Douluo: Martial Soul Seven Kill Sword, The Sword Opens Heaven's Gates

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Si Yu and Si Long's gazes shifted toward Lou Gao, unconsciously placing immense pressure on him.

The two of them were relatively young and very open to embracing new ideas.

If Lou Gao refused, they would likely secretly contact a group of blacksmiths and join the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect together.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for blacksmiths to rise in status—there was no reason to miss it.

After much deliberation, Lou Gao said gravely, "I can't make this decision alone. Si Long, Si Yu, summon all master blacksmiths and above who are currently in the city. We'll put it to a vote."

He wasn't swayed by his disciples' emotions but had chosen the best course of action given their current situation.

Every move within the Blacksmiths' Association was surely being monitored by spies planted by the Spirit Hall.

By making a big commotion, he also hoped to involve the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect in helping them resolve the trouble.

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A quarter of an hour later, the Blacksmiths' Association's urgent summoning of senior blacksmiths was reported to Miles.

"What are they up to?" Miles muttered, finding it strange.

The Blacksmiths' Association had always been compliant, which was why he had dared to oppress them so brazenly.

Now, with the Blacksmiths' Association gathering so many people, something big was clearly about to happen.

High-level blacksmiths almost always possessed decent soul master cultivation. If so many of them gathered together, it could very well mean they were planning to confront the Spirit Hall.

Miles slapped the buttocks of the woman beside him, abruptly stood up, and laughed heartily. "Hmph, President Lou Gao must be desperate to fight to the bitter end. Inform everyone in the hall—let the Blacksmiths' Association know who truly rules Gengxin City!"

Meanwhile, in the hall on the first floor of the Blacksmiths' Association…

Ever since Lou Gao decided to call together the blacksmiths, merchants on the first and second floors had ceased operations.

Aside from a small number of blacksmiths who knew the inside story, most of those who were summoned had no idea what was going on.

Normally, an organization like the Blacksmiths' Association wouldn't lightly gather such a large number of mid-to-high-ranking members.

If there was a summons, it meant something major had occurred within the association.

Most of the uninformed blacksmiths speculated that Lou Gao was preparing to fight the Spirit Hall to the death.

After all, ever since Miles took over the Spirit Hall in Gengxin City, the Blacksmiths' Association hadn't had a single peaceful day. Recently, the Spirit Hall had even intensified its exploitation of the Blacksmiths' Association.

The blacksmiths, harboring growing resentment toward the Spirit Hall, were now at a boiling point. At this moment, if Lou Gao gave the order, they might very well march against the Spirit Hall.

At this time, Lou Gao was discussing specific details with Ning Tianchen and others, striving to secure more benefits for the Blacksmiths' Association.

Among these, Ning Tianchen promised to build the Blacksmiths' Association a new headquarters in Tiandou City and send people to assist them with the relocation.

Downstairs, Si Long and Si Yu maintained order.

As time passed, the blacksmiths who had already gathered grew impatient.

One highly respected blacksmith stepped forward and asked, "Master Si Long, may I ask why President Lou has summoned us? What is the purpose?"

"At this point, the president still hasn't appeared. Shouldn't he give us an explanation?"

Si Long glanced up the stairs and sighed helplessly. "Teacher is discussing important matters with our guests—they're not finished yet. Master Augdin, please remain calm for a little longer."

"Remain calm? You're making so many people wait here. It seems to me that President Lou Gao has chickened out, knowing we're coming."

The speaker was none other than Bishop Miles of the Spirit Hall.

He had waited outside the Blacksmiths' Association with his elite guards for a long time without any movement, and finally came to investigate.

Miles' guards rushed into the crowd, dispersing them and clearing a path.

Miles walked to the front, disdainfully eyeing Si Long. "Oh, isn't this Master Si Long? The other day, I asked you to craft something for me, and you said you didn't have time. What, do you have time today?"

"Fine then, I'll go back and wait. If I don't see what I want tonight, well, you know the consequences."

Si Long and Si Yu clenched their teeth.

Miles' actions were clearly meant to humiliate them.

"Bishop Miles, do you not fear retribution for your actions?" Si Yu angrily rebuked him.

Miles ignored him completely, pretending to look around and feigning confusion. "How strange. I clearly heard a dog barking just now. Where's the dog?"

Facing such humiliation, Si Yu's blood boiled.

He condensed soul power in his palm and launched an attack at Miles.

Si Yu possessed the cultivation of an initial Soul Sage, but because he had focused primarily on improving his forging skills and neglected his soul master training, his combat ability was lacking.

Although Miles' soul power level was only slightly higher than Si Yu's, he had experienced real battles and far surpassed Si Yu.

Miles leaned his body slightly backward, dodging Si Yu's attack, then suddenly threw a punch with his right hand, striking Si Yu in the abdomen. Si Yu cried out in pain, his body flying backward and crashing heavily onto the floor.

Miles clapped his hands and scolded his guards. "You're my guards. When a vicious dog lunges at me, do you just stand there and watch?"

His guards didn't see this as a reprimand—they burst into laughter.

"Miles, stop bullying us!" Si Long angrily accused him, rushing to Si Yu's side to check his injuries.

Miles shrugged and smiled. "Bullying? Hmph, I politely asked for your help, and you attacked me. Now you dare accuse me of bullying?"

"Everyone, tell me—does this make any sense?"

The blacksmiths gritted their teeth in anger, but due to the vast disparity in strength, they didn't dare make a move.

Suddenly, a laugh came from upstairs. "What a fine mood Bishop Miles is in. Since you're so eager to play, perhaps I'll keep you company?"

Miles straightened his collar and looked up at the stairs. "Oh? I didn't expect to meet someone I don't know. May I ask which faction you hail from?"

The arrivals were none other than Ning Tianchen and Feng Xiaotian.

Upon sensing the commotion downstairs, Lou Gao knew Miles had arrived with his men.

Miles was a stumbling block in securing the Blacksmiths' Association. If he wasn't dealt with, there would be endless trouble ahead.

The two descended the stairs slowly. Upon seeing their youthful faces, Miles immediately relaxed.

His tone remained as condescending as ever. "I thought some senior was here. Turns out it's just a couple of brats who haven't even grown facial hair. I'm in a good mood today, so I won't hold it against you. Be smart and leave quickly."

"I can't stand arrogant people. Since Bishop Miles is so intent on causing trouble, let's see if you have the strength to back it up," Ning Tianchen cracked his neck, clearly ready to fight.

Miles sneered. "Talk is cheap. Since you're so eager for a beating, I'll teach you how to address your superiors."

With that, he stretched his arms, shaking off his cloak. His guards turned their attention to Ning Tianchen, smirking confidently.

Si Long didn't know Ning Tianchen's strength, but judging by his age, he couldn't possibly match Miles. He hurriedly said, "Guests, this is a matter between the Blacksmiths' Association and the Spirit Hall—it doesn't concern you."

"Bishop Miles, don't push too far. Hurting a guest of the Blacksmiths' Association will not go unpunished by my teacher."

"Weaklings have no right to speak," Miles snapped, launching a sudden attack at Ning Tianchen.

The soul power condensed in his palm was enough to severely injure any Soul Emperor. Clearly, he intended to leave Ning Tianchen no way out.

Feng Xiaotian was startled, but before he could react, a powerful surge of soul power erupted from Ning Tianchen's body.

Miles' expression changed drastically. Realizing the danger, he tried to retreat but was locked in place by the overwhelming soul power.

At the same time, the Killing God Domain instantly spread, enveloping the entire Blacksmiths' Association.

While the members of the Blacksmiths' Association felt only a chill, the Spirit Hall's forces were utterly terrified by the oppressive killing intent.

Some even fell to their knees and begged for mercy.

Miles was shocked. Having become a cardinal, he had undoubtedly fought in numerous battles in his life—he wouldn't surrender so easily.

After struggling in vain several times, his face turned pale with shock. "No, you're also a Soul Sage! Why do you have a domain? Why is your soul power so dense and potent?"

Ning Tianchen calmly replied, "Bishop Miles, let me remind you of one thing: we are enemies now. Do you think an enemy would reveal their secrets to you?"

With that, he exerted a little more force, and an invisible power began pulling at the man's limbs, as if attempting to tear him apart.

Enduring the immense pressure and pain, Miles managed to utter through gritted teeth, "You—you can't kill me. I'm a cardinal of the Spirit Hall. If you kill me, His Holiness the Pope won't spare you."

Feng Xiaotian leaned close to Ning Tianchen's ear and whispered, "Tianchen, you can't kill him publicly."

The Blacksmiths' Association had just held a meeting, and Miles arrived shortly after. This practically confirmed that there was a traitor within the association.

If Ning Tianchen killed Miles now, the traitor would surely spread the news.

Not to mention when reinforcements from the Spirit Hall would arrive—even just the Star Luo Empire's army would be enough to overwhelm them.

After all, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was known as a supporter of the Tiandou Empire. Amidst escalating tensions between the two empires, they would likely be labeled spies.

The eight of them could evade pursuit easily, but the Blacksmiths' Association wouldn't be able to escape.

At this point, Ning Tianchen had already demonstrated his strength and intimidated Miles. For the time being, the latter wouldn't dare cause trouble for the Blacksmiths' Association again.

Realizing this, Ning Tianchen waved his hand, and a powerful surge of soul energy flung everyone from the Spirit Hall out of the building.

Miles felt as though he'd been pardoned. Supported by his guards, he fled without looking back.

"Haha, that felt good!" Lou Gao happened to walk down the stairs just then.

With Ning Tianchen's display of overwhelming power, the rest of the matters would proceed much more smoothly.

Whether or not the Blacksmiths' Association would join the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Sky Sword Sect would be decided by a vote among the blacksmiths.

Hearing Lou Gao's explanation, most of the blacksmiths were clearly swayed.

After all, a blacksmith would always only ever be a blacksmith. Outside of Gengxin City, their status was no different from that of commoners.

But if they could become soul engineers, they would earn the admiration of thousands.

Still, some hesitated due to family obligations, unwilling to leave Gengxin City.

Ning Tianchen took over, adding, "President Lou Gao and I have discussed this. Those who choose to stay in Gengxin City will continue managing the local branch of the Blacksmiths' Association, and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Sky Sword Sect will provide subsidies ranging from 100 to 1,000 gold spirit coins."

"Those choosing to relocate to Tiandou City to rebuild the Blacksmiths' Association will be provided free housing and resettlement fees ranging from 500 to 5,000 gold spirit coins."

---

In the end, nearly eighty percent of the blacksmiths chose to join the two sects.

Of the remaining twenty percent, some were too ill themselves, while others had family members who were gravely sick and required care.

Ning Tianchen assured them that anyone from the Blacksmiths' Association could join the two sects at any time in the future, with the same benefits.

After finishing everything, Ning Tianchen discussed travel arrangements with Lou Gao.

The Blacksmiths' Association consisted of nearly four hundred people, including families. Such a large group required someone to oversee their safety during the journey.

Feng Xiaotian and the others decided to return to Tiandou City with the main group, while Ning Tianchen and Ning Rongrong would head back to the Sky Sword Sect first to arrange related matters.

Before departing, Ning Tianchen wasn't idle—he intended to completely eliminate the threat!

Late at night, inside Miles' office.

Every time he recalled Ning Tianchen, Miles felt an immense sense of humiliation.

Since becoming a cardinal, he had never suffered such disgrace. To him, failing to avenge this insult would make him unworthy of being called a "gentleman."

Not long after, under his summons, several undercover agents hidden within the Blacksmiths' Association hurried to his office.

Miles loomed above them, angrily accusing, "There's such a powerful individual hidden within the Blacksmiths' Association—why didn't you report it!"

The undercover agents were also deeply frustrated.

They knew Ning Tianchen had arrived, but they had no idea he possessed such overwhelming strength.

His youthful appearance made him seem anything but a formidable opponent. Who would have guessed he was so powerful?

After berating them thoroughly, some of the resentment in Miles' heart dissipated.

Sitting back down in his chair, he muttered bitterly, "No matter who you are, offending me is tantamount to seeking death. Hmph, you're merely a Soul Sage. I'm sure the Soul Douluos and even Title Douluos within the hall will find you... interesting."

As he furiously scribbled away writing a letter, the pen was suddenly snatched from his hand.

"Who!" Miles stood up, about to unleash a torrent of curses, when he saw Ning Tianchen's face.

Ning Tianchen casually tossed the pen aside and chuckled, "I should thank you for helping the Blacksmiths' Association uncover its spies."

Miles looked up and noticed strangers had appeared in his office at some point. The guards outside the door lay dead in pools of blood, and even the undercover agents were restrained by Feng Xiaotian and the others.

"How did you get in here?" Miles was completely flustered.

Ning Rongrong smiled and said, "Thanks to the skull spirit bone your Spirit Hall kindly gifted us."

Under the effect of her head spirit bone skill, everyone could share each other's field of vision.

It was deep into the night, and Zhu Zhuqing's soul techniques blended seamlessly with the darkness, making her presence undetectable.

After Zhu Zhuqing eliminated the guards outside, Ning Tianchen and the others entered unimpeded, unnoticed.

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