Guidance

It was a shame Ning Hao had no idea what the boy was thinking at that moment.

Because of Ning Huan's performance in the arena, he had assumed the boy had resorted to that desperate measure simply to catch the higher-ups' attention.

And when all was said and done, the current situation couldn't really be blamed on Ning Huan.

So it never even crossed his mind that he might have been manipulated.

"Due to special circumstances, there are probably more than a dozen spies in the sect right now."

"Among the royal family, the sects, and even Shrek Academy, practically every major faction has someone here."

"So it probably won't be long before information about you lands on the desks of every major power."

Then, as if afraid his confession might frighten Ning Huan, Ning Hao hurriedly tried to smooth things over.

He was afraid the genius he had only just brought into the fold—and hadn't even had time to bond with—might choose another faction.

"But don't be afraid!"

"Even if the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect can't compare to a colossus like Shrek, we're still one of the strongest forces on the continent."

"Protecting you will be a piece of cake!"

"What about Shrek?"

In an instant, those five words struck Ning Hao like a thunderbolt from a clear sky.

The shock made his head spin.

That familiar, crisp voice made him turn, ready to scold whoever had spoken.

But when he looked over, he found himself facing Ning Tian's wide eyes, brimming with curiosity.

Guilt over having twice schemed against his daughter swallowed up the reprimand just as it reached his lips.

"Ah, Tian'er, you're right. Shrek is exactly what I'm worried about."

Having lost all his usual defenses in front of his daughter, Ning Hao could only sigh helplessly.

Then he voiced his concerns.

"Though it's unlikely someone would get jealous just because of a single report..."

"But Shrek... well, I wouldn't be surprised by anything they did."

"They've done things more outrageous than you can imagine. This would be nothing."

Ning Huan's eyebrows lifted at the pointed remark.

But this clearly wasn't the right time to ask about it.

He could only set the thought aside for now and consider what to do next.

There was no choice.

Although he wasn't particularly hostile toward Shrek,

that didn't mean he wasn't disgusted by certain people there.

Like that greedy cow who always messed things up and never learned her lesson.

The yellow chicken, basking in the light while scheming at every turn.

And that madwoman who fancied herself a great teacher and made people run all day.

If he really had to deal with those three, Ning Huan would rather start over than suffer at their hands.

"Uncle Ning, there's something I'd like to ask you."

"Hmm? Go ahead."

Ning Hao sounded curious.

"You keep saying you want to carry on the legacy of your forebears and restore the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect to its former glory."

"But just how powerful would the sect have to become to match your dream?"

"The greatest sect on the continent?"

"Establishing a new empire with the sect as its foundation?"

"Or becoming the next Shrek Academy, reigning above the Frost Sky?"

"Pfft!! Cough, cough, cough! Kid, you can't just say things like that!"

Before the words had even faded, Wind Douluo suddenly spat out every last drop of wine in his mouth.

His violent coughing echoed through the barrier, jolting everyone out of their shock.

One after another, they drew in sharp breaths.

Even Ning Hao was no exception.

"Whew. Xiao Huan, is this question really that important?"

"Of course!"

Ning Huan answered without a moment's hesitation:

"Your answer will directly determine how we should face the future!"

At that, Ning Hao's brow furrowed slightly.

His eyes narrowed as he tapped a finger on the armrest.

Anyone who knew him would recognize this as a little habit of his when he was deep in thought.

As the seconds and minutes slipped by, night fell, yet the lights outside the hall remained bright.

Inside, apart from Wu Feng, whose eyelids were drooping, no one else felt the least bit sleepy.

Each of them sat in place, pondering the question Ning Huan had asked.

No one knew how much time had passed before the steady tapping suddenly stopped.

Everyone instinctively looked toward the seat of honor, waiting for his answer.

"Xiao Huan, I understand what you mean."

"Your uncle can tell you this clearly: compared to vying for supremacy over the continent, I'd rather lead the sect to keep to itself and withdraw from the world."

"How does that answer sound?"

Ning Huan: "..."

That was probably the answer he had wanted most.

After all, coming up with a fourth option on his own

meant Ning Hao had already gained some understanding of the continent's current situation.

He had given up on certain unrealistic notions altogether.

Otherwise, Ning Huan really would have had a headache for quite some time.

On the other side, seeing Ning Huan's expression relax and the tension leave his face, Ning Hao finally let out a quiet breath of relief.

He couldn't help feeling fortunate that, at some point just now, inspiration had struck and he'd caught a glimpse of the continent's current situation and where it was headed.

In the end, he had gritted his teeth and steeled himself, cutting off the fantasies he'd held in his youth.

The surging tide of history was far beyond what an ordinary person could resist!

But the boy before him was clearly no ordinary person!

Judging solely by his achievements so far, Ning Huan was even more outstanding than the Seven Gods from ten thousand years ago.

Once he had grown a little, he'd be more than enough to shield the sect from wind and rain.

As for where that wind and rain came from, that was beside the point.

So what he needed to do now was learn from that divine ancestor of theirs from ten thousand years ago.

Choose the right person, cling to a powerful ally, follow closely, and never abandon him!

If they held on until the very end, the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect would surely reach unimaginable heights!

Of course, they could forget about Ancestor Feng Zhi's strategy of holding out for the highest bidder and playing both sides. They had to go all in.

The current situation wouldn't give him another chance to rebuild the sect.

The lessons of the past were warnings for the future!

"Uncle Ning, I'm glad you understand. The Nine Treasures Glazed Sect is in a very unusual position, after all."

Ning Hao nodded in strong agreement, his voice full of feeling.

"Actually, for the past few years, I've had a feeling that this continent won't stay peaceful much longer."

"At the very least, ten years; at the most, a hundred. Sun Moon and Douluo are bound to clash again."

"When that happens, without enough strength, we won't be able to guarantee even our own safety, let alone preserve the sect's legacy..."

Then he changed tack and looked at Ning Huan with a hint of curiosity:

"Speaking of which, Xiao Huan, since you were able to guide me to see the continent's situation clearly, do you have a plan to deal with it?"

That might have been all right if he hadn't said it.

But as soon as he did, everyone's attention shifted back to Ning Huan, leaving him utterly helpless.

He'd spent two days fighting soul duels, then half the day arguing here. He was exhausted, all right!

"It's not really a plan. I just have a general idea. Whether it'll work is another matter."

With no other choice, Ning Huan forced himself to perk up and spoke as quickly as he could:

"If we want to survive in troubled times, strength is one factor. I don't have much of a solution for that."

"Even if you could bring in a Titled Douluo, I doubt you'd dare use him."

Ning Hao: I can't help feeling slandered...

"As for the other factor, it's where we stand right now."

"Our position?" Ning Hao murmured. No one knew what had crossed his mind.

"Right. Tianhun, Star Luo, the Dou Ling Empire, Shrek, and even the Sun Moon Empire."

"I think you should understand the differences between them."