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Late at night, a figure flitted past the guest room.
Ning Tianchen sensed the presence and immediately ended his cultivation state, stepping lightly out of the room.
The visitor was none other than Bai He.
"Elder Bai He, what brings you here so late at night?" Ning Tianchen asked casually.
Bai He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he nodded to Ning Tianchen and then leapt lightly onto a nearby rooftop.
Ning Tianchen followed closely, landing beside him. His gaze instinctively rose to the night sky.
The moonlight was hazy, faintly visible through the clouds.
"Elder Bai He, are you inviting me to admire the moon?"
Bai He waved his hand and smiled. "Sect Leader, there's something I need to confess to you."
"The previous leader of the Hao Tian Sect was my brother-in-law, and I am also the current leader Tang Xiao's uncle."
"Hm, Old Rhino mentioned to you that Old Ape had sent us a message earlier. To be honest, in my opinion, Tang Xiao must want to rally our former affiliated families to fight for their revenge against the Spirit Hall."
Ning Tianchen sat cross-legged on the roof, intrigued. "I wonder, Elder Bai He, what are your thoughts? Avenge the Hao Tian Sect? Or perhaps respond to Tang Xiao's call at a critical moment?"
Bai He shook his head with a bitter smile.
His fingers gently tapped the tiles as he explained, "Back when we were under the Hao Tian Sect, our Agility Clan disciples were merely scouts. We had no other skills, and our combat abilities were far inferior to the other three clans."
"If not for my sister being the first wife of the then-leader of the Hao Tian Sect, we would have been expelled long ago."
"Therefore, on behalf of the Agility Clan, I'm very grateful that Sect Leader has shown us a way to earn money. Our ties with the Hao Tian Sect have run their course. When we defended them against the Spirit Hall's invasion, we repaid any debt we owed."
"From now on, the Agility Clan will do its utmost to contribute to the sect's development."
Ning Tianchen wasn't surprised by Bai He's display of loyalty.
The role of the Agility Clan was similar to that of auxiliary-system soul masters. However, unlike auxiliary soul masters, they couldn't provide any boosts to other soul masters.
For most sects, the Agility Clan was an unimpressive existence—useless but hard to discard.
But in Ning Tianchen's hands, they were invaluable and irreplaceable.
"Elder Bai He, rest assured. Our sect always rewards merit and won't mistreat any contributors."
After a pause, Bai He continued, "Sect Leader, I know about your relationship with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. My granddaughter Xiang Xiang is the same age as you all, but her strength lags far behind yours."
"I wonder, could you arrange for her to enter Seven Treasures Academy for systematic training for a few years?"
This matter had already been discussed between Ning Tianchen and Ning Fengzhi.
He replied, "Every year, our sect sends a fixed number of people to study at Seven Treasures Academy. At that time, your three families can discuss among yourselves. Of course, since the sect has been established, we will also recruit disciples from across the continent in the future. I hope your three families won't cling to clan biases or reject newcomers."
"One elder position in the sect is guaranteed for each of your three families, so don't worry about being removed."
With this assurance, what reason did Bai He have to remain exclusive?
After all, the nature of the Heaven Sword Sect was to unite several families, so there was no reason to exclude others.
After further discussion, Bai He retrieved a wooden box from his soul-guiding device.
Opening it under the moonlight, the herbs inside emitted a crimson glow.
"Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng!" Ning Tianchen exclaimed.
If there were rankings for the appearance of medicinal herbs, the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng would undoubtedly be among the top.
Bai He stroked his beard. "I didn't expect Sect Leader to recognize this item."
"To be honest, this is the treasured possession of our Agility Clan. I originally planned to sell it during a survival crisis for funds. Now, it seems unnecessary."
"Old Mountain Goat has been eyeing this item covetously. I'll gift it to Sect Leader, and whether you use it to recruit Old Mountain Goat and the Breaking Clan is entirely up to you."
After a pause, he reminded, "This herb needs an hour of sunlight every day. It cannot be stored in a soul-guiding device for too long, or it will wither. Please take good care of it."
The medicinal properties of the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng were extremely potent. If a soul master could endure it, this herb could greatly replenish their blood essence.
For elderly soul masters, absorbing this herb would be like experiencing a second spring.
"Thank you, Elder Bai He. However, I won't accept it without giving something in return."
As he spoke, Ning Tianchen retrieved a ten-thousand-year Wind Demon Wing Dragon right arm bone from his soul-guiding device.
The Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng would be of great help to Sword Dao Chen Xin in the future, and Ning Tianchen didn't want to owe Bai He a favor.
Seeing the soul bone, Bai He was tempted but didn't accept it immediately.
"Sect Leader, this is too valuable. I can't take it."
Ning Tianchen shoved the soul bone into Bai He's hands. "Take it. Consider it an exchange for the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng."
In terms of rarity, the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng was top-tier, far surpassing a mere ten-thousand-year soul bone.
"Moreover, this is a wind-attribute soul bone, offering tremendous help to agility-type soul masters. Even if you don't need it, doesn't your granddaughter?"
After some thought, Bai He finally stowed the soul bone away.
---
The night passed silently.
Early the next morning, a hearty laugh broke the tranquility of the residence.
"Old Rhino, Old White Bird, you two are already drinking?"
Hearing the voice, Ning Tianchen ended his cultivation state and stretched lazily. "Finally, he's here."
After reviewing Yang Wudi's profile, Oscar said gravely, "Tianchen, recruiting the Breaking Clan might cause quite a bit of trouble."
"With Elder Niu Gao and Elder Bai He covering for us, it should be easier," Ning Tianchen said confidently.
He possessed the Aromatic Silk Beauty Immortal Herb, which Yang Wudi desperately needed.
However, the immortal herb couldn't be revealed immediately, or it would only attract Yang Wudi himself, not the entire Breaking Clan.
There was no enmity between Ning Tianchen and the Breaking Clan, but securing them wouldn't necessarily be easier than it had been for Tang San in the original timeline.
Thus, Ning Tianchen dared not slack off or grow careless.
The three walked together toward the main hall.
At that moment, Niu Gao and the others were deep in conversation inside the hall.
Yang Wudi anxiously asked, "Old Rhino, why did you urgently summon us here? What's so important?"
"I left my medicine halfway through brewing. You'd better explain yourself clearly."
As they spoke, the door to the main hall opened again, and Ning Tianchen and his companions entered.
Yang Wudi frowned. "Old Rhino, who are these three? Since when do we allow outsiders to eavesdrop on our conversations?"
"Old Mountain Goat, don't be in such a hurry. Let me introduce them to you."
Bai He stroked his beard and introduced Ning Tianchen and his companions.
"The Heaven Sword Sect? Hmph, some small sect that popped up out of nowhere. You two must've been deceived by him." Yang Wudi showed no respect for them.
Bai He hurriedly explained, "Old Mountain Goat, what are you saying? Sect Leader's strength has been unanimously acknowledged by both me and Old Rhino. Moreover, as founding members of the sect, our future..."
Yang Wudi cut him off bluntly. "If you called me here just for this, then don't bother contacting me again in the future."
"Master Yang Wudi, please wait a moment," Ning Tianchen said. "I know calling you here like this might offend you, but surely you can see that the situation on the continent is unpredictable. If we don't unite, we risk being swallowed by various factions."
Yang Wudi snorted coldly, brushed past Ning Tianchen, and stopped at the entrance to the hall. "Old White Bird, Old Rhino, have you forgotten the hardships we endured under the Hao Tian Sect?"
"Do you really want to return to those bitter days? I'm very disappointed! From now on, you walk your narrow bridge, and my Breaking Clan will walk its own bright path!"
Niu Gao and Bai He exchanged glances, finally understanding the misunderstanding.
It seemed their earlier explanation hadn't been clear enough, leading Yang Wudi to misinterpret the situation.
Before either could speak, Chen Huayu stepped forward to clarify. "Senior, you've misunderstood us. The Breaking Clan joining the Heaven Sword Sect isn't about being subordinate. You'll be full-fledged members of the sect."
"At present, the sect is still in its preparatory stage. By joining, you'll become founding elders and directly participate in managing the sect."
Yang Wudi's anger began to dissipate.
By uniting to form the sect, the Breaking Clan would be an integral part of it, not a subordinate branch.
So, I misinterpreted things?
Yang Wudi's heart tightened.
If he missed this opportunity, he might never reunite with Niu Gao and the others.
However, his earlier words had already been spoken, and if he were to admit his mistake now, the Breaking Clan's status within the sect would become precarious.
After some thought, he turned around and said, "Boy, you're the leader of the Heaven Sword Sect?"
"No doubt about it." Ning Tianchen stood tall like a pine tree, his expression calm and fearless.
Yang Wudi snorted coldly. "At such a young age, what capabilities do you have to manage a sect?"
Bai He stood by, watching the scene with amusement.
Having not yet witnessed Ning Tianchen's strength, Yang Wudi was about to suffer the consequences.
Ning Tianchen narrowed his eyes slightly and responded indifferently, "If Master Yang Wudi doesn't believe me, feel free to test me."
Yang Wudi wasn't someone who only talked big. The Soul-Breaking Spear martial soul manifested in his hand, and eight soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black—shimmered at his feet.
There was no enmity between him and Ning Tianchen, so he didn't make any harsh threats. "At your young age, you don't show fear in my presence—you've already surpassed your peers."
"But as the sect leader, merely doing that isn't enough. Show me your soul rings and strength. If you're too weak, I think there's no need for us to spar."
Ning Tianchen politely responded, "Master Yang Wudi makes a valid point. Then, allow me to seek your guidance."
With that, the Seven Kill Sword martial soul appeared in his hand. The configuration of six black soul rings and one red soul ring made Yang Wudi's eyes light up.
A hundred-thousand-year soul ring—an existence from legends—and this young man actually possessed one!
"So this is your confidence? Very well, you're qualified to be my opponent," Yang Wudi laughed heartily. "Hoh, your martial soul must be the Seven Kill Sword. Let me see just how far your Seven Kill Sword falls short compared to Sword Dao Chen Xin."
Seeing this, he roughly guessed Ning Tianchen's identity.
However, this was a contest between two weapon-type martial souls, and he didn't care about the other party's background.
After all, in the rankings of weapon-type martial souls on the continent, the Soul-Breaking Spear ranked just below the Seven Kill Sword.
"I'd also like to witness the prowess of the Soul-Breaking Spear martial soul."
With that, neither side wasted any more words.
The Seven Kill Sword and the Soul-Breaking Spear thrust forward simultaneously, their tips colliding and sparking violently.
These two martial souls, renowned for their sharpness, failed to overpower each other.
The first round of probing ended, and neither side had discerned the other's depth.
Without hesitation, they immediately launched into the next round of attacks.
"Fourth soul skill, Pressure!"
Yang Wudi raised his Soul-Breaking Spear, and waves of soul force fluctuations erupted from the spear shaft.
It came crashing down, attempting to overwhelm Ning Tianchen with sheer pressure.
"Seven Kill Sword Technique, Coiling Sword Style."
The Seven Kill Sword thrust out, its blade swaying slightly like the body of a giant snake. With a coiling motion, it easily deflected the attack of the Soul-Breaking Spear.
The sword moved like a silver python, its sword qi slicing through everything!
Yang Wudi couldn't help but be startled.
Ning Tianchen's sword technique bore a resemblance to spear techniques.
In fact, the Coiling Sword Style from the Seven Kill Sword Techniques had indeed evolved from spear techniques.
However, it wasn't a simple evolution—it incorporated key principles of swordsmanship.
The snake-like sword qi forced Yang Wudi to temporarily release his grip on the Soul-Breaking Spear.
"Seven Kill Sword Technique, Pressing Sword Stance."
Ning Tianchen wouldn't miss such a good opportunity to attack. The Seven Kill Sword came slashing down with overwhelming force, with the momentum of a falling meteor.
Yang Wudi sneered. "You want to counter-pressure me? Hoh!"
He decisively retreated, not minding whether the Soul-Breaking Spear had slipped from his hands.
Ning Tianchen attempted to pursue him.
Suddenly, in his perception, the Soul-Breaking Spear martial soul that had left Yang Wudi's hands vanished into thin air.
Upon closer inspection, Yang Wudi had summoned his martial soul again.
When a martial soul moved a certain distance away from the soul master's body, it would automatically dissipate, allowing the soul master to summon it once more.
A faint smile appeared on Ning Tianchen's lips. Yang Wudi's strength and understanding of soul master theory were far beyond those of an ordinary soul master.
Such a troublesome opponent seemed to suit his tastes perfectly.
Abandoning the pursuit, he shifted into a defensive stance instead.
The Soul-Breaking Spear martial soul excelled in offense. Under the disparity in soul force levels, Ning Tianchen's active attacks might not yield any advantage.
Taking a step back could be a good strategy.
Moreover, the essence of challenging a higher-level opponent lay in learning from the experience during battle.
"Dragon Sword Protection!"
Ning Tianchen placed the Seven Kill Sword in front of him, forming a barrier of sword qi.
The Soul-Breaking Spear danced in Yang Wudi's hands, its tip glowing with a red light.
"Fifth soul skill, Break!" (Different from what's on the wiki, where his 5th soul skill is Black Fire.)
The Soul-Breaking Spear thrust forward fiercely. Wherever the spear tip passed, the air exploded with sonic booms!
Watching from the sidelines, Bai He anxiously said, "Old Mountain Goat's attack power is very strong. The sect leader's defense may not withstand it."
Niu Gao sighed and patted Bai He's shoulder. "Old White Bird, when the time comes, I'll intercept Old Mountain Goat's attack. You quickly take the sect leader and retreat."
"In the future, we'll all be members of the same sect. We can't let Old Mountain Goat act recklessly."
Oscar and Chen Huayu showed no signs of ease on their faces.
After all, Ning Tianchen still had several trump cards yet to be used. It was too early to discuss victory or defeat.
Furthermore, the enhancements provided by a hundred-thousand-year soul ring and several ten-thousand-year soul rings to a soul master's body couldn't be compensated for by a mere difference in soul force levels.
Yang Wudi's only advantage over Ning Tianchen was his combat experience, which was slightly richer than the latter's.
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