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...Deep within the Supreme Pontiff Palace, a side hall.
Xuan Ming stood by the window, his gaze calmly directed toward the area outside the city, as if he could pierce through the layers of buildings to see the Heaven Dou Empire delegation that had just arrived.
Bibi Dong sat upright in the main seat, holding detailed information about the delegation members, a hint of contemplation in her violet-gold eyes.
"You had Ning Fengzhi go greet them," Xuan Ming's voice sounded flat, betraying no emotion. "That's somewhat malicious pleasure."
Hearing this, Bibi Dong raised her head, looked at Xuan Ming's back, and curved her lips into a meaningful smile. "Malicious pleasure? No, this is no malicious pleasure, but a well-thought-out arrangement."
She put down the documents, slowly rose, and walked to Xuan Ming's side, looking out the window with him. "The Seven Treasures Glazed Sect was the first, and is currently the most steadfast, of the Upper Three Sects to side with our Spirit Empire. Not only have they provided enormous financial support, but more importantly, they have become a benchmark for us in the Spirit Master's world."
"Ning Fengzhi obtained the position of Prime Minister, and the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect's influence within the Empire far surpasses what it was before; the Sect's development is flourishing. This is a living example, telling all the Spirit Masters and powers still watching—that choosing to cooperate with the Spirit Empire can grant them the status and development they previously dreamed of but could never achieve."
"Having Ning Fengzhi greet the delegation, especially those three Education Committee members who are quite reputable in the Heaven Dou Empire's Spirit Master's world, is precisely to let them see firsthand what they can gain by defecting to the Spirit Empire. This is more convincing than any empty propaganda."
Bibi Dong's tone carried a hint of coldness: "Those who resist stubbornly, like the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan—everyone knows their end. Those who know how to adapt to circumstances, like the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect—they have also seen their prospects. Smart people will naturally know how to choose."
Xuan Ming listened, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. He never doubted Bibi Dong's political acumen. She had indeed utilized the value of Ning Fengzhi and the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect to the maximum extent.
"In that case," Bibi Dong changed the subject, turning her gaze toward Xuan Ming with a hint of inquiry, "What about Tang San? What do you plan to do with him? Or rather... what is your opinion regarding Xiao Wu?"
She mentioned the sensitive name: "King Lan Hao, the representative of the Clear Sky Sect's younger generation, possesses extraordinary talent. According to the intelligence we've gathered, the Hidden Weapons created by the Tang Sect, which he established single-handedly, are astonishingly powerful, capable of effectively suppressing Spirit Master legions. If we can recruit such a Genius, it will achieve twice the result with half the effort in dismantling the Heaven Dou Empire's will to resist."
Xuan Ming was silent for a moment, then said flatly, "He is Tang Hao's son."
A simple sentence, yet it contained a heavy past.
Bibi Dong naturally understood Xuan Ming's meaning. Tang Hao holds a deep grudge against Spirit Hall for the murder of his wife, a hatred that forced him to hide his name and seal off his Sect. Even though the main culprit was the deceased Qian Xunji, as the executor, Spirit Hall cannot easily dismiss this debt.
"Qian Xunji is already dead," Bibi Dong said calmly.
"Tang San is a smart person; he should know the consequences of opposing the Spirit Empire. He should also be able to see that the path the Spirit Empire is currently taking is fundamentally different from that of the former Spirit Hall. The Empire's power is far beyond what the Heaven Dou Empire can contend with. If I weren't considering your wishes, I would have already mobilized troops to flatten Heaven Dou."
She paused, then continued, "As for the Clear Sky Sect, if they are willing to set aside past grievances and sincerely submit, I can guarantee they will receive the status and respect they deserve within the Empire, treated equally. But if they remain stubborn..."
Bibi Dong did not finish her sentence, but the icy killing intent was already self-evident—for those who do not adapt to circumstances, there is only destruction, just like the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Xuan Ming turned around and looked at Bibi Dong. "Hatred is never that easy to let go of. Especially when it becomes the motivation and conviction for a person to live."
"You know this best."
He did not directly answer the question about Xiao Wu, but he knew that Tang San's hatred for Spirit Hall was already rooted in his bones; it was not something that could be easily resolved by simple weighing of interests or comparison of strength.
Bibi Dong frowned slightly. She understood Xuan Ming's meaning. Recruiting Tang San would likely be much harder than she anticipated.
"In any case," Bibi Dong returned to the main seat, restoring her Empress's dignity, "this peace talk is an Opportunity. Even if we cannot recruit Tang San, we must try our best to figure out their trump cards and divide the internal forces of the Heaven Dou Empire. As for the final choice... that will depend on their own wisdom."
"Oh, and I sent Ning Rongrong over. She knows Tang San, and they were classmates. Her appearance might have an effect."
"..." Xuan Ming.
"Are you sure?"
Spirit City, the embassy district where the Heaven Dou Empire delegation was staying.
After the brief and formal welcome ceremony hosted by Ning Fengzhi, both sides held a basic courtesy meeting.
Ning Fengzhi did not stay long and soon left with Chen Xin and Gu Rong. The specific matters of the peace talk would need to be discussed later in a formal setting.
Inside the embassy, a secluded independent courtyard served as the residence prepared for Tang San, the chief envoy.
Soon after he settled down, footsteps and a familiar voice came from outside the courtyard gate.
"Little San! Is Little San there?" A clear, lively female voice rang out.
Tang San's heart stirred. That voice... it was Ning Rongrong!
He quickly got up, walked to the courtyard gate, and opened the door. Standing outside were three young women: Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing!
The moment he saw Xiao Wu, Tang San's heart leaped, and his breathing nearly stopped.
After years apart, Xiao Wu had grown even more graceful and beautiful. There was less of her youthful exuberance and more composure in her expression, but her large eyes were still clear and lively. She wore a light pink dress, her posture was tall and straight, and her aura was contained yet powerful.
Ning Rongrong was dressed smartly; her wheat-colored skin looked healthy and vibrant, and her smile was radiant. Zhu Zhuqing was still in black, as cold and aloof as ever, but her eyes were more determined than before.
"Rongrong, Xiao Wu, Zhuqing!" Tang San suppressed the excitement and complex emotions in his heart, revealing a delighted smile. "Please, come in quickly!"
After ushering the three girls into the living room to sit down, Tang San personally poured them tea. The atmosphere was subtly awkward for a moment, as they hadn't seen each other in years, and their current positions and statuses were vastly different.
Ning Rongrong seemed to break the silence, speaking with a smile, "Little San, after all these years, you've become the King Lan Hao of the Heaven Dou Empire! That's truly amazing!"
Tang San smiled, feeling a bit emotional: "It was just an Opportunity. But you three... you've really changed."
His gaze involuntarily fell upon Xiao Wu again.
Xiao Wu gave him a familiar, slightly mischievous smile. "Long time no see, Little San. You look much more mature now."
Hearing Xiao Wu still affectionately call him "Little San," a warm current flowed through Tang San's heart, as if he were back in the days at Shrek Academy. He nodded. "Yes, we've all grown up."
Ning Rongrong took over the conversation, asking curiously, "By the way, Little San, what level have you Cultivated to now? It's been seven years!"
When cultivation level was mentioned, a trace of confidence rose in Tang San's heart. Over the years, he had endured hardships and encountered countless lucky chances, supported by the Heaven Dou Empire and the Clear Sky Sect, making his Cultivation speed far exceed that of ordinary people. He did not hide it, releasing a faint wave of spirit power, and smiled: "I was fortunate enough to Break through. I am now a Level 68 Spirit Emperor."
Twenty-two years old, Level 68 Spirit Emperor! This could be called a top-tier Genius in the entire Spirit Master's world; his future achievements were limitless.
Tang San was confident that this cultivation level was enough to astound anyone.
However, the astonishment he anticipated did not appear.