Chapter 43: Ning Fengzhi's Dilemma
"Ning Sect Master, perhaps you should hear our offer before refusing outright," Ruo Ling said calmly.
"No matter what you propose, the Split Mind Control Technique will never be shared," Ning Fengzhi replied firmly.
Ruo Ling raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Don't be so absolute, Sect Master. There's no such thing as an impossible deal—only insufficient incentive."
In truth, hadn't Tang San obtained it in the original timeline too?
Ning Fengzhi narrowed his eyes, curious to see what this young man could possibly offer. As for wealth, he had confidence—no one on the continent could outmatch the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan in riches.
Even if Spirit Hall offered spirit bones, he would scoff at ordinary ten-thousand-year ones. And who in their right mind would trade a hundred-thousand-year bone?
Under his watchful gaze, Ruo Ling slowly drew something from his soul device—a Golden Threaded Amber Tulip.
Bibi Dong had handed it to him earlier on the way, telling him he was free to handle things as he saw fit. With her backing him, Ruo Ling had nothing to fear.
The moment the immortal herb appeared, Ning Fengzhi's calm demeanor shattered. His entire body trembled, his eyes widening in disbelief.
"It seems Sect Master Ning recognizes this?" Ruo Ling asked, mildly surprised. He had thought few people in this world even knew about immortal herbs.
But judging from Ning Fengzhi's reaction, he certainly did.
As expected, a great sect like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan possessed deeper heritage than most could imagine.
"Where did you obtain this?" Ning Fengzhi finally asked, unable to contain himself. Were it not for Bibi Dong's presence, he might have snatched it outright.
"That's irrelevant," Ruo Ling said lightly. "What matters is—what do you think of this flower?"
"Fengzhi, what is this?" Sword Douluo frowned. It was the first time he had ever seen his Sect Master so visibly shaken.
"Uncle Jian," Ning Fengzhi said gravely, "do you recall the record in our clan's ancient texts—an item capable of breaking the limit of the Seven-Treasure Pagoda, allowing it to evolve into the Nine-Treasure Pagoda?"
"You mean…" Sword Douluo's eyes flashed.
"Yes. The depiction in those records matches this flower exactly."
"This is the Golden Threaded Amber Tulip, a heavenly immortal herb born from sun and moon essence. It can mend flaws in a martial spirit—and even elevate it to a higher form."
Ruo Ling spoke calmly, explaining as if reciting from memory.
"So you intend to exchange this herb for the Split Mind Control Technique?" Ning Fengzhi asked, his voice taut with restrained excitement.
Ruo Ling looked at him but said nothing—just watched silently.
As the silence stretched, Ning Fengzhi grew increasingly uneasy. To evolve the Seven Treasure Pagoda into the Nine Treasures… it was every sect member's lifelong dream. A dream now within arm's reach.
Then Ruo Ling suddenly smiled and shook his head. "Spirit Hall has come with sincerity, Sect Master Ning."
"Tell me, do you really think your Split Mind Control Technique is worthy of this herb?"
The room fell silent.
Ning Fengzhi stared at the boy—there was no trace of youthful naivety in him, only the composure of a seasoned negotiator.
"I want the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to join Spirit Hall," Ruo Ling said quietly, his tone calm but absolute. "The Split Mind Technique will be included as a gesture of goodwill."
"Impossible!" Ning Fengzhi refused without hesitation.
Ruo Ling didn't argue. He simply looked down at the glowing tulip in his hand.
At this point, he didn't need to speak.
It was Ning Fengzhi who coveted the tulip's power, not he. As for the Split Mind Technique, it would only marginally aid Ruo Ling's Crow Shadow Puppet. The benefit wasn't nearly as crucial.
Ning Fengzhi's heartbeat quickened as he looked at the boy who sat there, composed and unfazed—even in the presence of three powerful figures.
The Pope hadn't intervened once, simply watching with faint amusement—clearly leaving full control of the matter to her disciple.
How rare… that a Holy Son would be given such authority.
"I'll need time to consider," Ning Fengzhi said helplessly.
"Of course." Ruo Ling smiled faintly. "But you only have three days."
Ning Fengzhi looked to Bibi Dong instinctively.
"His words are mine," she replied expressionlessly.
"Then I must ask young friend Ruo Ling to hold onto the tulip for now," Ning Fengzhi said, forcing a polite smile.
At that, Ruo Ling handed the flower to Bibi Dong for safekeeping.
"Joining Spirit Hall wouldn't exactly be a bad thing for your clan," Ruo Ling added casually.
"The Clear Sky Clan hides in fear, weak and indecisive—they abandoned their greatest disciple."
"The Blue Lightning Tyrant Clan is consumed by political strife; even their own patriarch bows to his elders."
"Only your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan still stands firm."
"Tell me, doesn't Sect Master Ning wish to change the balance of the Upper Three Sects?"
As he spoke, the crimson glow in Ruo Ling's eyes deepened.
Just like when he had used the Desire Soul on Bibi Dong, he once again activated its suggestive power—now far deadlier with his spirit power at Rank 37.
"Sect Master Ning, think it over. My teacher and I will remain here for three days," he said smoothly, taking Bibi Dong's hand as they left the meeting hall.
Only after they were gone did Ning Fengzhi sink into his chair, troubled and silent.
"Uncle Jian, Uncle Gu," he finally murmured. "Do you think we should join Spirit Hall?"
"Fengzhi, you are the Sect Master," Sword Douluo said evenly. "Whatever decision you make, we will support you."
Ning Fengzhi bowed his head.
Despite their wealth and reputation, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's lineage was ultimately supportive by nature—not built for war.
Once Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo aged, who would defend them? Without allies, the clan's riches would make them an easy target.
Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo exchanged a nod and quietly left, giving him space to think.
...
Elsewhere, Ruo Ling and Bibi Dong had returned to their residence. Night had already fallen.
"Xiao Ling, your performance today truly surprised me," Bibi Dong said with rare astonishment.
She had assumed he simply sought the Split Mind Technique—but to push for an alliance with the entire sect? That, she had not expected.
"I am, after all, your disciple—and the Holy Son of Spirit Hall," Ruo Ling replied mildly.
After realizing the depth of Bibi Dong's care for him, he had begun to take his own role more seriously.
Bibi Dong no longer clung to Yu Xiaogang. Her only ambition now was unifying the continent—and as her disciple, he intended to help her achieve it.
Hearing his words, she smiled softly, brushing a hand through his silver hair.
After absorbing two ten-thousand-year rings, he now stood over 1.6 meters tall—only half a head shorter than she was.
Their closeness seemed almost… intimate.
"Do you think Ning Fengzhi will agree?" she asked, cheeks faintly flushed.
"He definitely will," Ruo Ling replied without hesitation.
A faint red glow flickered in his eyes.
If he could erase Bibi Dong's obsession with Yu Xiaogang, bending Ning Fengzhi's will would be trivial—especially with the Golden Threaded Amber Tulip at his disposal.
(END CHAPTER)
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