Kong Deming's seemingly casual remark revealed his unmistakable intention to sow discord between the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Dou Ling Imperial Family.
Surprisingly, Ning Yuanshan did not immediately refute the statement or eagerly express his loyalty to the royal family upon hearing it.
He remained silent for a moment, a complex and unreadable expression flashing across his face.
Although Kong Deming's words were unpleasant to hear, they were undeniable facts.
No relationship in the world can withstand the erosion of time and changing interests.
Back then, the Tang Sect and Shrek Academy were incredibly close, but ten thousand years later, didn't the Tang Sect also fall into decline and ruin, almost losing even its ancestral sect headquarters?
Although the relationship between the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Dou Ling Imperial Family was far from being one of mutual loathing, the once inseparable bond forged through life and death had indeed gradually faded with time and considerations of their respective interests.
At this moment, hearing that Kong Deming's words seemed to indicate no intention to blame or take out his anger on the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect for the assassination, Ning Yuanshan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
He knew better than anyone that this was the era of Soul Tool!
Their Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's renowned expertise in appraising and finding treasures did not directly contribute to the development of Soul Tool.
As the only sect in the original Douluo Three Kingdoms that could reliably obtain high-level Soul Tool from the Sun Moon Empire through "legal" channels.
In recent years, the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has made a fortune thanks to this unique path to wealth, and the school's strength and influence have steadily increased as a result.
He was absolutely unwilling to jeopardize this crucial channel of cooperation and source of profit because of the royal family's foolish actions.
"If I had known beforehand that the royal family would act so unwisely, I would have done everything in my power to dissuade them."
Even if persuasion fails, the message will be communicated to His Majesty in advance.
"It's common for nations to use various means to contend for supremacy, but to use such a vicious attack on a young junior is indeed... unbecoming and unacceptable."
Kong Deming was a man of great stature; how could he not understand the implied meaning?
A broad smile immediately spread across his face, and he laughed heartily, "Good! I knew Sect Master Ning was a reasonable and righteous person, and would never stoop to such behavior!"
"It seems that our Sun Moon Worship Hall made the right choice in partnering with the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect!"
Regardless of how much truth or falsehood Ning Yuanshan held in his words, since he said it in front of Kong Deming at this moment, there was much to discuss.
His smile widened, "Your Majesty flatters me. I only hope that our cooperation will be even closer and last Jiujiu."
The smile on Kong Deming's face slowly faded, replaced by an unprecedented solemnity and seriousness.
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp as he looked directly at Ning Yuanshan, and said in a deep voice, "The cooperation will naturally proceed smoothly over time."
"However, please dismiss everyone else, Sect Master Ning. There is an important matter that I would like to discuss with you."
Judging from Kong Deming's expression, Ning Yuanshan felt that what was about to happen seemed to be the real purpose of Kong's visit.
Without any hesitation, he glanced around and said directly, "Uncle Ye, Tian'er, you two go out for a moment and wait outside. No one is allowed to approach this hall without my permission."
"Yes, Father."
Ning Tian was very obedient. Although he was curious, he immediately stood up, nodded slightly to Kong Deming and Kong Xuan, and then quickly left.
However, Ye Wuxin, the Heavenly Sword Douluo, frowned almost imperceptibly. He didn't move immediately but looked at Ning Yuanshan with a hint of inquiry and worry, and whispered, "Sect Master?"
He wasn't disobeying orders; it was simply his duty. Leaving the sect leader alone with a Super Douluo whose strength was unfathomable was far too risky.
Ning Yuanshan naturally understood Ye Wuxin's concerns. His ability to firmly hold the position of sect leader of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was due to his courage and decisiveness, which were beyond the reach of ordinary people.
He gave Ye Wuxin a reassuring smile, "Uncle Ye, there's no need to worry, Her Majesty Silver Moon is not an enemy."
Seeing that the sect leader had made up his mind, Ye Wuxin said no more.
He gave the composed Kong Deming a deep look, then turned and left the reception room, personally closing the heavy door behind him.
At this moment, only Ning Yuanshan, Kong Deming, and Kong Xuan remained in the vast and luxurious hall.
Ning Yuanshan took a deep breath, his gaze fixed intently on Kong Deming, his voice low and solemn. " Silver Moon Majesty, can you now tell me what this important matter is?"
Faced with Ning Yuanshan's earnest question, Kong Deming did not answer immediately. Instead, he calmly picked up his teacup and took a sip.
Kong Xuan, who had been quietly listening, raised his head at this opportune moment, calmly meeting Ning Yuanshan's probing gaze.
He calmly began, " Sect Master Ning, I have long heard that the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's trading companies are spread throughout the continent, and its information network is extensive. I presume your sect already has some understanding of Battle Armor and Soul Spirit?"
Upon hearing this, Ning Yuanshan immediately turned his gaze to Kong Xuan, showing no disrespect whatsoever for the other's youth.
On the contrary, from the moment Kong Xuan stepped into the reception room, Ning Yuanshan was secretly alarmed. He couldn't see through the depth of this young man at all!
Upon hearing Kong Xuan's question, Ning Yuanshan composed himself and replied earnestly, "I am aware of the power of the Battle Armor. It can greatly enhance the combat strength of Soul Master, making it a truly groundbreaking creation that is awe-inspiring."
"As for the Soul Spirit... After Tian'er returned from the Shrek Academy, she described to me many times how magical it was, how it could replace the Soul Ring, and how it was more spiritual. Although I haven't seen it with my own eyes, I know it is by no means ordinary."
His words conveyed admiration for both technologies, and he knew that both originated from the Sun Moon Empire and were closely related to the Worship Hall.
As he was speaking, a sudden thought flashed through Ning Yuanshan's mind, and an idea that made his heart race suddenly surged uncontrollably!
Could Kong Deming's so-called "important matter" be precisely the cooperation with the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect in the areas of Battle Armor and Soul Spirit?!
If this is true, it would be a great thing for the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect School, no less than cooperating with the Tang Sect ten thousand years ago to purchase Hidden Weapon to protect the sect!
Seeing the expectant look in Ning Yuanshan's eyes, Kong Xuan abruptly changed the subject. " Sect Master Ning a man of great talent and ambition, leading the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. In your opinion, what is the current state of affairs in the world...?"
Ning Yuanshan was slightly taken aback by this sudden question, and was somewhat unsure of Kong Xuan's intentions.
But having been in a position of power for so long, he paused for a moment before speaking, "Currently, the four kingdoms on the continent stand in a tripartite balance, maintaining a fragile peace on the surface. However... beneath the surface, undercurrents are surging and storms are brewing. Each side is accumulating strength, and no one knows how long this tranquility can last."
Ning Yuanshan did not try to gloss over the truth; clearly, in order to secure "cooperation," although he did not know the reason why Kong Xuan asked such a question, he was simply stating his true opinion.
Kong Xuan clapped his hands and said, " Sect Master Ning's words are incisive and reveal the essence of the current situation."
He then composed himself and said, "Ever since the war thousands of years ago caused by the collision of continental plates, the three kingdoms of the Star Luo Empire, Heavenly Soul, and Dou Ling have regarded my Sun Moon Empire as an enemy and a heretic."
"This hostility is rooted in historical and cultural barriers that have persisted for thousands of years."
"It can be said that, given the current situation, the original Douluo Three Kingdoms could never truly accept the Sun Moon Empire from the bottom of their hearts."
At this point, Kong Xuan paused, then said seriously, "However, Sect Master Ning, are you aware that the Three Kingdoms are still immersed in past glories and prejudices? They have no idea of the true strength of the Sun Moon Empire today!"
"After thousands of years of development, the Sun Moon Empire now possesses an absolute advantage over the original Douluo Three Kingdoms in terms of Soul Tool Technology!"
"If war were to break out again one day, given the current strength of the Sun Moon Empire, the original Douluo Three Kingdoms would never be as fortunate as they were thousands of years ago!"
What awaits them is a crushing defeat, a predetermined and inevitable crushing!
Ning Yuanshan's composure vanished instantly, replaced by an undisguised look of astonishment!
His heart sank. He couldn't believe that Kong Xuan was just casually analyzing the situation on the mainland. A thought that might be uncontrollable rose in his mind.
He stared intently at Kong Xuan, and couldn't help but blurt out, "Has the Sun Moon Empire already made up its mind to... launch a war?"