The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, Council Hall.
On the north side of the hall, facing south, stood a grand chair carved from rosewood. The chair's backrest was inlaid with a large sapphire gemstone that emitted a gentle, soothing glow.
Seated on this ornate chair was a man, flanked by two elderly figures.
"Fengzhi, this doesn't seem like your usual approach," said Bone Douluo Gu Rong in a deep voice. "Agreeing to the Seven Stars Academy's request so easily—don't you think that's a bit rash?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled faintly and replied, "Uncle Bone, do you also think my actions are too hasty? To be honest, sending Rongrong to the Seven Stars Academy serves a purpose. Regardless of the outcome, our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan won't suffer any significant loss."
"Moreover, don't you find Cheng Xiao quite remarkable? At such a young age, his strength is already extraordinary. His martial soul is one of the rarest on the continent. I believe it won't take long before his name resounds across the soul master world."
"You're that certain he'll achieve this?" Bone Douluo frowned slightly. "The Spirit Hall won't sit idly by when it comes to such a prodigy."
"You're right, Uncle Bone," Ning Fengzhi said, his eyes reflecting deep thought, "but have you considered that he might already have ties to the Spirit Hall? Sometimes, we can't judge things solely by their surface. A genius like Cheng Xiao wouldn't go unnoticed by the Spirit Hall. If possible, I'd rather Rongrong win him over and bind him to our clan. At the very least, this would safeguard the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan for a long time."
As a calculating leader, Ning Fengzhi always planned meticulously. While Ning Rongrong was his daughter, he knew the position of clan master would eventually pass to her. Without powerful allies, their clan could face extinction on the Douluo Continent.
"Fengzhi, are you sure you don't want to reconsider?" Bone Douluo hesitated briefly. "I admit the boy is strong, and his character seems solid, but would Rongrong even like him? Forcing him to become our clan's grandson-in-law seems a bit... excessive."
Ning Fengzhi smiled calmly. "Uncle Bone, there are things in this world that neither you nor I can choose. Necessary decisions at critical moments might spare us significant trouble in the future."
"Besides, no matter how exceptional he is, he's still a child. And for children, we can use their methods. Don't forget, while my daughter may not be the best in the world, she's certainly not lacking in beauty or talent."
"That said, it's still too early to discuss this. Let's observe his growth over the coming years and see if he's worthy of becoming our clan's grandson-in-law."
"Fine, since you insist, I won't say any more." Bone Douluo nodded reluctantly.
"Old Bone, that boy Cheng Xiao isn't bad. He's strong too. Don't be so pessimistic. If he and Rongrong really get together, even after we're gone, we can rest easy," Sword Douluo chimed in.
"You old fool, you're awfully optimistic," Bone Douluo said with a wry smile.
"By the way, Fengzhi, I've heard recently that the Strength Clan in Heaven Dou City seems to have relocated. Their leader, Tai Tan, was apparently killed," Bone Douluo said, his tone serious.
The sudden death of an 86th-level Soul Douluo in Heaven Dou City was alarming. Who knew if others might face the same fate?
"Yes, I've heard about it," Ning Fengzhi said, his expression contemplative. "It's unlikely to be anything major. If it were the Spirit Hall's doing, the Strength Clan would have been wiped out entirely. However, only Tai Tan's death does seem peculiar."
"That Tai Tan guy was as strong as most Title Douluo in terms of strength and had great defensive capabilities. I can't imagine who could kill him in such a short time. Even if I went all out, it'd still take me at least ten moves," Sword Douluo remarked. "After all, if faced with death, Tai Tan could have chosen to escape, which would've taken some time."
Sword Douluo was meticulous in his analysis of combat. His "ten moves" estimate included the possibility of Tai Tan attempting to flee. Otherwise, for a 96th-level offensive Title Douluo, defeating an 86th-level Soul Douluo would be a trivial matter.
Ning Fengzhi sighed. "Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, let's not get involved in other people's affairs for now. Over the past two decades, the soul master world across the continent and the two empires has been eerily quiet. Even though we're considered one of the upper three clans, I have an ominous feeling. I suspect that within a few years, the soul master world will undergo drastic changes."
"People always say the upper three clans share a close bond, but when the time comes, won't it just be about who runs the fastest?"
"Understood," Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo exchanged glances and nodded simultaneously.
Having been by Ning Fengzhi's side for so long, they could tell there was more he hadn't said aloud. But they also knew that some words were better left unsaid.
Meanwhile, in the Star Dou Forest…
Tang San's cultivation speed had recently experienced a qualitative leap. Having just reached level 40, the Golden Iron Triangle had brought him to the largest soul beast forest to hunt for his fourth soul ring.
At this moment, several light-attributed soul beasts lay before Tang San, all severely injured and on the brink of death.
The beasts were of various species, mostly plant-based, except for one white tiger-like creature similar to Dai Mubai's martial soul, though it was the weakest among them.
"Little San, for your fourth soul ring, I recommend this Luminous Flower. Its cultivation level is around 6,000 years, which should be within your absorption capacity," Master suggested.
"Although its attributes differ from your existing soul rings, it's still a plant-type soul beast. Absorbing its soul ring will enhance your Blue Silver Grass's toughness while granting you an additional light-based binding or healing skill. This would make your Blue Silver Grass capable of both binding and healing. At that point, no soul master of the same rank would be able to break free from your bindings."
"More importantly, with light-based properties, your Blue Silver Grass could effectively counter Cheng Xiao's shadow techniques with ease."
While explaining the theory, Grandmaster kept a close eye on Tang San, noticing his disciple seemed hesitant.
Confident in his unparalleled expertise in theory, Grandmaster was shocked that Tang San would doubt him. This was practically an affront to his authority! But before he could voice his displeasure, Tang San, who had always been obedient, suddenly shook his head and said seriously, "Teacher, please allow me to be willful this once. May I choose my fourth soul ring myself?"
Hearing this, Grandmaster was utterly stunned.