When the disciples saw the young mistress appear, they were overjoyed and immediately escorted Ning Rongrong back to the Royal Hotel.
Ning Fengzhi only told the disciples that Ning Rongrong had been taken away by bad people. He deliberately did not mention the possibility that she might have been dishonored.
The reputation of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's precious daughter could not be tarnished.
Otherwise, how would Ning Rongrong ever marry in the future?
Inside the hotel, Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, and Gu Rong were pacing anxiously like ants on a hot pan, waiting restlessly.
Night was approaching, and once it grew dark, searching would become even more difficult.
Yet they did not dare leave—afraid that if any disciple returned with news, they would miss it.
Holding Ao Tian's portrait, Ning Fengzhi said, "I didn't expect him to have been wanted across the city some time ago."
"What happened?" Chen Xin asked urgently.
Ning Fengzhi replied, "A disciple just reported that this Ao Tian is the same one Prince Xue Xing tried to capture earlier—the one who caused such a huge commotion."
"The one who injured the imperial prince?" Gu Rong asked.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was well-informed, so they knew about that incident. However, Ning Rongrong's name was never mentioned in the wanted notice, so they had no idea she was involved.
Otherwise, they would have come to Heaven Dou City long ago.
"Yes," Ning Fengzhi said. "According to the disciples, on the night Prince Xue Xing died, Ao Tian was taken to the prince's residence. Everyone thought he was killed by that soul beast. Who knew he was still alive?"
"So he's a wanted criminal," Gu Rong said grimly. "Rongrong is in danger."
Chen Xin snorted. "I really don't understand how Rongrong could befriend someone like that. When she comes back, I'll make sure she admits her mistake—even if I have to beat it into her."
"If you dare hit her, I'll deal with you myself!" Gu Rong snapped. "Maybe that brat sweet-talked her. She's still young and innocent—she doesn't understand how dangerous people can be."
Ning Fengzhi gave a bitter smile. "You two elders, please stop arguing."
Only then did Chen Xin and Gu Rong quiet down.
At that moment, both elders' ears twitched. Almost simultaneously, joy lit up their faces.
"Rongrong is back," Chen Xin said excitedly. He had recognized her familiar footsteps.
Gu Rong said nothing, but his tall figure shot forward as he impatiently flung the door open.
Ning Fengzhi's body trembled as he rushed out with Chen Xin.
The moment they stepped outside, they saw Ning Rongrong climbing up the side staircase.
"Rongrong!" Ning Fengzhi called as he hurried toward her.
She looked up and saw Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, and Gu Rong.
"Dad!" she cried and rushed upward.
"Slow down—don't rush!" Gu Rong called anxiously.
Moments later, Ning Rongrong threw herself into Ning Fengzhi's arms.
"Dad, I missed you so much," she said sweetly.
"I missed you too," Ning Fengzhi replied, stroking her hair with affection.
"We should talk inside," Chen Xin transmitted quietly to Ning Fengzhi.
What came next concerned Ning Rongrong's reputation—it could not be made public.
"Come, let's go inside," Ning Fengzhi said, leading her into the room.
After Chen Xin and Gu Rong entered, they shut the door tightly.
Ning Fengzhi examined his daughter carefully and noticed that her figure was noticeably fuller than it had been a few months ago.
His heart sank.
"Rongrong," he asked cautiously, "where have you been during this time?"
She had prepared her answer long ago. "After arriving in Heaven Dou City, I stayed at a friend's place."
"Is that friend named Ao Tian?" Ning Fengzhi asked.
"Yes," she replied.
Chen Xin couldn't hold back anymore. "Why are you beating around the bush? Rongrong—did that Ao Tian… did he… do that to you?"
"Do what?" she asked, momentarily confused.
"…Did he violate you?" Chen Xin asked bluntly.
Her face instantly turned red. "Sword Grandpa, what are you talking about?"
Gu Rong muttered, "She's blushing… it's over…"
Ning Fengzhi's expression darkened.
Realizing the misunderstanding, Ning Rongrong hurriedly said, "We're innocent! He didn't bully me!"
"How is that possible?" Chen Xin scoffed. "A lecher like him would let a beautiful young girl like you go?"
"That's not true! I'm not lying—and he's not that kind of person!" she said anxiously.
Ning Fengzhi asked, "Did he send you back because he found out we were searching for him and got scared?"
"I already said it's not like that! What do I have to do for you to believe me?" Ning Rongrong cried.
Gu Rong pulled her into his arms and scolded the others. "Look at you—making her cry! Don't cry, Rongrong. I believe you."
"Bone Grandpa, you're the best," she sobbed.
Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin exchanged helpless looks and finally began to believe her.
"Then tell me," Ning Fengzhi said, "what faction does Ao Tian belong to?"
She shook her head. "I don't know."
Ning Fengzhi frowned. "If he's really your friend, how could he not tell you?"
"He just didn't!" she said, tears welling again.
"Alright, alright—Dad won't ask," Ning Fengzhi said quickly.
Her tears immediately stopped.
Seeing this, Ning Fengzhi felt a headache coming on.
"Then can you tell me where Ao Tian lives?" he asked.
She shook her head vigorously. "No!"
"Why?" Ning Fengzhi pressed.
"No reason. Just no!" she said firmly.
If her father found out Ao Tian was an important figure within the Spirit Hall, he might take drastic action. She couldn't allow that.
Seeing her stubbornness, Ning Fengzhi finally snapped. "Don't think I wouldn't dare discipline you!"
She trembled slightly, eyes watery but gaze unyielding.
Gu Rong instantly exploded. "Ning Fengzhi, are you asking for a beating from me?"
"I promised the Grandmaster," Ning Fengzhi replied, "that if we found Ao Tian, I'd send word to Shrek Academy. Now that Rongrong is back, I need to at least ask."
"To hell with that so-called Grandmaster!" Gu Rong roared. "What do you owe him that you're this eager?"
Ning Fengzhi wanted to mention the matter of hidden weapons, but the atmosphere was clearly unsuitable.
Chen Xin said calmly, "If Ao Tian didn't harm Rongrong, then this matter ends here. We don't need to help anyone look for him."
Gu Rong nodded. "Agreed."
With a sigh, Ning Fengzhi said, "Then I'll go tell the disciples to rest."
He left the room.
But he did not give up searching for Ao Tian.
He summoned several leaders and instructed them to continue searching Heaven Dou City for two more days. If they still couldn't find him, they were to inform the Grandmaster that the search had failed.
In Ning Fengzhi's heart, a promise must be honored. Even if it couldn't be fulfilled, he would still try his best.
Besides, that Ao Tian didn't look like a good person. Even if he hadn't harmed Ning Rongrong, Ning Fengzhi felt no fondness toward him.
After all, anyone who ran off with his daughter was never going to win his approval.
.............
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