Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan headquarters.
"A hundred-thousand-year Soft Bone Rabbit? And the injured Haotian Douluo Tang Hao?" Gu Rong's expression cycled through shock and disbelief as he stared at Ning Rongrong. "Why weren't we informed of such crucial intelligence earlier?"
Had they known about Tang Hao's condition and the hundred-thousand-year soul beast, the clan could have operated differently.
"From your descriptions, Tang Hao's injuries seem quite severe." The Bone Douluo made a throat-slitting gesture.
Compared to the Sword Douluo, he employed more ruthless methods.
Anything benefiting the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan justified flexible morals - precisely why Ning Rongrong had withheld full disclosure beforehand.
This wasn't a game allowing restarts.
She'd feared the Bone Douluo might charge recklessly into Notting City. Risks remained substantial.
With the clan unaligned and her own strength insufficient, caution prevailed.
Bowing deeply, Ning Rongrong offered sincere apology:
"Forgive me, Grandpa Bone. I thoroughly researched the Haotian Douluo's records."
"Truthfully, even with Father amplifying both of you, we lacked absolute certainty of subduing Tang Hao."
"If you'd been wounded... or worse..." Tears glistened in her eyes. "Perhaps I was selfish. I apologize, Grandpa Bone."
"Old skeleton, look what you've done - making Rongrong cry! There there, dear."
Though recognizing her tears as likely performative, the Sword Douluo knew her concern was genuine.
"You withheld information precisely because you understand our temperaments." He patted Gu Rong's shoulder meaningfully.
"I couldn't gauge Tang Hao's injury severity. With his hundred-thousand-year ring and Clear Sky Clan secrets, even Fengzhi's support wouldn't guarantee victory - let alone killing him."
Defeating versus killing a Title Douluo differed immensely - especially one who'd escaped Qian Daoliu at rank 99.
"Rongrong, I merely expressed regret - no actual blame." The Bone Douluo softened at her display.
"Actually, Rongrong insisted I accompany her partly because she doubted you could handle Tang Hao alone," the Sword Douluo added mischievously.
"Chen Xin you bastard-!" Gu Rong's veins bulged as if struck anew.
"Come then, let's spar! I'll show you who's inadequate!"
He knew Ning Rongrong had likely coaxed Chen Xin along fearing his limitations, but voicing it outright? His pride demanded satisfaction.
"Gladly! I've been itching for exercise." Both stormed toward the door.
Ning Fengzhi and Ning Rongrong observed this familiar routine impassively.
"Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone," Ning Fengzhi interjected wearily, "let bygones be bygones. We profited from Tang Hao regardless."
"With the Spirit Hall's growing threat, the Top Three Sects mustn't squabble over trifles. Unity against common enemies takes precedence."
The Bone Douluo sighed, recomposing himself. "You're right, Fengzhi. The Spirit Hall remains our primary concern."
The Sword Douluo nodded subtly - for all their bickering, they shared fundamental principles.
Such was their paradoxical relationship.
With peace temporarily restored, Ning Fengzhi addressed Ning Rongrong: "You handled everything admirably."
"Mmm." She murmured acknowledgment.
Changing topics, Ning Fengzhi produced the glowing left arm bone. "Uncle Sword doubts its suitability for you, Uncle Bone, but please examine it closely."
After prolonged inspection, Gu Rong shook his head:
"Indeed incompatible. Its sacred attributes conflict with my darkness-aligned martial soul."
Returning it, he sighed. "Without knowing its skills, valuation remains difficult."
"It creates light-attribute shields with minor healing properties," Ning Rongrong interjected.
"Eh?" Gu Rong blinked.
"My zhenqi-enhanced spiritual perception reveals approximate skills, though not precise parameters," she explained.
"Remarkable! Even Fengzhi lacks such ability!" The Bone Douluo marveled at how the younger generation surpassed the old.
"Speaking of which," he turned to Ning Fengzhi, "what does your other bone do? That sword bastard mentioned perfect compatibility."
"Ah yes." Ning Fengzhi patted Ning Rongrong's head. "Shall we demonstrate outside?"
The training ground soon hosted their experiment.
Ning Fengzhi's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda emitted emerald light as he intoned:
"Illusory Space."
A translucent membrane enveloped them - nearly undetectable even to Title Douluo unless scrutinized closely.
"First ability: mental amplification and weakening."
Colorful motes descended as both elders experienced alternating buffs and debuffs.
At face value, this seemed underwhelming until mirror images of the Title Douluo materialized.
"These illusions can't move but perfectly mimic appearances. Combined with Divided Mind Control, they enable stealth tactics."
"Another function I'm still mastering - splitting ally skills into dual trajectories as Rongrong described."
The demonstration left both elders awestruck.
"With Divided Mind Control, this bone's terrifying potential outweighs its modest age," the Bone Douluo admitted.
As they discussed applications, Ning Rongrong studied the illusions thoughtfully.
"Self-created techniques using similar principles might be feasible..." she mused, fingers stroking her chin.