"Are you trying to persuade us to cultivate the Universal Visualization Diagram?"
Chen Xin saw through Ning Fengzhi's intentions. "Strictly speaking, both Old Bones and I have attributeless martial souls. My sword qi and spatial abilities were added later through soul rings."
"Sect Leader, this visualization method aligns perfectly with our soul power cultivation system."
Suddenly, Bone Douluo slashed his hand through the air, and a crack in space seeped out icy coldness. "My martial soul possesses spatial abilities and low-temperature characteristics, but it also falls under the categories of undead and malevolent spirits. If I were to cultivate the Universal Visualization Diagram, I fear my progress would become mediocre."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "Visualization methods are, at their core, about cultivating spiritual power. Pursuing specific spiritual traits is actually falling into a lower tier. Besides, Uncle Gu, do you think specializing in one aspect is better, or enhancing all traits is stronger?"
"This…"
Gu Rong was stumped. Specialization was indeed powerful, but his Bone Dragon martial soul—strictly speaking—only excelled in defense and lacked any standout traits.
"That's right."
Sword Douluo and Gu Rong exchanged glances. "The Universal Visualization Method suits all soul masters. We can try cultivating it first."
"When the future Ghost, Dark, and Metal Visualization Diagrams are released, Uncle Bones and I will decide which one to focus on."
Gu Rong interrupted, asking, "Sect Leader, do you think it's possible for someone to cultivate multiple visualization diagrams?"
His martial soul was the Bone Dragon—an undead entity. According to the paper, it suited the Ghost Visualization Method. However, it was also an attributeless martial soul with innate darkness. He wanted to combine these three elements to see if he could cultivate a visualization diagram best suited to himself.
Ning Fengzhi pondered for a moment, then summoned the visualization diagram within his mental sea. After careful consideration, he said, "It's possible. But I estimate that cultivating multiple diagrams will divide your spiritual power. Unless you reach the perfect state where you can freely switch between visualization methods, there's a high risk of causing mental fragmentation."
"Uncle Gu, you're a Titled Douluo, so you'll definitely be fine, but still, be cautious."
"Mm."
Bone Douluo nodded slightly. "I will."
The three of them discussed the impact of visualization methods on the continent's situation for a while longer before calling all the sect's elders to hold an exchange meeting. They decided that everyone should begin cultivating visualization methods.
The situation on the continent was unpredictable. Only by continuously increasing their strength could they solidify the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's position in the future.
...
Tian Dou Imperial Palace, Eastern Palace
"Young Master, there's a letter from home."
Spear Serpent Douluo handed over the secret letter and retreated into the shadows.
Qian Renxue had been bored stiff lately, so she reverted to her true form inside the palace. She opened the envelope and took out the letter.
As she read its contents, Qian Renxue gradually furrowed her brow.
"There are eighteen visualization diagrams, yet there's no Light Visualization Diagram. Is it because Oak couldn't create one, or is there another reason?"
As someone in a position of power, Qian Renxue naturally harbored suspicions. Her first thought was that Oak might have ulterior motives.
She continued reading, and her frown eased. "Fortunately, Grandfather is a peerless Douluo. He quickly mastered one visualization diagram and, with the help of angelic divine power, created the Six-Winged Angel Visualization Method."
"However, the intricacies of visualization methods are vast. Especially since the Six-Winged Angel martial soul is a god-level martial soul, even years of slow cultivation won't achieve perfection."
To others, mastering a visualization method in just a few years seemed incredibly fast, but neither Qian Daoliu nor Qian Renxue were satisfied.
Thus, Qian Daoliu decided to use a single drop of angelic divine power to directly help Qian Renxue construct the Six-Winged Angel Visualization Diagram in one step.
"I need to return to the Spirit Hall once."
Qian Renxue frowned in deep thought. Even with the help of a Titled Douluo, the round trip would take five or six days. Moreover, she needed time to cultivate the visualization method—seven days would barely be enough to ensure success.
"On the surface, I'm only a five-ring Soul King. Using seclusion as an excuse won't work—I need a suitable reason to leave…"
"Breaking through to the sixtieth level won't work either; I'll need that excuse when I break through to the seventieth level."
Qian Renxue furrowed her brow, her slender fingers unconsciously tracing the holy emblem of the angels on the table. Eventually, she came up with an idea.
"Elder Snake, send someone to deliver a message to the imperial palace. Invite the Tian Dou Empire to send representatives to the Spirit Hall to discuss the situation on the continent. Have the messenger inform the Pope's Hall… I'm returning."
Since secrecy wasn't convenient, she decided to return to the Spirit Hall openly.
Qian Renxue's expression remained unchanged, though a faint smile played on her lips, reflected in the celadon brush holder. Beneath her calm exterior, however, her thoughts churned—would that person want her to return?
Spear Serpent Douluo silently marveled at the young master's intelligence and withdrew to make arrangements.
Three days later, Emperor Xue Ye selected Xue Qinghe as the representative to visit the Spirit Hall on behalf of the Tian Dou Empire. Accompanying him was Prince Xue Xing.
On the surface, Xue Xing was there to assist Xue Qinghe, but privately, Emperor Xue Ye had entrusted him with another task.
Inside the second carriage, Spear Serpent Douluo's voice hesitated beneath his iron mask. "Young Master, Prince Xue Xing has always been suspicious and often opposes you. Should we… eliminate him?"
"No need. Xue Ye wants to expand his ambitions. A rivalry between me and Xue Xing that doesn't escalate is what he wants to see. Don't provoke him."
A sacred light flickered in the depths of Qian Renxue's eyes. "One day, the Tian Dou Empire will move forward according to my will."
On the nine-meter veranda of Chengtian Hall, Emperor Xue Ye watched the departing delegation fade into the distance. The leader of the shadow guards knelt silently behind the dragon-patterned curtains. "The Star Crown Sect Master's carriage has passed Black Water Pass. All accompanying escorts wear Beast Sect attire."
"Report again. No one is allowed to obstruct Sect Master Xu."
"Yes!" The shadow guard leader withdrew.
Xue Ye remained silent, thinking to himself, "My imperial son is excellent in every way, but he's too impatient. His departure from the palace this time conveniently allows me to act."
In a few days, the Star Crown Sect Master would arrive. At that time, the royal family would assist in gathering materials to help the sect master calculate Oak's location. With the crown prince—suspected of colluding with outsiders—away, Xue Ye felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
Three days later, as the last rays of twilight disappeared behind the watchtower, a carriage with blue velvet curtains rolled over the cobblestone road.
Inside the carriage, an elderly man with silver hair like a waterfall sat quietly. A starry crown shimmered with an eerie blue glow atop his head. Suddenly, he pulled back the curtain. Though it was early morning, a star in the northern sky abruptly flickered, casting an ominous astral chart reflected in his pupils.
"Sect Master, we've arrived at the palace."
The carriage driver lowered his bamboo hat, revealing half a face covered in star-shaped tattoos. He glanced down at the shadow guard leader blocking the way.
Xu Xingquan's gaunt fingers swept across the sandalwood chessboard. Seven jade white chess pieces suddenly floated into the air. "Tell Xue Ye that the emperor's fate is unique and cannot appear at the astrology site. By midnight tonight, prepare three hundred ever-burning lamps at the observatory. Also…"
The shadow guard leader carefully noted everything.
Upon receiving the message, Xue Ye immediately issued orders.
"Have the Imperial Pharmacy prepare three carts of Ice Essence Ginseng and open Vault Three."
The emperor rubbed the coiled dragon jade pendant at his waist, bloodshot eyes gleaming. "Tell Sect Master Xu that if he successfully calculates Oak's location, the Tian Dou Treasury is at his disposal."
Among the major factions, the Tian Dou Empire's national strength was the weakest. To catch up, Xue Ye had to take a gamble.
And once someone wins a bet, few can resist placing another wager—even if they're the emperor of a nation.
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