The atmosphere inside the hall suddenly became heavy because of Xue Ye's words.
Terminating the cooperative investigation with the Spirit Hall?
This is no small matter.
Ning Fengzhi frowned slightly, his fingers gently stroking the rim of the teacup. The relationship between the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Spirit Hall has always been delicate, involving both cooperation and checks and balances. If the Heaven Dou Empire unilaterally terminates the cooperation, it will inevitably break the existing balance.
"Your Majesty," Ning Fengzhi said slowly, "This matter... requires careful consideration. The Spirit Hall is currently very powerful; if we rashly terminate the cooperation, it may escalate the conflict."
Xue Ye remained silent, turning his gaze to Dugu Bo.
Dugu Bo leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping absently on the armrest. He knew the truth about the "great battle" Nuoding City —it was the God Official that the Pavilion Master and Qian Renxue had lured out when they were testing Tang Hao. The "things" that the Spirit Hall took from there were probably remnants of that great battle.
But he couldn't say.
"In my opinion," Dugu Bo began slowly, " Sect Master Ning is right. The Spirit Hall is currently at its zenith, and we don't need to confront them head-on. However..."
He paused, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes. "Cooperation can continue, but we must be careful. Let them investigate, we'll investigate. We'll cooperate openly, but covertly... we'll still investigate what needs to be investigated."
Prince Xue Xing nodded repeatedly. "Your Majesty is right. We can continue to cooperate on the surface, while secretly increasing our manpower to keep an eye on the Spirit Hall's every move."
The First Prince Xue Qinghe, also spoke up at this moment:
"Father, I believe that Senior Poison Douluo and Sect Master Ning are absolutely right. The Spirit Hall is too powerful to be confronted head-on. However, the border massacre remains unsolved, and the unusual activity Nuoding City is highly suspicious... If we completely give up, we may lose the initiative."
He paused, then continued, "How about this—on the surface, we'll continue cooperating with the Spirit Hall's investigation, and we can even share some minor clues we have with them as a show of sincerity. Meanwhile, we'll have Senior Poison Douluo and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect investigate secretly, operating on two parallel tracks."
This proposal both saved face for the Spirit Hall and protected the interests of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Xue Ye pondered for a moment, then finally nodded. "Let's do as Qinghe says. Your Majesty Dugu, Sect Master Ning, I'll leave this matter to you two."
"Your Majesty, rest assured," the two replied in unison.
At this point in the discussion, a basic conclusion had been reached.
Xue Ye gave a few more details and then adjourned the meeting. Everyone got up one after another, preparing to leave.
Just then, Ji Juechen suddenly opened his eyes.
His gaze was fixed on Chen Xin.
" Seven Kill Sword, Chen Xin," Ji Juechen spoke, his voice calm, "Would you be willing to fight?"
The hall fell silent once more.
Everyone turned their attention to these two masters of swordsmanship.
Chen Xin smiled, "I couldn't be happier." His white robes fluttered even without wind. "How about we make our move three days later, outside Sunset Forest?"
"Okay." Ji Juechen nodded and closed his eyes again.
Ning Fengzhi a wry smile, " Uncle Sword, you..."
"Sect Master, rest assured." Chen Xin's eyes burned with fighting spirit. "It's just a friendly spar; we'll stop when we've reached our limit."
Dugu Bo patted Ji Juechen on the shoulder, saying somewhat helplessly, "You rascal, you never forget about sword fighting, no matter where you go."
Ji Juechen didn't speak, but the smile on his lips deepened.
The two quickly returned to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well. Ji Juechen continued practicing his swordplay by the spring, while Dugu Bo sat to the side, gazing thoughtfully at the churning Ice and Fire Spring water in the distance.
Meanwhile, in the Fate Defying Valley.
Luo Can and Qian Renxue were sitting by the lake, watching their disciples cultivate.
Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan had finished their Medicinal Bath and were now sparring. The healing light of the Nine-Heart Begonia and the poisonous mist of the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor intertwined, creating a spectacular scene.
Xiao Xiao practiced her Thunderclap Bombardment Fist on the side. After several days of practical training, she became more and more proficient in controlling Thunderlight, and her fist techniques had a hint of Thunderous Might power.
Tang Ya sat on a stone bench not far away, a thick soul guidance notebook spread out in front of her, and a carving knife and a piece of metal in her hand, carefully trying to inscribe the Core Array.
"This girl can sit still," Qian Renxue said with a smile.
Luo Can nodded. "The combination of Tang Sect Hidden Weapons and Soul Tool —if this path is successfully followed, the future is promising."
As they were talking, Ju Zi walked out of the Soul Tool Hall, holding a palm-sized metal disc in her hand. The surface of the disc was engraved with intricate patterns, and a pale purple crystal was inlaid in the center.
" A-Can, Sister Snow," Ju Zi ran over excitedly, "The prototype of the Thunder-Resistant Soul Tool is finished! Take a look!"
She handed the disc to Luo Can. Luo Can took it, probed it with his spiritual power, and quickly understood its principle.
"Using the resonance of lightning-attribute soul power, a portion of the Heavenly Tribulation's power is guided into the ground, simultaneously forming a soul power shield to weaken the impact of the remaining lightning tribulation..." A hint of appreciation flashed in Luo Can's eyes, "A very good design."
Ju Zi nodded repeatedly. "This first version should be equivalent to Level 7 Soul Tool. I plan to continue improving it, and maybe it can reach level eight by then."
"Thank you for your hard work." Luo Can returned the disc to her. " The Ice Jade Scorpion's tribulation will be in the next few days."
"Don't worry, I've got it covered!" Ju Zi patted her chest to assure him, then rushed back to the Soul Tool Hall.
Watching her retreating figure, Qian Renxue couldn't help but laugh, "That girl Ju Zi, is like a completely different person when she starts researching Soul Tool."
"Focus is a good thing." Luo Can held her hand. "Once the Ice Jade Scorpion has completed its tribulation, we should set off to hunt for Xiao Xiao's First Spirit Ring. Have you decided where you want to go?"
Qian Renxue thought for a moment and said, " The Star Dou Forest, perhaps. There are many kinds of Spirit Beast there, making it easy to find a suitable Spirit Beast for Xiao Xiao."
Luo Can said, "There are many Spirit Beast suitable for Xiao Xiao's martial soul; those with earth, metal, defense, and strength attributes are all acceptable."
As the two were talking, Xiao Xiao suddenly ran over, her little face full of excitement. "Master! Mistress! My strength... seems to have increased!"
Upon hearing this, Luo Can quickly checked Xiao Xiao's physique, and then tested her speed, strength, and reaction time, finding that they had improved significantly.
"Good news." Luo Can ruffled her hair. "Get a good rest tonight, and I'll take you hunting for Spirit Ring tomorrow."
"Really?!" Xiao Xiao's eyes lit up. "To the Star Dou Forest?"
"Yes." Qian Renxue nodded with a smile.
"Yay! I'm finally going to become First-Ring Spirit Master!"
Xiao Xiao cheered and ran off happily to share the news with her senior.
Qian Renxue watched her retreating figure, then suddenly remembered something. "By the way, what about Tang Ya... what are your thoughts on her First Spirit Ring?"
Luo Can pondered for a moment, then said, "I've already prepared her Spirit Ring."
"Is it that Blue Silver Emperor?" Qian Renxue asked, looking at the Lake Heart Island.
"Hmm, this might allow Xiao Ya's martial spirit to advance even further!" Luo Can said.
As the sun sets, the Fate Defying Valley is gradually enveloped in twilight.
The aroma of food wafted from the Wooden House. Ju Zi finally emerged from the Soul Tool Hall, carrying several plates of dishes. "Dinner's ready!"
The disciples cheered and crowded around. Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan were still arguing about the outcome of their sparring match, Xiao Xiao was chattering excitedly about going to the Star Dou Forest tomorrow, and Tang Ya sat quietly to the side, holding the half-carved piece of metal in her hand.
Luo Can and Qian Renxue exchanged a smile.
These days are peaceful, yet fulfilling.