Chapter 293: The Three Join Tianxing Academy
Upon hearing Yang Potian's words, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo fell into deep silence. But Yang Potian didn't seem to mind their reactions and continued, "Let's take this as an example: I need to work with the Spirit Empire on a matter. Despite your past blood feud with them, you'd need to unconditionally support me."
At this, Ning Fengzhi's expression seemed close to breaking, his face flushed with barely restrained frustration. Sword Douluo, standing beside him, spoke up with bitterness: "Fengzhi, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has an enmity as deep as the sea with the Spirit Empire. To abandon that hatred—it's impossible for me to stomach. I would rather die than endure this."
Bone Douluo stayed silent but looked equally resolute, sharing Sword Douluo's sentiment.
Yang Potian simply watched them quietly, not saying anything further. It was clear to everyone what Ning Fengzhi was hoping for: to rely on Tianxing Academy as a safe haven to train the clan's disciples and rebuild his clan once strong enough, perhaps even using the academy's protection to counter the Spirit Hall's influence. Given the academy's astonishing growth over the years, it seemed they had a powerful opportunity. If he could secure the same, he envisioned a future where the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan might thrive again.
But under Yang Potian's conditions, they would enter Tianxing Academy merely as ordinary teachers, with no room to foster thoughts of revenge or ambition. By these terms, their former glory would remain just that—a memory, fading like smoke.
After a long pause, Ning Fengzhi's face became resolute. "Even if we're small in number now, our joining Tianxing Academy will greatly increase its strength. With us, you'd be better positioned should any future conflict arise with the Spirit Empire."
He continued, "Besides, with your academy's current power, the Spirit Empire may not tolerate your neutrality for much longer. Once they unify the continent, a clash may be inevitable."
Hearing this, Yang Potian couldn't help but laugh coldly. "There's no need for you to worry, Clan Leader Ning. The Spirit Empire is powerful, but it's of little consequence to me. And as for any future conflict, that will depend on whether they have the guts to challenge us here at Tianxing Academy."
Yang Potian added with chilling firmness, "Of course, if anyone here within Tianxing Academy tries to stir up trouble and create conflicts between us and the Spirit Empire, they'll quickly experience my personal approach to discipline."
His words seemed to chill the entire room; though he displayed no spirit power fluctuations, Sword Douluo felt a deep, soul-piercing chill.
Ning Fengzhi slowly rose and, bowing, said, "Thank you, Your Excellency. We're willing to join Tianxing Academy. From now on, all our actions will abide by its rules. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will cease to exist."
Yang Potian nodded, smiling slightly. "You have admirable resolve, Clan Leader Ning. You're welcome here. Tianxing Academy treats everyone as equals. From now on, this will be your home."
Ning Fengzhi forced a bitter smile. "Thank you, Your Excellency. From now on, there will be no Clan Leader Ning. Just call me Ning or Fengzhi."
After additional discussions, the terms of their integration into Tianxing Academy were confirmed. Yang Zhentian personally led the three from the conference room.
As they walked away, Ning Fengzhi seemed a shadow of his former self, his step faltering as though carrying an immense weight. Watching them leave, Yang Potian sighed to himself. "Fate is unpredictable. Another era has come to an end for a hero."
In truth, Yang Potian cared little about their decision to join. To him, they were just competent fighters, now subdued, unlikely to cause trouble. As teachers at the academy, they would live in the shadow of their former glory, with ambitions left behind like clouds in the wind.
Outside, Sword Douluo looked at Ning Fengzhi with some frustration. "Fengzhi, why did you have to go to such lengths? No matter how difficult the path, as long as Bone Douluo and I are here, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan can always rise again."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head with a weary smile. "It's over, Sword Uncle. You and Bone Uncle have reached your limits; it's unlikely either of you will ever reach Qian Daoliu or Bibi Dong's level. And our disciples, because of their martial spirits, will never advance past the Contra level."
He sighed, "I've tried for so long to make the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan as great as it could be, but no matter our efforts, we've always been vulnerable, too small to stand against the Clear Sky Clan or the Spirit Empire. We've been fighting a losing battle with a single support spirit as our foundation."
"And Sword Uncle, Bone Uncle, you've both fought for our clan for half your lives. I don't want to see you die in battle, nor do I want our clan's line to end."
The two men fell silent, recalling the glory and the struggles of their clan. They had poured their strength into supporting it, only to see its decline before their eyes.
Ning Fengzhi continued, "The days when the Upper Three Clans could stand tall against the Spirit Hall are over. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan is gone, and the Clear Sky Clan is in peril. Compared to them, we're fortunate even to leave behind any legacy."
He added wistfully, "In a way, I envy Yang Invincible and the others. They live apart from the politics and battles of the sects, untouched by schemes or betrayals, living simple, carefree lives. From now on, Sword Uncle, you can focus solely on the pursuit of your swordsmanship. Bone Uncle, you're free to live as you choose."
At that moment, Ning Rongrong rushed over, throwing herself into Ning Fengzhi's arms. "Father! Sword Grandpa, Bone Grandpa, I heard you've joined the academy—that's wonderful! Now we'll never have to be apart again."
Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo exchanged glances, finding a rare moment of peace in the midst of their troubles.
Ning Fengzhi gently patted her shoulder, saying, "Rongrong, I'm so sorry. I failed you. You won't have the great legacy of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to inherit anymore."
Though a hint of sadness crossed her face, Ning Rongrong replied, "Father, family wealth isn't what matters most. All that matters is that I have you and my two grandfathers. That's what I care about."
Ning Fengzhi smiled at her, his voice filled with pride. "Rongrong, you've truly grown up!"
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