"Please continue. I won't mind being reminded of how weak I am." Dugu Bo's voice carried a hint of gritted teeth.
Ning Rongrong knew the old poison expert wouldn't really get angry over such a small matter.
"Well then, I'll continue..." Ning Rongrong smiled awkwardly.
"The current Pope Bibi Dong is a 97th, possibly even 98th-ranked Title Douluo, and also the inheritor of the Rakshasa God's trial."
"Bibi Dong too?" Dugu Bo showed surprise on his face.
"Yes." Ning Rongrong nodded.
Damn, two god inheritors? Is Spirit Hall trying to conquer the entire Douluo Continent?
No wonder Ning Rongrong is being so cautious - she has to be.
"Aside from the Pope, Spirit Hall including the Worship Hall has at least ten, possibly more, Title Douluos at or above 95th rank."
Dugu Bo: "..."
Spirit Hall is that strong?
For the first time, Dugu Bo felt truly weak - just a measly 92nd-ranked Title Douluo.
"Well, no need to worry too much." Ning Rongrong clapped her hands.
"Since Qian Renxue personally promised not to move against the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, we should be safe for the time being."
"Moreover..."
"For sects, interests are eternal."
The table full of dishes was completely finished amid the alternating shocks and surprises.
After eating and drinking their fill, they stayed in the city for one night.
The next day, the three headed for their final destination - Gengxin City.
In a place far beyond Ning Rongrong's detection range.
On a high platform.
Two figures quietly observed them.
"Uncle Ci Xue's injuries have finally stabilized." Qian Renxue listened to She Long's report, her voice carrying a trace of emotion. "You've worked hard, Uncle She Long. I was too willful before."
"No, if the young mistress has changed her perspective, I believe the Grand Worship will be very pleased."
Qian Renxue shook her head: "Grandfather is grandfather, you are you. It was you who made me see that I'm not as cold-blooded as I thought."
"Young mistress, are you planning to return?" She Long asked in surprise.
"Yes, it's time to go back." Qian Renxue nodded. "But Uncle Ci Xue still can't be moved casually. I'll have people sent over for treatment and wait here until he wakes up."
"There's really no need for you to do this." She Long said.
"No." Qian Renxue shook her head firmly. "You all care about me... you're my family. If not for you and Uncle Ci Xue, I probably would have died in the Great Star Dou Forest."
"Young mistress..."
"My decision is made." Qian Renxue declared. "After returning to the Worship Hall this time, I'll re-examine my plans. That woman..."
"I won't pay attention to her anymore."
"Even if we need to mobilize the Worship Hall, we must take the Heaven Dou Empire as soon as possible." To be honest, if not for Spirit Hall maintaining the balance, the Heaven Dou Empire would have long been destroyed by the Star Luo Empire.
Spending so much time for an imperial throne simply wasn't worth it.
"What about the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?"
Qian Renxue replied: "I promised Ning Rongrong to protect the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Moreover, Ning Fengzhi is also my teacher."
"But his relationship with Emperor Xue Ye..."
"Ning Fengzhi is a smart man. He'll stand on our side. Our next task is to gain control of the military forces."
"A coup? Isn't that too rushed?" She Long asked in surprise.
"Not a coup. We'll just eliminate some unstable elements."
"Aren't Xue Beng and Prince Xue Xing supposed to be hiding?" A cold glint flashed in Qian Renxue's eyes.
"Then I'll completely eradicate their influence. Let's see what waves they can make then."
"Actually, I should thank Ning Rongrong. If not for her, I wouldn't have known Xue Beng could hide under my nose for so long."
...
Gengxin City.
Known as the Metal Capital, it was also a paradise for blacksmiths.
The city walls were iron-gray, as if made entirely of metal.
"So this is the City of Blacksmiths? Even the street vendors are selling weapons and armor." As they walked through the streets, Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan saw many interesting things, though few were useful to soul masters.
"I remember the Divine Craftsman Lou Gao lives in a very conspicuous building at the center." Dugu Bo stroked his chin, recalling his impressions from visiting Gengxin City years ago.
As they walked, the three arrived before a massive structure.
Thirty meters tall with an enormous footprint.
The most eye-catching feature was the hammer emblem on its signboard.
The building's main entrance had three gates, through which they entered directly.
Their eyes were immediately filled with displays of armor and weapons.
"Senior Dugu, let's use the most direct method." Ning Rongrong said to Dugu Bo behind her.
In such a huge building, she wasn't about to search floor by floor!
Dugu Bo understood immediately.
In an instant, oppressive pressure filled the entire floor.
Soul rings slowly rose up.
Two yellow, two purple, five black.
Everyone on the first floor was stunned by this sudden pressure. Someone stammered:
"A... a Title Douluo!"
"Someone in charge, take us to see Lou Gao. We have important business."
Hearing Dugu Bo's words, the people present sighed in relief.
At first they thought it was trouble - maybe someone here had offended a Title Douluo and brought retribution. But it turned out to be business.
If it's business, why make such a grand entrance?
From the crowd emerged a slender man.
"Your Excellency, hello, I am—"
"Take me to Lou Gao. We're pressed for time."
"Ah, yes." The man showed no displeasure at being interrupted, immediately waving for people to make way before leading the three upstairs.
They went up to the fourth floor, where he knocked a specific pattern to open a hidden door leading directly to the fifth floor.
From brief conversation, they learned the fifth floor was private residences.
Usually only master-level blacksmiths could live here. Ning Rongrong also learned this man was named Si Long, a Soul Sage.
However, being a full-time blacksmith, he seemed to have little actual combat ability.
It would become obvious the moment he fought.
Si Long led them to the innermost No. 1 forging room. Standing respectfully by the metal door, he knocked once.
"Haven't I said not to disturb me unless necessary?" An irritable voice came from inside.
"A Title Douluo is here to see you regarding important business."
"A Title Douluo?" Muttering could be heard inside. "Please wait a moment, let me tidy up before coming out."
About ten minutes later, the heavy metal door slowly opened.
Revealing a brightly lit room - the brightness came not from sunlight but from an enormous chandelier overhead.
"A soul tool?" Ning Rongrong murmured.
When the door opened, out came a man about 1.6 meters tall, stout with small eyes that gave him a somewhat shifty appearance.
"What brings Your Excellency here?" Lou Gao, also a soul master, naturally sensed Dugu Bo's unconcealed soul power fluctuations.
"It's not me looking for you, but our young mistress." Dugu Bo gestured toward Ning Rongrong.
Ning Rongrong stepped forward, examining the Divine Craftsman before her, and said:
"First meeting, Senior Lou Gao. I come from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and have heard of your accomplishments from my father."