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Tang Yuehua's violet eyes briefly lingered on Tang San before slowly turning to Ning Fengzhi. Her slender fingertips gently tapped the table, producing a clear, rhythmic sound.
"School Master Ning," she said, her voice soft as water yet carrying undeniable weight, "Yesterday's banquet was crowded and not suitable for private conversations." Her gilded hairpin swayed gently as she leaned slightly forward. "I came today because Little San has a business matter he wishes to discuss in detail with you."
Ning Fengzhi chuckled heartily, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile teacup in his hand reflecting brilliant light in the sun. "Lady Yuehua, you overstate it." His gentle gaze swept over everyone present. "The Upper Three Sects are like branches of the same tree, bound to help each other. If there's anything you need, please speak freely."
He turned to Tang San, a touch of Elder's affection appearing in his eyes at just the right moment. "Little San, feel free to share any thoughts you have. With Uncle Ning here, there's no need to be reserved."
Upon hearing this, Feng Xiao's lips curved into a subtle, meaningful smile. His long fingers gently tapped the table, drawing everyone's gaze to Tang San.
A hint of anticipation flashed in Tang Yuehua's eyes. This was the perfect opportunity to test Tang San's progress during his year at Moon Pavilion—not only to display the demeanor of a Clear Sky Sect successor but also to demonstrate value sufficient to impress the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
Tang San's gaze briefly rested on Feng Xiao, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly. Although logic told him that Feng Xiao's title as an honorary Elder of Spirit Hall was merely a nominal one, every time he met the gaze of this mysterious man, he felt an indescribable sense of unease.
In Feng Xiao's deep eyes, two distinctly different emotions seemed to coexist—at times, a sense of closeness that inexplicably put him at ease, and at other times, a scrutinizing gaze that made him feel like he had daggers in his back. This contradictory feeling caused Tang San's fingertips to unconsciously rub together, a small gesture that betrayed his inner turmoil, unnoticed even by himself.
Scenes from the past flashed through his mind: their first meeting at Notting Academy; during the Spirit Master Grand Competition; yesterday's graduation ceremony.
Tang San unconsciously tensed his back. He forced himself to avert his gaze, refocusing his attention on Ning Fengzhi's amiable face. But the question in his heart lingered—it seemed that many times, Feng Xiao's presence seemed to hinder his progress.
Tang San took a deep breath, the hesitation in his eyes gradually fading, replaced by a resolute determination. He clasped his hands together and looked solemnly at Ning Fengzhi. "Uncle Ning, this junior intends to establish a Sect in Heaven Dou City centered around Hidden Weapons, and I hope to gain the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Imperial Family."
Upon hearing this, the teacup Ning Fengzhi was turning in his hand paused slightly. His deep gaze lingered on Tang San's face for a moment, then he slowly said, "Oh? Little San intends to establish his own Sect?" His tone carried a well-measured mix of surprise and inquiry.
After a moment of contemplation, Ning Fengzhi leaned slightly forward, the patterns on his Seven Treasure Glazed Robe shimmering in the sunlight. "May I ask what relationship this new Sect will have with the Clear Sky Sect?"
Tang San's expression was open, his voice steady and strong. "Uncle Ning, please rest assured, this Sect will be founded on Hidden Weapons and will be completely independent of the Clear Sky Sect." He swept his hand across his waist, opened the jade box in his hand, and took out a delicate sleeve arrow. "These Hidden Weapons are all personally developed by this junior and have no connection whatsoever with the Clear Sky Sect's unique skills."
Feng Xiao, standing to the side, subtly raised an eyebrow, his fingertips gently rubbing the rim of his teacup. Qian Renxue, meanwhile, maintained the gentle smile befitting a Crown Prince, though the eyes hidden behind her fan flickered with thoughtful light.
Tang Yuehua's violet eyes held a hint of satisfaction. "Little San has always been independent. These Hidden Weapons are indeed the result of his painstaking efforts." She looked meaningfully at Ning Fengzhi. "If he can receive some guidance from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, he will surely be able to make a name for himself in Heaven Dou City."
Feng Xiao's lips curved slightly, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes, but he remained silent. However, this fleeting smile was accurately caught by the observant Ning Fengzhi.
Ning Fengzhi's expression remained neutral, but he understood in his heart. He gracefully picked up his teacup, using the rising steam to conceal the thoughts in his eyes. Even if Tang San claimed the new Sect would be independent of the Clear Sky Sect, how could the fact of their blood relation be severed by a mere statement? This young man before him was, after all, Tang Hao's son, a direct descendant of the Clear Sky Sect.
"Little San's ambition is admirable." Ning Fengzhi's voice was as gentle as ever, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda pendant at his waist gently swaying. "However, establishing a Sect is not an overnight task; it requires careful long-term planning."
His gaze casually swept over Feng Xiao, then fell on Qian Renxue, finally returning to Tang San's face. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has always been happy to support younger generations, but as for the specifics of cooperation…" His fingertips lightly tapped the table twice. "Further careful consideration is needed."
These words were impeccably phrased, neither explicitly refusing nor easily promising. Tang Yuehua's violet eyes flickered slightly; Tang San's expression remained normal, but the fingers holding his teacup tightened slightly.
Feng Xiao observed all of this, lowering his gaze to conceal his understanding. He knew better than anyone that in this game, the old fox that was the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School would not easily place its bets.
Ning Fengzhi gently set down his teacup, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile pendant reflecting a brilliant halo in the sunlight. His gaze toward Tang San remained gentle, but with added depth. "Little San's ambition to establish his own Sect is naturally something Uncle Ning is happy to see. However…" His fingertip tapped the table lightly. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is, after all, a subordinate Sect of the Heaven Dou Empire, and such a major matter requires Qinghe's approval."
As he turned to Qian Renxue, the patterns on his purple robe shimmered like waves. "Even I, Ning, am not at liberty to comment too much on Imperial affairs."
Tang Yuehua's delicate brows furrowed slightly. She clearly saw the fleeting clarity in Ning Fengzhi's eyes—this School Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School had long seen through their true intention: to use the establishment of a new Sect as a pretext to pave the way for the Clear Sky Sect's return to the Spirit Master's world and their confrontation with Spirit Hall.
"No wonder the Crown Prince is here in person today," Tang Yuehua sighed inwardly, a hint of helplessness flashing in her violet eyes. She understood that if they wanted to pull the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School into this today, they would likely have to be prepared to pay a huge price.
Feng Xiao took in everyone's reactions, a subtle curve appearing at the corner of his lips. He leisurely sipped his fragrant tea, as if completely oblivious to this silent game.
Qian Renxue—still in the guise of Xue Qinghe—wore a troubled expression. "Little San is a young talent, and having such ambition is naturally a good thing." Her voice was gentle, yet carried the caution characteristic of a superior. "However, the powers within Heaven Dou City are deeply entrenched, with various major families operating for many years, their networks spanning all industries."
Then, Qian Renxue raised a hand and pointed to Feng Xiao. "Even someone like Little Feng had a great deal of trouble when he wanted to study at Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Your Hidden Weapons may be exquisite, but to establish a firm foothold in this den of dragons and tigers…"
Tang San's lowered eyelashes cast a shadow on his face. How could he not understand that behind these high-sounding pronouncements lay calculations of waiting for the right price? If Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe were truly willing to help, with their power, it would be incredibly easy for the Tang Sect to establish itself in Heaven Dou.
His fist in his sleeve unconsciously tightened, his nails digging deep into his palm. Scenes from his past life in the Tang Sect flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern—the various injustices faced by the outer disciples…
"What His Royal Highness the Crown Prince says is absolutely correct." Tang Yuehua's clear voice sounded in time. Her violet eyes held earnestness. "What His Royal Highness the Crown Prince says is absolutely correct; many crucial points still require His Royal Highness's guidance."
Qian Renxue's lips curved slightly. "How about this—the Hidden Weapons Little San has developed are of great strategic value to the Imperial army." Her voice was unhurried, yet carried an undeniable authority. "If you are willing to provide the blueprints for basic Hidden Weapons, for Heaven Dou officials to mass-produce and equip the army…"
"Then these Hidden Weapons can be listed as Heaven Dou military supplies." Her eyes shone as she looked at Tang San. "I, as the Crown Prince, guarantee that not only will the blueprints be classified as an Imperial top secret, but I will also ensure that your Sect in Heaven Dou City is not interfered with by any forces."
As soon as her words fell, Tang San suddenly stood up, the teacup knocking over on the table, producing a crisp shattering sound.
"That's impossible!" His voice carried barely suppressed anger, causing his eyes to redden slightly.
The atmosphere in the hall suddenly froze. Ning Fengzhi's fingers, stroking his scepter, paused slightly. Feng Xiao, meanwhile, watched Tang San's loss of composure thoughtfully, a strange light flashing in his eyes.
Qian Renxue calmly took a sip of tea, as if she had long anticipated Tang San's intense reaction. When she set down her teacup, the bottom of the cup touched the table, producing a meaningful soft clink.
Tang San's chest heaved violently, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. Although "Xue Qinghe" only proposed to acquire blueprints for low-end Hidden Weapons, as a Tang Sect disciple, he understood the underlying implications better than anyone—in his previous life in the Tang Sect, it was precisely those seemingly ordinary sleeve arrows, throwing darts, and other basic Hidden Weapons that constituted the Sect's primary source of income.
Although the Crown Prince promised not to sell these Hidden Weapons externally, once the Heaven Dou military extensively adopted them, it would directly cut off the Tang Sect's largest potential market in the future. The profits that should have been exclusively enjoyed by the Tang Sect, the financial lifelines that could support the Sect's development, would all vanish into thin air.
Tang San's fingertips unconsciously rubbed Twenty Four Moonlit Bridges, his mind rapidly calculating the gains and losses. Sunlight streamed through the colorful glazed window, casting mottled light and shadow on his face, revealing the turbulent thoughts in his eyes. He seemed to already see that if he agreed to this condition, the future Tang Sect would forever be confined to the niche market of high-grade Hidden Weapons.
"Your Royal Highness…" Tang San's voice was low, each word seemingly squeezed out from between his teeth. "This condition, I'm afraid this junior cannot accept." The moment he raised his head, a sharpness, like that of the Tang Sect Elders from his previous life, flashed in his eyes. "The way of Hidden Weapons values a complete system. Even basic Hidden Weapons concern the foundation of a Sect."
Qian Renxue, facing Tang San's outright refusal, remained composed, a subtle smile even playing on her lips.
Feng Xiao, at the opportune moment, took a sip of fragrant tea, his gentle voice breaking the brief silence. "Little San, you've thought about establishing a Sect too simply." He set down his teacup, the porcelain clinking against the sandalwood table. "Everyone here sees the value of Hidden Weapons, but have you ever considered—"
Feng Xiao's gaze suddenly sharpened. "How will those Heaven Dou nobles react when they see such a lucrative weapon?" He lightly tapped the table with his fingertip. "Your Hidden Weapons require refined iron, craftsmen, transportation… and which of these isn't under the control of those deeply entrenched families?"
Qian Renxue seized the opportunity to speak. "If I truly wanted to seize this business, I could simply conscript craftsmen to replicate them. No matter how exquisite the Hidden Weapons are, as long as they are man-made, replication is only a matter of time." She looked at Tang San with a half-smile. "Now, not only do I promise not to sell them externally, but I am also willing to guarantee your Sect's establishment under the guise of military supply, which is already exceptional treatment."
Feng Xiao added meaningfully, "What's more, for the army and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School to be equipped with Hidden Weapons might not necessarily be a bad thing for the Clear Sky Sect."
Upon hearing this, Ning Fengzhi's fingers under his purple robe trembled slightly. His deep gaze lingered on Feng Xiao's face for a moment, secretly astonished—this young man had actually seen through the profound impact of widespread Hidden Weapon adoption on the Spirit Master's world's power structure. Sunlight streamed through the glazed tiles, reflecting an unusual brilliance, illuminating the sharp glint in his eyes.
Tang San slowly sat down, falling into a long silence, his long fingers unconsciously rubbing the edge of the armrest of his chair.
Seeing this, Qian Renxue threw out another tempting condition. "Little San, if you agree to this, I will not only allocate the former site of the Strength Clan to your Sect…" As she gently fanned herself, her lips curved slightly. "I can also allocate an additional three hundred mu of surrounding land, with all expansion costs borne by the Imperial Family."
Ning Fengzhi chimed in at the right moment. "If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School disciples can also be equipped with these Hidden Weapons…" He lightly tapped the table. "All production materials and craftsmen can be provided by our Sect free of charge in the initial stages."
Seeing Tang San's expression shift slightly, Ning Fengzhi added meaningfully, "Once your Sect is on track, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's rare materials will always be exclusively supplied to you at two-tenths below market price."
Feng Xiao watched with interest as Tang San's tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed. Sunlight streamed through the colorful glazed window, casting shifting light and shadow on the young man's face, revealing the intense internal struggle in his eyes. Tang Yuehua's eyes were fixed on her nephew, unblinkingly.
Everything in the world has its price, and Tang Sect Hidden Weapons were no exception.
Tang Yuehua gazed at Tang San, her violet eyes sparkling with anticipation. In her view, the conditions offered by "Xue Qinghe" and Ning Fengzhi were already extremely generous—although on the surface they lost the two major clients of the Imperial military and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, the hidden chain of interests was far more profound.
She subtly gave Tang San a meaningful look. In this chaotic world, with Spirit Hall eyeing them covetously, who could say what the future held?
When the Imperial elites and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School disciples were all equipped with Tang Sect Hidden Weapons, in Spirit Hall's eyes, they would naturally become ants on the same string. Tang Yuehua's red lips pursed slightly, as if she could already see the scene on future battlefields where those poisoned Hidden Weapons bloomed into deadly flowers on Spirit Hall Spirit Masters—at that time, when Hidden Weapons caused immense casualties to Spirit Hall, Spirit Hall would not bother to verify whether they were on the same side.
Tang San's gaze met Tang Yuehua's expectant eyes, and he instantly understood—from the Clear Sky Sect's perspective, his aunt could completely accept these conditions. However, a lingering sense of unease always remained in his heart, like the subtle whoosh of air before a Hidden Weapon was released; he sensed something was off, yet couldn't pinpoint the problem.
He took a deep breath and looked around at everyone. Ning Fengzhi's jade-like face wore a confident smile; "Xue Qinghe" appeared calm and composed; even Feng Xiao was watching him with a half-smile, his gaze seemingly able to penetrate one's heart.
"Brother Xue, Uncle Ning," Tang San's voice was a bit hoarse. "This matter is of great importance. May I return and consider it carefully?"
Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue's lips curved into a perfect arc. "Of course." Her gaze swept over Tang Yuehua's slightly anxious expression, and she added meaningfully, "Such a major matter indeed requires careful thought."
Sunlight streamed through the glazed window, casting a sharp line of light on Tang San's clenched fist. He clearly saw that when he uttered the words "consider," a fleeting expression in Feng Xiao's eyes… was it relief, or disappointment?