with the sturdy, thick barrier of sword qi, Bai He was momentarily at a loss.
"Surely a sect leader wouldn't just hide in a turtle shell to waste time," Bai He said nonchalantly.
Ning Tianchen's eyes narrowed, and the sword qi barrier vanished.
Just as Bai He prepared to advance, an icy chill radiated from Ning Tianchen's body, spreading rapidly across the arena.
Bai He's wings were completely frozen, reducing his speed by nearly sixty percent.
"What intense killing intent and coldness—this is... a domain! My strength has been suppressed by twenty percent!" Bai He thought in alarm.
A person with a domain had already stepped into the ranks of the continent's strongest.
It should be noted that most Title Douluo on the continent didn't possess a domain, highlighting its immense value.
"The evolved skill of the Killing God Domain—the Asura Ice Domain!"
Over the past few days, Ning Tianchen hadn't slacked off in training his domain.
With the support of the Asura God Trial, his progress in cultivating the Killing God Domain had been nothing short of miraculous.
The moment the ice domain emerged, the surrounding temperature plummeted drastically, becoming unbearably cold. Combined with the overwhelming killing intent, Bai He found himself momentarily unable to move.
"So strong."
Below the arena, Bai Chenxiang covered her mouth in disbelief, unable to fathom Ning Tianchen's terrifying strength.
Niu Gao shook his head helplessly.
A match lasting the length of one incense stick meant Bai He would be unilaterally suppressed for that duration.
Once the domain was unleashed, the outcome of the match was no longer in doubt.
---
Under the immense pressure, Bai He had already acknowledged the other party's strength in his heart.
However, before the match ended, the outcome was still uncertain.
"Seventh soul skill, Martial Soul True Body!"
The true body form of the Swift-Tailed Swallow martial soul was different from other martial souls.
Generally, the true body form of beast-type martial souls would make the martial soul's physical form grow larger. However, the Swift-Tailed Swallow did the opposite—it shrank in size, providing an extreme speed advantage.
"Be careful! Eighth soul skill, Spirit Doppelgänger!"
Bai He's body transformed into countless afterimages, resisting the suppression of the domain as he aggressively charged toward Ning Tianchen.
"Seventh soul skill, Coiling Dragon True Body."
A blood-red hundred-thousand-year soul ring shimmered beneath his feet. The golden dragon patterns coiled around the Seven Kill Sword came to life, flowing like molten gold, and then transformed into a golden dragon that soared into the sky.
The dragon's might surged, roaring through the mountains and forests!
Using the Beast Soul True Body, Ning Tianchen's body grew enormous, which seemed disadvantageous for evading Bai He's attacks.
However, the reality was different. The overwhelming dragon aura made Bai He feel unprecedented pressure, causing the Swift-Tailed Swallow martial soul to tremble.
"The True Body provided by a hundred-thousand-year soul ring is so powerful!" Bai He clenched his teeth tightly.
Just resisting the suppression of the bloodline had already exhausted all his strength—how could he have any chance to touch the opponent's body?
Below the arena, Bai Chenxiang couldn't hold back and urgently asked Chen Huayu, "Isn't his martial soul a weapon-type? How can he use the Beast Soul True Body?"
Chen Huayu straightened up proudly. "Boss's strength is beyond the comprehension of ordinary people!"
---
On the arena, after several futile attempts, Bai He reluctantly conceded defeat, and the match came to an end.
Retracting the True Body, Ning Tianchen clasped his hands and said, "Thank you for holding back."
"I didn't hold back at all," Bai He sighed inwardly but quickly let it go. "May I ask your name? If there was any offense earlier, please forgive me."
"Ning Tianchen."
Upon hearing this name, Bai He was momentarily stunned.
It seemed he had heard it somewhere but couldn't recall immediately.
Bai Chenxiang exclaimed, "You're the captain of the Seven Treasures Team, the champion of the last Soul Master Tournament? My goodness, you've already reached Soul Sage level and possess a hundred-thousand-year soul ring!"
"But aren't you a disciple of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect? How are you the leader of the Heaven Sword Sect?"
In an instant, her pride was completely shattered.
Faced with top-tier geniuses, her talent was insignificant.
After Niu Gao explained everything, the grandfather and granddaughter finally understood the reason.
"Old White Bird, now can we talk about joining the sect?"
Back in the hall, Bai He voiced his conditions. "Sect Leader Ning, the disciples of the Agility Clan are natural scouts. Aside from intelligence work, we have no other strengths. If your sect doesn't need so many intelligence personnel, I believe the Agility Clan has no reason to join."
To do nothing and receive paychecks would only invite ridicule for the Agility Clan members within the sect.
If that were the case, they might as well not join the Heaven Sword Sect.
Ning Tianchen pondered for a moment and replied, "Everyone has their value. I've already thought of a way for you to earn money."
"What way?" Bai He pressed.
Niu Gao patted his shoulder. "Old White Bird, don't try to get something for nothing. This is a sect secret. Since you're not yet part of the sect, how can the sect leader explain it to you?"
Taking a deep breath, Bai He clasped his hands and said, "If Sect Leader Ning truly finds a good role for our clan's disciples, we will join the Heaven Sword Sect and never betray it."
Ning Tianchen smiled and said, "Good. Elder Bai He, you will henceforth be an elder of the Heaven Sword Sect and participate in decision-making."
After a pause, he continued, "Have you ever considered that the talents possessed by your clan's disciples can themselves bring in enormous wealth?"
The Agility Clan's advantage lay in speed—they could fully utilize their speed to run errands. While doing so, they could also gather intelligence on the side.
"Run errands? How exactly?" Bai He was confused.
Ning Tianchen raised his eyebrows slightly.
There were already similar roles on the continent.
Some wealthy households had servants running errands for them. When nobles wanted something, they simply instructed their subordinates.
However, cities were vast. If someone lived in the southern part of the city and wanted food from the north, by the time the servant returned with the food, it would have lost its original flavor and texture.
But with the speed of the Agility Clan's disciples, they could deliver the food to noble residences in a short time, ensuring the taste remained intact.
Hearing Ning Tianchen's explanation, Bai He's eyes lit up.
Food was essential to the people, and nobles weren't short on money. Charging ten percent of the food price as a delivery fee would allow them to make a fortune.
The biggest problem now was how to communicate with the restaurants in the city.
Before Bai He could ask, Ning Tianchen continued, "I plan to build a large food court in Tiandou City under the sect's name. As for the details, I'll discuss them later with the elder in charge of this project. The Agility Clan's disciples can not only run errands but also work as chefs or take on other roles in the food court. Of course, intelligence work will still be your responsibility."
With his assurance, Bai He had no more doubts.
However, the Agility Clan's base wasn't here. He needed to return and inform his clansmen before relocating the family to Tiandou City.
Niu Gao added, "Old White Bird, no need to rush. The sect's base will be constructed by my Defense Clan. After recruiting Old Mountain Goat, we'll set off. If you arrive too early, there won't be any place to stay."
That was true.
"By the way, Sect Leader, has Old Ape already joined the sect?" Bai He couldn't help but ask.
The Heaven Sword Sect's base was set in Tiandou City, and Ning Tianchen himself was originally from Tiandou City, making it most convenient to contact the Strength Clan.
Before Ning Tianchen could speak, Niu Gao explained, "Old White Bird, you know Old Ape's temperament. His loyalty to the Hao Tian Sect is unwavering—even after the sect's destruction, they remain loyal to the Tang family."
"When we arrive in Tiandou City, let's first inquire about Old Ape's thoughts. If he doesn't wish to join the sect, we'll sever ties with him in the future."
Bai He nodded seriously.
Being the head of a family required considering the entire clan's interests. This brotherhood couldn't override the clan's well-being.
Having decided to join the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, they shouldn't deceive the sect.
---
After discussing the important matters, Niu Gao and Bai He began drinking, planning to drink for three days and three nights.
Late at night, Ning Tianchen and the others left the table and were heading to their rooms when Bai Chenxiang blocked their path.
"Is there something you need?" Oscar asked.
Bai Chenxiang bit her lip lightly and softly asked, "How… how do you train? Your strength is incredible."
Oscar chuckled and replied, "Train hard, progress daily."
Chen Huayu added, "My father once said, some achieve fame at a young age, while others accomplish great things later in life. Train diligently, and in the future, you too can become strong."
With that, without waiting for Bai Chenxiang to continue, the three walked past her.
Bai Chenxiang stared blankly at their retreating figures, murmuring softly, "Train diligently, huh…"
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