As the wealthiest support-type sect on the Douluo Continent, no faction would refuse the inclusion of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
Even a force with a 99th-ranked Title Douluo would welcome them, as they posed no threat and could enhance the strength of their sect members.
Moreover, given the influence of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, no sect that took them in would dare treat them as mere breeding tools at least not openly. They still had to maintain some semblance of propriety.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda had forged friendships far and wide, with trade networks spanning the entire continent.
In addition, Ning Fengzhi and previous sect masters, upon attaining the Five Aperture Dispersed Heart, typically developed formidable healing abilities.
Though they might not match Ye Renxin of the Nine Heart Heavenly Chrysanthemum, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was an entire sect, with connections accumulated over generations.
If even one out of ten people was willing to aid the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, the result would be terrifying.
"Rongrong! Don't say things that might disrupt the harmony of the Top Three Sects. It's inappropriate." Ning Fengzhi chided Ning Rongrong with a stern glance.
"Got it, got it!" Ning Rongrong waved him off dismissively as she returned to her seat. Meeting Xue Qinghe's clear gaze, she felt an inexplicable sense of unease.
"Rongrong, is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda really planning to join the Spirit Hall?" Xue Qinghe feigned a look of shock.
"How could that be? The situation hasn't deteriorated to that point yet," Ning Rongrong replied. "Our sect currently has no intention of joining any faction, but if it truly comes to that, it's not entirely off the table."
"Preserving our legacy is what matters most, isn't it?"
"I see." Xue Qinghe let out a relieved sigh and whispered, "You scared me for a moment. I thought your teacher had told you he'd been swayed by the Spirit Hall."
"Your Highness, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda will always stand by your side. I also greatly admire your governance philosophy keep it up!" Ning Rongrong cheered, raising a fist in encouragement.
"Mm, I will." Xue Qinghe nodded and averted his gaze.
Meanwhile, after Ning Rongrong's earlier display of dominance, Yu Xiaogang didn't dare speak further. Any attempt to pressure others was met with a glare from Tang Hao, silencing him.
Tang Hao understood Tang Chen's current state far better than Yu Xiaogang did. Whether Tang Chen could still defeat Qian Daoliu was uncertain.
Back then, Tang Chen had only narrowly bested Qian Daoliu, and their battles had been evenly matched.
Now, after being trapped in the Slaughter City for so many years, there was no guarantee Qian Daoliu had remained stagnant in his cultivation.
"My apologies, Lord Haotian." Ning Fengzhi chuckled lightly. "I've spoiled Rongrong, so she can be a bit unreasonable at times. Please don't take it to heart."
"However, there is some truth to her words. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda prefers not to take sides at least not until the situation becomes irreparable. We wish to maintain our independence for now."
"Consider this my responsibility as sect master, ensuring the continuation of our legacy."
"Ah, Sect Master Ning, you worry too much." Tang Hao waved his hand. "I was the one who acted too hastily. I agree to your terms."
"However, the Spirit Fusion Skill isn't mine to give. I can't make that decision unilaterally."
As Tang Hao finished speaking, both of their gazes shifted to Flender and the other two.
"No need for hesitation. If you're willing to trade, then do so. If not, there's no need to force it. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda merely wishes to study it nothing more."
"If I had to give a reason, it would be to seek a method to break through to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda and gain a deeper understanding of martial souls."
Ning Fengzhi had no desire to escalate tensions, especially since Ning Rongrong's expression made her stance clear.
A 99th-ranked Title Douluo if unnecessary, it was best to tread carefully.
The Clear Sky Sect was full of hammer-wielding madmen. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was no match for them in a fight. Let them battle the Spirit Hall instead!
In any case, with Tang Chen's return, the ones most anxious wouldn't be the Top Three Sects, but the Spirit Hall.
Under the looming threat of the Spirit Hall, it was only natural for the Top Three Sects to set aside their grievances and unite.
Hadn't Yu Yuanzhen even swallowed his pride and accepted Yu Tianheng's death without retaliation?
"We can provide the fusion method for the Spirit Fusion Skill now, but in exchange, we hope to enter the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and select one of the immortal herbs my disciple mentioned."
After a brief discussion with his companions, Yu Xiaogang spoke up hoarsely.
"That's fine!"
Ning Fengzhi was still considering, but Ning Rongrong's voice rang out across the hall.
"I'm on good terms with Sister Yan. I can decide on one immortal herb."
"But we also have a condition not all herbs are available, as we can't guarantee which one Elder Dugu might need for alchemy."
"Deal!"
Yu Xiaogang let out a sigh of relief.
"Then, one month from now, we'll contact Elder Dugu for further discussion," Ning Rongrong declared. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda can begin treating Lord Haotian immediately, but you must also leave behind the two insights we requested."
"What do you think, Father? Will Elder Dugu agree?" Though her words seemed directed at Dugu Bo, her true question was for Ning Fengzhi.
Dugu Bo had long since gifted the herb garden to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, retaining only the right of first refusal.
"It shouldn't be a problem. Didn't we gift an external spirit bone to Dugu Yan before? For just one immortal herb, this old man's face should still carry some weight with Elder Dugu."
In the end, both parties finalized the terms of the transaction.
Ning Fengzhi would treat Tang Hao, while Tang Hao and Yu Xiaogang's group would leave behind the secret techniques of Ring Explosion and Spirit Fusion Skill, along with a few training sessions at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's practice grounds.
Though none of this involved the core secrets of the Clear Sky Hammer, it allowed Ning Rongrong to observe the flow of spirit power during Ring Explosion and the so-called Trinity Spirit Fusion Skill up close.
With the help of the Seven-Colored Purple Fungus and Dugu Bo's pills, Tang Hao's body recovered to its peak at the 89th rank.
Unfortunately, due to the damage to his spirit ring slots, he could no longer equip a ninth spirit ring.
According to Ning Fengzhi, he might be permanently stuck at the 89th rank.
But Tang Hao took it in stride.
What did it matter if he was only 89th rank?
Even against an ordinary Title Douluo, Tang the Hammer feared no one!
Soon after, Tang Hao left the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda with Tang San's group, satisfied with the outcome.
Tang San had attempted to trade the Godly Zhuge Crossbow for an immortal herb but was refused by Ning Fengzhi.
Instead, Xue Qinghe took an interest in the Godly Zhuge Crossbow and seemed to have struck a deal with Tang San.
Honestly, Ning Rongrong couldn't help but feel that Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe, was far too composed.
Had she truly immersed herself in the role of the Crown Prince? She negotiated with Tang San as if she were the real Xue Qinghe.
It seemed Xue Qinghe was planning something major.
Not long after Tang San's departure, Xue Qinghe also took his leave.
Before leaving, however, he expressed a desire to visit the Sunset Forest's Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, just as Tang San had. Seeing Ning Rongrong's nod of approval, Ning Fengzhi didn't refuse.
Once all outsiders had left...
Ning Fengzhi stood outside the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's main hall, flanked by the Sword Douluo, the Bone Douluo, and Ning Rongrong.
"Was this the right move?" Ning Fengzhi's voice carried a trace of concern. "If the Spirit Hall intervenes, we might lose control of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well."
"There's no helping it. What's done is done." Ning Rongrong sighed, spreading her hands. "There's no way to keep it hidden now. At most, we can ask Elder Dugu to retrieve all the valuable herbs afterward."
"At the very least, the site won't have much of worth for the next few centuries."
"Ah, if only we could move that spring to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda." The Bone Douluo's tone was laced with resignation.
"Even if we could, we wouldn't be able to protect it." The Sword Douluo cut off his fantasies.
"What concerns me are Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu. Against those two, I'm truly powerless."
"Don't worry. I've already gained some insights into Ring Explosion, Ring Fusion, and Spirit Fusion Skills."
"If all goes well..." Ning Rongrong lifted her gaze to meet the Bone Douluo's. "I have a way to help Grandpa Bone reach the 97th rank."