Upon returning to the sect, Ning Fengzhi saw the familiar faces of the Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluos alongside three additional Titled Douluos. His smile remained as steady as ever. Regarding this Soul Hunting Operation, Ning Fengzhi felt a stir of gratitude toward Bibi Dong in his heart.
In a single stroke, she had delivered nine Titled Douluos and over eight thousand Soul Masters to his doorstep. This was without even counting the deepened relationship with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, or the subsequent benefits of using this momentum to take over the Heaven Dou Empire and begin the unification of the continent.
Inside the discussion hall of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, nine Titled Douluos—Ghost Leopard, Spirit Kite, Snake Lance, Porcupine, Chrysanthemum, Ghost, Mountain Splitter, Spirit Armor, and Giant Axe—knelt respectfully in the center of the hall. Although they had surrendered, they were still nine powerful Titled Douluo-level experts. Even if they had consumed the Fragrant Marrow Refinement Liquid, there was still a non-zero chance they could succeed if they united for a desperate assassination attempt on Ning Fengzhi.
Because of this, Chen Xin, Gu Rong, and Dugu Bo were present. In truth, even if they were nine, under the joint hands of Chen Xin and Gu Rong, they would be nothing more than lambs to the slaughter. Furthermore, Dugu Bo, the provider of the poison, was right there. If he wished, a flick of his finger could trigger the toxins in their bodies, leaving them dead without a burial site.
Their presence was merely a safeguard. Modern Ning Fengzhi truly did not fear a sneak attack. Beyond his powerful defense skill, the Eight Treasure Heavenly Net Divine Cover, he had personally broken through to Rank 92. After merging with Xiao Wu's Soul Spirit, he had obtained two hundred-thousand-year soul skills that were peerless life-saving techniques. With "Nothingness" and "Invincible Golden Body," Ning Fengzhi could ensure he remained unharmed during an ambush while calmly waiting for backup.
With the monster Gu Xuan present as well, Ghost Leopard and the others wouldn't dare betray the clan even if given ten times the courage. Their lives were held firmly in someone else's grasp. Unless they weren't afraid to die—but if they weren't afraid to die, they wouldn't be standing here now. Having just defected, they needed to earn trust. At this stage, they were exceptionally obedient and useful; after all, one more or one less Titled Douluo wouldn't break the clan's foundation.
"We greet the Clan Leader. From this day forth, we swear to serve the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan until death and follow the Clan Leader's every command," the nine Titled Douluos said in unison.
Ghost Leopard Douluo had clearly coached the Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluos on what they had said during their own surrender. Now, nine Titled Douluos knelt on the floor, speaking with such perfect synchronicity that one could not find a single flaw.
Ning Fengzhi waved his hand, signaling them to rise. He spoke indifferently. "From now on, we are one family. However, I must speak plainly. Since you have entered the gates of my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, do not harbor divided loyalties. Otherwise, the end of Devil Bear Douluo shall be your own."
Hearing this, the ones who felt it most deeply were Ghost Leopard, Snake Lance, Porcupine, and Spirit Kite. They had been the ones attacking alongside Devil Bear Douluo. Before the fight had even officially begun, Devil Bear had been obliterated by a single strike from Chen Xin. His two soul bones were likely still sitting in Gu Rong's soul tool, probably still warm.
From his seat, Ning Fengzhi picked up the teacup Gu Xuan had just refilled. He took a sip and looked at the nine Titled Douluos below. "Since you have chosen to join this sect, the following tasks shall be completed by you all together."
Ghost Leopard, Chrysanthemum, and the others knew the time had come. Ning Fengzhi was assigning missions, and they needed to use their actions to prove their sincerity.
"However, before that, I have something to say. I heard that during the reinforcement of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Xiao Xuan was the one who did the most work. If that is the case, Elder Ghost Leopard, it may not be so easy for you to receive your antidotes," Ning Fengzhi said. He toyed with the teacup in his hand, his voice turning cold.
Hearing this, Ghost Leopard Douluo and the other three replied respectfully once more. "Reporting to the Clan Leader, it was indeed the Young Master's merit. The Young Master's strength is extraordinary. It was not that we were unwilling to put in effort, but we simply had no opportunity to strike!"
"But please rest assured, Clan Leader. We will absolutely be on the front lines for your next arrangement. We guarantee the successful completion of the task and will not fail your trust!"
Ning Fengzhi nodded and spoke softly. "In that case, I shall not pursue it this time. I have given certain opportunities; whether you can grasp them depends on your own hard work."
"We understand and are willing to serve the Clan Leader!" the nine replied simultaneously.
"Good. If that is so, then the next operations will rely on you," Ning Fengzhi nodded with satisfaction. He slapped the armrest and began assigning the nine Titled Douluos. "At dawn today, Elders Ghost Leopard, Snake Lance, Porcupine, and Spirit Kite will follow Xiao Xuan to the Heaven Dou Empire to clear out the Spirit Hall rebellion within the imperial family. Remember, all actions are to be led by Xiao Xuan. I hope the four of you can grasp this opportunity."
The four named Titled Douluos bowed respectfully. "We follow the Clan Leader's command!"
Ning Fengzhi continued. "Elders Chrysanthemum, Ghost, and Giant Axe, you three will follow Uncle Bone at dawn. Along with Yu Yuanzhen of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the leaders of the Four Lower Sects, you will crusade against Spirit Hall. You must capture Bibi Dong alive. If that is impossible, her status does not matter, dead or alive."
"We follow the Clan Leader's command!" the Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluos replied respectfully.
"Elders Mountain Splitter and Spirit Armor, you will assist Uncle Sword in integrating the recently surrendered Soul Master army. In one month, we shall begin the war for continental unification."
"Mountain Splitter (Spirit Armor) accepts the command!"
Ning Fengzhi had now fully revealed his ambitions. Orders were handed down systematically. The long-dormant beast of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was finally beginning to hunt.
It was currently the hour of the Ox, roughly two in the morning. There were only four hours left until dawn at six. Following Ning Fengzhi's orders, every department of the clan began to move rapidly.
Once everyone had left to prepare, Ning Fengzhi turned to Dugu Bo. "Elder Dugu, how many portions of the Fragrant Marrow Refinement Liquid do you have left?"
Dugu Bo replied. "After I broke through to Rank 95, I spent several months refining it and only produced ten portions. Nine have already been used. I only have this last one in my hand."
Ning Fengzhi frowned. "How long would it take to refine more?"
"Even if I start now, it would take at least a month. You know this liquid was originally meant to assist my own cultivation. Although its toxicity can be used to control Titled Douluos, its effects are actually very beneficial to them as well."
"Furthermore, I don't have many materials left. I estimate I only have enough for five more portions."
Dugu Bo spoke with a hint of grievance in his voice. The Fragrant Marrow Refinement Liquid wasn't meant to control others; he and Yang Wudi had researched it specifically for his own training. Now, he hadn't even used a single drop for himself, but those bastards from Spirit Hall had gotten to use it first.
Sensing Dugu Bo's hurt feelings, Ning Fengzhi laughed helplessly. "Fine. They are Titled Douluos after all, and they aren't Bibi Dong's fanatics. They are still useful, so we need something to keep them in check."
"Don't worry. Whatever I take from you now, I will definitely compensate you in full later."
Only then did Dugu Bo smile with satisfaction. Ning Fengzhi reached into his soul tool and pulled out one of the two soul bones Gu Rong had handed him earlier—a bone that had belonged to Devil Bear Douluo—and gave it to Dugu Bo.
"This is a torso bone. Its ability should be a Berserk-type skill. It may help boost your strength. Take it," Ning Fengzhi said as he handed it over. "I must trouble you to refine the remaining portions of the liquid within a month. Whether we use them or not will depend on the situation."
Dugu Bo didn't stand on ceremony. He took the bone and sighed helplessly. "Sigh, what can I do when you're the Clan Leader? I don't know much about fighting wars, so just tell me what needs doing. I'm leaving. If you need anything, just send someone to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to notify me." After taking the soul bone, Dugu Bo left the hall and returned to the well. He had to finish those five portions within a month.
(End of Chapter)
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