Chapter 178: Chapter 178: The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud
The next morning, once again in the top-floor room of the Heaven Dou Hotel, Yang Podi and Xue Qinghe met for their exchange.
When Yang Podi once again took out the jade box containing the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, Xue Qinghe also pulled out a sapphire-colored, three-dimensional triangular object—the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud.
As soon as the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud was revealed, the entire room was enveloped in a blue glow, as though they were submerged in the ocean. It was evident that this Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud was anything but ordinary. It seemed to harbor a higher-level force, and Yang Podi even felt a somewhat familiar aura, reminiscent of the Killing City.
After communication, both parties exchanged their items. Xue Qinghe, seemingly excited, took the jade box containing the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower from the table, while Yang Podi picked up the sapphire-colored triangular object.
When Yang Podi held the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, he felt the overwhelming presence of ocean-like energy, filled with soft waves, yet imposing like the sea itself.
After observing for a while, Yang Podi directly placed the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud into his arms and spoke to Prince Xue Qinghe: "Your Highness, this trade was quite pleasant. I hope both sides are satisfied."
Xue Qinghe also smiled and replied: "Every time I trade with Brother Yang, we both enjoy it thoroughly. I hope we will have the opportunity to trade again in the future."
After a brief conversation, Yang Podi left the room, intending to study the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud further.
Once Yang Podi had left, Xue Qinghe's smile faded, replaced by a hint of coldness.
Upon returning to the Prince's residence, two figures suddenly appeared in Xue Qinghe's room—Chrysanthemum Douluo and Snake Spear Douluo.
Xue Qinghe handed the jade box to Chrysanthemum Douluo, who eagerly took it, trembling slightly, with none of the usual authority of a titled Douluo.
After carefully examining the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower for a while, Chrysanthemum Douluo spoke to Xue Qinghe: "Congratulations, Young Master. This is indeed the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, a pure Yang tonic. After consumption, not only will your soul power greatly increase, but your own flame abilities will also enhance significantly."
Xue Qinghe nodded slightly but still inquired, "What is the current situation of the Breaking Clan? Have there been any new developments?"
Serpent Spear Douluo shook his head. "Since the Breaking Clan and the Defense Clan moved to Almo Mountain, the people from these clans have mostly stayed there. Only the regular disciples travel below, and their focus is entirely on the Heavenly Academy. They now refer to themselves as the Heavenly Academy, not by their original clan names."
"However, it is estimated that these clans combined have three Titled Douluo and more than eight Soul Douluo. In terms of high-level strength, they have already surpassed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
Xue Qinghe shook his head. "It seems these clans have some clever people. Despite their strength, they're staying so far away. They likely have some awareness of our plans."
"Forget it. As long as they don't oppose us, and we stay at peace, there's no need to waste too much energy on them. We'll deal with things as they come."
With that, Xue Qinghe's gaze seemed filled with desire as he looked at the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower in his hands. Even his martial soul flames seemed to stir. It truly was a top-tier fire attribute immortal herb.
At the same time, he harbored a hint of wariness towards Yang Podi. He was the only person Xue Qinghe had met whose talent surpassed his own, and his unpredictability made him all the more difficult to grasp, especially when it came to his intelligence and decision-making. The ease with which Yang Podi gave up such a treasure as the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower was almost unimaginable.
As Yang Podi prepared to leave Heaven Dou City, he unexpectedly encountered Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo, suggesting that these two had been preparing for this meeting.
Ning Fengzhi smiled and spoke, "Young friend Yang, it's been half a year since we last met. Could we speak privately?"
Yang Podi thought for a moment before responding, "Sect Master Ning is the esteemed leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Since you've invited me, I have no reason to refuse. Please, lead the way."
Ning Fengzhi simply nodded, and the three of them proceeded to a nearby hotel, where they found a relatively quiet room to sit.
Ning Fengzhi seemed to want to ease Yang Podi's vigilance. "Young friend, you can rest assured. This place is part of the Prince's residence; it has no connection with our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
Yang Podi smiled faintly. "Sect Master Ning is the leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. I'm still at ease. May I ask what the purpose of your invitation is?"
Ning Fengzhi hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Young friend Yang, my impromptu invitation is mainly to understand your Breaking Clan's stance regarding our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Spirit Hall. With your wisdom, you must understand the current situation."
Yang Podi merely smiled coldly before replying, "Our stance towards other sects is simple: if others do not provoke me, I will not provoke them. If they do, I will kill them. Whether it's the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect or any other power, we adopt the same attitude."
"Our Heavenly Academy doesn't seek to offend others, but we won't let anyone bully us, not even if the Clear Sky Sect comes."
Ning Fengzhi nodded. "You are indeed straightforward. Recently, the second elder of the Elephant Armor Sect was killed in the Sunset Forest. The entire Elephant Armor Sect is in an uproar. I don't suppose you've heard of it?"
Yang Podi smiled and replied, "Of course I know. The second elder of the Elephant Armor Sect and two Soul Sages tried to steal our prey and were killed on the spot. It was well deserved. If the Elephant Armor Sect wants to cause trouble, we'll be waiting."
Ning Fengzhi nodded. "You're indeed bold, but it seems you've forgotten that the Elephant Armor Sect is backed by the Spirit Hall. As the saying goes, when you strike a dog, you must look at its owner. Are you not afraid of Spirit Hall's retaliation?"
"Sect Master Ning, you're mistaken. The Spirit Hall is indeed powerful, and we don't want to conflict with them. As for a small Elephant Armor Sect, even if I can destroy it, I doubt Spirit Hall would say much. After all, to Spirit Hall, a dog is just a dog. They can always find another one. They won't start a conflict with us over a dog."
After saying this, the three of them fell into silence. Yang Podi's words completely surpassed Ning Fengzhi's expectations, especially since the Heavenly Academy had clearly been avoiding making enemies.
Ning Fengzhi nodded. "Rest assured, I will not spread this matter."
Yang Podi shook his head. "Thanks for the consideration, Sect Master Ning. However, there's no need for secrecy. Conflicts in the soul master world are common. I believe Huyan Zhen will understand."
Ning Fengzhi smiled and then spoke, "You truly have a bold spirit. However, I still wish to ask about your stance towards our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
Yang Podi couldn't help but sigh. "In my eyes, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is considered a half-savior of our Breaking Clan."
"During the Clear Sky Sect war, my clan and the Defense Clan sought refuge in Heaven Dou City. You saved us. Whether Spirit Hall truly seeks to annihilate us or not, or what your motives were for helping, it doesn't matter. You saved us, and that's enough. At least it reduced the casualties to our clan. The Breaking Clan has always been clear about its gratitude and grudges."
"Over the years, Sect Master Ning, we understand your intentions. Whether it was my grandfather or my maternal grandfather, they've treated you with courtesy. As long as it's not too excessive, we've made concessions."
"Even when you wanted my self-created soul skill, I didn't refuse. I simply wanted to know Sect Master Ning's stance. It's a way of repaying your help."
"But sometimes, our stances differ, and we are not on the same path. Whether it's the Spirit Hall or the Clear Sky Sect, they are enemies of our clan, and this hatred will eventually be avenged."
At this point, Ning Fengzhi's expression became serious. "Young friend, you're clear about gratitude and grudges. I've misjudged things over the years."
"However, young friend, whether it's Spirit Hall or the Clear Sky Sect, their strength likely far exceeds your imagination. Take the ten-year duel between your grandfather and maternal grandfather against the Fiften Ton Douluo and the Falling Demon Douluo. It's unlikely that they can win."
At this, Yang Podi became serious. "So what if they can't win? If my grandfather and maternal grandfather can't win, then my father will fight. If he can't, then I'll take the lead. Our Breaking Clan is never afraid of battle."
At that moment, the door suddenly opened, and in walked his father, Yang Zhentian.
Yang Zhentian, with a face full of satisfaction, spoke: "Podi, you're right. Our Breaking Clan has no one who is afraid of death."
Yang Podi seemed surprised and happy: "Dad, how did you get here? Did you finish your business?"
Yang Zhentian shook his head: "It's just a small matter. There was no need for me to come in person, but since I was passing by, I thought I'd come handle it. I heard you were invited by Sect Master Ning, so I came to take a look."
Then, Yang Zhentian turned to Ning Fengzhi and spoke: "Thank you, Sect Master Ning, for educating my son. He is young and immature, I hope Sect Master Ning can forgive him."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head: "Your son has exceptional insight. I have learned something from today's conversation. Young Clan Leader, you have a good son."
After a brief exchange, Yang Zhentian took Yang Podi and left.
As for Ning Fengzhi, he was left in deep thought, not even noticing that his tea had gone cold.
Eventually, Ning Fengzhi turned to Sword Douluo and spoke: "Uncle Jian, do you think I've made a mistake? All along, I wanted to form an alliance with the Clear Sky Sect, to reconcile the Breaking Clan and the Royal Clan with the Clear Sky Sect, but I overlooked the hatred between them. Now it seems I've ended up displeasing both sides."
Sword Douluo shook his head: "Fengzhi, your approach wasn't wrong, but we misjudged the strength of the Breaking Clan. This Yang Podi should have already reached the Soul Saint rank. He must have obtained an extraordinary soul beast in the Sunset Forest, which attracted the attention of the second elder of the Elephant Armor Sect."
"The Elephant Armor Sect has always been domineering. This time, they've kicked the iron plate. Should we spread the news?"
Ning Fengzhi shook his head: "As Yang Podi said, it's just the Elephant Armor Sect. They won't dare to trouble the Breaking Clan, and even the Spirit Hall won't intervene for them."
"This Yang Podi has reached Soul Saint before the age of twenty. His future is bound to be limitless, and he could very well become the next Tang Chen."
"However, I find it a bit strange. With such talent, how is it that the Spirit Hall is allowing him to rise? It's hard to believe, especially when you consider that Tang Chen once overshadowed the Spirit Hall."
Sword Douluo's expression suddenly changed: "Fengzhi, are you suggesting that the Breaking Clan has some kind of connection with the Spirit Hall?"
Ning Fengzhi spoke calmly: "Not necessarily. The Breaking Clan and the Spirit Hall have been enemies for a lifetime, and their feud is almost a generational grudge. It's not so easy to resolve. There's probably something we don't know about."
After Yang Podi left the Heaven Dou City with Yang Zhentian, Yang Zhentian asked with some confusion: "Podi, did you kill the second elder of the Elephant Armor Sect?"
Yang Podi nodded: "I fought with a White Eyed Tiger King in the Sunset Forest and nearly killed it. The second elder of the Elephant Armor Sect probably thought he could profit, but in the end, I killed him. Dad, is there a problem?"
"There's no problem. It's just the second elder of the Elephant Armor Sect. Even if we killed him, what could Huyan Zhen do about it?"
After they left Heaven Dou City, they quickly flew toward Almo Mountain.