Douluo: The blue phoenix cries loudly, and the wind whistles through the air

Zhao Chenggong was about to refuse, but Ma Benming held him down firmly. Ma Benming said, "Sir, the first to third tier soul tool technology can be bought easily on the market. We'll give you this part for free."

"The theories and blueprints for fourth to sixth tier soul tools are usually priceless, but they can be obtained at some auctions. We'd like to befriend you; this entire set is worth 10,000 gold coins, and we'll give it to you in a package. How about that?"

"Of course, it's just a copy. What we can guarantee is that there will be no errors in the copy."

Wu Qi felt the price was acceptable, so he didn't haggle any further.

Ma Benming continued, "We don't have a single blueprint for a ninth-tier soul tool; Dean Zhao's ultimate weapon is theoretically eighth-tier, and whether he's willing to part with it depends on his wishes. Besides, we don't have any other eighth-tier soul tool blueprints."

"We only have the blueprints for seventh-tier soul tools; we don't have the related theories. The academy has about twenty of these, but we can't guarantee their quality. These blueprints are worth two thousand gold coins each. What do you think?"

For Wu Qilai, the more the better. But the prerequisite is that the other party is willing to sell, to ensure that there will be no problems with the drawings.

Seeing that Zhao Chenggong was caught in a dilemma, Ma Benming apologized and pulled him outside to try to persuade him.

……

"Old Zhao, take my advice. Exchange it for money first. As long as you can advance to the seventh level Soul Master, it will all be worth it."

"Besides, that person may not be able to manufacture it even if he takes the blueprints away. Don't be so stubborn. Although these blueprints were obtained by the academy, we do not sell the original copies, so it does not count as betraying the academy's interests."

"It's clear that the official admires your talent. If you befriend him this time, you might be able to ride this wave and advance your career smoothly."

"How many times in life can you encounter a benefactor? You'd better seize the opportunity!"

In the end, Zhao Chenggong made a choice.

If you want to advance to a higher level of Soul Master and obtain more resources, simply pretending to be aloof won't work.

If he doesn't blend in with the world, he'll probably be stuck at the sixth-tier Soul Master level for the rest of his life, unable to make any progress.

Back in the reception room, he took out all the blueprints for seventh-order soul tools that were stored in the academy.

Both parties were very satisfied with the transaction.

After a pause, Wu Qi added, "The more high-level soul tool blueprints the better. I wonder if the two deans have any connections to obtain more? Of course, I will not treat the two deans unfairly."

As he spoke, he casually waved his hand, and two high-grade medicinal herbs slowly appeared. The rich aroma of the herbs filled the guest room, making it intoxicating.

It is true that Ma Benming is somewhat greedy, but he knows he should act within his means.

In a city on the edge of the continent like Luehai City, it's already a stroke of luck to be able to get about twenty blueprints for seventh-order soul tools for the academy. Getting more or higher-level blueprints is basically impossible.

Zhao Chenggong added, "Sir, seventh-tier soul tool blueprints are manageable, but for eighth or even ninth-tier blueprints, simply paying money might not be realistic. These advanced blueprints are either passed down from ancestors or the result of countless hours of research. Unless it's a barter arrangement, it's unlikely that a deal can be struck."

If they're willing to agree, the rest should be easy, right?

Wu Qi smiled inwardly. With his strength and status, he had no shortage of treasures. Not to mention high-grade medicinal herbs, he even possessed immortal herbs and soul bones.

"Oh? So Dean Zhao has connections? You don't need to worry about how to make the deal. If you can find a suitable seller for me, no matter the outcome, you will get your share."

Ma Benming quickly nudged Zhao Chenggong's sleeve and whispered, "This is the closest you'll ever get to becoming a Level 7 Soul Master. Seize the opportunity!"

There's only the limit: either you cross it zero times or you cross it countless times. Ma Benming's previous advice had already led Zhao to cross his own bottom line. Crossing it one more time wouldn't be a big deal.

“My lord, I can introduce you to my mentor. However, he lives in Mingdu. If you don’t mind, we can go together.”

"In addition, I also have a personal request."

Having received an affirmative reply, he continued, "After arriving in Mingdu, I need to undergo the advancement assessment for a seventh-level Soul Master. I hope you can protect my safety and provide me with the necessary assistance."

On the Sun and Moon Continent, the highest-ranking Soul Master is only level eight. Reaching level seven means one has already crossed the threshold of becoming a high-level Soul Master.

You should know that official positions in the imperial court are filled by a single person.

His sudden appearance as a disruptive force suggests that many people intend to harm him.

Zhao Chenggong once refused to take the assessment for a Level 7 Soul Master, partly because he didn't have the money, but more so because he was worried about his personal safety.

Wu Qi never refused such requests. He smiled and said, "I agree to your request. So when shall we set off?"

……

That night.

Zhao Chenggong and Ma Benming had a private conversation in the study.

Ma Benming's idea was to go to Mingdu with the other party and then to the Royal Academy to report to the academy leaders, and take the opportunity to resign from his position as the dean of Changde Academy and stay at the Royal Academy.

But Zhao Chenggong explicitly refused, "Dean Ma, this trip is dangerous. That sir is only an earl. In Mingdu, there are quite a few marquises and dukes. Those high-ranking officials and nobles may not give the earl face."

“It doesn’t matter if I die there alone, but you have a wife, children and elderly parents. You shouldn’t take the risk.”

In order to research soul tools, Zhao Chenggong always lived alone, without any ties.

For the sake of his career advancement, he could be reckless and even risk his life to pursue a higher level.

Ma Benming was finally persuaded and said, "Alright. Old Zhao, if you stay in Mingdu to take up a post, don't forget your brother. Changde Academy is certainly good, but it's a pity that it's too remote and there are no opportunities for promotion."

Meanwhile, at the hotel where Wu Qi was staying.

Both parties have agreed to travel to Mingdu in Wu Qi's carriage early tomorrow morning.

On their last night before departure, both sides were making preparations.

Before long, Wu Qingtian entered Wu Qi's room and reported, "Sir, the City Lord's Mansion of Luehai City has sent a visiting card and a map. Would you like to meet them?"

Wu Qingtian felt that everything before him was unreal.

Just a few days ago, he was a brat who could be bullied by everyone. But now, even a heavyweight like the city lord has to be respectful and bow down in front of him.

In Luehai City, the strongest individuals are Ma Benming and Zhao Chenggong from Changde Academy. The city lord is only a Soul Emperor, which is why he did not appear when they were at Changde Academy.

Wu Qi didn't intend to stay in Luehai City permanently, or even on the Sun and Moon Continent for long, so naturally he had no need to get to know people from all walks of life. (End of Chapter)