At the gates of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, the guards spotted two figures approaching from afar. Although they didn't recognize Dugu Bo, they knew Tian Lin well. Immediately, they stepped forward to welcome him enthusiastically.
"Young Master Tian Lin, you've returned!" one of them greeted.
Tian Lin nodded with a smile. "It's been a while, everyone. Are Uncle Ning and my master inside?"
"They are," one guard replied. "Sect Master Ning and the three elders are all in the main hall. Young Master, may I ask who this is?" The guard cast a cautious glance at Dugu Bo. It was his duty to know the identity of anyone entering the sect.
Tian Lin introduced him with a grin. "Let me introduce you. This is the person who will be the fourth elder of our sect in the future: the Poison Douluo, Senior Dugu Bo."
As soon as these words were spoken, the guards were stunned and immediately bowed in respect. "Greetings, Your Excellency, Poison Douluo!"
The protocol for addressing a Titled Douluo was strict and respectful, as Sect Master Ning Fengzhi had taught them to show proper deference to the strong.
One quick-witted guard immediately ran into the sect to report the news. A Titled Douluo visiting the sect was a major event, and the fact that he seemed to be joining their sect was even more astonishing.
Dugu Bo simply nodded coldly in response. Aside from Tian Lin, he remained his usual aloof and proud self when dealing with others.
Tian Lin led Dugu Bo into the sect. As the wealthiest sect on the continent, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's grandeur and splendor rivaled that of the imperial palace.
"Well, old monster, what do you think of this place?" Tian Lin asked with a smile.
Dugu Bo glanced around and nodded. "Not bad. Little monster, you said I could be a guest elder here without any real responsibilities. Can you make that decision?"
"Of course, I can," Tian Lin replied confidently.
At that moment, a warm and magnetic voice rang out. "Of course, Xiao Tian can make that decision."
It was Ning Fengzhi himself, who had personally come to greet them upon hearing the news of Tian Lin's return with Dugu Bo. Accompanying him were two guardians Douluos and Elder Yin Yang.
"Brother Sword!" A young girl in a green dress suddenly ran over, throwing herself into Tian Lin's arms.
"Rong Rong, long time no see. You've grown taller and even more beautiful," Tian Lin said, patting Ning Rongrong's head affectionately.
"Brother Sword, I missed you so much! Are you staying this time?" Ning Rongrong looked up at him expectantly. Though Tian Lin had returned a couple of times in the past six months, his visits were always brief.
Dugu Bo's living environment was too dangerous, and Ning Fengzhi had forbidden Ning Rongrong from visiting, leaving her longing for her beloved Brother Sword.
Tian Lin smiled. "Yes, I'm staying. At most, I'll return to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy to study, but you can visit me anytime."
Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was only half a day's journey from Seven Treasure City. It would be safe and easy for Ning Rongrong to visit him whenever she wanted.
Ning Rongrong's face lit up with joy. "That's great!"
Ning Fengzhi stepped forward toward Dugu Bo, bowing slightly in respect. "Senior Dugu, Xiao Tian is the future Guardian Douluo of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. The promises he made to you are fully endorsed by me as the sect master. If you are willing to join our sect, it would be my greatest honor."
At this moment, Ning Fengzhi set aside any airs of a sect master. A Titled Douluo joining the sect was an opportunity he would never pass up.
The Poison Douluo, known for his unparalleled mastery of poison and his dominance in group battles, was a force comparable to an entire army.
"Master Ning, you're too kind," Dugu Bo replied. "Xiao Tian promised me that after joining the sect, the sect would take care of my living arrangements and not assign me any duties."
"Additionally, my granddaughter is involved with the heir of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. This can be seen as a union between two great clans. I'll leave the dowry preparations to your sect." Dugu Bo was blunt and direct, showing no restraint in his demands.
Ning Fengzhi, however, didn't see this as a problem. After all, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was wealthy beyond measure. Supporting Dugu Bo and his granddaughter was a trivial matter. Furthermore, Dugu Bo was right—the marriage would indeed symbolize an alliance between the two great clans, a mutually beneficial arrangement.
"Of course. Consider it done," Ning Fengzhi agreed immediately.
"Alright then. For the sake of this little monster, I'll take up a position in your sect," Dugu Bo finally relented.
Ning Fengzhi was overjoyed. With this, the sect now had three Titled Douluos instead of two. The rise of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was unstoppable.
Ning Fengzhi wanted to throw a grand welcoming ceremony for Dugu Bo, but the latter declined for the time being. He mentioned that he had one more matter to settle before officially joining.
As Dugu Bo was about to leave, Bone Douluo suddenly stepped forward. "Wait, old poison. When you return victorious, let's share a drink. From now on, we're brothers in the same sect."
"Alright, old bones, old sword. Have some good wine ready for me," Dugu Bo replied with a rare smile before vanishing in a flash.
Everyone knew where Dugu Bo was headed—to settle his decades-long feud with Chrysanthemum Douluo. None of them tried to stop him, as this was likely his last opportunity to do so. Once he officially joined the sect, any actions against Chrysanthemum Douluo would be seen as a provocation against Spirit Hall.
"Go, old monster. Crush that chrysanthemum for me. You'll definitely win," Tian Lin muttered with a faint smile as he watched Dugu Bo leave.
Back in the group, Ning Fengzhi asked curiously, "Xiao Tian, how did you convince Dugu Bo? He's notoriously stubborn, and even Spirit Hall couldn't recruit him despite numerous attempts."
"I gave him an immortal herb," Tian Lin replied. He briefly explained how he had discovered the miraculous properties of the Snow Swan Kiss while studying poison and gifted it to Dugu Bo. This not only made them close friends but also earned him three promises from the Poison Douluo. He had used one of those promises to bring Dugu Bo into the sect.
Ning Fengzhi nodded in understanding. If the Snow Swan Kiss truly had such miraculous effects, it wasn't surprising that Dugu Bo would be moved.
Furthermore, Dugu Bo was well-known across the continent not only for his poison and ruthlessness but also for his unwavering integrity. A promise from Dugu Bo was as good as gold.
"Xiao Tian, recruiting a Titled Douluo for the sect is a great achievement. Come, let's head to the main hall. Uncle Ning has a reward for you," Ning Fengzhi said warmly, clearly in high spirits. He was determined to reward Tian Lin generously, as rewarding merit was a fundamental principle of leadership.