"If Xue Ao hadn't been disqualified by the rules, this match would have undoubtedly been won by the Beast Academy," Ning Tianchen shook his head, not believing that Tian Chao could defeat Tang San.
Chen Huayu smirked mockingly, "Hmph, this is an advantage bought at the cost of Ma Hongjun's life. If Tang San can't capitalize on it, wouldn't he be failing to honor Ma Hongjun's sacrifice?"
Ning Tianchen shot him a glare. "Watch your words—don't tempt fate."
The match between the Seven Treasures Team and Shrek Academy was approaching, and it would inevitably determine who was superior.
If Shrek Academy found out about Chen Huayu's remarks, he'd likely face severe consequences.
On the other side, one of the two healing-type soul masters brought by Ke Jie had stayed behind in the arena.
If anyone on their team sustained serious injuries, they could receive treatment within a short time.
About an hour later, Tian Chao fought Tang San to the bitter end but ultimately fell to the Hao Tian Hammer, narrowly losing the match.
Afterward, Ke Jie instructed, "Old Qi, go heal the Beast Academy's members and deliver a message: the Patriarch wishes to see their instructor."
The healing-type soul master surnamed Qi acknowledged the order and quickly left the rest area.
"With this, the Snow Mountain Sect owes us a favor and will surely reach some agreements with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. I wonder what benefits Father will gain," Ning Rongrong said with anticipation.
Ning Tianchen held her hand. "Everyone, let's rest for now. The rest doesn't concern us."
"Today, Shrek Academy has revealed their full strength. Once we return, analyze their performance carefully. In our upcoming match against them, we must secure victory."
---
The Beast Academy gladly accepted the treatment from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's healing-type soul master.
After all, both teams had fought fiercely until the final match, and their members were all injured to varying degrees.
After the treatment, healing soul master Qi relayed Ke Jie's message.
"Let me think this over carefully. Friends from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, feel free to wait here for now," the instructor didn't immediately agree but instead took Tian Guocheng and Tian Chao into a nearby side room.
As the captain and a rising star of the sect, Tian Chao had a certain degree of authority. He said, "Exchanges between major sects are always about mutual interests. If the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's Patriarch Ning personally stepped forward and we don't respond, it would make our sect seem stingy."
"As for the extent of the exchange, that requires the Elder's decision."
Tian Guocheng added, "Big Brother, you seem to have a good relationship with Ning Tianchen. Why not let him represent the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect in discussions with us? Patriarch Ning holds a high position, and his mastery of language is beyond ours."
The instructor nodded. "We can't betray the sect's interests. Empty promises alone won't show our sincerity. Here's what we'll do—I still have some rare goods from the Far North; I'll give them as gifts."
"As for the rest, follow Guocheng's suggestion. Let young friend Ning Tianchen represent the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and negotiate this matter."
Upon receiving the reply, the healing-type soul master immediately sought out Ning Fengzhi and informed him of the situation.
Not daring to delay, Ning Fengzhi quickly sought out Ning Tianchen.
Upon learning the situation, Ning Tianchen was surprised, pointing at himself in disbelief. "Me? I'm just a disciple of the sect—I can't represent it. Why do they want me to go?"
Gu Rong slapped his forehead and said irritably, "Just go if you're told to—it's good practice for you. You and Rongrong will eventually take over the sect; how can you not learn negotiation skills?"
Ning Fengzhi added, "Since this is our first contact with the Snow Mountain Sect, it's best to follow their wishes. Additionally, the sect's bottom line is to at least secure a verbal promise from them."
"The bare minimum content of the promise is that within ten years, the two sects will hold a formal exchange."
Ning Fengzhi's requirements were very modest—a mere verbal promise without specifying what needed to be achieved during the formal exchange.
If the other party wished to deceive them, they could simply send a representative to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect within ten years.
Of course, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect wasn't short on money—they didn't care much for material rewards.
Ning Tianchen responded, "In that case, there's no problem. But Uncle Ning, aren't these demands too low?"
"If they truly wish to cooperate with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, they'll send someone in the future. If not, the sect won't waste too much time on them," Gu Rong interjected.
After all, many sects chose to live in seclusion because they were forced to do so by relentless persecution. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's current understanding of the Snow Mountain Sect only came from Ning Tianchen's words.
It wasn't worth wasting too much energy on an unfamiliar sect.
---
Not long after, Ning Tianchen arrived at the Beast Academy's tent.
Tian Chao had already been waiting there and greeted him warmly upon his arrival.
"Haha, my friend, we finally have another chance to talk freely."
Tian Chao leaned in, draping an arm around Ning Tianchen's shoulder.
Being northerners, the Beast Academy revered strength. Since Ning Tianchen had defeated Tian Chao, he deserved their respect.
As Ning Tianchen entered the tent, the team members bowed one by one to express their respect.
"You're being too enthusiastic," Ning Tianchen chuckled awkwardly.
"My friend, this is the courtesy you deserve. The Elder is waiting inside—let's go in together."
This time, Tian Chao was also allowed to stay for the discussion.
The instructor got straight to the point. "Friends from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, you've done us a great favor. A mere verbal promise isn't enough to show our sincerity. These treasures from the Far North are hereby gifted to your sect."
Compared to beating around the bush, such straightforwardness caught Ning Tianchen somewhat off guard.
He clasped his hands and bowed respectfully. "May I ask, how should I address you, Elder?"
Tian Chao laughed loudly. "You southerners sure know how to drag things out."
Pausing briefly, he introduced, "This is Elder Tian Chen, ranked sixteenth in our sect. He has the authority to represent our sect in negotiations with yours."
"Junior greets Elder Tian Chen. As for the treasures you've kindly offered, I couldn't possibly refuse," Ning Tianchen, aware of the elder's direct nature, waved his hand and stored all the medicinal herbs into his spirit-guided artifact.
Indeed, the Far North was a land of extraordinary people and resources. These treasures were valuable medicinal herbs, some of which had reached the near-immortal-grade level.
"In return for your sect's generosity, I also have something to offer," Ning Tianchen said, retrieving a box of black sunglasses from his spirit-guided artifact.
"What is this?" Having long lived in isolation, Elder Tian Chen was unfamiliar with objects from the outside world.
As Ning Tianchen explained, he also demonstrated. "These are sunglasses—they can be worn over the eyes to protect against strong light."
"On sunny days with intense sunlight, wearing them makes the eyes more comfortable. When indoors, remove them, and you won't experience temporary blindness."
Tian Chen had a vague idea and asked again, "Oh? Fascinating. Does this item have any other uses?"
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