Chapter 353: The Three Families Settled
After agreeing on a time to visit the Yu and Min families, Ning Fengzhi politely sent Yang Wudi on his way.
"It seems the other two families are also not a problem. I didn't expect things to go so smoothly."
"The world is full of people seeking personal gain; it's only natural for people to act in their own interest."
"Oh? I don't quite see it that way. Didn't you just give up on bribing the Li Family?"
"The Li Family is about to disappear, right? Who will remember this loyal family after a few hundred years?"
Hearing Ning Bei's words, Ning Fengzhi and the others were taken aback, then helplessly shook their heads at him.
A few days later, the results of Ning Fengzhi's negotiations with the Min and Yu families were in. The Yu family had readily agreed to join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and would be responsible for all the construction work in Seven Treasure City and the sect's facilities.
On the other hand, the head of the Min family, Bai He, was still hesitant. The Min family lacked offensive power, had no viable means of livelihood, and because of their prideful nature, they were unwilling to join other soul master clans. As a result, the family, which had over five hundred members, often relied on the other three families for support.
"Old Bai, stop hesitating. Your Min family has no means to survive on your own. If you don't rely on the sect, how will you live? Just look at how fallen you've become!"
"That's right, Old Bai. We're just making you a subordinate sect of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, not making the Min family disappear from the world. What's there to hesitate about?"
Having already received their benefits, Yang Wudi and Niu Gao became the most persuasive advocates, repeatedly urging Bai He.
"Sigh, Old Yang, Old Niu, I understand what you're saying, but the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect clearly has intentions to absorb all the old sects. Not to mention whether they'll clash with the Spirit Hall, what will happen when they face the Haotian Sect?"
"Hmph, if they face the Haotian Sect, then so be it. Don't you remember how they abandoned us? I haven't forgotten those days when we were living like dogs, and the spirits of our ancestors wouldn't agree with me continuing to cozy up to the Haotian Sect."
Yang Wudi and Niu Gao both deeply hated the Haotian Sect. When Bai He spoke of them, both showed disdain. "When the big brother's little brother gets beaten, you do nothing, but when the little brother wants to choose a new big brother, you're unhappy?"
Bai He knew full well how they felt about the Haotian Sect, so he fell silent for a moment.
After exchanging glances, Yang Wudi and Niu Gao shook their heads. They knew that Bai He's sister was the mother of Tang Hao's three children, and because of that relationship, persuading him to join another sect was indeed difficult.
Finally, after hesitating for a while, Yang Wudi told Bai He the truth.
"Old Bai, aren't you curious why the old ape isn't here?"
"Huh? Why?"
Bai He was surprised, and even Niu Gao, who didn't fully understand, turned his gaze toward Yang Wudi.
"That's right, Old Yang. If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect intends to bring in the four major single-attribute sects, the old ape should be here, too!"
"This is something I'm only telling you two. Once we leave this room, you must forget everything, or I'll warn you—don't blame me if the family faces disaster."
Seeing Yang Wudi's serious expression, both Bai He and Niu Gao understood the gravity of the situation. They quickly nodded in agreement, waiting for what was to come.
"This time, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Heaven Dou Empire are working together to reshuffle all the old sects. Any forces that refuse to ally with them will probably vanish from this world."
"What?"
"You mean the big ape's family?"
"Shh!"
Both gasped in surprise, never expecting that the other side had such a terrifying plan. If it were just the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, they might have been able to unite and resist, but with the Heaven Dou Empire involved, it would be entirely different. The current Heaven Dou Empire was no longer the weak empire it used to be—it was the dominant power of the continent after absorbing the Star Luo Empire, and even the Spirit Hall dared not act recklessly.
"Moreover, I can tell you that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect currently has at least this many Title Douluo."
Looking at the number Yang Wudi raised with his hand, Bai He and Niu Gao's eyes went wide. If that were true, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect could easily handle them without needing the Heaven Dou Empire's involvement.
"Is this true?"
Though Bai He had heard of Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo's reputation, he was still skeptical.
"You don't have to believe me. Every spring, I'll lead our people to pay respects to the Min family. You can leave with peace of mind."
Yang Wudi gave his old friend a reproachful look. "When is it? Do you think I have time to joke around with you?"
Bai He was momentarily taken aback. What did he mean by that? But at that moment, he didn't have the energy to address the comment. If things were really as Yang Wudi said, he would have to reconsider the safety of his clan.
Yang Wudi's words made Niu Gao also click his tongue. Initially, he was only enticed by the benefits of joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, but now he felt somewhat coerced.
"Old Bai, you really need to think carefully. You can't make a rash decision. I don't want to be paying respects to the Min family every year."
"Sigh, what can I do now? At this point, joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is probably our best option. Ning Fengzhi won't treat us poorly."
Upon hearing this, Yang Wudi sneered inwardly. "How much worse could your lives get? You fools have no idea how bad things could be."
Having finally convinced Bai He, Yang Wudi led Ning Fengzhi into the room. This was the Broken Soul Clan's council chamber.
"Clan Head Bai, have you made your decision?"
"The old man has considered it thoroughly. I hope Sect Master Ning will treat the Min family well. Also, I have one request that I hope Sect Master Ning can agree to."
"Oh? What is it? If it's not too much, I can promise."
"If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect goes to war with the Haotian Sect in the future, I hope you will allow the Min family not to participate."
Ning Fengzhi raised an eyebrow and glanced at Yang Wudi. Yang Wudi immediately turned his head, pretending not to notice the look.
Shaking his head, Ning Fengzhi turned his attention back to Bai He.
"That's fine. The Min family can move their clan to the outskirts of Seven Treasure City, and Elder Niu can assign people to plan, design, and build the sect's residences. All expenses will be covered by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
"Thank you, Sect Master!"
Bai He felt a bit of relief upon hearing Ning Fengzhi's agreement. He silently apologized to the Haotian Sect, thinking that he could only do so much to protect the lives of his people.
After arranging the new clan grounds, Ning Fengzhi looked sternly at the three of them.
"Three elders, I don't care how you found out about the potential war with the Haotian Sect, but if this matter leaks out..."
As Ning Fengzhi's gaze turned dangerously sharp, the three elders immediately stiffened, quickly shaking their heads and expressing their unwillingness to speak of it.
"Don't worry, Sect Master. We old bones understand this well and will never speak of it."
"Right, Sect Master. Old Yang only shared this to persuade Old Bai to join the sect. Please don't hold it against him."
"Haha, you're all overthinking it. I was just giving a casual reminder. Don't take it to heart."
With that, Ning Fengzhi turned and left without a change in his expression, making his displeasure at Yang Wudi's leaking of the secret clear.
(END CHAPTER)
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