Nearby, Dai Mubai and the others were already shocked beyond words. Dai Mubai had always assumed Tang San was just a disciple of the Clear Sky Sect. Who could have guessed that he was actually the son of the youngest Titled Douluo in history—Clear Sky Douluo himself?
This filled Dai Mubai with joy and excitement. It was an unexpected but huge surprise! He already had a good relationship with Tang San, especially after their life-or-death experiences in the Star Dou Forest. They were practically sworn brothers now. Dai Mubai believed that as long as he stayed by Tang San's side, he would essentially have the backing of a Titled Douluo!
And considering that Tang San was a twin spirit wielder, in a few years, he could likely surpass even Bibi Dong. After all, the Clear Sky Hammer was known as the most powerful weapon spirit in the world!
Suddenly, a sound interrupted their thoughts: Shhh, shhh, shhh!
Wooden spikes pierced through the massive tree, and blood began to drip down the spikes. The onlookers couldn't help but shut their eyes in horror. Could Su Ming have killed Tang San?
The giant tree stopped expanding, and then—boom!—it exploded into countless shards of wood.
This happened because Su Ming had ceased injecting spirit power into it; otherwise, Tang San wouldn't have been able to break free.
Tang San emerged, drenched in blood, with numerous broken wooden spikes embedded in him, making him look like a human porcupine. His head was spinning, and his vision blurred. He couldn't afford to collapse here!
Forcing himself to sit cross-legged, Tang San activated his Mysterious Heaven Skill, hoping it would soothe his damaged meridians and alleviate his pain. He also needed to restore his depleted spirit power, having used everything in his final effort to break free of Su Ming's control.
After freeing himself, the Clear Sky Hammer in Tang San's hand began to fade away, but not before everyone had seen it. It really is the Clear Sky Hammer!
Yu Xiaogang quickly pleaded, "Sect Master Ning, please help!"
Ning Fengzhi didn't waste any time. Tang San had received the lesson he deserved, but he hadn't expected Su Ming to be so ruthless. It seems Tang San isn't particularly well-liked. Both my daughter and Su Ming seem to dislike him. Why?
Ning Fengzhi released his martial spirit. "Seven Treasures, Six Exalts, Augment!"
A seven-colored light enveloped Tang San, healing him.
Ning Fengzhi then turned to Su Ming. "Alright, let Tang San recover here. Su Ming, shall we find a place to have our conversation?"
Su Ming nodded, glad that it seemed Ning Fengzhi was more interested in his talismans than Tang San's hidden weapons. That was a good sign.
Su Ming led Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, and Gu Rong to the secluded area where he and Rongrong had trained. It was quiet and private. Using Wood Release, Su Ming fashioned chairs and a table from nearby trees and brought out some food and drinks from his soul tool. If we're going to talk business, we might as well do it right.
Ning Fengzhi and his companions were impressed by Su Ming's meticulousness.
"Su Ming, can we now talk about the specifics of our cooperation? What kinds of talismans can you make at the moment?" Ning Fengzhi asked.
Su Ming began explaining, "As you've already seen, besides the Exploding Talismans and Space Talismans, I can also create Defensive Talismans. But for someone like you, Ning Shushu, the defensive ones may not be of much use."
"I'd recommend starting with the Space Talismans and the Exploding Talismans. Offensively and defensively, they're more than enough."
"However, talismans come in different grades. A fourth-grade defensive talisman might block a Spirit Elder's attack, but anything stronger or from a genius-level opponent would render the talisman less effective."
"And right now, I can't make higher-grade defensive talismans. They also consume a lot of my energy, so I won't be able to supply many in a short time."
Ning Fengzhi pondered for a moment before responding, "Alright then. Su Ming, I'll start by ordering one hundred fourth-grade defensive talismans, one hundred first-grade space talismans, fifty second-grade space talismans, twenty third-grade space talismans, and three fourth-grade space talismans. As for the exploding talismans, the more, the better—any grade."
"I've noticed that using multiple exploding talismans at once increases their damage. Is that right?"
Su Ming nodded. "Exactly. But be careful not to blow yourself up. You saw earlier that I gave myself a protective barrier before using them."
Ning Fengzhi agreed, thinking it was a manageable risk. Just throw them farther away. It's a solid offensive tool.
Su Ming glanced at Gu Rong and hesitated before asking, "Ning Shushu, how many people in your sect can use space-related spirit abilities?"
Gu Rong suddenly felt a chill. What's this feeling?
Ning Fengzhi, a little confused, replied, "Aside from Gu Shushu, not many."
Su Ming shook his head. "That's going to be a problem. To make space talismans, I need the essence blood of spirit masters or spirit beasts with space-related abilities. I was lucky enough to encounter a thousand-year Lightning Rabbit in the Star Dou Forest, and with Xiao Wu's help, I was able to make some."
"Other materials are secondary, but the essence blood is essential."
Su Ming then turned to Gu Rong with a smile. "Bone Grandpa, how about you donate a few drops of your essence blood? Since you're a Titled Douluo, just one drop could be diluted into dozens, maybe even a hundred portions of lower-grade material."
Gu Rong's immediate reaction was, Wait... So that cold feeling I had earlier came from this kid? Su Ming really is a little demon! And who the hell are you calling Grandpa?!
His mouth twitched as he retorted, "Kid, do you have any idea how exhausting it is to lose even a single drop of essence blood? It'll take me a long time to recover!"
Despite his complaints, Gu Rong didn't outright refuse. He wasn't just thinking about the sect's younger members—he knew these space talismans were crucial for Ning Fengzhi's safety. After all, he and Chen Xin couldn't protect him perfectly every time.
Without waiting for further discussion, Gu Rong made a small cut on his hand and painstakingly extracted two drops of essence blood. His face had already turned a bit pale, a clear sign of his temporary weakness.