Ning Fengzhi nodded. "Uncle Sword is right. It's best if we don't get involved in this matter."
"As for Tang San, based on what we've observed so far, we also can't put too much trust in him. Let Rongrong continue staying in Shrek Academy and just maintain the cooperative relationship."
If his daughter Rongrong hadn't already joined Shrek Academy, he would never send her there again.
He knew how to judge both students and teachers. From Tang San's exposed character flaws, and Yu Xiaogang tricking Yu Tianheng into leaking information and then casually spreading it, Ning Fengzhi was worried his daughter might be led astray. But since Rongrong had already been there for a year, pulling her out suddenly would be unwise.
Especially with the Soul Master Tournament just around the corner.
"Besides, tomorrow I'll use Distraction Control as a way to test Tang San's character in the hidden weapons business," Ning Fengzhi added.
"That truly is a good idea." Sword Douluo gave a slight nod.
The next morning, led by Ning Rongrong, Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo arrived at Blue Tyrant Academy.
Flender greeted them with a smile and welcomed them into the reception hall. When he heard they had come to discuss business with Tang San, he immediately sent someone to the training grounds to summon Tang San and Yu Xiaogang.
"Greetings, Sect Master Ning, thank you for waiting," Tang San said with a respectful bow as soon as he entered.
"Greetings, Sect Master Ning." Yu Xiaogang's expression was calm and steady.
"Master, congratulations on having such a fine disciple," Ning Fengzhi said warmly, his smile constant. "Come, no need to stand on ceremony, please sit."
Pride flickered in Yu Xiaogang's eyes as he nodded and sat down with Tang San.
"Xiao San, may I call you that?" Ning Fengzhi asked kindly.
"You are Rongrong's father, of course you may," Tang San replied with a nod.
"Seems I've earned this honor through Rongrong," Ning Fengzhi said with a light smile. "Xiao San, yesterday Rongrong told me about you. With your current achievements at such a young age, frankly, I'd love to bring you into our sect. Would you be willing?"
Knowing someone's identity was one thing; saying it out loud was another.
"Forgive me, Uncle Ning, but I have no plans to join any sect for the time being," Tang San replied calmly, neither humble nor arrogant.
"That truly is a pity." A trace of regret flashed across Ning Fengzhi's face, but he quickly recovered his smile.
"Everyone has their own ambitions. Since you're unwilling, I won't force it."
He smoothly shifted the subject. "Rongrong told me you're very interested in our sect's Distraction Control, and I, in turn, am quite interested in the hidden weapons you create. How about we exchange? Distraction Control in return for your hidden weapon production methods?"
Tang San's heart clenched. This was bad. Back when they hunted soul rings in Star Dou Great Forest, he had demonstrated the Zhuge Divine Crossbow to his companions. Afterwards, Ning Rongrong had immediately sought him out, asking if he could sell it to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. At the time, he hadn't given a firm answer, but agreed to craft one set for Rongrong to take home for Sect Master Ning to examine, leaving future deals open.
He hadn't expected Ning Fengzhi to directly offer Distraction Control in exchange for his hidden weapon methods.
Truthfully, he didn't want to agree.
Even though what he'd shown were only lower-ranked mechanical hidden weapons, each one represented the wisdom and essence of his Tang Sect ancestors. How could such secrets be passed outside?
Besides, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was rich and powerful, with many capable craftsmen. If they broke through the designs, they could mass-produce other hidden weapons. Once Tang San re-established Tang Sect, wouldn't that leave him facing a massive competitor?
More importantly, as one of the three great sects, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was already caught in the power struggles between major factions. If they gained the ability to mass-produce hidden weapons, they might use them offensively to slaughter opponents, leading to countless deaths.
That door could not be opened. Otherwise, not only would it bring endless trouble, he himself would be condemned as a sinner of the continent.
With that thought, he shook his head slightly. "Forgive me, Uncle Ning, but I cannot exchange hidden weapon production methods. This is my family's rule."
"Furthermore, these hidden weapon techniques are extremely difficult to master. Without exceptional talent, it would take several years just to train a craftsman capable of producing them. At my age, cultivation is my top priority. I have no time to teach."
"Several years?" A glint flickered in Ning Fengzhi's eyes, though his smile remained. "That truly is unfortunate."
"In that case, let's change the deal. I'll purchase your hidden weapons directly with gold. You name the price. But there is one condition—if you wish to sell them in the future, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect must be your sole distributor. In other words, all sales must go through me. As an added bonus, I'll grant you Distraction Control free of charge."
"This…" Tang San hesitated.
With the sect's help in sales and publicity, founding Tang Sect in this world would be easier. But binding himself exclusively to them meant standing with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Wouldn't that restrict Tang Sect's future development? He wanted Tang Sect to remain a neutral force.
'As expected of Ning Fengzhi—his calculations were meticulous.'
Yu Xiaogang sighed inwardly. Through exclusive business cooperation, even if Tang San didn't formally join, it would be almost the same. With monopoly rights, the sect could also expand its influence through hidden weapons. It was a win-win deal—for them.
"Forgive me, Uncle Ning. I do not wish to be drawn into these struggles." Tang San's firm reply came.
"Xiao San, then in your view, what should be done?" Ning Fengzhi's tone stayed calm.
"Uncle, I can give you the greatest possible discount on price. And I can also hand over the forging process. But the final assembly must be completed by me personally," Tang San said earnestly. With that safeguard, he wasn't worried about the sect deciphering the full production method. Yet phrasing it this way left them a sliver of hope.
As the former head of the Tang Sect's outer sect, he wasn't completely ignorant of business.
'Discounted prices, forging by us while you alone do the finishing touches?' Bone Douluo's expression darkened.
Inside, he was displeased. To him, Tang San was treating them like fools.
But Ning Fengzhi remained mild.
Then Tang San spoke solemnly: "Besides that, I swear I will never sell hidden weapons to killers or those who massacre innocents. Hidden weapons will only be self-defense tools, never weapons of aggression. So you need not fear they will threaten Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's soul masters. And one more thing—only I can repair the hidden weapons I create."
So naïve. Bone Douluo sneered inwardly. 'Hidden weapons only for self-defense? A joke. Once in someone's hand, who could dictate their use? Repair? Why bother? Hidden weapons killed in an instant, used only a few times before discarding. They'd just buy more. Even daily training consumed plenty—who could trace how they were used?'
Ning Fengzhi fell silent in thought.
Tang San waited calmly, expressionless.
'As expected of my disciple.' Yu Xiaogang praised him inwardly.
Soon, Ning Fengzhi raised his head with a smile. "Composed and measured, Xiao San, you truly surprise me. Very well, we'll proceed as you suggested. I've seen the hidden weapons on Rongrong. I want 500 sets, equipped exactly as hers."
"Xiao San, name your price."
Tang San finally smiled.
"No problem, Uncle. But in Rongrong's set, I won't include the Flying Claw. It isn't a true hidden weapon. While it has some offensive power, it's mainly for support. Besides, its materials are too difficult to craft—ordinary smiths cannot do it. I'll replace it with the Silent Sleeve Dart. Everything else will remain unchanged. Do you find that acceptable?"
"Agreed," Ning Fengzhi nodded.
"As for the price—1,000 gold soul coins per set. Does that sound fair?" Tang San asked.
"No problem." Ning Fengzhi readily agreed.
The transaction was soon settled. Ning Fengzhi departed, with Ning Rongrong escorting him.
Once far from the academy, Bone Douluo finally vented. "Fengzhi, this boy is black-hearted. 1,000 gold soul coins per set when the material cost isn't even 100. Ten times the profit! And he called that a discount."
The sect had blacksmiths of their own. They knew well the true cost of metal and forging.
Ning Fengzhi's gaze flickered as he said calmly, "I gave him a choice. Unfortunately, he picked the worst option."
"In that case, we will treat him accordingly." He turned to Ning Rongrong and instructed: "Rongrong, when you go back, you need only teach him the basic version of Distraction Control."
Since he didn't want deeper cooperation, how could they possibly hand over their refined version?
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had studied Distraction Control for many years, improving it continuously. The current form passed to sect disciples was far superior to the version they had originally obtained. Especially with the many insights accumulated, it saved time and offered deeper applications.
And if Tang San grew strong in the future, what if he became a rival of the sect?
Ning Fengzhi went on, "Also, when dealing with Shrek Academy people—especially Yu Xiaogang—be cautious. Never trust blindly."
"As for Tang San, just maintain the relationship as teammates. There's no need for deeper trust. He is far too self-serving, not someone to form deep ties with."
"Understood." Ning Rongrong nodded firmly.
She had sensed it too. Tang San only thought about keeping every benefit for himself, never taking risks.
A typical 'I'll take all the good, but never touch the bad.'
Trusting someone like that might one day earn you a knife in the back.
Before long, the three reached the academy gates.
After watching Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo leave by carriage, Ning Rongrong returned inside and found Tang San.
"That's it?" Tang San frowned after hearing her explanation of the Distraction Control training method.
It didn't seem much different from what he had guessed when he'd secretly observed it before. He had thought it would be a complete technique, but it was barely more refined than the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique, let alone the Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record's cultivation methods.
'He still dares to complain?' Ning Rongrong felt annoyed, though she hid it well and nodded calmly.
"The principle isn't hard. Otherwise, it wouldn't have spread through the soul master world before our sect acquired it. The greatest difficulty lies in entry—getting started requires significant willpower and comprehension. Without that, no one could progress. That's why even I have only reached the level of controlling three targets simultaneously."
"Third Brother, with your talent, I believe you'll grasp it quickly." Her tone was full of encouragement.
Tang San's expression softened, and he nodded quietly.
"Third Brother, I'll go practice now." Ning Rongrong smiled faintly and left.
(End of Chapter)
---
A Huge Shoutout and Welcome to Josef B for Joining us on Patreon and Becoming a Member of Diamond.
---
This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, There is 2 Chapters Ahead of Release for Free Memebers on my Patreon.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.