"Eight layers... it is indeed eight layers!"
The Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda resting on Ning Fengzhi's palm was constructed from nearly transparent glazed material.
Soft light gently radiated outward, creating a soothing and harmonious atmosphere.
It still only had seven soul rings, but with one additional layer, meaning Ning Fengzhi could now reach eight-ringed Soul Douluo status, capping at level 89.
While falling short of Title Douluo was regrettable, for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's long-cherished wish, this represented tremendous progress.
Ning Rongrong?
Well, the future looked promising!
As everyone collected their surprised expressions, Sword Douluo remarked emotionally:
"Fengzhi! When shall we hunt for soul beasts? While Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda's skills are fixed, with Eight Treasures..."
"We should consider carefully." Ning Fengzhi pondered. "Absorbing soul rings can wait - first determine what suits me best."
"Indeed." Bone Douluo nodded. "This can also pave the way for Rongrong. Even if mistakes occur..."
"Treat it as a lesson. Using Eight Treasures as Seven would suffice, so long as Rongrong's path remains unobstructed."
"Reasonable. For once I agree with old bone. Rongrong possesses Nine Treasures - having Fengzhi test the waters is ideal."
Sword Douluo nodded approvingly.
Their words made Ning Fengzhi's forehead darken with imaginary lines, his breath catching as if stabbed twice in the chest.
Logically sound, yes.
But why did it pierce his heart so!
What did they mean by "no problem if I absorb wrong rings as Eight Treasures"?
Their favoritism toward Rongrong was simply too blatant.
I'm the clan leader here!
"Ahem~ First we must properly settle Lou Gao's group from Metal City." Ning Fengzhi coughed to mask his helplessness. "Rongrong, your thoughts?"
"Either way works." Ning Rongrong nodded. "By the way, avoid the Great Star Dou Forest recently. Post-battle conditions likely remain dangerous."
"For soul rings, Sunset Forest would be better." Her gaze shifted to Dugu Bo. "Senior Dugu, in coming days please guide us there - you're most familiar."
"No problem." Dugu Bo thumped his chest confidently. "I'm also curious about Eight Treasure Glazed Pagoda's eighth skill."
Indeed, not just Dugu Bo - even Ning Rongrong was quite interested.
Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda's skills were essentially fixed, only their order varying.
But...
The eighth layer might differ entirely.
In original events, her eighth ring was a 100,000-year god-bestowed ring - Nine Treasure Protection Divine Light.
It nullified all attacks below ninth soul skills, and could withstand even ninth skills nine times.
Frankly...
This skill was downright outrageous.
Equivalent to standing still letting Title Douluos attack without guaranteed success.
Was this a support or defensive skill?
Or perhaps defensive soul masters gaining support capabilities.
Regardless, Ning Rongrong maintained high expectations for Ning Fengzhi's eighth ring.
While others focused on Ning Fengzhi's advancement, Ning Rongrong prioritized soul tool development.
After bidding farewell, she visited Lou Gao's residence.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had allocated special quarters for Metal City's craftsmen.
These would form Ning Rongrong's initial soul tool manufacturing team - at least in her own view.
"Marvelous! Absolutely ingenious!" Lou Gao's hearty laughter echoed before she even entered.
"Never dreamed I'd witness such brilliance in my lifetime!"
Standing at the doorway, Ning Rongrong saw Lou Gao's portly figure wielding a sword-like weapon with comical incongruity.
"Oh?"
Noticing the faint blue glow along the blade, surprise flashed across Ning Rongrong's face.
A melee soul tool?
Ning Fengzhi had granted researchers considerable freedom, but this progress seemed unrealistically fast!
The round trip to Gengxin City hadn't even taken a year - were soul tools this easy to produce?
"Hmm, perhaps not impossible." Ning Rongrong mused.
Levels one to three were basic soul tools.
She'd provided near-perfect theoretical frameworks.
With unlimited funding, materials, and tolerance for failures...
Plus those relatively advanced broken soul tools retrieved from Heaven Dou's treasury as references...
Imitating basic soul tool designs might be feasible.
Once properly developed, encryption would become essential.
That "already deserving death" fellow was quite the accomplished thief.
What, publish technical patents?
"Am I, Ning Rongrong, stupid? Or is Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan stupid?"
Forget continental development and righteousness - I want to stand atop the world looking down on all.
As the clan's trump card for survival, how could we possibly disclose it?
She observed silently from the doorway without interrupting the heated discussions.
After extensive swordplay, Lou Gao finally noticed her presence:
"Young Mistress, when did you arrive?"
Addressing her thus came naturally to Lou Gao.
He foresaw soul tools revolutionizing Douluo Continent.
History would remember him as the pioneer.
For his guide Ning Rongrong, calling her Young Mistress was nothing - he'd address her as ancestor if needed.
"Ah, no need for such formality." Ning Rongrong said.
"Father has positioned me as successor, and many privately address me thus, though not officially announced."
She still had two brothers, though their soul power... well, likely inferior to hers now.
But face must be preserved regardless.
"Are the soul tool materials from Elder Mu satisfactory?"
Entering, she examined the cluttered design blueprints.
Alongside one melee and one ranged soul tool, she inquired curiously.
"Extremely satisfactory!" Lou Gao laughed heartily.
"Excellent. Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan welcomes Divine Craftsman Lou Gao." Turning, Ning Rongrong addressed Mu Feng.
The 76-year-old soul king had spearheaded soul tool research this past year, also serving as the clan's chief weapons/armor designer.
Though his status remained modest, Ning Rongrong respected this dedicated elder.
"Elder Mu Feng, here's Father's proposal for establishing our Soul Tool Pavilion."
Placing documents on the table, she added,
"My apologies - the pavilion director position cannot go to you."
"Young Mistress, no apologies needed." Mu Feng smiled. "At my age, I understand many things."
"I anticipated not becoming director. Just an old man barely reaching Soul King rank."
"Elder..."
Mu Feng waved dismissively: "Witnessing revolutionary soul tools in my lifetime satisfies me completely."
"I deeply admire Master Lou Gao. Having him lead brings me nothing but joy."
"Thank you for understanding." Ning Rongrong exhaled in relief. Frankly, she'd struggled with explaining to this lifelong contributor about being superseded.
Mu Feng currently directed the clan's soul tool development.
While Ning Rongrong provided concepts, professionals handled practical implementation.