Meng Shenji stroked his beard and smiled, playing the peacemaker: "Since both sides are willing to spar, why don't we stop short of injury and treat it as an exchange of experience."
After speaking, he led everyone into the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
After Bai Baoshan entered the academy, he went to find someone; he wanted to teach Yu Xiaogang and the others a good lesson.
The bluestone ground of the Drill Field was warm from the sun, and the surrounding stands were already packed with students from Heaven Dou Academy, their whispering discussions surging like a tide.
Yu Xiaogang stood on the sidelines, hands clasped behind his back, watching Tang San and the seven others, his eyes calm but radiating unmistakable confidence.
Before long, Bai Baoshan led a team over. The leader was named Zhao Li, and his Spirit was the Earth Splitting Bear.
Behind him followed six team members, all with hostile gazes, clearly instructed by Bai Baoshan to give the Shrek group a harsh welcome.
"Since this is an exchange, don't hold back," Zhao Li said, cracking his neck. "Let us show you what a true team Spirit Master is!"
As the referee gave the order, Zhao Li was the first to activate a Spirit Ability, and his third spirit ring lit up.
"Earth Splitting Impact!"
The heavy bear paw struck the ground, and an earthen-yellow shockwave spread toward Tang San and the others, cracking the bluestone pavement everywhere it passed.
Tang San and his group had previously consumed Oscar's Flying Great Sausage, allowing them all to float up and dodge Zhao Li's attack.
Although Tang San and his group couldn't defeat Xu Yuan and his team, crushing weaker opponents was easy.
Before long, Tang San and his group defeated Zhao Li and his group.
"Thank you for the match," Tang San's voice was calm and steady as his Blue Silver Grass slowly retracted, without the slightest hint of arrogance.
The discussions in the stands ceased abruptly, and the Heaven Dou students widened their eyes.
From the moment Zhao Li activated his Third Spirit Skill until the entire team was defeated, only the time it takes for an incense stick to burn had passed.
Had the team they mocked as unorthodox actually dealt with the Elite Squad as easily as chopping vegetables?
Bai Baoshan's face completely darkened, and the veins on the back of his hands throbbed.
He couldn't figure out how Tang San and his team had won.
Yu Xiaogang slowly walked into the field, his gaze sweeping over the defeated Heaven Dou students before finally settling on Bai Baoshan: "Teacher Bai, do you now think my theory holds some merit?"
Bai Baoshan snorted coldly, flicked his sleeve, and turned around: "It's nothing but unorthodox tricks, not true skill!"
Although he spoke harshly, inwardly he was helpless.
Meng Shenji smiled and interjected: "Splendid! Splendid! This spar has truly opened this old man's eyes. Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang's method of instruction is truly unique."
Flender watched from the side, beaming with delight, almost tearing his beard off in excitement.
He rushed a few steps to Yu Xiaogang's side and deliberately raised his voice: "Oh, Xiaogang! Didn't I tell you your theory was reliable? Look, this is what they call turning decay into wonder! Back in Suotuo City, how many people called us a fraudulent academy? And now? Even Heaven Dou Academy's Elite Squad is nothing to worry about!"
These words were clearly meant to praise Yu Xiaogang, but were actually directed at the surrounding Heaven Dou students.
Sure enough, many faces showed shame; the mocking words about "unorthodox methods" still echoed in their ears, but now felt like self-inflicted slaps.
Yu Xiaogang stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping the entire venue. His voice was not loud, yet it clearly reached everyone's ears: "Unorthodox methods? Chief Bai, you are mistaken. In a Spirit Master battle, the victor is king. My students were able to win despite a Rank disadvantage not through luck, but through the ultimate utilization of their Spirit characteristics, the precise anticipation of rapid changes on the battlefield, and the inevitable result of integrating theory into combat..."
Tang San quietly nudged Dai Mubai's arm and whispered, "With Teacher's speaking skills, it's a shame he's not a storyteller."
Dai Mubai's shoulders shook as he suppressed a laugh: "More than that, I bet he could talk from sunrise to sunset."
Oscar leaned over: "It's a good thing we won, otherwise this half hour would probably have turned into a 'Failure Case Analysis Conference'."
The few of them exchanged a smile, then quickly composed themselves.
If Yu Xiaogang heard them, they would surely be subjected to a lecture.
Meanwhile, Meng Shenji nodded frequently as he listened, occasionally clapping his hands in admiration, his gaze toward Yu Xiaogang growing increasingly fervent.
He had studied theory for most of his life and knew that while Yu Xiaogang's words might seem like bragging, they were actually pearls of wisdom, especially his insights into the characteristics of Spirits and team coordination, which far surpassed those of ordinary Spirit Masters.
"Grandmaster's words truly brought enlightenment!" When Yu Xiaogang finally stopped, Meng Shenji immediately stepped forward, his tone sincere: "This old man has an impertinent request. I wonder if the Grandmaster would be willing to serve as a Visiting Mentor at our academy? That way, our students could frequently listen to your teachings."
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire venue erupted in an uproar.
The Chief of the Education Committee personally inviting an unorthodox mentor?
Hearing this, the smile on Yu Xiaogang's face faded slightly. He turned slightly, avoiding Meng Shenji's gaze: "Thank you for the high regard, Chief Meng, but I am accustomed to a leisurely life, and I fear I cannot take on the title of Visiting Mentor."
As soon as he said this, not only was Meng Shenji stunned, but even Flender nearly jumped up.
Was Yu Xiaogang crazy?
Refusing such a good opportunity when it was handed to him?
The enthusiasm on Meng Shenji's face froze, and then he gave a wry smile: "Does the Grandmaster think our academy is too small?"
Yu Xiaogang waved his hand: "Naturally not."
He secretly thought to himself, if they offered him the position of Headmaster, he might agree.
Just as Yu Xiaogang finished that thought, Flender, unable to restrain himself, was stamping his feet anxiously behind him.
Flender growled in a voice only the two of them could hear: "Are you crazy? A Visiting Mentor! It's a position countless people fight tooth and nail for, and you're putting on airs?"
Yu Xiaogang acted as if he hadn't heard, merely cupping his hands toward Meng Shenji: "Chief Meng, I appreciate your kindness. However, I am accustomed to teaching freely, and if I were bound by academy rules, it would be difficult to achieve results."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Tang San and the others, "My students still require my personal guidance as they prepare for the All-Continent Tournament."
These words both gave Meng Shenji an out and subtly elevated his own standing.
It wasn't that he wasn't worthy; it was that he had more important things to do.
Meng Shenji was extremely shrewd and instantly grasped the meaning behind the words. The regret in his eyes deepened, but he no longer insisted: "In that case, this old man won't force the issue. If I have any confusion in the future, I hope the Grandmaster will not hesitate to enlighten me."
"We just learn from each other," Yu Xiaogang replied mildly.
Yu Xiaogang's eyes flickered slightly: "I have an impertinent request. The All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament is imminent. Although my students have some strength, they lack a formal qualification slot. I heard your academy has two slots, I wonder if..."
Meng Shenji stroked his beard, a flash of understanding in his eyes, and laughed: "So the Grandmaster came for this matter? That's easy to arrange. As long as the Grandmaster is willing to hold a few Practical Combat Theory Classes for our students before the tournament, let alone the slots, our academy can even grant a favorable allocation of resources
Although Gu Rong was reluctant, he knew Ning Fengzhi acted with discretion, and only gave Xu Yuan a deep look.
That look seemed to say he'd better not play any tricks, before he led the displeased Ning Rongrong toward the edge of the Training ground.
Xiao Wu also tactfully stepped aside, but her gaze remained on Xu Yuan, carrying a hint of worry.
Only Xu Yuan and Ning Fengzhi remained in the field.
Ning Fengzhi spoke first, his tone lightened slightly: "You can speak now, Young Friend Xu. What kind of business do you have that is so mysterious?"
Xu Yuan took out a Jade bottle and opened it; a fragrance wafted out from inside.
Ning Fengzhi's pupils suddenly constricted. The moment the fragrance entered his nostrils, he felt the spirit power throughout his body tremble slightly, as if parched land had met sweet rain.
This longing did not stem from greed, but from the Soul's instinctive yearning to Breakthrough the Bottleneck.
He had been stuck at Level 79 Spirit Saint for several years, and his spirit power progress was slow, but this fragrance made him clearly feel that the solid barrier seemed to show signs of loosening.
"This is..." Ning Fengzhi's voice carried an imperceptible tremor as his eyes remained fixed on the Jade bottle in Xu Yuan's hand, "Young Friend Xu, what's inside this bottle is..."
Xu Yuan slowly capped the Jade bottle, and the alluring fragrance instantly faded.
Ning Fengzhi only then belatedly regained his composure, a flash of embarrassment crossing his face.
As the Sect Master of a Sect, to lose his composure over a bottle of Medicinal Pills was truly a loss of grace.
Xu Yuan introduced it to Ning Fengzhi: "This Medicinal Pill is refined from Immortal Herbs and can cause Martial Soul Evolution. There are three in total. I wonder what Uncle Ning is willing to offer?"
"Martial Soul Evolution?" Ning Fengzhi looked up sharply, the shock in his eyes almost overflowing.
In a Spirit Master's life, the Spirit almost determines their upper limit.
Awakening already dictates most of one's fate; even with Acquired hard cultivation, it is difficult to change the essence of the Spirit.
How many geniuses live their whole lives in regret due to Spirit defects, and how many Sects find it difficult to progress because of the Spirit limitations of their core members?
Martial Soul Evolution—these three words were enough to drive the entire Spirit Master's world crazy.
He stared intently at the Jade bottle in Xu Yuan's hand, as if it were not a bottle, but a key to opening a new World.
Although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda is the World's number one auxiliary Spirit, it has its flaws. With this thing, it might evolve into an Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda or even a Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
Ning Fengzhi took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.
Such a Heaven-Defying item was definitely not something easily obtained.
Ning Fengzhi looked at Xu Yuan, his tone becoming extremely grave: "Young Friend Xu, do you know what the words 'Martial Soul Evolution' signify?"
"Naturally, I know," Xu Yuan said calmly. "It can make the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda more perfect, allow Uncle Ning to Breakthrough the Bottleneck, and even... allow Rongrong's Spirit to completely shed its flaws."
The last sentence hit Ning Fengzhi's heart like a heavy hammer.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was innately flawed; this was his greatest heartache.
Ning Fengzhi was silent for a long time, so long that Xu Yuan thought he was going to refuse, before he finally spoke, his voice slightly raspy: "What does Young Friend Xu want? As long as the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School can do it, we will pay any price."
He knew that if Xu Yuan dared to take this thing out, he must be one hundred percent certain he had a way to deal with them, which was why he spoke this way.
His intuition also told him that he absolutely must not take action, or else something terrible would happen.
Xu Yuan asked Ning Fengzhi: "What can you offer?"
Ning Fengzhi closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, there was no longer any hesitation, only the determination of one burning their bridges: "I can let Rongrong marry you, and Ning Rongrong is the future Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. From now on, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will share in your glory and your losses; whatever you need, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will help you."
Xu Yuan wasn't surprised at all, though he was a bit surprised that Ning Fengzhi could make a decision so quickly.
"Uncle Ning is quite frank," Xu Yuan's tone was flat and calm. "But have you ever thought about how Rongrong would react if she knew her marriage was being used as a bargaining chip?"
A flash of helplessness crossed Ning Fengzhi's face, which then turned into determination: "She may not understand now, but she will in the future. This is not a bargaining chip; it is the most solid support I can give her. Young Friend Xu, you and I both know that the peace in the Spirit Master's world is only on the surface. Spirit Hall's ambitions have long been clear. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School alone may not be able to protect her."
"You think too highly of me." Xu Yuan smiled. "I am just an academy student who hasn't even seen a Titled Douluo many times. How could I protect the future Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?"
"You are no ordinary student." Ning Fengzhi shook his head, his gaze sharp as an eagle's. "To be able to bring out a Martial Soul Evolution Pill, to save someone from a Ten Thousand Year Spirit Beast in the Star Dou Forest, and to make a child as proud as Rongrong sincerely admire you... the secrets you hide are likely more than I imagine."
He paused, lowering his voice even further. "Moreover, I can feel that you have a kind of... potential that even I cannot see through. This potential is more daunting than any Titled Douluo."
Xu Yuan poured out one Medicinal Pill, put it into a bottle, and tossed it to Ning Fengzhi.
"I'll give you one first so you can confirm if it's useful. As for the rest, we'll wait until after Ning Rongrong and I are married," Xu Yuan said.
Ning Fengzhi instinctively reached out to catch the Jade bottle. A cool sensation came from his palm; the bottle was small, yet it felt as if it weighed a thousand pounds.
He looked down at the Medicinal Pill in the bottle, which was lustrous all over and emitted a faint glow, his fingertips trembling slightly.
This was the hope that could rewrite the fate of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
"Thank you for your trust, Young Friend Xu." Ning Fengzhi gripped the Jade bottle tightly, his tone solemn. "There will be a result within three days."
"Father! Brother Xu Yuan!" Ning Rongrong's voice came from afar.
She finally broke free from Gu Rong's supervision and ran over like a light-footed deer, followed by a helpless-looking Gu Rong.
"Are you finished talking? I think I saw you give Father something just now. What good thing is it?" Ning Rongrong asked curiously.
Xu Yuan smiled and explained: "Just a small gift."
Ning Rongrong ran up to them, her gaze circling between Xu Yuan and her father, finally landing on the Jade bottle Ning Fengzhi was holding tightly, her eyes sparkling: "A small gift? The bottle in Father's hand looks so exquisite. What is it?"
Ning Fengzhi He discreetly slipped the jade bottle into his sleeve.,He ruffled his daughter's hair.,He laughed:"It's some Healing medicine from Young Friend Xu. Didn't you always say your spirit power circulation is occasionally sluggish during cultivation? This might help."
"Really?" Ning Rongrong immediately became interested and turned to Xu Yuan. "Brother Xu Yuan, you even know how to refine medicine? That's amazing!"
Xu Yuan smiled: "I know a little bit. Try it first; it might not be useful."
"It will definitely be useful!" Ning Rongrong said with certainty.
She had an inexplicable trust in Xu Yuan, just as she believed every truth her father spoke
Gu Rong was reluctant, but he knew Ning Fengzhi acted with discretion; he merely gave Xu Yuan a deep look.
That look seemed to say he had better not play any tricks, and then he led the disgruntled Ning Rongrong toward the edge of the training ground.
Xiao Wu also tactfully withdrew to the side, but her gaze remained on Xu Yuan, filled with a hint of worry.
Only Xu Yuan and Ning Fengzhi remained in the field.
Ning Fengzhi spoke first, his tone a bit more relaxed: "You can speak now, Young Friend Xu. What kind of business is so mysterious?"
Xu Yuan took out a jade bottle and opened it; a fragrance wafted out from inside.
Ning Fengzhi's pupils shrank suddenly. The moment the fragrance entered his nostrils, he felt the spirit power in his entire body tremble slightly, as if parched land had met with sweet rain.
This longing wasn't from greed, but an instinctive yearning from the depths of his Soul to break through the Bottleneck.
He had been stuck at Rank 79 Spirit Saint for several years, and his spirit power progress had been slow; however, this fragrance made him clearly feel that the solid barrier seemed to show signs of loosening.
"This is..." Ning Fengzhi's voice carried a hint of imperceptible trembling as he stared intently at the jade bottle in Xu Yuan's hand. "Young Friend Xu, what is inside this bottle..."
Xu Yuan slowly capped the jade bottle, and that alluring fragrance instantly faded.
Only then did Ning Fengzhi belatedly regain his composure, a flash of embarrassment crossing his face.
As a Sect Master, to lose his composure over a Medicinal Pill was truly beneath his dignity.
Xu Yuan introduced to Ning Fengzhi: "This Medicinal Pill is refined from an Immortal Herb and can cause Martial Soul Evolution. There are three in total. I wonder what Uncle Ning is willing to offer?"
"Martial Soul Evolution?" Ning Fengzhi looked up sharply, the shock in his eyes almost overflowing.
In a Spirit Master's life, the Spirit almost determines the upper limit.
A Spirit Awakening determines most of one's fate; even with Acquired cultivation, it is difficult to change the nature of a Spirit.
How many geniuses regret their whole lives due to Spirit defects, and how many Sects find it difficult to progress due to the Spirit limitations of their core members?
Martial Soul Evolution—these three words were enough to drive the entire Spirit Master's world crazy.
He stared intently at the jade bottle in Xu Yuan's hand, as if it weren't a bottle, but the key to opening a new World.
Although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda is the World's number one support Spirit, it has its weaknesses; with this thing, it might even evolve into an Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda or a Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
Ning Fengzhi took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.
Such a Heaven-Defying item was definitely not something easily obtained.
Ning Fengzhi looked at Xu Yuan, his tone extremely solemn: "Young Friend Xu, do you know what the words 'Martial Soul Evolution' mean?"
"Naturally," Xu Yuan's expression was calm. "It can make the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda more perfect, allow Uncle Ning to break through the Bottleneck, and even... let Rongrong's Spirit completely shed its flaws."
The last sentence hit Ning Fengzhi's heart like a heavy hammer.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was Innate flawed; this was his greatest heartache.
Ning Fengzhi was silent for a long time, so long that Xu Yuan thought he was going to refuse, before he finally spoke with a raspy voice: "What does Young Friend Xu want? As long as the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School can do it, we will pay any price."
He knew that since Xu Yuan dared to bring this out, he was one hundred percent certain that he had a way to deal with them, which was why he spoke this way.
Furthermore, his intuition told him that he must never act against him, or something big would happen.
Xu Yuan asked Ning Fengzhi: "What can you offer?"
Ning Fengzhi closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, there was no longer any hesitation, only the determination of one who has burned their bridges: "I can let Rongrong marry you, and Ning Rongrong will be the future Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. From now on, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will share in your glory and your losses; whatever you need, the school will help you."
Xu Yuan wasn't surprised at all, but he was a bit surprised that Ning Fengzhi could make a decision so quickly.
"Uncle Ning is indeed frank," Xu Yuan's tone was flat. "But have you considered how Rongrong would react if she knew her marriage was being used as a bargaining chip?"
A flash of helplessness crossed Ning Fengzhi's face before turning into determination: "She might not understand now, but she will in the future. This isn't a chip; it's the sturdiest support I can give her. Young Friend Xu, we both know the peace in the Spirit Master's world is just a facade; Spirit Hall's ambition is already clear. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School alone might not be able to protect her."
"You think too highly of me." Xu Yuan smiled. "I'm just an academy student who hasn't even seen a Titled Douluo many times. How could I protect the future Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?"
"You are no ordinary student." Ning Fengzhi shook his head, his gaze sharp as an eagle's. "To be able to produce a Martial Soul Evolution Pill, to save someone from a Ten Thousand Year Spirit Beast in the Star Dou Forest, and to make a proud child like Rongrong sincerely admire you. The secrets you hide are likely more than I imagine."
He paused, lowering his voice even further, "Moreover, I can feel a potential in you... one that even I can't see through. This potential is more intimidating than any Titled Douluo."
Xu Yuan poured out a Medicinal Pill, put it in another bottle, and tossed it to Ning Fengzhi.
"I'll give you one first so you can confirm if it's useful. As for the rest, that will be after I marry Ning Rongrong," Xu Yuan said.
Ning Fengzhi subconsciously reached out to catch the jade bottle. A cool sensation came from his palm; the bottle was small, but it felt as if it weighed a thousand pounds.
He looked down at the lustrous pill in the bottle, which emitted a faint halo, and his fingertips trembled slightly.
This was the hope that could rewrite the fate of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
"Thank you for your trust, Young Friend Xu." Ning Fengzhi gripped the jade bottle, his tone solemn. "There will be a result within three days."
"Father! Brother Yuan!" Ning Rongrong's voice came from afar.
She finally broke free from Gu Rong's supervision and ran over like a light-footed deer, with a helpless Gu Rong following behind her.
"Are you done talking? I thought I saw you give Father something just now? What good thing is it?" Ning Rongrong asked curiously.
Xu Yuan explained with a smile: "Just a small gift."
Ning Rongrong ran closer, her gaze moving between Xu Yuan and her father before landing on the jade bottle gripped in Ning Fengzhi's hand, her eyes sparkling: "A small gift? The bottle in Father's hand looks so exquisite. What is it?"
Ning Fengzhi calmly tucked the jade bottle into his sleeve, rubbed his daughter's hair, and smiled, "It's some healing medicine from Young Friend Xu. Didn't you always say your spirit power circulation is occasionally sluggish during cultivation? This might help."
"Really?" Ning Rongrong was immediately interested and turned to Xu Yuan. "Brother Yuan, you even know how to refine medicine? That's amazing!"
Xu Yuan smiled: "I know a little. We'll have to see; it might not be useful."
"It will definitely be useful!" Ning Rongrong said with certainty.
She had a strange trust in Xu Yuan, just like she believed every truth her father spoke
After a brief chat, Ning Fengzhi left with Ning Rongrong and the others.
In the carriage on the way back, Ning Fengzhi asked Ning Rongrong, "Rongrong, what do you think of that young man, Xu Yuan?"
Ning Rongrong paused at his words, her cheeks flushing instantly. Her fingers unconsciously fiddled with the hem of her clothes, and her voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzz: "Why is Father asking this..."
"Just casual conversation." Ning Fengzhi smiled at his daughter, a look of understanding hidden in his eyes. "Lately, you've always had 'Brother Xu Yuan' on your lips. As your father, I have to know what kind of person has earned such high praise from my Rongrong."
"He... he's just really impressive, that's all." Ning Rongrong avoided her father's gaze, her eyes drifting toward the corner of the carriage, but her tone unconsciously became defensive. "He Cultivates very hard. Last time in the Star Dou Forest, if it weren't for his quick reactions, I would have died..."
As Ning Rongrong spoke, her voice gradually grew louder. The details she had kept hidden in her heart began to tumble out like beads from a broken string.
Halfway through, she abruptly stopped, realizing she was being too blunt with her praise. Her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red.
"Of course, he's not without his faults! Sometimes he's cold as ice, and when I ask him things, he always likes to say I'm still too young..."
Gu Rong, who had been resting with his eyes closed in the corner, couldn't help but chuckle. His raspy voice carried a hint of mockery: "From the sound of it, you've mapped out all his strengths and weaknesses quite clearly, haven't you?"
Having her secret heart exposed, Ning Rongrong immediately grew flustered: "Grandpa Gu, don't talk nonsense! I was just... just giving an objective evaluation!"
She stomped her foot and turned to Ning Fengzhi. "Father, look at him!"
Ning Fengzhi smiled and waved his hand, signaling Gu Rong to stop teasing the girl. His gaze fell back on his daughter's flushed cheeks, his tone gentle: "So, you have a good impression of him?"
Ning Rongrong buried her head even lower, her chin almost touching her chest. After a long moment, she gave a muffled hum of agreement: "He is a good person... and very strong..."
The carriage fell silent, save for the light sound of wheels rolling over the gravel road.
Seeing his daughter's lovesick appearance, Ning Fengzhi sighed softly in his heart.
He had originally worried that this potential engagement might meet with resistance from his daughter. Now, it seemed things might go more smoothly than he had imagined.
Gu Rong gave Ning Fengzhi a deep look, his expression clearly saying that he could hear the sound of Ning Fengzhi's mental abacus clicking even from across the carriage.
Ning Fengzhi returned a helpless look.
For the sake of his daughter's future, what did a little calculation matter?
"Rongrong, if I were to betroth you to Xu Yuan, would that be alright?" Ning Fengzhi asked her.
Ning Rongrong snapped her head up, her cheeks so red they looked like they could bleed. Her voice carried an incredulous tremor: "Father! Are you serious? You're not joking, are you?"
She grabbed Ning Fengzhi's sleeve, her fingers turning slightly white from the force: "Are you really... really going to betroth me to Brother Xu Yuan?"
Gu Rong scoffed from the side, though his tone lacked its previous mockery, replaced instead by a sense of watching a good show: "Look at how little composure you have."
Ning Rongrong didn't have the time to deal with him; she just stared fixedly at Ning Fengzhi, terrified she would hear the word 'joke' from his mouth.
Her heart thrummed against her ribs. The joys she had hidden in her heart, not daring to speak of them, now sprouted like seedlings breaking through the soil, growing wildly.
Seeing his daughter's eyes shining with startling brightness, a weight lifted from Ning Fengzhi's heart. He intentionally put on a stern face: "If you're unwilling, then forget it..."
"I'm willing! I'm willing!" Ning Rongrong immediately interrupted, her voice urgent and loud. Only after speaking did she realize she was too excited. She quickly lowered her head, the tips of her ears burning hot. "I... I mean, as long as Father thinks it's good, then I... I'm willing."
...On the other side, at the Blue Tyrant Academy.
Xiao Wu hugged Xu Yuan's arm and patted her chest, saying, "That was hilarious. I really thought that Titled Douluo was going to discover I'm a Hundred Thousand Year Spirit Beast. Brother Xu, you didn't lie to me."
She was truly happy. With Xu Yuan's miraculous methods, she no longer had to worry about others discovering her identity as a Hundred Thousand Year Spirit Beast.
Xu Yuan patted Xiao Wu's head and said, "Of course. How could I ever lie to you?"
Xiao Wu asked curiously, "Brother Xu, what did you talk to him about?"
Xu Yuan smiled and said, "A cooperation. Ning Rongrong will be your sister soon."
Xiao Wu understood instantly, though she didn't quite grasp Xu Yuan's reasoning: "Brother Xu, why are you doing this?"
She knew that since Xu Yuan already had the three of them, Ning Rongrong was optional for him. Doing this must have some specific purpose.
Xu Yuan nodded and praised her, "So smart. The reason I'm cooperating is for you."
The main reason was God King Tang San; God King Tang San had a twenty-thousand-year plan.
Xiao Wu thought for a moment and understood what Xu Yuan meant. She was incredibly moved: "Brother Xu, thank you."
After speaking, she stood on her tiptoes and gave Xu Yuan a kiss.
She naturally understood what Xu Yuan meant when he said it was 'for her'.
After giving herself to Xu Yuan, she had told him everything about her past.
Ever since she learned of Bibi Dong's identity, she hadn't expected to succeed in her revenge.
She had told Xu Yuan because she felt it was necessary to share her story with him.
She hadn't expected Xu Yuan to take her matters to heart and cooperate with other Sects, planning to deal with Spirit Hall in the future.
At this moment, Xiao Wu felt she had truly chosen the right person.
Xiao Wu thought about it and said somewhat shyly, "Brother Xu, I'll come to your room to find you tonight."
Seeing Xiao Wu like this, Xu Yuan couldn't help but laugh.
Inside the Sea of Spirit, God King Tang San was incredibly satisfied with this situation.
This was exactly the effect he wanted: to make Xiao Wu devoted to him.
During this time, he had formulated a twenty-thousand-year plan.
The first step was to establish his own power, then find a way to have Qian Renxue kill Xue Beng.
After Xue Beng died, when Qian Renxue eventually poisoned Emperor Xue Ye, he would have Xu Yuan step forward to deal with Qian Renxue.
Since Emperor Xue Ye would have no remaining children, he would control Emperor Xue Ye to name Xu Yuan as the Crown Prince, and he would deal with any objectors one by one.
During this period, he would have Xu Yuan marry those girls with potential and Cultivate them into gods, laying the foundation for the future.
As for those talented males, if they were willing to be his lackeys, he would reluctantly Cultivate them into gods as well.
Once Bibi Dong started the war, he would have Xu Yuan lead the great army to deal with Spirit Hall.
Meanwhile, he would secretly control the Star Luo Emperor and, after dealing with Spirit Hall, launch a war against the Heaven Dou Empire.
He would then control others to kill Emperor Xue Ye, allowing Xu Yuan to legitimately ascend the throne as Emperor.
After becoming Emperor, he would fight a great war with the Star Luo Empire, resolve the Star Luo Empire, and unify the entire Douluo Continent.
The Sun Moon Continent?
No rush. That's something for ten thousand years later; he'd leave that for his son to handle.
He had already planned out how to arrange his children ten thousand years later.
The eldest son would take Huo Yuhao's place, obtain the Million-Year Spirit Beast, the Sky Dream Ice Silkworm, and establish the Spirit Pagoda.
The second son would become the emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire, annex the Sun Moon Empire, and ascend to godhood through the Power Of Faith.
The other children would be arranged according to other circumstances.
After his children became gods, he would release the Golden Dragon King, kill the Golden Dragon King, and send the son possessing the Bloodlines of both the Golden and Silver Dragon Kings to Douluo Continent.
Then, following the ten-thousand-year plan from his previous life, his son would ultimately become the Dragon God.
The Great Divine Realm would definitely be established, and by that time, many of his people would have reached the God King level.
God King Tang San truly believed he was brilliant, thinking that by then, many places would be his.
As for Huo Yuhao?
Whether he would even exist ten thousand years later was a question, but even if he did, it wouldn't matter.
If, in the future, Huo Yuhao still had the chance to become a god, then he would once again train Huo Yuhao into a dog for his Tang Clan.
However, if Huo Yuhao dared to steal his children's chance at godhood, he would not hesitate to eliminate him.
Xu Yuan jokingly said: "Alright, just don't come crying and begging for mercy when the time comes."
Xiao Wu's cheeks flushed crimson. She shot Xu Yuan a reproachful glare and turned to run away, the tips of her ears as red as ripe cherries.
Xu Yuan watched her retreating figure, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Within the Sea of Spirit, God King Tang San's voice was filled with unconcealed satisfaction: "Well done. This move was correct. With the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School as a backer, Xiao Wu's safety has an extra layer of protection, and the subsequent plans can proceed more smoothly."
Xu Yuan didn't respond, merely watching Xiao Wu's back in silence.
After watching for a while, Xu Yuan decided to go find Liu Erlong.
He hadn't walked far when he ran into Liu Erlong and a cat-eared woman.
The woman had short, light green hair. Her ears were small, pointed, and resembled those of a feline, slightly reddening under the gentle touch of a stick. Her eyes were heterochromatic, one blue and one green, and she had a long, white tail.
Most of her body was exposed, with only the crucial areas covered by clothing. Her figure was exceptionally good.
Upon seeing them, Xu Yuan raised an eyebrow and looked at Liu Erlong, joking: "Teacher, have you started enjoying life?"
He remembered this person was a Spirit Master with a mutated Spirit, who had been put up for auction and was ultimately bought by Ning Fengzhi.
He hadn't expected her to have been purchased now.
Liu Erlong's cheeks reddened as she gave Xu Yuan a reproachful look: "What nonsense are you talking! This is a Spirit Master I just rescued from an auction. Her name is Bai Ling, and her Spirit is a mutated Spirit Cat."
She paused, her tone turning serious: "Those bastards actually treated her as a rare commodity, a plaything, to be auctioned. If I hadn't happened to see it, she probably would have..."
She never minded men having multiple wives and concubines, as she considered it natural.
However, she despised treating women as playthings.
Bai Ling timidly hid behind Liu Erlong, her light green hair covering half her face. Her heterochromatic blue and green eyes were filled with wariness, and her tail swished uneasily across the ground.
Xu Yuan looked at Liu Erlong and asked: "Teacher, how do you plan to arrange for her?"
Liu Erlong sighed, reached out and gently patted Bai Ling's back. When she looked at Xu Yuan, there was a hint of hope in her eyes: "Xu Yuan, you have broad experience. Could you take a look at Bai Ling? Her mutated Spirit prevents her from Cultivating. I can protect her temporarily, but not for a lifetime..."
Seeing Liu Erlong's pleading expression, Xu Yuan asked God King Tang San in his mind.
God King Tang San was completely unconcerned: "It's not a big problem. Solving it isn't difficult. I can help her."
Upon learning that God King Tang San would help her, Xu Yuan was immensely surprised.
He clearly understood that God King Tang San wouldn't help others without reason; there must be a purpose behind this action.
Xu Yuan withdrew his gaze and looked at Bai Ling, his tone becoming calmer: "Hold out your hand. Let me see."
Bai Ling hesitated. Under Liu Erlong's encouraging gaze, she slowly extended her slender wrist.
Her skin was very fair. On the inner side of her wrist, faint blue-green veins and several shallow scars were visible.
"There is a way to treat it, but it will require some time," Xu Yuan stated.
Bai Ling suddenly raised her head. Her heterochromatic blue and green eyes instantly welled up with tears, as if she couldn't believe her ears.
She opened her mouth, her voice as thin as a mosquito's hum: "R-really?"
Xu Yuan gently placed his fingertips on Bai Ling's wrist. A gentle stream of spirit power probed inward, sensing the chaotic flow of spirit power within her body.
A moment later, Xu Yuan withdrew his hand, his tone certain: "Mm. Your Spirit mutation isn't irreversible. It's just that your spirit power core is displaced, like a tangled mess of threads."
Bai Ling's knees thudded against the floor. Tears instantly burst forth as she desperately clutched Xu Yuan's pant leg, her voice trembling uncontrollably: "I beg you... save me... I don't want to be a useless person for the rest of my life... I also want to Cultivate like others, I want to become a Spirit Master, I want... I want to never be treated as a plaything again..."
Her forehead pressed against the cold ground, her shoulders shaking violently. Years of accumulated grievances completely collapsed at this moment.
Liu Erlong hurriedly tried to help her up, but Bai Ling shook off her hand.
Bai Ling lifted her face, tears blurring her vision. Her heterochromatic eyes were filled with desperate pleading: "I know I'm troublesome... I know I'm a burden... but I can really endure it! No matter how painful it is, I can endure it! Please, give me a chance, even if it's only a one-in-ten-thousand possibility..."
Xu Yuan nodded to show he understood and let God King Tang San begin the treatment.
God King Tang San's voice sounded in Xu Yuan's Sea of Spirit: "Watch closely."
In an instant, a wisp of pale golden spirit power overflowed from Xu Yuan's fingertip. It was more refined and vast than his own spirit power, and it entered Bai Ling's body as if it had a life of its own.
Bai Ling shuddered all over. Her previously tense body suddenly relaxed. The pain on her face gradually faded, replaced by an expression of incredible comfort.
She could clearly feel that tangled, chaotic mass of spirit power being slowly unraveled by a gentle yet irresistible force.
The displaced core seemed to be gently nudged back into place by an invisible hand, beginning to flow along a path smoother than ever before.
"This... this is..." Bai Ling's eyes widened.
Her heterochromatic blue and green eyes reflected Xu Yuan's calm face. Her tail uncontrollably shot up high, then gently fell back down, conveying an indescribable excitement.
A moment later, Xu Yuan withdrew his hand, and the pale golden spirit power quietly vanished.
Bai Ling remained in a half-kneeling posture but suddenly felt a long-lost power surging within her. Subconsciously, she urged her spirit power, and a semi-transparent Spirit Cat phantom materialized behind her.
It was her Spirit, which she had never successfully summoned since her mutation.
"My Spirit... my Spirit..." Bai Ling trembled as she reached out, gently touching the illusory Spirit Cat. Tears welled up again, but this time they were filled with boundless ecstasy. "It's out! It's really out