Upon seeing Ning Fengzhi and the Bone Douluo, Dugu Bo immediately rose to his feet.
Dugu Yan, witnessing her grandfather's uncharacteristic formality for the first time, quickly stood as well.
"There's no need for such formality, Your Excellency Dugu." Ning Fengzhi's voice carried the warmth of a spring breeze, naturally soothing.
"We've conducted several transactions before, so we can be considered friends. Let's treat this as a casual conversation."
Ning Fengzhi gestured for Dugu Bo to sit, indicating such ceremony was unnecessary.
After a brief silence, Dugu Bo slowly took his seat.
Dugu Yan, however, remained standing nervously.
Ning Fengzhi smiled gently at her:
"There's no need to be tense, Miss Dugu Yan. Whether Your Excellency Dugu joins the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan or not, he and I will remain friends."
"You... know who I am?" Dugu Yan's voice trembled slightly. It was hard to imagine the leader of the world's second-greatest sect (after Spirit Hall) would recognize someone as insignificant as her.
Yes, insignificant.
During their journey, Dugu Bo had explained the continent's power structure.
He had made it clear—while his 91st-rank Title Douluo status seemed impressive, among actual Title Douluos, he was far from remarkable.
This was when Dugu Yan first learned that Title Douluos were ranked—and her grandfather was at the bottom.
"Miss Dugu's talent is well-known at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy."
"Some of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan disciples studying there have mentioned you," Ning Fengzhi replied warmly.
"R-really?" Under his praise, Dugu Yan's nervousness eased slightly.
After reassuring her, Ning Fengzhi turned back to Dugu Bo: "What are Your Excellency's thoughts on our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?"
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's wealth rivals nations—this is common knowledge. Your support capabilities are unmatched," Dugu Bo answered carefully.
"Then would Your Excellency consider joining us?"
Ning Fengzhi let the flattery pass but pressed the invitation.
"If I refuse, will Sect Master Ning withhold the antidote?" Dugu Bo countered.
Silence fell.
The Bone Douluo frowned.
This Dugu Bo is too arrogant!
But noticing Ning Rongrong's subtle head shake, he held his tongue.
The Bone Douluo knew he couldn't match Ning Fengzhi in wit.
Even Rongrong outmaneuvered him—which was why he'd joined the clan in the first place, swayed by Ning Fengzhi's magnanimity.
Best leave this to him.
"Hahahaha!" Ning Fengzhi's laughter dispelled the tension. "Your Excellency jokes. We are merchants—detoxifying you is simply business."
"Equivalent exchange needs no pretense. A Title Douluo's favor is valuable indeed."
"However, joining would benefit us both."
"I promise—if you join and remain loyal, our entire herb reserve will be open to you at all times."
"Surely such an offer holds weight?"
Dugu Bo inhaled sharply, his emerald eyes widening.
The offer was tempting.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's wealth came from their Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda's unique abilities—including identifying rare herbs.
As a poison master, Dugu Bo desperately needed such expertise.
His secret garden held many precious materials whose uses eluded him.
"Father..." Ning Rongrong interjected uncertainly.
She had considered offering full access earlier, but—
Unrestricted access was dangerous. Restrictions were necessary.
Emotionally acceptable, but rationally reckless.
If Dugu Bo betrayed them, the consequences could be catastrophic.
"Rongrong, I lead this clan."
Ning Fengzhi's glance silenced her. "I trust Your Excellency's worth."
Ning Rongrong: "..."
Why does that sound familiar?
No matter.
As long as no disaster struck—Dugu Bo's integrity was reliable.
"Your offer is tempting, Sect Master Ning," Dugu Bo sighed.
"But regarding our poison—how confident are you in curing it?"
"Nothing is certain," Ning Fengzhi admitted.
"Your toxins require extreme cold and heat to purge."
"But specifics require further study."
"Visit our clan for proper examination—only then can we devise the best treatment."
"I understand. I must consider this," Dugu Bo stood.
"After the Crown Prince's ceremony, I'll decide whether to visit your clan."
"Regardless, I'll contact you. Acceptable?"
"Of course. Your Excellency is free to choose. We honor our word."
Ning Fengzhi smiled, producing an exquisite jade box.
"A small gift."
Dugu Bo opened it—then froze.
A spirit bone.
A thirty-thousand-year defensive spirit bone.
"Sect Master Ning, this is too valuable."
He tried returning it.
Ning Fengzhi blocked him. "A given gift is not taken back."
"It's unsuitable for you, but may serve other purposes," he explained.
"How you use it is your choice—we won't interfere."
Dugu Bo studied him, then the note detailing the bone's attributes.
After a long pause, he sighed deeply.
"Your sincerity moves me, Sect Master Ning. After the ceremony, I will visit."
With that, he and Dugu Yan departed.
Silence returned.
"A thirty-thousand-year spirit bone—just like that?" The Bone Douluo grumbled. "He hasn't even agreed!"
"Elder Gu," Ning Fengzhi said calmly,
"His first instinct was to return it, not claim it. A man's initial reaction reveals his character."
"He values loyalty. That knowledge alone makes it worthwhile."