Settled

"You really have handed me a difficult problem."

The sigh was tinged with bitterness, enough to make one's heart tighten.

Did Ning Hao not understand?

No!

In truth, he understood everything.

Ever since he had endured that unprovoked disaster, he had already considered this possibility.

Yet, the pride inherent in being the Sect Master of the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect made him subconsciously unwilling to pursue this line of thought.

It was only today, with the window of opportunity unexpectedly forced open, that he was compelled to face the impending storm head-on.

As for the Shrek, the three great empires, and the Sun Moon Empire that Ning Huan spoke of...

To be honest, in Ning Hao's eyes, none of them were good choices.

One knows one's own affairs best.

As a native of the Douluo Continent with access to an extensive intelligence network, he was quite well-versed in the internal conditions of the current three great empires.

The Star Luo Emperor possessed decent ability but lacked the necessary mettle.

He intended to reform, but due to the technological blockade by the Sun Moon Empire and the duplicity of the noble factions, the deep-seated problems were severe and the obstacles insurmountable.

Meanwhile, the Tianhun royal family was close to the Body Sect, and the empire, from top to bottom, was extremely resistant to Soul Tool technology.

They had completely abandoned the pace of the changing times.

This even made it difficult for the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect within their borders to develop Soul Tools independently.

Although the Heaven Spirit Empire had seen relatively smooth systemic reforms, its inland location, disconnected from the Sun Moon Continent, meant it could play no significant role in the short term.

Then, looking at the Sun Moon Empire and Shrek.

The former could be ruled out immediately.

There was no other reason: if the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect dared to join the Sun Moon Empire, the latter and the three great empires certainly wouldn't mind playing the card of "righteousness over family" to destroy them.

He understood the amplification capabilities of the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda all too well.

It was purely the kind of Martial Soul that others would rather destroy than let anyone else possess.

And while Shrek was the optimal solution among all options, once one became entangled with them, there was no breaking free unless the person died or the sect was annihilated.

Had he not been forced by circumstances, he would never have steeled his heart to send Ning Tian to study at Shrek.

Thinking of this, Ning Hao felt a splitting headache.

He couldn't help but wonder if his fate was simply incompatible with this boy.

Why did so many problems arise the moment he showed up!

Observing Ning Hao's increasingly furrowed brows, Ning Huan immediately voiced his own thoughts in a low voice.

"Uncle Ning, since you feel that none of the factions can be trusted, how about choosing neutrality?"

As soon as these words were spoken, before Ning Hao could say anything, Wind Douluo voiced his opposition.

"No, no, what kind of nonsense are you spouting, boy!"

"You should know that since ancient times, those who sit on the fence never meet a good end!"

The others nodded repeatedly, expressing their agreement.

However, it was this very idea, which everyone looked down upon, that caught Ning Hao's attention.

"Explain in detail; it's better than sitting here at a loss."

Having received permission, the corners of Ning Huan's mouth curled up slightly, his appreciation for Ning Hao deepening once more.

"The neutrality I speak of is not about playing both sides, but rather drawing inspiration from Shrek's experience."

"Shrek has a division between the outer and inner courts, so why don't we divide ourselves into an outer sect and an inner sect?"

"But our situation is special, so we need to adjust the details."

As he spoke, he tapped the remaining grains of rice from his bowl onto the table, dividing them into two piles.

He then pointed to the smaller portion and said:

"The inner sect will continue to identify as the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect, selecting disciples from within who possess superior character and talent, and who can endure solitude."

"We shall find a hidden location on the continent to rebuild our foundation, becoming a reclusive sect that does not venture out without permission, occupying a strategic position."

"As long as our foundation remains hidden, even if the outside world is engulfed in the flames of war, it will have nothing to do with us."

Following this, he pointed to the other pile and boldly laid out a plan that carried the suspicion of splitting the sect.

"As for the outer sect, it shall be renamed the Nine Treasures Glazed Academy."

"First, it will cultivate external soul masters and establish friendly diplomacy with major powers to achieve harmony among people."

"Secondly, we can take the opportunity to screen outstanding disciples, bring them into the sect, and increase our foundation."

"However, the academy must declare that it is a restructuring of the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect, and in the future, it must never again identify itself as a sect."

"This is the key to it all."

Having said this, Ning Huan turned the empty bowl upside down over the pile of rice grains representing the inner sect.

He then pushed the other pile in front of everyone.

"Internally, the sect will live in seclusion, its heritage never to be extinguished."

"Externally, the world will only know the Nine Treasures Glazed Academy, ready to face the coming storm."

As soon as his voice fell, Ning Hao suddenly took up the topic, his words leaving everyone stunned.

"Not only that, we can register with the Heaven Dou Empire to attract attention away from the inner sect."

"We will use the slogan of professionally cultivating support-type soul masters to build our reputation."

"At the very least, in this regard, I am confident that our sect's foundation is not inferior to any other power."

"At the same time, we will learn from Shrek Academy."

"We will clear out evil soul masters within a designated area, but we will never participate in the conflicts between the continent's powers."

"Coupled with public opinion, the Nine Treasures Academy will stand on the moral high ground."

"With geographical advantage, harmony among people, and moral righteousness all on our side, even if Shrek finds us an eyesore, they won't dare to do anything to us."

"After all, to deny the Nine Treasures Academy would be equivalent to Shrek denying itself!"

The series of statements left Shield Defense Douluo and the others feeling scalp-tingling.

They knew their sect master had always been bold, but to exhaust ten thousand years of heritage to imitate Shrek...

This couldn't even be described as a risky move!

Only Ning Huan said nothing, his expression not changing in the slightest.

Both he and Ning Hao knew that such actions would inevitably cause violent turmoil.

One mistake would lead to total ruin.

Moreover, the initial consumption, investment risks, and the future of the sect would all head in an unpredictable direction.

Should they maintain the status quo and wait for their own growth?

Or should they actively seek out the trend, build three burrows for the cunning rabbit, and seek more possibilities in the process?

The choice rested in the hands of only one person.

Knowing that both could not be achieved, Ning Hao leaned back in his chair, tilting his head to quietly watch the sparkling emerald jewels on the ceiling.

He knew everyone was waiting for his answer.

Ten thousand years ago, because Ancestor Feng Zhi was too hesitant, the sect fell in a single day.

Ten thousand years later, the winds and clouds of the continent are rising again, geniuses are emerging, and there are signs of a great era.

At this moment, it is just like that moment back then.

Perhaps from the very beginning, I never had any other choice.

His thoughts stalled, and Ning Hao finally made up his mind.

He made a decisive decision that defied the rationality of a merchant.

"Uncle Shield, you are the most seasoned in aura perception; I ask that you re-verify the 'outsiders' within the sect."

"Uncle Feng, you are the fastest; I must trouble you to travel the continent after leaving Tianluo City and find a place suitable for the sect to live in seclusion."

Two consecutive, irresistible orders made everyone's hearts tighten.

Wind Douluo and Shield Defense Douluo did not dare to hesitate and immediately agreed.

"This old man understands."

Ning Hao nodded gently at these words and shifted his gaze back to Ning Huan.

"Xiao Huan, your task now is to cultivate diligently; there is no need to worry about any worldly affairs."

"The future of the sect can be entrusted entirely to you!"

"This junior understands!"

With this, Ning Huan finally stood firmly within the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect.

He was no longer like a rootless duckweed, left to be pushed by the waves.