However, Wu Tong didn't know that Bibi Dong was beginning to awaken from her lovestruck state.
Of course, even if he had known, Wu Tong wouldn't have cared. To him now, a mere Bibi Dong couldn't possibly stir up any trouble. With absolute martial prowess at his disposal, Wu Tong had every reason to be confident.
——
Unbeknownst to everyone, an hour passed in the blink of an eye.
While chatting, the group suddenly noticed a message pop up on their phones:
[Soul Network deployment complete.]
[Detected installation package being transmitted... Transmission complete. Installation package received. Proceed with download?]
[Yes/No.]
Was there even a question? Of course, they would choose "Yes."
Their eyes lit up at the notification—this must be the upgrade Wu Tong had mentioned. After a moment's thought, they decisively pressed "Yes" to confirm the download.
[Downloading...]
A mechanical voice sounded from their phones, followed by a progress bar appearing on their screens.
[0%, 1%, 2%... 10%... 30%... 50%... 99%, 100%]
[Download complete. Proceed with installation?]
Their eyes were glued to the progress bar, anticipation burning in their hearts. Almost there! Just a little longer, and they could finally make purchases. These past few days of only being able to browse treasures without buying had nearly driven them mad. The moment the download finished, they immediately selected "Install."
However, it was clear none of them were familiar with the quirks of smartphone upgrades.
[Installing...]
[Device rebooting... Reboot successful.]
As these words flashed across their screens, all their phones suddenly turned black. The reappearance of another progress bar shattered their patience.
"What the hell? Does installing this thing require a reboot?" Huo Yun couldn't help but complain.
But he wasn't the only one thinking this.
[1%, 2%, 3%, 4%...]
The progress bar crawled even slower than before, fueling their frustration. Yet, there was nothing they could do. None of them had experience with this, so they had no choice but to wait.
And wait they did—for another full hour.
[... 99%, 100%.]
[Installation complete. Soul Guidance Smartphone self-check initiated. No errors detected.]
[Welcome to Soul Guidance Smartphone 2.0 Version.]
[Detailed user guide as follows:]
New Soul Network functionality: Connect to the Soul Network in areas with soul power (Note: Soul Network refers to... [Expand]).
New spatial delivery service: Purchased items can be directly transmitted to designated locations via spatial teleportation.
New customization feature: Modify card colors, fonts, patterns, and more for personalized designs.
Note: Future upgrades will be delivered via the Soul Network. All device holders are kindly requested to cooperate with the upgrade process.
Despite their impatience, they forced themselves to read through the instructions. After finishing, their amazement at Wu Tong's soul guidance technology only grew. To create such an extraordinary tool was nothing short of miraculous.
Those with foresight could already envision the immense impact and profits once these smartphones became widespread. But now wasn't the time to dwell on that.
They immediately opened their phones, bypassing the customization feature entirely, and headed straight for the shopping cart. With a few taps, they selected all items and clicked "Purchase."
"Ahhh..."
The relief was palpable. The satisfaction of emptying their shopping carts was indescribable. Watching the once-cluttered lists vanish in an instant, they exhaled deeply. Soon, the treasures would be theirs.
The moment their orders were placed, the Soul Network AI promptly notified Wu Tong.
[Dear Master, major factions have placed orders through the marketplace. Statistics of their purchases are as follows:]
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda: Immortal herbs (Starlight Orchid, Red Spider Lily), Premium Soul Power Meditation Method, Premium Body Tempering Method, Premium Spirit Refinement Method, Original Soul Techniques (Six Styles, Soul Orb)...
Spirit Hall: Immortal herbs, body/soul power/spirit cultivation methods, original soul techniques, rare treasures...
Heaven Dou Empire: Elixir of Life, Revival Coin, cultivation techniques, original soul techniques...
"Heh, quite comprehensive," Wu Tong remarked with a light chuckle as he reviewed the orders. He then instructed the Soul Network to dispatch the items immediately.
"Send them the pre-prepared items from the warehouse."
With that, Wu Tong turned his attention elsewhere. He had anticipated the factions' eagerness for treasures long before the smartphone upgrade and had made all necessary preparations.
While Wu Tong worked on the Soul Network, the King of Wisdom hadn't been idle either. It controlled the laboratory's machinery to replicate and print various materials, organizing resources and using Infinite Origin to condense energy into items like pre-analyzed immortal herbs, Elixir of Life potions, and assorted soul guidance tools.
By the time Wu Tong completed the Soul Network, the King of Wisdom's creations had already filled three warehouses. Estimating that the stock was more than enough for the factions, Wu Tong ordered production to cease.
[Understood, Master. Transmission in progress...]
The Soul Network AI activated its micro-wormhole technology, linking to Wu Tong's warehouses. As it operated, the treasures within were absorbed into the Soul Network's spatial storage, where they were swiftly sorted and packaged. Then, through spatial teleportation, the parcels were delivered directly to the recipients.
——
Ning Fengzhi stared blankly at his phone after placing his order. The purchase had gone through, and the feeling... was oddly satisfying.
But how long would it take for the items to arrive? Even with spatial teleportation, organizing everything would surely take at least two or three days, right? And that was just for his order—combined with those from other factions, the process would take even longer.
Ning Fengzhi's thoughts wandered as he speculated about the delivery timeline.
Whoosh— Clang!
Two distinct sounds echoed through the hall as the Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo summoned their martial souls, their expressions grave. In their perception, a vortex of soul power was forming at the center of the room.
"Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, what's happening?" Ning Fengzhi, only a Soul Sage, sensed nothing amiss and looked at the two guardians in confusion.
"Fengzhi, something's coming," the Bone Douluo replied solemnly, his gaze fixed on the center of the hall.
The soul power vortex, initially faint, grew increasingly visible. By the time they finished speaking, it had expanded significantly.
Just as they braced themselves—
Thud!
A box was spat out by the vortex, landing squarely on the floor. The vortex then gradually dissipated until it vanished entirely.
"Uh..."
The group exchanged bewildered glances, unsure how to react. The box bore clear, bold lettering:
[Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda – Recipient: Ning Fengzhi.]
"Could this be... the treasures I just bought?" Ning Fengzhi muttered in disbelief, connecting the dots between the delivery and his recent shopping spree. "But how? It arrived so quickly!"
Hearing this, the Sword and Bone Douluo relaxed slightly and shared a knowing look.
"Fengzhi, Wu Tong is no ordinary man. Nothing about him should surprise us anymore," the Bone Douluo reassured, noticing Ning Fengzhi's stunned expression.
"You're right, Uncle Bone." Ning Fengzhi sighed, letting go of his doubts.
He stepped forward to open the box, but the Sword Douluo quickly intervened. "Let someone else do it. There might be dangers."
Ning Fengzhi nodded, about to call for assistance when a clear, bell-like voice interrupted.
"Wow, Dad, Grandpa Sword, Grandpa Bone, what's with the box? Is it a surprise for me?"
A young girl in a cyan dress bounded into the hall. Her delicate features and noble bearing exuded an air of grace, though a mischievous glint in her eyes betrayed her playful nature.
This was Ning Rongrong, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's little princess and the beloved treasure of the Sword and Bone Douluo. Recently retrieved from Shrek Academy by the Sword Douluo, she now stood before them, eyeing the box with curiosity.
Assuming it was a gift for her, she reached out to unwrap it before anyone could react.
"Wait, Rongrong—!" they cried out in alarm, but it was too late.
"Huh? What's all this?" Ning Rongrong's voice rang out as she peered into the opened box.
"She's... unharmed?" The group stared in disbelief.
Realizing the box posed no danger, Ning Fengzhi and the others blushed in embarrassment. Their earlier caution now seemed laughable.
Approaching the box, they confirmed its contents—exactly what Ning Fengzhi had ordered. Relieved, they relaxed fully.
Meanwhile, the Sword and Bone Douluo pulled Ning Rongrong aside, launching into a stern lecture about the importance of caution.
...
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