"Who knows? It's certainly possible." Ning Rongrong shrugged.
Regardless of his shortcomings, Dai Mubai remained a Star Luo imperial prince. Until the next crown prince was officially designated, he held considerable political status.
Moreover, Star Luo's superiority over Heaven Dou was common knowledge.
Sending Dai Mubai would not only demonstrate strength but also show Star Luo's "respect" for Heaven Dou though in reality it would be more of an insult that couldn't openly be criticized, leaving everyone discomforted.
"Dai Mubai... and Zhu Zhuqing?" Dugu Bo recalled when the Shrek group had accidentally intruded upon the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well while hunting spirit rings. Outmatched, they'd resorted to name-dropping:
Tang San of the Clear Sky Clan, Prince Dai Mubai of Star Luo, and Zhu Zhuqing of the Zhu family.
If not for the Clear Sky Clan connection, Dugu Bo wouldn't have cared about imperial affiliations.
"Actually, there's no need to worry too much. As things stand, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan remains securely positioned." Ning Rongrong reassured them.
The trio returned to their hotel to wait.
Several hours later, Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo returned, informing them about the funeral arrangements and schedule.
"One week from now?" Ning Rongrong seemed surprised. "That's quite a delay!"
"Unavoidable. Inviting attendees requires time." Ning Fengzhi explained. "Qinghe also mentioned planning a three-day mourning period after the funeral before officially holding the coronation."
"So soon?"
Though she'd anticipated this, Ning Rongrong still found it startling.
"She's Qian Renxue, not Xue Qinghe. Acting as a filial child for three days is already quite generous."
Sword Douluo chuckled.
"True enough! Qian Renxhe's acting skills are quite impressive." Ning Rongrong recalled how Xue Qinghe's eyes had nearly swollen from crying earlier.
"Uncle Ning, did Xue Qinghe invite anyone from Star Luo?" Dugu Yan inquired.
"Yes, oddly enough." Ning Fengzhi also seemed puzzled. "I advised Qinghe against inviting Star Luo representatives for now, but she seemed to have some plan in mind."
"Regardless, notifications were sent to the Spirit Hall, the three upper clans, and four lower clans whether they attend is up to them."
"I see." Ning Rongrong rested her chin thoughtfully.
It seemed Xue Qinghe was preparing for major moves though exactly what kind remained unclear, including whether the Spirit Hall would participate.
...
An emperor's funeral naturally required grandeur.
Even with Emperor Xue Ye's instructions for simplicity, certain standards had to be maintained the Heaven Dou Empire was a nation that prized aristocratic etiquette.
Ning Fengzhi visited Xue Qinghe daily with Sword Douluo to check on arrangements and gather information.
Dugu Bo essentially became a babysitter for Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan.
As the funeral date approached, Heaven Dou City's heightened security couldn't prevent the influx of unfamiliar faces.
While strolling through the city with Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan, Dugu Bo noticed three familiar-yet-unfamiliar figures.
"Long time no see, Poison Douluo." Yu Yuanzhen approached with a young man resembling Yu Tianheng and a lean but sharp-eyed middle-aged man.
"Ah, if it isn't Clan Leader Yu! It has been a while." As a fellow clan leader had initiated greetings, Dugu Bo couldn't be too aloof.
"Here for His Majesty's funeral as well?"
"Indeed. Who would have thought my last meeting with Emperor Xue Ye would be our final one." Yu Yuanzhen sighed. "Rongrong's here too you're looking well!"
"Thank you for your concern, Clan Leader Yu. My health issues have been completely resolved."
Ning Rongrong offered a slight bow while personal grudges existed between their clans, basic courtesies to elders were still observed.
"That's wonderful news! The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's future looks bright." Yu Yuanzhen laughed heartily whether genuinely or not was unclear before shifting his gaze. "And this is...?"
The silver-haired woman's face seemed familiar, yet he couldn't place her identity.
"Dugu Yan, at your service, Clan Leader Yu."
"Dugu Yan?!" Yu Yuanzhen's eyes widened as he scrutinized her.
"My spirit underwent unexpected evolution, causing some physical changes as well."
"Is that so? My congratulations then."
Damn that Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan growing stronger again!
Though these thoughts ran through his mind, his expression betrayed nothing.
Dugu Bo seized the moment: "Clan Leader Yu, aren't you going to introduce us to your companions?"
"Ah, how forgetful of me!" Yu Yuanzhen tapped his forehead before gesturing.
"This is our Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's new elder, Yang Wudi a Soul Douluo. But don't underestimate Elder Yang, Poison Douluo."
"Even I would have difficulty defeating him without going all out."
"You flatter me, Clan Leader."
"Now, now excessive modesty becomes false humility. Elder Yang possesses exceptional alchemical skills, and his combat prowess ranks second only to mine in our clan."
"Having Elder Yang join us was truly the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's good fortune."
As Yu Yuanzhen and Yang Wudi exchanged praises, Dugu Bo's eyelids twitched.
While Yu Yuanzhen's claims about Yang Wudi's strength likely contained exaggeration, the "second only" remark spoke volumes the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had two level-89 Soul Douluos, meaning Yang Wudi's Soul Douluo strength rivaled Title Douluos.
And skilled in alchemy too...
Interesting.
After Yang Wudi's introduction came the young man's unsurprisingly revealed to be Yu Tianheng's cousin, Yu Tianxin.
While Dugu Bo and Yang Wudi conversed, Yu Yuanzhen maintained a smile.
The group proceeded to a restaurant together.
"Elder Dugu, what would you like to order?"
Yu Yuanzhen secured a private dining room, prepared to splurge on hosting Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan members the meal couldn't be subpar.
His true hope was that Yang Wudi might glean some alchemical insights from Dugu Bo during their exchange.
"We'll follow the host's arrangements. Rongrong, Yan Yan, what do you think?" Dugu Bo glanced at the girls.
"Since Clan Leader Yu is treating, we'll defer to his judgment." Ning Rongrong smiled slightly.
"I'll follow Rongrong's lead." Dugu Yan took her seat.
Soon, the table was laden with dishes as Dugu Bo and Yang Wudi resumed their discussion.
Yu Yuanzhen didn't mind being sidelined any clan leader worth their salt possessed such magnanimity.
"Rongrong, I heard Clan Leader Ning broke through to Soul Douluo is this true?"
"It is." Ning Rongrong sipped her tea. "A fortunate breakthrough. As for the reasons... you're already aware, aren't you?"
"Ah, yes!"
Yu Yuanzhen laughed it off.
All details about the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had been reported back by Yu Xiaogang.
Yu Yuanzhen had been shocked by Ning Fengzhi's quiet circumvention of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's limitations such sly old fox!
With Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo also making breakthroughs, those old silver foxes were truly formidable.
However, being younger than the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's two elders meant he still had time to catch up.
Besides...
"Clan Leader Yu's strength has also improved, hasn't it?" Ning Rongrong observed. "Your aura feels more intense than when we last met."
"Oh?" Yu Yuanzhen looked surprised. "Can the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda detect that too?"
"Indeed. I recently reached rank 96, thanks in part to Clan Leader Ning's immortal herbs."
"Not only that, my comprehension of Dragonification has deepened."
"What wonderful news!"
Ning Rongrong's eyelids flickered slightly as she processed Yu Yuanzhen's words.