Chapter 83: Chapter 83: Qian Xunji Vomits Blood: You Treacherous Scoundrel Zhou Yi!
"Spirit Crane Elder?"
[Tl/N: It's Ling Yuan.]
Yue Guan and Gui Mei exchanged glances at Zhou Yi, then at the silent Ling Yuan Douluo standing nearby. Their expressions were strange.
Who would've thought Zhou Yi intended to marry an elder of Spirit Hall?
Moreover, though Ling Yuan Douluo didn't appear old, her actual age wasn't insignificant in a world like Douluo Continent, where everyone matured early.
Forget being Zhou Yi's mother—she was old enough to be his grandmother.
"Strange. It's only been a few days, yet why does Ling Yuan Elder look younger? She's even more stunning. No wonder even the Martial God was moved!" Yue Guan whispered to Gui Mei, his tone full of intrigue.
"You're not wrong. She does look younger and more beautiful," Gui Mei muttered, casting another glance at Ling Yuan. He couldn't help but agree.
"Do you think this marriage will work out?" Yue Guan asked, his curiosity unabated.
"It's likely. Ling Yuan Douluo seems to have already developed feelings for the Martial God. If she's willing, even the Supreme Pontiff can't stop them. Though it'll leave everyone involved in an awkward position," Gui Mei replied.
He noticed that Ling Yuan's usually cold and aloof face now bore a faint, rare blush. This was a clear sign—there was no stopping this.
After all, even the Grand Consecration couldn't best Zhou Yi.
Qian Xunji had no chance of intervening.
"The Supreme Pontiff need not be so hasty," Zhou Yi said, sitting calmly. He picked up his tea and took a slow sip, smiling faintly.
"Ling Yuan Elder is unparalleled in elegance and beauty. From the moment I met her, I was captivated. Your Holiness is known for your understanding nature. Surely, you won't make this a wasted journey?"
As he spoke, Zhou Yi retrieved a manual from his robes and placed it on the table, sliding it toward Qian Xunji.
It was another case of "offering a fortune while giving away nothing."
This time was no exception.
The manual Zhou Yi handed over detailed the first five levels of the Golden Bell Shield.
The Golden Bell Shield was undeniably powerful, yet it carried a reputation for being a common technique.
Why?
Because the first five levels were widely circulated. Anyone with even a hint of capability could get their hands on them.
While difficult to cultivate and not exceptionally potent at this stage, it was still considered decent among foundational techniques.
In time, Zhou Yi planned to release the first five levels of the Golden Bell Shield publicly, using them to attract talent.
Though the initial levels weren't overly powerful, those who successfully cultivated them would undoubtedly possess great potential—both in talent and perseverance.
Once they reached the fifth level, if they wanted to proceed further, they'd have no choice but to join the Martial Sect.
In this way, Zhou Yi ensured a steady influx of talent to his faction.
Currently, however, the first five levels of the Golden Bell Shield were available across the continent.
Even an ordinary person could purchase it with enough money.
So, while Qian Xunji might regard the manual as valuable now, it wouldn't hold that status for long.
Qian Xunji, unaware of the larger plan, froze the moment he saw the words Golden Bell Shield on the manual's cover.
This was one of Zhou Yi's signature techniques, regarded as his secret trump card.
And now, Zhou Yi was offering it as a betrothal gift?
Impossible!
Even if Ling Yuan was a Titled Douluo, there was no way she was worth this much.
Unless it was fake?
"This is the upper scroll of the Golden Bell Shield, containing only the first five levels. As a betrothal gift, I believe it should suffice," Zhou Yi explained with a calm demeanor.
Hearing this, Qian Xunji's doubts eased.
So it wasn't the complete manual.
That made sense. Zhou Yi would never hand over the full Golden Bell Shield.
Glancing at Ling Yuan, Qian Xunji noticed the faint blush on her cold face—an unprecedented sight. It was evident she and Zhou Yi were already deeply involved.
Even if he objected, it would be futile.
Worse, it would embarrass everyone.
Moreover, Zhou Yi had presented the Golden Bell Shield's first five levels—a gesture of genuine sincerity.
There was no need to antagonize him over this.
With these thoughts in mind, Qian Xunji's expression softened. His tone turned warm, giving the impression of a spring breeze.
"To think the Martial God Douluo and Ling Yuan Douluo have fallen in love at first sight! This union is a joyous occasion for the entire continent. How could I not bless it?"
Thus, the wedding date for Zhou Yi and Ling Yuan was set for April 15th.
"Farewell!"
With matters resolved, Zhou Yi didn't linger. He bid farewell to Qian Xunji and Ling Yuan, stepping into the sky and departing.
Meanwhile, Qian Xunji excitedly took the Golden Bell Shield manual to his father, Qian Daoliu.
Recently, Qian Daoliu had been researching the Solitary Yang Finger Technique, even enlisting Soul Masters to practice it. He discovered that it could indeed convert Soul Power into Yang Energy, enhancing cultivation speed.
However, the Yang Energy didn't surpass Soul Power in strength. It merely added a Yang attribute.
In other words, the Solitary Yang Finger Technique's greatest value lay in accelerating cultivation.
Qian Daoliu was torn about whether to commit to it.
He knew Zhou Yi possessed superior techniques, but acquiring them was no simple matter.
"Father!" Qian Xunji exclaimed.
At this moment, Qian Xunji approached, holding the Five-Stages Golden Bell Shiled Manual, and handed it to Qian Daoliu.
"Father, could you examine this cultivation technique for any issues?"
"Golden Bell Shield?"
Qian Daoliu glanced at the manual, his expression turning contemplative.
"How did you acquire this?"
"It was part of the bride price offered by Zhou Yi when he proposed to Ling Yuan Douluo. I've noticed that Ling Yuan Douluo has already become closely associated with him, so I had no choice but to accept."
"Hm."
Qian Daoliu nodded faintly, then took the Golden Bell Shield Manual and began to examine it closely.
Over the years, he had developed considerable insight into martial cultivation techniques.
After carefully studying it, Qian Daoliu muttered,
"This appears genuine. Successfully cultivating all five stages can significantly enhance the physical body, but it has a clear weak point and inherent flaws."
"Then can we cultivate it?"
Qian Xunji asked eagerly, his anticipation evident.
"You can cultivate it, but it must not be widely disseminated," Qian Daoliu replied, frowning.
"This manual only details the first five stages of the Golden Bell Barrier. Once someone completes these stages, they'll likely develop an overwhelming desire to pursue the subsequent techniques. And then, what do you think would happen?"
"They might defect to Zhou Yi in hopes of obtaining the rest of the manual?"
Qian Xunji's brows furrowed deeply. His earlier excitement subsided, replaced by concern.
Now that he thought about it, Zhou Yi's offering of an incomplete Golden Bell Shield Manual was likely a calculated move to undermine Spirit Hall's cohesion.
"Despicable! How dare he scheme against me!"
Qian Xunji clenched his fists, his face filled with fury.
As he pondered further, a more troubling scenario arose in his mind.
Many elders of Spirit Hall had witnessed him receiving the Five-Stages Golden Bell Shield Manual today. Would he distribute it for their cultivation or withhold it?
If he shared it, once they reached the fifth stage, the temptation to seek Zhou Yi for the subsequent techniques might prove irresistible.
If he withheld it, they might see him as selfish and petty, hoarding resources for himself, which could breed resentment and disloyalty.
凸(艸皿艸)!
The more Qian Xunji thought about it, the angrier he became. It was a dilemma—a ticking time bomb disguised as a gift.
He immediately shared his concerns with Qian Daoliu and asked,
"Father, what do you think we should do?"
Qian Daoliu's face darkened, and he sank into contemplation. This revelation brought to light many factors he hadn't previously considered.
"Zhou Yi wants to establish a Martial Sect and will need prodigies for its foundation. By offering you the Five-Stages Golden Bell Shield, it's highly probable he will provide the same to others in the future.
"In doing so, it won't be long before the initial stages of the Golden Bell Shield become widely circulated, drawing more and more talents into his Martial Sect."
"And we won't be able to stop him!"
"Forget it. Since we cannot prevent this, we might as well remove the restrictions. Allow anyone interested to cultivate it."
"Damn it!"
Qian Xunji felt his blood boil, his rage surging uncontrollably.
He had been played—utterly and thoroughly! And worse, he could do nothing about it. It was like swallowing a bitter pill and being unable to voice his suffering.
"Strength is the ultimate truth," Qian Daoliu said with a long sigh, filled with helplessness.
"Zhou Yi is stronger than us. That's why we can't stop him. If one of us could ascend to godhood, we could crush Zhou Yi underfoot, and we wouldn't be in such a passive position."
Qian Daoliu's voice was filled with resignation. Being weaker meant enduring humiliation, with no means to fight back.
This was Zhou Yi's overt stratagem.
"I understand, Father!"
Qian Xunji left in frustration, his heart brimming with unvented anger.
"Godhood, is it?"
"If I cannot inherit the Angel God's position, then I'll forge one myself!"
"If one isn't enough, then ten!"
"Surely, one of them will succeed!"
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