Despite the initial awkwardness caused by the kneeling Super Douluo, Song Qing quickly steered the conversation back to a more comfortable footing. He smiled warmly at Dugu Bo. "Senior Dugu Bo, it's always a pleasure to see you. How have you been?"
Dugu Bo, still slightly bewildered by the earlier scene, managed a gruff nod. "Hmph. Not bad, brat. What brings you all the way to Heaven Dou City?" He glanced pointedly at the two unseen but undoubtedly present Super Douluo.
"Just visiting Sister Yan and seeing the academy," Song Qing replied innocently. He then turned to Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling. "Come on, let's go for a walk. I was just telling them about some of the fun training sessions I have at the Spirit Hall Academy."
As they strolled through the academy grounds, Song Qing regaled them with carefully curated stories of his training, emphasizing the camaraderie and the challenging spars he had with the other young talents. He spoke of honing his skills and learning new techniques, carefully omitting any mention of his Second Spirit or the truly unbelievable speed of his progress. He even exaggerated a few minor defeats to appear more relatable.
Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling listened attentively, occasionally asking questions. Dugu Bo walked beside them, his keen eyes constantly scanning their surroundings, a habit ingrained from years of dealing with potential threats. He remained silent about their previous encounter in the Sunset Forest, a knowing look in his emerald eyes whenever Song Qing glanced his way. The presence of the two Super Douluo was a clear deterrent to any private conversations.
After a while, as they passed by a serene lotus pond, Song Qing casually broached a new topic. "Senior Dugu Bo," he began, his tone seemingly nonchalant, "do you happen to know Ning Fengzhi? Are you… familiar with him?"
Dugu Bo stroked his chin, his gaze drifting towards the tranquil water. "Ning Fengzhi… the master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, the National Preceptor of the Heaven Dou Empire. Yes, we are on… meeting terms. We've crossed paths a few times over the years, mostly at formal events."
'Perfect,' Song Qing thought, a plan forming in his mind. "Senior Dugu Bo," he continued, turning to face the Poison Douluo with a hopeful expression, "would it be possible for you to introduce me to him? To Ning Fengzhi, I mean."
Dugu Bo's emerald eyes widened in surprise. He looked at Song Qing, then at Dugu Yan, then back at Song Qing, a puzzled frown creasing his forehead. "Introduce you to Ning Fengzhi? Why in the world would you want to meet with him, brat?"
Song Qing smiled, a charmingly innocent yet subtly shrewd expression on his young face. "Well, Senior Dugu Bo, I had a little thought. Perhaps… perhaps there might be an opportunity for some cooperation between us, or rather, between the Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
Dugu Bo's frown deepened. Cooperation between the Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan? It was an almost unheard-of concept, given the general animosity between the two powers. "Cooperation?" he repeated skeptically. "Is this some kind of mission from your teacher, the Pope?"
Song Qing shook his little head vehemently. "Oh, no, Senior Dugu Bo! It just popped into my head right now. I was thinking, since I'm already here in Heaven Dou City, and you know Master Ning… it might be a good opportunity to at least have a chat, see if there's any common ground." He shrugged innocently. "No harm in trying, right?"
Dugu Bo studied the young boy's earnest face, trying to decipher his true intentions. 'Cooperation with the Spirit Hall… from an eight-year-old? This brat is definitely something else.' But Song Qing's explanation seemed plausible enough, given his age and apparent spontaneity. "Hmph," Dugu Bo grunted, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You're a bold one, I'll give you that. Alright, brat. I suppose there's no harm in a simple introduction."
He turned and started walking towards the more opulent section of the academy grounds. "Come on. Ning Fengzhi often stays within the imperial palace when he's in the city. We'll see if he's available."
Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling exchanged surprised glances before following Song Qing and her grandfather. As they walked, Dugu Bo instructed a nearby academy servant to immediately inform the National Preceptor Ning Fengzhi that the Poison Douluo Dugu Bo and the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall wished to see him at the palace.
The servant, wide-eyed at the unusual request, hurried off with utmost speed. It took only a few minutes for the message to reach Ning Fengzhi. The master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, a man known for his wisdom and foresight, was currently in the imperial palace, attending to state affairs. Upon hearing the unexpected visitors, he immediately excused himself and, accompanied by the ever-present Bone Douluo, Gu Rong, made his way to the designated meeting hall where Dugu Bo was waiting with the young Holy Son.
The doors to the hall opened, and Ning Fengzhi entered, his elegant robes flowing gracefully behind him. He was a man of refined features and a gentle demeanor, his eyes radiating intelligence and a hint of perpetual worry. Beside him stood Bone Douluo, his tall, skeletal frame exuding an aura of formidable power.
Ning Fengzhi's gaze swept over the small group, lingering for a moment on the surprisingly young boy standing beside the notoriously reclusive Poison Douluo. A polite smile touched his lips. "Poison Douluo," he greeted, his voice calm and measured. "Holy Son of the Spirit Hall. To what do I owe this unexpected visit?" His eyes held a hint of curiosity, wondering what could possibly bring these two individuals together.
Dugu Bo gestured towards Song Qing with a slight nod. "National Preceptor Ning Fengzhi," he said in his usual gruff tone, "it's this little brat who has something he wishes to discuss with you."
Song Qing, his small face radiating an innocent charm that could melt glaciers, stepped forward, his bright eyes fixed on Ning Fengzhi. He looked utterly adorable, like a well-behaved porcelain doll about to deliver a profound statement. "Greetings, Master Ning Fengzhi," he said politely, his voice clear and sweet. "I wished to speak with you about the possibility of cooperation between the Spirit Hall and the esteemed Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
Ning Fengzhi's refined features registered a flicker of surprise, though his polite smile remained firmly in place. He looked down at the young boy, his mind quickly processing the unusual situation. "Cooperation between the Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?" he echoed gently. "This is quite a… novel proposition, Holy Son. May I inquire if this is a message from Her Holiness the Pope?"
Song Qing shook his head, his silky black hair swaying slightly. "Oh, no, Master Ning Fengzhi. I haven't had the chance to discuss this with my teacher yet. It was just a thought that came to me." He tilted his head slightly, his innocent gaze making him appear even more endearing.
'Cooperation… from this little one?' Ning Fengzhi thought, a faint smile playing on his lips. 'It seems unlikely that a child, even one as exceptionally talented as this, would be the architect of such a significant proposal.' However, he didn't dare to dismiss Song Qing's position outright. He could still subtly sense the immense power emanating from the shadows, undoubtedly the Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo, ensuring the Holy Son's safety. 'His status within the Spirit Hall is clearly extraordinary. I must treat him with the utmost respect.'
"Well, Holy Son," Ning Fengzhi said respectfully, gesturing towards the interior of the palace hall, "please, come inside. Let us have some tea and pastries, and you can enlighten me on this intriguing idea of cooperation."
Song Qing's face lit up. "Tea and pastries? That sounds wonderful!" He then turned to Dugu Bo, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you for the introduction, Senior Dugu Bo. I'll see you later."
Dugu Bo simply grunted in response, a hint of amusement in his emerald eyes as he watched the small figure of Song Qing being led away by the esteemed National Preceptor. He turned and left the palace hall, a thoughtful expression on his face.
Meanwhile, Song Qing followed Ning Fengzhi into a lavishly decorated private office. True to Ning Fengzhi's word, a servant quickly brought in a tray laden with fragrant tea and an assortment of delicate pastries. Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo, maintaining their stealth, followed Song Qing into the vicinity, their shock at his initiative evident in their silent mental communication.
Cooperation with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?' Yue Guan's thoughts were filled with disbelief. 'Her Holiness hasn't mentioned anything about this. Has our little Holy Son gone completely off-script?'
'Perhaps he knows something we don't,' Gui Mei responded mentally, his ghostly form flickering with curiosity. 'He certainly has a knack for the unexpected.' They both exchanged bewildered mental glances. This entire situation was completely beyond their understanding.
Song Qing, completely oblivious to the silent turmoil behind him, settled comfortably into a plush armchair in Ning Fengzhi's spacious office. A servant promptly brought in a tray laden with fragrant tea and an assortment of delicate pastries. Song Qing's eyes widened at the sight of the treats, and he immediately reached for a colorful, flower-shaped pastry. He munched happily, savoring the sweet taste, while Ning Fengzhi watched him with a bemused expression.
It wasn't until Song Qing had thoroughly satisfied his sweet tooth that he finally turned his attention back to Ning Fengzhi, wiping a few stray crumbs from his lips with an adorable gesture. "Master Ning Fengzhi," he began, his tone now more serious, though still retaining a hint of childlike enthusiasm, "the Spirit Hall holds your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan in very high regard. Your clan's wealth and, of course, your incredible auxiliary support spirit are invaluable assets."
Ning Fengzhi nodded slowly, acknowledging the compliment. "The Spirit Hall's power is undeniable, Holy Son. We are well aware of your strength and influence."
"Exactly!" Song Qing exclaimed, his eyes sparkling. "And that's why I believe that cooperation between our two powers could be mutually beneficial. The Spirit Hall would greatly appreciate having the support of your clan."
Ning Fengzhi steepled his fingers, his gaze thoughtful. "That is a very interesting proposition, Holy Son. However, cooperation is a two-way street. What would the Spirit Hall be prepared to offer in return for this… appreciation?" He knew the Spirit Hall possessed many unique and powerful resources, from rare spirit bones to ancient texts detailing forgotten cultivation methods. He wondered which of these they would be willing to trade.
In response, Song Qing beamed, his smile so bright and innocent that it was almost blindingly cute. "Flowers!" he declared.
Ning Fengzhi blinked, a look of utter bewilderment washing over his refined features. "Flowers?" he repeated, momentarily stunned. He quickly recovered, reminding himself that he was speaking to a child, albeit an extraordinarily talented and influential one. He chuckled softly. "That is a very… generous offer, Holy Son. And I am sure your flowers are lovely. However, I am not certain if that would constitute a long-lasting foundation for cooperation between two of the continent's major powers." He tried to phrase his response gently, not wanting to belittle the young boy's earnestness.
Song Qing shook his head, his gaze fixed intently on Ning Fengzhi. "Not just any flowers, Master Ning Fengzhi," he said, his voice now carrying a weight that belied his age. "A very special flower. An Immortal Flower. A flower that can evolve your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan… into the Nine Treasure Glaze Tile Clan."