Ning Fengzhi's face showed a hint of confusion.
"Since when does the Spirit Hall have a Title Douluo in Heaven Dou?
It must be someone from Spirit City. That voice sounded quite young. Is he a rising star of the Spirit Hall?"
Sword Douluo lowered his gaze in thought:
"A young man, protected by a Title Douluo from the Spirit Hall. The only one who fits that description is likely that Lin Feng scholar."
Ning Fengzhi suddenly understood:
"That Lin Feng scholar.
That makes sense. Lin Feng probably wants that stone to aid his research.
Uncle Sword, should we give up?"
"We can give up. Lin Feng's theoretical knowledge is far beyond what we currently possess. He has immense potential.
In fact, the future of soul master techniques may very well rest on his shoulders.
It's not wise to antagonize him over a stone."
Bone Douluo, lying nearby, snorted:
"Coward, why overthink it? Lin Feng is just one person. How can he compare to our Rongrong?
This stone contains such vast energy and life force. Not only is it a healing treasure, but carrying it might also boost soul power and mental strength.
Why not buy it as a gift for Rongrong? Such an item isn't easy to come by."
Ning Fengzhi frowned, considering the matter.
As they discussed, the auction continued.
Tang Yuehua was puzzled. She didn't have anyone around who could sense the strength of Lin Feng's group.
The person she sent to investigate was told by the auction house that they couldn't reveal the other party's information.
This left her in a dilemma. Her Moon Pavilion was just starting to rise, and she couldn't afford to unknowingly offend someone.
"3.6 million gold soul coins."
"4 million gold soul coins."
Lin Feng chuckled softly:
"Lady Yuehua, I'm not short on funds. It's better not to waste your money.
After all, you wouldn't want your Moon Pavilion or clan to run short on funds, would you?"
"This…"
His words were strange, yet they carried an undeniable persuasiveness, making it hard to argue.
Ning Fengzhi's brows relaxed as he laughed:
"Since this young man is so interested in the stone, our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan will step aside.
If you don't mind, you're welcome to visit our clan in the future."
Bone Douluo clicked his tongue but said nothing, silently pondering what gift to give Ning Rongrong instead.
Tang Yuehua glanced in Ning Fengzhi's direction, her eyes thoughtful.
"Young master, it was presumptuous of me. Since you're determined to have it, Moon Pavilion won't stand in your way.
After the auction, you're welcome to visit Moon Pavilion. I have some matters I'd like to discuss."
Lin Feng exchanged glances with Qian Renxue and Ling Yuan, then nodded:
"I've long heard of Moon Pavilion's reputation. Since the opportunity has arisen, I'll certainly visit. I'll come by another day."
Tang Yuehua felt a bit relieved. Since he agreed, there was room for negotiation.
Ning Fengzhi raised an eyebrow. Was this a hijacking?
The host, seeing the situation settle, felt a surge of excitement.
After all, Tang San's Tang Sect started with only 5 million gold soul coins.
A fingernail-sized stone selling for this price had already met their expectations.
With a slow strike of the gavel, the Life Gold was secured by Lin Feng.
The stone was brought to Lin Feng's room from behind the scenes.
The faint green Life Gold still radiated a rich life energy.
Up close, Qian Renxue and the others were amazed:
"This feeling… Xiao Feng, you…"
Lin Feng nodded:
"Breath of Life."
A soft white light enveloped the three, and as Lin Feng activated his soul skill, their sensations became even clearer.
Qian Renxue's eyes lit up:
"It's similar, very similar. Your soul skill and this stone give off almost the same aura."
Lin Feng nodded, then shook his head:
"Only similar. It's an extension of the laws of origin. My soul skill and the Life Gold both touch upon the essence of the life law, which is why they feel alike."
"I see."
Lin Feng stored the Life Gold.
The stone was too small to be used to open a spiritual sea.
At least, Lin Feng wouldn't use it for that purpose.
The auction attendees began to leave.
"Ning Fengzhi is here."
Chrysanthemum Douluo's figure suddenly appeared, speaking softly.
Hmm?
Knock, knock, knock.
"Might I have the honor of meeting Scholar Lin?"
Ning Fengzhi didn't plan to wait for Lin Feng to come to him. It was better to seek him out before he left.
If he waited like Tang Yuehua, who knew if he'd ever get the chance?
"Should we let them in?" Chrysanthemum Douluo fiddled with the flower in his hand.
"Yes, Xiao Xue, disguise yourself."
"Alright."
The door opened.
They entered.
Ning Fengzhi walked in with a warm, spring-like smile, his eyes flashing with surprise:
"Scholar Lin, I've long admired your reputation. I didn't expect the one who proposed the Innate Soul Evolution Art to be so young."
Lin Feng wasn't too surprised that Ning Fengzhi had guessed his identity. After all, if Ning Fengzhi wasn't acting foolishly, he was one of the shrewdest figures in the series.
Though his statement of "he who obtains Grandmaster shall obtain the world" was laughable.
Regardless of whether Yu Xiaogang had any real expertise in soul theory, it had nothing to do with military strategy. Ning Fengzhi's decision to make Yu Xiaogang a military advisor in the later war was rather amusing.
Lin Feng gestured for the three to sit, wearing a polite smile:
"Clan Leader Ning, you flatter me. It was just luck."
Ning Fengzhi's heart twitched. Why couldn't he get lucky and create a technique like that?
Bone Douluo glanced at Chrysanthemum Douluo behind Lin Feng:
"Hmph, you and your flowers."
Chrysanthemum Douluo glared: "What's it to you if I like flowers?"
Ning Fengzhi subtly observed Lin Feng and his companions.
He was curious about Qian Renxue. Who was she?
"Clan Leader Ning, let's get straight to the point. What brings you here?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled:
"Scholar Lin is quite direct. Then I'll be frank.
The Spirit Hall recently released the second path of the Innate Soul Evolution Art. I was wondering how far your research has progressed?"
Lin Feng sipped his tea:
"I'm afraid I can't disclose that. If Clan Leader Ning is hoping for early access to the paths, that's not possible.
It wouldn't be fair to others."
Bone Douluo chuckled:
"Kid, we're not interested in your unreleased techniques. We're here for you."
"Oh?"
Ning Fengzhi spoke calmly:
"Perhaps those foolish soul masters out there think you broke through the innate limitations using the paths.
But in reality, your research must go far beyond that.
Simply accelerating soul power cultivation and slightly improving physical constitution wouldn't allow someone with innate level one soul power to break through to Soul Elder."
Ning Fengzhi's gaze was intense.
Innate soul power limitations and martial soul restrictions had never been broken before, yet Lin Feng stood as proof.
To Ning Fengzhi, Lin Feng was a treasure trove, offering the possibility of elevating the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda to the legendary Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda.
Lin Feng understood now.
"Clan Leader Ning, you want me to research the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda?"
"Exactly."
Chrysanthemum Douluo laughed:
"I've heard that since the Clear Sky Clan went into seclusion, there's been talk of the three great clans standing together.
For Clan Leader Ning to seek help from our Spirit Hall seems a bit… contradictory, no?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled wryly:
"The world operates on interests. Even enemies can cooperate in secret.
Let's not pretend that our relationship with the Spirit Hall is anywhere near hostile.
Lin Feng, feel free to state your terms. All I ask is that you pay special attention to martial soul restrictions in your research."