197 If You Are Up To It, Go Ahead! (1/2)

The matter implicated the entire Federation and all the political entities within. As one of the four great Dao Colleges, the Ethereal Dao College had many graduates who gained office in the Federation. The disciples came from a wide range of family backgrounds; their relationships with the Federation were complex and multi-layered.

That was why news of the Operation Sword Sun had appeared on Upper Academy Island almost immediately, even before the operation had been unanimously approved and announced publicly. Heated discussions and excited exchanges also turned up on the college's Spirit Intranet.

”Have you heard about Operation Sword Sun? A mission to land on the ancient green-bronze sword! There must be Divine Armaments up there!”

”Compared to the ancient green-bronze sword's strong Spirit Qi and its countless rare materials and treasures, I'm actually more interested in whether there are any living female ancient sword cultivators, and whether their physiology and psychology are identical to ours. If there's an opportunity, as an academic endeavor, I would like to study whether it's possible to develop a romantic relationship with one!”

”Why the mention of female cultivators only… the poster above is harboring immoral intentions! I demand to be part of the research team!”

”Shameless, you lot of guys. You men have fantasies that show how much of a scum you are!”

Such excitement and playful banter spread like wildfire on the Spirit Intranet. Wang Baole was equally excited. He started fantasizing about the possibility of one day stepping on the ancient green-bronze sword and holding his presidential inauguration there. Behind him would be an army of guards—ancient sword cultivators. He played out the scenes in his mind, and his eyes lit up.

He couldn't help himself. He posted anonymously on the Spirit Intranet.

”I have no respect for you lot, guys who have no ambition and whose brains are obsessed with female cultivators. How could we as cultivators behave in such a manner! I'm telling all of you, in all seriousness, that if there's any research on romances with aliens, to please give me a holler! I'm an expert on this!”

His post was soon mocked by others. Amidst the lively and rowdy atmosphere, the college disciples started to look forward to the mission. What they had said previously had all been in jest. In reality, every disciple held feelings towards the ancient sword that couldn't be described with mere words. The Dao civilization on Earth had arisen because of the ancient sword's appearance. Its origins inspired all kinds of speculation, and at the same time, people were in awe of the ancient sword.

More and more people started talking about Operation Sword Sun. There were even some mainstream media outlets in the Federation that began broadcasting about the mission. Wang Baole was munching on his snacks and scrolling through the posts on the Spirit Intranet one day, ready to post an article under his anonymous account, when he received a voice transmission message from the seventh primary stronghold's General Zhou Dexi.

”Wang Baole, I've made arrangements for someone to send over the Beast King's tooth that I promised you earlier. You should be able to receive it today!”

General Zhou's low voice was calm and composed as usual, and it traveled slowly into Wang Baole's ear. Wang Baole became alert and filled with energy. He hurriedly set aside his snacks and turned towards the voice transmission device.

”Many thanks to General Zhou!”

A fire burned within Wang Baole. He had been waiting for the tooth for so long. He was confident that once he got hold of the Core Formation realm Beast Emperor's tooth, he would be able to upgrade his Numinous Treasure-grade Dragon's Tooth. With the help of the Core Formation realm-grade beast's tooth, his Dragon's Tooth would let loose an unimaginable power.

Zhou Dexi heard the excitement in Wang Baole's voice. His remained calm. He chatted casually with Wang Baole for a short while more before switching the tone of his voice, saying suddenly, ”Wang Baole, you little rascal. You decimated everyone during the Ethereal Dao College's Armament Soldier assessment, sounded the Elder Request Drum and called forth the Grand Supreme Elder in your college to judge the matter of your Numinous Treasure. This entire incident has reached our ears.”

”I'm interested in that Baole Cannon of yours. Lend me one. I'll find someone to test its effectiveness in actual battle.”

Wang Baole agreed to General Zhou's request without hesitation. The Fire God Cannon had inspired his original creation of the cannon. Furthermore, he had a unique friendship with the seventh primary stronghold. He would be glad if the cannon could be of use to the seventh primary stronghold. In fact, he had already thought of the same idea as General Zhou.

Zhou Dexi was comforted and pleased by Wang Baole's swift and decisive agreement. He spoke a few more words, then ended the conversation. It didn't take long, and by the time the sun began to set, a cruiser that had come from the seventh primary stronghold landed in the Ethereal Dao College.

The person who had arrived was Zhou Lu. After some communication with the Ethereal Dao College, Zhou Lu appeared before Wang Baole. She stood outside the cave abode and watched as Wang Baole came outside. Regardless of the contributions Wang Baole had made towards the seventh primary stronghold, her feelings towards him were slightly complicated. Because of their unpleasant history, she couldn't bring herself to like him. Furthermore, she sensed a certain perversion in Wang Baole's naming of the Numinous Treasure. All the above resulted in her glaring at him and stretching out her right hand impatiently.

”Hand over your Numinous Treasure!”

Wang Baole originally had a smile on his face when he had seen Zhou Lu approach and was about to hand over the Baole Cannon, but upon hearing the tone of her voice, he became displeased. He rolled his eyes and stopped, and instead leaned against the rock wall. He crossed his arms and gave Zhou Lu a sweep once over.

”What're you getting at? You ask for presents whenever you see a cute guy?”

”Stop disgusting me and hand it over, quickly!” Zhou Lu heard Wang Baole call himself a ”cute guy” and couldn't help the contempt surging within her. She frowned and snorted.

Wang Baole became angry when he saw Zhou Lu's attitude towards him. All his life, except Du Min, he had never met his match in a spar of wits. He raised an eyebrow.

”I have so many Numinous Treasures. Which is the one you want?”

”You…” Zhou Lu's chest heaved. She had a shapely figure with fine curves and was wearing a black form-fitting uniform. As she grew more agitated, the uniform looked as if it was about to burst at the seams at any moment.

After a second, she finally gritted her teeth and said, one word at a time.

”The. Baole. Cannon!”