"What is this?"
As the black flames sank directly into their bodies, both Ning Haoyu and Ning Tian looked utterly stunned.
Jiang Shengyu explained calmly,
"Just a precaution. Given Sect Master Ning's hesitation just now, I thought it best to use a small measure — for the sake of the Soul Hall's secrecy and safety. Don't worry; as long as you harbor no disloyalty, it won't activate."
Hearing this, Ning Haoyu could only curse his own indecision. With a helpless sigh, he cupped his hands toward Jiang Shengyu.
"Yes, Young Master Jiang."
Jiang Shengyu smiled, retrieving from his soul tool a gleaming Qiluo Tulip, which he handed to Ning Tian.
"Relax," he said lightly. "I'm quite generous to my own people. Take this immortal herb — it will allow the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda to evolve into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda."
The moment they sensed the powerful energy emanating from the tulip, all of Ning Haoyu and Ning Tian's previous humiliation and regret vanished, replaced by overwhelming excitement.
"Really?" Ning Tian asked breathlessly.
"Of course," Jiang Shengyu replied with a nod.
Overjoyed, Ning Tian took the Qiluo Tulip in both hands. "Thank you!!"
"No need for thanks."
Jiang Shengyu shook his head. He still had several more Qiluo Tulips in reserve. Later, he planned to consult with the plant-type beasts of the Fragrant Qiluo Immortal Realm on cultivation methods — perhaps even establish a tulip production line.
Though the quality might decline, the quantity would soar. If needed, he could always extract and refine the essence.
Having received such a priceless treasure, the father and daughter departed in delight.
After they were gone, Tang Ya let out a quiet sigh and said,
"The Heavenly Soul Empire recently tried to recruit the Body Sect as their national guardian sect, but they couldn't find them. So now, they've turned to contact us — the Tang Sect."
"So, their first choice didn't take them, and now they're 'obeying reassignment'?" Jiang Shengyu chuckled. "Unfortunately, times have changed."
Tang Ya continued,
"Prince Xueyu said they're willing to support Tang Sect's operations within the Heavenly Soul Empire — as long as we provide them with soul tool technology. In addition, they've been asking me for intelligence on the Sun Moon Empire."
The Tang Sect, after all, needed to be self-sufficient. Neither Mingde Hall nor the Soul Hall could support such a massive sect forever.
Thus, Mingde Hall had transferred to Tang Sect a selection of non-critical civilian soul tool technologies.
Moreover, Tang Ya had commissioned Huo Yuhao and Mingde Hall to develop the integration of Tang Sect hidden weapons into soul tools — another major income source for the sect.
That was why the Heavenly Soul Empire, knowing Tang Sect sold soul tools, came forward with such a request.
"They're quite bold to make demands like that," Jiang Shengyu said with a click of his tongue. After thinking for a moment, he told Tang Ya,
"Tang Sect can provide the Heavenly Soul Empire with some civilian-grade soul tools. Set the prices high — higher than what Mingde Hall sells them for."
Tang Ya blinked, surprised at first, but soon understood his intention.
If the Heavenly Soul Empire purchased these devices, whether for research or for resale through official channels, the costs would weigh heavily on their treasury.
And if they attempted to profit by reselling them, they'd need to price them no lower than Mingde Hall's own — perhaps even several times higher, driven by the greed of the nobles.
With that, Mingde Hall's secretly sold soul tools to the three former nations of the Douluo Continent would have even stronger market appeal by comparison.
Jiang Shengyu added as a warning,
"However — absolutely no full sets of manufacturing technology. Not even the schematics for a single first-grade soul tool."
Tang Ya's expression turned serious, and she nodded firmly.
"Don't worry. I know what to do."
Before the Sea God Fate Affinity Festival began, Shrek Academy had already started its grand promotion. Both inner and outer court students — even some teachers — were abuzz with anticipation for the event.
As the sun set, its last crimson light dyed the sky. Around the vast Sea God Lake, crowds had already gathered.
The Sea God Fate was restricted to inner court students only, while the outer court students came mostly to watch the excitement.
The teachers had transformed the entire lakeside into a dreamlike sea of lights. As the sun sank and the moon rose, the glowing reflections danced across the water — breathtaking and bright.
This year's Sea God Fate was without doubt the most sensational in history, for among the participants were not only Shrek's inner court students but also several exchange students from the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy!
Standing at the lakeshore, Xiao Hongchen gazed at the clear waters before them and muttered to Jiang Shengyu beside him,
"Shrek Academy sure knows how to have fun — even organizing a matchmaking festival! My sister and your sister were dragged off early this morning. If anyone dares to court my sister, I'll beat him half to death!"
Jiang Shengyu raised an eyebrow and said with a faint smile,
"Relax. We're from the Sun Moon Empire — Shrek's prodigies wouldn't look twice at us."
"I'm well aware of that," Xiao Hongchen said, grinning. "But you, my friend — you might be the exception."
His eyes gleamed with amusement, clearly implying something.
Jiang Shengyu shot him a look of mock irritation.
In the distance, a grand tower ship glided across the lake. Standing upon it were Ning Haoyu, Xuanzi, and several elders.
Then, seventeen beams of light rose from the waters, illuminating the lake's surface.
Each beam revealed a white-robed maiden standing gracefully atop it, her face hidden beneath a veiled bamboo hat.
Among them, Zhang Lexuan stood upon a blooming lotus — the host of tonight's ceremony. Her gaze lingered briefly on Beibei, complex emotions flickering in her eyes.
But she quickly composed herself. After a brief opening speech, she formally declared the Sea God Fate Affinity Festival begun.
At her announcement, another thirty-seven pillars of light appeared upon the lake — representing the thirty-seven available places for the male participants.
The rule was simple: first come, first served.
Immediately, the inner court male students unleashed their martial souls, radiant soul rings lighting up the night like fireworks. Everyone wanted to claim the lead.
Yet Jiang Shengyu moved with deliberate calm.
As his martial soul appeared, one purple, three black, and one red soul ring — an awe-inspiring configuration — rose around him.
When the crimson ten-thousand-year ring fully manifested, a surge of oppressive power swept across the lakeside.
The sheer pressure stunned all who had been preparing to leap forward; one by one, they froze, turning toward Jiang Shengyu in shock.
Having subdued the crowd, Jiang Shengyu tapped the surface of the lake lightly with his toes — his body flashing forward two hundred meters — and landed steadily upon the first lotus platform.
"He's using a ten-thousand-year soul ring right from the start? Could he have already set his eyes on someone from the inner court?" murmured Xian Lin'er, frowning slightly. Normally, if someone wasn't serious about participating, they wouldn't make such a grand display.
Beside her, Xuanzi turned to the Snow Empress.
"Teacher Xue, you've accompanied Shengyu during his training. What do you think of his relationship with Ling Luochen and Wang Dong'er?"
The Snow Empress slowly shook her head, her tone cool and detached.
"I don't concern myself with such things. But a man as exceptional as Jiang Shengyu is destined to stand in the light of countless eyes. As for who can truly catch his… there won't be many."
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