Looking at the somewhat aggressive Sword Douluo, Ning Fengzhi let out a dry laugh.
He nodded helplessly, "Uncle Jian, I did know about this before!"
"Good for you! No wonder you didn't object to Rongrong and that kid Ye Qiu getting together earlier, even letting them stay in the same room... So you had it all planned out from the start!"
Bone Douluo looked constipated as he stared at Ning Fengzhi, that old fox.
"Couldn't you have told us sooner?" Sword Douluo frowned, feeling a bit annoyed.
"Uncle Jian, if I had told you earlier, you probably would have directly resorted to force," Ning Fengzhi said helplessly, looking at the two 'culprits' who had spoiled Ning Rongrong into a little demoness.
If he had revealed it, Sword and Bone Douluo might not have agreed to sacrifice Rongrong's happiness for the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
Fortunately, he received this news when there was already a hint of feelings between Rongrong and Ye Qiu.
Now, this situation could be considered a happy ending for all.
"That's true..." Bone Douluo couldn't help but nod in agreement.
That really sounded like something those two old guys would do.
Then he looked at Ning Fengzhi with some curiosity.
"Speaking of which... where did you get this information? You don't seem like someone who trusts others so easily, do you?"
"Heh heh... This is quite a coincidence, I'm very curious about it too!"
Ning Fengzhi shook his head with a wry smile, removing their hands from his shoulders and stretching them.
"Curious? What are you curious about?" Sword Douluo's face was full of surprise.
You're curious, and you still dare to trust them?
"Of course, I'm curious!"
Ning Fengzhi paused, frowning, his face devoid of a smile.
Instead, there was a hint of solemnity.
Looking at Sword and Bone Douluo, he said in a deep voice, "Because the person who told me the news was actually the Master of Moon Pavilion, Tang Yuehua!"
"What?! It was Tang Yuehua? Isn't she from the Clear Sky Sect?"
Bone Douluo's heart trembled.
Tang Yuehua's identity was naturally no secret to Ning Fengzhi and the others.
They all clearly knew that Tang Yuehua was the daughter of the Clear Sky Sect's previous Sect Master!
"Why would she know this news? And why would she tell you?" Sword Douluo's sword-like eyebrows shot up, his mind a mess.
"Yes...! I'm a bit curious too." Ning Fengzhi nodded, walking towards the entrance of the discussion hall, facing the scorching sun in the sky, and slowly began to speak.
He said, "When I first got this news from her, I thought Ye Qiu might have some connection with the Clear Sky Sect. But now, Tang Hao's right arm has even been cut off by him!"
"Phew~ Why would Tang Yuehua know this news? Why would she tell me? I don't know either! Ye Qiu has quite a few secrets!"
Ning Fengzhi let out a long breath, not expecting Ye Qiu's relationship with the Clear Sky Sect to be so different from what he had speculated.
"This relationship is a bit messy." Bone Douluo rubbed his temples, feeling a bit disheartened.
Sword Douluo came up behind Ning Fengzhi, also feeling somewhat dejected.
"Fengzhi, hearing you say that, I suddenly don't know if our choice today was right or wrong!?"
"Haha... Uncle Jian, don't always focus on Rongrong. The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda alone is enough for us to choose him! We must have confidence in him..."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head with a wry smile.
No one understood the preciousness of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda better than him.
It broke the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's limit of only adding seven rings; from now on, Rongrong's future would have infinite possibilities.
Once she reached the Nine Ring Titled Douluo level, she would be the undisputed God of Support on the battlefield!
She would possess the power to turn the tide in any battle.
"What's more... what's more, his confidantes, each and every one of them will be the pillars of the future Spirit Master's world!"
Putting aside many concerns, Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but reveal a hearty smile, raising his hand to catch the falling sunlight.
Rather than saying he had confidence in Ye Qiu, it was more accurate to say he was optimistic about the future of Ye Qiu and his confidantes!
The current Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, though seemingly holding the top seat among the Upper Three Sects and appearing majestic, was actually facing a generational gap.
Once Sword and Bone decayed...
How could they, with such a foundation, deal with the hungry wolves around them?!
Now, he was just following his daughter's wishes.
In the future, when they grew up, the rewards would undoubtedly be significant!
The future World belongs to the young.
Ning Fengzhi's words were not just a simple joke!
"Haha..." Sword Douluo was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter, seemingly mocking himself.
"In terms of assessing the situation, it's still you, as the Sect Master, who sees things clearly!"
Bone Douluo nodded.
Ning Fengzhi, as the Sect Master, had indeed done his duty diligently.
He turned to look at Sword Douluo next to him.
"Just now, I thought you, the coward, had chickened out!"
"Hmph! Old Bone, I think your bones are really itching today, aren't they? When has my Sword Douluo Chen Xin ever been afraid!"
"They are indeed itching, what do you say? You set the terms..."
"..."
Listening to the voices behind him, Ning Fengzhi only found them noisy.
He shook his head helplessly, not wanting to waste any more words, and slowly walked away.
...
On the other side.
After Ye Qiu disappeared from Ning Fengzhi and the others, he arrived near the Prince's Residence within a few breaths.
In a dozen steps, he stood before the main gate of the Prince's Residence.
The defenses of the Prince's Residence were much stricter than his previous visits.
There was no one around, with guards every ten steps, patrolling constantly.
A carriage had just driven away from the entrance.
Its exterior was exquisite, suggesting it was an Empire official who had come to visit Xue Qinghe.
In extraordinary times, Ye Qiu couldn't act independently.
As soon as he was spotted, someone stopped him.
With a respectful expression, they asked, "Young Master Ye Qiu, are you also here to visit His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?"
"Precisely!" Ye Qiu nodded in affirmation.
"Then please wait here for a moment. These are extraordinary times, and we need to report your arrival. We hope you understand!"
The guard bowed, and before his words finished, he winked at someone else, signaling them to go and report.
"Then I shall trouble you!"
"No trouble at all."
The guard bowed and retreated, and Ye Qiu waited quietly.
Inside the Prince's Residence, Xue Qinghe was not in the reception hall.
Instead, he was in the backyard garden.
Beside him was a young woman with a golden laurel wreath on her head, dressed in white, like a white swan.
Her slender eyes intertwined with tenderness, her demeanor noble, and her face exquisite.
It was Princess Xue Ke, the Empire's little princess.
Xue Qinghe, standing by, rubbed his temples.
The constant stream of officials had made him a bit tired.
Seeing this, Xue Ke picked up a fruit knife from the table and asked with concern, "Crown Prince Brother, shall I peel an apple for you?"
"Hmm, then I'll trouble you!" Xue Qinghe nodded. At this point, no one else should be coming.
Looking at Xue Ke, who had been coming over to take care of him whenever she had free time these past few days, it was false to say he wasn't moved.
But if she could inquire less about Ye Qiu, that would be even better.
These past few days, Xue Ke had mentioned Ye Qiu almost every day.
He shook his head helplessly and leaned back in his chair.
"Hmph."
Suddenly, he let out a muffled groan, pulling at the wound on his chest, his brows furrowed together in pain.
"Your Highness, Young Master Ye Qiu requests an audience outside the gate!"
"Hmm? Ye Qiu?"
Hearing this familiar name, Xue Qinghe's expression changed.
He hadn't seen Ye Qiu for a long time either, and he wondered what he had been busy with!
Xue Ke, who was peeling an apple, also instantly beamed with joy.
A blush quickly spread across her face.
She had been thinking about Ye Qiu and remembered him vividly!
She immediately ordered the guard, "Quickly, call him in!"
"..."
The scene was a bit quiet. Seeing the guard standing motionless with his head bowed, Xue Ke was also stunned.
She sensed a majestic gaze.
Meeting his eyes, it was Xue Qinghe glaring at her.
Xue Ke also reacted, her face flushing, and she put down the apple in her hand, slowly lowering her head.
Only then did Xue Qinghe withdraw his gaze and look at his subordinate.
"Go, invite him in!"
...
After receiving permission to enter, Ye Qiu, without needing any guidance, walked directly to the backyard garden, familiar with the route.
From afar, Ye Qiu saw Xue Qinghe, impersonated by Qian Renxue, and Princess Xue Ke beside him.
As he got closer, he could see more clearly.
At this moment, Xue Qinghe, played by Qian Renxue, still appeared as a young man, his not-so-handsome face covered in paleness.
Adding a sense of weakness, he had lost his usual elegance.
He indeed looked like he had been severely injured.
Xue Qinghe looked at Ye Qiu walking towards him, his gaze calm and indifferent, his brows lowered, not acknowledging him.
Xue Ke, however, secretly stared at Ye Qiu without blinking, unable to take her eyes off him.
She felt that Ye Qiu seemed to have matured a bit more, looking even better than before, with every movement exuding nobility.
"Big Brother Xue, Princess Xue Ke, long time no see!" Ye Qiu bowed and greeted them.
As his words fell, Xue Ke was about to speak but cutely covered her mouth.
The previous incident was still vivid in her mind.
She was too shy to be presumptuous again.
"Indeed, it's been a long time. I wonder what you, this busy person, have been up to!"
Xue Qinghe straightened up, raised an eyebrow, and glanced at Ye Qiu.
His tone subtly carried a hint of resentment.
Ye Qiu was secretly observing him and didn't notice his slight oddity.
He filtered out the unnecessary parts and honestly explained, "I've been cultivating outside recently! I just returned to Heaven Dou City today, and hearing that Big Brother Xue was assassinated, I specifically came to visit."
"Oh? Then you truly are thoughtful. Sit down and speak!" Xue Qinghe rolled his eyes inwardly. Of course, he didn't believe Ye Qiu's explanation.
Considering Xue Ke was here, he didn't make things too difficult.
Upon hearing Xue Qinghe's words, Xue Ke immediately stood up.
Under Xue Qinghe's strange gaze, she personally pulled out a stool for Ye Qiu and even wiped it with her clean sleeve.
Even though her movements were swift, every action still exuded elegance.
She truly lived up to being a student of Moon Pavilion.
Her face was shy and timid, her voice soft and beautiful.
"Ye Qiu, please sit!"
"Hmm, thank you, Princess Xue Ke!"
Ye Qiu didn't stand on ceremony and sat down comfortably.
He wasn't a native, so he didn't have much feeling for imperial power.
As soon as he sat down, Xue Ke, who had been diligently attending to Xue Qinghe, shifted her attention entirely to Ye Qiu.
She personally poured a cup of warm tea for Ye Qiu.
"Ye Qiu... In the future, you can just call me Xue Ke. Calling me 'Princess' is too formal."
"..." Ye Qiu was stunned for a moment, then guiltily glanced at Xue Qinghe's displeased expression.
Under Xue Ke's expectant gaze, he still slowly nodded.
"I understand, Xue Ke!"
"Mm!" Xue Ke happily sat back down. Just as she was about to say something else, Xue Qinghe interrupted her.
"Imperial Sister Xue Ke, I'm a bit thirsty too!"
He tapped the table beside his teacup, his voice somewhat sarcastic, looking at her coldly.
"Ah, oh, Crown Prince Brother, I... I'll pour it for you now..." Xue Ke's face turned crimson under his gaze, and she quickly poured him a cup.
Then she obediently picked up the apple she hadn't finished peeling.
She no longer dared to speak or move carelessly.
Xue Qinghe picked up his tea, took a sip, and said teasingly, "Ye Qiu, long time no see, your charm has grown! You've even captivated my imperial sister..."
"Crown Prince Brother~ What nonsense are you talking about!" A blush quickly spread up Xue Ke's snow-white swan-like neck.
She lowered her head, secretly peeking at Ye Qiu, who awkwardly touched his nose and let out a dry laugh.
"Big Brother Xue, you flatter me..."
Flatter you?!
Xue Qinghe's expression turned cold, and he gripped the cup in his hand tightly.
Where was he praising him?
A surge of anger.
Then he frowned again, clutching his chest, feeling a pang of pain.
Seeing this, Ye Qiu also remembered the main purpose of his visit.
He looked at him in confusion. "Big Brother Xue, do you know who tried to assassinate you?"
"Phew~" Xue Qinghe adjusted his breathing and shook his head. "I don't know either. That day, I had just left the imperial palace and didn't have many guards with me... Suddenly, an arrow from a distance pierced me!"
Xue Qinghe clutched his left shoulder, his face also pale.
If he hadn't noticed something at the time and avoided a vital spot, he might have died on the spot!
It wasn't that he truly had no suspects.
But such words could simply not be spoken here, where there were many people and prying eyes.
Ye Qiu also suddenly understood.
No wonder he was assassinated despite having two Titled Douluo protecting him.
So that was it!
This assassin had a knack for seizing opportunities and choosing advantageous terrain.
Or rather, his luck was very good.
He had originally only prepared to prevent the guards from getting in the way, but he hadn't expected to just happen to catch the Porcupinefish and Snake Lance at a time when they couldn't follow Xue Qinghe closely!
Looking at Xue Qinghe, Ye Qiu's eyes showed a strange expression again.
He looked in surprise at Xue Qinghe, who was breaking out in a cold sweat.
His heart was filled with doubt.
Could the injury really be that serious?
Logically speaking, with the Heaven Dou Empire's foundation and the Spirit Hall behind him, even if he was severely injured, it shouldn't be so serious after a few days!
Ye Qiu frowned, and the three tomoe in his eyes suddenly lit up.
His heart instantly trembled!
Xue Qinghe's body was actually entwined with some strange blood-colored spirit power, which seemed to be eroding him...
That aura actually felt somewhat familiar to Ye Qiu.
But for a moment, he couldn't remember where he had seen it before.
Feeling Ye Qiu's continuous gaze, Xue Qinghe also looked at him in confusion.
As the blood-colored light entered his eyes, a trace of color suddenly appeared on his pale face, and his heart beat much stronger.
The infatuation in his eyes and the shyness on his face flashed by.
Xue Ke, who had been secretly observing Ye Qiu, also tightly clutched her tightly pressed thighs.
Suppressing her urge to rush over.
Ye Qiu, with a solemn expression, had just closed his Sharingan.
Before him appeared Xue Qinghe, gritting his teeth, looking indignant.
He looked at Xue Ke, her face flushed with color, her long neck draped in a pink veil.
Her two small hands were placed on her tightly closed thighs, constantly fidgeting.
She was staring at him in a daze.
Noticing his gaze, she, without the Sharingan's allure, suddenly felt her heart pound, and she avoided Ye Qiu's gaze.
Her cherry lips slightly parted, breathing softly.
"Uh..."
Ye Qiu opened his mouth, somewhat speechless and extremely awkward.
This was tantamount to seducing Xue Ke right in front of Xue Qinghe...
"Cough, cough..."
He could only clear his throat twice to ease the atmosphere.
"How is Big Brother Xue's injury now? I have some herbs here that might help you!"
"No need. I won't die for now!"
Xue Qinghe's face remained indignant, his glaring eyes seemingly wanting to strip flesh, his words incredibly stiff.
Outside the pavilion, a guard suddenly rushed over.
"Your Highness, Imperial Prince Xue Beng requests an audience!"
Wishing everyone a happy life!
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