Chapter 129: The Ultimate Craftsman and the Guardian Body Sect
Despite perfecting the art of "spiritual forging" with ten thousand hammer blows, the resulting metal still couldn't meet the requirements for Ye Wen's three character battle armor. They needed to delve further into the mysteries of soul forging.
Though every beginning is difficult, now that Ye Wen and Lou Gao had found a direction, they knew that persistence would yield results. Their spirits remained unshaken, and they pressed on with research. The spiritual forged metal they'd crafted did have the necessary strength to complete the two character battle armor, bringing it to perfection.
Currently, Ye Wen was anything but strapped for cash his resources were plentiful, and his research funding was robust. And so, the two threw themselves into intensive production. After six more months of effort, they finally grasped the essence of soul forged metal and crafted Crimson Tempest, the first three character battle armor in Douluo Continent's history.
In return for Lou Gao's invaluable help, Ye Wen didn't hold back. He used the essence of immortal herbs to enhance Lou Gao's talent and set him up with the best training resources available. Lou Gao soon reached Soul Saint level, and once he acquired a suitable spirit ring, Ye Wen gifted him the historic three character battle armor they had completed. The Crimson Tempest series was designed to be a versatile armor, capable of enhancing any Soul Master's overall physical and mental abilities, though at the cost of specialized enhancements.
Yet, with the Crimson Tempest armor, Lou Gao was now formidable enough to rival Titled Douluo in strength. However, Ye Wen and Lou Gao noticed one significant limitation it lacked the ability to fly. Flight was a significant tactical disadvantage at high levels, where most Titled Douluo had mastered aerial maneuvers. Since they didn't want to compromise the armor's performance with bulky mechanisms, they developed an upgrade, Crimson Tempest 2.0, which included detachable, collapsible wings that could be stored within a spatial compartment when not in use.
Upon donning this masterpiece, Lou Gao was brought to tears. A once seemingly average Soul Master like himself could now wield strength comparable to a Titled Douluo. Driven by gratitude and purpose, Lou Gao's loyalty to Ye Wen became deeply rooted, going beyond his initial fascination with the battle armor.
Meanwhile, the news of the Tianxing Academy's championship victory still hadn't faded. Many powerful factions had become intensely interested in Ye Wen's disciples, marveling at the terrifying talent of young Soul Emperors under 20 who could pose a threat to Soul Saints.
The Blue Silver Forest, a restricted zone within Tianxing Academy, remained off limits except to students who earned special access. However, despite the prohibition, many sought to infiltrate it over the past year. But with Ah Yin serving as an ever watchful guardian, anyone venturing into this territory was like a moth flying into a flame. The strongest trespasser so far had been a Soul Douluo, but even he was swiftly repelled by a combined assault from the Hou siblings' self created martial techniques.
However, their victory in the tournament had unforeseen effects as well. Hou Quan's body spirit martial power began to attract attention. In an era where body spirit Soul Masters were rare, those with body spirits began to view him as a guiding light, and some came to the academy, hoping to join and learn from him. Most were older than typical students, already Soul Elders or stronger.
Ye Wen allowed them to linger. He intended to test their dedication and loyalty, knowing that things gained too easily often go unappreciated. For his future plans, Ye Wen couldn't let such valuable fighters slip away easily.
"Master, are you sure about this?" Hou Rui asked uneasily.
Sipping his tea, Ye Wen calmly replied, "You and your brother are 20 now time to stand on your own. I've taught you everything you need to know; the rest is up to you. It's time to settle down, keep refining your skills, and reach for the Titled Douluo rank."
He added, "Besides, you and Hou Quan are perfect for the task. Don't shy away from it, Hou Rui."
Hou Quan chimed in, "Exactly, Sis! What's the big deal? It's just a title 'sect leader.' You can do it!"
Indeed, Ye Wen had a plan in mind: he wanted the Hou siblings to establish a new sect, the Body Sect. Hou Rui would be its leader, with Hou Quan serving as her deputy. This sect would focus solely on training and performing specific missions for Tianxing Academy, unlike other organizations where members could come and go as they pleased. While maintaining a strict adherence to their own rules, their primary role would be to protect Tianxing Academy's affiliated businesses, such as the Tianxing Clinics. They were, in essence, a "Bodyguard Sect."
A sect with a strong internal focus would pose little threat to other major powers and wouldn't attract the enmity of rival factions. Hou Rui accepted her new position, realizing it was a way to repay Ye Wen for his years of mentorship.
"Fine," she said, her resolve hardening. "If the Body Sect becomes the academy's weapon, I'll ensure we're sharp enough to make anyone who dares threaten us pay the ultimate price."
Her determination and fury shone clearly. Having suffered since childhood, she was resolved to protect the things most important to her.
The establishment of the Body Sect went smoothly, as there were no bureaucratic hurdles like an "Office of Sect Affairs." While Douluo Continent was vast, body spirit Soul Masters were few and far between, totaling just 112. All of them had impressive potential, with none weaker than a Soul Elder, giving the new sect an impressive presence. Hou Rui withheld the secret method of second stage spirit awakening, as she knew that these new members had yet to earn her trust.
As the Body Sect's numbers grew, so too did the academy's influence on Douluo Continent. Tianxing Academy had evolved into a formidable force. With the addition of the sect's guardians, its reputation rivaled the three top sects. Having secured his academy and set everything in order, Ye Wen's gaze turned toward the distant ocean.
"It's time. Let's hope Bo Saixi is open to negotiation," he murmured.
With his plans on course, Ye Wen set out with Bihai to reach Sea God Island. Thanks to his companion's guidance, they bypassed the Demon Whale Sea and avoided the Deep Sea Demon Whale King. Though Ye Wen was capable of defeating it, he saw no need to pick unnecessary fights.
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10