However, all Ning Rongrong could do right now was kneel.
As for apologizing, she couldn't bring herself to say a single word.
She didn't want to.
Even under Ning Fengzhi's intense gaze, she clenched her teeth and refused to speak.
But Ning Fengzhi sternly shouted again, "I told you to apologize!"
"Didn't you hear me?!"
The pressure he exerted was overwhelming.
Even though Ning Rongrong was stubbornly resisting, she was starting to crack inside.
She lifted her head, looking at Xue Tianyu, her tear-streaked face full of grievance.
"I'm sorry…"
But her voice was barely audible.
Xue Tianyu let out a faint snort. "Not sincere."
"You—!"
Ning Rongrong couldn't take it.
She had never said the words "I'm sorry" in her entire life.
Just now had been the first time.
Her first time!
And yet, Xue Tianyu didn't accept it.
In that instant, her pride was trampled underfoot by Xue Tianyu and spat upon.
Ning Rongrong completely broke down.
"You're pushing me too far! Too far!"
She suddenly got up, covered her face with her hands, and ran off, crying.
Why…
Why did she have to apologize?!
At worst, she could just avoid Xue Tianyu from now on.
It's not like he could just wipe out the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect over this, right?
And as long as she stayed out of trouble, with Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo by her side, nothing could happen to her.
The more she thought about it, the more wronged she felt.
She left Heaven Dou Imperial City without hesitation, heading straight for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Her actions completely put Ning Fengzhi in a difficult position.
"What—wait, I…"
Ning Fengzhi's face turned dark as he let out a long, frustrated sigh toward the sky.
"You unfilial child!!!"
Seeing how recklessly Ning Rongrong ran off, he was absolutely furious.
He had already gone to such lengths to have Xue Tianyu forgive her.
And yet she just ran away like that!
"Sigh…"
Sensing Ning Rongrong's soul power heading straight toward the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, he could only clench his fist in frustration.
"Young friend Tianyu, I'll be sure to teach her a proper lesson and have her come apologize again. For now, could you not dwell on her past mistake…?"
Now that Ning Rongrong had fled, Ning Fengzhi had no choice but to handle the situation himself.
However, Xue Tianyu wasn't going to let him off so easily.
His cold gaze swept over both Sword and Bone Douluo before he shook his head. "There's nothing more to discuss. She clearly wasn't sincere."
Bone Douluo was infuriated. After all the concessions their Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had made, Xue Tianyu still wasn't satisfied? His beard practically curled with rage.
"You're being unreasonable! The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is not to be trifled with!"
"Hm?"
"Since when was it your turn to speak?"
A terrifying pressure exploded from Xue Tianyu's body in an instant.
The sheer force of it materialized into waves of energy, making both Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo's expressions change dramatically.
Among Titled Douluo, every level of difference meant a tenfold gap in strength.
The pressure alone made it clear how terrifyingly powerful Xue Tianyu was.
No wonder he could crush Tang Hao, the Clear Sky Douluo.
At this moment, Emperor Xue Ye saw how easily Xue Tianyu suppressed the two guardian Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect with just his presence.
His desire to bring Xue Tianyu under his banner only grew stronger.
However, with Ning Fengzhi watching, he couldn't make his intentions too obvious.
"Captain Tianyu, this whole situation was just a misunderstanding. As an intermediary, I really hope we can resolve things peacefully."
Emperor Xue Ye tried to mediate.
Xue Tianyu glanced at him with an indifferent expression and remained silent.
Emperor Xue Ye felt a flash of irritation.
He was the Emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire!
And yet this brat dared to ignore him?
Meanwhile, Ning Fengzhi saw the growing tension between Xue Tianyu and his two guardian Douluo. His face became increasingly stiff, but there was nothing he could do.
He thought about how Ning Rongrong had run off alone toward the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. If something happened to her on the way, neither he nor the two Titled Douluo could save her.
"Sigh…"
Shaking his head, he turned to Emperor Xue Ye and said, "My daughter may be willful, but ultimately, it's our fault for spoiling her. I'm truly worried about her safety."
"I understand."
Emperor Xue Ye nodded.
Ning Fengzhi took another glance at Xue Tianyu's impassive face. He still hoped that if he could persuade Ning Rongrong to return, there might be a chance to mend relations with him.
So he turned to Bone Douluo Gu Rong and said, "You stay here and continue attending the banquet. I'll go with Chen Xin to find Rongrong."
Gu Rong nodded.
He understood that Ning Fengzhi was still trying to win Xue Tianyu over.
After all, befriending such a powerful individual was the wisest choice.
With that, Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo Chen Xin quickly left.
Ever since Xue Tianyu had arrived at the banquet, he hadn't smiled even once.
Now, with three people gone, the atmosphere at the table felt even colder.
And since Gu Rong wasn't the talkative type, the scene turned awkward.
Emperor Xue Ye noticed the dull atmosphere and promptly announced that the banquet would begin.
Dancers entered from both sides in elegant formations.
A ceremonial official stood beside the chime bells, striking them with a mallet to produce a soft, melodic tune.
The entire palace became lively.
"Tianyu, young men like you are full of energy."
Despite his irritation at Xue Tianyu's lack of respect, Emperor Xue Ye was still eager to win him over.
Gesturing toward the singing and dancing girls, he chuckled.
"These ladies come from the western regions, all top-tier beauties."
"If you see one you like, feel free to take her. I'll have her sent to your room at the inn immediately."
Saying this, Emperor Xue Ye even winked at Xue Tianyu, his expression one that all men would understand.
Xue Tianyu scanned the dancers. Though they were indeed beautiful, they still felt lacking in some way.
Emperor Xue Ye noticed his lack of interest and was surprised.
'This kid has quite the refined taste.'
But since he had already gone so far to please him, failing to secure him as an ally would be a great loss.
So, as he ate, he leaned in and spoke mysteriously.
"If none of them suit your taste, I still have many concubines in my harem—ones I haven't even touched yet."
"If you find one you like, she's yours."
Xue Tianyu was speechless.
'This Emperor Xue Ye… He'll do anything to win people over.'
Dancers were one thing, but offering his own concubines? That was just disgraceful.
At that moment, Qian Renxue—disguised as Xue Qinghe—heard this and frowned deeply.
Even if those concubines had never been with him, they were still officially the Emperor's women.
Yet he was treating them like mere commodities.
'This old pervert… He's trying to use this method to tie Xue Tianyu to him.'
'Is he trying to corrupt my brother?!'
Seeing that Xue Tianyu remained unmoved, Emperor Xue Ye decided to go all-in.
"In fact, I have a daughter—her name is Xue Ke…"
"She's not worthy!"
Qian Renxue's flawless, beautiful face showed a trace of impatience.