But anyone with half a brain could understand why Emperor Xue Ye was trying so hard.
On the Star Luo Empire's side, the royal family possessed the White Tiger martial soul passed down through generations. As long as both husband and wife reached the Soul Douluo level, their combined Spirit Fusion Technique would grant them power comparable to a Title Douluo.
But what did the Tian Dou Empire have?
The royal family's Swan martial soul looked impressive at first glance, but it was useless in battle. The only notable powers were General Ge Long's Ya Chi martial soul and a few high-level Soul Douluos who had reached level 89—just barely capable of challenging a Title Douluo.
If war broke out between the two empires, the Tian Dou Empire was doomed to lose. In the past, if not for the Spirit Hall favoring them, the Tian Dou Empire would have already collapsed. But now, even the Spirit Hall couldn't be relied upon. Therefore, Emperor Xue Ye had to depend on private forces like the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect was fine—they were merchants at heart. As long as they were paid well, they wouldn't stir up trouble unnecessarily.
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, however, was different. Their martial soul practitioners were naturally hot-tempered and domineering. Every time Emperor Xue Ye sought their help, he had to pay a hefty price.
This situation weighed heavily on Emperor Xue Ye's mind.
Now, an opportunity to escape this predicament had finally appeared.
It was the emergence of a Title Douluo from the Nine-Heart Begonia Ye family, also of noble lineage. Though this Title Douluo might not fully align with the Tian Dou imperial family—
As long as he was willing to support the Tian Dou Empire, Emperor Xue Ye would lavish him with favor.
Because then he wouldn't have to constantly bow to the whims of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan or the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect.
Upon receiving this news, Ning Fengzhi remained calm.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect differed from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Their sect prioritized harmony and had numerous ways to generate wealth. They wouldn't decline simply because Emperor Xue Ye didn't favor them.
Moreover, Ning Fengzhi was currently the tutor of Crown Prince Xue Qinghe. As long as the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect didn't rebel, Ning Fengzhi was confident that Emperor Xue Ye wouldn't dare cause trouble for them.
More importantly, Ning Fengzhi believed that having another Title Douluo in the Tian Dou Empire wasn't necessarily a bad thing—it gave them more confidence when facing the Spirit Hall.
However, Gu Rong couldn't resist suggesting, "Fengzhi, these two—the old poisoner and the old lion—don't seem like the type to stay quiet. What if we take care of them while they're out hunting for soul rings?"
As he spoke, Gu Rong made a throat-slitting gesture.
Ning Fengzhi smiled faintly and raised his hand to stop him. "Uncle Gu, don't always resort to such extreme measures. Times have changed—we must prioritize peace. Besides, we have no conflict of interest with them, so there's no reason to act."
"Tsk, you've grown soft, Fengzhi. You used to have a sharper killer instinct."
Gu Rong frowned slightly but said nothing more, sipping his tea after a brief complaint.
At this moment, Sword Douluo Chen Xin, who had been meditating nearby, opened his eyes and remarked, "Constant killing is uncivilized. Moreover, Old Bones, have you forgotten that Rongrong has taken quite a liking to Dugu Bo's disciple? If you really kill Dugu Bo and the others, Rongrong will cry her eyes out, and I won't help you comfort her."
Upon hearing this, Gu Rong suddenly realized the implications. Slapping his forehead, he exclaimed, "Oh no, how could I forget! If the little princess finds out, she'll hate me forever. Chen Xin, you've actually done something useful for once."
Looking at Gu Rong, who was still acting cute despite being in his seventies, Chen Xin rolled his eyes in exasperation. He then turned to Ning Fengzhi and asked:
"Fengzhi, what do you plan to do about Rongrong?
Now that another powerful figure like Chen Gang has joined that young man's side, more and more noble daughters are bound to flock to him. If Rongrong doesn't act quickly, she might not even get a sip of the soup."
Ning Fengzhi nodded in agreement.
"I think so too. But if we follow the usual courting process, given Rongrong's situation, it'll be difficult for her to win him over. That's why I've decided to propose marriage directly."
"Oh, propose marriage?" Both Chen Xin and Gu Rong slowly nodded.
But realizing the implications, they simultaneously blurted out, "Propose marriage!?!"
Chen Xin, who had previously been calm, immediately shot up and rushed to Ning Fengzhi, urgently saying:
"Are you out of your mind, Fengzhi?
Our Rongrong isn't at the age where we need to propose marriage on her behalf! If outsiders hear about this, they'll think our daughter can't find a husband!"
"That's right!" Gu Rong chimed in.
Ning Fengzhi adjusted his glasses, hiding his gaze behind the lenses, and calmly responded:
"Uncles, please calm down. You know me well—I dote on Rongrong just as much as you do. If she truly doesn't want this, how could I possibly force her into marriage?"
Hearing this, both Chen Xin and Gu Rong froze. Was Ning Fengzhi implying that he had already consulted Ning Rongrong's opinion beforehand?
Realizing this, the two elders' expressions grew even more peculiar.
Though Chen Xin and Gu Rong appeared youthful, they were actually ancient figures, older than even Dugu Bo, nearing 90 years of age.
Having lived so long, though they focused on cultivation, they had seen many strange cases.
Among them, the tragic condition of love-struck youth was something they encountered frequently.
Chen Xin swallowed hard, unable to bear the thought of his precious little cabbage being trampled upon. With heartfelt concern, he addressed Ning Fengzhi:
"Fengzhi, Rongrong may be confused, but you can't afford to be. Matters of the heart shouldn't be rushed for fleeting satisfaction. If she marries such a fickle man, Rongrong will regret it for the rest of her life."
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