Gengxin City

Star Luo Empire, Gengxin City.

Huo Yuhao took everyone through several shops. Using his spiritual detection, he identified the rare treasures and unusual stones in each store, purchased them, and stored the rare metals in his storage ring.

Tang Wulin exclaimed in admiration, "Brother Yuhao, you're incredible. You bought every one of these rare metals for just a single gold soul coin each. This is practically a fortune!"

Tai Tan laughed. "The owners even thought you were some foolish, rich young master, so they threw in what they considered ordinary stones and metals. Who would have thought that one of those gifts would be Deep Sea Silver Mother?"

Bai Chenxiang flicked her twin ponytails. "Those shop owners really took a huge loss this time."

Huo Yuhao replied, "Treasures are priceless to those who need them. But to the people selling them, all that matters is whether they made money from them."

Blacksmiths Association Headquarters.

Si Long was immediately surprised when he saw Tai Tan. "Lord Tai Tan, why are you here?"

Tai Tan placed a hand on Si Long's shoulder. "It's been so long since we last met. Of course I came to visit Old Lou. And while I'm at it, I'll introduce him to some new friends."

At once, Si Long extended his right hand and led the group onward. In the end, they reached the fifth floor of the Blacksmiths Association Headquarters and met the president of the Blacksmiths Association—Lou Gao.

After Tai Tan caught up with Lou Gao for a while, he took out a Zhuge Divine Crossbow and demonstrated its power to him.

Lou Gao immediately dismantled the Zhuge Divine Crossbow. After studying it carefully, he raised an eyebrow.

"This weapon's design is quite ingenious. I can't even make out the most crucial part inside."

Tang Wulin immediately laughed. "Of course you can't. The Zhuge Divine Crossbow has an anti-dismantling mechanism. The core component inside automatically destroys itself the moment it is removed."

Tai Tan raised his brows slightly. "This is a concealed weapon of the Tang Sect, and a fairly ordinary one at that. Old Rhino and the others have already joined the Tang Sect with me."

Seeing everyone nod in unison, Lou Gao looked puzzled. "Were you driven into a corner by Spirit Hall?"

Tai Tan laughed. "Quite the opposite. The Tang Sect has given us even greater confidence in standing against Spirit Hall."

With a smile, Huo Yuhao said, "The Sect Master told me before that, with your ability and skill, if you joined our Tang Sect, you would certainly be granted the status of an elder. Then you could freely study and create all kinds of peerless, top-tier concealed weapons."

Lou Gao clapped his hands. "Good. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I must join your Tang Sect today. Si Long, get over here!"

Si Long hurried over in a few quick strides, panting as he asked, "Teacher, what do you need me for?"

Lou Gao pointed at Si Long. "I've decided. From this day forward, you are the president of the Blacksmiths Association."

Si Long was instantly stunned, staring wide-eyed. "Teacher, you're not joking with me, are you?"

At the same time, the nearby blacksmiths also showed looks of shock, utterly unable to believe it.

"Do I look like I'm joking?"

With a solemn expression, Lou Gao patted Si Long on the shoulder and briefly explained the arrangements for the future.

Bai Chenxiang spread her hands. "This is probably the simplest handover ceremony in history."

Lou Gao turned to Huo Yuhao with a curious expression. "Now that I'm an elder of the Tang Sect, do I have the right to know how the Zhuge Divine Crossbow is made?"

Huo Yuhao smiled. "Of course. Not only the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, but also the Peacock Plume, Storm Pear Blossom Needle, Buddha's Fury Tang Lotus... you may study and make them all."

As he spoke, Huo Yuhao handed Lou Gao the design blueprints for the four concealed weapons: the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, Peacock Plume, Storm Pear Blossom Needle, and Buddha's Fury Tang Lotus.

Tai Tan added, "Since Old Lou has joined our Tang Sect, why not set off with us for Heaven Dou City tomorrow?"

After considering it for a moment, Si Long said, "I'm still worried about Teacher going to the Tang Sect alone. Let Si Yu and Si Kai accompany Teacher as well."

Huo Yuhao nodded. "Naturally. It will also give Senior someone to look after him."

Tai Tan looked deeply gratified. "With Old Lou and the others joining us, our Tang Sect has truly grown wings like a tiger."

Afterward, Si Long settled everyone in and arranged for people to pack his teacher Lou Gao's belongings. Then he sent people to purchase the bulk rare metals listed on the shopping list Tai Tan had given him.

On that dark and windy night, Miles, the bishop of Spirit Hall in Gengxin City, was silently and effortlessly eliminated. Every member of Spirit Hall's forces throughout Gengxin City died suddenly and inexplicably overnight.

After Spirit Hall reinforcements arrived the next day and examined the corpses, they determined that all of them had died from strange spiritual agony. Thus, Spirit Hall concluded that the killer had to be a control-type soul master with extraordinarily powerful spiritual strength.

Inside the carriage returning to Heaven Dou City.

Lou Gao asked in confusion, "The rare metals are all accounted for, but how are we supposed to smelt and forge the Deep Sea Silver Mother?"

Tang Wulin answered, "I'm a blacksmith too, and I specialize in strength. I can hammer and refine the Deep Sea Silver Mother."

Immediately afterward, Huo Yuhao said, "I already specialize in crafting, so I'll work with you, Senior, to manufacture the top-tier concealed weapons. During that time, I'll do my best to ensure your safety."

"Until the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament arrives, Wulin and I will remain with you in the Tang Sect."

A faint glimmer flickered in Huo Yuhao's eyes, concealing a trace of sorrow that was difficult to notice.

Tears streamed down Tai Tan's aged face as he said emotionally, "You two are indeed the founders of the Tang Sect. You personally handle the making of top-tier concealed weapons yourselves. It's truly moving."

Lou Gao patted Tai Tan on the shoulder in consolation. Then he recalled something and abruptly changed the subject, asking with concern:

"I heard from Si Long that after you dealt with Spirit Hall's people, Yuhao, you gave the property you seized from them to our Blacksmiths Association. Aren't you afraid Spirit Hall will eventually trace it back to you and come after you?"

Huo Yuhao smiled and shook his head. "Senior Lou Gao, there is no need to worry too much. Removing the hidden dangers and scourges threatening the association was something I should have done in the first place. As for Spirit Hall, I have my own way of dealing with them. We'll talk when they actually manage to trace it back to me."

Heaven Dou City, Strength Clan territory, Tang Sect, council hall.

Huo Yuhao, Tang Wulin, Lou Gao, Tai Tan, Niu Gao, Bai He, and Yang Wudi sat in their respective seats, discussing the Tang Sect's rules and operating system together.