Chapter 45: Taking Ning Rongrong Away
"Yesterday, Your Holiness said that if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan joins Spirit Hall, the Golden Threaded Amber Tulip would be given to us. But how exactly do you define 'joining' Spirit Hall?"
Ning Fengzhi voiced the concern weighing on his mind.
To join Spirit Hall wasn't a mere verbal agreement; there were countless implications to consider.
Would the clan be entirely absorbed by Spirit Hall, becoming one of its branches? Or would it remain independent and cooperate under specific terms? And if the latter, what form would that cooperation take?
Ning Fengzhi had no desire to see the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan reduced to an arm of Spirit Hall. Even if it evolved into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, the title would be meaningless if they became slaves in the process.
Bibi Dong looked a little awkward at the question. Truth be told, she had never intended to recruit the clan—this whole plan had been Ruo Ling's idea.
Turning toward him, her crimson eyes seemed to say, You started this mess; you explain it.
Ruo Ling simply shrugged and faced Ning Fengzhi with a calm smile.
"Sect Master Ning need not worry," he said evenly. "Our proposal is one of cooperation, not subjugation."
Ning Fengzhi studied both him and Bibi Dong carefully.
Once again, it was the young Holy Son speaking on the Pope's behalf, as though she were the one accompanying him.
It seems the boy's standing in her heart is far higher than I imagined, Ning Fengzhi thought grimly.
"Our cooperation will be as follows," Ruo Ling continued. "On the surface, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will remain publicly neutral, maintaining its current status. However, in secret, the sect would support Spirit Hall's operations."
"That includes—but is not limited to—assistance with funding, information, and manpower."
Ning Fengzhi tapped his fingers against the table. "And what does Spirit Hall offer in return?"
"The Golden Threaded Amber Tulip—and Spirit Hall's full protection should your clan ever face a crisis," Ruo Ling replied calmly.
The room grew quiet. Ning Fengzhi weighed the terms in his mind.
Secretly aiding Spirit Hall wouldn't be too dangerous so long as it wasn't exposed. They could still retain their reputation among the Upper Three Sects.
Money and intelligence were manageable costs.
In truth, he had never wanted to be on Spirit Hall's bad side. The information he had gathered indicated their power was far more terrifying than anyone realized. Aligning with them secretly might even secure his clan's survival in the long run.
At last, he exhaled softly, decision made.
"I can agree to your request. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will provide Spirit Hall with ten million gold soul coins worth of goods annually, as well as the intelligence you require."
"Splendid," Ruo Ling said with a faint smile.
Bibi Dong watched the scene in an odd daze.
One of the Upper Three Sects—the wealthiest clan on the continent—had just effectively pledged itself to Spirit Hall.
All because of a single herb.
"Then, may I have the Golden Threaded Amber Tulip now?" Ning Fengzhi asked, unable to hide his eagerness.
But Ruo Ling shook his head.
Ning Fengzhi froze, his face darkening. "What's this supposed to mean? Are you toying with me?"
A heavy pressure filled the room.
In response, Bibi Dong's delicate brows furrowed, releasing her own overwhelming aura.
Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo immediately stepped forward, their killing intent erupting into the air.
Only then did Ruo Ling speak, perfectly composed. "Calm yourself, Sect Master Ning. I'm not refusing. It's simply that for a matter of this magnitude, a verbal promise seems… careless, don't you think?"
Ning Fengzhi's expression shifted as reason caught up with him. "Then what do you propose?"
"To ensure our cooperation remains solid," Ruo Ling said after a slight pause, turning his gaze toward Ning Rongrong, "I think it would be best if… Miss Ning were to visit Spirit Hall for a time."
Ning Rongrong shivered under his gaze.
"No!" Sword Douluo's booming voice cut through the air before anyone else could speak.
Ning Rongrong's face paled; she instinctively hid behind him.
Ning Fengzhi, however, stayed silent. He wasn't foolish—he understood exactly what Ruo Ling meant.
Ning Rongrong would serve as a guarantee—a safeguard to ensure the clan didn't betray the deal.
Spirit Hall was offering something tangible, while his own promises were nothing but words.
"Fengzhi! You can't possibly be considering this!" Sword Douluo protested, glaring at him.
"There's no need for alarm," Ruo Ling interjected with a calm smile. "If Miss Ning comes to Spirit Hall, she will be treated with the utmost respect. We would never mistreat her."
All eyes turned to Ning Fengzhi—the only one with the authority to decide.
The chamber fell silent for nearly a minute before he finally asked, "If Rongrong accompanies you to Spirit Hall, will you hand over the tulip?"
"Fengzhi!" Sword Douluo's voice trembled, stunned that he was even considering it.
"Uncle Jian," Ning Fengzhi said quietly, "the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda means everything to our clan…"
"Even so, you can't sacrifice Rongrong for it! Even without evolution, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan fears no one!" Sword Douluo shouted, his sword aura flaring like a blade drawn.
"Lord Sword Douluo," Ruo Ling said softly, "please don't overreact. We merely wish for Miss Ning to visit as an honored guest—it's hardly a sacrifice."
"She would simply be participating in an exchange program of sorts. After three years, she will be free to return."
"Three years?" Ning Fengzhi repeated, exhaling faintly in relief.
Sword Douluo, too, hesitated. He had feared that Spirit Hall would keep Rongrong for life. But three years… was bearable.
Bibi Dong frowned slightly, finding the duration surprisingly short—but she trusted Ruo Ling's judgment and said nothing.
Ruo Ling's lips curved upward. Three years might sound short, but to him, it was more than enough.
With his Desire Soul, conquering Ning Rongrong's heart—or her loyalty—would take far less time than that.
"So?" he asked mildly. "Surely that's a fair arrangement."
He waited patiently for Ning Fengzhi's answer.
Three years from now would coincide perfectly with Tang San's arrival at Shrek Academy. Would Ning Rongrong still go there as she had in the original timeline? Ruo Ling doubted it—but he too was planning to attend Shrek in due time.
Ning Fengzhi finally looked at his daughter, who stood trembling beside Sword Douluo. The condition wasn't unreasonable; she would still be only twelve when she returned.
"Rongrong," he said gently, "Father would like you to stay at Spirit Hall for three years. What do you think?"
The little girl stared at him with reddened eyes, confusion clouding her innocent face.
"Can I… not go?" she asked in a trembling voice.
Ning Fengzhi said nothing, guilt weighing heavily on him.
Sword and Bone Douluo shared grim, pained expressions.
Realizing from their silence what her father had decided, the little girl stopped crying. Slowly, she stepped out from behind Sword Douluo and walked over to Ruo Ling.
"I'll go with you," she said softly.
(END CHAPTER)
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