After a moment of contemplation, Ning Fengzhi decided that Gu Xuan's plan was feasible. After all, they were destined to be enemies; why not nip the threat in the bud now?
Tang San was a twin Martial Soul user; once he matured, he would undoubtedly become a massive obstacle. By slaying the father and son now, they could eliminate the danger in its infancy. Furthermore, since the Clear Sky Clan was currently in seclusion, they wouldn't even know of this event. Most importantly, they could secure the manufacturing methods for the remaining hidden weapons from Tang San. It was three birds with one stone.
The 'three birds' naturally concerned the Clear Sky Clan. Though Tang Hao had been expelled, he was still of their blood. If Tang San ever returned to the clan, it would bolster their strength. To unify the continent, the Clear Sky Clan would eventually be a resistance—they were only in hiding, not gone. Who knew when they might decide to leap back onto the stage?
However, there was one issue: their location. Where could they find them? Ning Fengzhi voiced this doubt. "Xiao Xuan, your idea is sound, but we cannot lock onto the positions of Tang Hao and his son."
Gu Xuan replied, "We can check the place where I found the Soul Bone. Since the Blue Silver Empress seed is planted there, Tang Hao is unlikely to leave."
Ning Fengzhi's eyes lit up. "Sword Uncle, what do you think?"
Chen Xin nodded. "Though such an act might be considered unseemly, for Xiao Xuan's future and the future of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, our generation must not shrink from our duty."
Gu Xuan was deeply moved by Chen Xin's words.
"Xiao Xuan, do not involve yourself in this matter," Chen Xin continued. "Just tell me the location, and we will make the arrangements once we return."
Ning Fengzhi nodded as well. "Leave such things to us elders. You focus on your cultivation. Strive to break through to the Titled Douluo realm as soon as possible and charge toward that ultimate realm."
Gu Xuan nodded earnestly. He produced a map and marked the location for them, leaving out not a single detail. Since he had decided to deal with them, he would not show mercy. What if Tang San encountered some other miraculous opportunity? He had no intention of giving a potential rival any more chances to grow. As the protagonist of his own story, he understood very well: never give the 'villains' (from his perspective) a chance to power up.
The return journey would take nearly a month. Along the way, besides exchanging insights with Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin, Gu Xuan quietly called the girls over to distribute the Soul Bones and help them increase their strength.
Gu Xuan didn't call all the girls at once. He asked Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin to return to their own carriage, leaving his own empty so he could invite them one by one. Since the members of the Seven Treasure Academy and the Imperial Team were all well-acquainted, the occupants of the two carriages mixed freely. However, the men usually stayed in one, while Dugu Yan and the other four girls stayed in another.
Oh, there was one exception: Zuo Yan had slipped into the Skywater Academy carriage to cultivate his relationship with Shui Bing'er.
Gu Xuan first pulled Dugu Yan into his carriage. The other girls watched with envy, also wishing to spend time alone with him. Gu Xuan led Dugu Yan inside by her soft hand. In their private space, Dugu Yan didn't hold back; she sat directly in his lap, her qipao slit all the way to the hip, draping over him. Her bare feet were so flawless that Gu Xuan couldn't resist reaching out to play with them.
Dugu Yan had long grown accustomed to not wearing shoes, and Gu Xuan found her feet irresistible. After a moment, he withdrew the 50,000-year Wisdom Skull Bone from his storage tool and handed it to her.
"Yan'er, this is for you. Absorb it here and now," Gu Xuan said.
Dugu Yan felt a surge of joy. This Wisdom Skull Bone was arguably the best of the three tournament rewards, and Gu Xuan had given it to her without hesitation. However, she wasn't someone who only cared for her own benefit.
"This soul bone is a top-tier specimen. If you give it to me, what about you?" she asked, cradling the soul bone.
Gu Xuan smiled. "Soul Bones are important, but distributing them rationally is more so. As a control soul master who manipulates something as delicate as poison, this soul bone is far more suitable for you."
Dugu Yan stood up, her beautiful smile causing Gu Xuan to daze for a moment. Her beauty was on par with Qian Renxue and Ning Rongrong, and due to her age and style, she held a particular allure for him. Her radiant smile nearly made him lose his composure.
Knowing that Gu Xuan's decisions were always deeply considered, she stopped arguing. However, she didn't begin the absorption immediately. Instead, she leaned forward into his arms, hooked a finger under his chin, and pressed her jade-like lips against his in a soft kiss.
Gu Xuan blinked. 'Wait, was I just 'kabedon-ed' and kissed by force again?'
Before he could retaliate, Dugu Yan pulled back with a grin. "That's your reward. Now, protect me while I absorb this."
Gu Xuan laughed helplessly. He didn't push further; they would have plenty of time for their private world later. But that kiss had stirred a fire in his gut, so he had to use meditation to suppress the heat.
Dugu Yan placed the soul bone against her forehead and began the process. Three hours later, she slowly opened her eyes. Her mental strength had increased significantly, and her soul power and physical attributes had also seen a boost. While the primary function of a Soul Bone is to improve a soul master's foundation and grant a new skill rather than just leveling them up, a 50,000-year soul bone was still potent enough to raise her soul power from Rank 54 to Rank 56.
Moreover, her future cultivation would be smoother, and her limit for over-limit ring absorption would increase. The soul bone granted her a mental attack skill called Mental Shockwave. Its power was undeniable: as long as the opponent's mental strength didn't exceed her own by double, they would be stunned for at least one second. If their mental strength was lower than hers, it could cause permanent trauma or even instant death.
Exhilarated, Dugu Yan gave Gu Xuan another quick kiss. Knowing the others were waiting, she asked sensibly, "Xiao Xuan, who's next?"
Gu Xuan truly appreciated her maturity. Who wouldn't love a warm, understanding 'Big Sister' figure?
"Send Rongrong in."
(End of Chapter)
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