Clear Sky Twin Stars

If the Clear Sky Sect could quickly produce two Titled Douluo, it was precisely what Ning Fengzhi was Glad to See It Happen—because in his eyes, the stronger the Clear Sky Sect became, the better it could stand against Spirit Hall and serve as the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's strongest shield.

Besides, the Heaven Dou Great Emperor before him was licentious and dissolute, weak in Soul Power, and already showing signs of old age. His grip on power had long since loosened.

To Ning Fengzhi, his value was far inferior to that of Xue Ye, the Crown Prince who was about to ascend the throne.

Ning Fengzhi had long made his calculations. Once Xue Ye took the throne, he would only need to Secretly Fan the Flames and magnify the pressure from Spirit Hall and the Star Luo Empire.

Then, at Xue Ye's "earnest request," the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would naturally receive comprehensive support from the Heaven Dou Empire.

Of course, Ning Fengzhi would never let the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect become the legitimate "sect that protected the nation." That would mean shouldering enormous risks and responsibilities.

What he wanted was the delicate position of "having the name of a nation-protecting sect without the reality of being one."

Such prestige alone would be enough to attract talented people from all under heaven.

And should the situation change, he could withdraw at any time and wash his hands of all responsibility.

The moon shone bright while the stars were sparse. A few harsh cries from cold crows swept over the bare branches, adding to the desolation.

The camp had already been set up, and the bonfire crackled as its dancing flames illuminated Tang Xiao's busy figure.

With practiced ease, he threaded several Soft Bone Rabbits that had long been cleaned and marinated onto sharpened wooden skewers.

Over the years, taking care of his younger brother Tang Hao's food and daily needs had practically become part of his routine.

After skewering the rabbit meat, he set the wooden sticks on a simple rack beside the bonfire, then took out several jars of aged wine and an assortment of barbecue seasonings.

After finishing all that, he focused and sensed Tang Hao's aura nearby. The fluctuations from the Soul Bone fusion were gradually stabilizing.

"Looks like it's almost done." Tang Xiao picked up a jar of wine, slapped open its seal, and took a huge gulp. The fiery liquid rolled down his throat as his gaze fell upon his younger brother again, filled with anticipation.

"I wonder what astonishing transformation Brother Hao's Spiritual Power will undergo after this fusion."

He sat beside the grill and used his Soul Power to precisely control the wooden skewers as they slowly turned.

Grease dripped onto the coals with a sizzle, and the rich aroma of meat mixed with the pungent fragrance of spices, spreading through the silent forest.

Time slowly passed amid the crackling bonfire and the scent of roasting meat.

Before long, the Soft Bone Rabbits had been roasted until their skins were golden, crisp, and glistening with oil.

Tang Xiao drew over a skewer with his Soul Power, blew on it, and took a large bite.

Crisp on the outside and tender within, the scorching juices burst in his mouth, rich and fragrant, leaving a lingering taste on his lips and teeth.

Just then, Tang Hao, who had been silent for half the night, suddenly opened his eyes!

An invisible pressure of Spiritual Power spread like a tide, causing even the bonfire to dim.

"Elder Brother!" Tang Hao's voice trembled with barely restrained excitement. "My Spiritual Power... has broken through to the Titled Douluo level!"

He felt an unprecedented clarity and strength in his sea of consciousness, as though the entire world had become sharper and clearer.

"And my Soul Power has reached the peak of Rank 79. I'm only one step away from the threshold of Rank 80!" The tremendous improvement brought by the Wisdom Soul Bone had plunged him into a state of wild elation.

"Good! Good! Good!" Tang Xiao abruptly rose to his feet, even tossing aside the half-eaten Soft Bone Rabbit in his hand.

He strode over to Tang Hao and forcefully patted his shoulder, his eyes filled with gratification and pride. "Brother Hao! Excellent!"

"No wonder Grandfather personally placed such high hopes on you as the future Clear Sky Douluo!"

His eyes gleamed as he immediately made a decision. "Tomorrow, we set out for the Star Dou Great Forest!"

"Once we get there, we'll have all the time we need to find you the finest possible Eighth Soul Ring!"

"Elder Brother, I'll listen to you." Tang Hao nodded heavily, his eyes burning with a thirst for power.

The two brothers returned to the bonfire and finished the remaining roast rabbit meat alongside the mellow wine.

After eating and drinking their fill, they crawled into the tent and fell into a deep sleep in the depths of the Spirit Beast forest, gathering their strength for tomorrow's journey.

The dying embers of the bonfire flickered uncertainly in the night, like ambitions lying dormant.

The sun was already high in the sky. The scorching midday sunlight streamed precisely through the glass doors and windows shattered by last night's battle, falling across Bibi Dong's fair cheek and waking her from sleep.

"Mmm..." Bibi Dong frowned slightly and lazily raised an arm, trying to block the blinding light.

Her wine-red hair spread over the pillow like seaweed, making her snow-white skin appear even fairer.

Still half-asleep, she called, "Qing Qing... Su Su..."

"Miss." The two pretty maidservants answered and entered, each carrying a tray.

Bai Susu placed the tray holding warm water and a towel on the low table beside the bed and said softly, "Miss, wash your face and rinse your mouth first. Have some hot porridge afterward to warm your stomach..."

Bibi Dong propped herself up and sat upright, sleepily washing her face with warm water before rinsing her mouth with fragrant mouthwash.

Only after finishing her morning wash did she feel somewhat more awake, and she moved over to the table.

"Miss, please eat." Bai Qingqing gently set a bowl of soft, fragrant white porridge before Bibi Dong.

Bibi Dong picked up an exquisite porcelain spoon and brought a spoonful of porridge to her mouth. The warm fragrance of rice spread across her tongue. "Qing Qing, what time is it now?"

"Miss, it is already noon," Bai Qingqing replied respectfully.

"Ah? It's already so late?" Bibi Dong was somewhat surprised. She had not expected to sleep for so long. "Why didn't you wake me earlier?"

"Miss, Mister Ju specifically instructed us not to. He said everyone had been tired these past few days, so he gave everyone the morning off and told us all to rest properly."

"We saw that you were still sleeping soundly, so we did not dare disturb you," Bai Qingqing explained carefully.

"I see..." Bibi Dong took a few more bites of porridge and asked, "Then where are Mister Ju and the others now?"

"Zhang Huan and Li Lang are in the hotel lobby on the first floor, drinking and chatting with that close friend of yours," Bai Qingqing reported truthfully, her tone carrying a hint of amazement.

"Miss, your friend is truly remarkable. Even Mister Ju has been enjoying a pleasant conversation with him, and seems to hold him in considerable respect."

"My close friend?" Bibi Dong froze, her eyes filled with confusion. "Since when did I have a close friend?"

"What is his name?"

"Miss, he said his name was Zhao Linchuan... At first, we were worried that someone might be bold enough to impersonate him..."

"Oh, it's him." Realization dawned on Bibi Dong. A smile unconsciously curved her lips as she nodded.

"Yes, he is my close friend." Her tone was certain, carrying a trace of intimacy that was difficult to detect.

A moment later, she had finished the bowl of porridge. Bibi Dong set down her spoon and instructed, "You may leave first. I'll wash up, then come downstairs shortly."

"Tell Zhang Huan and Li Lang to get ready."

"Yes!" The two maidservants bowed respectfully and withdrew.