"Why's he here?" Bai Baoshan muttered. Ning Rongrong noticed his quickened breath and beading sweat.
Though separated by just one soul ring, the gap between Soul Douluo and Title Douluo spanned heaven and earth.
Even the weakest Title Douluo could disregard imperial authority—a privilege no Soul Douluo shared.
"What impressive authority you three wield."
Dugu Bo's piercing gaze swept over the deans, his tone icy.
"Compelling an imperial prince to kneel publicly? Do you scorn His Majesty's dignity?"
"Poison Douluo, such accusations are unfounded." Meng Shenji stepped forward, bowing slightly in obligatory respect before countering firmly:
"Prince Xue Beng harassed the Crown Prince's honored guest. We merely sought an apology and reparations—never demanded kneeling. This was his own choice, startling even us."
"Oh?" Dugu Bo's brow furrowed as his attention shifted to Ning Rongrong.
Her modest attire offered no clues, but no Title Douluo reached their rank without sharp instincts.
"Prince Xue Xing. Explain."
Though disdaining Xue Beng, Dugu Bo owed Xue Xing a life debt. These deans being Xue Qinghe's faction earned them no courtesy—but clarity was essential.
"This... was entirely Xue Beng's error." Prince Xue Xing gritted his teeth.
"My nephew acted disgracefully toward the Crown Prince's guest."
Xue Beng remained silent, head bowed.
"Poison Douluo, an honor to meet you." Ning Rongrong stepped forward gracefully.
"My father often praises your expertise in medicinal herbs."
"Your father being...?"
Dugu Bo's confusion grew at Xue Xing's odd demeanor.
"Ning Rongrong of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. My father, Ning Fengzhi, surely needs no introduction?" Her smile was polished.
Hiss—
Dugu Bo inhaled sharply, cold sweat drenching his back.
Thank the heavens he'd sought context before acting! No wonder Xue Xing and Xue Beng behaved so peculiarly.
"Grandfather, isn't Ning Fengzhi the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's leader?"
Dugu Yan's curiosity surfaced. Her persistent suitor Yu Tianheng hailed from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, making her somewhat familiar with the Upper Three Sects.
"Correct. With the Clear Sky Clan secluded, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School stands atop the continent—even above the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
Collecting himself, Dugu Bo adopted a cordial tone. Antagonizing the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School served no one.
What mess has that fool Xue Beng dragged me into now?
Were it not for his debt to Xue Xing—and concern for Dugu Yan's safety from Xue Beng's predatory tendencies—he'd have left immediately.
"Young Mistress Ning, how shall we address Prince Xue Beng's offense?"
Dugu Bo's eyes darted shrewdly.
"If the matter is minor, might you grant this old man some face? Your father and I share... amicable relations."
The three deans gaped.
This obsequious worm is Dugu Bo?
The same arrogant Poison Douluo who'd previously treated them as dirt?
So Title Douluo varied this drastically in character?
"I couldn't refuse the Poison Douluo's request." Ning Rongrong studied Dugu Yan and Dugu Bo thoughtfully before continuing:
"My visit serves two purposes: touring your esteemed academy, and delivering a letter from Father."
"We hope you'll visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School at your convenience. Every hospitality awaits you."
As she produced the sealed letter, Dugu Bo accepted it promptly without reading.
"You honor me. I shall certainly visit."
With the letter secured, Dugu Bo retreated with Dugu Yan, signaling his withdrawal from the conflict.
Ning Rongrong turned to Xue Beng, her tone measured:
"Your Highness, surely you'd prefer this... misunderstanding resolved quietly? The Crown Prince's apprenticeship ceremony approaches in two days."
"Straining fraternal bonds would be... inconvenient."
She emphasized "fraternal bonds" pointedly.
Xue Beng trembled—whether from fear or realization was unclear.
He knew: were Xue Qinghe truly provoked, his "beloved elder brother" wouldn't hesitate to eliminate him.
Prince Xue Xing intervened hastily:
"Young Mistress Ning, please accept this token of our remorse."
He presented an ornate jade case.
Ning Rongrong accepted it without hesitation, tracing the intricate dragon-phoenix carvings before meeting Xue Xing's gaze:
"The craftsmanship is exquisite. Your gift pleases me."
"Yet Prince Xue Beng's situation isn't mine alone to decide. Personally, I'd prefer avoiding... escalation."
Recognizing her unspoken acceptance despite never opening the case, Prince Xue Xing relaxed marginally.
"Your forgiveness alone suffices. I ask only for harmony between my nephews—a humble uncle's wish."
"I see." After a pause, Ning Rongrong addressed the deans:
"Gentlemen, might we contain this matter? My father likely wishes no involvement in imperial affairs."
"Let this end here, yes?"
The deans exchanged glances.
Though aligned with Xue Qinghe, their ultimate loyalty lay with Emperor Xue Ye.
Rumors linked Xue Qinghe to the second and third princes' deaths—unsubstantiated, but enough to deter deeper entanglement.
"We needn't inform the Crown Prince, but His Majesty..."