Chapter 81: Li Si, What a Li Si!

In the grand hall of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin (Sword Douluo), and Gu Rong (Bone Douluo) stared at each other in utter shock.

"Nine floors… the legendary Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda!"

"Rongrong, did you say this was Dai Mubai's betrothal gift?"

Their initial reaction was anger, but after thinking it over carefully, they realized there wasn't much to be upset about.

Dai Mubai, as a prince of the Star Luo Empire, had a very real chance of becoming its emperor one day. His status was well-matched with Ning Rongrong's.

More importantly, this was the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda—a legendary martial spirit that had long been regarded as nothing more than myth!

Could it be that the Star Luo Imperial Family had somehow discovered the secret to evolving the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda?

If that were true, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect might have no choice but to relocate to the Star Luo Empire…

"Yes, of course! Something this precious could only be a betrothal gift."

Ning Rongrong's eyes glimmered with mischief as she spoke. This was exactly what she and Dai Mubai had planned to say. Getting past her father and the two Douluo was far too easy!

If Dai Mubai could help evolve the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda into the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, then the sect would have no reason to refuse the marriage.

Even if Dai Mubai were from the Spirit Hall, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would likely still consider the match.

Ning Fengzhi's hands trembled slightly—not out of jealousy but from sheer excitement.

He had spent his life searching for a way to evolve the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, only for the answer to fall into his lap today.

"The heavens truly bless my Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect!"

Ning Fengzhi sighed toward the heavens before continuing.

"Dai Mubai, despite his youth, possesses extraordinary spirit power, strength, and talent. Among his peers, he is truly outstanding. You and he would make a fine match."

"But he already has an engagement with the Zhu family's daughter…"

Before Ning Fengzhi could finish, Ning Rongrong waved her hand dismissively.

"Father, Zhuqing and I are on great terms! Besides, she'll be there to help protect me."

Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, and Gu Rong: "…"

The three men exchanged glances before Ning Fengzhi finally spoke again.

"Rongrong, go rest for now. Tomorrow, we'll help you obtain your third spirit ring.

"As for you and Dai Mubai… as long as you're happy, that's all that matters."

Ning Rongrong nodded and replied sweetly, "Okay! Thank you, Father, Sword Grandpa, Bone Grandpa. I'll go rest now."

She knew that once she left, her father and the two Douluo would likely discuss her relationship with Dai Mubai.

Once Ning Rongrong was gone, the atmosphere in the hall turned solemn.

"Fengzhi, if the Star Luo Imperial Family has really discovered the secret to evolving the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, then this could be…"

"Bone Uncle, I don't think it's the Star Luo Empire. If it were them, they would have approached me directly for the greatest benefit rather than working through Rongrong."

Ning Fengzhi paused in thought before shaking his head.

If the Star Luo Empire had the means to evolve the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, they would've used it to entice the sect into joining their empire. Marrying Ning Rongrong to Dai Mubai would be a far less effective strategy.

In addition, Ning Rongrong would never become sect master if she married into the Star Luo Imperial Family—unless her child inherited the Nine Treasures Pagoda martial spirit.

And Ning Fengzhi wasn't that old. He could wait.

"It seems this was Dai Mubai's doing."

"Haha, what a betrothal gift he's presented. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect couldn't refuse even if we wanted to!"

"However, if any of their children inherit the Seven Treasures or Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, they must be raised by our sect. That's non-negotiable."

"Tomorrow, while helping Rongrong obtain her spirit ring, we'll try to get more details about how her martial spirit evolved.

"Something this valuable—could it have come from a rare treasure?"

They recalled Ning Rongrong's earlier comment about how "precious" the gift was.

"What's the point of overthinking it? When we send Rongrong back to Shrek Academy, we'll ask that brat Dai Mubai directly!"

"…"

"You're right…"

Meanwhile, in the Sunset Forest at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well:

After returning to Heaven Dou City with Dugu Yan, Dugu Bo had spent some time investigating the city. To his surprise, he found that nothing had happened.

Snow Night, Snow Star, and Xue Beng were all perfectly fine.

Dugu Bo: "???"

If nothing had happened to the imperial family, then why had they sent him so far away?

Dugu Bo racked his brains but couldn't figure out what their intentions had been.

Was it just to show off? No, that didn't make sense—their tone had contained no trace of hostility.

"How strange…"

When he and Dugu Yan finally returned to the Sunset Forest and approached the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Dugu Bo froze in his tracks.

"AAAAAHH!!! Scoundrel! I, Dugu Bo, will never forgive you!!!"

Dugu Bo rubbed his eyes three times to be sure, but what he saw didn't change.

This was his territory, but it looked as if it had been plowed by an ox. The precious herbs he had carefully cultivated were all gone!

While most of the plants weren't "immortal herbs," they were still far superior to ordinary medicinal plants. Now, there was nothing left.

Dugu Bo's fury made Dugu Yan tremble in fear. Only now did she realize the full extent of what her grandfather had lost because of her.

After a long time, Dugu Bo sighed and shook his head. Those herbs, while precious, weren't irreplaceable.

What infuriated him most was that someone had invaded his home!

He didn't even know the true value of the herbs that had been stolen.

"Grandpa, look at this!"

Dugu Yan's voice broke through his thoughts. She pointed to something on the ground—a piece of white paper.

Curious, Dugu Bo waved his hand, and the paper flew into his grasp.

"Old Poison, thanks for the herbs."

Dugu Bo: "…"

He nearly shredded the paper in his fury. Not only had the thief stolen from him, but they'd left a mocking note behind!

But then his eyes narrowed as he continued reading, his expression turning grave.

"Old Poison, since I, Li Si, took your herbs, I've decided to help you and your granddaughter avoid death by your own poison…"

"Li Si! What a Li Si!"

Dugu Bo's face darkened. The fact that someone knew about his poisoning—something even Dugu Yan was unaware of—meant they had come prepared.

But if this mysterious "Li Si" really did have a solution…

(End of Chapter)