Douluo Continent: Long Live the Spirit Hall

The area was remarkably quiet, with few people approaching. Each small courtyard was connected by a path about two meters wide. The figures walking along these paths were all dressed in the distinctive attire of dzi bead masters, clearly indicating that special requirements governed their entry into this area.

Yan glanced around the small courtyard a few times, then turned and waved to the silver-armored guards who were about ten meters away from them.

The commander of the silver-armored guards quickly stepped forward and said respectfully, "Greetings, sir. Do you need information about this area?"

Yan nodded. "Tell me about him! I'd like to know if there's a Formation Master here named Huyan Aobo."

The silver-armored guard quickly said, "Old Master Huyan Aobo? He rarely appears in public, so it's uncertain whether he's in seclusion. Let me take you there to inquire!"

"Ok!"

Yan nodded slightly, and the commander of the silver-armored guards quickly led the way. Yan patted Han Xiao on the shoulder, signaling him to follow, and the group entered this secluded courtyard.

The silver-armored guard commander led Yan and his group to the gate of a small courtyard further inside. He first stepped forward and gently knocked on the door, softly calling out, "Excuse me, is Senior Huyan at home?"

Shortly afterward, the door opened, and a middle-aged man came out. He was slightly surprised to see so many people at the gate of the courtyard, including silver-armored guards.

Upon seeing the middle-aged man, the commander of the silver-armored guards immediately bowed and said respectfully, "Greetings, Senior Feng. May I ask if Senior Huyan is here? These are distinguished guests from the capital. They have some important matters to discuss with Senior Huyan."

"People from the imperial city?"

The middle-aged man was somewhat surprised when the commander of the silver-armored guards mentioned the Imperial City of Feili. He had been friends with Huyan Aobo for many years and had never heard of him having any connections or grudges with him in the Imperial City!

"You're in luck. That old fellow just came out of seclusion and is entertaining guests right now."

After glancing at the crowd, the middle-aged man stepped aside and walked inside first, with Yan and his group following naturally.

The courtyard may not look large, but it's surprisingly spacious and charming. Apart from a pebble path leading directly to the main house, the entire courtyard is filled with all sorts of flowers and plants. Although there aren't any large, sturdy trees, it's full of springtime vitality, with fresh air and a delightful fragrance of flowers.

They walked along the path and entered a hall in the center. The middle-aged man announced loudly, "Old man Huyan, guests from the capital have arrived."

There seemed to be people talking inside the hall, but the conversation abruptly stopped after the middle-aged man's shout. When Yan and his group pushed open the door and entered the hall, three pairs of scrutinizing eyes immediately fell upon them.

Chapter 533 An Encounter with Bing'er

Opposite the Flying Tuo City Imprint Palace is the Form Master Market, located within the courtyard of Form Master Huyan Aobo.

When Yan led a group of people inside, the three people who were discussing something looked at them at the same time. Yan's gaze immediately fell on the youngest girl among the three, and a hint of surprise appeared in his eyes.

There were three people in the small courtyard: a young girl, a robust middle-aged man, and a sitting old man who was probably the owner of the place, a fleshy old man.

The old man was none other than Huyan Aobo, who looked to be in his sixties. His hair and beard were all white, his face was ruddy, and there wasn't a single wrinkle on his face. His small eyes were squeezed into two slits by the fat on his face, but they shone brightly.

He was dressed in a gray cloth robe with sleeves so long they covered his hands. His most distinctive feature was his physique, which resembled a large, round watermelon.

The middle-aged man and the young girl opposite him were probably Celestial Jewel Masters who came to request Condensed Equipment. The middle-aged man was a burly man as tall as an iron tower.

He looked to be in his early fifties, with a faint glow beneath his bronze skin. He had a square face, piercing eyes, a straight nose and a square mouth, and a robust physique. His rock-solid muscles filled out his tight-fitting clothes perfectly, and his eyes were bright and piercing, with a deep gleam in his dark pupils.

The girl he was subtly protecting behind him looked to be about thirteen or fourteen years old. She had long blue hair tied in a ponytail at the back of her head, and her dress was simple, but it did not hide her stunning beauty.

The girl's skin was as smooth and delicate as cheese. Her most striking feature was her pair of extremely beautiful large eyes. Her eyes were a light blue color with deep sockets. Her eyes were soft and perfect, so exquisite that there was not a single flaw. She always gave people a gentle and tender feeling.

But what impressed Yan most was her face; it was almost identical to Shangguan Feier, whom he had bullied so badly, and this girl was clearly not that little devil. With such a girl appearing on the southern border of the Feili Empire, Yan quickly confirmed her identity.

"You are Marshal Zhou Shuiniu of the Heavenly Bow Empire."

The tranquility in the courtyard did not last long, but the person who broke the peace was somewhat unexpected. It was the knight leader whom Cai Cai had arranged to escort Yan to Feituo City. He seemed to recognize the middle-aged man. "Marshal Zhou Shuiniu, we are Princess Cai Cai's guards."

This Mr. Yan is a good friend of Princess Caicai, and Mr. Han Xiao is a royal retainer. They have come to Feituo City to seek out Elder Huyan on some matters.

The guard leader was a clever man. He introduced several people in a few words, and Zhou Shuiniu of the Tiangong Empire relaxed his vigilance slightly after learning that Yan and his group were related to Cai Cai.

"The Imperial City? The Princess? I don't recall ever having any dealings with any important figures in the Imperial City."

Across from Zhou Shuiniu, Hu Yan Aobo, who was sitting like a round watermelon, also stood up. He carefully examined Yan and Han Xiao, and after sensing the aura of their kind on Han Xiao, a look of caution appeared in his eyes.

"Master Han Xiao, as far as I know, this old gentleman Hu Yan Aobo, like Yun Li, possesses an extraordinary lineage, and it is said that he also has some connection with your lineage of strength. I would appreciate it if you could go and speak to him about it..."

Yan turned to Han Xiao and said a few words, revealing some of Hu Yan Aobo's background. A glint flashed in Han Xiao's eyes, and he thoughtfully walked towards Hu Yan Aobo. Yan's gaze, however, turned to the pretty girl behind Zhou Shuiniu.

"Little sister, what's your name? Are you also a dzi bead master?"

Yan parted his lips slightly, revealing what he considered a kind smile, and waved to the pretty little girl behind Zhou Shuiniu.

"Shangguan Bing'er greets Mr. Yan."

The little girl behind Zhou Shuiniu wasn't timid at all. She walked up to Yan and bowed in response. Her graceful and poised demeanor made someone even more tempted.

"Sister Bing'er, you don't need to be so polite. I don't look old, do I? You don't need to call me 'sir' or anything like that. Just call me Brother Yan."

Yan was about to help the girl up when Shangguan Bing'er stood up first and took a small step back, adopting a cold demeanor that indicated she didn't want to communicate with her.

Yan could tell that Shangguan Bing'er was wary of him, but he didn't care and continued to try to get close to her, "Bing'er, you're here to find the Condensed Form equipment, right? So, do you have a suitable target?"

"The equipment made by Master Huyan is all very good."

As Shangguan Bing'er spoke, she couldn't help but glance at the table in front of Huyan Aobo. The three pictures on the table were three pieces of solidified equipment: a sword, a knife, and an arrow. Yan noticed that Shangguan Bing'er's gaze lingered on the arrow for a moment.

The annotation above reads: Silent Tracking Arrow, limited to use by Agility-attribute Celestial Jewel Masters in Condensation Formation, and can be inlaid with Intent Jewels.

"Is Bing'er's Body Bead an agility attribute? Then the Silent Tracking Arrow is the only one suitable for you among these three solidified equipment pieces."

Yan glanced at Shangguan Bing'er's familiar profile and smiled, saying, "However, if I may be frank, with Bing'er's exceptional talent, the quality of this Silent Tracking Arrow is only barely considered top-notch. It won't be able to keep up with your pace in the future."

"Hmm? Kid, what do you mean by that? You look down on the solidified equipment I made?"

Shangguan Bing'er and Zhou Shuiniu frowned upon hearing Yan's words, while Hu Yan Aobo, who was communicating with Han Xiao, immediately bristled.

Yan clasped his hands in a fist salute to Huyan Aobo, "Elder Huyan, if I may be frank, the lineage of your sect is truly exceptional."

"Kid, do you know about my sect?"

Hu Yan Aobo's gaze immediately sharpened, and his eyes were filled with scrutiny as he looked at Yan.

"Your lineage is a hidden branch of the Power Clan. You were expelled from the main lineage back then, but you inherited the legendary set and the Hateful Earth Ringless Set."

Yan glanced at Huyan Aobo and continued, "However, if I may be frank, you are still far from becoming a Grandmaster-level Condensing Master, and you haven't even made the first piece of the Hateful Earth Ring Set. I'm afraid it's impossible for you to bring glory to your sect."

"Who exactly are you?"

Huyan Aobo's voice suddenly rose to a high pitch, and everyone around him turned to look at him at that moment.

No one expected that this short, chubby old man would actually possess the legacy of a legendary set of armor, a legacy that only sects that have produced legendary masters could preserve.

"Hate the Earth Without Rings, hate the Earth Without Rings, I never imagined you would be a descendant of the Hate the Earth Without Rings lineage."

Hu Yan Aobo was wary of everyone around him, while Han Xiao, who was closest to him, had a fanatical look in his eyes. He quickly bowed to Hu Yan Aobo and said, "Han Xiao, the current successor of the Power lineage, greets Uncle Hu Yan."

"The Power Lineage? You're from the Power Lineage?"

Huyan Aobo suddenly turned to look at Han Xiao. The fervor in the other's eyes was genuine. According to the records left by his sect, the Power lineage should be the source of his lineage, the main lineage of the sect of their ancestor who was expelled from the sect.

Han Xiao nodded hurriedly and said, "Uncle-Master Huyan, you heard me right. Han Xiao is indeed the current successor of the Strength lineage. The sect has already passed on the Hentian Wuba set to me, and I am currently serving as Princess Caicai's attendant..."

Huyan Aobo murmured involuntarily, "I hate that Heaven has no handle, I hate that Earth has no ring, I hate that Heaven has no handle, I hate that Earth has no ring, the lineage of strength..."

Han Xiao quickly continued, "Uncle-Master Huyan, the ancestors of your lineage deeply regretted causing that tragedy, and later they even reinstated your lineage to the sect, but they never knew your whereabouts..."

"Let him handle the matter of our seniors. Han Xiao, you don't need to be so polite to me. You have gone further than me on the path of Condensation Master. I am not worthy of being called your senior uncle."

Hu Yan Aobo's mind returned to calm. After realizing that Han Xiao meant no harm, he turned to Yan, who had exposed his identity and put him in danger, and said, "Mr. Yan, you are quite capable. No wonder you are a friend of the princess."

"The royal family's methods are truly brilliant. First, they won over the current successor of the Power lineage, and now they're trying to take over this incompetent old man like me. Are they planning to bring the Power lineage under their control?"

"Old Master Huyan is overthinking it. The royal family is the royal family, and I am me. I am just close to Princess Caicai of the royal family."

Yan shook his head. "As for why I came to see you today, sir, it's to make a deal. I can help you advance to the Grandmaster level of Form Condensation Master. I wonder if you'd be interested and willing to go to Emerald City for a while?"

Hu Yan Aobo narrowed his glasses slightly, while Han Xiao beside him quickly whispered some information about Yan to him.

“I’ve already revealed all my secrets. If I stay in Feituo City, I’ll only become easy prey for others. Do I have any other choice but to go to Feili City with you?”

Hu Yan Aobo's words were full of resentment, and he was indeed holding back his anger. The main reason was that Yan's actions this time were really unethical. It could be said that he was forced to go to Fei Li City without giving him any other choice.

There are many Form Masters on the vast continent, but those with legendary equipment inheritances are few and far between. And inheritors like Hu Yan Aobo, who are old and frail and lack strength and potential, are easily targeted.

Yan didn't care about the resentment in Huyan Aobo's words and said with a smile, "It's great that you're willing to cooperate, sir. Please rest assured that you won't regret the decision your company made today."

After arranging things for Huyan Aobo, he walked over to Shangguan Bing'er and said, "Bing'er, you should remember what I just said!"

Your talent is exceptional, but to fully realize it, you need sufficient support. The Heavenly Bow Empire is still too small to unlock your potential.

Come with me to the city of Emerald. I will recommend you to Princess Cai Cai, who is the vice-principal of the Imperial Royal Military Academy. Under her tutelage, you will grow up much faster.

There are certainly many geniuses in this world, but quite a few are also stifled. The Heavenly Palace Empire is too weak to provide a guarantee for your growth.

Chapter 534 Water Buffalo Blocking the Way

"I appreciate Young Master Yan's kindness, but I am a citizen of the Heavenly Bow Empire."

Shangguan Bing'er did not hesitate for long before refusing Yan's invitation, a decision that drew attention from others.

Yan's invitation was quite sincere. Cai Cai is a royal princess, and not just a pretty face with status, but a powerful royal who heads a confidential department like the Royal Military Academy.

Furthermore, Yan's words made a lot of sense. If Shangguan Bing'er were willing to accept Yan's invitation, it was conceivable that she would be able to receive training, and her growth rate and future achievements would definitely be higher than if she stayed in the Heavenly Bow Empire.

“Bing’er, if I may be frank, the resources and capabilities of the Heavenly Bow Empire are insufficient to support your growth and cannot provide you with the best conditions.”

Yan didn't care about Shangguan Bing'er's words, and just smiled and replied, "Besides, are you really sure you're a person from the Heavenly Bow Empire?"

"Young Master Yan, some of your words have gone too far."

Beside Shangguan Bing'er, Marshal Zhou Shuiniu of the Heavenly Bow Empire's expression changed slightly. He looked at Yan and said in a deep voice, "Although my Heavenly Bow Empire is small, it still has some foundation. You don't need to worry about nurturing Bing'er."

"Marshal Zhou, you'd better consider your own circumstances before you make such boastful claims."

Yan glanced at Zhou Shuiniu, who was blocking his way, and said indifferently, "You should have some knowledge. Silent tracking arrows are indeed quite good equipment for ordinary Heavenly Jewel Masters, but for a genius who will at least be a Heavenly Sect level in the future, using such a thing is a waste of her talent."

If Bing'er really chooses to refine this equipment, it means that in the future she will have one less powerful piece of equipment than other experts of the same level. You should be well aware of this.

After hearing Yan's words, Zhou Shuiniu fell silent, his fists clenching silently, unsure how to respond, because Yan's words were absolutely correct.

The Heavenly Bow Empire has a small territory and even less resources, not even much money. Zhou Shuiniu is now an Eight-Bead Heavenly Sect Master, which is already considered the strongest person in the Heavenly Bow Empire. However, he could have gone much further, but because he wanted to protect the empire, his progress in strength was hindered.

Shangguan Bing'er awakened the dual pearls of body and mind at the age of twelve and became a Heavenly Pearl Master. Her talent surpassed even his. However, the resources of the Heavenly Bow Empire were limited and could not guarantee that Shangguan Bing'er would grow up under the best conditions.

Yan looked at Shangguan Bing'er again, "Bing'er, I admire your talent. If you choose to come with me, whether you stay in the Fei Li Empire in the future is entirely up to you. Tian Gong and Fei Li are allies, and having another strong person will also benefit the Fei Li Empire."

"Bing'er, you decide for yourself."

Zhou Shuiniu opened his mouth, but in the end he sighed and looked at Shangguan Bing'er, without saying anything more to dissuade her.

He stopped Yan from inviting Shangguan Bing'er to prevent this genius from being directly lured to the Fei Li Empire. Since Yan had already made it so direct, stopping him would make it seem like he had ulterior motives and didn't want to see Shangguan Bing'er.