"Grand Priest, may I ask why you have sought out our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?"
Even though the man before him was a 99th-ranked Limit Douluo, Ning Fengzhi remained neither servile nor overbearing, as if he wasn't the least bit worried that the other party might suddenly resort to violence.
"Sect Master Ning, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan truly has no shortage of talented individuals!" Qian Daoliu scrutinized the several Title Douluo surrounding Ning Fengzhi.
As the leader of the continent's foremost power, Qian Daoliu was usually reclusive. However, with Tang Chen's reappearance and the emergence of various forces—including spirit beasts with strength comparable to his own—he had begun paying attention to the state of all major factions on the continent, all to ensure his granddaughter's safety.
But what he discovered shocked him.
After reviewing the various records and legends since the founding of the Spirit Hall over thousands of years, Qian Daoliu noticed subtle hints suggesting that the number of beings capable of matching him was… alarmingly high.
For instance, the Black Dragon of the Star Dou Great Forest—though not as thoroughly documented as the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—still had records. Moreover, the Star Dou Great Forest even had a god. That was downright absurd.
Beyond that, the Ice and Snow Maiden of the Extreme North was also briefly mentioned in the Spirit Hall's archives.
This was why he had rushed over immediately after receiving Qian Renxue's letter.
There was no helping it—given the current circumstances, even sending the Golden Crocodile Douluo felt unsafe.
And to make matters worse, the Golden Crocodile Douluo had developed a psychological shadow after being defeated by the 95th-ranked Tang Hao—another outrageous incident.
Most critically, the Golden Crocodile Douluo claimed to have sensed an aura on Tang Hao somewhat similar to when he himself used the Angel God Set. Without even thinking, Qian Daoliu knew what that implied.
A god… Tang Hao, that bastard, was most likely also connected to a god.
Add to that Tang Chen's return, wielding the Asura God Sword and fighting him to a standstill.
Qian Daoliu had no choice but to be cautious.
On the human side, Qian Daoliu focused his attention on the three upper sects—or more specifically, the Clear Sky Clan.
After lying low for so many years, without him noticing, the Clear Sky Clan had somehow amassed more than five Title Douluo—and that wasn't even counting Tang Chen.
But what surprised Qian Daoliu the most was the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
In just a few years, Chen Xin and Gu Rong had reached the 97th rank, while Ning Fengzhi had broken through the limits of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda to reach the 89th rank.
Perhaps, in the near future, the glory of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda might truly be restored.
Thus, Qian Daoliu had seized this opportunity to come and take a look, while also ensuring his granddaughter's safety.
Sword Douluo Chen Xin, a 97th-ranked peak Title Douluo, was now no weaker than when his father, Chen Jianjun, had challenged Qian Daoliu.
"Sword Douluo Chen Xin, son of Chen Jianjun—am I correct?"
"Hmph, correct." Chen Xin's voice was cold. "After my father challenged you and returned, he passed away not long after. I've always remembered—he lost to you."
"Do you seek revenge?" Qian Daoliu's tone was indifferent, devoid of any emotion.
"No. This has nothing to do with revenge. He bore no hatred toward you. However, I once vowed before his grave that, once I had the strength, I would issue a challenge to you."
"Nothing to do with revenge…" Qian Daoliu sighed, his voice tinged with emotion. "You're so much like him. Just as pure."
"Back then, I told your father that he could stay at the Spirit Hall to recover from his injuries before leaving."
"Chen Jianjun refused my offer." Qian Daoliu shook his head. "He said he didn't need my pity and left, dragging his severely wounded body back home."
"In the Douluo Continent, there are only a handful of people I respect. Your father was one of them."
"Chen Jianjun was indeed a pure swordsman. Had he not fallen, he might have reached the 99th rank."
"Grand Priest, you flatter him."
At Qian Daoliu's lament, Sword Douluo also sighed.
The 99th rank…
To be honest, before his death, Chen Jianjun had told him that he would never reach Qian Daoliu's level—especially after taking that one sword strike from him.
"Old men tend to reminisce." Qian Daoliu didn't dwell on the topic. "Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, I'm not an unreasonable man. Tell me your stance."
"Our Spirit Hall will support the Heaven Dou Emperor. That is my granddaughter Qian Renxue's decision."
"Reportedly, she has taken a liking to Xue Qinghe."
When Qian Daoliu said this, the corner of his eye twitched slightly.
Ning Fengzhi: "..."
Good grief, these two—Qian Daoliu and his granddaughter—really think the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan is blind.
As if we don't know anything?
After a moment of thought, Ning Fengzhi carefully chose his words:
"Grand Priest, as you surely know, Qinghe is my disciple. As his teacher, I am naturally delighted that he has caught the eye of Miss Qian Renxue of the Spirit Hall."
"However, this also involves the stance of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, as well as…"
"What role does your Spirit Hall intend to play in the Heaven Dou Empire?"
Ning Fengzhi's words left Qian Daoliu silent. He wasn't sure what Ning Fengzhi was getting at.
Not long ago, Bibi Dong had sent word regarding Tokisaki Kurumi, even suggesting that Qian Renxue's identity might have been exposed—that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan knew something was amiss with the Heaven Dou Emperor but were pretending otherwise.
Yet, Ning Fengzhi's current questioning seemed to imply he was unaware of Qian Renxue's true identity.
This left Qian Daoliu uncertain how to proceed.
Should he be firm, or should he soften his tone?
Truthfully, his visit this time—ostensibly to recruit Ye Renxin—was merely an excuse. His real objectives were the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, the affairs of the Extreme North, and that woman, Tokisaki Kurumi.
Unless absolutely necessary, he had no desire to antagonize the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
The Clear Sky Clan was likely an enemy—Tang Chen had emerged from the Slaughter City with the Asura God Sword in hand.
If anyone claimed that had nothing to do with the Asura God, even Qian Daoliu wouldn't believe it.
"What's the point of all this pointless chatter?" Tokisaki Kurumi yawned as she stepped forward. "Just fight. Settle it with victory or defeat."
"If we lose, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will submit to the Spirit Hall."
"Kurumi!"
Ning Fengzhi tried to stop her.
Since when had the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan agreed to submit to the Spirit Hall? As the clan master, he certainly hadn't approved such a thing!
Tokisaki Kurumi glanced back at him coolly. "Is there a problem? This is our decision. Violence is often the fastest solution, no?"
"But—" Ning Fengzhi was speechless. His gaze flickered to Ning Rongrong, who stood behind Kurumi, head lowered as if avoiding his eyes.
The word "our" made it clear—this wasn't just Kurumi's unilateral decision. Ning Rongrong had authorized her to say it.
But the real question was: Ning Rongrong, just how do you expect us—Ning Fengzhi and a few Title Douluo—to defeat Qian Daoliu, who can unleash quasi-god-level power? With sheer willpower?
Their three-in-one Martial Soul Fusion Skill was still unusable. At best, they could bluff with an intimidating aura, but it was nothing more than a cheap imitation.
Were they supposed to scare Qian Daoliu into fleeing in panic?