Ning Fengzhi Puts the Treasure to Use, Bringing a Small Breakthrough for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect

The sandalwood incense in the Great Hall had yet to fade when Gu Rong's fingertips touched the Auxiliary Amplification Pill. The corners of his eyes immediately grew hot despite himself. The pill was pure white all over, its surface gleaming with a faint glazed sheen. It felt warm in his hand, and a stream of pure energy slowly seeped through his fingertips into his meridians, stirring a long-forgotten thrill in his Soul Power, which had stagnated for years.

He and Chen Xin had guarded the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect for over forty years. From the difficult days when the sect struggled to survive between greater powers to its present glory as one of the Upper Three Sects, the two of them had weathered countless storms. Gu Rong in particular had been unable to advance another step since reaching level 95 and becoming a Titled Douluo ten years ago, as though his Soul Power had struck an invisible barrier. Over the years, he had tried nurturing his Soul Power with Ten Thousand Year Soul Bones, absorbing Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi deep in the Star Dou Great Forest, and even daring to take the sect's treasured Barrier-Breaking Grass. Yet every attempt had ended in failure. The stifling sensation in his Soul Power had grown worse and worse, and even his defensive Soul Skills had developed subtle flaws.

"Thank you, Sect Master." Gu Rong's voice carried a tremor that was almost impossible to detect. He carefully cradled the pill in his palm, as if holding the future of the entire sect. Ning Fengzhi had spent 80,000 Points to purchase it, nearly draining half the sect's liquid funds, but at this moment, the cost seemed far more worthwhile than anyone could have imagined.

Ning Fengzhi hurried forward and personally handed him a brocade box. "Go to the cultivation chamber right away. The pill's energy must be refined while it's fresh. Don't waste this opportunity." His fingertips still retained the faint chill from his deal with Lin Yue. When Lin Yue had handed over the pill at the Auction House that day, he had specifically cautioned that it must be refined within three days and guided by the Glazed Heart Method to bring its auxiliary effects to their full potential.

Gu Rong nodded and turned to leave, walking several steps faster than usual. The moment he disappeared through the hall doors, a faint but steady fluctuation of Soul Power came from the direction of the cultivation chamber. It was a sign that he had eagerly begun circulating the Glazed Heart Method. His pale golden Soul Power flowed through his meridians like a stream, gradually enveloping and absorbing the pill's energy.

Chen Xin, who had been sitting silently in a corner, finally moved. His fingers tightened slightly around his Seven Kill Sword, and the glazed beads on its tassel swayed gently. His gaze followed Gu Rong's retreating figure, and his voice carried undisguised envy. "The pill's energy is purer than I imagined. Look at that fluctuation in Soul Power—even the circulation of his cultivation method has become much smoother. If Gu Rong can use this to break through to level 96, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will have even more confidence."

Ning Fengzhi walked to the center of the hall and lightly tapped the Point Voucher on the table with his fingertips. His gaze suddenly sharpened. "Elders, I've gathered you here today not only to give Gu Rong the pill, but also to discuss something even more important. Starting today, the sect will devote all its efforts to gathering rare resources. We must have at least 200,000 Points saved up before the next auction!"

His words set off a low murmur of discussion throughout the hall. Elder Ning An, who was in charge of the sect's finances, frowned. "Sect Master, spending 80,000 Points has already left our reserves depleted. If we gather resources on a large scale as well, it could affect our day-to-day operations. Besides, Spirit Hall has been keeping a close eye on us. If we make too much noise, we might invite trouble."

Ning Fengzhi had already prepared for this. He took a black token from his sleeve. The words "Otherworld Auction House" were engraved on it, and a ring of pale golden markings ran along its edge. As soon as he held it, a gentle energy enveloped it. "This is the Resource Gathering Protection Order given to us by Your Excellency Lin Yue. As long as we gather resources within the safe zones designated by the Auction House, no force may interfere—not even Spirit Hall."

He paused, then continued, "Your Excellency Lin Yue also said that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is cautious and reliable. We've earned his trust. This token not only protects our gathering efforts, but also gives us a 10% premium when exchanging resources for Points."

At this, the elders in the hall finally relaxed. Chen Xin stood up and lightly tapped his Seven Kill Sword against the floor, producing a clear ring. "I'll personally lead a team to the Metal Ore Area in the Far North. The Deep Sea Silver there is in high demand at the Auction House, and it's worth a great number of Points. It's also unlikely to attract Spirit Hall's notice."

Ning Fengzhi nodded. "We'll divide the Outer Sect Disciples into ten teams under Elder Ning Song's command and send them to gather Thousand Year Spirit Grass around the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest and at the edge of Sunset Forest. I've already gotten a 'Spirit Grass Identification Manual' from the Auction House. It clearly shows every kind of Spirit Grass eligible for Points, its appearance and growing environment, and even how to gather it without causing damage. The Inner Sect Disciples will accompany Elder Ning An to the Soul Beast Inner Core trading market and prioritize buying cores that are over a hundred years old, especially those with the Fire Attribute and Lightning Attribute. The Auction House offers more Points for those."

"The caravans will suspend all ordinary trade and focus on buying Soul Tool Parts," Ning Fengzhi added. "Your Excellency Lin Yue hinted that the next auction might feature Soul Tool Enhancement Talismans. The exchange value of Soul Tool Parts will rise then. Stocking up now will earn us Points and prepare us for the upcoming bidding."

Over the next few days, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was abuzz with activity.

On the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest, ten teams of Outer Sect Disciples in matching green outfits searched carefully through the woods, each holding a Spirit Grass Identification Manual. The illustrations were extremely accurate, showing even the patterns on the leaves in clear detail. A note read: "Thousand Year Purple Rhyme Grass must be dug up with its roots intact. Thirty percent of its energy is contained in the roots. If they are damaged, the Points exchange value will be halved."

"Found one! There's a Thousand Year Purple Rhyme Grass here!" one disciple shouted excitedly. Following the instructions in the manual, he first used a specially made silver shovel to gently loosen the soil around it. Then he carefully enveloped its roots with Soul Power. Only after the entire plant had been removed intact did he place it in a wooden box lined with silk.

Elder Ning Song watched from the side and nodded with satisfaction. "Be careful, everyone. Every plant of Spirit Grass affects the sect's Points. Don't be careless for even a moment." He held the Resource Gathering Protection Order in his hand. The pale golden light it emitted covered the entire gathering area, keeping the lurking Soul Beasts nearby from approaching. This was a privilege granted by the Auction House, and it gave them the confidence to gather safely.

In the Metal Ore Area of the Far North, howling winds swept over the ice and snow. Chen Xin stood atop the frozen ground, his Seven Kill Sword gathering tremendous Soul Power as a faint silver light shimmered along its blade. He flicked his wrist, and the sword came down like lightning. The ice split open in an instant, revealing a chasm ten feet wide and a vein of Deep Sea Silver gleaming beneath it.

"Work quickly. We shouldn't linger here," Chen Xin urged. The Inner Sect Disciples immediately came forward with specially made tools and carefully mined the Deep Sea Silver from the ice. Though this silver was extremely hard, it conducted Soul Power, making it a core material for crafting high-grade Soul Tools. The Auction House offered an extremely high exchange rate: each pound of silver could be exchanged for 1,000 Points. The more than twenty pounds they mined this time were worth over 20,000 Points.

The disciples packed the silver into Storage Soul Tools provided by the Auction House. These Soul Tools not only had a large capacity, but could also conceal the fluctuations of energy from the ore, keeping other forces from noticing it. As Chen Xin watched the Storage Soul Tools gradually fill up, a hint of satisfaction flashed through his eyes. With these resources, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would finally have the means to contend with Spirit Hall at the next auction.

Back at the sect, Ning Fengzhi reviewed the resource reports in the Great Hall every day. The figures on the reports grew daily:

- Thousand Year Spirit Grass: 320 plants, including 56 Thousand Year Purple Rhyme Grass, 48 Thousand Year Ice Heart Grass, and 216 Thousand Year Dragon Beard Grass; estimated value: 80,000 Points;

- Metal ores: 23 pounds of Deep Sea Silver, 58 pieces of Mysterious Iron, and 15 pieces of Star Pattern Steel; estimated value: 52,000 Points;

- Soul Beast Inner Cores: 120 cores over a hundred years old and 18 cores over a thousand years old; estimated value: 35,000 Points;

- Soul Tool Parts: 32 core gears, 56 energy conduits, and 28 defensive lenses; estimated value: 43,000 Points.

"A total of 210,000 Points." Ning Fengzhi looked at the total on the report and smiled with satisfaction. The figure far exceeded his expectations. It was enough to bid on the next batch of high-value auction items, and they might even be able to purchase the Soul Tool Enhancement Talismans Lin Yue had mentioned.

Early on the morning of the third day, the cultivation chamber's doors suddenly creaked open. A stronger yet more condensed fluctuation of Soul Power spread from within, sending ripples across the sect like a still lake stirred by the wind. In an instant, it swept through the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Ning Fengzhi, who had been handling matters concerning the caravans, sprang to his feet and hurried toward the chamber. Chen Xin and the other elders hurried over as well.

The door to the cultivation chamber slowly opened, and Gu Rong walked out. His Black Robe was pushed taut by his Soul Power. What had once been somewhat scattered now seemed as condensed as forged steel, and faint golden patterns appeared on the ground with every step he took. His gaze was sharper than before, as though he could see through the void, and a long-absent smile tugged at his lips.

"Gu Rong, how did it go?" Ning Fengzhi asked urgently, his eyes fixed on the fluctuations of Gu Rong's Soul Power.

Gu Rong smiled and raised a hand. Pure Soul Power gathered into a sphere in his palm, its surface gleaming with a faint glazed sheen and not a trace of energy leaking out. "I haven't broken through to level 96, but the foundation of my Soul Power is far more stable than before! The stagnation I felt at the bottleneck has vanished completely!" He clenched his fist and punched. A faint boom echoed through the air, and his gusting fist wind stirred leaves several yards away. "What's more, the Auxiliary Amplification Pill strengthened my Bone Shield Defense Soul Skill. Now, even against a level 96 Titled Douluo, I can withstand three attacks without losing!"

Cheers rose from outside the hall. When the disciples heard of Gu Rong's breakthrough, they excitedly waved their arms. Chen Xin stepped forward and patted Gu Rong on the shoulder. "Excellent! This is wonderful! Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has gained another measure of strength to protect itself!"

More importantly, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect alone would struggle to stand against Spirit Hall at auction. Spirit Hall had deep foundations and abundant resources, and could bring a vast number of Points to every auction. The Clear Sky Sect, Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect were all among the Upper Three Sects, but their differing ideals had kept them from interacting much over the years. If the three sects could form a "resource-sharing alliance," they could pool their resources and gain a much greater advantage at auction.

Ning Fengzhi returned to the Great Hall and wrote two letters. They explained the advantages of sharing resources in detail: the Clear Sky Sect excelled at forging and could provide high-grade metal ores; the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan controlled Lightning Attribute resources and could provide rare Soul Beast Inner Cores; and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would coordinate with the Auction House and share auction information as well as the premium on Points exchanges. He also made a point of mentioning Gu Rong's breakthrough after taking the Auxiliary Amplification Pill and the benefits of the Resource Gathering Protection Order. Finally, he invited the sect masters of both sects to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to discuss cooperation before the next auction.

After finishing the letters, Ning Fengzhi handed them to a trusted disciple and instructed him, "Deliver these in person to Sect Master Tang Xiao of the Clear Sky Sect and Sect Master Yu Yuanzhen of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Be careful on the way, and avoid Spirit Hall's informants."

Once the disciple had left, Ning Fengzhi looked out the window. The sun shone brightly, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's disciples were still busy hauling resources. Carriages came and went, and the entire sect brimmed with vitality and hope. He knew that a contest over Points and resources had quietly begun across the Douluo Continent. This small breakthrough for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had not only strengthened the sect, but also laid the groundwork for future cooperation between factions.

Meanwhile, in the top-floor loft of the Auction House, Lin Yue was studying the "Faction Status" display on his System Panel. It showed:

- Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect: resource reserves had exceeded 210,000 Points; Bone Douluo Gu Rong's Soul Power had stabilized at the peak of level 95; a resource-sharing invitation had been sent to the Clear Sky Sect and Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan;

- Spirit Hall: had secretly mobilized its subordinate forces to intercept the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's gathering teams on the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest, but the Resource Gathering Protection Order had repelled them; three Soul Douluos had been lost;

- Clear Sky Sect: had received the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's letter, and Sect Master Tang Xiao was considering whether to accept the invitation;

- Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan: Sect Master Yu Yuanzhen had already set out for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, carrying ten pounds of Thunder Pattern Jade as a gift.

Lin Yue's lips curled into a faint smile. He lightly tapped the System Panel and pressed the "Issue Quest" button. A new quest called "Cross-Faction Resource Sharing" quietly appeared on the Task Lists of the various factions. Its rewards read: "Complete your first resource-sharing agreement and participating factions will receive the privilege of an additional 5% premium on Point exchanges and unlock the 'Joint Bidding' feature."

Ning Fengzhi's desired alliance was already taking shape, thanks to Lin Yue's efforts. Now it remained to be seen whether the Clear Sky Sect and Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had the insight to seize this opportunity. After all, Spirit Hall would never sit back and watch the Upper Three Sects unite. A far greater storm was quietly brewing.

Outside the loft, the Golden Light Screen continued to shimmer, illuminating the lively plaza below. Cheers from the Simulation Arena, conversations at the Points exchange counter, and the busy footsteps of the shop assistants blended together to create a scene brimming with life. Lin Yue knew that the balance of power on the Douluo Continent was changing dramatically with every move the Auction House made. And all of this was only the beginning.