Ning Xiaochun set down his teacup, looking innocent. "How many people?"
"The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, the Elephant Armor Sect and Fire Leopard Sect of the Lower Four Sects, plus more than a dozen second- and third-rate sects have all sent people with invitation letters. Officially, they're congratulating the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect on gaining a fine daughter-in-law. In reality, every word they say comes back to your 'secret weapon'!"
Ning Fengzhi picked up a gold-embossed letter and read aloud, "'I hear your sect has recently developed a marvelous new Soul Tool of astonishing power. Might you be willing to part with one or two? We can discuss the price.' This was written personally by Yu Yuanzhen, sect master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
He picked up another letter. "'Sect Master Ning, our families have been close for generations. If you have such a powerful weapon, surely you won't keep it to yourself!' This is a personal letter from Xue Ye, the emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire."
Ning Fengzhi set down the letters and looked at Ning Xiaochun, his expression complicated.
"Six years ago, you said you wanted to research Soul Tools. Your father gave you a hundred million Gold Soul Coins, thinking you were just a child who liked tinkering with novel gadgets, so I let you do as you pleased. Who could have imagined... that you'd actually make something of it? And not just anything, but a Defensive Soul Tool that could withstand a Soul Saint's attack and an offensive one capable of injuring a Soul King?"
He paused, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Xiaochun, tell your father the truth. What other trump cards have you been hiding these past six years?"
Ning Xiaochun saw his father's expression—the