Confrontation with Tang Hao

"Tang Hao, you think your reputation alone is enough to make the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect give up a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast? Isn't that a bit too overbearing?" Sword Douluo's voice immediately turned cold.

Tang Hao seemed to know that his reputation was not worth as much as a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast. But he would not let the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect take Xiao Wu. She belonged to Xiao San and could only be his.

So, he unleashed even more powerful Soul Power.

Against the backdrop of that vast Soul Power, the Clear Sky Hammer nearly doubled in size, and even its patterns became clearer. Though he possessed only Level 95 Soul Power, the pressure he gave off was not the least bit weaker than that of the Level 96 Sword Douluo.

"How do you compare yourselves to Qian Xunji? When I had only just entered the Titled Douluo realm, I could already leave him gravely wounded enough to die."

"Now, I'm Level 95. I'm even stronger than before!"

Tang Hao's words instantly made the atmosphere grave.

Ning Fengzhi fell into thought, weighing the strength of both sides.

There was a one-level gap between Tang Hao and Sword Douluo Chen Xin, but Tang Hao had a Ten Thousand Year Spirit Ring.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda provided an eighty-percent boost. In theory, it could raise Sword Douluo's strength to nearly Level 99 from Level 98.

But taking all factors into account, Sword Douluo Chen Xin's overall strength would realistically only rise by one level, making him equivalent to a Level 97 Titled Douluo.

Honestly, even Chen Xin himself was not confident that a Level 97 Chen Xin could kill Tang Hao while protecting two burdens.

After all, Tang Hao's record was rather terrifying.

As the current Clear Sky Douluo, he surely knew the Clear Sky Sect's secret techniques. Its reputation had been hammered out through sheer force.

Both sides were poised for battle, and neither could back down easily.

"Clear Sky Crown, could you listen to a few words from me?" At just the right moment, Ning Rongrong spoke, breaking the tense atmosphere between the two sides.

"You are?" Tang Hao's expression darkened slightly.

"My name is Ning Rongrong, Ning Fengzhi's daughter. I will most likely also become the next Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

Tang Hao glanced at Ning Fengzhi, who nodded. "That's right. Ning Rongrong is currently the Young Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

Although it had not yet been announced, Ning Fengzhi had indeed intended it that way.

"What do you want to say?"

Seeing Ning Fengzhi nod, Tang Hao asked.

"Clear Sky Crown Tang Hao, how about both sides take a step back?"

"Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's primary goal is not the Ten Thousand Year Spirit Ring or Soul Bone. Naturally, obtaining them would be best, but it does not matter if we cannot. The Upper Three Sects are bound by common ties. There is no need to fall out completely over a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast."

"Our original purpose was simply to observe the Ring Condensation process of a 100,000 Year Transforming Soul Beast. The Soul Ring and Soul Bone are not things we absolutely need."

"Ring Condensation?" Tang Hao asked doubtfully.

"That's right." Ning Rongrong nodded. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has always sought an opportunity for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda to break through into the Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. We have recently made some gains, and we happen to need to observe the Ring Condensation process of a transforming Soul Beast up close."

"You think I'd believe that?" Tang Hao was silent for a long while. There had indeed been rumors that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had been gathering all sorts of medicinal herbs everywhere in recent years, though no one knew what they were doing with them.

"Why wouldn't you?" Ning Rongrong said. "When we discovered the Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast, you did not kill the disciples we left behind at Notting Academy. I imagine you also do not wish to make an enemy of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

"The Upper Three Sects being bound by common ties should not be empty words. I have always admired the Clear Sky Sect and Clear Sky Crown Tang Hao, but I am ultimately the Young Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. I must also consider the interests of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

Tang Hao found Ning Rongrong's words very pleasing.

That was right. Even though the Clear Sky Sect had gone into seclusion, it still possessed a formidable reputation across Douluo Continent.

Even the second-ranked Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect recognized the Clear Sky Sect so highly.

Wasn't that proof of the Clear Sky Sect's standing?

Both sides needed a way out. Since the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had offered one, he would take it.

"What are the conditions of your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"

"How about two Ten Thousand Year Soul Bones?"

"Ten Thousand Year Soul Bones!" Tang Hao's expression sank. "Young Sect Master Ning, you certainly know how to ask."

Soul Bones were priceless, let alone Ten Thousand Year Soul Bones.

"It may be two pieces in name, but it is actually only one." Ning Rongrong knew he was unlikely to agree, mainly because they were difficult to find. "Recently, we have been helping the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire investigate a Soul Master named Shi Nian..."

Ning Rongrong told Tang Hao about Shi Nian murdering academy students. She said that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had no solid evidence to prove his guilt and could not arrest him, so they hoped the righteous Clear Sky Douluo would uphold justice.

After killing Shi Nian, bring his Spirit-type Soul Bone back to us.

"Fine. If Shi Nian truly slaughtered innocent academy students as your intelligence claims, then my Clear Sky Hammer shall be justice!" After speaking, Tang Hao gave Ning Rongrong a deep look. "So I only need to find one more Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone, correct?"

"That's right." Ning Rongrong nodded. "We have no requirements for the other Soul Bone. As long as both sides have a way out, everyone benefits, don't they, Clear Sky Crown Tang Hao?"

When making one's way in the world, one needed connections and backing.

Why would the young mistress of a sect rich enough to rival the world risk her life against a reckless brute with nothing to lose and little concern for the consequences?

The Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone could stay here for now. It was not like it would grow lighter—perhaps it might even gain some weight.

"When do you need the Soul Bone?" Tang Hao asked.

"The sooner, the better. We will remain in Notting City for around a month." Ning Rongrong spoke, then thought for a moment. "In one month, the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire will formally take my Dad as his teacher. We will return to the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire then."

"Ten Thousand Year Soul Bones are not easy to find, even just one." Tang Hao muttered after hearing this.

The Heaven Dou Empire was courting the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and Crown Prince Xue Qinghe was becoming Ning Fengzhi's disciple?

That was quite an important piece of information.

In that case, making an enemy of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would not be wise. Tang San still needed time to grow, and besides, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would contribute against Spirit Hall within the Heaven Dou Empire. An enemy's enemy could become a friend.

This little girl from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect...

Had she mentioned the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire intentionally, or not?

Tang Hao studied Ning Rongrong deeply for a long while.

"The time may not be enough. It will be difficult to find a Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone within one month," Tang Hao said.

"Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has already taken the first step back. If we retreat any further, it will make us seem afraid of you, Clear Sky Douluo." Ning Rongrong lowered her voice. "Speaking of which, your old injuries do not seem to have healed. Even if you are now a Level 95 Titled Douluo, how much of your strength can you truly use?"

"Brat, are you threatening me?"

A chilling pressure surged from Tang Hao.

Chen Xin stepped in front of Ning Rongrong. Together with the enhancement from Ning Fengzhi's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, they suppressed the Level 95 Tang Hao in terms of Soul Power.

"I have no intention of threatening you." Ning Rongrong spread her hands.

"We came all the way to Notting City. We cannot exactly return empty-handed."

"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect are merchants. If you want us to keep quiet, then naturally there must be an appropriate price." Ning Rongrong paused slightly. "Or are you saying that, even gravely injured, Clear Sky Crown is confident you can silence all three of us?"

"That boy named Tang San is your son, isn't he? You wouldn't want—"

"Shut up!"

"Yes, yes." Ning Rongrong shrugged.

"Young Sect Master Ning Rongrong of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, what was your Innate Soul Power, and what is your current Soul Power level?" After a long silence, Tang Hao asked.

"Innate Full Soul Power. As for now, I'm Level 19." Ning Rongrong summoned the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. A lone Hundred Year Spirit Ring appeared beneath her feet. In any case, she could not condense a second Soul Ring, and no one would believe her even if she said so. Besides, why should she tell the truth?

After letting Tang Hao see the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's Soul Ring for a moment, Ning Rongrong dismissed her Martial Soul.

"Sect Master Ning, you truly raised a fine daughter." Tang Hao exhaled a breath of turbid air. The outline of the Clear Sky Hammer in his hand gradually faded and vanished. "I, Tang Hao, accept your conditions. I also hope you can uphold your end of the agreement. Otherwise, I will personally pay a visit to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

"Of course. Rongrong's words are my decision as well." Ning Fengzhi had many doubts, but this was not the time to ask them.

Ning Rongrong and the others watched Tang Hao's back gradually disappear into the distance.