Tang Xiao rose to greet them, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect, and said, "Sect Master Ning, you flatter me. The Clear Sky Sect has been dormant for many years, and today we are merely regaining our former glory. The presence of Sect Master Ning and His Bone Douluo brings honor to our humble abode, Cloud Mist Mountain. I am deeply grateful."
After the two sides took their seats and exchanged pleasantries, the topic quickly shifted from ceremonial congratulations to the more core and urgent practical level: the current turbulent situation on the continent, especially how to deal with the ever-expanding and almost ubiquitous power of the Spirit Hall.
On this issue, the positions of the Clear Sky Sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect are highly consistent. Both sides are keenly aware that fighting alone against a behemoth like the Spirit Hall is by no means a wise move.
Tang Xiao and Ning Fengzhi quickly reached several tacit agreements:
To stand together in times of crisis and offer mutual support when facing significant external pressure or threats;
Intelligence sharing; establishing a covert yet efficient communication channel to exchange information in a timely manner regarding the Spirit Hall's movements and other important forces;
Strengthen exchanges, including high-level mutual visits and exchanges among younger disciples;
They exchanged resources and attempted substantive cooperation in certain specific areas. The original profits from the Great Soul Arena belonging to the Clear Sky Sect were returned, and the Clear Sky Sect also offered the Whale Rubber Body Refining Method as a token of their sincerity.
Finally, the two parties reached a cooperation agreement, leveraging the vast commercial network of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to expand the pill business of the Breaking Clan, the construction business of the Defense Clan, and the forging business of the Strength Clan, with profits to be shared between the two parties.
Ning Fengzhi smiled and said, " The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's extensive commercial network across the continent can provide your sect with a broader sales channel and display platform. In turn, your sect's needs in these aspects are also what my sect requires."
Tang Xiao nodded in agreement, saying, " Sect Master Ning is absolutely right. Cooperation and mutual benefit are the only way to ensure long-term success. Specific details can be discussed with our subordinates."
The atmosphere was harmonious, and the foundation for cooperation had been laid.
However, Ning Fengzhi always kept in mind a major matter concerning the very foundation of the sect.
He changed the subject, his gaze gentle yet filled with unmistakable expectation, and looked at Tang Feng, who stood beside Tang Xiao. He said, "Young Sect Master Tang Feng, during our brief meeting in Heaven Dou City last time, you mentioned that you seemed to have found clues about the possible Martial Soul Evolution of my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul while traveling. I wonder... if there are any more concrete developments now?"
The moment the question was asked, the air in the hall seemed to freeze for a moment. The evolution of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was the ultimate dream that had troubled countless generations of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and it was also Ning Fengzhi's lifelong obsession.
Ning Fengzhi appeared calm, but his slightly forward-leaning posture and the barely concealed burning desire in his eyes betrayed the turmoil within him.
Tang Feng met Ning Fengzhi's gaze, his expression calm and solemn. He didn't keep him in suspense, nodding directly and answering clearly, " Sect Master Ning, this junior has successfully completed the mission and found it."
Upon hearing this, even Tang Xiao, who was sitting in the main seat, turned his head slightly, let alone Ning Fengzhi.
Ning Fengzhi's breathing suddenly quickened, and his hands on his knees unconsciously clenched. However, as the leader of a sect who had weathered many storms, Ning Fengzhi forcibly suppressed his turbulent emotions, and his voice remained calm. "Oh? I would like to hear the details."
Tang Feng said no more, and gently touched the seemingly ordinary Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse at his waist.
As Tang Feng moved, a soft yet dazzling seven-colored light suddenly overflowed from the pouch, and an indescribable, rich fragrance, mixed with the essence of heaven and earth and pure spiritual energy, spread out, invigorating people's spirits and making even their Soul Power more active.
The light faded, and a strange flower floated quietly above Tang Feng's palm.
It is elegant and luxurious, with petals displaying a dreamy seven-color gradient, and the core stamen is even more radiant, as if starlight flows within it.
Although the entire flower had been picked, it remained vibrant, and the surrounding air seemed to distort slightly because of its presence, emanating a misty, ethereal aura.
"This flower is called ' Aromatic Silk Beauty '," Tang Feng's voice was exceptionally clear in the silent hall, "It is a celestial treasure born from the creation of heaven and earth, absorbing the essence of the Sun Moon. Its most essential effect is to strengthen the foundation and cultivate vitality, clear away impurities, and break through certain restrictions and shackles deeply rooted in the Martial Soul Origin."
Tang Feng specifically emphasized "celestial grade" and "breaking through limitations and shackles," the meaning of which is self-evident.
Ning Fengzhi's gaze was fixed on the " Aromatic Silk Beauty ". With his knowledge and cultivation, he could naturally sense the vast and pure energy contained in this rare flower, which far surpassed ordinary natural treasures, as well as the hidden mysterious aura.
Ning Fengzhi was already seven or eight parts convinced. His excitement was overwhelming; he leaned forward slightly, his voice trembling almost imperceptibly. "A celestial item... it truly is a celestial item! Such a wondrous treasure really exists in this world!"
Tang Feng slowly put away the Immortal Herb, and the seven-colored light disappeared, but the lingering fragrance and shock remained in everyone's hearts.
"However, Sect Master Ning," Tang Feng said solemnly, "This flower is a gift from heaven and earth, formed only by a fortunate coincidence. I have searched the entire continent and, to my knowledge, I know that this is probably the only one of its kind in the world. This means that the opportunity... is only once; it cannot be replicated, it cannot be repeated."
Tang Feng's words cooled Ning Fengzhi's excitement slightly, turning it into a deeper sense of solemnity.
Tang Feng paused, looked at Ning Fengzhi, and solemnly handed the choice back to him. " Sect Master Ning, how do you intend to handle this one and only opportunity?"
How to handle it? That's hardly a question.
Ning Fengzhi spoke almost without hesitation, stating resolutely, "I am already old, and my Martial Soul foundation is already set. Even with immortal Immortal Herb, I fear I would be unable to bear their full power, and might even be wasting their potential. This opportunity should naturally be reserved for my daughter, Rongrong! She possesses exceptional talent and a pure heart; she is the future hope of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect! Only she is most likely to shoulder this opportunity, break through the shackles, and lead the sect to new heights!"
These words were sincere and heartfelt, filled with a father's high hopes and selflessness for his daughter, and also demonstrated the foresight and decisiveness of the sect leader.
Upon hearing this, Tang Feng's face showed admiration, and he nodded. " Sect Master Ning is truly insightful and far-sighted; this junior admires him."
Tang Feng explained again, "This celestial medicine has unique properties, and the method of taking it is quite particular. The timing, environment, auxiliary ingredients, and even the condition of the person taking it are all crucial. If there is any error, not only will the efficacy be greatly reduced, but it may even cause harm."
Tang Feng looked at Ning Fengzhi and suggested, "To be on the safe side, after Rongrong returns from the finals in Spirit City, Sect Master Ning can personally bring her to Cloud Mist Mountain. At that time, I will personally guide her on the medication and protect her according to her specific condition to ensure everything goes smoothly. My maternal grandfather, Yang Wudi, is an expert in pharmacology and toxicology and can assist him."
This arrangement was extremely thoughtful, demonstrating both the sincerity of the Clear Sky Sect and showing Ning Fengzhi full trust and respect.
Ning Fengzhi a deep breath, suppressing the surging excitement and gratitude in his heart. He stood up and solemnly clasped his hands in a fist and bowed to Tang Xiao and Tang Feng: " Sect Master Tang, Young Sect Master, I will forever remember this Fengzhi and gratitude! The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect Fengzhi never forget it! When my daughter returns, I will personally bring her to your door to express my gratitude!"
" Sect Master Ning, you flatter me. Mutual assistance is only right and proper." Tang Xiao also stood up to return the greeting. The two exchanged a smile, everything understood without words.
This meeting not only finalized a strategic partnership, but also, due to the existence of the " Aromatic Silk Beauty," bound the relationship between the two sects to an unprecedented level of closeness. An opportunity concerning the core inheritance of the sects carries far more weight than any written agreement.
Tang Feng watched this scene and understood. This Immortal Herb could not only create a future Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Soul Master, but it was also one of the strongest and most reliable links between the Clear Sky Sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. This investment was priceless from any perspective.
Subsequently, Tang Feng, along with Tang Xiao, met with Yu Yuanzhen, the sect leader of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Prince Xue Xing, and the special envoy of the Star Luo Empire. The content of their conversations was basically the same as that of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, all expressing their willingness to abandon their prejudices and work together to deal with the Spirit Hall.
Tang Feng followed along the entire time, carefully observing and learning the sect leader's tactics and rhetoric in dealing with various powerful figures. Tang Feng knew that after the sect left the mountain, it would face not only the turbulent world of Soul Master World, but also intricate power struggles. Every meeting today was a valuable practical lesson.