Inside the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
"Uncle Ning! Why did you suddenly summon me? Did you miss me?"
As soon as Bai Mu stepped into the courtyard, he saw Ning Fengzhi seated there, his expression unusually grim.
Ning Fengzhi turned around, a trace of reproach flashing through his eyes.
"So you finally came back," he said helplessly. "You've been far too high-profile lately. The matters involving Prince Xue Xing and the Fourth Prince, Xue Beng, have caused a great deal of unrest."
He paused, his tone heavy.
"His Majesty Xue Ye has already heard about it. He is dissatisfied and specifically mentioned this to me. You really need to restrain yourself."
"Oh?" Bai Mu raised an eyebrow, his tone filled with disdain. "That old man has the nerve?"
He snorted coldly.
"Has he lived long enough? Is he asking to die?"
"You—watch your words!"
Ning Fengzhi's face went pale as he hurriedly glanced around, afraid that someone might overhear.
"Uncle Ning, what are you so afraid of?" Bai Mu chuckled indifferently. "You're just too cautious."
"How many Titled Douluo does the Heaven Dou Empire even have? And he dares to speak to you like that?"
"If he has complaints about me, why didn't he come to me himself?"
He suddenly slapped his forehead.
"Oh right—someone did come looking for me in Xue Xing's name. I ignored them. Couldn't be bothered."
"Stop talking nonsense," Ning Fengzhi said sternly. "Even if Heaven Dou has only Dugu Bo as a consecrated Titled Douluo, they still command an army of over a million."
"Against such an army, even if Uncle Sword and Uncle Bone joined forces, they couldn't stand against it."
"Pfft!"
Bai Mu burst out laughing.
"Uncle Ning, don't make me laugh."
"A million soldiers? They're not a million Spirit Masters—let alone a million Spirit Saints."
"Even if they couldn't win, can Grandpa Sword not fly away on his sword? Or is Grandpa Bone incapable of spatial teleportation?"
His tone grew increasingly arrogant.
"And me? Even if it were a million Spirit Masters, I could wipe them out with a flick of my hand."
"Even a million Spirit Saints—I'd still fear nothing."
Ning Fengzhi stood frozen, stunned beyond words.
This wasn't merely being high-profile anymore. It was naked, overwhelming arrogance.
Seeing his reaction, Bai Mu continued calmly:
"That old thing Xue Ye even dared to criticize you. Once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, I'll find an opportunity to remove his head and give it to you as a chamber pot, Uncle Ning."
"Hiss—!"
Ning Fengzhi sucked in a sharp breath, horror written all over his face.
"What madness has seized you?! Do you even realize what you're saying?!"
Bai Mu had always been rational despite his frivolous nature. How could he dare say such things now?
"Uncle Ning," Bai Mu interrupted, his tone flat yet filled with absolute confidence, "what are you afraid of?"
"It doesn't matter. I'll take action."
"Take action?!"
Ning Fengzhi's heart sank.
"What exactly are you planning to do?"
Bai Mu smiled lightly.
"Nothing much. His Majesty is old and frail—governing the country is exhausting. I simply plan to help him retire early and enjoy his later years… in the Imperial Tombs."
"Retire… in the Imperial Tombs?!"
Ning Fengzhi's expression changed drastically.
"You're planning a rebellion?!"
His hands trembled so badly he couldn't even lift his teacup.
"This is insanity… sheer insanity!"
He had believed his disciple, Xue Qinghe, to be refined and benevolent. Bai Mu, though flirtatious, seemed harmless.
Who could have imagined that together, they would quietly plot rebellion?
"Don't be reckless!" Ning Fengzhi said urgently. "If this fails, my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will have no place left in Heaven Dou!"
"Uncle Ning," Bai Mu said calmly, handing the teacup to his lips, "why are you panicking?"
"It's just the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. If it's gone, it's gone."
Ning Fengzhi's eyes turned icy, anger flaring.
"That school is my life's work! As an elder—and your future father-in-law—how can you say such things?!"
Bai Mu didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he slowly took out a qiluo tulip and placed it in front of Ning Fengzhi.
"As long as the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School exists," he said with a faint smile, "isn't that enough?"
The moment Ning Fengzhi saw the qiluo tulip, all anger vanished.
What replaced it was blazing desire.
This was the supreme treasure capable of evolving the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda—the lifelong dream he had pursued.
"Right… right… absolutely right!"
Ning Fengzhi nodded repeatedly, all hesitation gone.
"For the future of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School, as your future father-in-law, I will support you unconditionally!"
"Act boldly, Xiao Mu. Even in the worst case, we can simply relocate the entire school."
"Then I thank Uncle Ning for your support," Bai Mu said with a chuckle.
Everything was proceeding exactly as planned.
—
Several days later, the imperial banquet was held as scheduled.
Within the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace, lanterns shone brightly as officials and members of the imperial clan gathered.
Seated in the Crown Prince's position was Qian Renxue, her expression gentle. Yet deep within her eyes flickered excitement, tension, and anticipation.
Under her subtle guidance, plates of soft, sweet Yearning Sticky Cakes were soon served.
"So this is the legendary Yearning Sticky Cake?"
"I've heard it can increase one's strength."
The officials eagerly tasted them, one after another.
Even Bai Mu and Qian Renxue ate without hesitation.
When Bai Mu saw Prince Xue Xing finish his portion as well, a faint smile curved his lips. He subtly nodded toward Qian Renxue.
She returned the nod, understanding flashing through her eyes.
Eat.
Eat as much as you want.
After tonight—
You will all bow your heads and submit.
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