Reborn as Ning Rongrong, So What?

Shrek Academy, Heaven Dou Empire

After Tang Hao's group returned from Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, they began discussing their next steps.

"I never imagined Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School would be this powerful not only the wealthiest but also possessing two 97th, no, two 98th-rank Title Douluo."

After hearing Flender's account, Zhao Wuji sucked in a cold breath.

Ning Fengzhi was an eight-ring Soul Douluo, while Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo had both reached 97th-rank. With the Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's amplification, they were no weaker than Golden Crocodile Douluo. Bone Douluo even possessed a 100,000-year Soul Ring like Golden Crocodile.

All of this bombarded Zhao Wuji's muscle-filled brain.

"The stronger Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is, the safer our current situation becomes." Tang Hao agreed with Zhao Wuji's sentiment. He, too, was surprised by Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's displayed strength.

"Ning Fengzhi supports Xue Qinghe. From my investigations, the Heaven Dou Emperor won't live much longer. Once the new emperor ascends, Ning Fengzhi will undoubtedly become the Imperial Tutor. This benefits our resistance against Spirit Hall."

The idea of the Top Three Sects standing united was mostly lip service. But with Spirit Hall's overwhelming presence, mutual alliance was still feasible.

Moreover, gifts obligate the recipient.

Ning Fengzhi had delivered the promised immortal herbs as agreed. Even someone as blunt as Tang Hao couldn't speak ill of him. At most, he could acknowledge Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School as a potential ally for Clear Sky School.

"In any case, keep Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's secrets to yourselves. Since Ning Fengzhi wants to conceal them, we'll help him."

Tang Hao's expression turned stern. "Most importantly, Spirit Hall must not find out. Remember this."

"The new emperor's ascension may bring chaos. I suspect Ning Fengzhi plans to use this moment to share Xue Qinghe's burdens."

"Don't worry, Title Douluo Tang Hao. We know how to keep secrets." Flender and the others quickly assured him.

Tang Hao nodded. Thinking of Xue Qinghe reminded him of another matter.

"Xiao San, was there a special reason you chose the Earth Dragon Golden Melon?"

Xue Qinghe had taken the The Heartbroken Acacia a wise choice they couldn't contest. They still needed to survive in Heaven Dou Empire, and offending both Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the future emperor over one herb wasn't worth it.

Besides, Tang Hao could tell Ning Fengzhi had deliberately let Xue Qinghe obtain the The Heartbroken Acacia. Whatever private motives lay behind this, Tang Hao didn't care to guess it wasn't his concern.

"There was some consideration." Tang San didn't deny his father's question.

"From Master, I learned that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's Patriarch, Yu Yuanzhen, accidentally obtained a Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng."

"Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng? What's that?" Tang Hao didn't understand.

"Think of it as an immortal herb that enhances physical constitution. Based on my analysis, it has limited effects on the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul."

Tang San produced the Earth Dragon Golden Melon.

"The Earth Dragon Golden Melon is different. Though earth-attributed, it can activate draconic bloodlines."

"You want to trade the melon for Yu Yuanzhen's ginseng?"

"Yes, Father." Tang San explained, "This could also help mend the misunderstandings between us from the Shrek Academy incident."

After speaking, Tang San gave everyone time to process his words.

Then he approached Yu Xiaogang and bowed deeply.

"Master, I apologize. By rights, this immortal herb should have gone to you. But exchanging it with your father may help reconcile our factions and strengthen the Top Three Sects' alliance."

"Ah, Xiao San, your intentions are enough." Yu Xiaogang waved magnanimously. "Don't worry about me. Reaching 31st-rank already brings me great joy. Besides, giving the Earth Dragon Golden Melon to my father counts as fulfilling my filial duties."

"Also, even if you obtain the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng, use it wisely. Focus on boosting your own strength against our true enemy Spirit Hall."

"Thank you for your understanding, Master!" Tang San resolved inwardly that if he ever acquired more immortal herbs, Yu Xiaogang would receive one. This was how a disciple honored their teacher.

"Then it's settled." Seeing the discussion conclude, Tang Hao made the final decision. "Master, please contact Patriarch Yu. Tell him we possess an immortal herb that can awaken true dragon bloodlines, equivalent in grade to his Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng, and wish to trade."

"I believe Patriarch Yu will find this interesting."

"Understood. I'll contact my father immediately." Honored by the Title Douluo's request, Yu Xiaogang hurried out to reach the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.

Not long after, the door opened again.

But the newcomer wasn't Yu Xiaogang it was a slightly plump teacher.

She handed an urgent letter to Liu Erlong. Operating an academy that competed with Heaven Dou Royal Academy for students required solid intelligence networks.

Frowning, Liu Erlong opened the letter publicly without hesitation.

As everyone watched, her eyes widened with growing shock disbelief mingling with astonishment.

"This... this can't be!"

"What happened, Teacher Liu Erlong?" Tang San asked, puzzled.

"I don't know how to explain." Sighing, Liu Erlong handed the letter to Tang Hao.

Bewildered, Tang Hao unfolded the letter and began reading.

Moments later

He shot up from his seat, veins bulging on his arms.

The letter's contents were simple: Tang Chen had gone to Spirit Hall to confront Qian Daoliu. After a fierce battle, the outcome remained unknown.

"How... how could this happen?" Tang Hao was at a loss.

Given his grandfather's condition, why would he fight Qian Daoliu now? Wasn't this adding fuel to the fire?

"Father?" Tang San craned his neck to read the letter. Tang Hao handed it over directly.

"Impossible! My grandfather is invincible. Someone like Qian Daoliu could never kill him!"

After the initial shock, Tang Hao regained his composure.

Even injured, a Clear Sky Hammer Soul Master stood above all especially his grandfather Tang Chen, who had elevated Clear Sky School to its pinnacle.

"Xiao San, I plan to return to Clear Sky School."

"Now?" Tang San frowned slightly. "Did something happen to our ancestor?"

"Impossible." Tang Hao reassured him instead. "Grandfather has fought Qian Daoliu over a hundred times, winning more than losing. Even injured, Qian Daoliu can't kill him."

"I'm just concerned about Clear Sky School's current state. Grandfather previously mentioned he might have a way to restore my shattered spirit ring slots."

"It's time I returned."

"Can we wait until after trading with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan?" Tang San ventured cautiously.

He truly needed that Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng.

"Fine." Tang Hao wasn't one for pretenses. If even Tang Chen had fallen, his return would be meaningless. At 89th-rank, what could he change?

...

Crown Prince's Residence

Xue Qinghe propped his chin on one hand while scribbling on paper with the other. Dissatisfied, he crumpled the sheet and tossed it aside the pile of discarded drafts now formed a small hill.

"Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School... how should I deal with you? Your strength has forced Spirit Hall to take notice."

His gaze drifted to the The Heartbroken Acacia resting quietly in a container at the desk's corner.

Xue Qinghe sighed helplessly.

"Teacher, you've truly given me a difficult problem."