Ning Fengzhi's attitude was somewhat unexpected for Lin Feng.
He tentatively asked:
"Then, Clan Leader Ning, what can you offer in return?"
Ning Fengzhi chuckled:
"If you can truly resolve our martial soul's defect, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan is willing to give you one-fifth of our wealth."
"Oh?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo narrowed his eyes:
"Such a vast sum. Aren't you worried about aiding the enemy? Are you really willing to part with it?"
Ning Fengzhi casually sipped his wine and replied indifferently:
"Who saw it? Don't speak nonsense. This is merely a reward for completing a task.
As for wealth, it means little to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. We can recover it in no time."
"Is that so…"
Lin Feng looked at Ning Fengzhi. This man, often called a sly fox, sometimes seemed more like a fence-sitter.
Lin Feng smiled inwardly:
"In that case, I can try to research it."
Ning Fengzhi nodded with a smile:
"Here's a small advance as a deposit."
Sword Douluo flicked a red card toward them, which Chrysanthemum Douluo caught effortlessly.
Lin Feng glanced at the number on the card and his heart skipped a beat. It really was a "small" advance!
Was this guy hoarding all the gold soul coins on the continent? The Gordon Gekko of the Douluo world, huh?
"Then we'll take our leave. Scholar Lin, please inform me immediately if you make any progress.
Of course, if there are no results, consider this sum as compensation for your efforts."
With a confident smile, Ning Fengzhi left, accompanied by Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo.
Chrysanthemum Douluo twirled the red card in his hand, clicking his tongue:
"Seems like you're quite popular in the soul master world, Xiao Feng. Unlike that Grandmaster, who's famous but no one wants to recruit."
Lin Feng shook his head:
"I'm not sure what his other motives are. Offering so much just for me to research martial soul defects seems a bit excessive."
Lin Feng stood up:
"Let's go. We should leave. We'll discuss the uses of the Life Gold later."
Qian Renxue rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
"Xiao Feng, what do you think Lady Yuehua wants with you?
She's quite charming. Maybe she wants to lure you in and devour you, hmm?"
With that, Qian Renxue burst into laughter at her own joke.
Lin Feng shrugged helplessly:
"Whatever her intentions, we won't be meeting her today.
As for why she wanted the Life Gold, I have some guesses."
Ling Yuan tilted her head: "What are they?"
"It might be for one of her brothers. Who knows?
The Clear Sky Clan and her are still connected, after all."
The next morning, Lin Feng and his group arrived at Moon Pavilion.
Qian Renxue was still in disguise.
Tang Yuehua, elegant and poised, was already waiting at Moon Pavilion.
Her sky-blue hair was styled in an elaborate updo, adorned with a diamond-shaped gem on her forehead.
Somehow, she had learned of Lin Feng's identity. She spoke softly:
"Scholar Lin, please follow me."
With graceful steps, she led them to the second floor.
In a lavishly decorated room filled with the scent of incense, Tang Yuehua sat gracefully.
Lin Feng and the others accepted tea from a maid.
After a sip, Lin Feng praised:
"Moon Pavilion truly lives up to its reputation as one of Heaven Dou's top noble establishments. Even this tea has a unique touch.
It's soft on the palate, with a hint of sweet fragrance, leaving a lasting aftertaste."
Tang Yuehua smiled and nodded. "Scholar Lin, you truly have an appreciation for the finer things. This tea is specially sourced from the tea mountains of the Star Luo Empire.
Its annual yield is limited, reserved only for our most esteemed guests."
Lin Feng set down his cup and looked directly at Tang Yuehua. "Lady Yuehua, may I ask why you've invited me here?"
Tang Yuehua smiled gently. "Scholar Lin, you're too modest. I've invited you to give a lecture to the students of Moon Pavilion."
"A lecture?" Lin Feng was surprised. He hadn't expected such a request.
"Yes. While Moon Pavilion is renowned for its noble etiquette, our students' understanding and application of martial souls are relatively weak.
I've heard of your unique insights into martial soul research and would like you to guide them." Tang Yuehua explained.
Lin Feng thought for a moment. "Lady Yuehua, I'm afraid I must disappoint you.
I'm not well-versed in teaching martial soul theory, and we're not here to make a public appearance.
Meeting you privately is already pushing our limits.
Let's get to the real reason for your invitation, Lady Yuehua."
Tang Yuehua was taken aback. She looked at Lin Feng and smiled faintly:
"Very well. Scholar Lin, you truly live up to your reputation as a rising genius.
I'll be direct. The strange stone you acquired yesterday is of great use to me, but your abilities are even more valuable."
Lin Feng suddenly laughed:
"You also want to resolve martial soul defects?"
Tang Yuehua was momentarily speechless, her expression puzzled:
"How did you know?"
…
So, the martial souls of the Douluo Continent were truly a mixed bag.
From the first generation to the second, countless martial souls had defects.
Even the bloodline awakening of a certain green-haired turtle required a maiden's sacrifice. It was hard to imagine how their ancestors discovered such methods.
Lin Feng sighed:
"Lady Yuehua, I'm currently swamped with tasks. I'm afraid I can't help you."
Tang Yuehua's lips curved slightly:
"No need to rush. I can wait for a long time. As long as Scholar Lin keeps it in mind, that's enough. I'm not in a hurry."
Qian Renxue scoffed:
"And what can you offer Xiao Feng?"
Tang Yuehua hesitated, then spoke with a hint of bitterness:
"Whatever you need, I will not refuse."
"You…"
Qian Renxue frowned. The implied meaning in Tang Yuehua's words made her uncomfortable.
She glanced at Tang Yuehua. Her appearance didn't betray her age, and her figure was impeccable.
Hmph.
Trying to add another admirer? More like you're the one benefiting!
Qian Renxue crossed her arms and legs, her expression stern:
"I'm glad you're willing to offer everything, but I don't appreciate the implications in your words."
Lin Feng couldn't help but laugh at Qian Renxue's sudden change in demeanor.
Tang Yuehua was momentarily stunned by Qian Renxue's tone.
Lin Feng composed himself:
"Let's return to the earlier topic. As a member of the Clear Sky Clan, though you left the family years ago,
you're still connected to them. The Spirit Hall forced the Clear Sky Clan into seclusion because of Tang Hao. Don't you harbor any resentment?
Yet you're seeking my help?"
Tang Yuehua looked deeply at the disguised Qian Renxue and said:
"That's why this is a personal request. The only one involved is you."
Before Tang Yuehua could continue, a maid rushed in, her face pale and her chest heaving.
After catching her breath, she stammered:
"Madam, the fox girl is gone! The sisters and soul master watching her have been knocked unconscious!"
"What!"
Tang Yuehua stood up abruptly, her expression shifting rapidly.
Lin Feng asked curiously:
"Wasn't the fox girl's cultivation level low? How did she escape?
And why would she run? Did Lady Yuehua buy her with ulterior motives?"
"Scholar Lin, you jest. The fox girl isn't as the host described—a result of a failed martial soul awakening.
What I can tell you is that the fox girl was found by the surviving soul master on his way back to the city."
Lin Feng narrowed his eyes:
"What was the cultivation level of the soul master guarding her?"
"Four rings, Soul Ancestor."