Chapter 318: The Three Upper Sects United × A Villain's Scheming
After abandoning the comfort of traveling by carriage, their strength had long since improved dramatically. With the added endurance of their soul cores, their return journey was even faster than their trip there.
In just two days, by the time night fell, the five of them could already see the gates of Tian Dou City.
Since they would be meeting with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Han Li and his group did not conceal their movements. Of course, Qian Daoliu still refrained from showing himself otherwise, it might have been a bit too much for the sect's nerves.
Inside the Tian Dou Imperial Palace, they met Qian Renxue.
"You're already done over there? That was fast."
Seeing only a few of them return, Qian Renxue was slightly surprised. The last time she had contacted Han Li, he had only mentioned that both sides had made contact she hadn't expected them to be back so soon.
"Yeah, now we just wait for news."
Han Li answered casually. He couldn't monitor the Silver Dragon King's location yet, but Di Tian had most likely already awakened her. The only question was how long it would take for a response.
"What about the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"
Han Li found a place to sit and turned to Qian Renxue. In her message, she had only briefly mentioned it, without going into detail.
"Rong Rong has been coming over almost daily, trying all sorts of ways to find out where you are. Technically, since you were invited, there was no public announcement of your departure. I had to stall, saying you left for some urgent business but would be back soon. I don't know the specifics beyond that."
Qian Renxue set down a document, then looked at him with a hint of gossip in her eyes. "What exactly did you signal to them? They're not even bothering to avoid me the Tian Dou Emperor when trying to contact you. Even the merchant guild has seen people sent by Ning Fengzhi quite frequently."
"What else? Obviously, it's about their martial soul the method to break the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's seven ring limit. I already mentioned it during the preliminary rounds."
Han Li chuckled, satisfying her curiosity.
"But the immortal herbs are gone, right? Do you still have another method?"
Qian Renxue tilted her head slightly as if recalling the moment. Back then, she had thought Han Li was just joking.
"Of course. In fact, I have an additional method now."
Han Li smirked. The inheritance site of the Nine Colored Goddess was now within his grasp. In terms of value, it was even more significant. However, he wasn't certain if she would still accept Rong Rong as a candidate. This was not like the original story without interference from the God of Food, her martial soul's deficiencies might make the Nine Colored Goddess uninterested.
As for the God of Food's inheritance, Oscar was still only in the thirties. Though his talent was sufficient, his strength was nowhere near qualifying. For now, he should just keep serving under Qian Renxue.
"Are you planning to bring them under your wing?"
Qian Renxue massaged her temples. She didn't particularly dislike the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Over the years, their interactions had been pleasant enough, so she had no objections to absorbing them.
"That depends on their boldness. Would you refuse if Spirit Hall could establish another branch hall?"
Han Li shook his head. Unlike the Clear Sky Hammer, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was a very promising martial soul. However, his focus had already shifted elsewhere, and he had no time to play politics with Ning Fengzhi. Their fate was ultimately their own choice.
The golden opportunity had passed or rather, it was too late. If they had acted a few years ago, even just one year earlier, things would have been completely different. Unfortunately, there were no do overs.
"Then do as you like."
Qian Renxue waved it off indifferently. Lately, she had been busy delegating responsibilities, gradually replacing the old personnel with Spirit Hall's people. This way, she could free up more energy for her god trials there was no way she was going to fall behind.
"As long as you're fine with it."
Han Li shrugged. Since Qian Daoliu had handed over affairs to the two of them, their decisions took precedence.
That said, neither of them seemed to care too much. But most tasks didn't require their direct involvement anyway, so it didn't really matter.
"By the way, we should rotate Snake Spear and Blood Thorn in next. Have them try out some god trial sites even second or third trials are faster than pure cultivation."
Han Li suddenly remembered something and instructed Qian Renxue.
Anyone who had cultivated to Titled Douluo had solid talent and martial souls. As long as they didn't attempt something completely unrelated like taking the God of Food or Nine Colored Goddess trials, or Guang Ling trying the Phoenix God trial then given the Divine Realm's current state, they should at least get some kind of response.
Exploiting the system? Nothing shameful about that.
Qian Renxue nodded. Aside from the worship elders, most of the former Worship Hall's Titled Douluo were already under her command, so this could be arranged.
Snake Spear and Blood Thorn had accompanied her in hiding for years, so they were among the most trusted and had priority. She just hadn't thought of it immediately.
"Got it. I won't interfere with your dealings with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. With me here, they wouldn't be as open with you."
Qian Renxue smiled. Technically, she was still the ruler of the empire, after all.
"Mm."
Han Li nodded, chatted for a while longer, then took his leave and returned to his residence spending the night at the palace was out of the question.
Later, after checking in on Ah Yin's condition, Han Li "helped" her again, further increasing the influx of energy.
At this rate, it would take at least another week for her to meet the bare minimum requirements. Whether she was willing or not was never a consideration for Han Li.
The fact that she hadn't chosen to self destruct meant she had already made her decision. As the Blue Silver Emperor, Han Li was essentially forcing her to fulfill her duty as the ruler of her clan.
Trading her existence as a mere blade of grass for Han Li's relatively benevolent attitude in the future could even be considered an act of righteousness.
If it weren't for Tang Hao and Tang San, she might have even thanked Han Li.
Of course, Han Li had no need for her gratitude.
The night passed without incident.
The moment Han Li and his group made their presence known, intelligence agents were already on their way to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Moreover, Qian Renxue had also sent people to notify them, so there was no concern that Ning Fengzhi wouldn't be informed.
At ten in the morning, an unmarked carriage stopped at the entrance of Han Li's residence.
Once it came to a halt, three people stepped out, all wearing subtle disguises to avoid making their visit seem too public.
Who else could it be but Ning Fengzhi and Ning Rongrong? The only difference was that their escort had changed Gu Rong had replaced Chen Xin as their bodyguard.
After being led into the courtyard by the servants, the three removed their black cloaks and entered the main hall.
Han Li was already waiting for them.
Once the servants had brought tea and left, Han Li finally looked at the three visitors.
"What brings Sect Master Ning to me today?"
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Han Li got straight to the point, ignoring Ning Rongrong's wandering gaze as she searched for Zhu Zhuqing.
Ning Fengzhi was momentarily surprised. He had brought Ning Rongrong along intending to use emotional ties to subtly approach the subject, but Zhu Zhuqing was nowhere to be seen.
Fortunately, since Han Li had asked directly, there was no need for unnecessary maneuvering.
"To be frank, Holy Son Han, I came today to confirm something with you. During the preliminary tournament, you mentioned a way to break the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's seven ring limit is that true?"
Ning Fengzhi maintained his composed demeanor as he spoke, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of emotion both anticipation and nervousness.
Unlike him, Ning Rongrong was much more straightforward. Her large eyes stared unblinkingly at Han Li, waiting for his response.
"It's true, of course."
Under their gaze, Han Li calmly uttered those words.
"However, Sect Master Ning should understand this is a major matter, especially for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. What price are you willing to pay?"
"Even if you can offer something tempting enough, why should I tell you? Our relationship is far from amicable. Haven't the three upper sects always been united? The bones of the Clear Sky Sect are still fresh in the ground."
Han Li's words were blunt, even ruthless.
But so what? His strength had long since been exposed, his goals already achieved, and he had publicly killed Tang Hao and Tang Xiao before countless witnesses. In today's Douluo Continent, he was the one others needed to fear.
Just look at Gu Rong he still harbored resentment, yet he had no choice but to endure it.
Ning Fengzhi, however, remained composed. He had anticipated this scenario before making the decision to come.
As the leader of a sect, he was well versed in restraint. Strength dictated reality, and he understood that all too well.
"Holy Son Han, you jest. The claim that the three upper sects are bound together is nothing more than baseless rumor. It was likely spread by some ill intentioned individual trying to drive a wedge between us and Spirit Hall. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has always been friendly with others."
Ning Fengzhi spoke with a calm expression, completely disregarding the fact that he had been the one who said those words most often.
"Mm, Sect Master Ning is right. I should reevaluate things rumors shouldn't be taken seriously."
Since the man was willing to insult himself, Han Li saw no need to be overly aggressive. Negotiations required some flexibility.
"Indeed. Now then, what does Holy Son Han desire in exchange for this information?"
Ning Fengzhi, ever the seasoned negotiator, smoothly shifted the conversation back to Han Li, hoping he would state his own terms.
Han Li chuckled inwardly. Too much business had made this man slippery.
Instead of answering, he turned his gaze to Ning Rongrong, looking at her with an amused expression without saying a word.
Ning Rongrong suddenly felt uneasy. She recalled what her father had told her before coming, and she felt a mix of resistance and anxiety. Her mind was a chaotic mess.
Beside her, Ning Fengzhi's eyes, on the other hand, brightened.
This was exactly what he had hoped for.
The lowest cost, yet the greatest gain. Han Li's talent was unquestionable if a future child could inherit even a fraction of it, no matter what their martial soul was, it would be a blessing for the sect.
As some grew nervous and others delighted, Han Li suddenly shifted his gaze away.
He took a sip of tea and looked at Ning Fengzhi.
"I am but a junior how could I dare name my own terms? Let Sect Master Ning speak instead. You have three chances to exchange for my information."
(End of Chapter)
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