Chapter 154: Tang Hao Arrives at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda

Several days later.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's main assembly hall welcomed a group of uninvited guests.

Ning Fengzhi sat in the host's seat, with Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo standing on either side of him, serving as guards rather than sitting.

On the guest side were the Shrek Academy group or more accurately, Tang Hao, Tang San, and the Golden Iron Triangle trio.

Various snacks were placed beside their seats, but no one paid them much attention.

After all, both sides had their own agendas.

After courteously greeting the former Clear Sky Douluo, Ning Fengzhi turned his gaze toward Flender, who looked somewhat scrawny and rather unremarkable.

"It's our first meeting, Mr. Flender. On behalf of my daughter's actions years ago, I, as her father, offer my apologies. I hope you won't hold it against her."

"Not at all, not at all!" Flender waved his hands in exaggerated humility. "It was my lack of discernment. My time in prison allowed me to reflect and achieve a breakthrough in my state of mind."

"If anything, I should thank your daughter for her guidance. I've been meaning to express my gratitude to you, Sect Master Ning!"

Truly a merchant at heart his words were smooth and pleasant to the ears.

Of course, Ning Fengzhi's apology was merely a formality.

Actual remorse?

None whatsoever.

Flender had tried to swindle the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was a few years in prison unreasonable?

Then why say this?

Simply to ease tensions and pave the way for the real discussion.

After some small talk, Ning Fengzhi's gaze settled on Tang San and Tang Hao.

"So this is your son, Tang San? A fine young man indeed destined to stand above others in the future." Ning Fengzhi praised Tang San's rather ordinary appearance with genuine sincerity.

Given the backing of a God King, divine intervention, and those so-called hidden weapons, Tang San was clearly no ordinary figure.

"You flatter me, Sect Master Ning. I still have much to learn from you." Tang San stood and bowed slightly.

With insufficient strength, one had to remain cautious.

But once power was attained the world would be at fault, not him!

Avoiding danger was one of Tang San's core principles.

Ning Fengzhi nodded but didn't respond immediately. After a brief pause, he said:

"Lord Clear Sky, you've come regarding the herb garden matter, correct?"

"Unfortunately, even I cannot sway Elder Dugu's stance. In fact, I was nearly berated into the ground over this." Ning Fengzhi smiled wryly.

"Isn't the herb garden owned by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda?" Tang San cut in before Tang Hao could speak.

"No." Ning Fengzhi admitted frankly. "It originally belonged to Elder Dugu Bo. He merely joined our sect and permitted us to use it."

"Ownership remains his, and according to our agreement, we cannot force any transactions without his consent."

"Elder Dugu was extremely displeased by the disturbance during his medicine refining. Thus, I had no choice but to adopt a firmer tone in my letter."

"The solidarity of the Top Three Sects is something we respect, but the herb garden concerns the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's ironclad principle of integrity."

"As sect master, I cannot violate this no matter how regrettable it may be."

"What rank is Dugu Bo now?" Tang Hao recalled Yu Xiaogang's account of the battle Dugu Bo's strength seemed far from the rumored "disgrace of Title Douluo."

"A 93rd-ranked Title Douluo. Over the years, his poison techniques have reached unfathomable heights."

"He is not only the head of our Alchemy Pavilion but also a powerhouse on par with Uncle Sword and Uncle Bone perhaps even surpassing them in certain aspects."

"Let me give you an example." Seeing their attentive expressions, Ning Fengzhi continued:

"Though our sect boasts over a dozen Soul Sages and Soul Douluos, along with many lower-ranked Soul Masters..."

"Elder Dugu Bo alone could annihilate every member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda myself included within an hour. The only survivors would be our Title Douluos."

Ning Fengzhi paused. "Without exception."

This wasn't an exaggeration. Even before his recent advancements, Dugu Bo possessed such capabilities.

During their battle against the Evil Spirit Orca pods, Dugu Bo's impact had surpassed even the 98th-ranked Sword Douluo's.

Without him, they could never have so easily eradicated the Evil Spirit Orca King's group and secured all the spoils.

Back then, Dugu Bo was only 92nd rank. Now at 93rd, after years of refinement, he had become a strategic-level Title Douluo.

"I may not defeat you, but I can ensure everything you cherish perishes."

Silence engulfed the hall.

They had known Dugu Bo's poison was formidable but not to this extent.

Even Tang Hao, who had previously dismissed Dugu Bo, now regarded him with caution.

If he can wipe out the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, couldn't he do the same to the Clear Sky Sect?

Not everyone was a Title Douluo!

No wonder Ning Fengzhi treated Dugu Bo with such reverence even gifting him an external spirit bone and why his letter had been so stern.

This wasn't just respect it was fear.

Fear that Dugu Bo might one day decide to poison the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda on a whim.

Realizing this, Tang Hao almost pitied Ning Fengzhi.

"A thorn in the flesh no wonder he seems so uneasy."

Meanwhile, Tang San stroked his chin in contemplation.

"Ning Fengzhi and Dugu Bo's relationship seems strained. Could we exploit this and turn the situation to our advantage?"

The immortal herbs in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well were a must, but facing a Title Douluo...

"Damn it."

Tang San gritted his teeth.

If Father still had his former strength, we wouldn't need to fear the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!

Dugu Bo was strong, yes but only against those below Title Douluo rank. Against fellow Title Douluos?

"Hmph, Dugu Bo is nothing special."

Just as Tang San was lost in thought, a voice interrupted.

A Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda disciple hurried in and whispered into Ning Fengzhi's ear.

Ning Fengzhi's expression darkened. "It's not time for the pill distribution yet why is he here?"

His fingers tapped the table as the hall fell into silence.

Finally, he sighed. "Bring Qinghe along as well. Inform him that I'm meeting with Lord Tang Hao in the main hall..."

"Never mind. You're dismissed this matter no longer concerns you."

Ning Fengzhi waved the disciple away before turning to Bone Douluo.

"Uncle Bone, please fetch Qinghe and have Rongrong join us as well. It's been a while since she's seen His Highness the Crown Prince or Lord Clear Sky."

Bone Douluo understood immediately.

"Understood."