Decisive Battle at Star Luo City (3)

"Of course I know him!"

Hearing Lou Gao's question, Tang San smiled wryly and said, "This Zhuge Divine Crossbow is Tang Sect Hidden Weapons. As the Tang Sect leader, how could I not recognize it?"

Upon hearing this, Lou Gao exclaimed incredulously, "You, a mere child who hasn't even grown up yet, can become the sect leader of a sect?"

Before he could finish speaking, Lou Gao immediately turned around and looked at his old friend Tai Tan with a questioning gaze.

Tai Tan, however, wore a half-smile and nodded toward the Lou Gao.

Lou Gao was utterly astonished to see that Tai Tan had actually given his approval!

This young man is actually the sect leader of a sect!

"Senior Lou Gao, could you please take a look at this Zhuge Divine Crossbow?"

Tang San walked over to Lou Gao, took the Zhuge Divine Crossbow from his hand, frowned, and turned to Zhi Xin beside him, saying, "Your Highness, this Zhuge Divine Crossbow has a special serial number on its side. Our Tang Sect has only ever sold these numbered Hidden Weapon to the Divine Machine Camp of your Heaven Dou Empire. How could they possibly have leaked out?"

"This..."

Zhi Xin shook his head, looking bewildered, and said, "All the important affairs of the Divine Machine Camp are personally managed by Her Your Majesty the Queen. This Duke is not aware of that."

Upon hearing Tang San's words, Lou Gao was taken aback for a moment and said, "What does this have to do with the Heaven Dou Empire? This was bought at a high price from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family. If it weren't for my influence, they wouldn't have been willing to sell it."

After a pause, Lou Gao continued, "If I'm not mistaken, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family must have made a living selling the Zhuge Divine Crossbow. Because when my men went to True Dragon Mountain to buy this weapon, they happened to run into the Spirit Hall."

Upon hearing Lou Gao's words, Zhi Xin, Tai Tan, Tang San, and the others were immediately shocked.

Are you kidding me? How is this Zhuge Divine Crossbow related to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family?

They actually dared to sell the Zhuge Divine Crossbow to the Spirit Hall.

"Your Highness, are there any members of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family serving in the Divine Machine Camp?"

Tang San stared intently at Zhi Xin, his face grim.

Upon hearing this, Zhi Xin's pupils contracted. After hesitating for a moment, he slowly said with a complicated expression, "The Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Clan only has one person working in the Divine Machine Camp, and that is Space Douluo Yu Tianmeng. She is the deputy commander of the Divine Machine Camp, and she happens to be in charge of the camp's logistics and equipment."

Tang San: "..."

Tai Tan and Niu Gao: "..."

An awkward silence filled the room; even Lou Gao, whose personality was somewhat unruly, kept quiet.

Although Lou Gao was not good at social interactions, he immediately cowered when he heard the title of Space Douluo.

Does this involve a super strong expert at the Title Douluo level?

Lou Gao regretted his earlier outburst.

"Your Highness the Duke."

Tang San opened his mouth, hesitated for a long time, then looked up at Zhi Xin and mustered his courage to say, "We should report this to Her Your Majesty the Queen, you know?"

"This..."

Zhi Xin's eyes flickered, and he said with a troubled expression, "Her Your Majesty the Queen has given me the task of leading the army to attack Star Luo City. As for the situation of the Zhuge Divine Crossbow being leaked, I have no time to pay attention to it."

Shrugging, Zhi Xin put on a formulaic smile and said, "Why don't Sect Leader Tang return to Heaven Dou City and report to His Majesty in person?"

"Your Highness, this..."

Tang San was completely stunned, never expecting that Rose Duke Zhi Xin of the Rose, who was known for her loyalty and honesty, would shirk her responsibilities.

Seeing that Tang San seemed about to speak again, Tai Tan quickly advised, "Alright, the real situation is still unclear, and our guesses are just that—guesses. We can't just accuse Her Yu Tianmeng based on a few guesses."

Upon hearing this, Tang San instantly came to his senses.

Yes, Yu Tianmeng is not only almost on par with Empress Xue Ke in terms of status, but her strength is also ridiculously strong, and she is also Chen Ge's woman.

What right do they have to criticize her?

Moreover, the outflow of the Zhuge Divine Crossbow may not necessarily be related to Yu Tianmeng.

Furthermore, in order to protect the secrets of the Tang Sect's Hidden Weapon and prevent Tang Sect Hidden Weapons from being counterfeited by others, Tang San had already tampered with the Hidden Weapon sold to the public.

To be precise, Tang San specially designed an anti-disassembly device inside the Zhuge Divine Crossbow. If anyone tries to disassemble it, it will trigger the internal mechanism, causing the most critical component inside the Zhuge Divine Crossbow to be damaged immediately, thus drastically increasing the difficulty of counterfeiting.

Tang San mentioned the anti-disassembly device inside the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, and Lou Gao immediately realized, "No wonder I accidentally broke some parts when I was disassembling this Zhuge Divine Crossbow. I thought it was just because I'm old and my hands are shaking, and I was even thinking about how to restore the Zhuge Divine Crossbow. It turns out it was you, you little rascal, who tampered with it!"

After a pause, Lou Gao's eyes lit up, and he said, "Little fellow, your name is Tang San, right? Since you are the sect leader of the Tang Sect, you must know a lot about the Zhuge Divine Crossbow. How about you teach this old Zhuge Divine Crossbow how to make it?"

"Hehe, Senior Lou Gao, that's impossible."

Tang San shook his head and chuckled.

Rejected by Tang San, Lou Gao's small eyes widened immediately. "Tang San, you're Tai Tan's junior, aren't you? I'm the president of the Blacksmith Association! If you teach me how to make this Zhuge Divine Crossbow, I'll directly bestow upon you the title of Grandmaster Blacksmith. This opportunity is extremely precious!"

Upon hearing Lou Gao's words, Tang San smiled and shook his head, saying, "Senior Lou Gao, this isn't about titles; it's about the production process of the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, which is a secret of the Tang Sect. No one outside the Tang Sect is qualified to know it."

"Even among our own sect, only core disciples know the specific production techniques. Otherwise, if they were to spread, how could our Tang Sect maintain its standing?"

"Hmph, Tang San, you're so arrogant! Tai Tan, aren't you going to keep an eye on your junior?"

Lou Gao was very anxious and couldn't help but glare at Tai Tan beside him.

Seeing his old friend's expression, Tai Tan spread his hands and said with a wry smile, "Tang San is not my junior. I have already joined the Tang Sect and become an elder. Have you ever seen an elder who can control the sect leader?"

"What?"

Lou Gao blinked and said, "Even if your Strength Clan can't make it here anymore, you can always go back to our Blacksmith Association. Why bother joining the Tang Sect?"

After making a complaint, Lou Gao sighed, then suddenly looked at Tang San and said, "Sect Leader Tang, does your Tang Sect still recruit disciples? I also want to join the Tang Sect! With my forging skills, becoming a core disciple and knowing the manufacturing process of the Zhuge Divine Crossbow shouldn't be a problem, right?"

These shocking words made Tang San's heart pound. Looking at Lou Gao, he said, "Senior, are you really going to join our Tang Sect? But you're the president of the Blacksmith Association!"

Lou Gao waved his hand dismissively and said, "It's alright. I'm already tired of being the president of the Blacksmith Association. What's more interesting than making this Zhuge Divine Crossbow?"

"Well, now that I've agreed to join your Tang Sect, can you tell me how this Zhuge Divine Crossbow is made?"

Seeing Lou Gao's eager and earnest expression, Tang San couldn't help but feel admiration. He imagined that the Tang Sect's ancestors must have possessed the same dedication to craftsmanship that enabled them to successfully create Tang Sect Hidden Weapons like the Zhuge Divine Crossbow.

After a moment of reflection, Tang San came to his senses and instantly realized that Lou Gao's joining, if handled well, would be a great opportunity for the future development of the Tang Sect.

Therefore, Tang San took a deep breath, looked at Lou Gao, nodded and said, "Senior Lou Gao, as the president of the Blacksmith Association, you are willing to condescend to join the Tang Sect. This is an honor for our Tang Sect! From today onwards, you will be an elder of our Tang Sect, just like Senior Tai Tan!"

"Haha, that's great!"

Lou Gao laughed loudly, then strode to the door of the foundry and roared at the outside, "Si Long, get over here!"

In the blink of an eye, Si Long had already swiftly arrived in front of Lou Gao and respectfully asked, "Master, is there anything you need to instruct me?"

Seemingly pleased with his disciple's attitude, Lou Gao stroked his beard and said, "Si Long, from now on, you are the president of the Blacksmith Association. I wish to join the Tang Sect."

"Huh? Master, are you joking?"

Si Long stared dumbfounded at Lou Gao, never expecting his master to pull such a stunt.

"Hmph, do I look like I'm joking?"

Lou Gao snorted coldly and said, "I'm getting old and it's time for me to retire. From now on, I won't be in this Blacksmith Association. You and the other brothers must work together and not scheme against each other. If you encounter any difficulties, send someone to Heaven Dou City to find the Tang Sect."

Then, Lou Gao turned to Tang San and said, "Now, do I understand the manufacturing process of the Zhuge Divine Crossbow?"

"Of course."

Tang San smiled and said, "As the saying goes, 'If you doubt someone, don't use them; if you use someone, don't doubt them.' Not only the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, but even our sect's most powerful Hidden Weapon, you should know about them, senior!"

Upon hearing this, Lou Gao beamed and said, "The Tang Sect has Hidden Weapon even better than this Zhuge Divine Crossbow?"

Tang San nodded and said, "Our Tang Sect's most powerful Hidden Weapon are enough to threaten the lives of a Title Douluo."

"That strong?"

Lou Gao suddenly became interested.

Tang San took out a stack of blueprints from his spatial belt and handed them to Lou Gao, saying, "Senior, these are the production processes for our Tang Sect's top Hidden Weapon: the Wrath of the Buddha Tang Lotus, the Storm Pear Blossom Needle, and the Peacock Plume. Please study them carefully first. As for the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, you can look at it when you have time."

"Haha, good, good, good!"

Lou Gao, obsessed with casting, was overjoyed and almost danced with excitement.

Seeing the Lou Gao, Tang San, in a good mood, seized the opportunity and said, "Our Tang Sect has come to Gengxin City for two reasons: first, to help the Empire conquer this city, and second, to purchase a batch of rare metals. As the former president of the Blacksmith Association, could you perhaps offer us a discount?"

Lou Gao, who was intently studying the stack of blueprints, immediately replied upon hearing Tang San's request, "Alright, alright, no problem. Si Long, it's up to you. Tang Sect will buy anything from the association at the most favorable price."

"Yes, Master."

Si Long nodded, looking completely bewildered.

"Then I'll have to trouble you."

Tai Tan, who was standing nearby, quickly took out a shopping list and handed it to Si Long. Then Tai Tan looked up and exchanged a glance with Tang San. The old man and the young man smiled at each other...

Heaven Dou City.

Shrek Academy.

Zhou Chen, supporting Zhu Zhuqing whose belly was growing larger, strolled slowly through the academy's garden, admiring the spring scenery, birdsong, and fragrant flowers.

This was the first time Zhou Chen had free time to accompany Zhu Zhuqing on a trip since Zhu Zhuqing became pregnant.

"My lord, do you think Father has received the letter urging him to surrender?"

Zhu Zhuqing held her stomach with one hand and a sour plum in the other, and said slowly.

Pregnant women often crave sour foods.

The father Zhu Zhuqing was referring to was naturally the head of the Zhu Family, the Nether Grand Duke, Soul Douluo powerhouse, Zhu Qingyun.

Zhou Chen put his arm around Zhu Zhuqing's soft waist and said in a calm and steady tone, "She should have received it by now. After all, although your second sister, Zhu Zhuyun, is ruthless, she is very quick-witted. She should know how to assess the situation!"

A few days ago, according to the agreed plan, Xue Ke issued an edict to release Zhu Zhuqing's second sister Zhu Zhuyun, back to the Star Luo Empire.

Zhu Zhuyun's main mission on this trip back was to deliver a letter to her father, Zhu Qingyun —a letter of persuasion to surrender, written by Xue Ke under the guidance of Yu Tianmeng.

The content, of course, was to persuade Zhu Qingyun not to stay on the doomed ship that was the Star Luo Empire, but to lead the entire Zhu Family to abandon darkness and embrace a bright future.

In particular, he hoped that when the army of the Heaven Dou Empire besieged Star Luo City, Zhu Qingyun could mobilize his troops to open the city gates of Star Luo City and coordinate with the Tiandou Empire Army from the inside and outside!

At that very moment, in Star Luo City...

Inside a secluded study in the Zhu Family Residence.

Zhu Qingyun looked at her second daughter, whom she hadn't seen for many years and who looked a little thinner, and her eyes reddened, and she almost shed tears.

"Zhu Yun, you've suffered so much."

Zhu Qingyun pulled Zhu Zhuyun into his arms, gently patting his daughter's back, and choked out, "It's my fault for not protecting you; you ended up in the hands of that big bad wolf!"

"Father, I don't blame you."

Zhu Zhuyun's eyes also reddened, whether she really wanted to cry or was just pretending, she said in a trembling voice, "It's all my fault, I was so bewitched to chase after Zhu Zhuqing, otherwise..."

"Zhu Zhuqing, is Zhu Zhuqing alright?"

Zhu Qingyun felt her eyes well up with tears when she thought of Zhu Zhuqing's well-behaved and sensible daughter.

Zhu Zhuyun didn't hide anything. She looked up at Zhu Qingyun and said sincerely, "Father, Zhu Zhuqing married the young master of the Xuanyuan Family. They have a very good relationship, and Zhu Zhuqing is pregnant. It was because of Zhu Zhuqing's plea that I was able to return to your side."

"Are you pregnant?"

Zhu Qingyun was completely bewildered, and it took him a long time to come to his senses before he said, "Isn't that young man from the Xuanyuan Family the Nation Protecting Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, and the husband of Empress Xue Ke? Zhu Zhuqing is pregnant, will Her Your Majesty the Queen tolerate this? Won't she harm Zhu Zhuqing?!"

"Father, rest assured, the Empress is very magnanimous."

Zhu Zhuyun's eyes flickered. After hesitating for a moment, she took out a letter with a gold Swan pattern embossed on it from her bosom.

"Father, this is a letter from Her Your Majesty the Queen Xue Ke to you."

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