The Key to Unification! Does Ning Fengzhi Want to Rob the Robbers?

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

Another roar interrupted Chen Xin's assessment.

The M107A1 Barrett could fire continuously!

Ning Rongrong repeatedly pulled the trigger, but every shot was deflected by Chen Xin's sword.

He did so with effortless ease.

But—

When Ning Rongrong pulled out the Gatling Gun, everything changed!

The moment she pulled the trigger and it spat out a half-meter tongue of flame—

Chen Xin could no longer remain so relaxed.

At 6,000 rounds per minute, that was 100 rounds per second!

Even as Chen Xin swung his single sword so fast it left afterimages, he still could not block every Bullet.

The Metal Storm formed by 12.7mm machine-gun rounds shredded Chen Xin's protective Soul Power in half a second and mercilessly hammered his Left Kidney!

"Second Soul Skill: Spirit Sword Guard!"

Powerful sword qi condensed around Chen Xin, forming a two-meter-wide protective barrier.

"Rat-a-tat-tat-tat—"

"Clang clang clang clang—"

The Gatling Gun roared, and Cartridge Cases piled up into a small hill.

For a full three minutes, 18,000 machine-gun rounds!

At last, the ammunition in the Storage Magazine was depleted.

Yet Ning Rongrong still held up the Gatling Gun, her eyes filled with shock!

This firepower coverage—

Was simply too terrifying, wasn't it?

Even a Titled Douluo, caught off guard, had his protective Soul Power shattered and was forced to use a Soul Skill.

It had even suppressed him for a time!

Though that was because Chen Xin had agreed to defend without counterattacking.

But he was a Titled Douluo!

Not to mention a Seven-Ring Soul Sage—even a Six-Ring Soul Emperor would only be able to obediently raise a shield and endure it.

A Five-Ring Soul King?

Just wait to die.

"Good, good, good!"

Chen Xin praised sincerely—

"Though the power of this Soul Tool is only comparable to a Third Soul Skill per shot, it has immense volume and lasting firepower."

"An ordinary Five-Ring Soul King would either die or be severely injured against it."

"If a Six-Ring Soul Emperor lacked defensive Soul Skills, he would have to avoid its edge as well."

"If every Disciple of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect were equipped with this Soul Tool, their safety would be assured!"

Such high praise—

Tang Lan silently raised the "supply price." If he did not fleece such a sucker, he would be letting down the conscience he had already lost.

However—

The real highlight was only about to begin!

"Your Majesty Sword Douluo." Tang Lan spoke up to draw his attention. "There is one more matter I need your help with, and that is—"

At the same time—

He sent out a message through the Blue Silver Grass beneath his feet.

The next instant—

Chen Xin's gaze abruptly sharpened!

Before he could make any move—

A burst of fire suddenly exploded on his shoulder, forcing him to take half a step back.

Just as he was about to act—

A Sniper Armor-Piercing Bullet appeared at the same spot on his shoulder, shattering his protective Soul Power and tearing apart his clothes!

It revealed skin as white and delicate as snow—just like his hair.

"You've got some nerve!"

Chen Xin finally summoned his Seven Kill Sword Martial Soul and deflected the third attack that followed close behind.

It floated at Chen Xin's side, its blade pointing into the distance.

The Fourth Gem on the sword lit up and transformed into a soul ring.

"Fourth Soul Skill: Kill—"

"Spare him!" Tang Lan hurriedly said. "It's a test! Just a test!"

Chen Xin's killing intent halted!

He looked at Tang Lan with confusion.

What did he mean by that?

"Your Majesty Sword Douluo does not know this."

Tang Lan took out a Barrett and explained—

"This Barrett has a maximum sniping range of 6800 Meters. It can kill enemies from beyond their line of sight, without leaving a trace."

"And with Little Sanzi's precision, he could have aimed directly at your eyes."

"So please do not misunderstand."

"Before the test, I also warned you that there might be an accident."

Chen Xin recalled what had happened.

The first two attacks had indeed struck his left shoulder, even shattering his protective Soul Power.

If they had landed on his vulnerable eyes—

Chen Xin realized in horror that the best possible outcome would have been losing one eye!

And if his reaction had been just a little slower—

He stared at the Barrett in Tang Lan's hands. This thing could actually achieve such an effect?

Tang Lan struck while the iron was hot and picked up the Gatling Gun.

"If Gatling Guns appeared on the battlefield, a single row of them would be enough to make the enemy army bleed like a river."

"Even if high-level Soul Masters appeared, with more than a dozen Gatling Guns concentrating their fire, over a thousand Third Soul Skills per second—"

"How long could anyone below a Titled Douluo hold out?"

"And all of this could be bought with just a tiny bit of Gold Soul Coin."

"The operator could even be an ordinary civilian."

"Do you understand its value now?"

Listening to Tang Lan's explanation and imagining that scene—

Chen Xin's expression grew increasingly solemn!

He admitted that he had underestimated this Soul Tool!

And—

He had underestimated Tang Lan before him as well!

"As expected of his son." Chen Xin sighed again. "With such talent, you will surely surpass your father."

Host has gained Chen Xin's recognition and seized a small amount of Tang San's Luck!

Reward: "Thunder Flame Haotian Hammer +500 jin"!

Tang Lan smiled. What an Unexpected Harvest.

Chen Xin dismissed the Seven Kill Sword and truthfully reported to Ning Fengzhi.

"If those attacks had not targeted my shoulder, I would have suffered severe injuries at best, or died at worst."

"Hiss—"

"Hiss—"

"Hiss—"

Everyone present, without exception—

Was dumbfounded!

They had thought Tang Lan's claim of "Sniper Douluo" a few days ago had merely been a joke.

Who would have thought he could actually do it?!

Especially when they saw Tang San carrying the Barrett and apologizing to Chen Xin—

They secretly resolved to build a good relationship with Tang San!

Previously, Tang San had been gradually fading into the background beneath Tang Lan's brilliance.

But now—

Even Sword Douluo could not defend against an ultra-long-range snipe from 6800 Meters away. Could they defend against it?

Of course—

Tang Lan had invented this Soul Tool.

So the strongest one was still him, the older Brother.

Tang San was merely benefiting from his light.

After a brief silence—

Ning Rongrong was unexpectedly the first to act.

She walked up to Chen Xin and threw her arms around him.

Her heart still trembled with lingering fear.

"Sword Grandfather, you scared me to death just now!"

"Sect Leader actually used me as bait, and Little Sanzi was the final killing move?"

"That was way too much!"

Chen Xin greatly enjoyed this and smiled as he rubbed Ning Rongrong's soft hair.

"As they say, all is fair in war."

"If Tang Sect Leader had not arranged it this way, this grandfather would have found it hard to realize the value of these Firearm Soul Tools."

He looked at Ning Fengzhi.

Ning Fengzhi understood and spoke to Tang Lan—

"Based on Rongrong's equipment, each set costs 100,000 Gold Soul Coin. I want 500 sets."

Good heavens!

100,000 Gold Soul Coin per set?

Wouldn't 500 sets be 50 million Gold Soul Coin?!

Flender's eyes immediately transformed into Gold Soul Coins!

Shrek's annual tuition was only 100 Gold Soul Coin!

And Tang San had needed three years of child labor at the blacksmith's shop just to save up one Gold Soul Coin!

This was simply obscene wealth!!!

However—

Faced with such generous terms, Tang Lan shook his head and refused.

"What, are you dissatisfied with the price?" Ning Fengzhi asked in surprise. "Then Tang Sect Leader, name your price. As long as it is reasonable, I will not bargain."

"Sect Leader Ning misunderstands." Tang Lan took out a stack of blueprints and said, "These are the design blueprints for the Python Revolver and the Uzi. Their structure is not actually difficult, and identical firearms can soon be manufactured."

As he spoke—

He directly handed the blueprints to Ning Fengzhi.

"Brother!" Tang San stopped him. "What are you doing? This is the fruit of your hard work!"

Ning Fengzhi did not take them.

He looked at Tang Lan, waiting for an explanation.

"Little Sanzi, what are you afraid of?"

Tang Lan spoke with righteous conviction—

"If Firearm Soul Tools remain in our hands, they will only be a means for the Tang Sect to make money, and production will be extremely difficult to scale up."

"But if they are handed over to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, they will become a weapon of the Heaven Dou Empire!"

"Once the Heaven Dou Empire's army is equipped with Firearm Soul Tools on a large scale, how far away will the day of unifying the continent be?"

"For Heaven Dou's glory, I am willing to make this sacrifice!"

This impassioned declaration left Tang San utterly dumbfounded.

His own Brother—

Was actually this selfless?

Ning Rongrong's eyes sparkled with stars. Sect Leader was so handsome!

As for everyone else—

Including Xiao Wu, none of them believed this "nonsense."

If Tang Lan were really that selfless, he would not have founded the Tang Sect.

Ning Fengzhi considered it for a moment before speaking—

"I admire Tang Sect Leader's great righteousness. I will certainly report it to Emperor Xue Ye."

"But that doesn't mean Tang Sect Leader should contribute everything completely selflessly, right?"

"If you have any requests, Tang Sect Leader, you might as well state them all at once."

Straightforward!

Ning Fengzhi might not have much combat power, but he certainly knew how to conduct himself.

He did not beat around the bush either.

Tang Lan took out a square box and handed it to Chen Xin.

"Before that, I'll need Sword Douluo to help test this Soul Tool."

"Please take it and fly into Suotuo City."

"When it lights up, press the green button on the side."

Chen Xin accepted the square box without asking further questions.

"Suotuo City is only four kilometers from here. Ten breaths will be enough."

He departed, flying on his sword.

Tang Lan took out another square box and silently counted to ten.

He slid open the lid of the square box, revealing rows of buttons.

It was a keypad phone!

Though now, it should be called a Communication Soul Tool!

Tang Lan pressed 000002, then the call button, and turned on the speaker.

"Beep—"

"Beep—"

"Beep!"

The Communication Soul Tool was silent, nothing like someone being in the city.

But considering Chen Xin's usual entrance, it was probably incredibly flashy.

Even if people were standing nearby, they likely would not dare make a sound.

"Hello?" Tang Lan called out. "Sword Douluo, can you hear me?"

The other side fell silent for several seconds, as if processing it.

Only then did Chen Xin ask hesitantly, "This Soul Tool can let people talk over long distances?"

"As expected of Sword Douluo. You guessed it right away." Tang Lan flattered him.

The other side fell silent again.

So did everyone present.

People could use a Soul Tool to converse from four kilometers apart?

They had never heard of such a thing!

It shocked them even more than the firearms!

After all, offensive Soul Tools were not unheard of.

But this was like shit from a scorpion—one of a kind!

After nearly half a minute,

Ning Fengzhi was the first to recover, testing the waters—

"Sword Uncle, since you're in the city, why not buy some Blue Flower Cake that Rongrong likes?"

Ning Rongrong's expression shifted, but she said nothing.

"Fengzhi, stop testing it." Chen Xin said bluntly. "Rongrong doesn't like pastries at all, and she especially hates blue flowers."

Ning Fengzhi's eyes lit up!

"How far can it reach?" he asked eagerly. "Can the maximum distance exceed ten kilometers?"

Tang Lan shook his head.

Ning Fengzhi looked somewhat disappointed.

But it was fine.

Even if it only worked over four kilometers, it would still hold strategic significance as long as enough could be produced.

"What about production capacity?"

Tang Lan continued shaking his head.

He pointed at the Blue Silver Grass beneath his feet.

"Anywhere on the continent where there is Blue Silver Grass, people can communicate."

Ning Fengzhi froze.

Then a brilliant light burst from his eyes!

Based on Tang Lan's prior behavior, he was not someone with a habit of exaggeration.

If anything, he had seemed rather modest.

His words could be trusted!

"Good!"

"Good!"

"Excellent!"

"The heavens bless Heaven Dou!"

"Hahaha—"

He had completely lost his composure.

Even Ning Rongrong had never seen him like this before.

But Ning Fengzhi could hardly be blamed.

Firearm Soul Tools could certainly greatly increase the strength of the Heaven Dou Empire.

But this Soul Tool capable of communication could truly change the balance of power across the continent!

Why had the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires never managed to annex one another and achieve unification?

Aside from Spirit Hall being rooted between the Two Great Empires and obstructing unification,

the core issue was control.

Douluo Continent had a diameter of sixteen thousand kilometers, three times that of China.

The Two Great Empires possessed vast territories, but their main regions were concentrated within a thousand kilometers of the Imperial City.

Beyond that, governance became difficult.

Even riding flying Soul Beasts would take ten days to half a month.

If there was a drought or rebellion, they could not exactly send a letter and wait for instructions, could they?

By the time a month had passed for the round trip, it would be far too late.

Thus, they could only delegate authority and allow local autonomy.

This created one Local Emperor after another.

Their descendants also became a noble class, standing above commoners.

Over time,

many Local Emperors amassed troops and began to act independently.

They started obeying openly while defying secretly.

—It all came down to an information gap.

But!

With this Communication Soul Tool, the Emperor's sphere of authority would directly expand to cover the entire empire.

Those Local Emperors' good days would be over!

So long as they survived the painful transition period and purged the parasites,

then,

the Heaven Dou Empire would be united from top to bottom, and its army could be equipped with Firearm Soul Tools.

Would the Star Luo Empire still be a problem?

Would unification still be far away?

And as the National Teacher, how exalted would Ning Fengzhi's status become then?

Under his leadership, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would ascend to new heights!

At that thought,

the look Ning Fengzhi gave Tang Lan began to flicker uncertainly.

—This Communication Soul Tool was far too important!

If he could keep it in his own hands...

But Tang Lan had Clear Sky Douluo behind him.

This matter...

Seeing this, Tang Lan laughed inwardly.

—Ning Fengzhi wasn't exactly a good man either!

He stated it directly. "I can give you the manufacturing blueprint for this Soul Tool as well."

Yet those words

made Ning Fengzhi's brows furrow.

At this point,

if he still regarded Tang Lan as a child, then Ning Fengzhi would have lived his decades in vain.

So for Tang Lan to say this,

there had to be a catch!

Ning Fengzhi looked at Flender. "Dean, shouldn't today's classes be starting? Don't delay the children's studies."

Flender understood—he wanted to clear the area.

"Sect Leader Ning, Little Tang Sect Leader, please continue your discussion in the dean's office."

"This training ground is needed for the Little Monsters' training."

Ning Fengzhi smiled and nodded, then raised a hand toward Tang Lan.

"Tang Sect Leader, please."

"Together, Sect Leader Ning."

Sect Leader Ning did not stand on ceremony, leaving side by side with Tang Lan.

Ning Rongrong wanted to follow, but Ning Fengzhi kept her behind with a look.

"What's the big deal? He won't even let me know." Ning Rongrong asked curiously. "Is that talking Soul Tool really so important?"

Zhu Zhuqing, Tang San, and the others all shook their heads.

Their horizons had not reached that level yet, so they could not see the stakes involved.

Only Flender saw a little of what was going on.

—After all, he had traveled the continent and knew more than most.

He could not stop smiling.

As the saying went, when one person attained the Dao, even their chickens and dogs ascended to heaven.

Whether the Tang Sect or the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect prospered, could his Shrek Academy possibly fare badly?

Just as he was indulging in that beautiful dream,

he saw Oscar and Ma Hongjun running over in a panic.

He immediately got angry!

Why were his Adopted Son and Disciple not even as outstanding as a single hair on Tang Lan's leg?

"Oscar!"

"Ma Hongjun!"

"Push-up position! Keep doing them in the Gravity Area until noon!"

Inside the dean's office.

A negotiation that would influence the continent continued!

Two chapters, 8,200+ words. Please vote!