Chapter 99: Petty People

Ning Fengzhi maintained an air of composure, his calm demeanor and poised presence betraying nothing of his true thoughts. Still, both he and his daughter had fallen victim to Shrek Academy's deception.

Perhaps this was simply the nature of those in power—never showing their hand too early.

"B-Bone Douluo, sir… this… this isn't appropriate, is it?" Flender stammered, his voice quaking with fear. He had never imagined that Bone Douluo would intervene personally for Ning Rongrong. Confronted with a Titled Douluo's imposing presence, he knew resistance was futile.

After all, Ning Rongrong hailed from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and strengthening that connection could bring future benefits.

Flender forced a smile.

"Bone Douluo, sir, Rongrong is part of Shrek Academy. Surely, as a Titled Douluo, you wouldn't—"

SLAP!

Bone Douluo's backhand sent Flender sprawling across the floor.

"I would do anything for Rongrong!" Bone Douluo bellowed.

"Your Shrek Academy wronged her, and the fact that I haven't killed you on the spot is already a mercy. This is your last chance: either agree to let Rongrong and Zhuqing leave, or I'll make the decision for you."

Flender sat on the ground, dazed. His glasses lay shattered around him, and his face bore the stunned look of someone utterly defeated.

Grandmaster stepped forward, awkwardly patting Flender on the shoulder.

"I'll agree on his behalf."

Flender's lips moved, as though he wanted to protest, but Grandmaster's stern gaze silenced him.

Satisfied, Bone Douluo returned to his seat, picking up his tea and taking a leisurely sip.

With the decision now made in front of witnesses, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing were officially out of Shrek Academy. What followed, however, left everyone stunned.

Ye Hao stepped forward, retrieving two radiant flowers from the Death God's Heart: one a brilliant yellow, the other glowing with an unmatched splendor.

"Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing," Ye Hao said with a warm smile, "I formally invite you to join Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. Consider these flowers as my welcoming gift."

He extended the two celestial plants toward the girls.

Tang San's breathing quickened, his eyes widening in disbelief. Those flowers… they're definitely—!

Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged a glance before turning to Ning Fengzhi. Having been deceived once by Shrek Academy, they were far more cautious this time.

Ning Fengzhi pondered briefly before giving a subtle nod.

Reassured, Ning Rongrong accepted the flower alongside Zhu Zhuqing.

"I accept."

"So do I," Zhu Zhuqing added.

Their acceptance brought smiles to the faces of the three academy deans. With the two joining, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's chances of securing victory in the upcoming tournament increased significantly.

Bone Douluo's lips curled into a faint smile as he whispered something to himself.

Meanwhile, Flender sat paralyzed, his face drained of color. He coughed up a mouthful of blood, staring at Ye Hao with seething hatred.

First, he'd been forced to let the two girls leave Shrek Academy. Now, not long after, Ye Hao was recruiting them right in front of him. This was nothing short of a direct humiliation—a wound to the heart.

The Shrek group was silent, their rage bottled up. None dared provoke Bone Douluo or the other Titled Douluos present.

Ning Rongrong examined her flower curiously and asked, "Ye Hao, what's this flower called? It's so beautiful."

Ye Hao chuckled and glanced at Xiao Hong.

Xiao Hong rolled his eyes.

"You know what it's called. Why make me say it?"

With no choice, Xiao Hong explained, "Little lady, that flower in your hand is called Beautiful Silk Tulip."

Everyone, including Ning Rongrong, looked puzzled.

"Beautiful Silk Tulip?" The name was unfamiliar to most of them. Even Poison Douluo Dugu Bo, a master of toxic flora, was stumped. Without Ye Hao's intervention, these priceless plants from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well might have remained forever undiscovered.

Tang San's breathing grew heavier. His suspicions were confirmed—this was indeed the legendary Beautiful Silk Tulip! A true celestial treasure.

If I could just get my hands on it, Tang San thought, my power would soar to unimaginable heights. Then, Ye Hao wouldn't stand a chance against me.

The thought burned in his mind, but with so many witnesses, he dared not act. Even if he succeeded, his life would surely end here today.

As he watched Ye Hao bask in the limelight, Tang San felt a deep sense of inadequacy. The hidden weapons in his hands, once a source of pride, now seemed like worthless scrap.

Xiao Hong continued, "So, you're the master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, huh? If I'm not mistaken, your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda has a legend about evolving into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, right?"

Ning Fengzhi's eyes lit up.

"Yes, it's true. In our legends, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda can evolve into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Could it be…"

Xiao Hong smirked.

"Little girl, that Beautiful Silk Tulip in your hand can make your pagoda evolve. Once it becomes the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, your power will not only stabilize but also rise by several levels. And as for how to use it? Just eat it!"

Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi's excitement was palpable. His gaze burned as he looked at the Beautiful Silk Tulip in Ning Rongrong's hands. Unable to contain himself, he turned to Ye Hao.

"Ye Hao, do you have any more Beautiful Silk Tulip? If so, I'm willing to pay any price to acquire one!"

Ye Hao could see Ning Fengzhi's eagerness.

Beside him, Dugu Bo felt a pang of despair. Borrowing my treasures to curry favor again? Borrowing flowers to give as gifts—what a scoundrel!

"Master Ning," Ye Hao said with a calm smile, "I'm afraid this is the only Beautiful Silk Tulip on the continent. I only managed to obtain it thanks to Poison Douluo's guidance. It was his generosity that made this possible."

Dugu Bo coughed awkwardly, forced to go along with Ye Hao's story.

"Yes, yes. It was nothing, really."

Relieved, Ning Fengzhi bowed deeply to both Ye Hao and Dugu Bo.

"Thank you both. Should either of you ever need the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, we are at your service."

Dugu Bo sighed, feeling somewhat mollified by the promise.

"Brat, at least you know how to play your cards."

"I'm human, after all," Ye Hao replied with a grin.

Turning to Zhu Zhuqing, Ye Hao continued, "Zhuqing, the flower you hold is called Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone. Its effects are similar to the Beautiful Silk Tulip: it will significantly enhance your soul power. Take this opportunity to absorb it quickly—better to be safe than sorry, lest petty individuals covet it."

Ye Hao cast a meaningful glance at Tang San as he spoke.

Tang San clenched his teeth. The name "Ye Hao" had officially become a thorn in his heart.

The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was a monumental breakthrough for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Following Ning Fengzhi's instructions, Bone Douluo personally escorted the two girls to a secluded spot to absorb the Immortal Herbs.