After staying with the Po Clan for several more days, Yang Xiong departed with Lin Gong, needing to return to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to resolve some matters in advance.
Before leaving, Yang Xiong specifically signed a cooperation agreement between the three single-attribute clans and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. The agreement included alliance terms, mutual military support, and profit-sharing.
Each of the three single-attribute clans had a different form of cooperation with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. The Po Clan engaged in medicinal trade, with the Seven Treasure Clan agreeing to buy their products at a 20% premium over current market prices.
The Yu Clan partnered on infrastructure and construction. As the most renowned construction clan on the Douluo Continent, and with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan conducting business throughout the Heaven Dou Empire, there was a vast demand for building. The Yu Clan, though only several hundred members, could easily handle it, and the agreed price was higher than usual.
The Min Clan's case was more complex. They signed an agreement to establish an information and reconnaissance network. The Seven Treasure Clan would pay them in cash to form a rapid-response intel system covering hundreds of kilometers around their base. This arrangement offered them a more stable income than independent development.
As for Yang Xiong's founding of the Body Sect, only he and a few clan leaders knew about it,it would not be publicly disclosed. On the surface, Yang Xiong acted as the liaison between the three single-attribute clans and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Regarding the advancement of Bai He and Niu Gao, and the future training of Body Sect disciples, Yang Xiong was still deliberating. There were matters he preferred to keep hidden from outsiders, and the Body Sect wasn't ready for full exposure. He planned to reconsider after returning to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Yang Xiong and Lin Gong endured a long journey back from the Star Luo Empire, taking over ten days to reach the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Lin Gong traveled leisurely, while Yang Xiong bore heavy loads and ran the entire way,a form of physical training.
Yang Xiong suspected Lin Gong had done it on purpose. The distance between the Star Luo Empire and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan spanned thousands of kilometers. Lin Gong framed it as "special training," which was light work for him,but Yang Xiong carried several hundred kilograms on his back.
Upon returning, Yang Xiong immediately went to see Ning Fengzhi and presented the signed cooperation agreement.
Both Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo were shocked as they read it, and even Ning Rongrong standing nearby looked astonished.
They understood the value of such an agreement. The Seven Treasure Clan had around five thousand soul masters, many of whom were support types or had weak martial spirits, including some from the food system.
The three single-attribute clans combined had about one thousand soul masters,nearly a fifth of the Seven Treasure Clan's power,and included three top-tier Soul Douluos. Their combined strength was nearly equivalent to over half of the lower four sects.
At this stage, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan could no longer rapidly improve their power, so forming an alliance with the three clans was a massive boost. Financially, it posed no issue for the Seven Treasure Clan.
Ning Fengzhi, still composed, asked, "Xiao Xiong, aside from this alliance agreement, did you promise the three clans anything else? Even if I personally intervened and offered better terms, I doubt I could have persuaded them to leave the Star Luo Empire."
"I've tried to recruit many soul master clans over the years, even the four single-attribute clans, with more favorable terms than these, but got little result."
Yang Xiong thought carefully before replying, "Sect Master, the three clans each have their needs and shortcomings. The Min Clan lacks offensive ability, so I offered the Rasengan as part of the deal."
"The Yu Clan excels in defense but has never produced a Titled Douluo. I plan to ask Bone Douluo to give them some guidance. Likewise, Sword Douluo could advise the Min Clan."
"The Po Clan is skilled in alchemy and obsessed with medicine. I happened to obtain two rare herbs, which persuaded them to move to the Heaven Dou Empire. They also excel in offense, so Sword Douluo's guidance would benefit them as well."
Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo exchanged surprised looks. Despite their high standing in the clan, they were now being asked to offer training.
Sword Douluo spoke seriously, "The Po Clan's Breaking Soul Spear is a top-tier tool-type martial spirit. Yang Wudi is a unique offensive powerhouse among Soul Douluos. I'd like to spar with him,it might benefit me as well."
Bone Douluo snorted, "I've heard that the Yu Clan's Armored Giant Rhinoceros and the Elephant Armored Sect's Diamond Mammoth are the strongest defensive spirits. I want to see whether my Bone Dragon is stronger."
Yang Xiong: …
Ning Fengzhi clearly understood the significance of the agreement and the character of Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, and Bai He. He asked, "Xiao Xiong, how should we cooperate with the clans? How should we accommodate them?"
Yang Xiong answered quickly, "Sect Master, I've already thought this through and discussed it with them. Thirty kilometers east of Seven Treasure City is a mountain called Cloud Mist Mountain. We'll settle the three clans there and let them handle the construction."
"The distance is ideal,soul masters can cover it in half an hour, perfect for mutual defense."
"And to outsiders, we'll only announce a business partnership,not the alliance. If any trouble arises, we'll have the element of surprise."
Ning Fengzhi thought for a while before nodding. "You've planned well. We'll do as you say. I'll arrange to prepare Cloud Mist Mountain, and later I'll discuss the cooperation details with them."
"By the way, was there any reaction from the Star Luo Empire? A mass migration of soul masters might attract attention from them or the Spirit Hall."
Yang Xiong shook his head. "I spoke with Crown Prince Davis. The Star Luo Empire won't interfere. The clans should complete their move within half a month."
Ning Fengzhi was surprised but didn't press the issue. "Xiao Xiong, you've done a great job. You've made an enormous contribution to our sect. If you have any requests, don't hesitate to ask."
He waved his hand, and a lead box appeared, glowing red from within,a soul bone.
"This is a 30,000-year-old Earth Devil Bear right arm soul bone,an exceptional power-type bone, on par with those from Spirit Hall. It suits your path of strength. I was going to give it to you later, but this time, you've earned it early."
"Given your talent, you won't lack for soul bones in the future. But remember,never absorb one under 30,000 years, no matter how suitable it seems."
Before Yang Xiong could refuse, Ning Fengzhi used his soul power to float the box into his hands,clearly already prepared.
Yang Xiong paused, then said, "Sect Master, I gained a lot in the Star Dou Forest. After talking with Clan Leader Yang Wudi, I believe we might significantly boost our sect's strength."
Ning Fengzhi looked doubtful. "How could that be? I know our situation. Even though using whale glue improved our core disciples by about ten percent, we've hit a bottleneck. It's hard to improve further in the short term."
Yang Xiong, undeterred, took out four jade boxes. Even the experienced elders in the room sensed something extraordinary inside.
He opened the first: inside was a strange herb with three leaves that radiated serenity.
"This is Clear-Heart Trifoliate Grass. It enhances martial spirit insight. Sword Douluo, your Seven Kill Sword may benefit,your swordsmanship might reach a new level."
Sword Douluo, usually calm, was surprised. The Seven Kill Sword was a top martial spirit, but he had been stuck at rank 96 for years. This herb could be key to his breakthrough.
Yang Xiong opened the second box: a soil-colored gourd with a faint dragon aura.
"This is the Earth Dragon Gold Melon, a rare earth-attribute treasure with dragon properties. Bone Douluo, your Bone Dragon has both dragon and earth traits. This might help you ascend further."
Bone Douluo was also shocked. His limited talent had kept him at rank 95. But this might be the perfect match for his martial spirit, which even reacted at the sight.
Yang Xiong opened the third box: a purple ginseng over a foot long, glowing with rich spiritual energy.
"This is the Violet Dragon King Ginseng, infused with the essence of heaven and earth. Sect Master, it may help you overcome the limitations of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda."
Ning Fengzhi was already overjoyed with the first two herbs,boosting Sword and Bone Douluo would be a huge benefit. But this third herb could help _him_ break through the very limits of his martial spirit.
He became emotional. "Xiao Xiong, can this Violet Dragon King Ginseng really help me transcend my martial spirit's limitations?"
Yang Xiong replied solemnly, "I've studied herbs with Yang Wudi. You know the Po Clan has its own medicinal traditions,their knowledge is reliable."
Ning Fengzhi looked conflicted, then sighed. "This herb is too rare. I think Rongrong should take it. With her talent and youth, she might elevate the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda further."
Ning Rongrong interrupted quickly, "Father, don't say that. I'll work hard and improve myself in time. This herb should be yours. I still need your protection."
Then she glared at Yang Xiong. "Father already knows I'm with Xiao Bear. His stuff is mine too. I know he'll help me."
Ning Fengzhi gave a helpless smile, and Yang Xiong was left speechless.
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