He didn't continue, but all three of them understood his meaning.
Once Spirit Hall truly achieved vertical integration, with Titled Douluo anchoring the top tier and massive numbers of commoner Soul Masters supporting the middle and lower levels...
That would be when Spirit Hall truly became a colossal entity capable of shaking the continent's power structure.
Gu Rong stroked his chin: "So in that case, our marriage alliance with Su Yu can be considered establishing a connection in advance?"
Ning Fengzhi picked up the cold tea on the table and drank it in one gulp. The cool liquid slid down his throat, but couldn't suppress the gravity in his eyes:
"Bi Bidong's current focus is on recruiting low-level Soul Masters and consolidating her foundation. She won't easily move against established sects like ours to avoid escalating conflicts and disrupting her plans."
"But this is only temporary. Once her wings are fully grown, her ambitions definitely won't stop there."
He looked at Chen Xin and Gu Rong, his tone growing increasingly measured: "Rongrong's betrothal to Su Yu might not bring immediate benefits at present, and might even attract suspicion from some factions."
"But from a long-term perspective, this is paving an escape route for our sect."
"Su Yu's talent is undeniable. Given time, he will inevitably grow into a pivotal figure within Spirit Hall."
"By then, even if Bi Bidong has designs against us, she'll have to consider Su Yu's position!"
Gu Rong twirled his beard, deep in thought: "You mean to use this marital relationship as insurance for Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?"
"Exactly." Ning Fengzhi nodded.
Chen Xin remained silent for a moment before speaking slowly: "That may be so, but Su Yu is after all Bi Bidong's disciple. If it really comes to that, would he stand on our side?"
"Taking a step back, even if Su Yu ultimately chooses to stand with Spirit Hall, with this relationship in place, he at least wouldn't stand by and watch us be destroyed."
"As long as the green hills remain, we'll never lack for firewood!"
Chen Xin seemed to remember something, his brow slightly furrowed: "But we're located within Heaven Dou Empire's territory. Getting too close to Spirit Hall, what about Xue Ye Dadi..."
"If Xue Ye Dadi isn't foolish, he would never antagonize us over this." Ning Fengzhi interrupted him, his tone certain.
"The support capabilities of Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School are coveted by every faction."
"If he distances himself from us over such a matter, it would be like cutting off his own arm, giving Spirit Hall an opportunity."
"On the contrary, seeing our connection with Spirit Hall, he'll only value us more."
He then shifted to the crucial point: "More importantly, there's Dugu Bo."
"Dugu Bo?" Gu Rong was momentarily stunned, "What about that Old Poison?"
"This Poison Douluo might not match other Titled Douluo in single combat!"
Ning Fengzhi said slowly, "But his 'poison' is the deadliest weapon on the battlefield."
"Even Titled Douluo suffer headaches when facing his poison, let alone Soul Masters below Titled Douluo level."
"From Spirit Hall's recruitment of Dugu Bo, I can see their ambition!"
"If they weren't preparing for war, Spirit Hall would have no need to recruit Dugu Bo at all!"
"You've thought this through completely?" Chen Xin looked at him, his tone somewhat softened.
Ning Fengzhi nodded: "I've been contemplating this matter for a long time. It's not an impulsive decision."
"Rongrong's happiness is important, but the survival of our sect concerns the lives of thousands of disciples. I can only seek the optimal solution between these priorities."
Gu Rong sighed. "Very well. Since you've considered this so thoroughly, we shall follow your lead."
The night breeze drifted through the window lattice, carrying a slight chill.
In the inner hall, the flickering lamplight illuminated the three solemn faces that had now reached consensus.
The next morning, the Papal Hall was filled with a solemn atmosphere.
Bi Bidong sat in her magnificent robes, her exquisite features carrying an air of detached authority as her gaze fell upon Ning Fengzhi.
Ning Fengzhi stood calmly in the hall, his composure unable to completely conceal his solemnity as he bowed slightly to Bi Bidong.
"Your Holiness the Pope, we have largely concluded our discussions regarding cooperation between our two great powers these past days."
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is willing to support Your Holiness's proposal."
Bi Bidong's slender fingers rested lightly on the armrest as a faint smile touched her lips.
"It is indeed fortunate that the Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School can establish cooperation."
"However," Ning Fengzhi's tone shifted as he looked up at Bi Bidong, his voice firm, "our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has one additional request."
"Oh?" A flicker of surprise crossed Bi Bidong's eyes before she gestured. "Please speak freely, Sect Leader Ning."
The air in the hall seemed to freeze for a moment as all eyes focused on Ning Fengzhi.
Taking a deep breath, Ning Fengzhi slowly stated: "Your Holiness the Pope, I wish to arrange an engagement between my daughter Ning Rongrong and your Holy Son Su Yu."
Silence fell over the Papal Hall.
The attending maids held their breath, clearly not expecting Ning Fengzhi to make such a request.
The smile faded from Bi Bidong's face as she quietly observed Ning Fengzhi, her gaze seemingly capable of piercing through one's heart. After a long pause, she finally spoke, her tone betraying neither joy nor anger:
"Sect Leader Ning... wishes to consolidate our cooperation through marriage?"
"Yes, but not entirely." Ning Fengzhi met her gaze.
"Holy Son Su Yu possesses exceptional talent and upright character. Although my daughter Rongrong is still young, she holds considerable affection for the Holy Son."
"If they can be joined in matrimony, the relationship between our two great powers will naturally become closer, benefiting both public and private interests."
He paused before adding: "Of course, this depends on Holy Son Su Yu and my daughter's wishes, and most importantly, on Your Holiness's approval."
Bi Bidong lightly tapped the armrest as thoughts raced through her mind.
She naturally understood Ning Fengzhi's scheme - to bind the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School to the Spirit Hall through marriage.
This old fox fears I might move against the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, hence he wants to use Xiao Yu to restrain her.
However, for the Spirit Hall, marriage alliance with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School would bring numerous benefits without any drawbacks.
After a moment, the scrutiny in Bi Bidong's eyes faded, replaced by a meaningful smile:
"Sect Leader Ning certainly plays his cards well."
She looked toward the hall entrance and called out: "Summon Su Yu."
Ning Fengzhi also instructed a nearby maid to bring Ning Rongrong.
Before long, Su Yu quickly entered the hall, his Holy Son attire making him appear even more composed. Surveying the situation, he bowed slightly:
"Teacher, Sect Leader Ning."
Bi Bidong looked at him, her tone even: "Su Yu, Sect Leader Ning wishes to arrange an engagement between Miss Rongrong and you. What are your thoughts?"
Su Yu clearly hadn't anticipated this matter. After a moment of surprise, he looked toward Ning Fengzhi and replied in a measured tone:
"This matter shall be entirely decided by the teacher and Lord Ning."
Shortly after, Ning Rongrong was led into the hall by a maidservant, still wearing that cyan dress, her small face bearing a trace of bewilderment.
She had just been playing outside with Grandpa Sword when her father suddenly summoned her to the Papal Hall, leaving her momentarily at a loss.
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