Silence—
The surroundings fell into complete stillness.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had attempted to bring the Nine Heart Begonia under their wing many times before.
Ning Rongrong, in particular, had repeatedly nudged Dugu Yan to whisper persuasive words into Ye Lingling's ear.
However, none of those previous attempts had carried the same tension as this moment.
Ye Renxin had personally witnessed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's secrets.
Among those present, aside from Ye Renxin, everyone else was part of the inner circle.
Shui Cangyue had already joined the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and Ye Lingling—due to the previous poisonous gas incident—had been sent away.
Now, within this ruined courtyard, only Ye Renxin remained, an old man left isolated and helpless.
"Young Master Ning, is this an ultimatum for me?" Ye Renxin's expression shifted slightly.
Ning Rongrong's position within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan might not be common knowledge to outsiders, but Ye Renxin was well aware.
She was far from just an empty-title Young Master—she held genuine authority.
Moreover, she was deeply favored by Title Douluo. During his many meetings with Dugu Bo, whenever Ning Rongrong was mentioned, Dugu Bo's tone carried unmistakable respect.
For a Title Douluo to show respect—what did that imply?
Ye Renxin was curious about how Shui Cangyue, originally at level 85, had reached Title Douluo in just a few days and tried to probe indirectly.
However, Shui Cangyue only vaguely hinted that it was related to Ning Rongrong.
This was absurd…
Beyond that, the black-haired girl standing beside Ning Rongrong, now dressed normally again, was clearly no ordinary figure.
She was likely another hidden Title Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Knowing so many of the clan's secrets—could Ye Renxin really leave the Shui family safely?
"Young Master Ning, it seems you've already issued an ultimatum to me." After waiting for a long time without a response from Ning Rongrong, who simply watched him calmly as if victory was assured, Ye Renxin spoke again.
"No, you are the elder of Yan'er's close friend and a confidant of His Excellency Dugu. Even if I had such intentions, I wouldn't act so crudely."
"Oh? Then what?" Ye Renxin studied the girl from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, who was much shorter than him, unable to guess what she was plotting.
"If Elder Ye is unwilling to join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, we'll have to resort to alternative methods."
"For example, holding the emperor hostage to command the nobles—taking Ye Lingling to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan as leverage."
Ning Rongrong's lips curled as she brushed aside the bangs on her forehead and chuckled lightly.
"Elder Ye only has one granddaughter, Ye Lingling. You wouldn't want…"
"Enough! Is this how the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan operates? I've truly seen it now!" Ye Renxin said angrily.
"Hm? Did I say anything wrong? My father lacks a disciple, and since Ye Lingling is also a support-type Soul Master, wouldn't it be for Elder Ye's benefit to have her become his disciple?"
That's right—Ning Fengzhi lacked a disciple. Even if he didn't, he would lack one now.
Bringing Ye Lingling to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, familiarity would breed affection. Young Miss Ning refused to believe that after a few years, she wouldn't be able to coax Ye Renxin into joining as the clan's deputy leader.
Previously, they had lacked the means—their methods hadn't been proper.
But now? Ye Renxin already knew the clan's secrets.
The Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda and seven dazzling Soul Rings had been laid bare before him.
Could Ning Rongrong really let him leave now?
Put yourself in her shoes—could you let him go?
"Renxin, joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan isn't a loss." Shui Cangyue chimed in at the perfect moment. "At the very least, there might be a way to break through to Title Douluo."
"Look at me—now, wherever I go in the Heaven Dou Empire, people address me as 'Your Excellency.'"
"See? That's the difference!"
Ye Renxin: "..."
I know you've pledged yourself to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. There's no need to brainwash me.
Taking a deep breath, Ye Renxin's gaze sharpened.
"Rumors say the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan once assassinated a holder of the Nine Heart Begonia from Spirit Hall. As the Young Master, what do you think of this?"
In the Douluo Continent, aside from the holders of the Nine Heart Begonia themselves, none understood the Nine Heart Begonia better than the continent's top support-type sect—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Throughout the Nine Heart Begonia's existence, historical records showed that a certain Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan leader had once viewed it as a threat. Though this dated back centuries, the grudge remained.
This was also why, later on, the Nine Heart Begonia never joined any sect.
Beyond its single-line inheritance, there was also the intimidation from the continent's top support-type sect.
"Assassination?" Seeing everyone's eyes on her, Ning Rongrong showed no panic. After a moment's thought, she said, "Isn't that kind of thing normal on the continent?"
"If you really dig into it, none of the Top Three Sects or the Lower Four Sects are clean. Even Spirit Hall, hailed as the sacred land for Soul Masters, has done similar things in history."
"Hmph, I thought you, as the Young Master, would deny it." Ye Renxin scoffed.
"There's nothing to deny. What's done is done." Ning Rongrong spread her hands. "Rumors on the Douluo Continent say that if the Nine Heart Begonia weren't limited to single-line inheritance, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan might have to relinquish its position as the top support-type Soul Master sect."
"Even if it were Elder Ye in the current Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan leader's position…"
"You'd probably also consider eliminating threats to your status. That's just how those in power think."
"So, you think it's justified?" Ye Renxin's tone grew colder.
"Justified?" Ning Rongrong pondered. "You fight for your justice, I fight for mine. In the end, it's just a matter of perspective."
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan may have once considered killing the Nine Heart Begonia's holder. Even now, it wouldn't be surprising if my father still harbored such thoughts."
"But sometimes, it's not about what you think—it's about what you do."
"I've reviewed the historical records. At least in the past two hundred years…"
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has never assassinated a holder of the Nine Heart Begonia."
"Hmph, you're quite the sophist."
As expected of Ning Fengzhi's chosen successor—truly silver-tongued.
"Well then, Elder Ye, will you join us?"
"Even if you won't consider it for yourself, think of Ye Lingling!"
"At around the same age as Dugu Yan, she's only level 37. Isn't that a bit of an insult to the Nine Heart Begonia's reputation?"
"Besides, perhaps our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan…"
"Can find a way to break the single-line inheritance restriction of the Nine Heart Begonia."
"You dare to dream big." The Nine Heart Begonia's single-line inheritance had remained unbroken for nearly a millennium, with no viable solution in sight. Did the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan really have the confidence?
"Why not?" Ning Rongrong countered. "Just because you haven't found a way doesn't mean we have no leads at all. Sometimes, your greatest understanding comes not from yourself, but from your enemies, no?"
"But enemies can also become allies."
"Assuming what you say is true, aren't you worried the Nine Heart Begonia might one day surpass the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?"
"Surpass?" Ning Rongrong burst into laughter. "Then let's wait until Ye Lingling has descendants and builds the Nine Heart Begonia into a proper clan first!"
"Besides, my father is on the verge of breaking through to the Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda."
"Even ignoring him, you should know what my current Martial Soul is, right?" As she spoke, Ning Rongrong summoned the Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda in her palm.
Its radiant glow was entirely different from the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda's—comparing the two was like comparing a grain of rice to the full moon.
Staring at the Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda in Ning Rongrong's hand, Ye Renxin fell silent.
Even he couldn't bring himself to believe that Ye Lingling could surpass Ning Rongrong.
The Nine Heart Begonia and the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda were fundamentally different in their support roles.
One specialized in healing, while the other stacked various buffs for offense and defense, with some healing capabilities on the side.
The Nine Heart Begonia surpassed the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda in healing.
But in other aspects?
Moreover, this was just the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda—not Ning Rongrong's Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda.
"Ye Lingling and I can join the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda."
"But we must retain some freedom. You cannot force us to act against our moral principles."
"Excellent. Thank you, Elder Ye Renxin, for joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
Ning Rongrong quickly reached out and shook Ye Renxin's hand as a gesture of goodwill.
Ye Renxin: "..."
Watching Ning Rongrong's bright, youthful smile—completely different from her earlier demeanor—Ye Renxin was speechless. Her face changed faster than flipping a book.