Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but smile wryly at Dugu Bo's slightly accusatory tone:
"Elder Dugu, His Majesty Xue Ye is nearing his end. It wouldn't do for the new emperor to be too weak!"
"The Heartbroken Acacia has the ability to test true love. Since Qinghe has reached marriageable age, I hope he can find a worthy partner."
Before coming to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Ning Fengzhi had already hinted to Qian Renxue that she must secure The Heartbroken Acacia.
Whether consumed or kept, it would be immensely useful perhaps even triggering a mutation in Xue Qinghe's Swan martial soul, breaking the rumor that Heaven Dou's emperors were inferior to Star Luo's.
"Elder Dugu, I truly admire The Heartbroken Acacia. Could you bear to part with it?"
Qian Renxue, playing the role of Xue Qinghe, bowed respectfully to Dugu Bo.
"Hmph, did Fengzhi tell you about this? I originally planned to save it for Yan'er. But since the Sect Master has spoken, refusing would seem inappropriate."
"However, I hope you remember no matter what happens do not forget the Sect Master's generosity. I'd hate for you to turn out as heartless as certain emperors."
"Yes, Lord Poison Douluo. Qinghe will remember this deeply." Qian Renxue inwardly sighed in relief.
It seemed this immortal herb truly was like cutting flesh from Dugu Bo's body! No wonder he looked so tense, as if ready to fight or kill at any moment.
Qian Renxue even noticed Dugu Yan's eyes glistening with tears as she turned away, seemingly heartbroken over losing The Heartbroken Acacia.
Ning Rongrong quickly followed, as if concerned for Dugu Yan's emotions.
"Teacher, I…" Qian Renxue glanced uncertainly at Ning Fengzhi. Making someone's granddaughter cry and with Ning Fengzhe being the apparent instigator left her worried this might strain his relationship with Dugu Bo.
Ning Fengzhi recognized her concern and smiled faintly. "Since Elder Dugu has allowed you to take the herb, he won't take it back."
"The bond between our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Poison Douluo isn't so fragile that a single immortal herb could break it."
"Don't you agree, Elder Dugu?"
"Hmph. I've truly boarded a pirate ship with you."
Dugu Bo turned his head away.
"Enough. Take whatever you want and leave quickly. That Tang San didn't you say you wanted an immortal herb too?"
"Hurry up and get out of my sight."
Tang San and Tang Hao wore expressions of innocent suffering.
Why were they being scolded just because Xue Qinghe's choice angered Dugu Bo?
Tang Hao remained calm. Since he wasn't a Title Douluo yet, it was better to stay low-key.
Besides, when asking for favors, humility was key.
Even the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect Master deferred to Dugu Bo who was he to act otherwise?
Thus, Tang San and the others began selecting their herbs.
In a secluded corner of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, shielded from detection by the spring's energy:
Dugu Yan, having retreated to this hidden spot, suddenly burst into laughter when Ning Rongrong caught up to her.
"I can't hold it in anymore, Rongrong! How do you all keep straight faces?"
The Heartbroken Acacia had always been meant for Qian Renxue. Yet her grandfather and Sect Master Ning had put on such a reluctant, grudging act forcing Qian Renxue to grovel in gratitude.
She couldn't wait to see Qian Renxue's reaction when the truth came out!
"Sister Yan, your sense of humor is too easily triggered."
"No." Dugu Yan draped an arm over Ning Rongrong's shoulders. "Now I understand why the Sect Master chose you as heir over your brothers."
"Aside from talent, you and Uncle Ning share the same… talent for lying with a straight face. It's practically hereditary."
"Uh…"
If it weren't hereditary, wouldn't that imply Ning Fengzhi's wife had been unfaithful?
Ning Rongrong was speechless.
After their laughter subsided, Dugu Yan composed herself.
"That Tang San… he's the one who killed Yu Tianheng?"
"You knew?" Ning Rongrong was surprised.
"Mn. Uncle Ning mentioned it earlier." Dugu Yan gazed at the opposing streams of hot and cold air rising from the spring, forming mist in the sky.
"How unpredictable fate is," she murmured.
No matter how she'd moved on, losing someone she'd once cared for still stirred emotions.
"Sister Yan…"
"I'm fine."
Dugu Yan shook her head. "Just reflecting on closing that chapter of my life. Honestly, if he hadn't died, he might've reached Title Douluo."
As the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's top disciple, failing to reach that level would've been shameful.
Once their conversation ended, Dugu Yan steadied herself, and the two returned.
"Yan'er, are you alright?" Dugu Bo hadn't seen where she went, but her subdued expression made him wonder was she truly upset about The Heartbroken Acacia?
"Don't worry about me." Dugu Yan shook her head. "I don't need an immortal herb to validate my feelings. I just got emotional earlier."
Tang Hao's group noted her genuine demeanor.
Any suspicion that Ning Fengzhi had withheld the best herbs from Tang San as part of some scheme instantly vanished.
So even the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect isn't as harmonious as it seems.
After much deliberation, Tang San finally chose the Earth Dragon Golden Melon.
Ning Rongrong couldn't fathom his reasoning.
But the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School kept its word there was no need for legalistic trickery like some games.
For example, the Thunder God of a certain game said that she would let you walk out of the gate safely, and she could only let you walk out of the gate, which feels a bit petty (cough Genshin's Electro Archon cough).
The Earth Dragon Golden Melon's attributes didn't suit Tang San. It wouldn't transform him.
Give it to Yu Xiaogang?
Ning Rongrong doubted Tang San would be that selfless. And the herb was useless to Tang Hao anyway.
During the selection process, subtle tensions had arisen within the Golden Iron Triangle.
When describing the herbs, Flender had been most interested in the Phoenix Cock's Comb the most beneficial for Liu Erlong.
But Yu Xiaogang insisted they prioritize Tang San's needs.
Well, their interpersonal drama hardly concerns us.
Even after choosing, Tang San lingered wistfully over the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
The two original herbs Ning Rongrong had consumed were long gone no chance for Tang San to develop temperature immunity now.
Ning Fengzhi proved generous, gifting each visitor a spiritual herb upon departure.
Though inferior to the carefully selected Fire Dragon Fruit given to Xue Qinghe, these still aided cultivation.
The group's opinion of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School rose even higher.
Watching Ning Fengzhi negotiate with a visibly pained Dugu Bo for these herbs had been a masterclass in diplomacy.
Tang Hao was thoroughly impressed.
A man of his word, impeccable manners, noble bearing an ideal ally for the soon-to-reemerge Clear Sky Sect.
As the group prepared to leave, Ning Rongrong suddenly frowned.
Her contract with the Dark Devilgod Tiger had heightened her danger perception, especially toward dark energy now rivaling a Title Douluo's.
"Father, Elder Dugu harvest all the immortal herbs immediately. We need to leave. Someone hostile approaches."
Her words froze everyone in place. All eyes snapped toward her.