Chapter 159: Managing the Mysterious Heaven Record
After two days, the four of them had fully absorbed their spirit bones and herbs, resulting in remarkable power boosts.
Yang Ping'an's spirit power rose to level 57, and his physical attributes were significantly enhanced, with a faint trace of dragon energy emerging in his bloodline. Even his once-dark Breaking Soul Spear had taken on a hint of red, which he now referred to as the Dragon Soul Spear.
Dugu Yan's spirit power reached level 55, and her martial spirit evolved into the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, amplifying her toxin-based abilities and eliminating the martial spirit's poison within her, making it an inherent trait of her body. Her chances of reaching Titled Douluo had vastly improved.
Niu Meng's physical transformation was perhaps the most pronounced. The sound of cracking bones accompanied his herb absorption, and his limbs became noticeably more robust, with his skin darkening to a bronze hue. His spirit power rose by five levels, bringing him to level 50.
Lastly, Yang Tianyue, despite being a young woman with a relatively weaker physical foundation, gained considerable strength from the Divine Jade Bamboo, sharpening the edge and flexibility of her Breaking Soul Spear. Her spirit power rose by six levels, reaching level 47. Her head spirit bone, being the highest in value, notably increased her mental strength to a level comparable to that of a Soul Emperor.
After congratulating the four on their advancements, the other family members left the chamber, leaving only Yang Potian, Yang Wudi, Yang Wushuang, his father Yang Zhentian, his grandfather Niu Gao, and the Poison Douluo, as they needed to discuss important family decisions.
Yang Wudi spoke first, turning to Niu Gao, "Old Rhino, what do you think about Tang Hao? He was severely injured, and his body endured the explosive ring technique, which might exceed his physical limits. He could very well be on the verge of death."
Before Niu Gao could respond, Yang Potian interjected. "Grandfather, you underestimate Tang Hao. He may be injured, but his ninth spirit ring is a hundred-thousand-year ring, and his body is equipped with high-level spirit bones of over fifty-thousand-year strength—some of which were Haotian Clan heritage spirit bones. His injuries may be serious, but they're likely manageable."
"Besides, if Tang Hao were critically wounded, he could return to Haotian Clan for treatment. Tang Xiao, the clan's leader, is his elder brother, who certainly wouldn't refuse to help him. Remember, back when Tang Hao had only just become a Titled Douluo, he managed to kill Qian Xunji, bearer of the Six-Winged Angel Spirit, and took down three Titled Douluo single-handedly. His power is phenomenal."
The group considered his words, and Yang Wudi nodded slowly. "True. Even with seven Titled Douluo mobilized, Spirit Hall was unable to stop Tang Hao, which is… unusual."
Yang Potian mused silently. Spirit Hall's actions were puzzling. Tang Hao had escaped but was clearly severely injured. If Spirit Hall had assigned a flying or agility-type Titled Douluo to track and pressure him constantly, Tang Hao would have been killed without question. Instead, they let him slip away entirely unchallenged.
After some discussion, Yang Wudi turned to his grandson. "Potian, what's our plan? Are we really moving the entire clan to the Almo Mountains?"
"Yes, and we need to do it swiftly. Ideally, we should relocate everyone within the year, leaving only one elder to oversee our base in Heaven Dou City," Yang Potian replied firmly.
Niu Gao seemed taken aback. "Isn't that a bit rushed? The Almo Mountains have no existing infrastructure; everything would need to be built from scratch."
Yang Potian shook his head. "It's not about speed, Grandfather. The political landscape is becoming increasingly suspicious. Take the recent Spirit Master Tournament, for example. Spirit Hall could have easily captured Tang Hao, yet they held back. Even Bibi Dong didn't use her ten-thousand-year ring or spirit bone skills. Spirit Hall is clearly waiting for something. When they're done waiting, it'll likely spell disaster."
Poison Douluo looked skeptical. "Little monster, aren't you exaggerating? Spirit Hall is powerful, but can they really bring such upheaval?"
Yang Potian regarded him seriously. "Dugu Grandfather, if Spirit Hall deploys a large number of Spirit Masters alongside seven Titled Douluo and attacks the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan or the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, do you think either clan could survive?"
He went on, "Bibi Dong is at least as powerful as Sword Douluo, yet she didn't try to take down Tang Hao. Clearly, Spirit Hall is concealing its true capabilities."
Yang Wudi, struck by the implications, asked, "What about the duel between Old Rhino, me, and the Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo? Why would Spirit Hall allow it if they're hiding their strength?"
Yang Potian smirked. "They're not only allowing it; they're counting on it. They want us to reveal where we stand. Spirit Hall knows full well that duels between Titled Douluo rarely lead to death. At most, both parties end up injured and need time to recover. And given our proximity to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Spirit Hall would likely prefer us out of the picture. With us gone, they can strike the clan without interference."
Yang Wudi was convinced but pointed out, "Relocating will cost us. Moving to the Almo Mountains, especially starting from scratch, could consume nearly a decade's worth of resources."
In response, Yang Potian pulled out a few books from his bag—the six manuals he had obtained from Tang San.
Yang Wudi looked puzzled. "Weren't you cautious about using these techniques? Why bring them out now?"
"These are worth a fortune, Grandfather," Yang Potian replied.
Realization dawned on Yang Wudi. "You're thinking of selling them? Isn't that risky?"
Yang Potian shook his head. "We won't openly auction them. Instead, Father, I want you to print fifty copies of each of the five basic techniques and sell them on the black market across the continent. Every black market should receive a copy. Each technique could sell for five hundred thousand to a million gold coins. Multiply that, and you're looking at an astronomical sum."
The others were stunned, quickly realizing the potential profits. "Using this method," one mused, "we'd likely accumulate over a billion in gold coins with just those five manuals. These techniques are top-quality."
Niu Gao, however, voiced a concern. "Won't this erode our advantage if they're so widely distributed? Even if we keep the Mysterious Heaven Skill, other clans might catch up."
"Quite the opposite, Grandfather. With exclusive access to the Mysterious Heaven Skill, we'll continue to outpace them. Only we can cultivate these techniques to their highest level. Besides, only trusted core disciples will have access to the Mysterious Heaven Skill for now. In three to five years, we can selectively release the lower levels of it. Even then, we'll retain a clear advantage."
Still uncertain, Yang Zhentian asked, "Why involve Shinian? Wouldn't it be easier if I went alone?"
Yang Potian grinned mischievously. "Father, Shinian's spirit power is crucial. Disguise him as a defector from Haotian Clan. Use Haotian Clan's signature spirit power in a few high-stakes sales. That way, if someone tries to investigate, they'll trace everything back to Haotian Clan."
Zhentian hesitated. "A Haotian Clan defector? Will that work?"
"Absolutely," said Yang Potian. "Just keep a low profile and cover your tracks. In the middle of some transactions, simulate conflict and briefly reveal the Clear Sky Hammer spirit. This will leave hints pointing back to Haotian Clan."
"Once these manuals inevitably reach Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, both will be more concerned with tracking down Haotian Clan than us. Meanwhile, we'll be busy setting up in the Almo Mountains—who would suspect us?"
Niu Gao frowned. "But how does any of this help us? It seems purely disruptive."
Yang Potian sighed, exasperated. "Grandfather, if you were in Spirit Hall or the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's position, what would you think?"
"They'd wonder why Haotian Clan kept such valuable techniques to themselves. This will further strain relations between the clans, giving us space to develop independently."
"The more chaotic things become, the more time we have to regroup and grow stronger. Once I and the others reach Titled Douluo, with over ten Titled Douluo on our side, we'll have enough power to act without fear."
At this, everyone turned to Poison Douluo. Feeling their eyes on him, Dugu Bo spoke, "I'd go to Almo with you all, but I owe Prince Xue Xing a favor. Leaving abruptly would be a poor repayment. I'd rather clear this debt first."
Yang Potian said, "Grandfather Dugu, it's only a matter of time before you can settle that favor. I think Prince Xue Xing will soon call on you."
Dugu Bo looked doubtful. "He values my favor highly. He won't use it lightly."
Yang Potian smirked. "He might not waste it on himself, but for his dear nephew, Crown Prince Xue Beng, I'm sure he will."
(End of Chapter)