Chapter 178: The Sea God's Heart
The next morning, Yang Potian and Xue Qinghe met again at the top floor of the Tian Dou Grand Hotel. As Yang Potian carefully placed the jade box containing the Phoenix-Tail Crestflower on the table, Xue Qinghe retrieved a shimmering blue triangular crystal—the legendary Sea God's Heart. Once it emerged, the entire room was enveloped in a calm blue light, evoking the sensation of being underwater. This artifact radiated an energy unlike anything ordinary, carrying an aura of a higher power. Yang Potian even sensed a faint similarity to the Killing City's atmosphere.
After a brief exchange, the two completed their trade. Xue Qinghe eagerly claimed the Phoenix-Tail Crestflower while Yang Potian took hold of the Sea God's Heart. As he cradled the crystal, he felt its vast oceanic energy—gentle yet boundless, like the power of the sea itself.
Satisfied, Yang Potian nodded to Xue Qinghe. "It's been a pleasure, Your Highness. I believe this transaction benefits us both."
With a cordial smile, Xue Qinghe responded, "It's always a pleasure doing business with you, Yang. I look forward to future exchanges."
After a few more words, Yang Potian left, eager to study the Sea God's Heart in more detail. Once he was gone, Xue Qinghe's friendly expression hardened, revealing a chill beneath his initial warmth.
Back at the Crown Prince's residence, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Snake Spear Douluo awaited him. Xue Qinghe handed the jade box to Chrysanthemum Douluo, whose hands trembled with excitement as he carefully accepted the treasure, momentarily forgetting his usual composure as a Title Douluo.
After examining the Phoenix-Tail Crestflower, Chrysanthemum Douluo spoke with awe. "Congratulations, Young Master. This is indeed the Phoenix-Tail Crestflower—a powerful fire-element herb. Consuming it will not only greatly enhance your spirit power but also intensify your Phoenix fire abilities."
Xue Qinghe nodded, pleased. "Good. Now, tell me—any new intelligence on the Yang Clan's activities?"
Snake Spear Douluo shook his head. "Since relocating to Mount Almo, the Yang Clan and the Yu Clan rarely leave the area. Most of their members who roam outside are lower-ranking disciples. They've shifted much of their focus to the Skywalk Academy, which they now use as a united front, distancing themselves from their clan identity."
"It's estimated that, combined, these clans boast three Title Douluos and over eight Spirit Douluos. Their top-tier strength now exceeds that of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan," Snake Spear Douluo continued.
Xue Qinghe narrowed his eyes. "It seems they're wary, suspecting our intentions enough to remain so reclusive. Well, as long as they don't oppose us outright, there's no need to waste resources monitoring them. Let's observe and wait."
He glanced down at the Phoenix-Tail Crestflower in his hands, his eyes gleaming with desire. The herb's aura resonated deeply with his own spirit, confirming its status as a true treasure. But mingled with his excitement was a hint of wariness toward Yang Potian. This young man had proven himself to be both shrewd and elusive, with abilities that even rivaled his own. To so easily part with such a rare herb showed a decisiveness that Xue Qinghe found both impressive and disconcerting.
As Yang Potian was preparing to leave Tian Dou City, he unexpectedly crossed paths with Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo. Clearly, they had been waiting for him.
With a warm smile, Ning Fengzhi addressed him, "Yang Potian, my young friend, it's been half a year since we last met. Would you mind a private chat?"
Considering his offer, Yang Potian replied, "The leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has personally extended an invitation. It would be rude to decline. Please, lead the way."
The three of them proceeded to a quiet room within a nearby inn. Sensing Yang Potian's cautiousness, Ning Fengzhi reassured him, "Rest assured, this establishment belongs to the Crown Prince's estate, with no ties to our sect."
With a slight smile, Yang Potian replied, "I trust you, Sect Master Ning. May I ask what brings you to invite me here?"
Ning Fengzhi hesitated briefly before speaking. "Yang Potian, I invited you because I'm curious about the Yang Clan's stance on the current tensions between the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Spirit Hall. Given your wisdom, you're no doubt aware of the state of affairs."
Yang Potian chuckled darkly before answering. "Our stance is simple. We don't provoke anyone, but we also don't tolerate aggression. Whether it's the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect or any other power, we hold to this principle. Skywalk Academy may not seek conflict, but we won't allow ourselves to be bullied—by Spirit Hall or anyone else."
Ning Fengzhi nodded thoughtfully. "I admire your candor, Yang. But I assume you're aware of the recent incident—the death of the Elephant Armored Clan's Second Elder in Sunset Forest. Word has it that they're furious. Are you familiar with this?"
Yang Potian replied nonchalantly, "Yes, I'm aware. The Second Elder and two Spirit Sages attempted to rob us, so we killed them on the spot. Frankly, they got what they deserved. If the Elephant Armored Clan seeks revenge, we're ready."
Ning Fengzhi offered a warning, "The Elephant Armored Clan has Spirit Hall's backing. To harm one of their own is a grave offense, especially when their patron is watching. Are you not concerned about retribution?"
"Not at all," Yang Potian said calmly. "Yes, Spirit Hall is powerful, and we prefer to avoid conflict with them. But for a minor clan like the Elephant Armored Clan? I doubt Spirit Hall will trouble itself over such a loss. Replacing a lost pawn is hardly worth a full confrontation."
The three fell silent as Ning Fengzhi processed Yang Potian's bold words, surprised by the academy's clear readiness to stand its ground. He finally spoke, "Your confidence is admirable, Yang. Rest assured, I'll keep our conversation private."
"I appreciate it, Sect Master Ning, though secrecy isn't necessary," Yang Potian replied. "Conflict within the soul master world is hardly unusual. I'm sure Huyan Zhen will understand this."
Ning Fengzhi chuckled, impressed by the young man's boldness. "One more question, then. I'd like to know how you and the Yang Clan view our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
Yang Potian sighed. "I'd say we owe the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect something of a debt."
"Our clans fled to Tian Dou City during the conflict with the Clear Sky Clan, and your sect offered us refuge. Whatever the Spirit Hall's true intentions or your motivations may have been, you did save lives, and we value our debts."
Ning Fengzhi remained thoughtful, aware of the significance of these words. It seemed that Skywalk Academy and its allied clans were unlikely to pose any direct threat to his sect. With a look of relief, he offered a respectful nod to Yang Potian.
As he left the inn, Yang Potian's mind turned back to his recent acquisition, the Sea God's Heart. He still felt certain it was more than it seemed, but his immediate goal was clear. For now, all that mattered was cultivating strength, gathering allies, and preparing for whatever conflicts lay ahead.
"In all these years, Sect Master Ning, we've come to understand your intentions well enough. My grandfather and grandfather-in-law have always treated you with respect. As long as it's not excessive, we've chosen to make some allowances."
Yang Potian's tone remained calm as he continued, "Sect Master, you even expressed interest in my self-created spirit techniques, and I didn't refuse. All I wanted was a sign of sincerity from you—consider it a way to repay your aid to our family back then."
"But at the end of the day, we're on different sides. Neither Spirit Hall nor the Clear Sky Clan is an ally to us; both have given our family reasons to seek vengeance. Those debts will be settled one day."
Ning Fengzhi's face grew somber as he replied, "You've given me a lot to think about, Yang. Perhaps I've overthought things these past years."
He hesitated briefly before adding, "But, Yang, Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Clan are likely more powerful than you realize. For instance, your grandfather and grandfather-in-law's ten-year duel with Douluo Qianjun and Douluo Jiangmo—it'll be difficult for them to emerge victorious."
Yang Potian's expression hardened as well. "Even so, what's to be done? If they can't win, my father will take their place, and if he can't do it, then I will. Our clan is never one to shy away from a fight."
At that moment, the door opened, revealing Yang Zhentian.
With a proud smile, he entered. "You're right, Potian. Our clan has never feared death."
Potian turned, visibly pleased. "Father! What brings you here? Are you finished with your tasks?"
Zhentian shook his head slightly. "Nothing major—just some minor errands. I heard that Sect Master Ning invited you over, so I thought I'd stop by and take a look."
Zhentian turned to Ning Fengzhi, expressing gratitude. "Thank you, Sect Master, for guiding my son. He's still young and impulsive; I hope you'll pardon him."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head with a smile. "Your son's insights are extraordinary. Today, he's given me a lesson as well. You have a fine heir, indeed."
With pleasantries exchanged, Yang Zhentian and Potian left the room. Ning Fengzhi, however, remained behind in deep thought, his untouched tea cooling beside him.
After a long silence, he finally turned to Sword Douluo, who had accompanied him.
"Uncle Jian, have I made a mistake?" Ning Fengzhi asked quietly. "All these years, I've focused on an alliance with the Clear Sky Clan. I wanted the Yang and Yu clans to reconcile with them. But I may have overlooked the depth of their grudge, and now it seems I'm caught between both sides."
Sword Douluo shook his head. "No, Fengzhi, your approach wasn't wrong. The miscalculation was ours—we underestimated the strength of the Yang Clan. Yang Potian is already a Spirit Sage, likely after finding a remarkable spirit beast in Sunset Forest that drew the attention of the Elephant Armor Clan's Second Elder."
"Seeing as the Elephant Armor Clan has always been domineering, they must have thought they could take advantage. Instead, they hit a wall. Shall we spread the news?"
Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "As Potian said, the Elephant Armor Clan is insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Even Spirit Hall wouldn't retaliate on their behalf. Still, Potian becoming a Spirit Sage before the age of twenty could make him the next Tang Chen."
"What's strange, though, is how Spirit Hall has allowed him to grow unchecked. With talent like his, Spirit Hall should view him as a potential threat, as Tang Chen was in his prime."
Sword Douluo's expression grew wary. "Fengzhi, do you think there's some hidden connection between the Yang Clan and Spirit Hall?"
Ning Fengzhi shook his head thoughtfully. "Not quite. The Yang Clan has been at odds with Spirit Hall for generations; the grudge runs too deep to simply disappear. Still, there may be something unknown at play."
As Potian and Zhentian left Tian Dou City, Zhentian looked at his son with a slight frown. "Potian, was it you who killed the Elephant Armor Clan's Second Elder?"
Potian nodded calmly. "I was fighting a White-Eyed Demon Tiger King in Sunset Forest and nearly had it defeated. The Elephant Armor Clan's Second Elder saw his chance to step in, hoping to claim it. So, I killed him. Is that a problem?"
Zhentian chuckled. "Nothing to worry about. He's just an Elder of the Elephant Armor Clan. If I'd killed their leader, Huyan Zhen, it would hardly be different."
With that, the two rose into the air, swiftly heading back to Mount Almo.
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