After much deliberation, the Soul Bone was ultimately given to Zhu Zhuqing due to its compatibility.
Although Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan could also absorb it, one was a pure support type and the other a semi-support type, making it somewhat wasteful for them.
This, however, left Ning Rongrong in a tough spot. She currently only had one Soul Bone from Shi Nian, and as a support Soul Master, her cultivation was slow. With her Soul Power at level 45, she was at the bottom among her peers.
On the other hand, after absorbing Tang Hao's Soul Bone, Zhu Zhuqing's Soul Power would easily break through from level 48 to level 50.
Li Xun quietly noted this matter. After all, Zhu Zhuqing, as an outsider, had received such a significant resource allocation, and it was not unrelated to him. He needed to ensure fairness.
After resolving the Soul Bone issue, the group turned their discussion to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's next steps.
With the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School joining the Spirit Hall, Qian Renxue and Bibidong had gradually grown apart. Although the first phase of their plan had some deviations from their initial expectations, it was largely successful.
The next step was figuring out how to keep Qian Renxue under Bibidong's pressure.
"One must admit, although Bibidong is a woman, the Spirit Hall has grown increasingly powerful under her leadership over the years," Ning Fengzhi pondered. "Originally, this was a good thing, but judging from her actions towards Yu Xiaogang and recent events, Bibidong's personality is hard to predict."
"If, after unifying the continent, she turns her attention to the sects and families on the mainland, we will be in a very passive position."
Ning Fengzhi was not speaking without reason. The phrase "the rabbit dies, the hound is cooked" was something every dynasty did after unification. Given the conflict between Yu Xiaogang and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, there was a high probability that Bibidong would target them.
"Currently, Qian Renxue has little support within the Spirit Hall, and even Qiandao Liu is not on her side. What should we do?" Dugu Bo frowned.
The hidden strength and relationships within the Spirit Hall were no longer a secret to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Everyone had a certain understanding of the relationship between Qiandao Liu and Qian Renxue.
It could only be said that the Young Master was always the Young Master. Although Qian Renxue had previously appeared strong, in major matters, she ultimately needed the approval of Bibidong and Qiandao Liu.
"Then we must continue to increase Qian Renxue's authority," Li Xun said after a moment of thought. "The ultimate goal of the Spirit Hall is to unify the continent, right? Now that this goal is halfway achieved, it depends on whether Qian Renxue is willing to let go."
"Given the current relationship between Qian Renxue and Bibidong, if both empires are in her hands, it will also be a problem for the Spirit Hall."
"Start a war? Isn't that too extreme?" Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo were shocked.
"Teacher, given the current situation on the continent, war is inevitable. It's just a matter of sooner or later," Li Xun said seriously. "A unified regime is actually more conducive to the development of the world, but the premise is that it must not fall into the hands of a madman."
There was one thing Li Xun didn't mention: Bibidong actually harbored thoughts of destroying the continent, but he figured no one would believe it if he said it.
Moreover, a unified regime would also help Douluo combat future risks. Li Xun didn't want to be like Tang Shenwang, who ignored the affairs of the mortal world. If he became a god, he would not only manage but strictly manage.
"What if something unexpected happens? For example, if Qian Renxue gives up control of the empire?" Sword Douluo asked with concern.
"As long as Bibidong and Qian Renxue aren't involved in life-and-death situations, such a thing is unlikely to happen. The death of the former Pope is likely related to Bibidong, and as long as these two don't reconcile, this matter will always remain a thorn in their side."
Li Xun offered some reassurance: "I've been investigating this matter recently and have already made some progress."
"Tsk~ I didn't expect their family to be so messy!" Dugu Bo gasped in surprise.
Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo also became interested, as they weren't deeply familiar with this matter.
However, Li Xun only knew the outcome and lacked concrete evidence, so he had to brush it off by saying that some key evidence was still missing.
Unfulfilled in his curiosity, Dugu Bo clicked his tongue: "So what's next? How do we convince Qian Renxue to start a war?"
"Let's start from within the empire. I think a unified regime shouldn't have so many kingdoms and duchies. Didn't we leave Xue Beng in the Balak Kingdom earlier? Let's set him off."
"And that Dai Mubai we've been keeping around has been quite active lately, hasn't he? I heard he's developed a taste for blood and slaughter? Let's gather more evidence first."
Not far from the outskirts of Sunset Forest, Tang Hao and Tang San had been hiding in this place for over twenty days.
Tang San was severely injured, with multiple fractures throughout his body, but fortunately, his spine, a critical area, was unharmed, so he wasn't paralyzed.
Thud—
Tang Hao threw a hundred-year Soul Beast in front of Tang San, saying nothing, and casually sat on the ground. However, due to the loss of his left leg, he nearly fell flat on his back.
Tang San understood Tang Hao's current mood and didn't have any additional thoughts, but he felt a deep sadness for his father.
After all, for his sake, his father had lost an ear and a leg. He didn't know how to express his guilt towards his father, and he also hated his own weakness.
Moreover, Xiao Wu was missing. It had only been half a day—where could she have gone? Did she return to where she was supposed to be? Or was she captured by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School or Spirit Hall?
No, Spirit Hall shouldn't know Xiao Wu's true identity, or they would have already started hunting her.
As for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School...
Tang San quickly shook off the dangerous thoughts in his mind, then extended his Eight Spider Lances into the Soul Beast's body, greedily absorbing its life force to restore himself.
After a while, Tang San retracted his Eight Spider Lances and struggled to get up from the ground. His recovery was largely thanks to the Eight Spider Lances. After Tang Hao's continuous supply over the past twenty days, he could now barely stand.
"Father, your injuries are severe, and your hidden wounds have worsened. If you don't get treatment soon, your life could be in danger. Although I have some herbs, I'm missing a few key ones. Let's go to town to buy some medicinal herbs for treatment."
Tang San looked around. Although Sunset Forest was rich in medicinal herbs, not all herbs were suitable for treating injuries. It would take an unknown amount of time to gather the right herbs for their specific ailments.
Moreover, Tang Hao's strength had declined, and his old injuries hadn't healed, while Tang San himself was a burden. If they encountered some high-level Soul Beasts, although there wouldn't be much risk, there would certainly be trouble.
After a long silence, Tang Hao nodded woodenly.
By now, he had lost all interest in everything, as the successive blows had been too much for him. It was almost as devastating as when A Yin had sacrificed herself.
When A Yin died, he at least still had his strength, repelling the pursuit of Spirit Hall with overwhelming power and even causing Qian Xunji to succumb to his injuries. But what did he have left now?
One ear, one leg, and two arms?
Tang San's heart ached as he looked at his father's despondent state, tears welling up in his eyes. His hatred for Spirit Hall, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, and Li Xun grew even stronger.
With great difficulty, Tang San and Tang Hao slowly made their way out of the Sunset Forest.
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