'Almost forgot!'
'There's another key point!'
Tang Lan added a small line of text to the author's column:
"Special thanks to His Majesty Xue Ye for financially supporting this book."
Just these 15 words cost Emperor Xue Ye a staggering 50 million gold soul coins.
'3.33 million gold soul coins per word—I'm truly a profiteer!'
With the emperor's backing, money was no longer an issue for Tang Lan.
So, he decided not to sell the second volume at all.
Instead, he established a simple rule: Anyone who presents the "Tang Sect Encyclopedia" can receive the second volume for free.
This move wasn't about profit—it was about building influence.
'I'll also have Ning Fengzhi place a life-size standee of Emperor Xue Ye in every store.'
'Gotta keep our golden sponsor happy.'
'That way, getting investors for the next book will be even easier.'
After finalizing everything, Tang Lan sent the entire package to Ning Fengzhi, instructing him to distribute the second volume across the continent.
Ning Fengzhi's response was swift:
"Three days. I'll have it distributed everywhere within three days."
With soul communication devices and movable type printing, things moved fast—effortless efficiency.
Then, inspiration struck Tang Lan.
Since he already had this foundation, why not start a newspaper?
He knew all too well the power of public opinion.
This had potential!
But right now, the Tang Sect lacked manpower, and finding skilled journalists was even harder.
No hesitation.
Tang Lan immediately drafted his thoughts and sent them to Ning Fengzhi.
After all, he controlled the Blue Silver Grass communication network, so there was no way Ning Fengzhi could betray him.
If anything, Ning Fengzhi should be worried about being kicked out instead.
Less than thirty seconds later—
Ning Fengzhi called back, his excitement barely concealed!
"Lan-di, you're a genius!"
"Using journalism as an information platform to control the thoughts and eyes of the people!"
"Once the scale is big enough, we could even guide public opinion!"
"And all it costs us is some manpower and money!"
"Brilliant strategy! Genius-level politics!"
Tang Lan humbly chuckled.
"You flatter me, big bro. Just a passing thought. The actual execution is on you."
Being a hands-off boss is the best!
Ning Fengzhi was more than happy to oblige.
'If you're already doing all the thinking, what's left for me to do?'
"No problem! Leave it to me!"
Ning Fengzhi promised with enthusiasm—
"Give me a week, and this newspaper will be rolling out!"
"With the second volume's release, we can use the momentum to push it to the masses!"
"But… what should we name it?"
Naming was crucial.
Heaven Dou Gazette? Tang Sect Daily? Seven Treasures Bulletin?
Each name carried a different significance.
"What do you think, big bro?" Tang Lan threw the ball back.
Ning Fengzhi looked a little regretful, but since he was asked, he clearly had something prepared.
"Let's call it the 'Tang Li Newspaper'—representing the collaboration between Tang Sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. What do you think?"
"Sounds good. We'll go with your idea." Tang Lan agreed easily.
They continued discussing finer details—
For example, to prevent competitors from copying their method, they decided:
If anyone else tries to use soul communication devices to transmit news, we'll just "ban them from using soul communication devices."
This was Douluo Continent—there were no antitrust laws.
Nobody could stop them from monopolizing the market.
Truly unchecked power!
Even Ning Fengzhi was thrilled at this discussion!
He had a strong feeling—
The Tang Li Newspaper would become the next big move to bring the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect into the global spotlight!
They had to do this right!
—
After ending the call, Tang Lan stretched, loosening his muscles, and looked down at the Tang Sect headquarters.
Unexpectedly, he spotted Oscar and Ning Rongrong still training under heavy loads.
'Why are those two suddenly working so hard?'
Just then, Gou Qi appeared at the door, carefully asking:
"Sect Master, it's lunchtime. Would you like to order something, or…?"
So soon?
"No need." Tang Lan replied casually. "Prepare a carriage—I'm going to the palace."
"Understood!"
Even though Gou Qi was just a head chef, a command from the Sect Master wasn't something he could refuse.
He immediately took out a soul communication device and notified Zhao Wuji.
Soon after—
A golden-winged bird swooped down, landing in front of Tai'an Dining Hall.
Even the disciple driving the carriage was a familiar face.
It was the same pair of disciples who had escorted Tang Lan on his first visit to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Tang Lan was puzzled. "Why are you two in the Tang Sect now?"
The disciple bowed respectfully. "Subordinate Lu Renjia, now officially part of the Tang Sect." He then gestured politely. "Sect Master, please take your seat."
That explains it.
This was exactly the kind of bold financial move Ning Fengzhi would make.
Compared to a bumpy carriage ride, a flying soul beast was undeniably better.
Arriving at the Palace
In just over ten minutes, Tang Lan arrived at the gates of the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace.
There, the thin elder from yesterday was already waiting, holding the reins of a carriage.
He greeted politely, "Sect Master Tang, please step in. I will escort you from here."
Tang Lan's eyes flashed with blue and purple light, instantly discerning the man's cultivation level—
An Eight-Ring Soul Douluo.
No need to ask. He's from the Spirit Hall.
"Much appreciated." Tang Lan responded courteously and boarded the carriage.
The elder drove forward in silence, while Tang Lan took the opportunity to observe the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace.
Unlike the militaristic Star Luo Empire, the Heaven Dou Empire placed greater emphasis on commerce.
As a result, its imperial palace was grand and opulent, while the Tang Sect looked as humble as civilian housing in comparison.
But what really caught Tang Lan's attention—
Military Upgrades in the Palace
Along the way, the patrolling guards were all armed with firearms.
Each soldier carried two Python revolvers at their waist and an Uzi slung across their chest.
On the city walls, Vulcan cannons were installed at regular intervals.
Expanding his Soul Spirit Domain, Tang Lan detected several snipers hidden in the shadows.
After some quick calculations—
At least 30% of all firearms produced by the Tang Sect had been used to arm the royal city.
And since the firearms sales rights were in Qian Renxue's hands, would she distribute such powerful weapons to others?
Of course not.
That meant the armed forces patrolling the palace were Qian Renxue's personal troops.
Damn!
If a palace coup were to happen now, storming the imperial palace would be several times harder than before!
Tang Lan's Thoughts
'But for me, this isn't much of a problem.'
'With my Soul Spirit Domain, I could wipe out these normal soldiers with a single Soul Spike.'
'The only real threat is the long-range Barrett sniper rifles.'
'When I return, I'll tell Tang San to cut down the supply of sniper bullets.'
'Without enough ammunition, these snipers are just decoration.'
As he was contemplating his next move, the carriage suddenly came to a stop.
The thin elder bowed. "Sect Master Tang, we've arrived."
Tang Lan stepped down and followed the elder into the imperial palace.
On the way, large numbers of palace maids bowed respectfully as they passed.
The Banquet
When they arrived at the banquet hall, however—
Only Qian Renxue was present, seated at the head of the table.
As always, she stood up to welcome him personally.
Tang Lan grinned and walked straight up to her—
Then, without hesitation, pulled her into a hug.
Qian Renxue was stunned.
Wait, WHAT?!
You're supposed to be my subordinate!
Why are you getting all touchy-feely?!
But before she could react, Tang Lan excitedly declared—
"Qinghe, I really have to thank you for that soul bone!"
Then, pretending to be overjoyed, he continued—
"I jumped four whole levels! I'm already at level 65, and my seventh spirit ring's limit has increased to over 80,000 years!"
"I'm confident that before I get my eighth spirit ring, I'll be able to withstand a 100,000-year spirit ring!"
"If I can find a 100,000-year-old spirit beast to become my spirit soul, I'll have TWO 100,000-year spirit rings!"
Qian Renxue's eyes widened in shock.
Such a Huge Power Boost?!
Even her spirit ring limits weren't this ridiculous!