After everything was arranged, Yang Xiong and Lin Gong left Yunwu Mountain.
Along the way, Lin Gong seemed somewhat puzzled: "Little Xiong, your vision for the Body Sect is truly remarkable. With our current group of people, we already have the potential to become a powerful sect. In terms of pure strength, we're not inferior to the lower four sects, and in ten years, we might even rival the top three sects."
"But compared to them, we still lack their kind of heritage, especially in terms of martial soul inheritance."
Yang Xiong smiled faintly: "Teacher Lin, I understand what you mean. However, the inheritance of our Body Sect differs from that of the top three sects. The top three sects rely on family martial souls for their lineage, whereas our Body Sect will focus on body martial souls, passing them down through a master-disciple system."
Lin Gong looked confused: "Master-disciple? Will this method of inheritance work?"
Yang Xiong chuckled: "Family lineages have their limitations, and single martial souls are insufficient. What I want is to gather all Body martial souls across the entire Douluo Continent. These individuals may be overlooked elsewhere, but here in the Body Sect, they'll receive the best education. Our Body Sect will hold the finest inheritance for body martial souls."
Soon, the two returned to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and Yang Xiong immediately sought out Sect Leader Ning Fengzhi.
Ning Fengzhi was pleased to see Yang Xiong come alone. Their relationship had grown more relaxed, and they could now converse privately without even Sword Bone Douluo present.
"Little Xiong, I heard from Uncle Sword and Uncle Bone that your recent training has been going well. Are you here today because of the matter with the three single-attribute families?"
Yang Xiong shook his head: "Sect Leader, there's something I need your help with."
Ning Fengzhi replied: "Speak freely. I've already said that all the sect's resources are at your disposal."
After careful thought, Yang Xiong spoke: "Sect Leader, I'd like you to issue an order to gather all children with body martial souls from across the continent. I'll take care of their training later."
Ning Fengzhi nodded: "This isn't a major issue. Children with body martial souls aren't valued by ordinary soul master families. As long as we offer good treatment, these children should be very satisfied."
"However, from your expression, it seems you've found a corresponding cultivation method for body martial souls. Unfortunately, the transmission of body martial souls is difficult, and they appear infrequently in the world of soul masters. There may only be a few hundred across the entire Douluo Continent, and most have poor innate soul power. You'll need to pay attention to this."
Yang Xiong nodded: "Thank you for your guidance, Sect Leader. I'll arrange for these individuals to train at Yunwu Mountain, and I may personally oversee their instruction."
…
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was the wealthiest sect on the continent, with the most comprehensive network of influence. Its reach extended throughout the Tian Dou Empire and even held some sway in the Star Luo Empire. Collecting students with body martial souls wouldn't be too difficult—in fact, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Body Sect were highly compatible.
Just as Yang Xiong was about to leave, Ning Fengzhi suddenly became unusually serious.
"Little Xiong, regarding your so-called body martial soul inheritance and your invitation to the three single-attribute families to join the Tian Dou Empire, no matter what small moves you make behind the scenes, always remember who you are."
Yang Xiong was startled. This was the first time Ning Fengzhi had spoken to him so sternly, a stark contrast to his usual refined demeanor.
"Sect Leader, I will always remain a disciple of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and will never betray the sect."
Ning Fengzhi smiled: "Don't be so tense. It's normal for people to have their own little schemes. But in the world of soul masters, aside from strength, methods are equally important."
"You should be aware of the situation in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Though the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda is only an auxiliary martial soul, it serves as the core of the entire sect, backed by a complete system of sect management."
"I don't know how you managed to bring the three single-attribute families under your wing, but remember this: to become a true leader, you need more than just strength—you also need methods."
Hearing this, Yang Xiong broke into a cold sweat. Over the years, he had considered this issue but hadn't delved deeply into it. From Ning Fengzhi's words, it seemed he had long been aware of Yang Xiong's subtle maneuvers.
"Sect Leader, I…"
Ning Fengzhi shook his head: "I'm not concerned about these minor matters. If I didn't know about such significant events, I'd be unfit to be sect leader."
Yang Xiong swallowed nervously: "Thank you, Sect Leader, for your understanding."
Ning Fengzhi continued: "Little Xiong, perhaps you can buy loyalty from some people in the short term through benefits, but as a leader, you must think carefully. You need to balance kindness and authority with your subordinates; otherwise, you'll lose control over everything."
"In dealing with Yang Wudi and the others, besides offering them benefits, you must also impose certain constraints. Human hearts are the hardest thing to control. Neglect this, and chaos may arise."
Yang Xiong quickly responded: "Thank you for your guidance, Sect Leader."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head: "This isn't much. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has been passed down for generations, and many wonder why every generation has Title Douluo, yet the sect leaders are usually only Soul Sages. Haven't these powerful Title Douluo ever considered taking over?"
"Of course, there have been such incidents in history, but this relates to the current sect leader's methods and other small issues."
"Title Douluo are undoubtedly the pillar of a sect, but they aren't necessarily its decision-makers. This involves matters of the heart and emotions."
"Uncle Sword and Uncle Bone have been my companions for countless years. In my eyes, they are elders, sect elders, and comrades-in-arms who have fought alongside me for years. Your relationship with the single-attribute families will likely grow more complicated in the future. After all, people are ambitious, and their families are large and complex, making it easy for discontent to arise."
Yang Xiong fell silent. He realized his thinking had been overly simplistic. Founding a sect would undoubtedly bring unforeseen challenges.
"Please, Sect Leader, guide me."
Ning Fengzhi smiled: "It's not that complicated. In the end, it all comes down to methods, benefits, and human hearts. The sect's internal affairs are intricate, requiring a balance of interests, mutual checks, and absolute emotional trust in you. If you can achieve these three aspects, there shouldn't be any major issues."
"Of course, you're still young and haven't delved deeply into these three areas yet. Sometimes you're too idealistic, but with your intelligence, you should adapt eventually."
"As for the Golden Iron Triangle, you're probably familiar with them. Among the three, Yu Xiaogang is the weakest in terms of strength, far weaker than the others, yet he is the absolute core of the Golden Iron Triangle. Besides his martial soul being central to the group, their long-term camaraderie and Yu Xiaogang's early decisions have influenced those around him. This is something you can learn from."
…
After leaving Ning Fengzhi, Yang Xiong's back was drenched in sweat.
This was one of their most candid private conversations. Though Ning Fengzhi's tone was calm, it carried an air of unquestionable authority.
Yang Xiong had always underestimated Ning Fengzhi, thinking the leader of the top three sects lacked grand ambition and seemed more like a merchant.
Only now did Yang Xiong begin to understand that Ning Fengzhi might be the most cunning and intelligent person on the entire Douluo Continent. Even the heavily criticized decision to fully invest in Tang San might be one of his greatest successes.
Consider this: thousands of years later, the Hao Tian Sect had vanished, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family was no longer what it once was. Yet, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, which had the most distant relationship with Tang San, preserved the legacy of the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda and remained a significant force. Compared to the other two major sects, this was far superior.
Moreover, Ning Fengzhi's control over the sect was unfathomably deep. He had the full support of two Title Douluo, and the entire sect, from top to bottom, was united. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was as solid as an iron bucket—his methods were admirable.
Within the sect, there was a thriving atmosphere. Almost all disciples trained diligently, and everyone treated the sect as their home, willing to sacrifice their lives for it.
The sect's internal management was exceptionally rigorous. Even ordinary patrol disciples conducted themselves with great caution and diligence, unlike the aloofness of the top three sects.
After Yang Xiong left, Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but sigh: "A talent like Yang Xiong is truly rare—thoughtful, ambitious, driven, talented, and fortunate. Why did Rongrong choose someone like him?"
At that moment, Sword Bone Douluo suddenly appeared in the room. It seemed they had been observing the conversation all along.
Ning Fengzhi wore a bitter smile: "Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, you've been training Yang Xiong for nearly a month now. What do you think of him?"
Bone Douluo spoke first: "Fengzhi, Yang Xiong's talent is impeccable, and he's extremely determined. In the path of defense, he's likely to inherit my teachings and may even surpass me in the future."
Sword Douluo nodded beside him: "Yang Xiong's talent is exceptional, and his comprehension and willpower are outstanding. He possesses all the qualities needed to become a top-tier expert. It's a pity he doesn't have a sword-type martial soul; otherwise, my sword techniques would have a perfect inheritor."
Ning Fengzhi said: "It seems I've underestimated Yang Xiong's talent. Do you think he might one day reach the level of that person from the Hao Tian Sect?"
Sword Douluo shook his head: "It's hard to say. That person brought the Hao Tian Sect to unprecedented heights and established its reputation as the number one sect under heaven. He was arguably the greatest genius in ten thousand years, unmatched in both talent and methods. If he hadn't disappeared, the Hao Tian Sect might have ruled the world."
After careful thought, Ning Fengzhi spoke: "Enough. Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, focus on nurturing this disciple wholeheartedly. Perhaps Yang Xiong really can bring our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to unprecedented heights. Maybe his subtle plans will truly change the landscape of the soul master world."
After leaving, Yang Xiong carefully reconsidered his plans. Compared to Ning Fengzhi, his thinking had indeed been too naive and overly idealistic.
It seemed he needed to reevaluate everything and adjust his strategies. Otherwise, unforeseen troubles might arise in the future.
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