Chapter 348: The Four Divisions of the Qinglian Sect
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
In a beautifully traditional waterside pavilion, Ning Fengzhi gazed leisurely at the fish swimming contentedly in the pond below. After five years, he seemed as handsome and refined as ever, untouched by time. Beside him, Bone Douluo Gu Rong leaned against a wooden pillar, his tall figure nearly reaching the roof as he rested with his eyes closed.
"Daddy! Grandpa Bone! I'm back!"
A lively voice rang out from the other end of the pavilion.
Ning Fengzhi's face lit up with a smile at the sound, and Gu Rong opened his eyes. He watched as Ning Rongrong, daintily lifting her skirts, hurried over to him. For a moment, Ning Fengzhi froze—was this really Ning Rongrong? She carried herself with a grace and elegance that felt unfamiliar, though her clothes and features were undoubtedly those of his daughter. Surprised, he asked,
"Rongrong... is that really you?"
"Yes, it's me!" she said cheerfully.
"What's happened to you?"
He was intrigued. While her outward appearance had changed, the essence of her martial spirit was unmistakably that of Ning Rongrong.
With a mysterious smile, Ning Rongrong replied, "I'll explain it all to you soon, Daddy." She turned and hugged the wide-eyed Bone Douluo before finally sitting down beside them.
Sword Douluo, dressed in a white robe, trailed in behind her. As soon as he entered the pavilion, his gaze locked with that of Bone Douluo, and an unspoken tension filled the air. Ning Fengzhi, who had watched these two Titled Douluo bicker for half his life, merely shook his head in exasperation. He turned back to Ning Rongrong and asked,
"Now, Rongrong, is there anything you'd like to share after being away for so long?"
Sipping his tea calmly, he took a moment to enjoy its fragrance. Hearing this, Ning Rongrong grew excited and said,
"Daddy, I do have something important to tell you. I've decided to leave the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and join Dai Yao's sect!"
Pffft—
Ning Fengzhi spat out his tea, completely forgetting about his composure. Staring at her in disbelief, he asked,
"Did you just say... you're leaving the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?"
Ning Rongrong nodded resolutely.
Shocked, Gu Rong hurried over to feel her forehead. "Hm, no fever... so what's gotten into you? Rongrong, you're the heir to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan! You can't just leave." He shot an accusatory glare at Sword Douluo, who seemed entirely unbothered by the news. He must have known this was coming! Gu Rong muttered,
"Sword, you'd better explain what's going on. If this is about that Dai Yao kid, I won't allow it!"
Though Gu Rong had reluctantly accepted Ning Rongrong's feelings for Dai Yao, he still felt unsettled, knowing Dai Yao already had other women around him. With a sly smile, Sword Douluo ignored Gu Rong's complaints, walking over to Ning Fengzhi instead.
"Fengzhi, I support Rongrong's decision. Before you decide, though, take a look at something."
Ning Fengzhi frowned in confusion. Rongrong was supposed to succeed him, and Sword Douluo knew this. What could possibly be so important to him?
Rongrong's eyes gleamed with a hint of mischief. Instead of revealing what Sword Douluo wanted her to show, she smiled and proposed,
"Daddy, let's make a bet. If you see what I have to show and agree to let me join Dai Yao's sect, you'll give me five million gold soul coins. But if you still refuse, I'll stay on as heir to the clan."
Resting on his jade staff, Ning Fengzhi chuckled. "Alright, my dear, if you have something truly worth leaving the clan for, five million is yours. In fact, I'll even make it ten million soul coins."
"It's a deal, then. Ten million gold soul coins!"
Ning Fengzhi nodded, a smile still on his lips, "As long as it's enough to change my mind."
All eyes turned to Ning Rongrong. With a composed expression, she released her spirit power, and a shimmering crystal tower appeared in her palm, radiating bright, captivating light.
"Oh? The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda... has it evolved into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda?"
Ning Fengzhi's voice quivered with excitement.
He understood exactly what that would mean. Two Nine Treasure Pagoda users would all but guarantee two Titled Douluo in the auxiliary branch of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
"However, Rongrong," he added, smiling, "if it's just the Nine Treasure Pagoda, I may not change my mind."
Rongrong grinned. "Daddy, count carefully."
Puzzled, Ning Fengzhi took a closer look, slowly counting:
"One... eight... nine... ten?"
Eyes wide, he lost all semblance of composure, staring at Ning Rongrong in utter disbelief. His voice shook as he asked,
"Rongrong, am I seeing things? Is that truly a tenth level?"
Rongrong lifted her chin proudly and nodded.
Unable to contain his joy, Ning Fengzhi broke into laughter. Even Gu Rong's face was bright with astonishment as he exclaimed,
"The Ten Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda! Does that mean... she can absorb a tenth ring?"
Ning Fengzhi nodded, smiling at Gu Rong. "Yes, Uncle Bone. If I'm not mistaken, this means Rongrong can absorb a tenth spirit ring and reach level 100, becoming what we thought only a legend... a god."
Gu Rong couldn't help but draw a sharp breath. "A... god? Do they really exist?"
Staring out at the rocks outside the pavilion, Ning Fengzhi nodded.
"I believe they do. The Worship Hall in the Spirit Hall is dedicated to one, and both Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu were defeated by a god's guardian. So yes, I believe gods exist."
Gu Rong gazed at Ning Rongrong with an incredulous expression. This familiar girl—could she truly become a god one day?
"Daddy, you're not trying to change the subject, are you? No take-backs—you owe me ten million gold soul coins!"
Rongrong grinned playfully.
Sharing a smile with Gu Rong, Ning Fengzhi chuckled helplessly. He realized this money was clearly intended to support Dai Yao's new sect.
"Alright," he said, "ten million it is, my dear. And I'll keep my word; I agree to let you join Dai Yao's sect."
"Thank you, Daddy!"
Rongrong beamed.
"Actually, Daddy, I should head to the Qinglian Sect now. I'm the treasurer, so there's a lot for me to do."
Watching her leave, Ning Fengzhi felt a wave of bittersweet emotion as he considered his daughter's radiant smile.
After a while, he turned to Sword and Bone Douluo, speaking with determination.
"Sword, Bone—I've made up my mind. In every great upheaval of this continent, neutrality has never been an option. Neutral forces are usually the first to be eliminated."
"But this time is different," he continued, "Time is on our side. As long as Rongrong can ascend, every sacrifice will have been worth it."
"For now, we'll remain out of the conflict. This storm on the horizon... it doesn't concern us anymore."
The other two Douluo looked on, feeling at peace as they watched Rongrong disappear into the distance. Then, almost instinctively, they turned to each other with a huff, each looking away in stubborn pride.
Heaven Dou City
Within a sprawling mansion, bustling activity was everywhere. Construction materials were strewn about, and the members of the Strength Clan were hard at work, shouting instructions as they built.
Inside a temporary structure, Dai Yao was surprised to see the three patriarchs of the single-attribute clans greeting him and asked with a hint of curiosity,
"How did you three elders know I'd returned?"
White Crane smiled slightly. "Our Sensitive Clan doesn't just take up space. As soon as we arrived in the Heaven Dou Empire, I had our people keep an eye on all movements to ensure nothing escapes us."
"Heh, White Bird, what's that supposed to mean? Are you saying my Strength Clan doesn't pull its weight?"
Niu Gao raised an eyebrow, his tone irritable.
White Crane didn't even glance at Niu Gao and instead turned to Dai Yao with a grin. "Sect Master, I haven't said a word. But it's been a whole month, and the sect's headquarters still isn't finished. Wouldn't you say this old ox has been living it up too much here in Heaven Dou City?"
Niu Gao's eyes went wide, finger pointing, ready to argue back, but Yang Wudi intervened, chuckling,
"All right, all right, you're both grown men. There are young ones watching, so maybe keep it down a notch."
Constructing a sect's headquarters, especially one of this scale, was no easy task. It required considering all factors: layout, drainage, defenses, and more. First, the geographical conditions were assessed, followed by blueprints, and only then construction. The current pace was already considered exceptionally fast.
Dai Yao couldn't help but smile, seeing the camaraderie between the three of them.
"Well, elders, now that we've all gathered here in Heaven Dou City, I have some important announcements."
The three leaders nodded, their expressions becoming serious, and followed Dai Yao into the makeshift building. Accompanying Dai Yao from the Star Luo Empire were Zhu Zhuqing, Dugu Yan, Ning Rongrong, Feng Wutong, as well as Lou Gao, his Blacksmith Association, and Dugu Bo. Everyone sat together in a circle, with no distinction between host and guest.
Dai Yao sat with Zhu Zhuqing, Dugu Yan, and Ning Rongrong beside him, while Feng Wutong stood just behind him. Dugu Bo leaned casually against the wall, resting his eyes. Behind each of the three clan leaders stood members of the younger generation of their respective clans.
Dai Yao began,
"Before we get into the main discussion, let me introduce everyone properly. Sitting beside me, you all likely recognize her—this is Dugu Yan. She's four years older than I am, from the Jade Phosphor Clan, and a sixty-fourth-level Control Spirit Emperor. Because of my position, she will act as my proxy and serve as the sect's acting leader."
Dugu Yan stood up, giving everyone a polite nod. There was a flash of surprise in the crowd as they realized the strength of this seemingly graceful woman. Most thought her likely to become a future Titled Douluo. With her talent, she was indeed qualified to be the acting leader. Not to mention, her clan's own Titled Douluo, Dugu Bo, stood behind her, further solidifying her authority.
Lou Gao's eyes flashed with a faint hint of apprehension. He had personally witnessed the might of Dugu Yan and Feng Wutong when they defeated two Spirit Douluos. He knew their unusual spirits were not simply Jade Phosphor Serpents.
Dai Yao turned to Ning Rongrong next, saying,
"This is Ning Rongrong, once the heir to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the only daughter of its master, Ning Fengzhi. She has now officially joined the Qinglian Sect and will be in charge of our finances. She also holds the responsibility of maintaining relations with the Seven Treasure Clan, whose support is essential to our founding."
Ning Rongrong greeted them with a refined smile, displaying a poise reminiscent of her father, Ning Fengzhi. Five years as the heir had honed her presence, though her soul power was only fifty-seventh level. During her time as heir, she had relaxed her training slightly. Now that her martial spirit had evolved into the Ten Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, she was free from bottlenecks and could train without reservation. Among Dai Yao's closest allies, she held the lowest spirit power level, and her pride wouldn't allow her to lag behind for long.
Dai Yao then turned, looking tenderly toward the figure behind him.
"And this is Feng Wutong, a sixty-third-level Power Attack Spirit Emperor, possessing the Vermilion Bird spirit. I believe the Sensitive Clan is already well acquainted with her, so I won't go into further details."
White Crane nodded, his eyes ablaze with admiration. The Vermilion Bird spirit held immense allure for the Sensitive Clan, enough to help them transcend beyond pure agility.
"And beside me here is my betrothed, Zhu Zhuqing. Her spirit is the Netherlord, and she's a sixty-third-level Agility Attack Spirit Emperor."
The group was curious about yet another striking woman at Dai Yao's side. As he introduced her, they marveled, realizing Zhu Zhuqing, despite her youth, had also reached the Spirit Emperor level. Observing the women gathered around him, each a likely future Titled Douluo, they saw clearly that with enough time, the Qinglian Sect would have five Titled Douluos even without Dugu Bo's presence—a number almost too astounding to believe. Many felt gratified that they had chosen to join the Qinglian Sect.
Behind the clan heads, the younger members looked on with mixed feelings. They were all young themselves; how could the gap between them and Dai Yao be so vast?
Once introductions were complete, Dai Yao's expression turned serious as he continued,
"Regarding the three single-attribute clans, now that you've joined the Qinglian Sect, we can no longer consider them as separate sects. However, to honor your heritage, I have some plans for reorganization."
"To start, the Qinglian Sect is a neutral, peace-loving organization. Therefore, we should avoid names that imply hostility within our ranks."
"So, the Defense Clan will become our Construction Division, responsible for the sect's infrastructure and defenses. Elder Niu Gao will serve as the Minister, with Niu Ben as Vice Minister."
"The Sensitive Clan will become the Intelligence Division, overseeing reconnaissance and information gathering. Elder White Crane will be the Minister, with Bai Chenxiang as Vice Minister."
"The Breaking Clan will become the Medical Division, focusing on healing and saving lives. However, they will also serve as deadly assassins against enemies, using poisons to deal swift death. Elder Yang Wudi will lead the division, with Dugu Xin as his deputy."
Dugu Xin was a Spirit Douluo from the Jade Phosphor Clan, skilled in poison, making him the perfect complement to the Breaking Clan's skills.
"Lastly, Elder Lou Gao's Blacksmith Association will be renamed the Technology Division, responsible for developing hidden weapons and soul tools. This division is both the most profitable and most resource-demanding part of our sect. Additionally, priority will be given to equipping the Intelligence Division with their innovations."
"This is all I've thought of for now. Do any of you have further suggestions?"
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at him with approval. White Crane, in particular, was pleased with the plan to enhance his division's combat effectiveness. He had no qualms about where Dai Yao had acquired Tang San's blueprints—only that they would help the Intelligence Division survive and thrive.
"And as for Dugu Bo, he has agreed to serve as the Qinglian Sect's Chief Elder."
Dai Yao continued.
The group was delighted; having Dugu Bo, a Titled Douluo, on their side was a tremendous boost to the sect's strength.
"Oh, Sect Master, as for the materials for top-grade hidden weapons, I've considered it deeply, and it seems that only those from the Clear Sky Clan could forge them. But if we abandon this, it would be quite a waste."
Lou Gao said with regret.
Dai Yao smiled, "Elder Lou Gao, I've already thought about this. The very flames we need to forge the Deep Sea Silver and Cold Hearted Iron are right before us."
Looking around, Lou Gao hesitated. "You mean…?"
Dai Yao laughed, "You didn't forget about Feng Wutong's flames, did you?"
Lou Gao looked to Feng Wutong, his eyes lighting up. Of course—her flames would be perfect for his purposes.
With a slight chuckle, he said, "But Wutong will be heading back to the Spirit Hall with you. I suppose I'll continue my work for now, and if there's a need later, I'll ask her for help."
Feng Wutong replied solemnly, "Rest assured, Elder. If you need me, I'll be here."
Lou Gao smiled gratefully and said no more.
Dai Yao continued,
"For major sect matters, decisions will be made collectively, with Dugu Yan having the final say. If a consensus can't be reached, I will step in. How does that sound?"
Though Dai Yao's approach was assertive, they respected his decisiveness. In unison, they answered,
"We have no objections."
And so, the Qinglian Sect was officially established.
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