Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Tian, and the others originally thought Ning Rongrong wouldn't return to the sect for at least a week. Yet to their surprise, it had only been a few short days before she reappeared.
Xiao Tian had already guessed the reason. Other than Rongrong being bored staying alone in the sect, there was likely something Ning Fengzhi wanted from him. After all, if it were just about sending Rongrong back to the academy, someone else from the sect could have escorted her. Ning Fengzhi personally making the trip meant there was more behind it.
And what else could it be? Most likely, it was about the magical herb.
"That's right, Zhuqing," Ning Rongrong said brightly, "after you absorbed the herb, your spirit power reached level forty. So I thought I'd come too. Otherwise, it would have been boring for me to stay in the academy alone."
Ning Fengzhi considered for a moment, then broke into a warm smile and turned to Xiao Tian.
"Xiao Tian, I truly have to thank you for giving Rongrong that magical herb. Because of it, her martial spirit evolved into the Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda. One of the biggest problems that has plagued our sect for generations has finally been solved. If you ever encounter difficulties in the future, just speak to me. As long as we're able, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will do everything to support you."
Ning Rongrong chimed in, her smile mischievous yet sincere.
"Yes, exactly! Xiao Tian, you can ask for anything! Your kindness to me and to our sect is far too great."
The nearby Ancient Banyan Douluo's expression soured upon hearing this. Watching his precious little princess lean toward Xiao Tian rather than her own family made his heart ache in silence. He scowled inwardly, though he kept his lips sealed.
Meanwhile, Xiao Tian paused to think, then spoke directly.
"Uncle Ning, there is in fact a favor I'd like to ask. I want you to use the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's intelligence network to help me locate a mountain range—a very dangerous one."
Ning Fengzhi blinked, a bit taken aback by the unusual request.
"That's not difficult. But… what exactly do you want it for?"
Xiao Tian didn't bother hiding it.
"I plan to establish a sect of my own. I'll call it the Shushan Sword Sect. Once it's founded, I hope our two sects can cooperate."
The name alone was enough for Ning Fengzhi to immediately guess Xiao Tian's intentions. He knew it was a plan that would benefit not only Xiao Tian but also his sect. Without hesitation, he nodded with a smile.
"That's no issue at all. I'll have my people look into it right away."
Still, his eyes soon gleamed with another thought.
"Xiao Tian, do you have any more of the magical herbs? The one you gave Rongrong… our Seven Treasures Glazed Sect would be willing to pay any price for another."
Ning Fengzhi's gaze was filled with anticipation. Clearly, he had thought about this for some time.
Unfortunately for him, Xiao Tian was destined to disappoint. Even if he had extra, he absolutely wouldn't hand them over casually. After all, what could the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect really offer him? Money? He hardly needed it.
Back when he was at Notting Academy, his system had rewarded him with a mystical treasure bowl that randomly produced monedas of different denominations each day. By now, the sheer amount accumulated was something he couldn't even estimate. Wealth was hardly a concern.
The truth was, Xiao Tian had only given Ning Rongrong the Qiluo Tulip because he genuinely liked her and considered her a teammate. He wasn't close with Ning Fengzhi, no matter that the man was her father. Why should he give such a priceless herb away on sentiment alone?
Not to mention, in the future he intended to study alchemy and medicine-making with Dugu Bo. Those herbs would play an irreplaceable role.
Putting on a mildly regretful expression, Xiao Tian explained:
"Uncle Ning, I'm afraid I don't have any more. The herb I gave Rongrong is called the Qiluo Tulip. As far as I know, its growth cycle is incredibly long—it takes hundreds, even thousands of years for just one to mature. When I first discovered it, I harvested everything on the spot and gave them all to my companions. That was it. There were no leftovers.
But, if I ever come across one again in the future, you'll be the first person I think of."
Ning Fengzhi's eyes dimmed slightly at the answer, but he quickly recovered. Truthfully, this was within his expectations. A treasure like that—just coming across one was already a blessing from the heavens. To hope for another was nothing short of wishful thinking.
At that moment, Dugu Bo approached, with Dugu Yan following closely behind.
"Master Ning, you're here as well?" Dugu Bo greeted with subtle surprise.
His sudden appearance made everyone turn in his direction.
Gu Rong's sharp eyes narrowed with a faint frown. He could feel the deep aura of a powerhouse surging from Dugu Bo… and something else.
He had grown younger.
The long white hair of the old Poison Douluo had now turned completely black, thick and lush. His vitality pulsed with a vigor that hadn't been there before.
More strikingly, Dugu Yan's own poisonous purple hair and emerald eyes had vanished. In their place were natural black hair and plain black eyes as though she were a normal young woman.
What in the world had happened to the two of them over these past days?
Ning Fengzhi also noticed and his expression stiffened faintly. His gaze instinctively shifted toward Xiao Tian. Could these sudden transformations possibly have something to do with his having taken them away before?
But wisdom made him bite his tongue. If there was something hidden, it wasn't his place to pry. He smiled instead, choosing another subject.
"Today I'll be visiting the palace. After that, I'll see Rongrong back to the academy. You are all heading out to hunt soul beasts, yes? In that case, I'll entrust my daughter to your care, Senior Dugu."
Dugu Bo chuckled lightly, completely unconcerned.
"Don't worry. We're only going after a spirit beast of about two thousand years. Nothing too dangerous."
He wasn't paying attention to whether Ning Fengzhi spoke sincerely or not. To him, it mattered little.
Glancing at Xiao Tian, he added casually, "Well then, let's set out, little monster. We wasted a bit of time earlier getting ready. Sorry to have kept you waiting."
Xiao Tian smiled in return.
"It's fine. We just arrived ourselves. Let's go."
Once Dugu Bo departed with Xiao Tian and the others, Ning Fengzhi's warm smile faded into contemplation.
"Uncle Gu," he murmured, "did you notice the change in Dugu Bo?"
Gu Rong sighed in a low tone.
"Yes. His aura is completely different now. Though restrained, it no longer flickers chaotically. It is powerful and steady—his strength has heightened greatly. And it isn't because of anything simple… this reeks of Xiao Tian's involvement without a doubt.
Also, Fengzhi, you must have seen the way he speaks to Xiao Tian. That tone… it's nothing like how a Titled Douluo should act. They're not master and subordinate. They're friends— close ones."
Ning Fengzhi's lips curved knowingly.
"I saw it too. Dugu Bo originally sided with Prince Xue Beng, but now… he's turned. And Xiao Tian's talk of establishing a sect… most likely it's to spread the sword-controlling technique of his. If so, befriending him will be of immense benefit to us. We absolutely must draw him closer."
Resolutely, he stood.
"Come. We're already in Tiandou City. It would be a waste not to enter the palace and have a chat with Emperor Xue Ye."
Meanwhile, in the Crown Prince's study…
"Damn it!"
Qian Renxue snapped the pen in her hand, a sharp crack sounding across the room. Her expression hardened with frustration as she listened to Shemao's report.
She had long wanted an opportunity to establish contact with Xiao Tian. But last time, he had vanished for two whole months. And now, after only returning for a few short days, he was already heading out to hunt soul beasts again!
Was he more occupied than even she, the so-called prince of the empire?
"Your Highness, Ning Fengzhi has entered the palace. Shall we go meet with your teacher?" Snake Spear Douluo asked carefully.
Qian Renxue froze, then her eyes lit up as an idea struck. She rose swiftly to her feet.
"Of course I'll meet him! Absolutely."
If Ning Fengzhi had such close contact with Xiao Tian and his companions, then through him, she could naturally find an opening to approach Xiao Tian as well.
After all, Tiandou Royal Academy had suddenly gained such a terrifyingly strong young soul master. Within a year, he was certain to lead the Tiandou Empire to victory in the Soul Master Tournament.
As Crown Prince, how could she possibly not know him? Wasn't it her duty to meet him and form ties?
But what she didn't realize… was that Xiao Tian was no mere Soul Sect master.
He was already… a Soul King.
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