"But the young lord is really calm," Chen Xin (Sword Douluo) observed Ning Yuan's back with approval.
"That's true," Gu Rong added.
But the next instant—
"I want it—I really want to upgrade my martial soul, I dream of owning a Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!" Ning Yuan suddenly dropped to his knees, hugging Su Wen's leg, crying and trembling with excitement.
Both Title Douluos: "..."
"Spoke too soon," Gu Rong remarked.
Turned out he wasn't calm—he just hadn't processed yet.
"That's not early; it's only natural," Chen Xin said admiringly, seeing also-nervous Ning Fengzhi, knowing this would lead the sect to future prosperity.
As the direct heir, being able to pass on such a bloodline vastly increased its significance.
It represented the very fate of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Su Wen looked awkward.
Finally, he calmed Ning Yuan, then opened his palm, revealing a faint pink flower, petals like crystal.
Beautiful Silk Tulip.
At its appearance, the whole tower filled with subtly intoxicating scent, everyone instantly refreshed.
Su Wen smiled, looking to Ning Yuan.
"Take this flower petal by petal, digest it, and you'll advance to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda."
Ning Yuan carefully cupped the tulip, full of awe.
Gulp.
He swallowed, sat cross-legged as instructed, and began to meditate, pink light wrapping around him.
"You getting along with the soul tools?" Su Wen smiled, taking tea from Ning Fengzhi.
Last trip back, Big Eye hadn't hidden it; their power was less then, but now, with nearly 900,000-year cultivation, time didn't matter...
This time, another goal: Qian Renxue.
The Angel God, a top-tier god in the realm—keeping her alive would be interesting.
"I can manage, don't worry," Shi Xu responded confidently.
"With my power now, even the fate of first-tier gods is in my control—as long as they're human gods. I can't challenge primordial gods yet."
"That's enough," Su Wen thought.
"Plenty..."
"I'm used to it. I've distributed these high-level tools to all top disciples, especially those of direct bloodline. For support-type soul masters, it's invaluable," Ning Fengzhi said, pouring Su Wen more tea, looking emotional.
Su Wen nodded.
In the original, the sect nearly fell to a surprise attack from Spirit Hall, but with these tools, they'd surely escape unscathed...
"You visited Spirit Hall again recently?" Ning Fengzhi asked, puzzled.
"Yes." Su Wen smiled, blowing on his tea.
Nearly forgot—Spirit Hall was almost ruined now...
Pope Bibi Dong was heavily injured, one elder killed, two others badly hurt. It was already debuffed. Hosting the Grand Tournament now depended on Qian Daoliu's personal support.
"Bone Douluo, you doing alright?" Su Wen asked Gu Rong, who was free of bandages now, though still traumatized.
He dreaded another Behemoth King jumping out from behind.
As Su Wen glanced over, Gu Rong shivered, answering awkwardly, "St-still okay..."
"Bzzz..."
As small talk continued—
A pink halo spread out from Ning Yuan.
His soul power soared.
In stunned awe, everyone watched as he rocketed from level 43 to 50...
"Level Seven!"
But even more shocking—
Though still cross-legged, above Ning Yuan appeared a pagoda projection—his martial soul.
"Wait, nine layers! Fengzhi, look—nine layers!!" Sword Douluo counted, pupils shrinking, exclaiming.
Ning Fengzhi wept tears of joy.
Half-kneeling, unable to hold back feelings.
"Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda! Only in myth, yet it's real..."
At that moment, forget Ning Rongrong—his beloved was forever his heir Ning Yuan!
…
The next day, Heaven Dou City, tournament arena.
Near the end of qualifiers.
The top five teams had emerged: Blazing Academy, Skywater Academy, Thunderclap Academy, God Wind Academy, and dark horse Shrek Academy.
The first four were strong as always—the last, Shrek, had caught lots of attention.
In the lounge—
"Battles are getting tougher..." Tang San frowned. "Earlier, with senior Yu Tianheng, we got crucial victories, but now our ranking is about to be overtaken by Elephant Armor Sect. If we lose again..."
"We'll lose our place in the finals."
"Because you're slacking off!" Grandmaster snapped. "Told you to do physical training but you're using soul power. Lazy!"
Ning Rongrong rolled her eyes.
It was almost like naming names.
Sure enough, seeing Zhu Zhuqing across the way—now in a Royal squad—she had exploded in cultivation and ranking.
"Ruining students," Rongrong muttered.
"What did you say!!" Grandmaster stomped, flush with rage, instantly furious.
It was his sore spot.
"Alright, alright..." Tang San quickly separated them.
"Let's plan our tactics..."
"Facing Canghui Academy, we—"
"..."
As they discussed—
Several figures walked by.
"Ning Sect Master!" Tang San's eyes widened, first puzzled, then excited.
Clearly—they must've come to make amends with Rongrong!
In the sect, Rongrong was called little princess—for good reason...
That status.
Ning Fengzhi led the way, behind him a young man, flanked by Bone and Sword Douluo.
Almost like saying "Welcome back, heir!"
Seeing this, Ning Rongrong teared up, pouting coldly, arms crossed, ignoring the approaching party.
She'd only just learned the importance of her sect outside.
Angry, she dared not confront Ning Fengzhi—but at least she'd get revenge on the ever-smug Ning Yuan! And those two guards!
She would never give in—not unless they...
Just as she let her mind race, Oscar nudged her. "Rongrong, seems like they're not here for you?"
"Hmm?"
Ning Rongrong spun, but saw they walked right past her.
She froze, dumbstruck.
"Ning Fengzhi!!!"
She ground her teeth, cursed, and called out.
"..."
The place fell silent.
Even other teams turned, curious.
Family drama of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?
This could be good...
"What is it?" Ning Fengzhi suddenly stopped, raising a brow at the furious Ning Rongrong. "Addressing me by name—impolite, isn't it?"
"You—you..." Rongrong was flustered, "Are you still my father or not!"
"If you want to talk, come straight out. Why all this drama?"
"You're here to make Ning Yuan apologize to me, aren't you?"
"And Bone Grandpa, Sword Grandpa—say something! Aren't I your favorite granddaughter? Won't you speak for me?"
"..."
"Apologize? Hahaha..." Ning Fengzhi nearly laughed in anger, shaking his head and glancing at furious Rongrong in pity.
"You're mistaken."
"No direct heir ever needs to apologize to a concubine-born daughter. Daydreaming in broad daylight, aren't you."
Sword Douluo sighed and closed his eyes.
Gu Rong wanted to speak, but was stopped.
The succession was clear. The sect's young master—Ning Yuan with the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda—ended all rivalry.
As for Ning Rongrong.
She could do nothing but watch.
Push too far, and with Ning Fengzhi's ruthlessness, he might even remove her for Ning Yuan's sake.
So, they wouldn't dare show affection—it could only endanger her.
But Rongrong was blinded by rage, ignoring their silent protection.
Seeing both elders close their eyes, she shook with anger.
"Gu Rong, Chen Xin—you're not my grandpas anymore!"
"I don't have grandpas like you!"
"..."
"Sigh..."
Gu Rong and Chen Xin both sighed.
Treated her with love for decades, and now, one misunderstanding led to all this heartache...
"As for you, Ning Yuan!" She spat venom at her half-brother.
"I'll step on you one day!"
"I'll show you who is the true genius!"
"Genius, huh..." Ning Fengzhi smiled faintly at Ning Yuan. "Show your martial soul!"
"Yes!"
Ning Yuan nodded.
He held up a gleaming pagoda.
"Heh, so what? We all have Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagodas..." Ning Rongrong scoffed.
She also summoned a shining pagoda.
But sharp-eyed Oscar blurted: "Rongrong, count—how many layers does his have!"
"One, two...seven, eight...nine!!!" She was thunderstruck. Two pagodas looked the same, but couldn't be more different.
The gap—a world apart.