Spirit Hall, side hall of the Elder Hall.
Yi Chen sat alone by the window, toying with a golden token he had just acquired. The front of the token was engraved with the bold characters "Honorary Elder of Spirit Hall," while the back featured a burning flame pattern, representing the supreme authority of Spirit Hall.
He tucked the token into his robe and sank his consciousness into the system panel.
[Main Quest Progress Updated] [Current Phase: Closed Beta Launch] [Quest Objective: Recruit 100 closed beta players] [Current Progress: 3/100] [Phase Evaluation: Initial Success] [Side Quest Completed: Establish cooperation with a top-tier faction] [Partner: Spirit Hall (One of the strongest factions on Douluo Continent)] [Completion: S-Rank] [Rewards calculating...]
A golden light erupted across the system panel, transforming into lines of gilded text:
[Congratulations to the Host for obtaining the following rewards:] [1. Infinite Golden Soul Coin Privilege: The Host may withdraw infinite Golden Soul Coins from the system shop, with no cap and no cooldown.] [2. God-tier Building Materials x10: Can be used to construct exclusive Battle of the Golden Spatula venues, featuring automatic repair, reinforced defense, and other properties.] [3. System Shop Unlocked: The Host may use Golden Soul Coins to purchase various game items, chess piece skins, and cosmetic effects.] [4. Bonus Reward: Soul Power cultivation consolidated by +10%, Mental Power cap increased by 20%.]
Yi Chen's eyes lit up.
Infinite Golden Soul Coins?
This was a fantastic find!
Although he was invincible in terms of strength, he would find it difficult to move an inch in this world without money. If he wanted to promote the Battle of the Golden Spatula, build venues, conduct marketing, and host tournaments, which of these didn't require burning through cash? Now, with the support of infinite Golden Soul Coins, he could finally let go and go all out.
"Not bad, not bad." Yi Chen nodded in satisfaction and glanced at the God-tier building materials.
There were ten portions in total, each capable of constructing an exclusive Battle of the Golden Spatula venue. According to the system's description, venues built with these materials were not only incredibly sturdy but could also automatically absorb the soul power of heaven and earth to maintain operations, even possessing defensive capabilities—they could withstand even God-tier attacks.
"Perfect. I'll start by building a flagship venue in Spirit City as the first base for the Battle of the Golden Spatula on the continent." A plan had already formed in Yi Chen's mind.
Just as he was about to rise to find Bibi Dong and discuss the site selection, his heart stirred as he sensed a familiar aura.
It was a trace of mental energy he had left on the experience card he gave to Ning Rongrong.
At this moment, that mark was fluctuating violently, meaning someone was injecting a massive amount of soul power to activate a special function of the experience card: [Share Mode].
"Oh? Ning Rongrong is starting to recruit?" Yi Chen raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Let me see who she gave the card to..."
He closed his eyes, his mental energy extending along that mark, crossing hundreds of miles to see the scene on the other end.
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, assembly hall.
In the brightly lit hall, Sect Master Ning Fengzhi sat in the main seat, holding a cup of warm soul tea but showing no intention of drinking it. His gaze rested on his daughter before him, a hint of contemplation between his brows.
Ning Rongrong stood in the center of the hall, vividly recounting her experiences in the Star Dou Forest a few days ago. Several sect elders sat on both sides; some listened intently, some looked surprised, and others exchanged meaningful glances.
"And that's how it happened." After finishing, Ning Rongrong held up the golden-glowing experience card with both hands and presented it to Ning Fengzhi. "Father, this Battle of the Golden Spatula is truly miraculous! I think it will be of great use to our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!"
Ning Fengzhi set down his teacup, took the card, and examined it carefully.
The card felt warm to the touch, and its material was peculiar—he had never seen anything like it. What concerned him more was the faint energy fluctuation contained within the card—a level of energy so high that even he, a level 79 Soul Saint, felt a tremor in his heart.
"You are saying that this card was given to you by a young man who looks less than twenty years old?" Ning Fengzhi spoke slowly, his voice steady.
"Yes!" Ning Rongrong nodded vigorously. "His name is Yi Chen. He's incredibly handsome and has a very unique temperament! And with just a single look, he forced Dai Mubai to his knees, leaving him unable to even resist!"
"Suppressing a Soul Master with just a look?" The Great Elder, Bone Douluo Gu Rong, frowned, his tone laced with skepticism. "Rongrong, are you sure that Dai Mubai wasn't just careless?"
"Absolutely not!" Ning Rongrong shook her head like a rattle. "I was right there and saw it clearly! Yi Chen didn't even release his Martial Soul, he didn't even lift a hand—he just looked at Dai Mubai, and Dai Mubai knelt instantly! And later, Tang San also said that the man was unfathomable and even he felt afraid!"
"Tang San?" Ning Fengzhi's brows lifted slightly. "That son of Tang Hao?"
"Yes! Tang San's perception is exceptionally strong. If he said so, it must be true!" Ning Rongrong said with certainty.
The hall fell silent for a few seconds.
Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo exchanged a glance, both seeing the gravity in the other's eyes.
A young man under twenty who could suppress a genius of the Soul Master level with just his aura, and who even made Tang San—the son of the renowned Haotian Douluo—feel wary... This person was definitely not simple.
"Rongrong, did that Yi Chen say what his cultivation level was?" Ning Fengzhi asked.
Ning Rongrong tilted her head, thinking for a moment before saying uncertainly, "He didn't say explicitly, but he admitted he was a Titled Douluo. When Xiao Wu asked him if he was a Titled Douluo, he said, 'I suppose so.'"
"I suppose so?" Ning Fengzhi repeated the three words, his brows furrowing even deeper.
The answer was too vague.
If he were an ordinary Titled Douluo, he could have simply admitted it. But the fact that the other party used such an ambiguous phrase suggested that either he was being humble, or—his strength was far beyond that of a mere Titled Douluo.
"Furthermore," Ning Rongrong added, "he said he went to Spirit Hall."
"Spirit Hall?" Ning Fengzhi lifted his head abruptly. "What is he doing going to Spirit Hall?"
"He didn't say, but he mentioned he was going there to handle a major matter." Recalling the tone Yi Chen had used at the time, Ning Rongrong mimicked him: "He said, 'Spirit Hall is a decent partner; I'm going to go have a talk with them.'"
"He wants to cooperate with Spirit Hall?" Bone Douluo Gu Rong's expression shifted slightly. "A Titled Douluo of unknown origin, running off to Spirit Hall to discuss a partnership? What is he trying to do?"
Ning Fengzhi did not speak; he merely lowered his head to look at the golden card in his hand, lost in thought.
A mysterious young Titled Douluo, possessing a peculiar ability never seen before, capable of creating cards that contained high-level energy... and now, he had gone to Spirit Hall to seek a partnership.
All of this was far too coincidental.
"Father, I think we should be proactive!" Seeing her father remain silent for so long, Ning Rongrong grew anxious. "That Yi Chen said that Battle of the Golden Spatula contains a unique bond exclusive to our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect! If our sect members play this game together, we can gain additional attribute bonuses! This is a massive boon for us!"
"An exclusive bond?" Ning Fengzhi looked up. "What does that mean?"
"It's... oh, I can't explain it clearly!" Ning Rongrong stomped her foot in frustration, then simply stepped forward and took the trial card from Ning Fengzhi's hand. "Father, you'll understand once you try it yourself! I'll teach you!"
Ning Fengzhi had intended to refuse, but seeing the expectant look in his daughter's eyes, he sighed helplessly and nodded.
Ning Rongrong immediately grew excited, injecting a sliver of soul power into the card and unfolding a golden chessboard before Ning Fengzhi.
"Look, Father, this is the shop where you can buy pieces using gold coins. The pieces are all sorts of soul masters and soul beasts..."
For the next half hour, Ning Rongrong taught Ning Fengzhi how to play Battle of the Golden Spatula step by step. From purchasing pieces and leveling up his population to activating bonds and combining equipment, she explained everything with patience.
At first, Ning Fengzhi maintained the composure of a Sect Master, appearing rather indifferent. But as match after match progressed, his eyes grew brighter and his expression became increasingly focused.
"Oh? If I place three Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect pieces together, it triggers the 'Seven Treasure Glazed' bond, granting all allies attack speed and soul power recovery?" Ning Fengzhi asked in surprise.
"Exactly!" Ning Rongrong nodded excitedly. "And if you can collect five Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect pieces, the bond effect doubles! By then, the combat power of all allies will be significantly boosted!"
Ning Fengzhi was silent for a moment, then suddenly let out a long breath.
"This game... is truly not simple."
He set the card down, his gaze profound. "On the surface, it looks like a simple board game, but in reality, it contains immense tactical wisdom. How to allocate resources, how to adjust one's lineup to counter an opponent, how to maximize the benefits of bonds... the knowledge involved here is no less than that of a real soul master battle."
He looked at Ning Rongrong, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes. "Rongrong, you did well. This Battle of the Golden Spatula is worthy of our attention."
"So, Father, you agree that everyone should play it?" Ning Rongrong asked, pleasantly surprised.
"More than just agree." Ning Fengzhi stood up, walked to the window with his hands behind his back, and gazed at the rolling mountains outside. "I am going to send someone to Spirit City."
"To Spirit City?" Ning Rongrong blinked. "To find Yi Chen?"
"That is correct." Ning Fengzhi turned around, his gaze firm. "A young Titled Douluo capable of cooperating with Spirit Hall is worth our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect taking the initiative to befriend. Furthermore..."
He paused, a meaningful smile touching the corners of his lips. "I also want to see for myself just how many more surprises this Battle of the Golden Spatula can bring."
"Then I'll go with you!" Ning Rongrong immediately raised her hand.
"No." Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "You return to Shrek and cultivate properly. When the time is right, I will naturally take you to see him."
Ning Rongrong pouted, looking somewhat reluctant, but eventually nodded.
Ning Fengzhi sat back down in his main seat, picked up the golden trial card, and turned it over in his hand a few times, murmuring to himself:
"Yi Chen... what kind of person are you, really?"
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