Chapter 290: Ning Fengzhi's Decision
After Ning Fengzhi finished speaking, he coughed up blood, collapsing onto Bone Douluo's shoulder. Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo were deeply shaken; the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had hoped to rise by aligning with the Heaven Dou royal family, but now, with both Heaven Dou and Star Luo royals annihilated, what future could their clan possibly have?
After a long, painful silence, Bone Douluo finally spoke up, "Fengzhi, what do we do now? Without the Heaven Dou and Star Luo families, there may be no safe place left for our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
Ning Fengzhi forced himself to stand, despite his exhaustion. "When heaven closes one door, it opens another. Our last hope may lie with Tianxing Academy."
"But Fengzhi," Bone Douluo cautioned, "under the current circumstances, would Tianxing Academy dare risk offending the Spirit Empire to shelter us? And, you know, they've always maintained neutrality. Even if we go there, they may not intervene on our behalf."
A faint glimmer of hope appeared in Ning Fengzhi's otherwise bleak eyes. "We're well past the point of debating it. Even though Tianxing Academy has stayed neutral, with the Spirit Empire's growing dominance, Bibi Dong may not tolerate their existence either. Yang Invincible and Niu Gao are men of honor, and I'm sure they still owe us a favor. They won't turn us away in our time of need."
He added, "And with Yang Potian's remarkable talent and power, I'm hopeful he could protect us. If necessary, we could join Tianxing Academy to preserve what remains of our clan."
Hearing this, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo nodded, realizing this was indeed their last remaining option to ensure the clan's survival.
Despite his injuries, Ning Fengzhi led Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and the handful of remaining clan members to Tianxing Academy.
When Yang Invincible, Niu Gao, Yang Zhentian, Dugu Bo, and Feng Xuan saw Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo arrive injured and with only a few dozen survivors, they immediately went out to meet them. Ning Rongrong, overcome with emotion, clung to her father, sobbing.
Yang Invincible couldn't hide his shock at their pitiful state. "Clan Master Ning, what happened to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?"
Ning Fengzhi, voice filled with bitterness, explained, "Forgive our appearance, Principal Yang. Just two days ago, Spirit Empire attacked our clan with five Titled Douluo, led by Thousand-Jun Douluo and Demon Conqueror Douluo. We narrowly escaped total annihilation. This handful of people is all that remains."
Yang Invincible was incredulous. "That can't be! The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Clear Sky Clan, and Heaven Dou royal family are all within support distance of each other. In half an hour, any of the three should have been able to reinforce the others."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "It's shameful, but the Spirit Empire attacked all three of us at once. I fear the Clear Sky Clan suffered an even fiercer onslaught, and the Heaven Dou royal family faced a large force of Titled Douluo as well. I doubt they fared any better. We only escaped because Sword Uncle fought desperately to open a path. Otherwise, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would have been completely destroyed."
Yang Invincible, angered, muttered, "What does the Spirit Empire think they're doing? They claim to be a sanctuary for spirit masters, yet they act with such ruthless disregard."
The others were similarly disturbed. Given the situation, it seemed unlikely any faction could stop the Spirit Empire from uniting the continent.
Ning Fengzhi continued, "Principal Yang, may I ask if Yang Potian is currently at Tianxing Academy?"
Yang Invincible shook his head. "Potian has gone out for training, and I'm not sure when he'll be back."
Ning Fengzhi's face darkened. Yang Potian was Tianxing Academy's most powerful asset, and without him, the academy might not risk harboring the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Niu Gao spoke up, "Clan Master Ning, there's no need to worry. Though Potian is away, the Spirit Empire wouldn't dare provoke us at Tianxing Academy. For now, rest here and recover. If Spirit Empire does come, we old fellows won't be easy to handle."
Ning Fengzhi managed a weak smile. "Thank you, Principal Niu. I only worry that we'll bring trouble to your academy with Yang Potian gone."
Ning Fengzhi understood Niu Gao's unspoken meaning. The Invincible Clan and the Imperial Clan did indeed owe the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan a favor, and they would repay that debt by offering sanctuary. However, he knew that a short-term shelter wouldn't solve the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's precarious situation. Ultimately, they might still face extinction.
After deep contemplation, Ning Fengzhi made up his mind. "Principal Yang, Principal Niu, I would like to propose that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan join Tianxing Academy, if that would be acceptable."
The others exchanged glances, visibly surprised by his proposal.
Yang Invincible finally responded, "Clan Master Ning, you can't be serious. Tianxing Academy has always maintained neutrality, staying out of sect conflicts. Allowing you to stay here now is already an exception. If you truly wish to join our academy, it would be best to wait for Potian's return and seek his approval."
Yang Invincible's words mirrored the academy's position. Tianxing Academy was mostly a secluded institution, and absorbing Ning Fengzhi's clan would inevitably bring consequences, potentially dragging the entire academy into the conflict with the Spirit Empire.
Ning Fengzhi, recognizing their hesitation, replied resolutely, "You needn't worry. If we join Tianxing Academy, we will abide by its rules and refrain from engaging in external conflicts. Please, if there's any price we must pay, let us know."
Yang Invincible sighed, "Clan Master Ning, there's no need to rush. Take your time to rest here at the academy. We can discuss these matters later."
Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo exchanged glances, accepting that the academy's stance was clear—they'd have to wait for Yang Potian's return before a final decision could be made.
Meanwhile, Ning Rongrong, hearing her father's decision to stay at the academy, ran from the meeting room to find Ye Lingling. Pulling her friend along, she rushed back to the meeting room.
"Lingling, please help treat my father and uncles," she pleaded. "Their injuries are severe and could affect their cultivation."
Without a word, Ye Lingling nodded, her hands emanating a soft green light that enveloped Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo. Miraculously, their wounds began to heal rapidly, the effect so astonishing it seemed almost unbelievable.
Sword Douluo, a Level 97 Titled Douluo, marveled at the transformation he felt in his body, muttering in awe, "How is this possible? A healing spirit master of Titled Douluo level?"
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