Chapter 368: The Secret Method of Detonating the Ring
Tang San's eyes lit up. He had indeed forgotten about the huge entity that was the Tiandou Empire. Although Tiandou didn't have any top-tier experts, its massive army was enough to make Spirit Hall wary and refrain from acting recklessly.
"In that case, giving away the secret method is worth it. After we repel Spirit Hall..."
"Little San, don't say such things out loud for now, it might affect the alliance negotiations."
"I know, Uncle, I was just saying it in front of you."
Hearing this, Tang Xiao's stern expression softened, and a faint smile appeared on his face.
"Mm, for now, you don't need to worry about this too much. I'll take care of it. What's most important is that you master the Haotian secret techniques. You are the future of Haotian Sect."
"Yes, Uncle."
Tang San felt deeply grateful for his uncle's attention. Since coming to Haotian Sect, he hadn't slackened in his training, and he had also developed a sense of belonging to Haotian Sect.
Tang Long, a Soul Emperor, was extremely fast. It only took him three days to arrive at Tiandou City. Without delay, he headed straight for Yuexuan.
"Aunt, this letter and the secret method of detonating the ring are from Father."
Seeing that the person who arrived was her brother's adopted son, Tang Yuehua felt reassured. She had feared that the stubborn elders in the family would refuse to agree, leaving Haotian Sect to face Spirit Hall's fangs alone.
"Thank you, A-Long. You can rest here in Yuexuan for a few days. Leave the rest to me."
"Yes, Aunt."
After reading Tang Xiao's letter, everything was as Tang Yuehua had expected, even the part about persuading the Tiandou Empire to join the alliance. She had received the approval and was immediately on her way again to Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect with the secret method in hand.
"Ning Sect Master, my elder brother has agreed, but we also have two conditions."
"Oh? Please, Lady Yuehua, tell me."
After seating herself, Tang Yuehua eagerly put forward the conditions for the alliance. Time was of the essence, and she didn't know if Spirit Hall had already prepared to attack Haotian Sect, so it was better to finalize the alliance as soon as possible.
Ning Fengzhi acted as if he were all ears, eager to hear Tang Xiao's terms.
"First, the secret method of detonating the ring is a core secret of Haotian Sect. I ask that you, Sect Master Ning, do not spread it outside. Even within your sect, it should only be taught to trustworthy core disciples."
"That's fine. A secret method that Haotian Sect holds in such high regard must require exceptional cultivation talent, and such disciples are usually the ones whom Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect focuses on cultivating."
Ning Fengzhi didn't refuse, thinking to himself that it was an easy bargain. No matter how many conditions Tang Yuehua put forth, he would accept them—whether he would actually fulfill them was another matter.
"What is the second condition?"
Hearing Ning Fengzhi's agreement, Tang Yuehua let out a sigh of relief. She had feared he would act dismissively, making her feel like she had no other option but to leave.
"Ah, the second condition is that my elder brother hopes that Sect Master Ning can convince the Tiandou royal family to stand by our side. After all, with Spirit Hall's ambitions, once they unite all the sects, they're highly likely to not spare the opportunity to become the continent's overlord."
Ning Fengzhi raised an eyebrow, and a slight look of sympathy appeared on his face for Haotian Sect. He thought to himself that they probably didn't know who the current ruler of Tiandou was, and bringing their biggest enemy into the fold was truly a masterstroke.
"This isn't difficult. His Majesty Xue Qinghe and I have a master-disciple relationship. He is indeed worried about Spirit Hall's increasing influence. I will go persuade him, and I believe His Majesty will readily agree to the alliance, and it's even possible that they will send troops to Haotian Sect to help us build defense fortifications. After all, the principle of 'when the lips are gone, the teeth are cold' is well understood by everyone."
"Thank you so much, Sect Master Ning. I hope you can go to the palace soon."
"It's no trouble at all. Would Lady Yuehua care to stay for dinner with my family?"
"Thank you, Sect Master Ning, but I still need to deliver the news of the alliance to my elder brother. I cannot stay any longer. For specific matters, Sect Master Ning can send someone to Yuexuan to meet with me."
Tang Yuehua declined Ning Fengzhi's invitation and hurried back to Yuexuan, leaving the book with the secret method of detonating the ring at Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Ning Fengzhi sneered as he picked up the secret text and began flipping through it. His expression slowly changed from disdain to shock. After rubbing his eyes and rereading it, he quickly summoned Ning Bei to the meeting hall.
"What's wrong, Father?"
Ning Fengzhi, with a serious expression, handed him the book.
"Tang Yuehua came just now, and this is the secret method of detonating the ring you wanted. I have a feeling that something's off."
"Is there something wrong with it?"
Taking the book, Ning Bei immediately began flipping through it. He was curious about what could make Ning Fengzhi suspicious of Tang Yuehua's intentions.
After a few minutes, Ning Bei quickly realized what had made Ning Fengzhi doubt the authenticity of the method.
It wasn't anything too mysterious or profound; rather, for a core secret of Haotian Sect, this method seemed too rudimentary. It could even be described as crude.
The so-called method of detonating the ring involved gathering all the power of the soul rings into the martial soul and exploding them at once. The book did describe some techniques on how to control the scale of the explosion so that it didn't harm the root of the soul rings, but overall it was too simple and lacked technical content.
To sum it up, it was: if your soul power is strong enough and your body tough enough, you can do it.
Compared to the detailed and refined control methods for soul power used by Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, this detonating ring method was indeed sloppy.
"It should be real. They wouldn't be foolish enough to use something so simple to deceive us."
"But..."
Ning Fengzhi didn't finish his sentence, but Ning Bei knew what he was implying. He could make the ring explode right now if he wanted, but would it really be that simple?
"Let's not be rash, Father. The soul masters in Haotian Sect have spent years honing their physical strength. It's this that allows them to use such a simple method to its fullest potential."
"Although our disciples in Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect have enhanced bodies thanks to my pills, it's better to use this method cautiously."
After thinking for a moment, Ning Fengzhi realized that his son had a point. Perhaps this was the legendary simple method that could break through everything with sheer force.
Clearing up his doubts about the method, Ning Fengzhi then told Ning Bei about the two conditions from Haotian Sect. Ning Bei nearly laughed out loud when he heard them.
"Are they really so shortsighted? I was just discussing with Xue'er the specific tactics for attacking Haotian Sect, since they're already on high alert because of the incidents with Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus Sect and Li Zhi Clan. A direct assault would cause heavy losses."
"And now they're just opening their doors and letting us in?"
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi also laughed. This could be what they called a case of "overreaching"—a case of shooting oneself in the foot.
"Well, discuss the details with Xiao Xue. I'll just provide the money and manpower."
"Alright, I'll head to the palace shortly. You keep the book and let Grandfather Jian and Grandfather Gu study it."
After returning the book to Ning Fengzhi, he nodded in agreement. He was thinking along the same lines.
(END CHAPTER)
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