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Relying on the boosts provided by Oscar, Ning Tianchen and the others quickened their pace.
Half a day later, they arrived at Tian Dou City.
With the continent engulfed in total war, panic spread throughout Tian Dou City. To prevent internal chaos, Emperor Xue Qinghe had already ordered martial law to be imposed across the entire city.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Tianjian Sect had long dispatched disciples to wait at the city gates. Upon spotting them, the disciples immediately escorted them into the city.
"Rongrong, return to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect first to report our safe arrival. Everyone else, follow me back to the sect. Later, I'll personally go see Uncle Ning," Ning Tianchen instructed.
At the city gates, the group split up. Ning Rongrong was escorted out of the city by disciples of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and headed toward the sect.
Within the Tianjian Sect, upon hearing of Ning Tianchen's return, the elder council had been waiting for some time in the main hall.
It wasn't about the rewarding conference—they were more concerned with where the Tianjian Sect should position itself amidst the tense situation on the continent.
With Tian Dou City under martial law, the sect's business was inevitably affected, leading to reduced income and leaving the sect's disciples without earnings.
If Ning Tianchen hadn't returned soon, Dugu Bo and the others wouldn't have known how to explain the situation to the disciples.
After entering the city, Ning Tianchen didn't stop for a moment and quickly arrived at the sect's main hall.
Seeing his arrival, the elders who had been seated around the meeting table immediately stood up, casting respectful glances at him.
Ning Tianchen took his seat at the head of the table and gestured for everyone to sit. "Let's not discuss official matters yet—first, let's talk about the rewards."
Having been away for two years and not consulting with the elders before departing, there were bound to be some who harbored dissatisfaction.
Now, only by offering sufficient rewards could he dispel any lingering resentment among the elders.
As for Feng Xiaotian and the others, they were seated in the audience area, ready to follow Ning Tianchen's instructions at any time.
"On the way here, the intelligence department disciples informed me about the sect's situation."
"During my absence, the sect has steadily developed under your management, and our commercial influence has expanded step by step. You've all done an excellent job."
Ning Tianchen first acknowledged everyone's hard work and expressed that rewards were well-deserved.
Next, he instructed Feng Xiaotian and the others to retrieve the reward materials from the sect's storage.
"Previously, I brought back numerous soul bones for the sect. Based on everyone's contributions, rewards will range from thousand-year to ten-thousand-year soul bones. However, these soul bones from the Wolf Thieves provide berserk-type soul skills. Decide based on your needs whether you want them or not."
"Additionally, elders receiving thousand-year soul bones can choose between the soul bone or another treasure that boosts soul power."
Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, and others whose contributions were insufficient knew that thousand-year soul bones wouldn't offer much help to Soul Douluo-level experts. Absorbing one might not even raise their soul power level by one rank.
If they could obtain treasures that directly increased their soul power levels, why settle for soul bones with poor attributes?
"Master, may we ask what exactly this treasure that increases soul power is?"
Ning Tianchen lightly swiped his finger over his spirit tool and placed portions of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's flesh onto the table in the main hall.
"This is the flesh of a million-year soul beast, rich in soul power. However, remember that these pieces of flesh cannot be stored for long and must be consumed immediately after being taken."
"Also, please remember that this flesh contains extremely volatile energy. Soul masters below the Soul Sage level must not consume it, and even Soul Sages can only take small amounts—otherwise, there's a risk of exploding and dying."
"Million-year soul beasts?" The elders heard this rare term for the first time.
Hundred-thousand-year soul beasts were already the pinnacle of existence in the soul beast world—how terrifying must hundred-thousand-year soul beasts be?
From the back, Chen Huayu smiled and explained to everyone, "Boss's ninth soul ring is a million-year soul ring, and this soul beast meat comes from that very soul beast."
"A million-year soul ring?"
"Has Master broken through to become a Title Douluo?"
A string of explosive news left the elders both shocked and delighted.
With Ning Tianchen breaking through to Title Douluo, the Tianjian Sect now had two Title Douluos. Combined with Ning Tianchen's terrifying soul ring configuration, the sect's strength might have surpassed that of the Snow Mountain Sect.
However, as fellow upper sects and brother sects, no one entertained thoughts of replacing the other's position.
Dugu Bo laughed and asked, "Master, may I ask what your title is?"
Every Title Douluo should have their own title.
After breaking through, Ning Tianchen had either been traveling or pondering the situation on the continent. He hadn't given much thought to choosing a title.
However, he already had an idea.
He was the grandson of Chen Xin, and according to tradition, his title should rightfully be "Sword."
This matter still required discussion with Chen Xin.
Back then, Tang Hao inherited the title "Hao Tian" because Tang Chen had disappeared, and no one else carried the name "Hao Tian," leaving it to Tang Hao.
Now, since Chen Xin hadn't "retired," the matter of the title was still up for discussion.
No one lingered on this issue for too long. After all, if the person involved wasn't in a rush, there was no need for them to hurry either.
Next, Ning Tianchen distributed rewards based on everyone's contributions.
Among those who received thousand-year soul bone rewards, the elders opted for the soul beast flesh. Bai He, who received a ten-thousand-year soul bone, could theoretically exchange it for several portions of the flesh, but he still chose the soul bone.
There was no other reason—the limits of his strength had been reached, and he had no chance of further breakthroughs. Giving the soul bone to Bai Chenxiang to absorb would allow her to better inherit his legacy in the future.
Dugu Bo received the most generous rewards, including both a ten-thousand-year soul bone and soul beast flesh.
After all, during the two years Ning Tianchen was absent from the continent, the Tianjian Sect faced numerous crises, all of which Dugu Bo resolved.
His contributions were undeniable, and receiving the largest reward was well-deserved.
Aside from the elders, some disciples also deserved recognition for their efforts.
Ning Tianchen didn't inquire individually about these individuals but instead had the elders submit lists, and he distributed rewards uniformly.
…
Next came the discussion of the situation on the continent.
Bai He and Zhang Erhe recounted the intelligence they had gathered.
After listening, Ning Tianchen said, "So, Jialing Pass can hold for now."
But the battlefield wasn't limited to Jialing Pass alone—there was also White Tiger Pass and numerous other battlefields along the borders.
The Balak Kingdom's army had pushed deep into the heartland of the Star Luo Empire, while their rear cities had already been occupied by the Star Luo forces.
If the Balak Kingdom were defeated, the Tian Dou Empire would be left wide open. It wouldn't just be Jialing Pass to defend—it would be attacks from all sides.
In short, the Balak Kingdom's reckless actions had completely placed the Tian Dou Empire in a strategically passive position.
"Old Zhang, you have experience commanding troops. What do you think?" Ning Tianchen asked.
Zhang Erhe, having served as a military general in the past, had unique insights into military matters. Consulting an expert on specialized matters was always the right move.
Zhang Erhe sighed bitterly. "Master, given the current situation, the Tian Dou Empire has no chance of breaking free unless the upper three sects openly declare our support for them. Otherwise, the Star Luo Empire won't back down."
"But even if we do this, the Star Luo Empire can simply request assistance from the Spirit Hall."
In summary, the only solution to breaking the deadlock now lay with the Spirit Hall.
The Spirit Hall's stance would heavily influence the upcoming developments on the continent.
"How passive," Ning Tianchen muttered, stroking his chin.
They went on to discuss some finer details, but Ning Tianchen didn't make any decisions. Instead, he planned to consult with Ning Fengzhi and Tian Ruyang first before making a final decision.
…
After the meeting dispersed, Zhang Erhe approached Ning Tianchen, naturally to inquire about the whereabouts of the two sisters.
Upon receiving Ning Tianchen's reply, he wasn't surprised. "It seems they've chosen that path after all."
"You don't seem surprised?" Ning Tianchen already had a suspicion in mind.
The mother of the two sisters had indeed informed Zhang Erhe about the family matters.
Zhang Erhe hadn't told the sisters because he didn't want them chasing after something so uncertain and risky—especially crossing the ocean, which was extremely perilous.
Who would have thought that Ning Tianchen and the others not only went but also returned safely?
"Thank you for informing me, Master. They've grown up now; some things they can decide on their own," Zhang Erhe said with relief.
"By the way, Old Zhang, I intend to send Elder Dugu Bo to guard Jialing Pass. You go and assist him secretly."
Dugu Bo possessed the most powerful area-of-effect attacks on the entire continent. With him guarding Jialing Pass, it would be enough to deter the Star Luo forces.
However, his military expertise was somewhat lacking. With Zhang Erhe secretly assisting him, there would surely be no problems.
After finishing the sect's affairs, Ning Tianchen didn't rush to the Blacksmiths' Association. Instead, he first went to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Research on spirit tools wasn't something that could be accomplished overnight, so going earlier or later wouldn't make much difference. However, the situation on the continent couldn't wait—he needed to discuss a strategy with Ning Fengzhi and the others.
…
In the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's meeting hall.
Upon seeing Ning Tianchen's arrival, Ning Fengzhi greeted him with a smile.
"By the way, I've already sent someone to invite Lord Tian. Now, let's talk about your matter."
"My matter?" Ning Tianchen was puzzled.
Chen Xin grumbled, "You broke through to become a Title Douluo—a significant event—and yet we only heard about it from Rongrong. Couldn't you have notified us beforehand?"
Ah, this matter.
Ning Tianchen chuckled silently.
Compared to the situation on the continent, his breakthrough as a Title Douluo was hardly worth mentioning.
"Well then, have you decided on your title?" Gu Rong asked in a low voice.
Ning Tianchen shook his head, his gaze simultaneously turning toward Chen Xin.
Without hesitation, Chen Xin said, "Tianchen is my grandson. He should rightfully inherit my title."
Ke Jie reminded him, "Lord Sword, there has never been a case of overlapping titles on the continent. Even if one inherits a title, it's only after the elder generation completely retires."
Letting Ning Tianchen inherit the title "Sword" made them worry that Chen Xin might be considering retirement, so they weren't very supportive.
Chen Xin casually replied, "So what? Just because it hasn't happened on the continent, does that mean we can't set a precedent?"
In the end, the decision about the title still rested with the individual himself. Everyone turned their gaze toward Ning Tianchen.
Ning Tianchen had already thought it through beforehand. "I agree with Grandfather's decision. A title represents a legacy—it shouldn't be restricted. Besides, hasn't the Spirit Hall produced two 'Angel Douluos'?"
Calculating the timeline, Qian Renxue should have broken through to become a Title Douluo by now. Her title, without a doubt, would be "Angel."
After some discussion, Ning Fengzhi and the others finally stopped opposing the idea.
Before Tian Ruyang arrived, Ning Tianchen distributed the soul beast flesh he brought back to Ning Fengzhi and the others.
"A million-year soul ring, huh?"
Gu Rong was left speechless.
Truly, the waves behind push the ones ahead, and the ones ahead die on the shore.
Ning Tianchen, at just over twenty years old, had already become a Title Douluo. The record for the youngest Title Douluo on the continent had been more than halved.
Moreover, he wasn't just any ordinary Title Douluo—he was a 95th-rank Super Douluo.
Gu Rong had spent decades cultivating and only recently, a few years ago, broke through the 95th-rank barrier to reach 96th rank with the help of immortal herbs. Yet Ning Tianchen, by absorbing just one soul ring, equaled nearly two decades of Gu Rong's cultivation results.
"What a monster," Ke Jie said with a wry smile.
Ten years ago, Ning Tianchen was someone he needed to protect. Now, he had become one of the peak powerhouses on the continent.
After the time it took for an incense stick to burn, Tian Ruyang arrived at the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Before discussing official matters, he brought some bad news.
"One month ago, our exploration team in the Far North sensed an incredibly powerful presence entering the Great Frozen Plains. Afterward, this presence disappeared. Our people are still searching the Great Frozen Plains, and we will notify you as soon as we have any results."
An unknown powerhouse had emerged on the continent!
Ning Fengzhi's expression immediately turned grim. "What a troublesome time. Let's hope this powerhouse isn't our enemy."
Ning Tianchen fell into deep thought.
According to the timeline Tian Ruyang mentioned, wasn't this exactly when the Deep Sea Demon Whale King went to verify something?
Ning Tianchen believed that the other party likely went to seek verification from Di Tian rather than heading to the Great Frozen Plains.
Calculating the timeline, Di Tian should currently be in slumber. Since the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's strength was inferior to his, perhaps he didn't dare disturb him.
If that was the case, it was possible he went to the Great Frozen Plains instead.
As for the specific situation, Ning Tianchen didn't dare draw conclusions. After all, he hadn't been present at the time, and it was unclear whether the source of the aura was indeed the Deep Sea Demon Whale King.
For now, it was best to consider it as an unknown powerhouse.
Chen Xin pondered briefly and said gravely, "The other party's aura disappearing in the Great Frozen Plains likely means they went into seclusion. Unless necessary, we shouldn't disturb them."
Once Ning Tianchen and Ning Rongrong completed their divine trials and inherited their godhood, this powerhouse wouldn't pose much of a threat.
Tian Ruyang listened carefully to his suggestion. "However, our Tian Guozhen is still within the Great Frozen Plains. Until we find him, our sect's people cannot withdraw."
Ning Fengzhi assured him, "Lord Tian, rest assured. If this powerhouse decides to oppose us, both the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Tianjian Sect will join forces to deal with him."
Next, the three sect leaders engaged in a comprehensive discussion of the situation on the continent.
"Since we can't change the Spirit Hall's stance, perhaps we can make use of the Tang Sect," Ning Tianchen suggested.
Dai Mubai's visit to a brothel had been witnessed by Bai He, so Ning Tianchen knew his body had recovered.
Dai Mubai hadn't lost the duel against Dai Weisi, so he still had the possibility of inheriting the throne. The Tang Sect's recent high-profile actions were likely paving the way for his return to Star Luo City.
If that was the case, stirring up internal chaos within the Star Luo Empire might actually help ease the situation on the continent.
"The Tang Sect?" Tian Ruyang was familiar with this sect, but he didn't know much about Tang San and the others' circumstances.
After some explanation, he found Ning Tianchen's idea to be excellent.
However, when it came to how to push the Tang Sect to disrupt the Star Luo imperial court, the three sect leaders began to diverge in their opinions.
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