All Parties

His voice was calm, but the fingers holding the brush tightened slightly.

The Captain of the Guard who had come to report lowered his head. "Yes, Your Majesty. It is said to be an improved First-Grade Soul Sword Blade. Its edge can cut through ordinary armor and carries a lightning paralysis effect."

"Heavenly Workshop has released word that it will be sold publicly in three days. Highest bidder wins."

Xue Ye rose to his feet and walked to the window, gazing in the direction of Heavenly Workshop in the distance.

The white lights of Soul Lights dotted the nightscape of Heaven Dou City. Every one of those lights was a product of Heavenly Workshop.

He had thought they were merely little gadgets to improve daily life. He had not expected them to make weapons as well.

"Issue an edict." He turned around.

"Order the Ministry of Works to send people to Heavenly Workshop and purchase one hundred Soul Sword Blades."

"Also, tell the people at Heavenly Workshop that the royal family is willing to pay a high price for their technology."

The Captain of the Guard accepted the order and departed.

Xue Ye sat back down and picked up his vermilion brush, yet did not set it to paper for a long while.

If Soul Tool weapons were equipped throughout the army, Heaven Dou Empire's military strength would rise by an entire level.

But the problem was that others could buy them too.

If they fell into the hands of Star Luo Empire, or even Spirit Hall, the consequences would be unthinkable.

The technology had to be kept under the royal family's control.

After pondering for a moment, he added another edict: order Crown Prince Xue Qinghe to keep a close watch on Heavenly Workshop's movements and, when necessary, negotiate with Heavenly Workshop on behalf of the royal family.

When the news reached the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi was taking a walk in the Backyard with Madam Ning.

Madam Ning's belly was already quite large. There was barely more than a month left before her delivery.

She walked very slowly, while Ning Fengzhi supported her arm and carefully stayed by her side.

Spring sunlight fell over them, pleasantly warm, while the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in the courtyard shimmered with seven-colored radiance beneath the sun.

"Fengzhi, you've been distracted all day," Madam Ning said softly.

Ning Fengzhi smiled and did not deny it.

He truly had been thinking about something else.

He had already read the news from Heaven Dou City.

A Soul Sword Blade, a Soul Arm Guard, and a pair of Soul Boots—three First-Grade Combat Soul Tools—had been bought in a package by a mysterious purchaser for fifty thousand Gold Soul Coins.

That child named Gu Ci was even more composed than he had imagined.

"Is it sect business?" Madam Ning asked.

"More or less."

Ning Fengzhi helped her sit on a stone bench in the courtyard. "An interesting child has appeared in Heaven Dou City. He holds Soul Tool technology in his hands. I've been considering how we should respond."

Although Madam Ning did not participate in sect affairs, she had been influenced by them over the years and understood the situation on the continent.

After thinking for a moment, she asked, "How old is that child?"

"Six."

Madam Ning paused slightly, then smiled. "A six-year-old who can give you such a headache must be quite extraordinary."

Ning Fengzhi smiled too, though there was a trace of helplessness in it. "Yes. Quite extraordinary."

"That is why I've been thinking about how to deal with him. If we send people to buy from him, he can sell us finished products, but he will not sell the technology."

"If we send people to seize it, Dugu Bo stands behind him, along with the Heaven Dou Royal Family. We cannot touch him. If we send people to win him over..."

He paused and did not continue.

Seeing his expression, Madam Ning suddenly understood.

"You're thinking of sending Rongrong?"

Ning Fengzhi did not deny it. "People the same age will always find it easier to talk than adults. If Rongrong can become friends with that child..."

"But Rongrong hasn't even been born yet."

Madam Ning stroked her belly, her tone carrying a hint of reproach. "You really are thinking far ahead."

Ning Fengzhi gave a wry smile. "One must prepare for a rainy day. These Soul Tools concern the sect's future."

"If we can obtain the technology, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's strength can double. If we cannot..."

He did not say what would happen if they could not.

But Madam Ning understood.

Spirit Hall was becoming increasingly domineering. Haotian Sect had sealed itself away, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan remained silent, and among the upper three sects, only the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was still holding its ground openly.

Without a new source of strength, they would sooner or later be swallowed by Spirit Hall.

"Fengzhi." Madam Ning took his hand.

"What do you plan to do?"

Ning Fengzhi remained silent for a long time before finally speaking. "First, send people to Heaven Dou City to buy several Soul Tools and bring them back for study."

"As for winning him over, we can discuss it after Rongrong is born. That child is only six. There is no rush."

Madam Ning nodded and said nothing more.

She leaned against Ning Fengzhi's shoulder and gazed at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in the courtyard.

The sunlight was just right, and the spring breeze was gentle. The child in her belly gave her a light kick.

Ning Fengzhi noticed her movement. He lowered his head to look at her belly, and a trace of tenderness flashed through his eyes.

"This child is impatient," he said with a smile.

Madam Ning smiled as well. "Just like you."

The two sat in the courtyard for a long time. Only when the sun had set did they slowly rise and return indoors.

Ning Fengzhi supported Madam Ning, walking slowly and steadily. He had already made up his mind—send people to Heaven Dou City to buy Soul Tools and study their technology.

At the same time, keep a close eye on that child named Gu Ci. Wait for him to grow up, wait for his own daughter to be born, and wait for the right opportunity.

He believed that opportunity would not be far off.

By the time the news reached the Crown Prince's Mansion, it was already late at night.

Qian Renxue had not gone to sleep. She sat in the study in the Backyard, with an intelligence report spread before her. She Long stood behind her in silence.

"Improved Soul Sword Blade." Qian Renxue read the words on the report, the corners of her lips lifting slightly. "The edge can cut through armor, lightning can paralyze enemies, and the two arrays can operate at the same time."

"It is twice as strong as the one sold to the Ye Family before. Uncle She Long, tell me, just how much is this Gu Ci still hiding?"

She Long said in a deep voice, "Miss, this subordinate believes that this child's value far exceeds our previous estimate."

"If we can get his technology under our control, it will be an immense aid to Spirit Hall and to you, Miss."

Qian Renxue did not reply. She merely stared at the two words "Gu Ci" on the report and remained silent for a long time.

That child's face emerged in her mind—calm, composed, as if he could see through everything.

She suddenly asked, "Who do you think he will sell the technology to?"

She Long considered it. "The Heaven Dou Royal Family will certainly make a move, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will not let this opportunity pass either."

"Star Luo Empire will also send people. When the time comes, he will sell to whoever offers the highest price."

Qian Renxue shook her head. "He will not sell it."

She Long was startled. "How do you know, Miss?"

"Because he is not stupid."

Qian Renxue stood and walked to the window. Outside, the lights in the direction of Heavenly Workshop flickered in the night.

"Once he sells the technology, it will no longer be exclusive to him. Whether it is the Heaven Dou Royal Family or the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, after obtaining the technology, will they still need him?"

"His best choice is to keep the technology in his own hands and slowly build himself up. Selling finished products is fine. Selling the technology is impossible."

She paused, then added, "Besides, he is afraid."

"Afraid of what?"

"Spirit Hall." Qian Renxue turned around, lamplight reflected in her purple eyes.

"He sells Civilian Soul Tools to make money. He sells Combat Soul Tools to show his strength. He is telling everyone—I have good things. Whoever wants them can come and buy them."

"At the same time, he is telling Spirit Hall—I am not without the strength to fight back."