Dai Chengfeng's gaze casually swept over the bulging cloud-patterned pouch at Ning Rongrong's waist.
"With Sect Leader Ning meticulousness and the two Titled Douluo's perceptiveness, the fact that you managed to 'steal' something and arrive safely in Spirit City is already the biggest flaw."
"Perhaps this was intentionally arranged by Ning Zongzhu as a kind of 'outing.'"
Dai Chengfeng could almost be certain.
Ning Fengzhi might have wanted to use this opportunity to train his daughter, letting her experience things on her own and gain some insight.
Or perhaps, he had deeper considerations...
For example, taking this chance to ease or even strengthen relations with the younger generation of the Spirit Hall, especially with himself, the "Holy Son" candidate?
After all, it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect if Ning Rongrong became close to him.
"And the two Douluo seniors might be hiding somewhere in Spirit City, secretly protecting their little princess."
Thinking about this, Dai Chengfeng almost laughed out loud.
Looking at Ning Rongrong's face filled with a sense of accomplishment and confidence in her "perfect plan," he couldn't bear to reveal this harsh "truth."
It would be too cruel to break the spirit of a girl who had just accomplished a "feat" and was basking in pride.
Moreover, Dai Chengfeng thought that allowing Ning Rongrong to keep this belief of "making it on her own" might be more beneficial for her training. It would make her more dedicated and serious about this period of being alone.
Therefore, he perfectly concealed his inner amusement, maintaining an expression of slight surprise and admiration.
"So that's how it is."
Dai Chengfeng nodded, his tone sincere. "To successfully sneak out under the watchful eyes of two Titled Douluo, Rongrong, your courage and wit truly exceed my expectations."
"This journey must have been tough for you."
This praise of "exceeding expectations" hit Ning Rongrong right in the heart.
She felt that all the hardships along the way were worth it, her mood greatly improved, and her previous complaints dissipated.
She waved her hand, feigning nonchalance: "It's okay, okay! Although it was a bit tough, I can handle it!"
At this moment, Ning Rongrong suddenly remembered something extremely important, her eyes lighting up.
"Ah! That's right!"
She exclaimed, hurriedly putting down her napkin and fumbling to untie the cloud-patterned pouch at her waist.
"All I did was talk about myself, almost forgetting the main task!"
As she untied the string, she said to Dai Chengfeng, "I didn't come here just to settle accounts with you; there's something very, very important!"
Seeing her seriousness, Dai Chengfeng put aside his playful thoughts, his gaze falling on the small pouch.
Ning Rongrong carefully took out a palm-sized brocade box made of high-quality rosewood from inside.
The box was simple in style, carved with patterns of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, exuding a heavy and solemn aura.
Ning Rongrong held the box with both hands, presenting it to Dai Chengfeng. Her face showed a mixture of pride and a hint of guilt, lowering her voice:
"Here, this is for you!"
Dai Chengfeng took the brocade box, feeling an unusual warmth and weight upon touching it, indicating that the contents were far from ordinary.
He looked at Ning Rongrong with some confusion: "What is this?"
Ning Rongrong blinked her big eyes, her slight guilt turning into a mischievous smile: "Open it and see!"
"It's an earth-attribute treasure that you need!"
"Something I need? An earth-attribute treasure?" Dai Chengfeng's heart stirred.
"You mentioned it to my father before, saying you needed an earth-attribute treasure. After returning, he kept an eye out, and recently obtained this treasure."
"I overheard him telling Grandpa Sword that he originally planned to give it to you personally when he met you next time or found a suitable opportunity."
She paused, a sly fox-like smile appearing on her face: "Then... hehe, while he was away, I sneaked into his study and 'took' it!"
"Since I was coming to find you anyway, I thought I'd bring it along!"
"How's that? Am I awesome or what?"
Listening to Ning Rongrong's words and looking at the heavy brocade box in his hand, Dai Chengfeng remarked, "You lost all your money but still managed to keep my stuff..."
"Naturally!"
Ning Rongrong lifted her head proudly, "After all, I know this is more important, so I kept it close to me!"
"Just take a look!"
Hearing this, Dai Chengfeng gave Ning Rongrong a deep look, "Alright!"
With that, he slowly lowered his head to look at the brocade box in his hand, his heart uncontrollably pounding wildly!
An earth-attribute treasure!
The key item he had long dreamed of, the last piece needed to complete the Four Symbols Five Elements Lotus!
Just like a pillow arriving when one is sleepy, he was currently affected by the exclusivity of the Rakshasa divine power, temporarily unable to continue cultivating the spirit fusion technique.
Now obtaining this earth-attribute treasure, if he could fully mature the Four Symbols Five Elements Lotus, could he evolve his spirit?
If so, wouldn't his spiritual strength also evolve?
Wouldn't that solve the problem of the Rakshasa divine power?
A wave of immense joy surged through Dai Chengfeng's heart, momentarily leaving him somewhat dazed.
He tightly gripped the brocade box in his hand. The gloom and frustration caused by the stagnation of his spiritual strength were largely dispelled by this sudden ray of hope.
"How about it? Surprised?"
Dai Chengfeng took a deep breath, trying to calm his agitated emotions, but the joy in his eyes was impossible to conceal.
Upon hearing this, he raised his head and looked at Ning Rongrong, who was tilting her head with an expression that clearly said, "Praise me!"
The porcelain-white cheeks of the young girl were flushed with health after eating, her chestnut hair softly gleaming under the light. Those large Glazed Tile-like eyes were filled with unhidden anticipation and a touch of smugness for doing something "naughty."
At this moment, in Dai Chengfeng's eyes, Ning Rongrong seemed to be enveloped in a halo of good fortune.
Almost instinctively, Dai Chengfeng reached out his hand, affectionately and fondly pinching Ning Rongrong's soft and tender cheek, his voice brimming with heartfelt joy:
"Rongrong... you really are my little lucky star!"
This sudden display of intimacy left Ning Rongrong momentarily stunned.
The warm sensation on her cheek and Dai Chengfeng's unhidden, radiant gaze caused her mind to blank briefly.
Immediately, a strong heat rushed to her cheeks, quickly spreading to her ears and neck.
She had never been pinched on the cheek by any male other than Grandpa Sword, Grandpa Bone, and her father!
Especially by Dai Chengfeng, the "bad guy" she had secretly harbored feelings for and complained about for a long time!
"What... what are you doing!"
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