The next day.
Ning Rongrong and the others arrived at the most prosperous district in Heaven Dou City, second only to the imperial palace.
Before them stood a five-story building, its elegant yet ancient architecture setting it apart from its surroundings.
Above the entrance hung a plaque inscribed with two characters: "Moon Pavilion."
Thanks to Xue Qinghe's prior notice, the Moon Pavilion was closed to the public today. At the door stood a girl around Ning Rongrong's age, peering around as if searching for someone.
Led by Ning Fengzhi, the group approached.
The girl, dressed elegantly but not ostentatiously, was none other than Xue Ke—declared missing by both Xue Qinghe and Xue Beng.
Her demeanor had changed so drastically that even Ning Rongrong barely recognized her at first glance.
"Long time no see, Princess Xue Ke." Ning Fengzhi greeted her warmly.
As for Xue Ke's situation, who knew what Qian Renxue was thinking? Despite knowing Tang Yuehua was from the Clear Sky Sect, she had allowed Xue Ke to remain here.
"Yes, it's been a while, Sect Master Ning..."
Xue Ke hurried over, first bowing to Ning Fengzhi as a junior, then paying respects to the two Title Douluo, and finally greeting Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan.
"Teacher has prepared a banquet inside. Sect Master Ning, please follow me."
"Then we'll trouble Princess Xue Ke."
Xue Ke nodded and guided them into the Moon Pavilion. After winding through the halls, they reached the fourth floor—reserved for distinguished guests, unlike the fifth floor, which was Tang Yuehua's private residence.
Seeing Ning Fengzhi ascend, Tang Yuehua promptly rose.
Courtesy was courtesy, but Tang Yuehua genuinely wished to establish ties with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, so her attitude had to be impeccable.
As for whether they knew of her connection to the Clear Sky Sect, she hadn't considered that yet.
"So this is Tang Yuehua?" Ning Rongrong studied the beautiful woman before her.
She appeared to be in her late twenties, her eyes seemingly able to see through the world's illusions.
Dressed in a silver gown that accentuated her noble bearing, she rivaled even Ning Fengzhi in presence. In terms of feminine grace, she wasn't far behind Bibi Dong.
"Noble's Halo..."
Could this domain truly elevate one's temperament to such heights?
As Ning Fengzhi and Tang Yuehua conversed, Ning Rongrong remained silent, quietly observing.
She recalled the original story—Tang Yuehua, with only rank 9 soul power and not even a soul master, had somehow earned the respect of Soul Emperor-level figures.
Impressive!
"Seems she's more than just Emperor Xue Ye's mistress..."
Rumors claimed Emperor Xue Ye and Tang Yuehua had been involved.
But even if they were, without substantial ability, she couldn't have secured a place in Heaven Dou's aristocratic circles, where etiquette and decorum were highly valued.
Compared to that so-called "Grandmaster" Yu Xiaogang...
Tang Yuehua truly excelled in her field, making Yu Xiaogang seem like a clown in comparison.
Shaking her head, Ning Rongrong dismissed these thoughts and refocused on the conversation.
By now, everyone was seated for the banquet. As guests, and with favors to ask, it was best not to overthink things.
"Regarding Dugu Yan's situation, His Majesty mentioned it to me. To be honest..."
"I'm not very confident."
If it were something like the Slaughter Domain, which could dilute killing intent, Tang Yuehua could have guaranteed results.
But Dugu Yan's issue stemmed from her parents' deaths—a fear of losing control over poison that even she hadn't fully recognized.
"Madam Yuehua, this is merely Fengzhi's request. Regardless of success, the compensation will remain unchanged."
"Well... Sect Master Ning, since you've said so, it would be ungracious of me to refuse."
Tang Yuehua studied Dugu Yan's silver-white hair and sighed softly.
"Sect Master Ning, what are your thoughts on His Majesty Qinghe?"
"Which aspect do you refer to?" Ning Fengzhi deflected.
"He's grown too close to the Spirit Hall. Aren't you concerned?"
As someone from the Clear Sky Sect, Tang Yuehua assumed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was unaware of her background. Only the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and Shrek's group knew.
They wouldn't reveal it to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda either. Of course, with the sect's resources, investigating wasn't impossible—it depended on Ning Fengzhi's stance. Tang Yuehua intended to probe further.
"Madam Yuehua, I'm not sure what you're implying." Ning Fengzhi paused before replying. "This isn't something non-soul masters should involve themselves in."
"Qinghe placed Xue Ke here because he hoped you'd remain neutral."
"I've heard that Xue Ke was returned by Xue Beng. Neither wanted her involved—Xue Ke surely understands this."
After a moment of silence, Xue Ke nodded.
"Big Brother must have known I was at the Moon Pavilion all along, yet in over two years, he never visited."
"I see."
Tang Yuehua sighed deeply.
So, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda wouldn't yield until faced with disaster.
Neutrality—could they truly maintain it forever?
The uneasy peace between the Spirit Hall and the Top Three Sects existed because each possessed rank 99 deterrents. Unless pushed to the brink, none would humiliate the others.
Otherwise, when the Clear Sky Sect reemerged, they wouldn't have invited Qian Daoliu to attend.
The outcome might not have been ideal, but both sides had shown respect.
And in the past two years, no hammer-wielding soul masters had raided Spirit Hall branch temples.
In short, aside from the fierce clashes between Emperor Xue Qinghe and King Xue Beng's armies, everything else remained eerily calm—as if heralding an impending storm.
After detailed discussions, Ning Fengzhi and Tang Yuehua reached an agreement.
Tang Yuehua would go to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda to personally instruct Dugu Yan for two months.
Her goal was to help Dugu Yan recover as much as possible. In return, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda would pay a substantial sum to the Moon Pavilion and provide high-grade pills.
After Ning Fengzhi's group departed, Xue Ke stood beside Tang Yuehua, puzzled.
"Teacher, this wasn't part of your original plan."
Though her elder brother had communicated with Tang Yuehua, the initial plan was to have Dugu Yan stay for instruction—not for Tang Yuehua to visit the sect.
"Dugu Yan is crucial to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. They're willing to pay a high price for my personal guidance. And for personal reasons, I also wish to see their sect."
"I see..." Xue Ke didn't fully understand but didn't press further.
"Xue Ke, during my absence, you and the steward must manage the Moon Pavilion well. With your brother Xue Qinghe's influence, no one would dare cause trouble."
"Understood, Teacher! I'll take good care of things!" Xue Ke nodded earnestly.
However, just days after Tang Yuehua left for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda...
A tall, handsome young man exuding a sharp killing intent strode unhurriedly into Heaven Dou City, heading straight for the bustling district where the Moon Pavilion stood.