Soul Master Identity Credential

Ning Fengzhi had been ready to keep arguing, but those words instantly stirred him. Evolving the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda into the Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was the greatest wish, the greatest dream, of every generation of Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect leaders.

For generations, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had wanted to break through the level 79 limit and produce a Soul Douluo, or even a Titled Douluo. Only then could it claim, beyond all dispute, to possess the greatest support-type martial soul in the world.

"Sect Master Ning, please calm down." Qian Xunji patted the hand gripping his arm.

Ning Fengzhi froze, then released Qian Xunji and collected himself a little. Even so, the excitement and shock remained clear in his voice.

Sword and Bone stared at Qian Xunji in equal astonishment. As the people closest to Ning Fengzhi, how could they not know the importance of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda? This could truly change the fate of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

"Sect Master Ning, Spirit Hall has always dealt with people in good faith. We do not make empty promises. As Spirit Hall's Eighth Worshipper, I have full authority to speak on its behalf."

"What is this method? Please tell me, Eighth Worshipper." Ning Fengzhi had regained some composure. He was no fool who would believe just anyone. If Spirit Hall had such a method, it would have used it long ago to entice the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect into submission. Why bring it out only now?

"Sect Master Ning, did you know that Spirit Hall City's legacy comes from the Angel God..."

Qian Xunji launched into his story again, repeating almost everything he had told Dai Tianfeng to establish Spirit Hall's good faith and reputation. He spoke of the Angel God's imminent return to the continent, both to awe and entice them, and said the method for evolving the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda came from her. He also mentioned that Spirit Hall intended to spread faith in the Angel God.

He added that Spirit Hall's current actions were all meant to prepare for the Angel God's arrival, lending weight to his claims.

Ning Fengzhi fell silent as he digested everything Qian Xunji had said. Then he asked:

"If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect agrees to Spirit Hall's policy, when will you give us the method to evolve our martial soul?"

"Evolving the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda requires no elaborate methods. All it takes is one herb—one immortal herb."

"An immortal herb? Taking it can evolve a martial soul?"

"Yes. It is called Aromatic Silk Beauty. Once consumed, it lets the user absorb the essence of the sun and moon, rewrite the source of their martial soul, and break through the limits of their bloodline, evolving it into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda."

"Would Spirit Hall be willing to give this immortal herb to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect? If so, we will firmly carry out Spirit Hall's policy, follow its lead, and help it welcome the Angel God's descent."

"Ah, Sect Master Ning, it isn't that we don't want to give it to you. Spirit Hall simply doesn't have one at present."

"What?! You don't even have it? Then why tell me all this? Are you making a fool of me?" Ning Fengzhi's tone hardened. He was the leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Even if he had to yield to Spirit Hall's strength, he could not let the Eighth Worshipper toy with him—least of all over the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.

"Now, Sect Master Ning, don't be angry. Why would I deceive you? Spirit Hall merely doesn't have one yet. But I can guarantee that if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect cooperates with us, we will give you an immortal herb within ten years. No—within six."

"Why must it take so long?"

"Such an immortal herb cannot be obtained by ordinary means. It can only be received as a gift from the Divine Ancestor. That is why Spirit Hall seeks to expand its influence and spread faith in the Angel God. The stronger the faith in the Divine Ancestor, the sooner the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect can receive the herb."

"Why should I believe you?"

"Sect Master Ning has no other choice. Would you truly go against the tide? Spirit Hall's new Angel God will soon descend. When that day comes, the entire continent will bask in her embrace and blessings. Would you truly defy heaven, Sect Master Ning?"

Ning Fengzhi fell silent again. By now, he largely believed Qian Xunji. The Angel God would soon descend, and Spirit Hall would become the undisputed greatest power in the world. Even the Two Great Empires would have to submit.

Besides, this was the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's only chance to evolve. If he let it slip away, who knew how many years they would have to wait for another?

"Can you truly guarantee it?"

"I swear on the name of my martial soul, Delusion Angel, and Spirit Hall. If I deceive Sect Master Ning, may my martial soul, Delusion Angel, shatter."

Ning Fengzhi nodded. Qian Xunji's oath finally convinced him. Still, he could not accept everything without negotiation, and the two began discussing the policy in detail.

In the end, they agreed that the identity credentials of Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect members above level 70 would not be updated; they would retain only the information recorded when those members reached level 70. Everyone else would be registered and issued Soul Master Identity Credentials under Spirit Hall's policy.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would also give Spirit Hall its full support at the meeting one month later.

Qian Xunji took out the golden Soul Master Identity Credentials he had prepared in advance for the three of them.

"Sect Master Ning, I prepared these identity credentials for you. Those of distinguished status, as well as anyone who reaches Titled Douluo, receive a golden credential to reflect their standing."

The three from the Sword-Bone Pagoda took the credentials and examined them while Qian Xunji explained what the numbers on each card meant.

His explanation unsettled all three. Much of the information was unknown to outsiders, yet Spirit Hall had recorded it in such detail. It was frightening.

But they were allies now, so none of them voiced an objection.

"You've put a great deal of thought into this, Eighth Worshipper."

"No need for thanks, Sect Master Ning. Here's to a pleasant partnership."

"To a pleasant partnership."

"I hear one of your wives is due to give birth soon, Sect Master Ning?" Qian Xunji abruptly changed the subject.

Ning Fengzhi paused. How does Spirit Hall know even that? Still, he nodded.

"Would you prefer a boy or a girl?"

"A girl. I already have plenty of sons, but no daughter."

"Then congratulations on your daughter, Sect Master Ning!"

"Congratulations? Eighth Worshipper, do you mean the child is a girl?"

"Of course."

"How do you know?"

"A revelation from the Divine Ancestor. She intends to bestow the immortal herb upon this girl."

Ning Fengzhi had already been stunned countless times, but he could still scarcely believe what he was hearing.

Were gods truly so powerful? Were they all-knowing and all-powerful? If so, I have even more reason to stay on good terms with Spirit Hall.

"Then, on behalf of my unborn daughter, I thank the great Angel God."

"Haha! Sect Master Ning is a wise man indeed!"

By then, the two were acting like brothers, laughing, flattering each other, and imagining a bright future together.

As for why Qian Xunji had not arranged a childhood engagement for Ning Rongrong as he had for Zhu Zhuqing, the first reason was her rebellious nature. She would likely resist such an arrangement fiercely and come to resent Spirit Hall.

Second, once Ning Rongrong inherited the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, whose children would result from a marriage alliance with Spirit Hall? Would they belong to Spirit Hall or the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect? If they belonged to Spirit Hall, how would the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda be passed down? Ning Fengzhi would certainly see the problem and object.