"Tang Hao, do you truly believe your 'face' alone is worth making the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan abandon a hundred-thousand-year soul beast? Isn't this bullying us too much?" The Sword Douluo's voice turned icy.
Tang Hao seemed aware his reputation couldn't match a hundred-thousand-year soul beast's value, but he would never let the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan obtain Xiao Wu - she belonged to Xiao San, his property alone.
Thus, he erupted with even more formidable soul power.
Amidst this torrential energy, the Clear Sky Hammer nearly doubled in size, its patterns becoming more distinct. Despite being only rank 95, the oppressive force rivaled the Sword Douluo's rank 96 pressure.
"How do you compare to Qian Xunji? When I'd just become a Title Douluo, I left him mortally wounded."
"Now at rank 95, my strength surpasses even that!"
Tang Hao's words instantly intensified the atmosphere.
Ning Fengzhi fell into deep thought, weighing both sides' strengths.
Though Tang Hao trailed the Sword Douluo Chen Xin by one rank, he possessed a hundred-thousand-year soul ring.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's 80% amplification should theoretically elevate the Sword Douluo to near rank 99. But accounting for all factors, Chen Xin's actual combat strength would only reach approximately rank 97.
Truthfully, even Chen Xin doubted whether he could defeat Tang Hao while protecting two liabilities. Tang Skywalker's battle records were terrifying.
As the current Haotian Douluo, he undoubtedly knew the Clear Sky Clan's secret techniques - their reputation was literally hammered into existence.
Both sides reached an impasse, neither willing to back down.
"Your Eminence Haotian, might you hear me out?" Ning Rongrong's timely intervention broke the tension.
"You are?" Tang Hao's expression darkened.
"My name is Ning Rongrong, Ning Fengzhi's daughter, and likely the next Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan leader."
After Ning Fengzhi's confirming nod, Tang Hao asked: "What do you want to say?"
"Your Eminence, how about mutual compromise?"
"Our primary objective isn't the hundred-thousand-year soul ring or bone. While obtaining them would be nice, it's unnecessary. As fellow Top Three Sects, we needn't feud over a soul beast."
"We only wish to observe the human-form soul beast's ring-condensation process. The rings and bones aren't essential."
"Condensation?" Tang Hao questioned.
"Correct." Ning Rongrong nodded. "Our clan seeks breakthroughs for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's evolution. Recent discoveries require observing a transforming soul beast's condensation."
"You expect me to believe this?" After a long silence, Tang Hao recalled rumors about the clan collecting herbs for unknown purposes.
"Why not?" Ning Rongrong countered. "You spared our spy at Notting Academy, indicating unwillingness to antagonize us."
"Top Three Sect solidarity shouldn't be empty words. I've always admired the Clear Sky Clan and Your Eminence. But as heir, I must prioritize my clan's interests."
Tang Hao found her words immensely satisfying.
Even in seclusion, the Clear Sky Clan's prestige remained unmatched. Having the second-ranked sect acknowledge this was gratifying validation.
Since both needed an honorable exit, he'd take the offered compromise.
"What are your terms?"
"How about two ten-thousand-year soul bones?"
"Ten-thousand-year bones?!" Tang Hao's face darkened. "Young Clan Leader Ning, you're quite the dreamer."
Soul bones were priceless treasures, let alone ten-thousand-year specimens.
"Two in name, but really just one." Knowing his reluctance, she explained their investigation into a soul master named Shi Nian for Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.
Without concrete evidence of Shi Nian murdering students, they sought the "just" Haotian Douluo to deliver justice - and bring back his spirit-type soul bone.
"If Shi Nian is as despicable as your intelligence claims, my Clear Sky Hammer shall deliver justice!" After a penetrating look, Tang Hao added, "So I only need procure one additional ten-thousand-year bone?"
"Precisely." Ning Rongrong smiled. "This gives both sides face, doesn't it, Your Eminence?"
In high society, connections and backing mattered most. Why should the wealthiest clan's heiress risk everything against a reckless madman? The soul bones wouldn't spoil waiting.
"Your deadline?"
"The sooner the better. We'll stay about one month - when the Crown Prince becomes Father's disciple in the capital."
"Even one ten-thousand-year bone is difficult to obtain quickly."
The Heaven Dou Empire allying with Seven Treasure Glazed Tile through this master-disciple relationship was valuable intelligence. Antagonizing them would be unwise, especially with Xiao San needing time to grow.
Was this girl deliberately revealing the Crown Prince connection?
After intense scrutiny, Tang Hao finally said: "One month is insufficient."
"Our clan has already compromised. Further concessions would imply fearing the Haotian Douluo." Lowering her voice, Ning Rongrong added, "Speaking of which, Your Eminence's old injuries remain untreated. How much of your rank 95 strength can you truly manifest?"
"Brat, are you threatening me?!"
As Tang Hao's murderous aura surged, the Sword Douluo shielded Ning Rongrong while Ning Fengzhi's amplification empowered them to suppress the rank 95 pressure.
"No threats intended." Ning Rongrong spread her hands. "We can't return empty-handed after this long journey."
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan are merchants. Silence requires appropriate payment." She paused meaningfully. "Unless Your Eminence believes you can eliminate all three of us despite your injuries?"
"That boy Tang San is your son, isn't he? Surely you wouldn't want—"
"Enough!"
"As you wish." She shrugged.
After a long silence, Tang Hao asked: "Young Clan Leader Ning Rongrong, what are your innate and current soul power ranks?"
"Innate full soul power, currently level 19." She manifested her pagoda with its lone century ring. Since she couldn't condense a second ring anyway, why tell the truth?
After this brief display, she retracted her martial soul.
"Clan Leader Ning, you've raised an impressive daughter." As his Clear Sky Hammer dissipated, Tang Hao sighed. "I accept your terms. Fail to honor them, and I'll visit your clan personally."
"Naturally. Rongrong's words represent my decisions." Though puzzled, Ning Fengzhi knew this wasn't the time for questions.
They watched silently as Tang Hao's figure disappeared into the distance.