Prince Xue Beng, facing Prince Xue Xing's stern remarks, could only plead softly, "Royal Uncle, you must help me. What should I do now?"
Prince Xue Xing shook his head. "Although His Majesty is furious, he hasn't punished you, which means you still have a chance. From now on, keep a low profile in my residence. If you cause more trouble, I won't be able to help you anymore."
Hearing this, Xue Beng finally felt a little relieved. Yet, he couldn't help but ask curiously, "Royal Uncle, who do you think is behind this scheme?"
Prince Xue Xing also shook his head. "Logically, the one who would scheme against you should be Xue Qinghe. But Xue Qinghe is the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire. Why would he do something that damages the empire's foundation?"
Despite their discussion, the two remained in the dark. Prince Xue Xing, being experienced, felt something was amiss but couldn't pinpoint it. He surmised that colluding with the Spirit Hall might be Xue Beng's only leverage for now.
At the same time, in the Crown Prince's residence, Xue Qinghe was in an unusually good mood. After various manipulations, he had finally removed Xue Beng's strongest supporter, making future confrontations much simpler.
Meanwhile, the Breaking Clan and the Defense Clan had completely moved to Mount Almo, living in isolation. Only a few disciples remained outside to manage the affairs of Monet City and handle the clan's medicinal pill trade.
However, the issue of the manuals grew increasingly tumultuous, throwing the entire Douluo Continent into chaos as if swept by a storm.
In the Spirit Hall, within the Pope's Palace, Bibi Dong and her high-ranking officials were gathered, including Hu Liena.
On Bibi Dong's desk lay various manuals, all of which the Spirit Hall had collected through various means recently.
Due to the severe injuries of Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, they had been recovering, leaving Flame Kite Douluo and Ghost Leopard Douluo, both agile-type Spirit Masters and Bibi Dong's trusted aides, in charge. Their efficiency was commendable.
Bibi Dong addressed the group, "How is the investigation into the source of these manuals progressing? Are there any concrete leads?"
Flame Kite Douluo promptly replied, "Your Holiness, after months of investigation, we have confirmed that the manuals are being sold by two individuals. However, their movements are so mysterious that we cannot trace any information about them."
"According to the black market's reports, one of these individuals revealed their martial soul during a conflict in Gengxin City. It appears to be the Clear Sky Hammer, but beyond that, there's no further information."
Bibi Dong's expression turned serious. "Aside from that conflict, is there any other information? Why can't our spies track them?"
Flame Kite Douluo continued, "The two are extremely cautious and seem to have at least Spirit Douluo-level strength, perhaps even higher. Our Spirit Douluo trackers have been unable to gather any information. Notably, three months ago, after selling manuals in most major cities on the Douluo Continent, they vanished without a trace."
Still unsatisfied, Bibi Dong asked, "Is there no way to trace them through other means? After selling the manuals, they must have handled substantial resources. Can we track them through these resources?"
Flame Kite Douluo shook her head. "They are exceptionally meticulous, refusing to accept any gold spirit coins cards and only dealing in physical gold spirit coins and various treasures. This makes tracking impossible. Furthermore, their selling prices varied widely, from 100,000 to a million gold spirit coins."
"Our estimates suggest that through selling these manuals, they have amassed billions in gold spirit coins and countless treasures—enough to rival a major sect."
Hearing this, Bibi Dong remained puzzled. "What kind of force could they belong to? Could they truly hail from the Clear Sky Clan?"
"By all logic, such precious manuals wouldn't be casually sold. Even if they were, the prices should not be so low. I can't shake the feeling that they have some unique purpose."
At this, the entire hall fell silent. These manuals, which could serve as family legacies, seemed impossible to imagine being sold so freely.
After a moment of contemplation, Bibi Dong asked, "How is the research on these manuals progressing? How effective are they in practice?"
This time, Ghost Leopard Douluo spoke up. "According to our Spirit Hall's research experts, the manuals are extremely profound. Their cultivation results are comparable to the most advanced techniques known."
"Moreover, several bishops confirmed that the techniques in the manuals resemble those demonstrated by Tang San during the Spirit Master Tournament. In particular, the hand refinement method described in one manual closely matches the jade-like effect Tang San displayed. Additionally, the weapon designs in the manuals are strikingly similar to those sold by Tang Sect to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
"Your Holiness, I suspect these manuals are highly likely to have originated from the Clear Sky Clan. Their techniques must be closely tied to the clan's strength."
Bibi Dong shook her head. "Even if the Clear Sky Clan were desperate for resources, they wouldn't recklessly sell such manuals. This seems more like an individual act, solely for financial gain, without consideration for long-term consequences."
Ghost Leopard Douluo persisted, "Your Holiness, regardless of whether this was orchestrated by the Clear Sky Clan, these manuals clearly have ties to them. Their techniques undoubtedly contributed to their strength."
After considering briefly, Bibi Dong concluded, "Whether or not the Clear Sky Clan is involved, these manuals must be related to them. Let us first assign some disciples to cultivate these techniques and assess their effectiveness."
"How are Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo recovering? How long until they are fully healed?"
Flame Kite Douluo quickly replied, "I visited them a few days ago. Their injuries are improving steadily, especially Chrysanthemum Douluo, thanks to his stockpile of medicinal herbs. Coupled with daily treatments from our healing Spirit Sage, they should fully recover within two years."
Bibi Dong, ever concerned about her trusted aides, nodded approvingly. "Good. Though they lost, their battle revealed the strengths of Yang Wudi and Niu Gao. This is a contribution to the Spirit Hall. Spare no expense in their recovery."
Flame Kite Douluo hesitated before asking, "Your Holiness, Yang Wudi and Niu Gao dared to severely wound our Spirit Hall's Title Douluos, tarnishing our reputation. Should we not retaliate?"
Bibi Dong shook her head. "It was a fair duel, and a loss is a loss. Let it go. This also allows us to conceal our strength. Besides, Niu Gao and Yang Wudi have already scheduled a duel with Qianjun and Jiangmo. Let them handle the matter."
"What are Niu Gao and Yang Wudi doing now? Any movements?"
Yan Eagle Douluo replied, "After leaving Heaven Dou City, the Breaking Clan and Defense Clan have been residing on Mount Almo, focusing on internal clan affairs. They seem to be avoiding external matters entirely. Only a handful of disciples manage the area around Mount Almo and Monet City. Given their Title Douluo-level strength, we haven't dared to probe too deeply."
Bibi Dong appeared satisfied. "Those two are sensible. Very well. Station spies near Mount Almo, but leave them alone otherwise."
Various factions had obtained numerous manuals, whose contents were indeed tempting. However, out of caution, most forces initially assigned only a few disciples to practice the techniques, awaiting results before proceeding further.
Among the factions, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was the most enthusiastic.
When Ning Fengzhi saw the manuals, he immediately recognized them as originating from the Clear Sky Clan or, more specifically, the Tang Sect.
Ning Fengzhi had long been interested in Tang San's self-created techniques and hidden weapon designs. Yet, constrained by Tang Hao and the Clear Sky Clan, he had never had the opportunity to acquire them.
Now, these valuable items were readily available on the black market, bringing him immense joy.
Ning Fengzhi immediately organized some disciples to cultivate the techniques, aiming to confirm their effectiveness as soon as possible.
The hidden weapon blueprints, in particular, thrilled him. With these, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect could manufacture their own hidden weapons, eliminating the need to purchase them from the Tang Sect at exorbitant prices. For a businessman like Ning Fengzhi, saving substantial sums was a source of great satisfaction.
As the wealthiest sect on the continent, with industries spanning the entire realm, including the blacksmith trade, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had significant resources. After all, their early growth depended on the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's ability to locate mineral veins.
Ning Fengzhi quickly mobilized a large number of blacksmiths to produce various hidden weapons. Though lacking a divine craftsman, the sect still boasted many skilled blacksmiths capable of creating these weapons in short order.
With access to these manuals, Ning Fengzhi even abandoned negotiations with Yang Podi for his self-created techniques. He believed the new manuals, especially the movement techniques and hand refinement methods, were tailor-made for Spirit Masters of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
Meanwhile, the two empires also intensified their research on the manuals, investing substantial resources and manpower. The hidden weapon designs, in particular, promised to significantly enhance their military capabilities.
The biggest loser in this manual-selling incident was undoubtedly the Tang Sect. With the release of the manuals, their largest client, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, ceased placing orders. Even the previously interested Heaven Dou Empire became silent.
The Strength Clan and Speed Clan faced renewed hardship, far from the Tang Sect's once-bright beginnings.
Tang Yuehua was left puzzled. Rumors spread that the manuals originated from the Clear Sky Clan. Yet, as Tang Hao's sister, she knew nothing of such techniques. While the manuals bore some resemblance to Tang San's cultivation methods, she lacked any means of contacting Tang Hao or Tang San to confirm.
Oblivious to the outside world, Tang San was secluded, focused on training with Tang Hao. He had no idea that the treasured Tang Sect techniques he cherished had spread across the continent. If he were to find out, one could only imagine his reaction.
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