Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling Eat Whale Rubber; Qian Renxue Has an Epiphany

So it was not that Whale Rubber was useless. The ones they had encountered before had merely been defective products, and they had completely misunderstood its true effects.

Dugu Yan scratched her head. "So we had it wrong all along. Such a good thing was actually treated as some unorthodox trick. What a waste."

Ye Lingling nodded gently as well. "No wonder Junior Nanchen cultivates so quickly. So he had such a method."

As she spoke, Dugu Yan suddenly turned serious and patted her chest. "Little Nanchen, you told us such an important secret. Don't worry, I, Dugu Yan, can keep my mouth shut. I absolutely won't breathe a word of it to anyone."

Ye Lingling nodded earnestly too, her voice soft yet resolute. "I'll keep it secret as well. I definitely won't tell anyone else."

They both understood that if a method capable of breaking the limits of Soul Ring age were leaked, it would inevitably trigger a mad scramble among Soul Masters across the continent. Jiang Nanchen would only be plagued by endless trouble.

For him to reveal such a precious method to them was, in itself, an immense sign of trust.

Once the Sacred Flame had fully receded, the Whale Rubber floating in midair had condensed into over a dozen crystalline white chunks. All impurities had been removed, leaving behind a rich medicinal fragrance.

Jiang Nanchen lowered his hand, casually picked up two pieces, and held one before each of Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling. "Open up. Eat two pieces first and test the effects."

Caught off guard, the two instinctively opened their mouths and swallowed them.

The chunks melted the moment they entered their mouths. A warm current slid down their throats and into their stomachs, and soon a faint heat spread through their bodies as their meridians began to swell slightly.

They did not dare delay. Immediately, they sat cross-legged and circulated their Soul Power, guiding the medicinal effects through their bodies to cleanse and temper them.

Jiang Nanchen crouched beside the stone table, sorting the remaining herbs into categories. He selected several that promoted blood circulation and strengthened the bones, intending to take them to the secret chamber later to prepare a medicinal bath.

He was still lowering his head over the herbs when familiar footsteps sounded behind him.

Qian Renxue slowly approached the pavilion. She glanced over the Whale Rubber on the table and the two girls meditating cross-legged, then raised an eyebrow with a light laugh. "Nanchen, you three are having quite a time. You're even eating Whale Rubber now."

Jiang Nanchen looked up at her, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness. "Crown Prince brother, could you stop being so suspicious? It's only for tempering their bodies."

Qian Renxue gave a soft snort and flicked his forehead. "You were the one putting all your attention into this. I thought you had forgotten about proper cultivation."

Her gaze swept over the two meditating girls, and her tone shifted. "You told them everything about using Whale Rubber to temper the body?"

"Mm." Jiang Nanchen nodded, his tone certain. "I trust their character. They won't spread it around. Besides, didn't I tell Crown Prince brother about this method back then too?"

Qian Renxue nodded slightly and did not press the matter of secrecy any further.

She walked to the stone table, picked up a piece of purified Whale Rubber, and weighed it in her hand. "Actually, during this time, I've already had people secretly purchase Whale Rubber across the continent, gathering as much of the market supply as possible in an effort to create a monopoly."

She paused, her gaze returning to Jiang Nanchen. "For one, you need a considerable stockpile for long-term body tempering, so storing it will always be useful. For another, this method is too unusual. Controlling the raw materials can prevent it from spreading too quickly and attracting trouble. Once a method that can break the limits of Soul Ring age becomes known, it will only spark a mad scramble among Soul Masters across the continent."

Jiang Nanchen shook his head slightly. "Purchasing alone cannot create a monopoly. You have to control the source. Vast Sea City is the largest Soul Beast trading hub along the continent's coast. Deep-sea Whale Rubber basically all flows out from there. As long as you grasp Vast Sea City's supply, you can dictate the market supply."

His words awakened Qian Renxue, and her eyes lit up.

"That's right. I was only thinking about gathering existing stock and forgot to start at the source. The sea routes around Vast Sea City are complicated, and sea Soul Master sects are entrenched there. It really is a key point. I'll arrange for people to go there later, acquire several fishing routes under the name of a merchant association, and establish connections with the local powers."

"Vast Sea City alone isn't enough." Jiang Nanchen raised his eyes to her, his tone calm. "If we can also control the waters around Sea God Island, that would be a true monopoly. Most high-level deep-sea whales gather in the waters around Sea God Island. The Whale Rubber produced there is of the highest quality and oldest age."

Qian Renxue halted, the smile on her face gradually fading as her expression turned solemn.

Sea God Island.

She silently repeated those three words. Her grandfather, Qian Daoliu, had once told her that the island was occupied by seven Holy Pillar Guardians at the Titled Douluo level, with an Ultimate Douluo, Bo Saixi, stationed there as well. It was a forbidden land of the Sea God Inheritance.

Spirit Hall's influence spread across the continent, yet it had never been able to gain a foothold in those waters. Even its attempts at probing had repeatedly met with setbacks.

Taking Sea God Island was far easier said than done.

Not to mention her now—even if her grandfather went personally, he might not gain any advantage.

"Sea God Island isn't that simple."

Qian Renxue spoke softly, her tone clear-eyed. "As far as I know, seven Titled Douluo guard the island, along with an Ultimate Douluo no weaker than the Grand Worshipper. It is sacred ground for Sea God believers and extremely hostile to outsiders. Outsiders can barely even approach it, much less control the surrounding waters."

She paused and looked at Jiang Nanchen. "This cannot be rushed. We need to plan for the long term. For now, we should first establish the channels in Vast Sea City. As long as the Whale Rubber supply can remain stable enough for your body tempering, that will suffice. As for Sea God Island, we can make plans after our strength rises several more levels."

Jiang Nanchen nodded and said nothing further.

He also knew that discussing Sea God Island now was premature. He had merely pointed out the path ahead.

If they truly wanted to move against Sea God Island, they would at least have to wait until Qian Renxue obtained the Angel Divine Trial and entered the Titled Douluo realm.

Jiang Nanchen continued in a calm tone:

"There are also the four single-attribute sects that used to be affiliated with the Clear Sky Sect: the Strength Clan, Breaking Clan, Speed Clan, and Defense Clan.

When the Clear Sky Sect sealed its gates and withdrew from the world, it directly abandoned them. The four clans have long harbored resentment toward the Clear Sky Sect. Over the years, they have remained based around Heaven Dou City, and their circumstances have not been particularly good. If Crown Prince brother can seize the opportunity to win them over, they will be a great help to you as well."

Qian Renxue's eyes brightened at his words, and she instantly understood the key point.

Each of the four single-attribute sects had its own specialty. The Strength Clan excelled at forging, the Breaking Clan at offense, the Speed Clan at reconnaissance, and the Defense Clan at defense. Their overall strength was not weak, and they also controlled many craftsmen and connections.

More importantly, they had become estranged from the Clear Sky Sect and lacked powerful backers. It was the perfect time to recruit them.

"You're right." Qian Renxue nodded, her eyes gaining a touch more appreciation. "Before, I focused only on the forces at court and neglected the strength of these sects. If I can bring the four clans under my command, it will save considerable effort whether in forging military equipment, gathering intelligence, or expanding my private army."

She had already begun making calculations in her heart. Once she returned, she would have people investigate the four clans' recent circumstances and find a suitable pretext to extend an olive branch.

With the Crown Prince's status endorsing her, along with promises of resources and position, the odds of winning over the four clans were extremely high.

Jiang Nanchen's casual suggestion had helped her fill a crucial gap in her power structure.

If these four great sects refused, then destruction would be their only path.