Douluo Dalu: Lucky Star

After introducing the comfort of carriage travel, the technology had already reached new heights. With the soul core providing additional endurance, their return journey was even faster than their arrival. By nightfall on the second day, the five of them could already see the gates of Heaven Dou City.

Since they might need to contact the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan later, Han Li and the others did not hide their presence. However, Qian Daoliu refrained from revealing himself directly, as his presence might have caused unease among others.

In the Heaven Dou Palace, they met Qian Renxue.

"Is everything settled already? That was quite fast," she remarked, surprised to see them.

The last time she spoke with Han Li, he had only mentioned that initial contact had been made; she hadn't expected such a quick return.

"Yeah, now we just have to wait for news," Han Li replied casually. He couldn't monitor the space where the Silver Dragon King resided, but Di Tian should have awakened her by now. It was unclear, though, when they would receive a response.

"What about the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?"

Han Li asked, finding a place to sit as he looked at Qian Renxue. She had only briefly mentioned it in her message without specifics.

"Rongrong has visited several times over the past few days, trying various ways to inquire about your whereabouts. Since you hadn't publicly announced you were leaving after receiving their invitation, I just made excuses, saying you'd left temporarily and would be back soon. To be honest, I don't know all the details."

Qian Renxue set down a document, looking at him with curiosity.

"What did you tell to them? They didn't try to avoid me, the Heaven Dou Emperor, and insisted on contacting you. Ning Fengzhi has also been sending people to the merchants' association frequently."

"What else could it be? It's about the martial soul—the method to break the seven-ring limit of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. I hinted at it during the preliminary matches," Han Li said with a knowing smile.

"The immortal herbs are all used up, aren't they? Do you still have a way?" Qian Renxue tilted her head, recalling the past; back then, she had thought Han Li was joking.

"Of course I do, and there's even an additional method," he replied, smiling. He now possessed the location of the Nine-Colored Goddess's inheritance, which carried even more weight. Although, given Rongrong's current potential, he wasn't sure if she would still appeal to the Goddess. Unlike the original storyline, without interference from the God of Cookery, Rongrong's martial soul's shortcomings might not be as pleasing to the Nine-Colored Goddess.

As for the inheritance of the God of Cookery, Oscar was only at level 30. Although his talent was sufficient, his strength wasn't near the threshold. For now, he should focus on serving under Qian Renxue.

"Are you planning to bring them into the fold?"

Qian Renxue asked, pinching the bridge of her nose. She didn't have a bad impression of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. They had gotten along well over the years, so she wasn't opposed to including them.

"That depends on their boldness. Would you object to another branch of the Spirit Hall?"

Han Li replied, shaking his head. Unlike the Clear Sky Hammer, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's martial soul still held considerable value. However, Han Li's focus shifted, and he was no longer interested in negotiating with Ning Fengzhi. Their next move would be up to them.

The opportunity had passed—or rather, it was too late. A few years earlier, even just one year, would have made a difference. But there are no "ifs."

"Do as you wish," Qian Renxue said indifferently. She was busy delegating tasks and gradually replacing the original personnel with those from the Spirit Hall, freeing her to focus more on the divine trials. She didn't want to fall behind.

"As long as I have your approval," Han Li shrugged. Qian Daoliu had already entrusted matters to him and Qian Renxue, so their decisions took precedence. Still, neither of them seemed overly concerned with these affairs, which mostly required little direct involvement anyway.

"By the way, have Snake Lance Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo rotate as well. Let them try the divine trial sites. Even if they only pass the second or third trials, it's faster than regular training," Han Li said, recalling something as he gave Qian Renxue a directive.

Anyone who could reach the level of Title Douluo had decent talent and martial soul. As long as they didn't take completely mismatched divine trials—like the God of Cookery or Nine-Colored Goddess—or have Guang Ling take the Phoenix God's trial, they would still gain benefits with the current attitude of the Divine Realm. There was no harm in taking advantage of the system.

Qian Renxue nodded. Apart from a few elite members, almost all of the original Title Douluo-level experts were now under Han Li's command, making it time to move forward with this. Porcupinefish Douluo and Snake Lance Douluo, who had accompanied her in hiding, naturally had her trust and priority.

"Alright, I get it. I won't interfere with your dealings with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. It's hard for you to act freely with me around," Qian Renxue said, smiling brightly. She was still the nominal ruler of the empire, after all.

"Yeah," Han Li nodded. After some more conversation, he took his leave and returned to his residence. Spending the night in the palace wouldn't have been appropriate.

After checking on Ah Yin's condition, Han Li helped her further, increasing the energy infusion. Judging by her current state, it would take at least another week for her to reach the minimum standard. Whether she was willing or not was not within Han Li's consideration.

The fact that she hadn't chosen to self-destruct by now meant she had already made her choice. As the Blue Silver Emperor, Han Li was helping her fulfill her duty as the ruler of her race. Trading her life as a plant for Han Li's relatively benevolent attitude in the future could even be considered a noble deed.

If it weren't for the Tang father and son, she might even have thanked Han Li.

Of course, Han Li didn't need her thanks.

...

The night passed without incident.

When Han Li and the others publicly appeared, intelligence officers immediately headed to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Moreover, Qian Renxue had sent someone to notify them, so there was no need to worry about Ning Fengzhi being unaware.

At ten o'clock in the morning, a carriage without any markings stopped at the gate of Han Li's residence.

Once the carriage came to a halt, three people stepped down. They had all made an effort to disguise themselves, giving the impression they weren't there for a public visit.

Who else could it be but Ning Fengzhi and Ning Rongrong? However, the Title Douluo accompanying them had changed—Bone Douluo had taken over as protector from Sword Douluo.

After being greeted by the servants and led into the courtyard, the three of them removed their black robes and entered the front hall.

Han Li was already waiting for them.

Once the servants had brought tea and left, Han Li looked at the three of them.

"I wonder, what business does Sect Master Ning have with me?"

After brief pleasantries, Han Li went straight to the point, ignoring Ning Rongrong, who had been subtly glancing around in search of Zhu Zhuqing.

Ning Fengzhi was slightly taken aback. He had brought Ning Rongrong with the intention of appealing emotionally, trying to approach him indirectly. But today, Zhu Zhuqing was nowhere to be seen.

Nonetheless, since Han Li had asked directly, there was no need for any roundabout tactics.

"To be frank, Holy Son Han, I'm here today to confirm whether what you said during the preliminaries about the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's martial soul is true."

Ning Fengzhi asked, maintaining his composure, though his eyes betrayed a hint of emotion. He was both hopeful and anxious.

Unlike him, Ning Rongrong was much more straightforward. She stared at Han Li with wide eyes, waiting for his response.

"It's true, of course."

Under their intense gazes, Han Li slowly uttered a few words.

"However, Sect Master Ning, you should know that this is a significant matter, especially for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. What price are you willing to pay?"

"Moreover, even if you can offer something tempting enough, why should I tell you? The relationship between us hasn't exactly been friendly. Haven't the Upper Three Sects always stood together? The bones of the Clear Sky Sect aren't even cold yet."

Han Li's words were blunt—almost harsh.

But so what? His strength had long been exposed, his previous goals had been achieved, and he had killed Tang Hao and his brother in front of everyone. Now, in this Douluo Continent, he was the one others needed to fear.

Look at Bone Douluo—he might still feel some resentment, but he had no choice but to endure it.

Ning Fengzhi didn't show much reaction to this. Before deciding to come, he had anticipated such a situation.

As the leader of a sect, his ability to remain composed was not in question. He understood that the situation had shifted in favor of the Spirit Hall.

"Holy Son Han must be joking. The idea that the Upper Three Sects stand together is merely a rumor. I suspect it was spread by some who wanted to sow discord between us and the Spirit Hall. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has always been friendly toward others."

Ning Fengzhi replied without changing his expression, showing no concern that he was contradicting past statements.

"Ah, Sect Master Ning is right. I suppose I need to reconsider my perception. Rumors are indeed unreliable."

Since Ning Fengzhi had effectively insulted himself, Han Li didn't push too hard. When doing business, you had to leave room for negotiation.

"Indeed. So, what would Holy Son Han want in exchange for this information?"

Ning Fengzhi, ever the sly fox, quickly turned the conversation back to Han Li, hoping to get him to name his price.

Han Li chuckled inwardly. Too much business had made this man a bit slippery.

He didn't speak immediately but instead turned his gaze toward Ning Rongrong, watching her with an amused expression and saying nothing.

Ning Rongrong felt a bit uneasy. She remembered what her father had told her before they came, and she felt a mix of reluctance and anxiety. Her mind was a mess.

Beside her, Ning Fengzhi's eyes lit up. This was the outcome he had been hoping for.

The price would be minimal, and they might even gain something. Han Li's talent was beyond question. If they could have a child who inherited his talent, no matter what martial soul the child ended up with, they would benefit.

Just as some were feeling anxious and others hopeful, Han Li shifted his gaze away.

He took a sip of tea and looked back at Ning Fengzhi.

"I'm the junior here. How could I possibly name the terms? Sect Master Ning, you have three chances to exchange with me for information."