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Ning Fengzhi gazed at Feng Xiao's figure, a deep thought flashing in his eyes.
He unconsciously caressed the scepter in his hand.
Originally, in his opinion, Feng Xiao, despite his great potential, lacked a background and was not suitable for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, primarily out of fear of a cuckoo occupying a magpie's nest.
However, Spirit Hall's attitude towards the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School today gave the School Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School an unprecedented sense of crisis.
"Senior Chen Xin and Elder Gu Rong are getting old, and Rongrong is only at the Spirit Elder realm now," Ning Fengzhi's gaze was profound as he mused to himself, "Although Tang San is exceptionally talented, he is ultimately a Clear Sky Sect disciple and cannot prioritize the interests of my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School."
He looked at Feng Xiao, who was talking to the Royal Fight members in the distance: "And this Feng Xiao is not only exceptionally gifted but, more commendably, values sentiment and loyalty.
If he can generously give away a 50,000-year Spirit Bone today, then in the future—"
At this thought, Ning Fengzhi's gaze involuntarily fell upon Oscar, who was diligently fawning over Ning Rongrong, and he sighed inwardly.
Although a food system Spirit Master with innate full spirit power indeed had boundless prospects, a support system was ultimately a support system—how could it compare to someone as astonishingly talented as Feng Xiao, a twin spirits user like Tang San, or even the chosen ones of Spirit Hall's Golden Generation?
Oscar was currently handing a recovery Sausage to Ning Rongrong, his diligent demeanor causing Ning Fengzhi to frown slightly.
Even if this child achieved great things in the future, in front of true geniuses, he would ultimately be unable to escape the fate of a support Spirit Master.
"Perhaps..." Ning Fengzhi's gaze returned to Feng Xiao, "it's time to consider a more suitable match for Rongrong."
This thought had just emerged when he forcefully suppressed it.
As a father, he ultimately couldn't bear to interfere with his daughter's emotional choices.
But if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School only maintained a shallow partnership with Tang San, then a hundred years later, when older powerhouses like Chen Xin and Gu Rong passed away, the Sect would likely have to rely on others, struggling to survive in the cracks between stronger powers.
Ning Fengzhi looked at Feng Xiao, who was talking to Dugu Yan in the distance, and then at Oscar, who was surrounding his daughter, his worries deepening.
support system Spirit Masters were undoubtedly important, but in this World where the strong preyed on the weak, without the protection of top-tier combat power, even the wealthiest Sect was nothing more than a fat sheep in the eyes of others.
"We must prepare for the unexpected," Ning Fengzhi gently caressed his scepter, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes.
Feng Xiao's talent and demeanor displayed today showed him another possibility—a possibility that could truly allow the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School to stand tall.
"School Master Ning, may I... have the honor of joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?" Oscar bravely took a step forward, his voice slightly trembling with nervousness.
At these words, Ning Rongrong's pretty face immediately flushed unnaturally, and her fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes.
Ning Fengzhi recovered, a gentle smile on his face: "Naturally, you are welcome.
Not just you, but any of you can join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School."
As he spoke, his gaze swept over Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ma Hongjun in turn.
Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged a glance, shaking their heads in unison.
Dai Mubai cupped his fists and said, "Thank you for your kindness, School Master Ning.
Zhuqing and I have been away from home for many years; it's time to return to the Star Luo Empire."
Ning Fengzhi then turned his gaze to Ma Hongjun.
Fatty scratched his head and chuckled, "I'll pass.
Like Brother San, I can't stand being restricted.
Now that I've finally graduated, I want to travel the continent and broaden my horizons.
Maybe I'll even go back to Shrek to help Teacher out later."
Ning Fengzhi smiled gently, flicking his sleeve: "Since that's the case, I won't force it.
The doors of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School are always open to you all."
He turned to Flender, cupping his hands: "Dean Flender, we will take our leave first.
Rongrong, Oscar, come back to the Sect with me."
Seeing this, Feng Xiao quietly said to the Royal Fight members, "We should head back too.
After resting, we'll await the Crown Prince's message."
The Royal Fight members all nodded.
Not far away, Ning Fengzhi heard these words, and a gleam flashed in his eyes—since Feng Xiao said he was returning to Heaven Dou, he evidently hadn't decided to join Spirit Hall yet.
This discovery somewhat reassured him; at least the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School still had a chance to win him over.
On the winding stone steps descending the mountain, the two teams unexpectedly met.
Seeing this, Feng Xiao nodded slightly to Ning Fengzhi and Flender: "School Master Ning."
Ning Fengzhi also nodded in return, his posture showing appropriate respect—after all, this young man still held the title of honorary Elder of Spirit Hall.
"Would little friend Feng care to travel with us?" Ning Fengzhi invited warmly, his tone placing Feng Xiao on an almost equal footing.
Feng Xiao's lips curved slightly: "School Master Ning is too polite.
Since we are both teams from Heaven Dou, we should naturally return together."
He paused, his smile deepening, "You can just call me Little Feng."
Dugu Bo narrowed his snake-like eyes, looking back and forth between Ning Fengzhi and Feng Xiao, and sneered inwardly: "Old fox..."
Ning Rongrong blinked curiously, her gaze shifting between her father and Feng Xiao.
"Then I won't be polite," Ning Fengzhi's smile was gentle, but his gaze was meaningful, "Little Feng, aren't you worried about attracting criticism by traveling with us at this moment?"
Feng Xiao smiled calmly, deflecting the question effortlessly: "Since Supreme Pontiff has already stated that today's matter has nothing to do with us, what impact could there be?"
Ning Fengzhi nodded with a smile: "Indeed."
He changed the subject, asking casually, "I wonder what Little Feng's thoughts are on today's events?"
At these words, the Shrek members' steps halted in unison, and the air seemed to freeze instantly.
Feng Xiao, however, remained composed, a faint curve on his lips: "Everything is very reasonable; there's nothing wrong."
Ning Rongrong finally couldn't help but speak up: "Spirit Hall was clearly overbearing and tyrannical!
Even if Xiao Wu really is a 100,000-year Spirit Beast, what does that have to do with them?"
Her cheeks puffed out slightly.
The Shrek members all nodded in agreement, and Dai Mubai snorted heavily.
Seeing this, Feng Xiao suddenly chuckled.
"What are you laughing at!" Ning Rongrong glared at Feng Xiao, her cheeks puffed out in anger.
Feng Xiao gently strummed his zither, narrating slowly: "Miss Ning, let me tell you a story.
Once upon a time, someone discovered a precious jade mine but was so captivated by the natural wonders within it that he never mined it, nor did he ever tell anyone it was a valuable jade mine."
"Later, another person also discovered this place, and they too realized the immense value contained within the mine, but they believed it should be exploited immediately.
Who do you say is right and who is wrong?"
Ning Rongrong was momentarily speechless.
Zhu Zhuqing interjected coldly: "Xiao Wu is our companion; how can she be compared to an inanimate object?"
"Miss Zhuqing is absolutely right," Feng Xiao's smile deepened, "But the story has a continuation—when the later discoverer wanted to develop the mine, the first discoverer actually said: 'I have lived here for many years and have long developed feelings for this place.'
Who do you say is truly being overbearing?"
Oscar couldn't help but retort: "Even so, there should be a rule of first come, first served!"
"All of you have spirit rings on your bodies, so you must be clear about the rules to follow when two teams hunt the same target.
If this World truly operated on a first-come, first-served basis—"
Feng Xiao's gaze swept over everyone, and he smiled meaningfully: "Then how would the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School have become the wealthiest existence in Heaven Dou?
In terms of historical origin, the two Empires are much older than any Sect."
These words were like a bucket of cold water, making the Shrek members suddenly sober up.
Oscar couldn't help but touch his nose; he knew very well how his third spirit ring came to be.
Feng Xiao continued: "Many things in this World are simply unreasonable.
When Spirit Hall wants to act, when have they ever needed a reason?
Just like Spirit Masters hunting Spirit Beasts, have they ever asked if they were willing?"
These words silenced everyone.
Ning Rongrong opened her mouth, wanting to retort, but couldn't say anything.
Dugu Bo's sudden remark broke the silence: "Heh, although I've always looked down on Spirit Hall's way of doing things—" A hint of mockery flashed in his snake-like eyes, "—but in this matter, how is that kid Tang Hao any different from someone occupying a latrine without using it?
Just because his son likes this latrine, should everyone else just die of holding it in?"
Dugu Bo's withered fingers stroked his chin: "If it weren't for that little girl using some special means to conceal herself, I would have made my move back at Heaven Dou Royal Academy; it wouldn't have been your turn to discuss it here."
These words were like a resounding slap, causing the Shrek members' expressions to change drastically.
Ning Rongrong's little face turned crimson with anger, but she was stopped by a look from Ning Fengzhi.
Although Dugu Bo's words were crude and harsh, they revealed a cruel truth.
He looked at Ning Fengzhi mockingly: "Didn't your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School ever have such thoughts?
That girl's Teleportation and Paragon Golden Body are life-saving divine abilities for you support system users who are powerless to fight back..."
Ning Fengzhi remained silent, but a barely perceptible glint of fervor flashed in his eyes.
Indeed, Xiao Wu's Spirit Abilities were perfect for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, not to mention the potential for Spirit evolution that a 100,000-year spirit ring and Spirit Bone could bring...
"I will never absorb Xiao Wu's spirit ring and Spirit Bone!" Ning Rongrong shouted excitedly, her small face flushed red.
Dugu Bo scoffed disdainfully: "Little girl, don't speak too absolutely."
A cold light, seeing through the ways of the World, flickered in his snake-like eyes, "In this World, there are many things beyond your control.
What if a 100,000-year spirit ring and Spirit Bone could make the flaws of your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda disappear?"
Ning Rongrong tried to argue further, but Ning Fengzhi gently pressed her shoulder.
The School Master's gaze complexly looked into the distance—he knew better than anyone what Dugu Bo was talking about meant for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
"Enough, old poisonous one," Chen Xin slowly opened his eyes, his calm voice carrying a hint of warning; he didn't want his little granddaughter to be exposed to these things too early.
"Fine, fine, I'll save these valuable life experiences for teaching my own granddaughter," Dugu Bo pouted, finally stopping his words.
The Shrek members exchanged glances, complex and unreadable expressions on their faces.
Dai Mubai's clenched fist slowly relaxed, the complexity in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes gradually receded, and Ning Rongrong bit her lip, wanting to speak but holding back.
In the end, everyone just sighed deeply, tacitly choosing silence.
"What are your plans for the future, Little Feng?" Ning Fengzhi suddenly asked, breaking the silence.
Feng Xiao gently stroked his zither, smiling indifferently: "Just go with the flow, like Senior Dugu, free and unrestrained; that's not bad."
"That's right..." Dugu Bo said with a hint of pride.
A hint of regret flashed in Ning Fengzhi's eyes—with Senior Dugu, a Titled Douluo, backing him, plus his status as an honorary Elder of Spirit Hall, indeed no force could compel Feng Xiao to make any choice.
Everything that needed to be said seemed to have been said, and everyone descended the mountain without further words.
The mountain wind brushed past, swirling a few fallen leaves.
The two teams continued forward in an eerie silence, with only the soft echo of footsteps on the stone steps.
When Feng Xiao stepped into the hotel arranged by Spirit Hall, the gilded lights cast a warm glow, illuminating the lobby in opulent splendor.
As he passed through the door, he heard a crisp round of applause.
Qian Renxue, in the guise of Xue Qinghe, walked towards him, clapping, her slender fingers tapping rhythmically.
Qian Renxue's golden eyes, hidden beneath the disguise, held a smile.
Qian Renxue elegantly performed a standard disciple's bow to Ning Fengzhi, and Xue Qinghe's gentle voice carried an appropriate concern: "Teacher, I heard there was an accident at the competition site.
Are you alright?"
Ning Fengzhi gently caressed the scepter in his hand, smiling calmly: "I'm fine, just some minor incidents.
Spirit Hall didn't gain much benefit; in fact, they shot themselves in the foot this time."
He turned his gaze to Feng Xiao, admiration flashing in his eyes, "Little Feng's performance today truly brought great honor to the Empire."
Qian Renxue turned at these words, and as she gazed at Feng Xiao, a tenderness that only Feng Xiao could discern flashed beneath Xue Qinghe's elegant facade: "Congratulations, Little Feng."
Her deliberately lowered voice held an intimacy known only to them.
Qian Renxue's lips curved slightly, her every gesture exuding the graceful demeanor of a Heaven Dou Crown Prince: "I heard about what happened in the competition just now.
Your performance in this Spirit Master Tournament was truly astonishing."
Her jade-white fingers gently tapped the jade pendant at her waist.
Feng Xiao cupped his fists in a bow, his sleeves fluttering, stirring a gentle breeze: "Your Highness overpraises me; it was merely luck."
Qian Renxue waved her hand slightly, and the attendants in the hall immediately understood, beginning to prepare a banquet.
A golden light flickered in her eyes, but her voice remained as gentle as Xue Qinghe's: "If such a battle record is still called luck, then wouldn't the other contestants be too ashamed to show their faces?
I have already ordered a banquet to be prepared, as a celebration for your success."
Ning Fengzhi smiled knowingly and said at the opportune moment: "You young people should gather more often.
Little Feng is the protagonist today; you young people should interact more, and I, your teacher, won't interfere."
With that, he patted Qian Renxue's shoulder and turned to leave with Ning Rongrong and the others.
"Yes, Teacher," Qian Renxue bowed.
After Ning Fengzhi had walked away, she looked at Feng Xiao and smiled: "Let's go."
Soon, the two entered a private room in the hotel's inner hall, where an exquisite banquet had already been prepared.
Crystal cups were filled with amber-colored fine wine, and delicious delicacies emanated an enticing aroma.
Qian Renxue personally poured a cup for Feng Xiao, her tone gentle yet meaningful: "It's a pity, though, that your opponent in the finals wasn't the Spirit Hall team. It seems the people she trained aren't that great after all."
Feng Xiao smiled slightly and said, "Indeed, I was careless and underestimated them."
Qian Renxue looked at Feng Xiao and hesitated slightly: "I heard... you gave away a Spirit Bone?"