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Feng Xiao saw the bewildered expressions on everyone's faces and chuckled softly, "This is just some of my musings about a higher realm of music; perhaps it doesn't even exist." He waved his hand casually, a hint of an artist's unrestrained spirit in his expression.
Only then did everyone present show a look of understanding. They all understood that as an excellent performer, one would always have a pursuit and imagination for the artistic realm that surpassed ordinary people.
Tang San's taut heartstrings finally relaxed slightly. Although Feng Xiao's division of musical realms indeed bore some resemblance to the records in Daoist scriptures, there were fundamental differences upon closer examination. He picked up his teacup and took a sip, silently comforting himself in his heart, "It should just be a coincidence."
Ning Fengzhi elegantly raised his jade chopsticks, his warm voice breaking the brief silence, "Everyone, please enjoy the meal. If the dishes get cold, it would be a disservice to the chef's efforts." The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile patterns on his purple robe shimmered with a luxurious glow under the candlelight.
Feng Xiao calmly held his chopsticks, meticulously tasting the exquisite dishes before him. Although every dish was perfect in color, aroma, and taste, none of them truly amazed him—after all, the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's dining standards were already extremely high, and most of the rare medicinal herbs cultivated by Dugu Bo in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well had been acquired by the imperial family at high prices for dietary conditioning.
Tang San's chopsticks, however, paused slightly in mid-air. As a master of poison, he keenly sensed that these seemingly ordinary dishes were infused with dozens of precious medicinal herbs. With every bite, he could feel his body being gently nourished.
"Snow Ginseng, Ganoderma Lucidum, Dragon Blood Vine…" He silently counted the herbs he tasted, his knuckles gripping the chopsticks turning slightly white, "Is this the foundation of the Upper Three Sects?"
Sunlight streamed through the colorful glazed window, casting fragmented light spots on his lowered eyelashes. At this moment, he realized with unprecedented clarity that to rebuild the Tang Sect, relying solely on Hidden Weapons techniques was far from enough. The accumulated heritage of those centuries-old Sects was the true foundation.
As the last cup of clear tea was drained, this undercurrent-filled luncheon finally drew to a close. The sun had already begun to set, casting long shadows within the hall through the colorful glazed window.
Ning Fengzhi elegantly put down his teacup, "It is truly fortunate to gather with everyone today." His gaze gently swept over everyone, lingering for a moment longer on Tang San.
Feng Xiao calmly rose, his fingertips subtly brushing away the lingering tea stains on the table. Tang San was the last to stand, his eyes beneath his dark hair still holding lingering thoughts.
The maids quietly began to clear the tableware, the glazed vessels clinking softly. Tang Yuehua's eyes reflected the varied expressions of everyone. This banquet, which appeared to be a joyous occasion between hosts and guests, in fact saw everyone leaving with unspoken thoughts.
Ning Fengzhi personally escorted everyone to the mountain gate of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. The afternoon sun shone on the white marble archway, illuminating the five gilded characters "Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School" with dazzling brilliance.
His purple robe fluttered gently, and his gaze turned warmly towards Tang San, "Little San, Lady Yuehua, regarding the matters discussed today, I hope you two will consider them carefully. If you reach a decision, you can go directly to the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace to find Xue Qinghe."
A complex expression flashed in Tang San's eyes, and he respectfully bowed, "This junior understands, School Master Ning."
A sharp glint flickered in Tang Yuehua's eyes, but she merely nodded slightly without saying more.
Qian Renxue—who still appeared as Xue Qinghe at this moment—spoke softly, "Then this Crown Prince will await your good news at the East Palace, Little San."
"Yes, Crown Prince." Tang San bowed again, his tone no longer holding the previous familiarity, and he deliberately omitted the address "Big Brother Xue."
Qian Renxue was not offended, merely nodding elegantly. The sunlight stretched her shadow long, intersecting with Tang San's figure before the mountain gate.
"Farewell, School Master Ning, Crown Prince." Tang Yuehua gracefully curtsied, her violet-colored skirt blooming like petals.
Tang San also bowed, "Farewell."
The mountain breeze swept by, carrying a swirling fallen leaf among them. Ning Rongrong stood beside her father, looking at Tang San's departing back with a hesitant expression, the hem of her light green skirt gently swaying in the wind.
Watching Tang Yuehua and Tang San's carriage gradually disappear into the distance, Ning Fengzhi and Qian Renxue exchanged a smile, a tacit understanding in each other's eyes. They had long seen through Tang San's subtle changes in expression, discerning his inner struggle and compromise.
"Teacher, with matters here concluded, this disciple should also take his leave." Qian Renxue resumed Xue Qinghe's gentle, jade-like demeanor and cupped her hands towards Ning Fengzhi. Sunlight shimmered on her jade crown, reflecting a hint of the Crown Prince's dignity.
Ning Fengzhi gently stroked the scepter in his hand, nodding with a smile, "This time, it was thanks to Xue Qinghe's mediation."
"Teacher, you overstate it." A sharp glint flashed in Qian Renxue's eyes, "With Tang San's Hidden Weapons blueprints, the combat strength of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School disciples and Heaven Dou elites will undoubtedly reach a new level."
Ning Fengzhi looked into the distance, his gaze profound and deep, "Indeed." His purple robe fluttered lightly in the evening breeze, and he mused, "With this, when facing that behemoth of Spirit Hall, we will have a few more bargaining chips in our hands."
Feng Xiao stood quietly to the side, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the jade pendant at his waist, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
Qian Renxue's gaze shifted slightly, a meaningful expression flashing in her eyes. She turned gracefully and called out softly to Feng Xiao, "Little Feng, it's time to depart."
Feng Xiao understood, bowing slightly towards Ning Fengzhi, "Farewell, School Master Ning." As his gaze turned to Ning Rongrong beside him, a faint smile touched his lips, "And Miss Rongrong."
Ning Rongrong pouted upon hearing this, her glazed hair ornament gently swaying with her head turn, but she ultimately said nothing. Ning Fengzhi, meanwhile, nodded with a smile, "Farewell."
Qian Renxue was the first to board the gilded carriage, followed closely by Feng Xiao. The moment the curtain fell, both of them simultaneously reined in the smiles on their faces. The carriage slowly started, rolling over the mountain road covered in the lingering sunset glow, gradually disappearing at the end of the winding mountain path of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
Ning Fengzhi stood with his hands behind his back, his purple robe fluttering in the evening breeze. It wasn't until the carriage completely vanished from sight that he sighed softly and turned to walk deeper into the Sect. Ning Rongrong trotted to catch up with her father's steps, her light green skirt fluttering behind her like butterfly wings.
Inside the Moon Pavilion's carriage, Tang Yuehua sat by the window. Her brows were tightly furrowed, and her eyes, looking out at the rapidly passing scenery, revealed a hint of unconcealed worry.
"Aunt, is something amiss?" Tang San keenly sensed her unusual state and asked softly.
Tang Yuehua seemed to startle from her contemplation, slowly retracting her gaze. She sighed softly, "Little San, you saw it today…" Her voice held a hint of weariness, "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School always maintains a distant relationship with us."
Tang San's face showed surprise upon hearing this, his brow slightly furrowed, "Aunt, why do you say that? School Master Ning offered extremely generous terms."
A hint of helplessness flashed in Tang Yuehua's eyes, "Little San, have you ever considered why Ning Fengzhi specifically arranged for Crown Prince Xue Qinghe to be present?"
"This…" Tang San pondered for a moment, "Isn't it just to use the noble forces to pressure us?"
Tang Yuehua nodded slightly, her gilded hair ornament swaying gently with her movement, "That's right, but that's only one layer of his intention." A sharp glint flashed in her eyes, "Do you remember the truth about your father's demise two years ago?"
Tang San's pupils contracted abruptly, his knuckles turning white as his voice became icy, "Of course I remember, Aunt. That blood feud from that day, I will never forget."
"The problem lies there." Tang Yuehua lightly tapped her palm, "Spirit Hall dared to ambush your father and son outside Heaven Dou City, leading to your father's demise. This has already created an irreconcilable blood feud between the Clear Sky Sect and Spirit Hall." Her gaze was like a torch, "And regarding today's request for the Hidden Weapons blueprints, Ning Fengzhi could have clearly negotiated with us alone. Why did he insist on involving the Heaven Dou imperial family?"
A sharp glint appeared in Tang San's eyes, and he suddenly realized, "Aunt means… the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is deliberately keeping its distance from us to curry favor with Spirit Hall?"
Silence fell in the carriage, broken only by the sound of the wheels rolling over pebbles. The afternoon sun filtered through the gauze curtain, casting dappled light and shadow on Tang San's grim face. Only then did he understand that behind this seemingly ordinary negotiation today lay such deep political calculations.
A complex expression flashed in Tang Yuehua's eyes, "I cannot be entirely sure of Ning Fengzhi's intentions. After all, these Hidden Weapons will ultimately be equipped by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School disciples and the Heaven Dou army." Her fingertips lightly tapped on the window frame, "Perhaps he is preparing for future resistance against Spirit Hall. But one thing I can confirm—"
She suddenly turned to look directly at Tang San, her gilded hair ornament reflecting a cold light in the setting sun, "If he had to choose between us and the imperial family, Ning Fengzhi would inevitably bet on the imperial family. That young man named Feng Xiao is simply too dazzling."
Tang San remained silent for a long time, the confusion in his eyes gradually turning into determination. He straightened his back, his voice steady and strong, "Aunt, I will continue to improve myself and will never disappoint you."
Tang Yuehua's expression softened, and she reached out to gently stroke Tang San's dark hair. Her fingertips lingered in his hair, just as Tang Hao had done for her back then, "It's good that you think that way." Waves of gratification rippled in her violet eyes, "With your twin spirits, your future achievements will surely surpass that child's. Aunt believes in you."
Tang San nodded with a solemn expression, saying in a deep voice, "Aunt, since you also cannot be certain of Ning Fengzhi's true intentions, then these Hidden Weapons blueprints…"
Tang Yuehua sighed softly, "Little San, no matter what Ning Fengzhi is planning, you must hand over these Hidden Weapons blueprints." A hint of helplessness flashed in her violet eyes, "In Heaven Dou City, there are only two ways to gain a foothold—either cooperate with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, or bow to the noble forces."
The sunlight outside the window illuminated her profile, making it exceptionally gentle yet with a hint of firmness, "Even I, your aunt, in this Heaven Dou City, have to treat the imperial family with extra courtesy." Her slender hand suddenly paused, "Do you think that in a vast place like Heaven Dou, there really aren't any teachers who can teach etiquette and music?"
Upon hearing this, a flicker of realization and bitterness crossed Tang San's eyes. He slowly lowered his head, his voice low but firm, "Yes, Aunt. Little San… understands."
Tang Yuehua's eyes showed a hint of pity, "Little San, the path Aunt can pave for you ends here." Her voice was soft but carried a hint of heaviness, "If we want the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School to truly stand with us against Spirit Hall, we still need a reason that forces them to get involved."
Tang San nodded with a solemn expression. How could he not understand that even if the Tang Sect was ostensibly independent of the Clear Sky Sect, its stance against Spirit Hall would never change. If Ning Fengzhi remained indecisive, the generous terms he agreed to today could at any moment become a mere empty promise.
Thinking of the worst-case scenario—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School suddenly turning against them, cutting off material supply and artisan support—the Tang Sect's economic lifeline would be instantly severed. This terrifying thought made a layer of cold sweat break out on Tang San's back, and he hurriedly asked, "Does Aunt have a good plan?"
Tang Yuehua was silent for a moment, then lightly tapped the window frame, "Yes." She looked directly into Tang San's eyes, "You pursue Ning Rongrong."
Tang San's face changed drastically, and the image of that pink silhouette instantly flashed in his mind. He shook his head abruptly, his voice filled with unprecedented determination, "Aunt, I'm sorry… this, I cannot do."
His clenched fists trembled slightly, his fingernails digging deep into his palms. The girl who had smiled gently at him in Notting Academy had long since taken root in his heart. Even in the face of his aunt's disappointed gaze, he could not go against his own feelings.
Tang Yuehua sighed deeply, "This is the only way for now." Her violet eyes appeared especially deep under the sunlight, "You must understand that in this Heaven Dou City, only Ning Rongrong—is the reason that can force Ning Fengzhi to go all out."
Her voice was very soft, but every word struck Tang San's heart like a heavy hammer, "If the Little Princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School were to form a bond with you, Ning Fengzhi would have no retreat."
Tang San's fists clenched even tighter, his knuckles making a faint cracking sound. That unforgettable pink figure became even clearer in his mind.
"Aunt…" His voice was hoarse, unlike his own, "Besides this, I am willing to try any method."
Tang Yuehua gazed at her nephew's pained expression, her gilded hair ornament swaying slightly in the silence. She finally sighed softly, "Very well. We will find another way for this path."
Tang Yuehua looked at Tang San's relieved expression, a complex worried look appearing on her delicate face, and thoughts surged in her violet eyes.
Besides the path of marriage alliance, she truly couldn't think of any other way to completely bind the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Clear Sky Sect.
"Alas…" A barely audible sigh dissipated into the sound of carriage wheels rolling over flagstones. Tang Yuehua looked at her nephew's resolute profile, ultimately unable to force him further. She reached out to smooth Tang San's wind-blown collar, and as her fingertips touched the young Spirit Master's tense shoulder, she felt a slight tremor there.
On the other side, inside the gilded carriage.
Qian Renxue had removed her disguise, returning to her original exquisite beauty. She leaned lazily in Feng Xiao's embrace, her golden hair cascading down like a waterfall, shimmering with a luxurious luster under the soft light of the carriage.
"Little Feng…" She tilted her head slightly, her gilded eyelashes fluttering gently, "Today, Tang San's attitude towards you was quite strange; it seemed…" Her fingertips drew circles on Feng Xiao's chest, "as if he was deliberately testing something."
Feng Xiao's lips curved slightly, his fingertips gently Binding Qian Renxue's golden hair, "Perhaps. But… Supreme Pontiff's side, should be almost ready, right?"
Upon hearing this address, Qian Renxue's delicate face instantly turned icy. She pursed her red lips, reluctantly nodding, "The Spirit Master legion has been secretly assembling. In a few more days… there should be news."
Seeing this, Feng Xiao suddenly leaned down and lightly pecked her tense, pretty face, "Don't be so serious…" His warm breath brushed her ear, "Come on, give your husband a smile?"
Qian Renxue hummed softly, her gilded eyelashes trembling slightly. Although she still maintained an displeased expression, the corners of her taut lips had unconsciously softened a few degrees. She raised her hand as if to strike, but ultimately only gently pinched Feng Xiao's cheek, "You're not serious…"
In the distance, the spire of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School gradually disappeared into the twilight, while the outline of Heaven Dou City was faintly visible.