At the gates of Seven Treasure City, Xue Beng and the three education commissioners looked toward the streets inside the city, taking in the scene of peace and tranquility. The commissioners couldn't help but sigh. This place really is a land of paradise.
No matter how fierce the wars and chaos outside, it seemed this place was untouched, like a utopia apart from the world.
A young squad leader at the city gate, Xiao Yi, looked at the four and asked, "You seem to be outsiders. Are you here to visit Seven Treasure City?"
Meng Shenji responded, "No, we are here on behalf of the Heaven Dou Empire to discuss important matters with Sect Leader Ning. I am Meng Shenji, a commissioner from Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. Brother, is there anything we need to know about entering the city right now? Or is it that due to the war outside, outsiders aren't allowed in?"
"So it's Senior Meng Shenji. I apologize for the offense," Xiao Yi replied respectfully. "Rest assured, we haven't closed the city gates. Seven Treasure City has always allowed free entry. I stopped you because of your fine attire—I thought you might be nobles from the Heaven Dou Empire. Our city's policies are very different from the empire's. If nobles and commoners have conflicts without reason, nobles are punished just like anyone else. I was just afraid you might not know this rule, so I stopped you to remind you."
Upon hearing this, Xue Beng frowned slightly. The two leaders of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, one was Xue Qinghe's former teacher, the other his sworn brother. They shared Xue Qinghe's ideals. Xue Beng really couldn't understand. Nobles and soul masters were the mainstream of this world—why did these people care so much about powerless commoners?
"Alright, we understand. Thank you," Meng Shenji nodded to Xiao Yi and walked into the city.
Xue Beng was displeased. Usually, when he walked down the street, commoners would respectfully stand aside and bow, only daring to lift their heads after he had completely passed by. But here, people went about their business—shopping, chatting, as if they hadn't even noticed him.
This was completely normal in Seven Treasure City. Not to mention Xue Beng—even if Tianlin himself walked here, people would react the same way, though perhaps with a bit more enthusiasm, maybe asking if he needed to take home some groceries. Some children might pester him to teach them swordsmanship. After all, the residents at the city gate were originally villagers from Seven Treasure Village, many of whom were Tianlin's elders or juniors.
Ever since the outbreak of all-out war after the Grandmaster's death a year ago, Tianlin had brought all the villagers from the base of the mountain to live in the city, to protect them from the ravages of war.
Xue Beng wanted to lose his temper, but Bai Baoshan hurriedly stopped him. "Your Highness, calm down. This is not Heaven Dou City. We're here to ask for help, not to offend the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect again."
"Hmph, a bunch of people with no sense of hierarchy. One day, I'll set things right," Xue Beng muttered angrily.
"Hierarchy? Who says we don't have one?" A pleasant female voice came from ahead. "My Sword Brother said, 'Those with virtue and manners are above, those without are below. The low should bow their heads in shame before the high.' Isn't this similar to your empire's rules? Only the standards for judgment are different."
"Ning Rongrong!" Xue Beng was stunned by the beauty before him. Compared to years ago, Ning Rongrong had shed her youthfulness, her figure graceful, her demeanor serene, and she exuded an even nobler aura than himself. Especially the trident mark on her forehead, which added a sense of mystery.
Behind her followed another beautiful young woman with long blue hair and a cool temperament—Shui Bing'er.
As soon as Xue Beng and his group entered the city, disciples of the Speed Clan reported to Ning Fengzhi, who then sent Ning Rongrong and Shui Bing'er to greet them—clearly meant to annoy Xue Beng.
Xue Beng felt a surge of heat in his heart. He had planned to propose to both women back in the day, but thanks to Jun Tianlin's interference, both had slipped from his grasp.
"I just received a message from the Speed Clan that the three commissioners and Prince Xue Beng are here to visit. As Young Sect Leader, I've come to greet you," Ning Rongrong bowed to the commissioners, then looked at Xue Beng. "Your Highness, wasn't the lesson my Sword Brother gave you enough last time? If you keep staring at me like that, don't blame me for gouging out your eyes!"
As she spoke, Ning Rongrong's aura suddenly exploded, an overwhelming pressure instantly rendering Xue Beng and the commissioners immobile.
Bai Baoshan was shocked: "How is this possible? Isn't Ning Rongrong a support-type soul master? Why does she have the aura of an assault-type? And her level is above mine—how old is she? Another monster like Tianlin?"
"Rongrong, calm down. If someone needs a lesson, let your Brother Yu Feng handle it. No need to dirty your hands," said Yu Feng, who appeared silently behind the four, four razor-sharp Windbell Bird feathers pointed at the back of their heads.
"Brother Yu Feng, don't be rude to the commissioners—they are your elders and Sword Brother's as well," Ning Rongrong said.
"Yes!" Yu Feng understood immediately. He hadn't really intended to attack the commissioners, only to give a show of force.
All four feathers now pointed at Xue Beng—two at his temples, two at his brow and the back of his head. At Ning Rongrong's command, they would pierce his skull.
"Miss Ning, please calm down. I meant no offense—just momentarily lost myself, captivated by your beauty. I won't do it again," Xue Beng quickly apologized. He was skilled at this—he'd groveled for years just to survive.
Ning Rongrong smiled slightly, and Yu Feng immediately withdrew the feathers, moving to stand behind her.
"That speed! Even Yu Feng's strength is now on par with ours," Meng Shenji thought, not angry but extremely gratified, since Yu Feng was also a graduate of their academy.
Moreover, he hadn't felt any killing intent from Yu Feng, even when the feathers were pointed at him—the hostility was all directed at Xue Beng, proving the child hadn't forgotten old kindness.
He wished he could see the other children too. If only Oslo hadn't died young, seeing the original team fight together against the Spirit Empire would've been his life's greatest honor.
Ning Rongrong said to the commissioners, "Since Prince Xue Beng realizes his mistake, I won't pursue it. But this is Seven Treasure City—please don't act like a crown prince here."
"I'm here on my father's orders to receive you. Please follow me to the Seven Treasure Grand Hall."
Ning Rongrong turned and led the way. Xue Beng finally breathed a sigh of relief. Zhi Lin commented, "What a display of power. The sect is clearly showing us the strength of their younger generation. Today's negotiations won't be easy—even Tianlin may not agree to send troops for our sake."
Bai Baoshan and Meng Shenji nodded. That was only natural. Even if Tianlin was present, the commissioners were respected, but nothing more. They had no right to interfere with the sect's policies.