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Zhao Wuji clung to Ning Tianchen's hand like a drowning man grasping a lifeline and quickly said, "I'm willing, I'm willing!"
Ning Tianchen gently freed his hand, gesturing for Zhao Wuji to calm down. "I've formed a private team, funded by the sect. The team's missions can generally be divided into two categories: assassinations and intelligence gathering."
"However, given the current volatile situation on the continent, we'll rarely handle assassinations. Our main focus will be intelligence gathering."
"Although the team serves me directly, it is also part of the sect. If you perform well, there's a chance to join the sect officially. Of course, my private team has one key requirement: loyalty—to me and to the sect."
"This is serious business. If you can't commit to this, then forget it. It's better than causing trouble later."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Wuji was already mentally prepared.
He forced a bitter smile and asked, "Will I receive a salary if I join your team? To be honest, I'm completely broke."
Ning Tianchen took out a card loaded with ten thousand gold spirit coins and placed it on the table. "Think carefully before deciding whether to join my team."
Because Flender hadn't brought any benefit to Zhao Wuji, he had left him behind. Such behavior inevitably made Ning Tianchen think of Zhao Wuji as someone who would follow whoever provided for him.
Even if he joined the team now, he would still need to pass subsequent tests.
After a long silence, Zhao Wuji picked up the card and placed his right hand over his chest. "I, Zhao Wuji, swear on my martial soul that after joining Ning Tianchen's private team, I will never betray him."
Ning Tianchen first felt a flicker of joy, then feigned being deeply moved, quickly helping Zhao Wuji up. "Teacher Zhao, how could I not trust you? Like this—I'll talk to Zhang Erhe later. From now on, you're a member of the team."
"As for your salary, it will be based on your cultivation level and paid monthly on time—you don't need to worry about that. This money I gave you is personal sponsorship and not part of your salary. By the end of this month, you can collect your corresponding wages."
"Thank you," Zhao Wuji said, tears of gratitude streaming down his face.
This was the first time in his life he'd held ten thousand gold spirit coins in his hands.
In the past, whenever he earned money, he had to immediately hand it over to Flender for distribution. Now, being able to manage his own finances felt incredibly liberating.
After Ning Tianchen explained some details, he spoke privately with Zhang Erhe.
"For now, I'm assigning the team three tasks. First, build a base for yourselves and recruit enough members. Second, search for and capture any hidden assassins in the city. Lastly, investigate the whereabouts of Shrek Academy's people—but only within Tiandou City. If they leave the city, you don't need to pursue them further."
"On the surface, the Tiandou Empire's forces are searching for the assassins, but your team will operate in the shadows."
"Additionally, Zhao Wuji is also under your observation. You need to determine whether he is loyal to me and to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."
Zhang Erhe didn't ask further questions and immediately agreed.
With the formalities settled, Ning Tianchen devoted himself entirely to training in the following days.
The third stage of the Seven Kill Sword technique was titled Seizing Opportunities Amidst Weaknesses.
This stage emphasized going with the flow, staying still and waiting for movement, and striking last but arriving first. In combat, one avoided strength and struck at weakness, using indirect angles to strike true, flanking and encircling the enemy so they couldn't recover. The key was to neither block nor intercept, neither meet nor resist—striking from thin air, always hitting the mark.
Simply put, this stage integrated the principles of the first two stages while infusing them with sword momentum.
Currently, Ning Tianchen could only use the sword to cultivate momentum; he was still far from cultivating momentum with his mind. If he could achieve the latter, he wouldn't be far from the fourth stage.
---
More than half a month later, a carriage leisurely entered Tiandou City.
By this time, most of the hidden assassins in Tiandou City had been captured by the Tiandou Empire's soldiers.
As the capital of a nation, Tiandou City couldn't remain under military control for too long, as it would destabilize public morale. Seeing that the criminals had been apprehended, Emperor Xue Ye ordered the lifting of the restrictions.
Thus, the carriage entered the city without any hindrance.
Inside the carriage were Liu Erlong and Yu Xiaogang.
Liu Erlong appeared visibly worried, fidgeting anxiously. "I wonder how the academy is doing. Is it really okay for Flender to return alone?"
Yu Xiaogang, on the other hand, looked relaxed. "Don't worry. Flender excels at dealing with people. At worst, we'll just have to pay a price. The Tiandou Empire wouldn't dare do anything to us."
Though he said this, Liu Erlong couldn't shake an ominous feeling.
The carriage soon arrived at the street where Shrek Academy was located.
Unlike usual, the street was now bustling with construction workers. Carriages hauling construction debris continuously exited the street.
"Who's renovating here? This is ridiculous," Yu Xiaogang muttered angrily.
The carriages carrying construction debris lined up one after another, severely obstructing their passage.
Annoyed, Yu Xiaogang pulled the curtains shut. "What is Flender up to? These peasants—how dare they block the road like this?"
Liu Erlong consoled him. "Xiaogang, calm down. Let's enter the academy first and ask Flender what's going on."
Not long after, the carriage arrived at Shrek Academy.
Stepping out of the carriage, both Liu Erlong and Yu Xiaogang were stunned.
Shrek Academy was now a pile of ruins, with carriages hauling debris continuously pouring out of the grounds.
"This…" Liu Erlong's eyes widened, unable to process the scene.
Yu Xiaogang clenched his fists in anger. "Hmph, so Flender is selling the academy while we're away!"
Shrek Academy's account only had a few thousand gold spirit coins. That amount wasn't even enough to renovate the academy's internal roads, let alone the entire campus.
At this moment, the academy had been almost completely flattened. Other than being sold, Yu Xiaogang couldn't think of any other explanation.
"How could Principal Flender do this?" Liu Erlong's heart was in turmoil.
Shrek Academy (formerly Blue Tyrant Academy) was her life's work—how could it be demolished like this?
Suddenly, her expression hardened. She grabbed a passing construction worker and shouted, "Tell me, who told you to demolish the academy?"
The worker was confused for a moment, then snapped back, "Who the hell are you? This is the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's construction site. If you don't want to die, get lost and stop getting in the way."
The worker shook off Liu Erlong's hand and returned to his duties.
Liu Erlong was about to lash out, but Yu Xiaogang stopped her. "Erlong, the academy's land was bought by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. We've already offended Sword Chen Xin at the Pope's Palace. If we offend the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect now, we'll be in big trouble."
"Let's find Flender first and ask what's going on. We can deal with everything else later."
With that, Yu Xiaogang calmed down and pointed toward the back mountain.
That area hadn't been developed, so Flender was likely staying there.
Without delay, the two hurried over.
---
Flender sat with more than eight million gold spirit coins in his possession but didn't dare spend a single coin.
Even though Ma Hongjun's condition was worsening, he had to wait for Liu Erlong's return.
After all, ownership of Shrek Academy rested with Liu Erlong, and the proceeds from the land sale rightfully belonged to her.
"Principal, use this money first. My condition and Fatty's aren't looking good. If we delay any longer, there won't be any hope of recovery," Dai Mubai urged anxiously.
Flender shook his head. "Mubai, don't rush. Right now, we don't know which herbs can cure you and Hongjun. Even if we did, getting the herbs from Dugu's pharmacy would require a two-year wait."
Dai Mubai muttered, "We could pay extra to get the herbs sooner."
Of course, Flender wanted to treat the two, but he didn't understand herbs. Buying useless ones would be a waste of money. Besides, this money didn't belong to him.
Outside the door, Liu Erlong carried Yu Xiaogang and rushed to the wooden house.
Yu Xiaogang stepped down, eyeing the smoke rising from the small house, and sneered, "So Flender is really here. Erlong, let's go confront him."
The two walked to the door, and without a word, Yu Xiaogang kicked the wooden door open with great force.
Flender, who had been cooking, was startled, and the minced meat in his hand fell to the ground.
"Xiaogang, Erlong—it's you two! You scared me." As he spoke, Flender wiped the grease from his hands onto his apron, then turned and retrieved a bag of gold spirit cards from the inner room.
"There's something I need to tell you. The land of Shrek Academy was purchased by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. These eight million-plus gold spirit coins were delivered by imperial officials. I believe they should belong to Erlong."
Flender's explanation was logical, and Yu Xiaogang couldn't find fault with it.
He pulled Liu Erlong outside and whispered, "Erlong, how much did you spend on the academy's land back then?"
How would Liu Erlong know? Back then, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family had handled everything, and she had only contributed fifty thousand gold spirit coins.
"I think the family spent about five million gold spirit coins?" Liu Erlong said uncertainly.
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family had acquired the land through a mix of coercion and purchase, so they hadn't spent much.
During the twenty years Blue Tyrant Academy operated here, the surrounding commercial streets and facilities had gradually improved, significantly increasing the land's value.
The eight million gold spirit coins weren't the full price paid by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—about a third of it had been taken by the Tiandou Empire as fees.
"So we made a profit of over three million?" Yu Xiaogang's irritation instantly dissipated.
Now, compared to clinging to a dying Shrek Academy, selling it for gold spirit coins seemed like the better option.
With eight million gold spirit coins, Tang San's future cultivation resources would be secure. They could even give this money to Tang Hao as a gesture of goodwill.
When they moved against the Spirit Hall in the future, it would include their contribution.
Thinking of this, he said solemnly, "Erlong, let me take care of this money. In the future, if the children need anything, as their teachers, we must fully support them."
Liu Erlong gazed at him tenderly. "Xiaogang, take this money. Your research into soul master theories will require significant expenses. Since Shrek Academy can no longer be salvaged, why not focus on researching soul master theories? When the time comes, you'll astonish everyone."
Yu Xiaogang said contentedly, "Haha, Erlong, just wait and see."
Back in the room, Yu Xiaogang unhesitatingly took the bag of money and stored it in his soul tool.
Flender didn't complain. After a pause, he pleaded earnestly, "Xiaogang, treating Hongjun and Mubai will cost a lot of money. Could you lend me some? I'll pay you back later."
Yu Xiaogang glanced at Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun, hesitating.
Ma Hongjun suffered from a brain condition. Back in Spirit City, the healing-type soul masters had said that his chances of recovery were slim, and the process would consume many high-value medicinal herbs.
With such a long-term patient, even eight million gold spirit coins wouldn't be enough—let alone ten million. Who would dare throw money into such a bottomless pit?
In Yu Xiaogang's view, there was no point in treating Ma Hongjun unless someone could guarantee that spending a certain amount of money would definitely cure him. Otherwise, he wouldn't part with the funds.
As for Dai Mubai…
He was the third prince of the Star Luo Empire and had defeated Dai Weisi in the Soul Master Tournament.
Yu Xiaogang was familiar with the imperial succession system of the Star Luo Empire. If Dai Mubai recovered, he could return to the Star Luo Empire and compete for the position of crown prince.
Once he became the crown prince, upon the death of the emperor, he would inherit the throne.
Yu Xiaogang also knew about the conflict between the Hao Tian Sect and the Spirit Hall. A battle between the two powers was inevitable.
However, relying solely on the Hao Tian Sect's strength was insufficient to defeat the Spirit Hall—they needed more allies. In this regard, Dai Mubai as the future emperor of the Star Luo Empire would be their best ally.
At this moment, Yu Xiaogang was truly racking his brains for his disciples.
Investing in Dai Mubai now promised substantial future returns, so he had every reason to act.
After a moment, he said, "Mubai, did Xiao San mention any specific herbs that could treat your injuries?"
Dai Mubai lowered his head and said bitterly, "Xiao San said he needed some time to think. Then… well, you know what happened afterward—I didn't get a chance to ask."
Yu Xiaogang stroked his chin and said gravely, "This is quite troublesome."
"I can buy the herbs for you, but we'll need to wait for Xiao San to return. If I remember correctly, even if you don't return to the Star Luo Empire by adulthood, you still have ten years to challenge Dai Weisi and claim the throne, right?"
"Xiao San set a five-year agreement with you all—why not wait a little longer?"
With Yu Xiaogang's assurance, Dai Mubai dared not object and quickly agreed.
Flender anxiously asked, "Xiaogang, what about Hongjun…?"
Yu Xiaogang firmly refused, saying, "Flender, these eight million-plus gold spirit coins are all we have. Every coin counts, and there's no definitive diagnosis for Hongjun's condition—who knows how much it will cost?"
"Didn't the healing-type soul master say there's a possibility of self-recovery for Hongjun? In my opinion, let's observe for a few years. Perhaps Hongjun will recover on his own."
Flender grew visibly anxious and voiced his concerns. "But Xiaogang, if Hongjun's condition worsens completely, it might become untreatable. Considering our long friendship, could you lend me some money now so I can buy herbs and try treatment for a while?"
Yu Xiaogang carelessly replied, "Flender, do you really want to end up losing both money and people? In my opinion, the best way to treat Hongjun is through self-recovery. Spending so much money for an uncertain future isn't worth it."
Seeing that Yu Xiaogang was resolute in refusing to lend money, Flender's eyes dimmed, and his face turned ashen.
He didn't say anything further, as the money wasn't his to begin with—it was reasonable for Yu Xiaogang to refuse.
Liu Erlong pulled Yu Xiaogang aside and whispered, "Isn't it a bit inappropriate not to lend money to Brother Flender?"
Yu Xiaogang pouted and said, "Flender spoils Ma Hongjun too much. If he had restrained Hongjun earlier, would we be in this situation now? Besides, Hongjun only has a 50% chance of recovery at best."
"What if he never gets better? Will Flender keep borrowing money from us indefinitely? What then—do we lend or not?"
Yu Xiaogang sternly folded his arms and declared, "Erlong, we cannot afford to show weakness here. This money will be of great use in the future—we can't waste it recklessly."
Liu Erlong nodded ambiguously, as if she partly understood.
---
With the main parties returned, Flender and the others didn't feel right "occupying" the inner room.
After clearing out the room, they stayed in a nearby cabin.
Since Yu Xiaogang refused to help him, and as the "third wheel" in Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong's relationship, Flender couldn't bring himself to overstay his welcome.
A few days later, without prior notice, Flender left behind a farewell letter in the room and secretly departed with Ma Hongjun, returning to the former site of Shrek Academy under the cover of night.
In the days to come, he decided to rely on his own strength to enter the Great Star Dou Forest in search of high-grade medicinal herbs and trade with others to obtain treatments for Ma Hongjun.
Upon learning of his departure, Yu Xiaogang didn't feel angry—in fact, he was inwardly delighted.
Without Flender around, it would now be just him and Liu Erlong (and the eunuch Dai Mubai didn't count).
Liu Erlong wanted to chase after Flender, but as expected, Yu Xiaogang stopped her. "Erlong, this is Flender's choice. As friends, we should respect it. Perhaps when he comes to his senses, he'll return. So, there's no need to rush."
Liu Erlong gazed into the distance but ultimately didn't give chase.
---
Inside the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect
Ning Tianchen closed his eyes tightly, his Seven Kill Sword stirring up gusts of wind.
As the sword momentum reached its peak, he suddenly swung the Seven Kill Sword downward.
The sword qi, carrying fierce winds, ravaged the forest before him.
When the attack dissipated, hundreds of towering trees had been severed.
"The power still lacks something," Sword Chen Xin remarked calmly.
Such destructive force was already equivalent to a Soul Emperor's full-strength attack. However, for Ning Tianchen, it was far from sufficient.
The Seven Kill Sword was inherently an offensive weapon-type martial soul, stronger than any other martial soul in terms of raw attack power. In Chen Xin's expectations, Ning Tianchen could achieve even more.
Ning Tianchen justified, "Grandfather, if I keep cutting down trees like this, the back mountain will turn into a barren wasteland. Can we change the target?"
Chen Xin glanced at him and said dismissively, "It doesn't matter if you cut down all the trees today. At most, within three years, these trees will grow back to their current state."
These were commercial trees planted in the back mountain for decorative purposes, so there was no need to feel sorry for them.
Ning Tianchen sat on the ground and looked at Chen Xin. "Grandfather, why don't you demonstrate the 'Kill' word sword technique a few more times? Last time, observing the 'Kill' word deepened my understanding of the sword path."
Chen Xin patted his shoulder. "You've probably noticed—once the 'Kill' word sword technique is generated, it can't be retracted; it must be unleashed. Since you're so fond of these trees, do you want me to level the entire back mountain?"
Ning Tianchen muttered, "Can't you aim at the sky instead?"
Chen Xin smiled faintly. "From such a distance, what can you possibly sense?"
"There are no shortcuts in cultivation. Stop thinking about these trivial matters and focus on the present."
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