Chapter 157: Ning Rongrong's Gratitude
Ning Fengzhi sighed softly, feeling both disappointed and resigned.
It made sense—if such immortal herbs existed in abundance, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would have discovered them long ago.
His daughter's martial spirit evolving meant breaking the Sect's greatest bottleneck.
In the future, through bloodline inheritance, her descendants could possess the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
No longer would they be forever trapped at level seventy-nine.
Emotion surged through Ning Fengzhi's heart.
Even as he reflected on this, Ning Rongrong's soul power continued to climb.
She officially stepped into level forty.
An hour later, she finally opened her eyes. The golden light shrouding her body gradually retracted into her form.
Holding the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in her right hand, she exclaimed excitedly, "Father, Grandpa Bone, Grandpa Sword—I've reached level forty!
And the power of the immortal herb isn't completely absorbed yet. After I acquire my next spirit ring, I'll grow even stronger!"
She had yet to notice her martial spirit's transformation.
"Rongrong, look at your martial spirit!" Bone Douluo reminded her eagerly.
"My martial spirit?"
Ning Rongrong paused, then looked at the pagoda floating before her.
"It really evolved!"
She couldn't help but glance at Dugu Feng. If her elders weren't present, she might have thrown herself into his arms right there.
"Thank you, Clan Head Dugu," she said instead, suppressing her excitement and giving a formal bow to Dugu Shuo.
As for Dugu Feng—she would thank him privately later.
"Rongrong has reached the Soul Ancestor level and now needs to absorb her fourth spirit ring. I have a suggestion and would like Uncle Ning to decide," Dugu Feng said calmly.
Ning Fengzhi replied without hesitation, "Feng'er, speak freely."
His kind tone made Dugu Feng's heart skip for an instant.
Choosing his words carefully, he explained the concept of the Seven-in-One Fusion Technique and Shi Nian's earlier experiments.
"So, you want Rongrong to absorb a Nightmare Beast spirit ring. If she gains the same Illusion Control ability, she could join six other students to perform the Seven Shura Illusion Realm, right?"
Ning Fengzhi mused aloud.
Intelligence flashed in Dugu Feng's eyes. "Actually, I'm hoping she acquires a spiritual amplification skill instead.
Mental strength is crucial for high-level soul masters. The earlier Rongrong begins developing it, the easier her future cultivation will be.
As for the Seven-in-One Fusion—this is only my theory—but since the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda is the strongest gem-type martial spirit, it should amplify the others to an even greater degree.
Even if her fourth skill isn't Illusion Control, as long as it enhances mental power, they can still fuse! We'll know once she absorbs it."
At last, Dugu Feng revealed his true reasoning.
The foundation of the Seven Shura Illusion Realm lay in converting soul power to spiritual power, the seven participants' mental energies fusing perfectly through their gem spirits' compatibility.
If Ning Rongrong obtained a Nightmare Beast ring, regardless of what ability it granted, it could lead to unforeseen synergy.
"Feng'er, you have quite a deep understanding of martial spirits. Very well, Rongrong's fourth spirit ring will be left to you," Ning Fengzhi agreed decisively.
If his daughter truly gained a spiritual-type ability, her future path would grow even brighter.
"Father, Grandpa Sword, Grandpa Bone, we're going now! You all continue chatting!"
Unable to hold back, Ning Rongrong took Dugu Feng's arm and pulled him toward the doors.
Under the amused but helpless gazes of the elders, the two left the mansion and strolled through the streets of Seven Treasure City.
Ning Rongrong clung to his arm, smiling.
"This must be your first time in our Seven Treasure City, right?
Though it's inhabited only by our clansmen, it's a proper city of its own. Let me show you around!"
Her tone brimmed with pride as she led Dugu Feng through the streets like a princess inspecting her domain.
Shops lined both sides, bustling with activity.
People and carriages passed constantly, though Dugu Feng noticed something interesting—everyone recognized Ning Rongrong.
As they walked, people cast curious yet cautious glances their way, none daring to approach.
"Rongrong, why does everyone look a bit afraid of you?" Dugu Feng teased.
Her cheeks flushed. "Hmph! I'm very approachable! Who knows why they act that way—maybe it's my natural majesty!"
Dugu Feng chuckled quietly, suspecting that Ning Rongrong must have caused plenty of trouble in this city as a child.
After a while, even she grew uneasy under the gazes and summoned a carriage.
Once inside, the two left the city behind.
In the carriage, Ning Rongrong leaned against Dugu Feng, then suddenly turned and kissed him lightly.
"Thank you for the immortal herb. The evolution of my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda means everything to me.
At Shrek Academy, everyone's progress is astounding, yet I often worried about my limit. Once I reached level seventy-nine, I could go no higher.
But now it's different. I can become a Soul Douluo—a Titled Douluo! My martial spirit will never restrain me again!"
Her beautiful eyes shimmered with excitement; her joy had yet to settle, and the moment still felt like a dream.
Dugu Feng ran his fingers through her soft hair, his gaze half-lidded. "Between us, is there a need for thanks at all?"
"Of course there is," she said sweetly. "I'm the future Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
This immortal herb didn't just evolve my spirit—it changed the destiny of our entire clan."
She understood perfectly.
"If Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, and the others knew I'd become a Soul Ancestor, they'd die of envy.
If any of them also reach level forty, Shrek could at least aim for the finals.
But right now, their levels are far too low—Dai Mubai is forty-one, Zhu Zhuqing thirty-seven, Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Oscar thirty-four, Ma Hongjun only thirty-two.
Dean Flender and the Grandmaster have discussed it; they don't expect to make the finals this year. Maybe just gain some experience in the early rounds.
When you and I step onto the finals stage and claim those three spirit bones, they'll be stunned!"
Ning Rongrong grinned proudly.
Dugu Feng thought to himself, Little devil, you're far too optimistic.
"I won't participate in the Soul Master Tournament," Dugu Feng said calmly.
Ning Rongrong's eyes widened. "You're not participating?
Then how are we supposed to win the championship?"
Even though the Seven Shura Illusion Realm was impressive, the Spirit Hall team had three Soul Kings—an overwhelming advantage.
"By relying on you, of course. I believe in you, Rongrong.
Among the three spirit bones, one is a high-level head bone—I need it.
You must win it for me!" Dugu Feng said with righteous seriousness.
Ning Rongrong stared at him, realizing he truly meant it.
After a moment's thought, she nodded slowly.
"In that case, my fourth spirit ability will have to fuse with those of the six other gem soul masters if we want a chance."
Dugu Feng nodded. Exactly that.
They not only needed fusion—they needed amplification.
She would have to be worth two soul masters on her own.
(END CHAPTER)
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