Gu Yuena remained inside the carriage, leaning against the wall with her arms folded and eyes closed.
Then, I felt it—a faint, probing gaze directed my way.
She opened her eyes, meeting Dai Mubai's with a cold, cutting stare.
Dai Mubai hadn't expected to be caught so quickly. Embarrassed, he rubbed his nose.
"I… I didn't mean anything else. I just want to know why your strength is so terrifying."
After all, Gu Yuena looked like she was only thirteen or fourteen years old.
A Soul Master at level 48, at such an age—if word got out, it would shock countless people.
"I had some good fortune when I was young and took a few natural treasures, so my strength grew quickly."
Gu Yuena had already prepared this explanation.
Once she spoke, Dai Mubai and Oscar exchanged a look of understanding, as if this was exactly what they had expected.
Their group was already among the most talented of their generation, yet even they hadn't expected someone more gifted than themselves.
Natural treasures were rare, but not impossible to obtain with enough opportunity.
For instance, the fat man had enjoyed an incredible stroke of luck and obtained a great deal at once.
Perhaps Gu Yuena's fortune had been no less impressive.
"Now that I've reached level 40, when can we spar again?"
Dai Mubai's eyes gleamed with eagerness.
Their last fight had left him both wary and impressed with Gu Yuena.
Without knowing her true trump card, he hadn't dared challenge her again.
But now, having a clearer sense of her strength, he felt ready to try.
Ma Hongjun, sitting nearby, turned to glance at Dai Mubai.
Inwardly, he gave the guy a silent thumbs-up.
This kid truly wasn't afraid of death—he actually wanted to fight Gu Yuena again.
Still, Ma Hongjun didn't interfere. He simply leaned back and watched with interest.
Gu Yuena's gaze swept coldly over Dai Mubai.
"After we get back," she replied, setting the time without hesitation.
Dai Mubai hadn't expected her to agree so easily. His expression brightened.
"Good. That's straightforward enough."
———
After returning to school, Ning Rongrong went straight back to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Ning Fengzhi looked at his lively daughter, warmth and fondness in his eyes.
"Rongrong, I heard you went to the Star Dou Great Forest recently. Did you go with your companions?"
He had been hoping to find out which of these young people had already reached the Spirit Ancestor level.
Unexpectedly, Ning Rongrong folded her arms and pouted.
"Dad, can't I be the one hunting soul beasts?"
Ning Fengzhi pressed a hand to his forehead and chuckled.
"With your current strength, it'll still take some time before you reach the Spirit Ancestor."
"Has Ma Hongjun reached Spirit Ancestor level already? With his ability, I'd say it's about time."
A satisfied look appeared in Ning Fengzhi's eyes.
The thought of his daughter one day marrying such a strong combat-type soul master reassured him greatly.
Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, standing nearby, also nodded in approval.
Sword Douluo was pleased with Ma Hongjun's progress. Now at level 40 and with time left before the Advanced Soul Master Competition, he was more than capable of training in swordsmanship.
Bone Douluo, on the other hand, was simply glad that Ning Rongrong's future husband would be strong enough to protect his precious granddaughter.
Ning Rongrong, however, gave a dissatisfied snort.
With a firm stomp, her soul power surged forth.
When the three men saw four soul rings appear around her, all of them froze in shock.
"Spirit… Spirit Ancestor?"
"Fengzhi, am I seeing this right? Rongrong's already reached level 40?"
Sword Douluo rubbed his eyes in disbelief.
They knew she had talent, but she had always been the one who hated training the most.
Back at the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, they had pushed her daily, and she had still only reached level 20.
And yet, in such a short time, she had leapt all the way to level 40.
Ning Rongrong smiled in triumph and withdrew her spirit rings.
"I told you, since Hongjun could give you such an expensive gift, I wouldn't be any worse."
At that, everyone remembered the magical herb Ma Hongjun had given Ning Fengzhi.
Ning Fengzhi's eyes shifted slightly.
The Star Dou Empire's royal family had been in turmoil lately, leaving him no time to focus on cultivating.
But seeing the change in his daughter stirred a faint desire in him.
"Fengzhi, are you thinking of taking the magic herb?"
Sword Douluo, who had known him for many years, could read his thoughts at a glance.
Ning Fengzhi shook his head.
At such a crucial time, he couldn't afford to go into seclusion.
The two Titled Douluo exchanged a glance but said nothing more.
"Dad, I came back this time to ask you something."
"Since I took the natural treasure Brother Hongjun gave me, my martial spirit has undergone some changes."
She opened her small, fair hand, revealing the Seven Treasures Glazed Martial Spirit.
The exquisite little tower slowly rotated, radiating the glow of a priceless treasure.
At first, Ning Fengzhi only glanced casually, but then his expression changed. He quickly stood and strode toward her.
Could it be…?
Coming closer, he counted carefully before confirming.
"Nine levels…"
"The Nine Treasures Glazed Tower!"
His voice trembled.
He looked at his daughter in disbelief.
"Did Ma Hongjun give you all this?"
After a long silence, Ning Fengzhi finally asked the question.
The mighty leader of one of the three upper sects couldn't help but draw in a sharp breath.
It was simply too valuable.
He had no idea how to repay the red-haired boy for such a great favor.
Ning Rongrong tilted her head in confusion.
When he received her answer, Ning Fengzhi gradually calmed down.
"For as long as our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has existed, our martial spirit has been capped at seven levels."
"Although its strength has brought us great prestige, this limit has always been our fatal weakness."
"The restriction at the seventh level prevents us from ever breaking through to the Spirit Sage realm."
Ning Fengzhi slowly revealed the sect's deepest secret to his daughter.
He had once thought she was too young to hear such things.
But now, her growth had surpassed all his expectations.
"Rongrong, the change in your martial spirit means you will be the only one in the entire Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect who can become a Titled Douluo."
Ning Fengzhi's gaze fixed on his daughter, a strange light flashing in his eyes—one she could not yet comprehend.
Because of its auxiliary nature and weaker combat ability, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had always been forced to recruit powerful Titled Douluo as guest elders.
But outsiders always had their own agendas.
Ning Fengzhi had only one daughter, and the sect would one day be hers.
As a father, he had always worried about her future.
Now, knowing she could one day stand as a powerful Titled Douluo herself, he finally felt reassured.