Douluo Dalu: Lucky Star

Han Li was doing it on purpose. Ning Fengzhi's opportunistic nature was quite pronounced—or rather, to him, there was nothing that couldn't be traded.

But unfortunately, Han Li didn't appreciate that approach. Even bad people prefer the company of good people, let alone someone like Han Li. What he wanted now was stability.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan held a good reputation across the continent. While he could treat them as he had the Clear Sky Sect and simply erase them without opposition, he didn't want to incite unnecessary panic. His main focus now was a steady stream of faith. Although that flow might taper off in the future, Han Li was gradually rolling out Mysterious Heaven Skill and was already working on an upgraded version. The golden period of growth wasn't over yet.

He didn't want to pressure other factions too harshly, and at the moment, the Star Luo Empire and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan were the two biggest factors of instability. It was essential to give them a warning. Yet, compared to the Star Luo Empire, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was more pragmatic—they had already decisively reduced their involvement with the Heaven Dou Empire.

When Han Li spoke, Ning Fengzhi's heart sank. This was nothing new. He had used similar tactics on others before, so he recognized them all too well.

This was bad. The three opportunities Han Li offered were clearly designed to test his limits. And though Han Li said there were three chances, everyone knew the outcome would largely be determined by the first offer.

But was fully siding with the Spirit Hall, or rather with Han Li, truly the best choice?

He had attended the entire Soul Master Tournament. The alliance between Bibi Dong's faction and Han Li's side was not as harmonious as it seemed. Although Han Li had demonstrated overwhelming strength during the tournament, Sword Uncle sensed that Bibi Dong, the Pope, was not a mere figurehead. Even approaching her had given him a deep sense of unease.

Han Li was powerful, but he was still young. Whether he could reach Bibi Dong's level was uncertain, and much could change in the meantime.

Ning Fengzhi fell into deep thought. From the start, this negotiation had been led by the other party, which left him feeling uneasy.

Noticing him lost in thought, Han Li didn't rush, leisurely sipping his tea, which he had taken from Qian Renxue's stores—a high-quality brew.

Ning Rongrong snapped out of her thoughts and, almost unconsciously, bit her lip. This wasn't her first encounter with Han Li; she had visited him often because of Zhu Zhuqing. It was clear he was doing this on purpose. He hadn't shown any particular affection for her. Whenever they were together, his eyes were always on Zhu Zhuqing. At most, he seemed to view her as just a normal friend.

What a bad guy—just like her father. Ning Rongrong added this in her mind but discreetly tugged on Ning Fengzhi's sleeve, subtly shaking her head. After recent events, she had grown into a competent young clan leader, though she was still somewhat inexperienced.

Han Li naturally noticed the small gestures between father and daughter but didn't interrupt, continuing to wait patiently for Ning Fengzhi's response.

After signaling her father, Ning Rongrong turned back to Han Li and asked about Zhu Zhuqing. Hearing that Zhu Zhuqing had gone to train elsewhere, she shifted topics, trying to buy more time for her father.

Han Li didn't mind her little ploys and continued conversing casually. After all, he wasn't in any hurry.

After about five minutes, Ning Fengzhi finally emerged from his deep thoughts. Watching Ning Rongrong chat with Han Li, a trace of relief crossed his face, and he joined the conversation smoothly.

"It seems like you two get along well. You should visit each other more often in the future."

Ning Fengzhi smiled at his daughter, but it was also a way to set the tone for their discussion.

Han Li smiled back and nodded, but he waited for Ning Fengzhi to continue.

"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will be your ally from now on, Holy Son Han. No matter the opponent, we will stand firmly by your side until you ascend to the position of Pope."

Ning Fengzhi spoke with a serious expression as if delivering a solemn vow. But Han Li found it amusing. Everyone knew alliances were temporary; such words meant nothing to him—he would be a fool to believe them.

"I'm sure the Clear Sky Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect have heard similar words before."

Han Li took a sip of tea, casually glancing at Ning Fengzhi.

"Let's be direct, Sect Master Ning. Don't give me empty promises. I want something more practical. I don't need your friendship, and I'm not lacking in allies. Besides, you may have misunderstood. The position of Pope doesn't interest me. If I wanted it, it wouldn't be hard for me to take. Understand?"

Han Li's tone was casual, but his confidence showed he wasn't bluffing, causing Ning Fengzhi to frown. He realized he had misjudged Han Li's goals from the beginning.

Han Li wasn't exaggerating. Qian Renxue was currently managing affairs in Heaven Dou, and she had even suggested to Qian Daoliu that they completely remove Bibi Dong from power. But Han Li had refused. He had no interest in dealing with such matters. As long as the Spirit Hall provided him with broader convenience, that was enough.

It was better for Bibi Dong to remain as Pope. Isn't it wiser to keep your enemies visible? Who knew if stepping down from her position would make her even more twisted and accelerate her Rakshasa Divine trials? Her intent to destroy the Qian Clan and the Spirit Hall was transparent; at least she was committed to her path. Han Li even had the people from the Worship Hall relocate to give her more space.

"What do you want, then?"

After a moment of silence, Ning Fengzhi couldn't hold back any longer. His previous assumptions had been completely off. Now that he knew he had been pursuing the wrong direction, there was no point in dwelling on it further.

"What do I want? Naturally, I want you to join the Spirit Hall. That way, there wouldn't be any need for negotiations, right, Sect Master Ning?"

Han Li set down his teacup and smiled.

"That's impossible," Ning Fengzhi blurted out, and Bone Douluo, standing behind him, reacted similarly. Only Ning Rongrong remained silent, frowning slightly.

"Don't be so absolute. Nothing in this world is impossible, is it?"

Han Li smiled, watching the two men as anger filled their faces.

"I'll share some additional information. Our esteemed Pope, Bibi Dong, has a plan. You could call it the 'Spirit Empire Plan.' Now that you know, do you still think it's impossible?"

"Oh, and there's a preliminary plan too, called the 'Soul Hunting Operation.' Quite fitting, isn't it?"

Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo's breathing hitched, their expressions shifting from anger to shock. They had speculated about this before but never expected to hear it confirmed from the mouth of the Spirit Hall's Holy Son.

Ning Fengzhi took a deep breath and suppressed his chaotic thoughts. He looked at Han Li and asked, "Your relationship with her isn't that harmonious, right? Aren't you going to stop her? If her plan succeeds, you could be her next target."

He was probing for more information, hoping to drive a wedge between Han Li and Bibi Dong.

"Mm, you're right. My relationship with her isn't good—in fact, it's quite bad. My master even wants to beat her up. But why should I stop her? Does it harm the Spirit Hall? I don't even want to be Pope, so what's there for me to worry about?"

Han Li casually provided the information Ning Fengzhi sought.

Ning Fengzhi was stunned. Right, he had forgotten. Han Li had already stated he didn't want to be Pope. Given his strength and the reputation he had gained after releasing Mysterious Heaven Skill, who could stand against him?

"What's certain is that when she initiates her plan, the power structure across the continent will undergo a massive reshuffle. What do you think will happen to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect? You represent one of the Upper Three Sects, after all."

Han Li watched Ning Fengzhi with a playful smile, savoring the changes in his expression.

"Has Qinghe already fallen to your side?"

Ning Fengzhi's face showed intense struggle. Suddenly, he lifted his head to look at Han Li, his voice trembling.

Han Li didn't answer directly. Instead, he offered a polite smile. The answer was already evident.

"Will you also take action?"

Ning Fengzhi asked another question, seemingly out of the blue.

"I'm the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall. If the Pope issues an order, how could I not follow it?"

Han Li replied nonchalantly.

For a moment, the hall was filled only with the sound of tense breathing.

"If we join the Spirit Hall, what will become of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"

Ning Fengzhi's voice had grown hoarse as if the words were difficult to utter.

"That depends on your choice. But you can be certain the treatment won't be poor, given the quality of your martial soul, right?"

Han Li picked up his teacup, swirling the tea inside.

"It seems like you don't truly care even if we align ourselves with Bibi Dong," Ning Fengzhi said, struggling to understand Han Li's stance. It didn't feel like a recruitment attempt, nor did it seem like a genuine offer.

"I'm not aiming to be Pope. What benefits could you possibly offer me?" Han Li's words caused Bone Douluo's face to flush red with anger, perceiving this as an insult, akin to being looked down upon.

"Hah."

Ning Fengzhi exhaled, pulling Bone Douluo back into his seat, casting a complex look at Han Li. In the past, wherever he went, he was always the center of attention. But in Han Li's eyes, he, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and everything they represented seemed worthless. The psychological gap was hard to accept.

"I need time to think. Rest assured, nothing said here today will reach a fifth person."

Ning Fengzhi's tone was bitter. Even if he wanted to talk, who would he tell? The Star Luo Empire?

"I'll be leaving in seven days."

Han Li raised his teacup and took a sip, not bothering to stand as he watched the three of them, dejected and donning their black robes, leave and board the carriage outside.

"Truly indecisive."

Han Li looked at the closed door, shook his head, and got up, heading to the backyard.

With each passing moment, their value was diminishing. Still, Bibi Dong was quite useful. She saved him a lot of time. She might even prove to be the perfect scapegoat for the future.