Ning Fengzhi's lavish offer: Splitting the Shrek Seven Devils

Qian Renxue fell silent.

After a long while, Qian Renxue finally spoke.

"Teacher, it's not that I don't want to help you." Her voice was full of helplessness. "After all, Xue Beng is my own younger brother, a direct descendant of the royal family."

He was shot dead by your daughter in full view of everyone. If I were to turn a blind eye and release him easily, where would the dignity of the imperial family be? What would the court officials think? What would the people of the land think?

Ning Fengzhi understood Qian Renxue's underlying meaning: it wasn't that she didn't want to release the person, but rather that she needed a reason to silence public opinion.

Ning Fengzhi a deep breath, knowing that this was not the time to beat around the bush.

He took a step forward, looked at the young emperor on the dragon throne, and said in a steady and powerful voice, "Your Majesty, I am willing to offer one hundred million Gold Soul Coin as compensation to the royal family."

Furthermore, I have only one daughter, Rongrong, but several sons, all of whom possess Innate Soul Power above level 5. There are also some talented members of my clan. I wish to select the most gifted male from among my clan's nephews and nieces to marry into the royal family."

The phrase "marrying into another family" was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up a thousand ripples in the imperial study.

Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes slightly, her gaze sharp as she looked at Ning Fengzhi.

The terms "adopting a son-in-law" and "arranged marriage" may seem to differ by only one word, but their implications are worlds apart.

Arranged marriages involve two families forming a union, with both sides having equal status, and the children born usually take the father's surname.

Marrying into the woman's family means that the man completely abandons his own family identity, marries into the woman's family, and the children born take the mother's surname and inherit the mother's bloodline and heritage.

Ning Fengzhi's meaning was clear: he was willing to give a Ning clan member with the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda Martial Soul, along with the opportunity to inherit the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda, to the Heaven Dou Imperial Family.

This condition is far too demanding.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda is the number one support-type Martial Soul in the world, and its value cannot be measured in money.

A Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda Soul Master is enough to increase the combat power of a Soul Master team several times over.

If this Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda Soul Master becomes a member of the royal family, his descendants may inherit the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda Martial Soul, which would be tantamount to handing over the most core inheritance of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to the royal family.

Qian Renxue fell silent, weighing her options.

Her original plan was to use Xue Beng's death to get Ning Fengzhi to help eliminate Xue Xing as well.

She had already come up with an excuse: if Xue Xing disagreed, she would let Ning Rongrong go so easily, Ning Fengzhi would naturally take care of this obstacle.

But now, Ning Fengzhi has offered even better terms: sending a direct descendant of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect School to the royal family. That leaves much more room for maneuver.

For example, if they pretended to dissolve this direct descendant of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect School in water, but actually sent him back to Spirit City, then the Spirit Hall might have the inheritance of the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda.

As for Ning Rongrong herself, whether or not to kill her is not important; she is now a useless pawn that has lost its value.

Thinking of this, Qian Renxue spoke up, "Teacher, I see your sincerity."

Ning Fengzhi secretly delighted, but he maintained a respectful expression on his face.

"However," Qian Renxue changed the subject, "Your daughter's crime was, after all, murdering a prince. If I were to issue an edict to release her today, where would the dignity of the royal family be? What would the people of the world say?"

Ning Fengzhi's heart tightened again, but he didn't rush to defend himself. Instead, he waited quietly for Qian Renxue to continue.

"What I mean is," Qian Renxue said slowly, "That your daughter cannot be released for the time being. I will issue an edict to transfer your daughter from the city guard prison to the serious offender prison, and a public sentencing will be held on a selected date."

After the verdict is announced, the marriage alliance between the royal family and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will be announced at an opportune time. At that time, I will grant your daughter a special pardon on the grounds of the marriage alliance.

In this way, the majesty of the royal family is displayed without harming the reputation of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. What do you think, teacher?

Ning Fengzhi breathed a long sigh of relief after hearing this.

This plan, although it would mean Rongrong would spend some time in prison, at least saved her life.

Moreover, Qian Renxue is right. Publicly announcing the verdict and then granting a pardon is indeed more effective in silencing public opinion than simply releasing the person.

"Your Majesty is wise." Ning Fengzhi bowed respectfully. "On behalf of my daughter, I thank Your Majesty for sparing her life."

"Teacher, there's no need for such formality." Qian Renxue waved her hand, a smile finally appearing on her face. "After all, I am also your student. How could I possibly bring such a cruel fate upon your daughter?"

Ning Fengzhi raised his head and looked at the young face on the dragon throne, his heart filled with emotion.

He had taught Xue Qinghe for over a decade and believed he knew him very well.

But at this moment, he suddenly felt that he couldn't see through this former crown prince, now the emperor.

However, none of that matters anymore. What matters is that Rongrong's life has been saved.

"Then Your Majesty, I shall take my leave." Ning Fengzhi bowed again and then slowly withdrew from the Imperial Study.

Qian Renxue watched Ning Fengzhi's figure disappear outside the door, the smile on her lips gradually fading.

"Uncle Snake Lance," she whispered.

A figure appeared silently in the imperial study; it was none other than the Snake Lance Douluo.

What are your orders, Your Majesty?

Have the identities of the Shrek Academy group been confirmed?

"The city guards have investigated and found out that the other four are all civilians. Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing are not of high status. Dai Mubai is the third prince of the Star Luo Empire. He secretly fled the Star Luo Empire a few years ago, Zhu Zhuqing is his fiancée."

"Oh? I didn't expect there to be two such big fish. I hereby issue the imperial decree that all students of the Shrek Academy, except for Prince Dai Mubai of the Star Luo Empire, Zhu Zhuqing, the second young lady of the Zhu Family of the Star Luo Empire, and Ning Rongrong of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, shall be immediately expelled from Heaven Dou City and never be allowed to set foot in Heaven Dou City again."

"What about the Shrek Academy?"

Shrek Academy is hereby disbanded, and its students are prohibited from joining the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

"As you command."

"Furthermore," Qian Renxue continued, "Transfer Ning Rongrong from the city guard prison to the serious offender prison, and hold a public sentencing at a later date. As for Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing..."

She paused, a hint of amusement flashing in her eyes.

"Seale Dai Mubai's Soul Power and place him in a residence in Heaven Dou City, treating him with the highest royal protocol. In addition, select ten beauties of unparalleled beauty from the palace, with Innate Soul Power around level 5 and Martial Soul grade of medium, and send them there, saying that they are gifts from me to him."

Snake Lance Douluo immediately understood Qian Renxue's idea and nodded in agreement.

"As for Zhu Zhuqing..." Qian Renxue's voice suddenly became hesitant.

She should have given Zhu Zhuqing the same "special treatment" as she did Dai Mubai, so that she could have several children who could possess Martial Soul Fusion Skill.

But as a woman herself, Qian Renxue couldn't bear to see her reduced to a mere breeding machine.

"Never mind." Qian Renxue waved her hand, her tone tinged with a rare weariness. "Send her back to the Worship Hall and leave her to Grandfather's disposal. Just say it's my order, and ask Grandfather to take good care of her and not make things difficult for her."

"As you command."

After saying that, Snake Lance Douluo flashed and disappeared from the Imperial Study once again.

"Xue Beng, oh Xue Beng," she murmured to herself, her voice devoid of any emotion. "I promised Xue Ye I wouldn't kill you with my own hands, so I arranged for Ning Rongrong to do it. That way, I won't break my promise."

That very night, the imperial edict spread throughout the entire Heaven Dou City.

In the city guard's prison, Tang San, Xiao Wu, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar were escorted out of their cells by the city guards.

"Third Brother!" Xiao Wu gripped Tang San's arm tightly, her face full of worry.

"It's alright," Tang San gently patted the back of her hand and whispered comfortingly, "I will protect you."

Tang San thought they were going to encounter something bad, but it turned out they were just being driven out of the city.

To Tang San's displeasure, Shrek Academy was disbanded.

They traveled a long way from Suotuo City to Heaven Dou City, hoping to enter the Heaven Dou Royal Academy and obtain better cultivation resources, but they ended up like this.

But he didn't resent Ning Rongrong, nor did he have the right to. After all, he was the one who created the Zhuge Repeating Crossbow.

Moreover, Ning Rongrong's situation is worse than theirs. They were only expelled from the city, while Ning Rongrong was rumored to be transferred to a prison for serious offenders.

"The Xiao San." Flender's voice came from the woods not far away.

Tang San looked up and saw Flender, Zhao Wuji, Yu Xiaogang, and the teachers from Shrek Academy standing by the woods.

"Teachers, Dean, esteemed teachers," Tang San stepped forward and bowed deeply to Flender, "I'm sorry for causing you trouble."

Flender waved his hand and said in a hoarse voice, "It's not your fault. It's my fault as the dean; I couldn't protect my own students."

"Flender, what's the point of saying all this now?" Zhao Wuji sighed and patted Flender on the shoulder. "Let's go, find a place to settle down first, and then we can discuss this further."

Yu Xiaogang stood to the side, silent, his face more grim than anyone else's.

At the same time, Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing were also taken out of the prison by the city guards.

They were each led in different directions.

After Dai Mubai's Soul Power was sealed, he was taken to a mansion, which was ornately decorated and magnificent, no less impressive than the prince's residence in the Star Luo Empire.

"Your Dai Mubai, please follow me." A eunuch respectfully led him through the gate of the mansion.

Dai Mubai frowned, wondering what the Heaven Dou Imperial Family family was up to.

He had thought that he and Zhu Zhuqing would also be expelled from the city, but he never expected to be brought to such a place.

After passing through several corridors, the eunuch led him to a secluded courtyard.

"Your Highness, this is the accommodation His Majesty has arranged for you," the eunuch said, bowing as he pushed open the courtyard gate. "In addition, His Majesty has prepared some gifts for you."

Dai Mubai walked into the courtyard, then froze on the spot.

Ten women stood in the courtyard.

Ten women of stunning beauty, each with their own unique charm.

Some are petite and delicate, some are tall and graceful; some are pure and lovely, some are charming and alluring; some have blonde hair and blue eyes, some have cascading black hair.

Ten women, ten different styles, yet without exception, all are exceptional beauties.

"This servant greets Your Highness." The ten beauties bowed in unison, their voices as melodious and sweet as nightingales singing in a valley.

Dai Mubai swallowed.

Although he was notoriously womanizing, he wasn't stupid.

The Heaven Dou Emperor sent him ten beauties because he wanted to seize the White Tiger Martial Soul of the Dai Family!

"You guys..." Dai Mubai opened his mouth, but for a moment he didn't know what to say.

"Your Highness," the head eunuch said with a smile, "His Majesty said that these beauties are a gift to Your Highness. You may use them as you please, without any hesitation. Furthermore..."

Dai Mubai's face darkened completely.

"Please convey my gratitude to His Majesty of your country," Dai Mubai said through gritted teeth, his voice filled with suppressed anger.

The eunuch seemed oblivious to the displeasure in his tone, and still greeted him with a smile before leaving the courtyard.

The courtyard gate slowly closed, trapping Dai Mubai and ten beauties inside.

Dai Mubai stood there, looking at the ten beauties posing seductively before him, but he had no romantic thoughts in his heart.

He was thinking of Zhu Zhuqing.

Where was Zhu Zhuqing taken? Could she also...?

Thinking of this, his fists clenched involuntarily.

At this moment, Zhu Zhuqing was being personally escorted by Snake Lance Douluo to the Worship Hall outside Heaven Dou City.

She sat in an unassuming carriage, with the pitch-black night outside the window.

Snake Lance Douluo sat on the other side of the carriage, closing his eyes to rest, without saying a word.

Zhu Zhuqing didn't know what awaited her; all she knew was that...

The carriage traveled for several days before finally coming to a stop.

"We've arrived." Snake Lance Douluo opened his eyes, said calmly, and then got off the carriage first.

Zhu Zhuqing got off the car; she hadn't expected to find herself in Spirit City.

Serpent Snake Lance Douluo Snake Lance Douluo led Zhu Zhuqing inside, finally stopping in the Worship Hall. He told Zhu Zhuqing to wait there while he went in to report.

Snake Lance Douluo quickly returned, saying expressionlessly, "Follow me."

Zhu Zhuqing followed behind him, ascended the stone steps, and entered the main hall.

Upon entering the main hall, the first thing that catches the eye is a huge Angel Statue.

Beneath the statue, a blond man is praying.

"Great Enshrined," Snake Lance Douluo bowed respectfully to the blond man, his tone full of deference, "The young master instructed me to bring this young lady to the Worship Hall for your consideration."

"Okay, you can go back now."

Snake Lance Douluo bowed again, then turned and left, leaving Zhu Zhuqing alone in the Worship Hall.

Zhu Zhuqing stood there, facing the unfathomable blond man, a sense of nervousness rising involuntarily within her.

The blond man looked at her and suddenly smiled slightly.

"Little girl, don't be afraid." His voice was like a gentle spring breeze, carrying a reassuring power. "My name is Qian Daoliu, the Great Enshrined of the Spirit Hall's Worship Hall. What's your name?"

"Zhu Zhuqing," Zhu Zhuqing answered truthfully.

Do you know why she sent you to me?

Zhu Zhuqing shook her head.

"That child showed you leniency; otherwise, you would have become a breeding tool for inheriting Martial Soul, just like your fiancé."

Zhu Zhuqing was stunned.

"From today onwards, you will remain in the Worship Hall. This is also an opportunity for you. As for the future, we'll discuss that later."

Zhu Zhuqing was silent for a moment, then bowed and said, "Thank you, senior."