The rumpled great bed held two young women nestled shyly beneath the covers, both gazing toward Biluo, the only one not yet taken by Qian Jin.

“I… I haven’t been thoroughly cleaned yet…” Biluo murmured shyly, inching backward toward the headboard. “Then we’ll save you for tonight,” Gu Yue Jiaying smiled. “Today, none of the three of us are escaping.”

Qian Jin sat watching the three beauties, feeling as if the whole scene were a dream—that he had actually just… just…

“Husband, are you planning to meet with the people from the War Hall first, or,” Gu Yue Jiaying glanced with a smile at Luo Qingqing beside her, “should we continue…”

“This…” Qian Jin looked back at the tightly closed bedroom door, then at the two alluring women, and crawled back toward them again. “Tell them to wait a little longer.” Soon, the bed frame began to emit the rhythmic creaking of constant motion once more.

Another bout of intimacy concluded. Qian Jin rose, allowing Biluo to use her Water Evasion spell to wash him clean. Then, the other two helped him dress. He kissed each of the three women lightly on the forehead before stepping out of the room.

Duan Feng Bu’er, seeing Qian Jin emerge from the courtyard, quickly hurried over. “You spent most of your time chatting and catching up, didn’t you?” Qian Jin blinked, then immediately shook his head vehemently.

“No way! That took you too long!” Duan Feng Bu’er pouted repeatedly, resting his arm casually over Qian Jin’s shoulder as he chuckled. “We’re all men; it’s natural to care about saving face. But there should be a limit, right? Admit it, most of the time was spent talking?”

Qian Jin stopped walking and looked earnestly at Duan Feng Bu’er. “Most of the time was spent diligently cultivating and breaking new ground…”

“Damn it!” Duan Feng Bu’er clapped his hands over his ears, shaking his head frantically, muttering incessantly. “I don’t believe it! I don’t believe it! I just don’t believe it!”

Cheek sneered from the side. “People are different. Not everyone has such short sessions as you.”

“Bah!” Duan Feng Bu’er suddenly dropped his hands and glared at Cheek. “You call my time short, concubine? Want to test how fierce and long I can last?”

Cheek rolled his eyes, flicked one last look down toward Duan Feng Bu’er’s lower region, and deliberately pursed his lips tightly. “Soft goods.”

“What the hell! I can’t stand this!” Duan Feng Bu’er grabbed his hair with both hands, looking as if he might explode at any moment, which only made the simple-minded Zhen Ce laugh continuously. “If you can’t stand it, then go for it.”

Fen Tu Kuangge shot the group a look, stating calmly, “Vulgar…”

“Damn! Vulgar?” Duan Feng Bu’er leaned in close to Fen Tu Kuangge, proudly tilting his head back to look down at Kuangge’s crotch. “Virgin… you have no standing to speak.”

Fen Tu Kuangge rolled his eyes, letting them land directly on Mu Ne Zhen Ce, his expression clearly saying, ‘It’s not like I’m the only one here who’s a virgin.’

“Ahem… ahem…” Mu Ne Zhen Ce hastily coughed twice. “Apologies, apologies. Kuangge… to be honest, I’m not a virgin either. So…”

Fen Tu Kuangge’s relaxed expression flushed slightly, and he quickly looked toward a more distant spot.

Cheek glanced sideways at Duan Feng Bu’er and said coldly, “One-minute man, and you dare mock someone for being a virgin…”

“Damn it! Concubine, I’m going crazy!” Duan Feng Bu’er jumped up and down frantically. “I absolutely cannot stand this!”

Cheek merely rolled his eyes, his expression one of utter contempt directed at Duan Feng Bu’er, which only made Duan Feng Bu’er hop around more wildly.

The War Hall? Qian Jin was indeed curious. Why would this colossal force, established for countless years in the Zhen Ce Dynasty, suddenly seek him out today? What were their intentions?

“What other intentions could they have?”

In the main hall, two veteran warriors from the War Hall exchanged weary smiles. Lately, the War Hall’s prestige had been waning severely. As gossip spreads, the fact that the War Hall had dispatched its older generation of elite experts to ambush Qian Jin was no longer a secret.

This incident had angered nearly every Warrior Guild. Public opinion regarding the War Hall had plummeted rapidly. Both the Apothecary Guild and the Blacksmith Guild, without receiving any orders from Guild Master Qian Jin, had completely severed ties with the War Hall.

Money couldn't buy equipment or potions—this was the awkward reality of the War Hall’s current situation. Even with the Emperor intervening, the Vice Guild Masters and Elders of the major guilds maintained an unyielding attitude.

If things continued this way, the War Hall might truly be ruined! Members were already starting to leave the War Hall to join various local Warrior Guilds.

The fact that the entire War Hall was now facing potential collapse due to one ordinary warrior with no prior foundation—a fact that was hard for everyone in the War Hall to accept.

Negotiations? The two elders shared another bitter look. This time, coming to see Qian Jin was less about negotiation and more akin to seeking surrender. They only hoped to secure more benefits during the talks. As long as they could preserve the foundation of the War Hall, even… even…

Even giving the entire War Hall to Qian Jin wouldn’t matter! This was the final decision of the War Hall’s high command: rather than letting the War Hall wither away until it vanished, it was better to hand it over to someone capable of leading its development.

After all, the original creation of the War Hall was not for the sake of any single ordinary warrior; its core purpose was to give ordinary warriors greater status and a better life. Now, the current leaders of the War Hall could no longer steer this grand vessel forward, so it was time for a new helmsman.

Of course, if they could secure a batch of Soul Weapons without surrendering control of the War Hall, the two elders exchanged a faint, knowing smile. That was the ultimate goal they hoped to achieve by being here.

However, it seemed this goal might be difficult to attain. The elders could sense that Qian Jin was not rushing out to meet them, unlike other warriors who would immediately respond upon hearing representatives from the War Hall had arrived.

Understandable! The two veteran warriors fully comprehended Qian Jin’s hesitation. If they had been attacked by the War Hall, simply not showing up with a blade in hand upon hearing their arrival would already be considered showing restraint.

The entire group made a noisy entrance into the reception hall of the Grand Warrior Guild—the most prestigious location for receiving guests in the main headquarters.

Two elderly men wearing the embroidered character ‘War’ on their chests stood there, accompanied by four young warriors whose bearing suggested competence. All eight eyes were fixed intently on Qian Jin, and clear anger was visible in their pupils.

The elite veteran warriors sent by the War Hall in the previous encounter had not died on the Human-Demon Battlefield; instead, they had all been killed by Qian Jin. This was regarded as a disgrace by every faction within the War Hall. Those were warriors who had slain countless demons for the Zhen Ce Dynasty; warriors whose every drop of blood flowed with honor!

“Since you didn’t kill him, why did you have to kill them?” This was the constant argument and confusion among War Hall warriors whenever Qian Jin was mentioned.

Seeing Qian Jin appear, the two elders stopped their conversation. Accompanied by the four younger warriors, they slowly rose and nodded slightly toward Qian Jin with expressions tinged with awkwardness.

Qian Jin bowed deeply, an act of respect toward the veteran warriors who had dedicated their lives and blood on the Human-Demon Battlefield. His face showed little embarrassment. “May I ask why the War Hall seeks me out?”

As he spoke, Qian Jin settled into the host’s seat. As the future Grand Guild Master of the Warrior Guild Headquarters and the Guild Master of several major guilds, his status, second only to the Emperor, was unmatched before anyone else, including representatives from the War Hall.

The four young warriors watched Qian Jin casually take the host’s seat, their expressions uniformly darkening. Their latent Dou Qi flickered subtly, radiating unconcealed dissatisfaction.

Qian Jin didn’t even lift his eyelids, ignoring the four young warriors from the War Hall completely. Every year, outstanding young warriors from the Zhen Ce Dynasty joined the War Hall, and most ordinary warriors considered it an honor to be selected. It was natural for them to feel agitated seeing their elders not occupying the most honored seats.

But? Qian Jin rolled his eyes internally. What did that have to do with me? If the War Hall hadn't tried to assassinate me, I would have politely yielded the seat without a thought. Since there is already blood debt between us, continuing to pretend would only make me seem less forthright and magnanimous.

“The War Hall has come to Guild Master Qian Jin this time to discuss matters of cooperation.”

One white-haired elder nervously spun the teacup on the table with his fingers. Everyone remembered the previous assassination attempt; it was impossible to truly pretend it never happened.

“Cooperation?” Qian Jin raised an eyebrow. “I wonder how the War Hall intends to cooperate with me?”

The four young warriors watched Qian Jin’s indifferent demeanor. Their grim faces were almost signaling the prelude to a thunderstorm. The War Hall had always been the one seeking cooperation from outsiders; today, they took the initiative to bury the hatchet and seek cooperation, yet he treated them with such aloofness?

The elder’s expression grew tense. “We… we require a batch of Soul Weapons.”

“Soul Weapons?” Qian Jin was amused, his voice rising. “A batch of them?”

The elder’s face grew even more awkward. This request was undeniably excessive. However, currently, Qian Jin was the only person daring to claim he could forge Soul Weapons, and two warriors at his side had already reached the Saint Realm.

“It’s not like we aren’t offering compensation!” One young warrior finally couldn’t help but speak up. “Our War Hall never takes advantage of others. Just name your price.”

Qian Jin’s smile widened, yet the young warrior who spoke only showed disdain in his eyes. “What? You smile when you hear about compensation? Don’t worry, if you forge the Soul Weapons, we’ll give you double the reward…”

“Keep your rewards and buy yourselves graves,” Duan Feng Bu’er coldly interrupted the War Hall warrior. “Why should I forge Soul Weapons for you? So you can ascend to Sainthood and then turn around to assassinate Qian Jin again? Compensation? Heh, compensation for your face!”

The young warrior’s expression froze abruptly, followed by an eruption of furious indignation. The Dou Qi generated by his combat intent swelled violently. “What the hell do you think you are…”

Before the warrior could finish speaking, Duan Feng Bu’er’s supreme Dou Soul, inherited from his Nine-Headed Serpent bloodline, burst forth. The Saint-tier Dou Skill, Freedom, bestowed upon him by Qian Jin, materialized at the opponent’s feet. He snatched the man up with a large hand and delivered a dozen sharp slaps across his face.

Bang!

Duan Feng Bu’er threw the man onto the ground and instantly returned to his original spot. The speed was so incredible, it seemed as if he hadn't moved at all. Although he hadn't entered the Saint Realm, Duan Feng Bu’er’s strength had soared. Ordinary Half-Saint warriors would certainly be considered novices before him, let alone this mere warrior possessing only a Dou Heart.

“Now do you know what I am?” Duan Feng Bu’er looked down at the teeth scattered on the ground. “Now tell me, what are you? You dare challenge Qian Jin? Do you think you’re me?”

The slapped young warrior was completely stunned. He was considered one of the genius warriors in his own right, otherwise, the War Hall wouldn’t have bothered with him. Yet, he was slapped senseless by a warrior younger than himself, unable to mount any defense! Even though his opponent was a Bloodline Warrior, this outcome was utterly shocking.

“Bloodline Warrior?”

The two elders looked at Duan Feng Bu’er with surprise. This warrior, whose formidable power could likely make a significant mark in the Newcomer King Tournament, was actually beside Qian Jin?

“What? You want to fight?” Fen Tu Kuangge stepped forward, looking at the other three young warriors who were preparing to attack. “If you don’t want to die, sit down!”

The thunderous roar was accompanied by the eruption of two powerful Dou Souls from his body. The three young warriors stared at the ordinary warrior, who was younger than them, yet exuded the power of Dou Souls—and two of them at that—and were instantly dumbfounded.

Hearing Fen Tu Kuangge’s shout, the three outstanding young ordinary warriors immediately sat down on their stools, staring blankly at Fen Tu Kuangge.

“Dual Dou Souls? Ordinary Warrior?”

The shock on the faces of the two elders transformed into sheer astonishment. As they glanced at each other, their eyes reflected disbelief. How could someone this young possess a Dou Soul? Could it be a Dou Soul Inheritance?

“Impossible…” One of the elders repeatedly shook his head. While Dou Hearts and Golden Dou Hearts could be inherited through special life-gambling rituals from close relatives, Dou Souls could never be passed down! But Fen Tu Kuangge standing before them was far too young! If it wasn't a Dou Soul Inheritance, the elders truly couldn't fathom what was happening—not only was he at the Dou Soul level, but it was the absolutely pinnacle of the Dou Soul level, with a potent strength possibly no less than the Nine-Headed Serpent bloodline power they had just witnessed.

“I don’t lack those materials…” Qian Jin shook his head decisively. He would never arm his enemies. If they reached Sainthood and truly came to assassinate him, the outcome would be truly unpredictable.

“The War Hall knows that Guild Master Qian Jin and the Qian family, who possess the Elven King bloodline, seem to have some friction,” the white-haired elder slowly stood up. “The War Hall also possesses its own influence and can stand with Guild Master Qian Jin to support him in exchange for Soul Weapons. You should know that the War Hall maintains neutrality in all matters. This time…”

Qian Jin merely smiled at the War Hall elder, his fingers rhythmically tapping the tabletop without uttering a word. The only sound in the room was the rhythmic contact of his fingertips against the wood.

The elder gradually began to lose his composure. The War Hall’s support had always been a significant asset to any power, but for Qian Jin, it didn't seem like a huge advantage. The Zhen Ce Dynasty also had ordinary warriors at the Dou Soul level who were not solely within the War Hall; other factions also had warriors at the peak of the Dou Soul level. A single Soul Weapon was nearly enough to make any peak Dou Soul ordinary warrior align with Qian Jin without hesitation.

“Fine…”

The War Hall elder sighed, exchanging a look with the other elder, and they both sighed again. “We anticipated that you might not be satisfied with such terms. Therefore, we have considered this: if you are willing, then the leadership of the War Hall shall be yours.”

“What?”

The three remaining conscious young warriors jolted simultaneously, staring in shock at Qian Jin, whose expression remained completely calm. The leadership of the War Hall! At this age? The leader of the War Hall? The three young warriors were so shocked they almost bit their lips until they bled. Just how old was Qian Jin? The leader of the War Hall!

“Since the War Hall had this intention, you should have said so earlier,” Mu Ne Zhen Ce fanned himself as he walked to Qian Jin’s side. “Look at you all. If you had opened with these terms, how harmonious would our relationship be? You’ve lived so long, yet you still don’t understand that the first discussion is about sincerity, and the second is about business? Sincerity breeds affection, while business, heh…” Mu Ne Zhen Ce’s laughter carried a frivolous tone. The two War Hall elders exchanged wry smiles. They had actually known this outcome was likely, but as members of the War Hall, they always hoped to save a little face for their organization.

“Fine! I accept on Qian Jin’s behalf,” Mu Ne Zhen Ce declared, pulling up a chair for himself. “For handling the handover procedures and related matters, speak with Luo Qingqing. She is Qian Jin’s wife; she has much more experience and aptitude in these affairs. If you hand it over to Qian Jin directly, it might take a while to complete the transfer.”

Qian Jin could only offer a wry smile. Though he wasn't skilled in business, he couldn't possibly be that incompetent, could he?

The two War Hall elders looked at Qian Jin curiously, their confused gazes questioning whether Mu Ne Zhen Ce truly had the authority to speak for Qian Jin. The matter of the War Hall was no small affair. While its importance didn't equate to the transfer of the imperial throne, every shift in its leadership attracted the close attention of the Zhen Ce royal family and even the Demon Race on the border.

“What he says is what I say,” Qian Jin shrugged indifferently. They could even exchange their lives; what minor matter couldn't be exchanged?

The eyes of the two War Hall elders widened. After the initial surprise, what resurfaced was envy—nothing but pure envy. Only those who had truly shared life-and-death moments on the battlefield could understand how precious such camaraderie and bonds were.

The young warriors of the War Hall curled their lips into cold sneers. Anyone would agree to such terms under these circumstances. Qian Jin was simply providing them an avenue for retreat. As for truly speaking for the other party? What a joke! Did Qian Jin dare to appoint that person who just spoke as the new leader of the War Hall immediately?

“Kuangge, I entrust the takeover to your Fen Tu Clan,” Qian Jin turned to the silent Fen Tu Kuangge. “Qingqing is decent at business, but she definitely can’t manage the War Hall. And I certainly won't manage the War Hall myself, but someone needs to consolidate things. The Fen Tu Clan has existed for countless years; absorbing the War Hall shouldn't be difficult, right?”

“Absorbing the War Hall?”

The two War Hall elders sprang to their feet abruptly, staring at Qian Jin in disbelief, their eyes flickering with indescribable sorrow and sadness. If the Fen Tu Clan absorbed the War Hall, then the War Hall would truly cease to exist!

“Is there a problem?” Qian Jin’s attitude remained steadfastly calm. “Am I not the leader of the War Hall now?”

The two elders let out a powerless sigh internally, their bodies seeming to collapse as they slumped into their chairs, staring blankly at the ceiling, their lips fixed in bitter resignation.

Indeed, the War Hall had grown progressively weaker over the last few centuries. Decades ago, the War Hall Three Heroes finally emerged, but due to certain events, they fell into decline again. If it had ended there, the War Hall could have maintained itself, as its reputation was still formidable.

But at this precise moment, an ordinary warrior named Qian Jin appeared. He rose rapidly like a comet, quickly becoming the leader of several major powers while simultaneously proclaiming to everyone that he was an ordinary warrior—and an incredibly powerful one at that.

The emergence of this ordinary warrior was completely contrary to the War Hall’s current development strategy, sparking the War Hall’s desire to eliminate him. This was the War Hall’s desperation! Many ordinary warriors still wished to challenge the Bloodline Warriors, but the War Hall’s path had already shifted. If Qian Jin’s existence were allowed to continue unchecked, the War Hall’s reputation would be utterly destroyed.

Soul Weapons capable of achieving Sainthood became the final straw that broke the War Hall’s back. Qian Jin could forge Saint-tier Soul Weapons, and he had already announced to the Zhen Ce Dynasty, the Demon Race, and the Barbarian Race that he would challenge Bloodline Warriors under the banner of ordinary warriors.

Under these circumstances, ordinary warriors who followed Qian Jin would inevitably see new Saint Realm warriors emerge, giving more ordinary warriors hope, and at that point, the blow to the War Hall would be fatal. Annihilation, in that scenario, was almost the only choice. But the result of that choice was devastatingly cruel!

Qian Jin was alive, and even stronger and fiercer than before, his fame constantly increasing. Just yesterday, at the Divine Craftsman Competition in the Divine Capital, Qian Jin personally forged a Soul Weapon, overpowering the current number one master craftsman, forcing a retreat and injuring the Saint-tier Jin Ze Tian Lu in one blow.

Under these conditions, the War Hall had only two paths: complete annihilation, destroyed by Qian Jin’s rise.

To secure the position of a powerful force, at least in this way, the War Hall could exist in another iteration.

The three young War Hall warriors were stunned into silence. Just like that? So easily? The entirety of a massive entity like the War Hall, simply handed over to the Fentus Family? Had Qian Jin completely lost his mind?

“Alright, I’ll inform my family when I get back.” Fen Tu Kuang Ge’s demeanor remained equally unruffled, as if the discussion Qian Jin had just concluded with him was not about the acquisition of a formidable power, but merely the transfer of a single copper coin of negligible worth.