Chapter 98: Ning Rongrong Leaves Home
If Ning Rongrong's martial soul hadn't evolved into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, the sect might have allowed her to leave for training.
Back then, although she possessed outstanding talent, her upper limit was already set in stone. At most, she could only cultivate to Rank 79, making her somewhat replaceable.
But now, she was the only support-type soul master in the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect with the potential to advance to the level of a Title Douluo. Leaving the sect wouldn't be so simple.
Although Gu Rong was the second-strongest expert of the sect, he still didn't dare make such an important decision on Ning Fengzhi's behalf, allowing Ning Rongrong to go on an outside training journey.
Seeing Gu Rong refuse, Ning Rongrong was so angry she almost wanted to pluck out what little beard he had left.
"Grandpa Bone~" Ning Rongrong tugged at Bone Douluo's sleeve, acting coquettishly.
"Alright, Rongrong, stop making things difficult for me. If you want to go out to train, you need your father's approval!" Bone Douluo said.
"Sigh~" Ning Rongrong let out a long sigh, as if she had already expected this outcome.
But she didn't feel discouraged. In fact, she was quite confident she could persuade Ning Fengzhi.
She could lie and say that the person who gave her information about immortal herbs had requested that she go out on a training trip.
Ning Fengzhi was still gathering every scrap of information on immortal herbs. There was no way he wouldn't be interested. He would definitely agree to let her leave.
After a while, Zhu Zhuqing finally succeeded in absorbing her soul ring and broke through to become a Soul Elder.
"Hss—Rank 34 soul power? Did I misjudge her?" Bone Douluo exclaimed in surprise.
He had thought Ning Rongrong was already a once-in-a-century genius, yet unexpectedly, there was someone even more impressive standing right before him.
Even someone as gifted as Ning Rongrong had only reached Rank 32 after absorbing her soul ring.
But this girl from the Zhu Family—her soul power actually surpassed Ning Rongrong by two whole ranks.
"Rongrong, these two are exceptional. You should try to build a good relationship with them," Bone Douluo transmitted to her.
Even if they couldn't recruit these two into the sect, establishing a good rapport would never be a loss.
"I understand, Grandpa Bones!"
Ning Rongrong also sensed that Zhu Zhuqing's soul power surpassed her own. She didn't know the girl's exact cultivation level, but she couldn't deny her excellence.
As a member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, she naturally knew what she should do.
After finishing the absorption, Zhu Zhuqing stood up, glanced at Qi Tian, and then turned to Ning Rongrong and offered a brief word of thanks.
Even if Ning Rongrong hadn't helped, Qi Tian would still have assisted her in hunting soul beasts.
However, Ning Rongrong's soul skill had helped her comprehend a clearer direction for her next step in cultivation. Thus, she genuinely felt grateful.
Still, due to her cold personality, she only managed a short, dry "thank you."
Ning Rongrong didn't mind. She took out a jade token and handed it to Qi Tian.
"Tian Qi, Zhuqing, this is the sect token of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect! You are welcome to visit the sect anytime!"
"Our sect's merchant guild branches are spread across the entire continent. If you ever encounter difficulties, you can present this token at any local branch, and they will assist you."
Qi Tian accepted the token and said, "Thank you, we will."
Seeing this, Bone Douluo didn't let Ning Rongrong continue bothering Qi Tian and Zhu Zhuqing. He took her and left Sunset Forest immediately.
Once they were gone, the pressure on Zhu Zhuqing instantly vanished, and she felt noticeably more relaxed.
"Qi Tian, why did you use an alias earlier? Is there something wrong with this Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?" Zhu Zhuqing asked curiously.
Qi Tian shook his head and replied honestly, "I once used my possession skill on Ning Rongrong as well, just like I did with you."
"So I can't reveal my real name in front of her. If Bone Douluo decided to strike at me, I wouldn't be able to resist!"
Zhu Zhuqing froze for a moment. Although she had long suspected that Qi Tian had likely used his possession ability on more people than just her…
But hearing Qi Tian openly admit that he had used the same possession skill on Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't remain unaffected.
If he had used that skill on Ning Rongrong, then it meant he had also taken advantage of her body—just like he had done to her.
"Ning Rongrong should have a pretty good figure, right?" Zhu Zhuqing placed her hand on Qi Tian's waist.
Qi Tian reflexively commented, "Her figure isn't as good as yours, but her overall feel is decent—soft and smooth, with a faint hint of tulip fragrance…"
"Hss—ouch, ouch!" Qi Tian suddenly felt a sharp pain shoot through his waist.
Zhu Zhuqing had grabbed the soft flesh at his waist and twisted it a full one hundred and eighty degrees.
Even though Qi Tian possessed Body Martial Soul, he didn't dare resist. His heightened senses only made the pain even more intense.
"Zhuqing, are you jealous?" Qi Tian wrapped his arm around her.
"Hmph." Zhu Zhuqing released her grip, most of her anger already fading.
"I'm not jealous. If you want to get close to Ning Rongrong, just go. I won't stop you," Zhu Zhuqing said coldly.
"How could I? Right now, I'm only with you," Qi Tian replied.
The power behind Ning Rongrong was too enormous. Qi Tian wasn't sure whether she would stand with the sect or side with him, so he had no plans to pursue anything with her for now.
Zhu Zhuqing, however, had already abandoned her family and followed him. Aside from him, she truly had nothing left.
Zhu Zhuqing was no longer angry. Perhaps she had already anticipated this day.
What she said earlier came from her heart. The presence of other women around Qi Tian only proved that he was strong enough.
However, those women must not be random or improper, and she had to approve of them first.
This was the education she had received since childhood, because her arranged marriage was meant for royalty. And how could an emperor have only one wife?
If Qi Tian could win over someone as exceptional as Ning Rongrong, it would only serve as further proof that she had chosen the right man.
But even so, Zhu Zhuqing felt a heavy pressure in her heart. If she were too weak, how could she stand her ground among the women surrounding Qi Tian?
"Hmph, it's all this guy's fault!"
Annoyed again, Zhu Zhuqing grabbed the flesh on Qi Tian's waist once more and twisted it in another full one hundred and eighty degrees.
...
Three months later, in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo quietly hid in the shadows, observing Ning Rongrong sneaking her way out of the sect's fortress.
"Sect Master, are we really letting Rongrong go like this?" Gu Rong asked with concern.
Ning Fengzhi sighed softly and said, "A grown daughter can't be kept at home forever. Rongrong's heart is no longer within the sect. Letting her go will even benefit her cultivation."
"I've already followed sect rules and sent several guards to protect her from the shadows. She'll be safe."
Sword Douluo nodded in agreement. "Rongrong is intelligent and talented. Traveling outside will help her mature."
Ning Fengzhi nodded. Rongrong had confessed everything to him—she told him that a mysterious expert had been secretly guiding her, allowing her martial soul to evolve.
Even Sword Douluo couldn't detect that person's presence. How could such a figure be ordinary?
Cultivating under someone like that might very well be the most suitable path for Ning Rongrong's growth.
But what worried him was this: someone of such strength would never be a nameless wanderer. Most likely, this person belonged to the Spirit Hall.
If Rongrong became the disciple of a Spirit Hall powerhouse, then in the future, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect might become no more than a subordinate of the Spirit Hall.
"Forget it. We should trust the wisdom of the next generation. If Rongrong can become a Title Douluo, it will only prove that she has surpassed me."
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End of Chapter