With Yu Yuanzhen breaking through to Rank 96 and even expressing gratitude to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda for their gifted immortal treasure, the whole situation felt rather peculiar.
"Earth Dragon Golden Melon?"
Ning Rongrong couldn't help but think of it.
But given that "he already had a way to die" personality, it didn't seem like something he would generously offer.
"Master Yu, are you referring to the Earth Dragon Golden Melon?" The only thing that could activate the Blue Lightning Overlord Dragon bloodline, which Tang San could have obtained, was the Earth Dragon Golden Melon.
"Correct." Yu Yuanzhen stroked his beard. "Tang Hao's son exchanged the Earth Dragon Golden Melon with me for the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng."
"He claimed that compared to the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng, the Earth Dragon Golden Melon was far more effective in breaking through bloodline limits."
"And just as that boy said, my Blue Lightning Overlord Dragon Spirit has become several times stronger than before. Now, even against a Rank 97 Titled Douluo, I may not necessarily lose."
Was this a show of strength?
Seriously?
After losing to the Sword Douluo back then, now you're trying to flex in front of me, the young master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda?
If you want to settle scores, go find the Sword Douluo. Why display your ambitions in front of a support-type Spirit Master like me?
I, Ning Rongrong, am just a very innocent child. How would I understand the complexities of you adults?
After some thought, Ning Rongrong spoke: "I've heard that the Clear Sky School possesses the number one Tool Spirit on the continent, while the Blue Lightning Overlord Dragon School has the number one Beast Spirit."
"Master Yu, I'm quite curious between you and Tang Hao, who is stronger?"
"I mean, when he was still a Titled Douluo, not his current injured state."
The moment Ning Rongrong's words fell, the entire table fell silent.
Dugu Yan's eyelids twitched uncontrollably. She subconsciously put down the chicken leg she had just picked up, staring wide-eyed at Ning Rongrong, who wore an expression of pure innocence.
This question is dangerous!
If Yu Yuanzhen exploded in anger…
The two of us might end up martyred no, scratch that we might not even escape alive.
Her grandfather, Dugu Bo, was strong, but that depended on who he was compared to.
"Rongrong, Tool Spirits and Beast Spirits each have their strengths. It's not so simple to compare them." Dugu Yan quickly tried to salvage the situation, especially when she noticed Yu Yuanzhen's face alternating between green and purple. Her heart pounded in fear.
"Is that so?" Ning Rongrong scratched her head. "I'm a support-type Spirit Master, so I don't know much about this. I thought all Spirits could be ranked against each other!"
"For example, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda is hailed as the number one support-type Spirit on the continent." As she spoke, Ning Rongrog even raised her chin slightly.
Ahem
Yu Yuanzhen coughed lightly, picked up his tea, and took a few deep gulps to suppress his anger.
"Between the Twin Stars of the Clear Sky School, I, Yu Yuanzhen, am inferior."
"I am over twenty years older than Tang Xiao and Tang Hao. Now that my Spirit rank is one level higher than the Clear Sky Douluo's, such a comparison would be unfair."
"I see." Ning Rongrong nodded as if enlightened. "As expected of Master Yu. Your noble character is truly admirable."
"Speaking of which, I recall the Twin Stars of the Clear Sky School were Tang Hao and Tang Xiao, right?"
"Ah, the Clear Sky School really is overflowing with talent!"
"I heard there's also a Limit Douluo ancestor who returned someone named Tang Chen, from the previous generation. Do you know much about Tang Chen?"
"Tang Chen!"
"It's not that I don't know him." Yu Yuanzhen replied. "Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu are the two most formidable figures on the continent. This is why the Clear Sky School is called the number one sect on the continent, and why Spirit Hall is revered as the sacred land for Spirit Masters."
When speaking of Tang Chen, the invincible on land, and Qian Daoliu, the invincible in the sky, Yu Yuanzhen's tone carried a hint of emotion.
"Master Yu, my two grandfathers hold you in high regard." Ning Rongrong's words pulled Yu Yuanzhen back from his thoughts.
"Oh? The Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo?"
"Yes. I heard them say that if not for age differences during the ranking tournament back then, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda might not have surpassed the Blue Lightning Overlord Dragon School. You were still very young during that tournament."
"Hahaha! To receive such praise from those two is truly an honor."
Yu Yuanzhen could be considered a junior to the Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, but due to their similar strength, they treated each other as peers.
"Master Yu, there's something I'm hesitant to ask." After easing the atmosphere, Ning Rongrong spoke again.
"Ah! The three upper sects share a common bond. There's no need for reservations!"
"Well…" Ning Rongrong's expression turned conflicted. After a moment, she glanced furtively at Dugu Yan before returning her gaze to Yu Yuanzhen.
"I heard that Big Brother Yu Tianheng… has passed away. Is this true?"
"Sister Yan has been grieving over this for a long time."
"Tianheng…" Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Tianxin's expressions darkened. "Yes. A 100,000-year Spirit Beast was simply too powerful. Even I couldn't save Tianheng. Sigh!"
"Miss Dugu Yan, if Tianheng's spirit in heaven knows you haven't forgotten him, he would surely be happy."
"Master Yu, please accept my condolences." Dugu Yan said. "As Tianheng's former friend, his passing pains me deeply. But life must go on."
"Tianheng often mentioned to me that his younger brother far surpassed him in cultivation. He must have been referring to Yu Tianxin."
Dugu Yan rambled on for a while, skillfully steering the conversation away for Yu Yuanzhen.
"Yes. Life must go on." Yu Yuanzhen nodded, then reached out to pat Yu Tianxin, who was busy eating. "Tianxin, the future of the Blue Lightning Overlord Dragon School rests on you. Don't let your brother down."
"Mm. I will definitely take revenge." Yu Tianxin set down his chopsticks.
A flicker of surprise flashed in Ning Rongrong's eyes.
Interesting.
Does Yu Tianxin know the truth behind Yu Tianheng's death?
But she quickly dismissed the thought. Whether Yu Tianxin knew or not had nothing to do with her, Ning Rongrong.
The one who killed Yu Tianheng was Tang San. Even if they sought revenge, they wouldn't come after her. *Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda is just a pill-selling business.*
"Miss Dugu Yan, may I challenge you to a duel?" Compared to Yu Tianheng, Yu Tianxin was more of a martial fanatic.
"Tianxin!"
Yu Yuanzhen frowned.
Ignoring his grandfather, Yu Tianxin stared intently at Dugu Yan across the table.
"I heard you once fought Yu Tianheng. I hope "
"I refuse."
Before Yu Tianxin could finish, Dugu Yan cut him off.
"Why?" Yu Tianxin was puzzled.
"Tianheng and I shared similar personalities. We disliked meaningless battles. Besides…"
"We're here accompanying our sect leader to attend Emperor Xue Ye's funeral. The sect leader is also the Crown Prince's teacher."
"At a time like this, I don't want to give the impression that my grandfather and I lack composure."
Dugu Yan sighed. "My strength has surpassed Level 50, and my Spirit has evolved into the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor. You stand no chance of winning."
"But without fighting, how can you "
"Enough, Tianxin. Miss Dugu Yan has made her refusal clear. Don't pester her further it's unbecoming."
Yu Yuanzhen interrupted him.
"Yes."
Yu Tianxin reluctantly sat back down.
With everyone harboring their own thoughts, the meal concluded on a superficially pleasant note.
Ning Rongrong's group left first. Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Tianxin stayed behind to settle the bill.
Inside the Private Room
Watching Dugu Bo and the others depart, Yu Yuanzhen fell into deep thought.
"Elder Yang, what do you think of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda?"
"I can't speak for their sect's situation, but Dugu Bo's knowledge of pharmacology surpasses mine. Combined with his alchemy skills, it's no wonder people flock to him." Yang Wudi remarked with emotion.
"Tianxin, what about you?" Yu Yuanzhen shifted his gaze.
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda… is unfathomable."