After briefly understanding the situation, Qian Renxue moved to sit in the chair beside Ning Rongrong, assuming the role of an observer.
For now, she was only Xue Qinghe and could only be Xue Qinghe Ning Fengzhi's disciple. Given this, it was normal for her to listen in, but it wouldn't be appropriate to abruptly interrupt the conversation.
Besides...
"Tang Chen has returned to the Clear Sky Sect?" Qian Renxue felt somewhat uneasy.
The Clear Sky Sect hadn't announced this to the outside world, and more importantly, the sect hadn't officially re-emerged yet.
This meant Tang Hao had contacted the Clear Sky Sect and learned quite a bit.
"I must inform Grandfather," Qian Renxue thought to herself.
Qian Daoliu often spoke of Tang Chen, calling him his lifelong rival.
She would report this later. For now, she needed to see what Tang Hao was scheming.
As Qian Renxue lost herself in thought, the discussion returned to its core.
"Title Douluo Tang Hao, we understand that you want treatment for your injuries. But you must also consider our position Dugu Bo is an elder of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
"To every elder, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan grants the highest degree of freedom and respect."
"This is the utmost limit I, as the sect master of an auxiliary-type Soul Master, can offer. And this has always been the way of our clan."
"Sect Master Ning, is there really no room for negotiation?" Tang Hao asked unwillingly.
"Unless you obtain Elder Dugu's permission, even I can do nothing."
Ning Fengzhi spread his hands.
No matter what, Ning Fengzhi couldn't hand over immortal-grade treasures to a potential enemy.
While the Clear Sky Sect might not necessarily be an enemy, they were certainly in a state of hostility with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Had Tang Hao not mentioned Tang Chen's return earlier, Ning Fengzhi might have considered eliminating Tang Hao right here.
Perhaps Tang Hao had anticipated all possible contingencies before coming and deliberately revealed Tang Chen's return.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan didn't dare gamble, and neither did Ning Fengzhi.
A 99th-ranked Title Douluo was not an enemy they could currently handle.
Having witnessed the battles between Qian Daoliu and Di Tian, as well as Bo Saixi and the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, Ning Fengzhi was certain of this.
Even if Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and Elder Dugu joined forces, they would stand no chance against a 99th-ranked Title Douluo.
Thus, Ning Fengzhi abandoned the idea of killing Tang Hao outright and instead proposed a compromise.
"Title Douluo Tang Hao, you may purchase medicinal herbs, but the immortal-grade herbs are out of the question." Ning Fengzhi stated his bottom line.
"Are there any herbs that can heal my father's injuries?" Tang San suddenly interjected coldly.
Ning Fengzhi turned his gaze to Tang San. "I can sense some of your father's condition. Treatment should be possible."
"But what can you offer us in return?"
"What does Sect Master Ning require?" Tang Hao asked.
As the sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Ning Fengzhi wouldn't speak without reason. Perhaps he truly had a treatment plan.
"The Clear Sky Sect's secret technique Ring Explosion!"
"Impossible!" Tang Hao shot to his feet, his tone aggressive. "Ring Explosion is the essence of the Clear Sky Sect. Does the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan also wish to covet it?"
"Please calm down, Title Douluo Tang Hao." Ning Fengzhi seemed to have anticipated Tang Hao's outburst. He picked up his teacup and took a sip to steady his nerves, avoiding being startled by the loud voice.
Tang Hao quickly regained his composure, realizing he was no longer a Title Douluo.
Even if he could rival a Title Douluo with Ring Explosion after recovering, that was for later not now. Right now, he was just a cripple.
"Sect Master Ning, isn't this a bit excessive? I don't know how you learned about my injuries."
"But don't forget my grandfather has returned." Tang Hao invoked his family's patriarch, knowing a Limit Douluo was indeed a deterrent.
"Title Douluo Tang Hao, this isn't about excessiveness. You've been testing the limits of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
"Our clan knows of more than just your grandfather, Tang Chen, among this world's Limit Douluos."
"For example, Bo Saixi of Sea God Island, or the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King Di Tian of the Star Dou Great Forest they are also 99th-ranked."
"Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King Di Tian?"
Xue Qinghe muttered, his tone laced with surprise.
"Indeed, Qinghe." Ning Fengzhi nodded. "A few years ago, a battle in the Star Dou Great Forest sent shockwaves across the entire forest."
"From our investigations, one party was likely the Spirit Hall's High Priest, Qian Daoliu."
"The other was probably the true ruler of the Star Dou Great Forest, as recorded in our clan's ancient texts the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King Di Tian."
"I... I see." Xue Qinghe nodded calmly.
In his mind, he recalled his grandfather returning injured from the Star Dou Great Forest years ago.
Though Qian Daoliu had said nothing afterward, he had likely been fighting some formidable being.
The ruler of the Star Dou Great Forest?
Xue Qinghe silently noted this information.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan truly lived up to its reputation as the wealthiest sect its intelligence network was unparalleled.
Not only were they well-informed about that woman's scandals, but they also had extensive knowledge of spirit beasts.
Seeing Tang Hao remain silent, Ning Fengzhi continued, "If you don't make things difficult for me, I won't make things difficult for you. Let me be frank."
"We do possess an immortal-grade herb that can heal your injuries. But what are you willing to offer in exchange?"
"Just like our first transaction, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan is a merchant. We won't do business at a loss."
"If you intend to pressure us with force, forget it."
"Let me ask you this after all these years, can Tang Chen, the former Title Douluo who just returned from the Slaughter City, still be considered at his peak?"
Ning Fengzhi spoke slowly, carefully observing Tang Hao's expression.
"You !"
As expected, Tang Hao's face twisted upon hearing this. His eyes widened like brass bells, his breathing grew ragged, and he nearly hissed through clenched teeth,
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan is truly formidable!" Tang Hao's chest heaved, clearly unsettled.
"Not at all." Ning Fengzhi smirked.
The Clear Sky Sect's members had always been easy to read.
From Tang Hao's reaction, it was almost certain that Tang Chen had indeed returned but his current strength and physical condition were unknown, and likely not optimistic.
Meanwhile, Xue Qinghe, sitting beside Ning Rongrong, stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Tang Chen... was in the Slaughter City?
And how did the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan know this?
Xue Qinghe glanced at Ning Fengzhi from the corner of his eye, his scholarly demeanor masking his thoughts. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's intelligence network was indeed impressive!
However, Tang Chen not being at his peak was evident from Tang Hao's expression.
This was something he must report to his grandfather upon returning.
If they could eliminate Tang Chen...