As the ship pulled into port, the sailors quickly began unloading it. After several days of sailing, they had arrived in this port city. The ship was loaded with valuable whale products that needed to be offloaded. Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu walked off the ship as the captain accompanied them.
Ash stepped onto the dock with the same boisterous grin. If anything his smile was even wider than ever, the smell of profit was nice. "Well, my friends it has been a most interesting adventure. Certainly the most profitable of my career hahahhahaha!!" the man begins laughing at the thought of all the profit.
He had earned a large amount by being their captain, yet the profit from their harvest was. Well, he would be set for at least the next year. Having so many storage belts on the ship had been a godsend. So "the next time the two of you need a captain come find me. I would welcome your business anytime."
Qian Daoliu had already considered the man as a future option. Especially before they could attempt to have their own captains. The man was tied to greed though he was unlikely to break his word. They would pay him for work, and his silence in the future. "We shall consider you in the future captain."
Tang Chen said nothing allowing his friend to speak with the captain. He considered the man slightly debating how much he could trust him. Rather how much it would cost him to trust him with a request. "There is something in particular I want you to look out for." Tang Chen spoke up.
The captain gazed at one of his employees with his full attention. The two of them were shaping up to be repeat and very valuable customers. "I'm all yours dear senior." his face a more serious smile than before.
Tang Chen takes a small piece of metal from his belt tossing it to the man. "That is a piece of metal called Heavy Silver a rather rare metal. By all accounts much more findable near the ocean." he gave a brief overview of the metal.
Captain Ash examines the small piece of metal in his grasp. It was indeed a silverish color if darker than normal silver ore. "My crew will be on the lookout for this metal, and perhaps others as well. I trust you will pay for any found metal my friend." He smiled at the thought of more money in his pocket.
"So long as metal is found we will take it off your hands," he said confidently in that matter. The question would be how much metal this experienced captain could find. If he found even half as much as was in his belt now it would be a worthy transaction.
Captain Ash nodded his head tossing the piece of metal back. "Then we have another profitable deal, my friend. Speaking of which how should I expect you to contact me, and how soon?" he was fishing for when he should expect them again. That might be his next big score now.
Tang Chen looked at his friend with a question on his face. They hadn't expected to have such good luck this trip. Nor find such an experienced, and fairly powerful captain either. Plans still had to be made, but if they were planning a longer relationship with this man then. "What do you think my friend?"
Qian Daoliu considered the question. How much attention should they put on this man? "Give us a few months, and we will have someone come see you," he said vaguely unsure exactly who to send. They could send a few to experience sailing and learn as a result.
Captain Ash seeing it as the end of the topic nodded. "So now that business is done why don't I pay you gentlemen a drink. My crew is going to have a wild night." his normal grin was on his face at that.
Tang Chen shook his head at that request. "We have been gone for a bit now. Time for us to return home with our whale parts." he was blunt though not rude in his refusal.
The captain nodded his head at the dismal though not surprised. The two of them had a large amount of Whale Parts between them. He wondered how much they needed, and the Whale Glue especially. His face grew amused at a joke in his mind. "Very well I hope the parts will be of use to you."
They had acquired a good amount of the blubber under a thin disguise of their real objective. Though if discovered most would merely assume they sought the already valuable aphrodisiac. Qian Daoliu was pleased to notice the whim he made was an effective disguise.
With a final farewell, the two Limit Douluo began to walk away. They both floated into the air before accelerating at great speeds. The Captain watches them leave for a few moments. "Well mates are employers have left time to party." the captain said holding up a sack of gold as his crew cheered.
In an instant, two figures appear before the Pope's Palace doors. Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu had arrived back at Spirit City. They don't stop walking forward as the gates open at the sight of the Grand Priest. Nor do they stop as the doors close behind them instead they just keep walking.
They had made better time on this trip than on the first. Though the sun had long set hours ago from their arrival. Considering they had arrived in port in the early morning.
"Lets split here then I will find my son." Qian Daoliu says as he already makes his way to his destination. Heading to where he sensed his son's presence his private room.
Tang Chen nodded he sensed most of his family in a single place. Separating from a friend he made his way through the hallways. It seemed they were in the library all together except for Tang Hao. He seemed to be in a meditation chamber.
Tang Chen walks into the library sensing their presence on the first floor. He quickly spots them though he can't help but feel some surprise. There were four individuals at the table, but none were reading. Instead, all four were playing a game in pairs instead.
His wife and Tang Xiao were one pair, both embroiled in the game as if in battle. It was a very serious game for them especiallyfor his wife. Tang Chen knew that his love could be competitive and absolutely hated losing. Honestly watching her as focused as she was only made her more beautiful in his eyes.
"Yes, that's another win for me." an excited voice resounded from a member of the other pair. Girlish laughter of joy came from that same person right after. Bibi Dong seemed to be enjoying herself in the game.
"Yep, your third win so far congratulations you have gotten far better." Tang Yuan says with honest congratulations, and not a hint of sadness at his loss. If anything he seemed to have enjoyed the difficulty of the game.
Bibi Dong's laughter paused at her defeated opponent's words. She had a slightly confused look on her face though she still had her smile. "Honestly your a bit weird" she said with some confusion. He seemed happy even though he had lost this round of the game.
Tang Yuan smiled at that "Of course as you get better it means the game is more challenging. I can enjoy a challenge when it's for fun. Didn't the challenge of the win make it all the better at victory?" his face showed his belief in that concept. His confident tone made it all the more persuasive an argument.
Bibi Dong hearing that fell into thought finding that he was correct. She had started playing this game nearly three days ago. She had lost what felt like a hundred times now, and only won three times. Yet each win as a result felt like a major achievement. "I guess you're right about the feeling of the win." he's words came out softly.
"However losing to you so much was not fun," she said following her previous admission her tone blunt. A look on her face as she remembered all her losses to him. Her face only grew worse as she remembered more of those losses. She looked at him with that look "You big bully." she said as she stuck her tongue out at him.
Tang Yuan could only look awkwardly at her. She was a difficult person to deal with sometimes. Perhaps it was just because she was a girl. Who were sometimes just incomprehensible to men at the very least?
The watching Tang Chen found amusement as his son found himself on the backfoot. It was a refreshing sight to see his son so relaxed, so much like a kid. Seemed his time here had been good for him in more ways than one. Still, he decided to make his presence known now that he had observed them. "I see you have found yourself a good friend, Xiao Yuan."
The words resound in the room as the four turn from the game to look at Tang Chen with surprise. They had not noticed his arrival not sure when he would arrive. As they realized his presence they all reacted with excitement.
"Father, you have returned." Tang Yuan stands up from the chair with a rush. He smiles as he steps up to greet him with a smile of happiness and relief.
Tang Chen smiles as he pats his son's shoulder gently. A few moments of a half-hug between the two of them. "Good to see you too."
Tang Yuan steps back a few steps still having a smile on his face. "How was your trip did you run into anything troublesome?" he was very curious about what they might have dealt with.
Tang Chen smiled "Nothing that could cause me trouble." he said reassuringly. Well aware that while his son was highly mature he was still a young child. Then he turned to meet his wife stepping up to him.
Tang Nuan smiles at the sight of her husband. "Welcome back husband was your trip fruitful?" she asked as she moved close to him.
Tang Chen smiled at that question "It was a very valuable trip that much is certain. In fact I have something for you from the trip that you will find helpful." he said with a knowing confidence to his words.
Tang Nuan perks up at the thought of a present for her. Her curiosity had been piqued by the question of what it was. A piece of jewelry, a weapon maybe, or a cultivation resource. Considering what they went for it might be like a piece of Whale Glue. She gave her undivided attention to her husband her eyes practically shining.
Tang Chen smiled at the sight of how she looked at him. She was practically trying to extract the answer. He took the piece of Whale Glue from his storage belt showing it to her. "We can go to the room, and you can begin absorbing it properly."
Tang Nuan nodded at the statement able to see the piece's strength. She wondered exactly how potent the piece was.
Tang Chen turned his head nodding at Tang Xiao in greeting. Then his gaze turned to the little girl Bibi Dong she met his gaze. She held his gaze with only a measure of childish nervousness. He could tell she was a courageous child merely from that in a way. Twin Martial souls, full innate spirit power, and a sharp mind were obvious.
Until the birth of another member of the Seraphim possessor, she would likely be the top talent of Spirit Hall. Perhaps even the next Supreme Pontiff if Qian Xunji leaves the seat. It would not be the first time someone not of the Angel Bloodline took the seat. It would seem his son had good luck in friends, and a good rival.
Bibi Dong quivered slightly at the gaze of this Limit Douluo. She had felt the gaze of her teacher, the Worships, and even Qian Daoliu before. All of them made her feel exposed before their gaze as if being seen through. Each gaze felt slightly different their auras and the sense she felt.
He was indomitable that was what she felt a mountain was what she could liken him to. It was very intimidating to her even with other examples. Like her teacher so powerful she couldn't truly quantify it the same for any Titled Douluo.
Tang Chen let his gaze fall away from Bibi Dong. His son truly had good luck it would seem. This child would become perhaps his greatest rival akin to him and Qian Daoliu. They would push one another forward on the path of cultivation. Such that both would become all the stronger from competition with each other. Perhaps he should talk with Qian Xunji and his friend to support that competitive friendship.
Tang Nuan noticed that her husband had gone off into thought for a moment. Yet she felt some impatience as she brought her husband's attention back. "Come on dear lets go to the room to absorb the piece," she says already making her way there.
Tang Chen only smiled at her haste and impatience going with her. "The three of you stay here we will talk about matters later," he said as he followed after his excited wife.
Bibi Dong relaxed the last of her tension as they left. "Your dad is scary," she told Tang Yuan bluntly. Even though she knew most of his presence was hidden. He still had that air of formidability, and also might.
Qian Daoliu stepped into the office of the Supreme Pontiff, oh the stories this room held. He remembered stepping into this room many times to see his father. Than then the less pleasant memories of his own work in the office. His own son now holds those responsibilities, and all the paperwork. Stepping into the office, he now finds a surprising scene.
Qian Xunji was not doing paperwork, he was at the desk playing a game. Nor was he alone Qian Daoliu noted with particular interest. "My son, I have returned. Greetings Lanling it is fortuitous that you are here as well " he said as they noticed his entrance.
Qian Xunji rose from his seat nodding in respect to his father. "Father you have returned from your trip. How was it then did you find it a worthwhile journey?" he approached with curiosity though also control of himself. It would be remiss of him to show improper decorum especially to his father.
Lanling followed only a few moments after. "Greetings Grand Worship welcome back." Lanling greeted Qian Daoliu with a bow for a few moments. Stopping with a wave from the man himself.
Unable to hold back the curiosity that sprang to mind. "Forgive me Grandworship, but when did you go on a trip?" Lanling asked with some curiosity.
Qian Daoliu nodded at the question "I will tell you, but first what exactly is this game you have?" he looks at the board with an inquiring eye.
Qian Xunji showed a wry smile at the question. "It is a game called checkers apparently introduced by Tang Yuan. My student has been obsessed with it ever since she started playing," he introduces it to his father.
"She keeps challenging Tang Yuan to the game in order to win. She was quite happy yesterday at her first win," he said seriously though with a hint of his own happiness slipping out. She had so much happiness and pride at the win it was infectious.
Qian Daoliu looked at his son seeing a fatherly love on there daughters. "You seem quite happy for her though what of her studies?" he knew his son had problems getting her to study books.
Qian Xunji shook his head at that "She still absolutely dreads studying." He paused as a strange look appeared on his face. "Apparently Yue Guan found her playing the game with Tang Yuan. Than forced her to study while the two of them played the game. Since then she seems to have gained a grudge."
Lanling felt a smile at the thought of the scene. Considering Xiao Dong's personality it must have been like torture. Thus she just put her all into getting her studying done as fast as possible. It was certainly an improvement from her original pace.
Qian Daoliu could also imagine it wondering if Yue Guan planned such a reaction. No, it was more than likely a desired possibility. Though that Chrysantheum probably saw the game as something entertaining.
Qian Daoliu began his explanation of the trip. "Tang Chen and I had a good stroke of fortune on our trip. Our chosen captain had knowledge of a large pod of Demonic Whales. I killed all of them, and acquired quite a batch of Whale Glue."
Hearing the words Whale Glue a strange expression appears on Lanling's face. She was mature enough not to voice the questions that came to mind. As well as the ideas of what they needed so much aphrodisiac for.
Seeing the slight awkwardness, and the slight redness in Lanling's ears from his father's words. Qian Xunji hurried to explain less their was a misunderstanding. "Lanling a new medicinal effect of Whale Glue has been discovered. Different from its more well-known aspect." his words come slightly fast-paced and with a hint of awkwardness.
Qian Daoliu watched as his son explained the newly found effect of Whale Glue. His son was very serious and had a very hard-to-shake composure. Yet now that composure had been shaken fairly easily in an instant. He hadn't intended this, but it serves as a good chance for insight. He would watch their interaction now to see if his second brother's assessment was correct.
Lanling nodded as Qian Xunji finished his explanation of Whale Glue, and their trip's purpose. "I had no idea Whale Glue had such an effect." Her face turned into a thoughtful frown at the idea of what could have been. "Wished I knew that when I was younger."
Qian Xunji understood her words as he too felt the lost potential. "Yes, it would have been incredibly useful to have it early. Though perhaps it could help us even at our ages," his tone was formal with the slightest hint of consoling. Unknowingly he had stepped on a landmine.
"Even at our age, do you consider me old?" Lanling said with a seemingly innocent question. There was not even a hint of anger which made it more threatening.
Qian Daoliu chose that moment to regain their attention. Well aware of how charged that type of question could be for a woman. "Speaking of Whale Glue I have pieces for both of you."
Qian Xunji nods at his father's words calmly. At least that was how he appeared, but on the inside he was anxious. He wondered if this would allow him to advance successfully.
Lanling notices Qian Xunji's hidden stress, and keeps her silence. It was a shame she wanted to hear his answer or see him sweat a bit. Especially as he seemed not to have even noticed her meaning.
Qian Daoliu brings the Hundred Thousand-year piece from his belt. "Tang Chen killed a Hundred-Thousand year beast this is its Whale Glue. Go begin refining it, my son." his words left no room for debate.
Qian Xunji hearing it came from a Hundred-Thousand year beast showed surprise. Taking it carefully he excitedly heads to the meditation chamber adjacent to the study.
Qian Daoliu left alone with Lanling looks to her. "Lanling would you teach me how to play this game? It must be interesting for my son to play it," he asks her kindly with some hidden intentions.
Lanling easily acquiesces to the request, and the two begin playing. As she also informs him of events at his request. "His holiness originally became interested in the game after Xiao Dong beat him in a game," she tells him at his request.
Qian Xunji meanwhile begins the process of handling the Whale Glue. Using his own power of flames to easily melt the substance. As he does the mere smell causes him to feel a slight warmth like alcohol. It was a fragrant smell, salty as well in a way. Still, he swallows the melted substance in a single gulp.
Than as he begins the refinement that small warmth becomes like fire. The fire quickly spread throughout his whole body in only a rotation. He continued to cycle his considerable soul power to face this feeling of fire.
It was the first time in a long time that he felt such heat. He felt his sweat accumulate in large amounts on his body. That feeling of flaming heat strengthe his body as it helped cleanse impurities. A rare unfettered smile came to his face as the fire cooled, his refinement had come to an end.
He used his power to examine his body's current status. The Whale Glue had a good effect on his physique he felt. The glue had helped cleanse physical impurities that he had been remiss in dealing with. He vaguely felt that the impasse that had halted him for years had become less so. He had made more progress in this one day than in the entire year.
As he stands up from his meditative pose he returns his expression to proper decorum. He uses a cloth to clean parts of his body from the sweat tainted with impurities. Straightening his clothing from the slightly ruffled state. He regains the decorum he felt he should have as the Pope.
Stepping back into the room he finds that his father and Lanling were in a game. They turn to him as he enters waiting for his words. "It was highly effective even for one of my rank," he said trying not let them see how happy he was about that fact.
Qian Daoliu observed his son sensing his current joyful mood. Once more he sensed that he had progressed. Whale Glue truly was an effective substance at least to a point. His son was a level 95 Super Douluo even such an old piece had a limited effect. Still, he suspected that things would be much easier for him now.
Speaking of Whale Glue he takes a small storage braclet from his wrist. "This contains our share of the Whale Glue save for the oldest parts. A group of thousands, ten-thousand, and twenty to thirty thousand-year-old pieces," he told his son pointing to sections of the device holding specific-aged pieces.
He hands the bracelet to his son. "I entrust them to you to distribute as you believe they should be." There was a hint of formality in his tone.
Qian Xunji takes the small bracelet with a proud expression. He was always happy when his father showed his trust in him. "I understand father I will distribute the pieces to elites. The great talents of our Spirit Hall will only become all the greater," he said his tone rife with a sense of pride at his duty.
Qian Daoliu nodded gently at that trusting his son's judgment. He turned to Lanling than taking another piece of Whale Glue from his belt. "This is for you Lanling a 70, year piece for your refinement."
Lanling hearing his words found herself surprised that she would be given such a piece. She takes it hesitantly "Grand Worship I thank you for this gracious gift. Though may I ask why me a Soul Douluo?"
Qian Daoliu nodded his head at her question. "You need not worry I considered it, and decided the four oldest would be given to Soul Douluos," he said in way of explanation. That way they might absorb the best possible soul rings when the time comes. "Now go Lanling absorb this piece, but be careful in doing so."
Qian Xunji spoke up suddenly. "You can make use of the adjacent meditation room Lanling," he said seemingly in a generous way.
Lanling nodded her head as she headed to the room to refine this piece. "Thank you your Holiness for your generosity," she says with a sweet smile before she heads towards the door.
Qian Xunji's lips turn slightly up in a smile at that smile. His eyes strayed for only a moment to the sway of her hips. He wondered if he was imagining a slight increase in sway. Then he felt his father's gaze on him, causing a slight heat entirely different from the glue. Though he would blame it if asked.
Qian Daoliu had a slight secretive smirk on his face. It would seem his friend was not wrong at all this time. If anything he underestimated the spark between them. Oh, to be young he wistfully thought of old times.
Tang Chen and Tang Nuan walked through the hallways together conversing as they did. Tang Nuan was still rather excited at the prospect of the Whale Glue. Anything that would allow her to grow stronger was welcome. Though that didn't stop her from asking questions as they went.
"That sounds like an interesting trip to be certain," she said with interest before her face changed into a strange look. "Honestly though how did you two get so much Whale Glue of high level? Yet not a single century piece of the stuff, I'm stumped."
Tang Chen could not help but smile at her words. "That was what you took from hearing about our trip. I suppose we were simply too happy in getting the higher level glue," he said with amusement at her statement.
His wife simply continued her talking "So a 100, Year Soul Bone, two incredibly old pieces, and six fifty-thousand-year pieces. What are your plans with those I'm curious." She did not attempt to ask for the Spirit Bone as he seemed to have plans for it. Besides she wanted all her soul bones to come from crocodiles, if possible, for the benefits.
Tang Chen smiled welcome to share his thoughts with her. "I plan to give one of the old pieces to the second elder. He has been level 91 for a while now I suspect it will help him. I will give four of the fifty thousand-year-old pieces to the clan leaders of the four clans." he said seriously as he began to lay out his plan.
"The other elders won't like that you know." Tang Nuan couldn't help pointing out. Though she also knew her husband didn't always care what they thought. That or he was intending to put them to work through this. Actually, that was definitely what he had planned she realized.
Seeing his wife's look of realization he smiled at her. It was not a nice smile, but one tinged with tyranny. "The elders have allowed themselves to grow a bit too complacent for my liking. Especially with the revelation of a secret organization in the shadows. So I will compel them back into proper action now."
Tang Nuan felt a slight shiver at his words and demeanor. Honestly, a part of her loved it when he let that side out. The part influenced by her martial soul perhaps or merely her own darkness. "I see that sounds like a wise choice. Though what about the other pieces than, and Soul Bone?"
"The final two pieces will be given to Tang Hao and Tang Xiao when the time comes. I expect doing so will give interesting results to be sure. The Soul Bone I will give to Xiao Zhang. I expect it will cause him to advance to the next level." he finished his plan for the greatest resources.
Tang Nuan nodded that the advancement from level 95 to level 96 was substantial. It would mean that he would pass that Old Dragon in cultivation. She could see the wisdom in his plans.
The two of them stepped into their room closing the door behind them. This room was actually one that Tang Nuan always stayed in. As a result, it was well furnished with personal possessions. With most importantly its own separate cultivation space if small. They quickly find themselves within that space.
Tang Nuan takes a meditation pose as her husband heats the Whale Glue. The ninety thousand-year-old glue was of incredible quality. Thus it took quite an effort to reduce it to its edible state. The fumes and scent filled the room quickly though.
Tang Nuan could already feel a slight haze settle in her mind. Like smelling the incense from that time she passed by a pleasure house. The glue was indeed a form of aphrodisiac after all a very potent one at that. The smell had a tinge of salt, but mostly a strange sweetness.
Tang Chen brought the Whale glue to her, and couldn't help wondering. "How exactly did you manage to heat it?" she asked unsure if he had a portable furnace. Did he use the cooking area or something she wasn't sure?
Tang Chen smiled a knowing smile, but simply brought the now jelly-like glue to her. "Time to take it, but be careful it's strong."
Tang Nuan nodded her head as she hesitantly took the glue. Placing it in her mouth even as it tried to stick to her fingers. Swallowing the extremely hot substance as it warms her throat. Like food freshly cooked and scalding hot.
Immediately the warmth begins spreading through her body. As she cycles her soul power it only spreads until engulfing her body. That the warmth turns into the feeling of flames from a fire, and then into a raging blaze. Her body felt like it was burning up though not in pain.
She continued to cycle her energy diligently lest she fall behind, and for it suffer. Yet the blaze seemed not to weaken a smidge. Her mind and body felt hazy as if she was drunk several times over. Her body sweats from the seeming heat that scalds her.
Finally, what seems a small eternity to her the blazes is brought under control. She stands up with the refinement completed, and yet. The heat of the process still pools through her body. Her gaze turns to her husband with hooded eyes of desire. She had broken through to level 87 thanks to the Whale Glue's help. Now it was time to work off the heat that had engulfed her.
Tang Chen can only gulp as his wife saunters over to him very slowly. He had the feeling he would have a very good night. So he meets his wife's passion with equal measure.