Xue Beng followed Ning Rongrong into the Seven Treasure Grand Hall, where music and dance filled the air. Ning Fengzhi had deliberately created a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere—making Xue Beng and the commissioners feel he truly had no intention of joining the war, only seeking self-preservation.
With Chen Xin and Tianlin present, even the Spirit Empire couldn't touch them. They had already begun to enjoy life.
Thinking of the royal family's troubles, Xue Beng's anger surged. The sect had both martial and scholarly talent—Jun Tianlin and Ning Fengzhi—yet never thought to contribute to the nation, only to protect themselves.
"Greetings, Sect Leader Ning," Xue Beng forced himself to be polite. "You certainly seem at ease, enjoying song and dance while war rages outside."
"Hehe, no need for such formality, Your Highness. Please, sit," Ning Fengzhi invited him. "I have nothing to do—since the empire now has the support of the number one clan, the Clear Sky Sect, my sect has retreated to the sidelines."
"Sect Leader Ning, you shouldn't say that. With great power comes great responsibility. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is now recognized as the number one sect. The Spirit Empire commits countless atrocities and unjust wars. Only you, Sword Douluo, and the Holy Demon Douluo can oppose them," Xue Beng said.
"Oh, really? But I heard that it was the Clear Sky Sect who killed a Spirit Empire honorary elder without cause. They only seek revenge for their own. Since the empire is allied with the Clear Sky Sect, it's only natural to become a target. How can you say the Spirit Empire is in the wrong? The feud between the Spirit Empire and the Clear Sky Sect is not for us to meddle in," Ning Rongrong said, sitting in the vice sect leader's seat. "Here's a suggestion: why don't you hand over the Clear Sky Sect? If the Spirit Empire gets their heads, they'll have no more excuse to fight. If they still cause trouble, I'll persuade my father to help you—then you'll have just cause."
"You know the truth behind the Clear Sky Sect killing the Grandmaster, Miss Ning. No need to play dumb," Xue Beng said angrily. Handing over the Clear Sky Sect was impossible—it would leave the empire with no titled Douluos, making them easy prey.
He was also implying he knew the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was the real culprit, even if he had no evidence.
"Hehe, Your Highness loves riddles. I'm too simple-minded to understand. But I heard from my husband, the root cause was the Clear Sky Sect trying to frame our sect. If you trace it back, Tianlin killed the Tang father and son because Tang Hao killed Oslo, and slaughtered soul beasts for their bones, violating the laws of all the factions. In the end, it's the Clear Sky Sect's fault."
Now you want us to save a faction that tried to frame us? You must be joking!
Shui Bing'er mocked, "Rongrong, that's Prince Xue Beng's usual tactic—distorting the facts. Didn't he do the same when he tried to force me to marry him?"
"Shui Bing'er, you!" Xue Beng slammed the table in anger.
"Your Highness, this is not your palace—don't act up here. Or do you want to threaten my daughter again?" Suddenly, a spear pointed at Xue Beng's back—it was Yang Wudi's Soulbreaking Spear.
He still bore a grudge for failing to kill Xue Beng in the palace years ago.
The dancing maids froze in fear, but Ning Fengzhi gently comforted them, "Don't be afraid—this has nothing to do with you. Continue the music and dance!"
"Father!" Shui Bing'er was delighted to see Yang Wudi stand up for her. She had never felt such fatherly protection before.
"Brother Yang, please stop!" Bai Baoshan quickly summoned his Heavenly Star Furnace to block the spear. One was the strongest offense, the other the strongest defense—if they fought, it would be hard to tell who'd win.
"Hmph, then tell Xue Beng to watch his tone. If he scares my daughter, I'll kill him on the spot, no matter his status," Yang Wudi snorted, but withdrew the spear. Ning Fengzhi had told him to just scare, not kill, Xue Beng today.
Xue Beng broke into a cold sweat, suddenly remembering that Shui Bing'er was no longer a rootless nobody—she now had family backing her and wasn't afraid of him.
Meng Shenji, an old fox, saw through it. The sect was making it clear they didn't want to join the war, hoping to drive the empire's delegates away.
But no matter the humiliation, they had to endure it. If the sect didn't help, the empire was finished.
"Sect Leader Ning, I know you're disheartened by the empire's actions, but the people are innocent. The Spirit Empire, under the guise of revenge, has caused countless refugees. If you don't act, the empire will fall—and if it does, the Star Luo Empire will be alone. Once the Spirit Empire unites the land, they won't tolerate your sect either," Meng Shenji pleaded. "I know with Tianlin and Sword Douluo, they can't destroy you, but they can use public opinion or economic means to hinder your development. Will you start another war then?"
Ning Fengzhi sneered, "Limit us with public opinion and economics? Haven't you already done so? The Spirit Empire and your empire—what's the difference to us?"
"That..." Meng Shenji was at a loss. Indeed, what difference did it make?
"That was my fault," Xue Beng said, regaining his composure. "Because of the incident with Shui Bing'er, I ordered restrictions on your sect out of anger. That was impulsive. I hope, for the sake of my youth and ignorance, you'll let it go. I'm willing to compensate your sect and Miss Shui Bing'er."