Chapter 242: Unusual Supply Request (Part 2)
Bibi Dong looked at Ye Wen with a curious glance.
"Why are you laughing?"
"Oh, nothing. I think I know who might be requesting these supplies."
"From that look, I assume it's someone worth keeping an eye on," Bibi Dong replied. "Do you want me to cut off this shipment?"
Ye Wen simply shook his head.
"The secrets behind Tang Sect's hidden weapons are, frankly, limited. Mechanism based weapons can only go so far, unless he finds some higher grade materials to push them beyond their potential. But what really concerns me is Tang Sect's hand crafted weapons, specifically the Guanyin's Tear and Bodhi Blood."
Bibi Dong raised a brow. "Should we intervene?"
Ye Wen smiled calmly.
"Let him have it. I'm curious to see just how far he'll take it. Besides, for the most part, I know every trick he has up his sleeve."
His knowledge of Tang San's skills made it easy for Ye Wen to anticipate each move. He glanced again at the materials on the list an assortment of rare metals, but in small quantities, enough to make one or two hidden weapons at most.
"Approve the request, but add extra supplies to the shipment," Ye Wen said thoughtfully. "This kid is bound to need more sooner or later. We may as well plan ahead."
Bibi Dong gave a slight nod, approving the request. Though curious about the mysterious "kid," she left it to Ye Wen to explain. He briefly outlined the story of Tang San, including the strange history that had set him on this path. Upon hearing of Tang San's origins and the influence of the God of Shura, a look of disdain crossed Bibi Dong's face.
"A perfect pairing of human filth and divine wickedness," she scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Seeing Bibi Dong, who usually exuded an aura of cold elegance, speaking so sharply only stirred Ye Wen's interest. He began leaning in, playful and persistent.
After all, cultivating strength took many forms.
Meanwhile, as Tang San beheld the materials laid out before him, his eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"Spirit Hall truly has its advantages. To gather such rare metals so quickly...if I'd tried to do this on my own, I'd be searching until the end of time on this backward continent."
Tang San smirked, his disdain unmasked.
"Hmph. Enjoy yourselves while you can, Spirit Hall. Once I've conquered Hell's Road, you'll learn firsthand what I'm capable of."
And so, he resumed his intensive crafting, hammering away to perfect the blueprints for his hidden weapons.
Yet as Tang San worked in seclusion, the world outside was shifting. On Douluo, when rumors of unrest spread, it was often merchants who were the first to notice. Wealth and stability went hand in hand, and for those who traded in high volumes, any disruption in commerce was cause for caution.
In the bustling city of Seven Treasures, a merchant finished overseeing a shipment and wiped the sweat from his brow. He glanced around warily, his mind racing. "After this delivery, I'm lying low for a while. The winds are shifting in Heaven Dou."
In most years, only the two great empires would buy food in bulk, but now, Seven Treasures Glazed Sect had been quietly stockpiling for several consecutive years. He had no idea what the sect was planning, nor did he care to guess he simply knew it was time to cash out and play it safe.
And he wasn't alone. He was just one of many who had noticed the surge in demand, though few spoke openly. After all, everyone knew the delicate alliance between the upper sects and the empires. Reporting any strange activity from Seven Treasures Glazed Sect to Heaven Dou's authorities was a dangerous game, likely resulting in accusations of conspiracy and potential ruin for one's family.
Even some local officials noticed and played dumb. Two thousand years of empire had left both Heaven Dou and Star Luo stagnant and riddled with corruption. Were it not for the fusion of the supernatural and the monarchy holding back the tide, they would have collapsed long ago.
Nightfall
The bustling Heaven Dou imperial capital shone brilliantly, lanterns illuminating the city streets. The well to do paraded in extravagant attire, laughing freely and indulging in the pleasures of power. Few paid any mind to the dark, distant outskirts of the city, where a legion of troops was gathering, cloaked in shadows.
At the vanguard was Ye Wen, standing amidst a thousand strong battalion, every soldier clad in obsidian armor that blended seamlessly into the night. To those with enhanced senses, the entire army radiated formidable spirit power, with each soldier at least at the Spirit Emperor level. An aura of terror emanated from the group, but it was Ye Wen who led them.
He stared at the distant lights of the capital with a steely gaze. "The era of change begins tonight. Fengzhi, Yuanzhen, your preparations should be complete?"
On either side of him stood Ning Fengzhi and Yu Yuanzhen, both of whom offered respectful salutes.
"Rest assured, my lord."
While delays had held the plan back for two years, it had allowed them to amass overwhelming force. With Heaven Dou's military thoroughly infiltrated, all that remained was to seize the capital itself. By dawn, they would herald a new era.
Satisfied, Ye Wen took a final look at the soldiers behind him. Retrieving a soul tool from his robes, he pressed a button and issued the order.
"Begin the operation. Deploy the barrier."
"Yes, sir!"
The next instant, a quiet transformation swept over the surroundings. A voice echoed through the night:
"Barrier Technique: Six Harmonies Seal!"
The boundaries of Heaven Dou became a trap, drawing all under the shadow of a new power.
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