Pulling the Heaven Dou Imperial Family into the Fray

Dawn broke, and warm sunlight spilled over the palaces of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, lending the magnificent buildings a gentle hue.

At this moment, Ning Daohua thought of the terms offered by the young man named Jun Lin: using under-the-table means to sell a Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect at cost as payment.

He silently weighed the matter. It was indeed an extremely tempting offer, but the risks were equally enormous. If other forces discovered it, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would inevitably be plunged into a severe crisis.

He knew full well that given Dong Liu's current injuries, it would be best if he did not have to take action at all. But relying on the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect alone would likely not be enough to keep the situation under control.

"It seems we need to find a way to pull the Heaven Dou Empire's imperial family into this. We must strike the right balance: involve the imperial family to strengthen our side, but not allow them to interfere too deeply, lest they affect the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's interests."

"Also, the matter of that young man Jun Lin agreeing to sell us a Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone through under-the-table means must be kept hidden from the Heaven Dou imperial family. Otherwise, they will surely be displeased and may even grow suspicious of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect." Ning Daohua frowned as he thought to himself.

He paced back and forth through the palace, considering how to skillfully deal with the imperial family—borrowing their strength while ensuring that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect gained the greatest possible benefit from this storm.

At that moment, he looked at the silent Dong Liu beside him and asked, "Sixth Brother, what do you think of this matter?"

Dong Liu slightly raised his head, his face somewhat pale. He coughed softly several times, a contemplative look in his eyes. "This is indeed troublesome. The temptation of those three Ten Thousand Year Soul Bones is too great; every side will surely covet them."

"Although our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect possesses considerable strength, it will be difficult for us to remain untouched in this storm. Pulling the Heaven Dou imperial family into it may be one way, but we must proceed cautiously. The imperial family's intentions are difficult to fathom. If we mishandle this, it may instead bring us even greater trouble."

Ning Daohua nodded, his expression grave. "That is exactly what I have been thinking. But how should we choose now? Without the imperial family's strength, we alone will find it difficult to deal with every possible situation. Yet if the imperial family becomes too involved, I fear they will take over and disrupt our plans."

Dong Liu fell silent for a moment before slowly saying, "We can first test the imperial family's attitude. Under the pretext of discovering a precious treasure, we can reveal some information to them, but we should not mention that it is specifically a Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone. We can observe their reaction before deciding our next move."

"If the imperial family shows strong interest, we can appropriately guide them into participating. But we must keep it within limits and cannot allow them to fully control the situation. At the same time, we must make every preparation in case something goes wrong."

Ning Daohua considered Dong Liu's suggestion and found it somewhat feasible. "Mm, this plan can work. But we must also strengthen the sect's defenses in case something unexpected occurs during the auction. Furthermore, we need to send people to closely monitor the movements of every faction, so we can respond promptly if anything unusual happens."

Dong Liu gave a slight nod, then could not help coughing several more times. "Correct. We cannot let down our guard. The Titled Douluo with a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Ring behind Jun Lin may be a powerful source of support, but in such a complicated situation, we cannot rely on him completely. We must depend on our own strength and make thorough preparations."

Ning Daohua let out a long sigh. "For this matter, I only hope we can handle it properly and allow the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to emerge from this storm unscathed."

Dong Liu's gaze was resolute. Though his complexion was poor, his bearing remained undiminished. "Don't worry, Brother-in-law. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has weathered countless storms. We will not be brought down so easily. As long as we stand united, we will surely overcome this trial." The two continued discussing specific countermeasures, and the atmosphere within the palace grew increasingly heavy.

At this point, Ning Daohua stopped pacing. His gaze fell on Ning Fengzhi once more, and his tone softened slightly. "Now that we have decided on a course of action, tell us in detail about your meeting with Jun Lin yesterday. Do not leave out a single detail. Only by understanding the other side as thoroughly as possible can we better handle whatever may happen next."

Ning Fengzhi was slightly stunned. But he soon began recalling his encounter and conversation with Jun Lin, recounting everything in full to his father and uncle.

Ning Daohua and Dong Liu listened with complete focus as well, trying to find a way to respond from the information.

They understood that this approaching storm was also a rare opportunity for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

If handled properly, it might further solidify the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's position within the Heaven Dou Empire.

After quite some time, once Ning Fengzhi had finished speaking, Ning Daohua and Dong Liu both sank into deep thought.

Then Ning Daohua spoke again, his tone carrying concern and deliberation. "Sixth Brother, how is your recovery going? At such a critical time, your strength is simply too important to our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

Dong Liu's face remained deathly pale. After coughing softly several times, he slowly said, "My injuries are truly too severe. Recovery is extremely slow, and I fear I will find it difficult to exert my full strength at the auction. But I will do my best to recuperate and strive to contribute to the sect at the critical moment."

Ning Daohua looked deeply worried as he said in a consulting tone, "Sixth Brother, we still have to find a way to help you recover as soon as possible. How about having the sect's alchemists continue doing everything they can to prepare healing medicine for you? No matter the cost, we have to try—to pull you back from death's door."

Dong Liu gently shook his head, his tone filled with helplessness. "Brother-in-law, there is no need to waste your efforts. I fear these injuries of mine cannot be cured. Still, we truly cannot place all our hopes on me. We should quickly formulate a complete plan to deal with every situation that may arise."

"Besides, this auction will likely attract many powerful experts. Sect Master, you may as well use this opportunity to recruit some of them. After I am gone, at least the sect will not fall into trouble for lack of a Titled Douluo."

Ning Fengzhi also interjected, "Father, Uncle is right. This auction truly is a rare opportunity. We can plan carefully and make more preparations for the sect's future. As for Uncle's injuries, we cannot give up so easily either. What if a miracle happens?"

At that moment, Ning Daohua's eyes reddened as he looked at Dong Liu. "Sixth Brother, if something truly happens to you and you leave us, how could I face your late sister? Before she died, she asked us to look after one another. How can I just stand by and watch you... And Hong Ying—she is still so young. If she loses you, what will she do?" His voice choked as he spoke.

When Dong Liu thought of his daughter, Hong Ying, deep emotion flashed through his eyes. "Brother-in-law, Fengzhi, I appreciate your concern. But there is truly no need to keep exhausting yourselves over me. Focus your efforts on the sect's major affairs."

Ning Daohua nodded slightly. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Very well, we will do as you say. On one hand, we will make every effort to prepare for the auction; on the other, we will also see whether we can find a way to heal Sixth Brother's injuries. But Sixth Brother, you must hold on. Until the very last moment, we will never give up."