Chapter Fourteen: Ning Fengzhi’s Choice

At this moment, in the Pope’s Hall, besides Bibi Dong and Ling Xiao, Qian Daoliu also appeared.

Chen Xin looked at Qian Daoliu before him with surprise and excitement. This powerful figure, standing at the pinnacle of the continent, was also the one who killed his father. However, his father had voluntarily gone to challenge him, so no one could be blamed.

He too had a goal: to one day challenge Qian Daoliu and test one of the world’s three ultimate Douluos.

But he had not forgotten that they were currently within the Martial Soul Hall. Any unusual movement would be immediately suppressed.

“Your Holiness, truly a hero among the youth! Your Martial Soul Hall’s Sacred Son is outstanding!” Upon meeting, Ning Fengzhi praised Ling Xiao enthusiastically.

“Sect Master Ning, it seems you hold a high opinion of Xiao’er. In that case, why not unite with my Martial Soul Hall?” Bibi Dong said.

“Your Holiness, you jest. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is only a small sect with some wealth; it cannot compare to the Martial Soul Hall,” Ning Fengzhi replied modestly.

“Heh, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is the richest sect on the continent, possessing the premier auxiliary-type Martial Soul. It is not as insignificant as Sect Master Ning claims,” Bibi Dong said with a smile.

As Bibi Dong and Ning Fengzhi conversed, Ling Xiao gently tugged at Bibi Dong’s skirt; she understood immediately.

“Sect Master Ning, you have decided to join the Martial Soul Hall! Does this mean your decision is final?” Ling Xiao said with a faint smile.

“Sacred Son, I am indeed curious, but I have not said such things,” Ning Fengzhi replied, his expression unchanged.

“I see! Teacher, please forgive me.” Ling Xiao spoke.

The moment he finished, an overwhelming pressure suppressed the Sword Douluo beside Ning Fengzhi.

“Your Holiness, what do you mean by this?” Ning Fengzhi asked grimly, looking at the pained Sword Douluo.

“Sect Master!” Chen Xin turned pale, cold sweat pouring down, the immense pressure rendering him speechless.

“Nothing much, just letting Sect Master Ning witness a little something to see if he is determined to cooperate with the Martial Soul Hall,” Ling Xiao said with a smile.

“Sacred Son, is your idea of cooperation to force someone into it?” Ning Fengzhi asked sternly.

Ling Xiao approached Ning Fengzhi. Ning Fengzhi tried to retreat but was suddenly locked down by a powerful aura that immobilized him.

This pressure was even greater than that suppressing the Sword Douluo, and its source was the person before him. He stared at Ling Xiao in shock.

Chen Xin watched Bibi Dong in horror; this aura was too strong, leaving no room for resistance.

Ling Xiao reached out a hand to place it on Ning Fengzhi’s shoulder, but he was still too short. Just as he prepared to release the Demonic Eye Blood Sword,

Bibi Dong stepped forward and picked up Ling Xiao, allowing him to reach Ning Fengzhi’s shoulder.

In the next moment, the soul martial advancement energy within Ling Xiao circulated and flowed into Ning Fengzhi’s body. Ning Fengzhi immediately felt excruciating pain, his face contorted.

This pain was not intentional on Ling Xiao’s part. He could have slowly infused the energy to avoid pain, like Bibi Dong did.

But now the recipient was Ning Fengzhi. Naturally, Ling Xiao did not care and forcibly injected the energy. Actually, this method had some benefits.

Chen Xin watched Ning Fengzhi anxiously and, under the pressure, said, “Does the Martial Soul Hall intend to start a war with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?”

“Hmph!” The Chrysanthemum Douluo snorted coldly, and his soul power, nearly at level ninety-eight, pressed down on the Sword Douluo again, increasing the pressure.

At this time, Ning Fengzhi’s screams gradually ceased. Ling Xiao activated the soul martial energy, and Ning Fengzhi’s Martial Soul appeared directly.

“Sect Master Ning, would you like to take a look at your Martial Soul now?” Ling Xiao withdrew the soul martial energy and aura, speaking to the panting Ning Fengzhi.

Ignoring the lingering pain, Ning Fengzhi summoned his energy and looked at his Martial Soul.

“One, two, three... seven, eight!” Ning Fengzhi counted the layers of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Tower in disbelief.

“My Martial Soul has evolved into the Eight Treasures Glazed Tile Tower!”

“As you can see, Sect Master Ning, your Martial Soul has evolved, and you can now break through the level eighty soul power!” Ling Xiao said to the delighted Ning Fengzhi.

“Thank you, Sacred Son, for fulfilling a wish I’ve harbored many years,” Ning Fengzhi said solemnly after a deep breath.

Meanwhile, Bibi Dong’s suppression over Chen Xin dissipated, and Chen Xin immediately stood behind Ning Fengzhi protectively.

“Sword Uncle, there’s no need for that!” Ning Fengzhi stopped him, and Chen Xin’s heart trembled as he looked at the Eight Treasures Glazed Tile Tower in Ning Fengzhi’s hand.

“What do you think about this cooperation, Sect Master Ning?” Ling Xiao asked again.

Ning Fengzhi fell silent. In the past, he would have politely refused, but this time, given the chance to evolve the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Tower, breaking limitations, how could he refuse such temptation?

Seeing the hesitation before him, Ling Xiao said again, “Sect Master Ning, is the Eight Treasures Glazed Tile Tower enough for you?”

This sentence struck like a boulder, stirring turbulent waves on an already restless lake, completely shattering Ning Fengzhi’s mental state.

“Sacred Son, do you mean my Martial Soul can continue to evolve?” Ning Fengzhi panted heavily.

“Yes, come here,” Ling Xiao said.

Ning Fengzhi stepped forward. Like before, he was ready to endure the pain, but this time, there was none.

Yet he paid no mind, staring unblinkingly at his Martial Soul as the Eight Treasures Glazed Tile Tower grew another layer.

“The Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Tower! This means I can become a titled Douluo!” Ning Fengzhi’s eyes were bloodshot as he whispered.

Ling Xiao said, “Sect Master Ning, have you made up your mind now?”

“Cooperation, of course, I will cooperate with the Martial Soul Hall!” Ning Fengzhi regained his composure and spoke decisively.

“Very well, happy cooperation, Sect Master Ning. I hope you won’t forget your promise now! Do not choose to betray your word,” Ling Xiao smiled lightly.

“Good, Sacred Son, happy cooperation! I won’t break my promise,” Ning Fengzhi assured.

Then Ling Xiao leaned close to Ning Fengzhi’s ear and whispered, “Ning Fengzhi, I hope you can keep your word. Remember, I was able to evolve your Martial Soul into the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Tower. Have you ever thought I could also make your Martial Soul regress?”

Upon hearing this, Ning Fengzhi suddenly felt a chill run through his body.

Indeed, if Ling Xiao could evolve his Martial Soul, perhaps he could also cause it to regress.

At that moment, Ning Fengzhi felt a wave of coldness and looked at the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Tower in his hand.

He watched helplessly as it regressed from the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Tower to the Eight Treasures, Seven Treasures, Six Treasures...

An indescribable chill enveloped Ning Fengzhi’s entire body.

Fortunately, the regression ended quickly, and the Martial Soul returned to the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Tower.

“Sect Master Ning, now that you possess the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Tower, you may become the continent’s first titled Douluo-level Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Tower soul master, one for the history books. Congratulations!” Ling Xiao stepped back and congratulated Ning Fengzhi.

Ning Fengzhi looked at Ling Xiao. This was no child but a devil.

Yet the chance to evolve one’s Martial Soul was too alluring, almost making him give up everything. Although pale, a faint smile appeared on his face.

“Hahaha! Thanks to the Sacred Son! With your help, our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—no, now it should be called the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—will become even stronger in the future.”

“Sacred Son, Your Holiness, I have matters to attend to back at the sect, so I will take my leave!” Ning Fengzhi excused himself to the others.

“Very well, Sect Master Ning, farewell!” Ling Xiao said.

After Ning Fengzhi left the Pope’s Hall, Bibi Dong asked, “Xiao’er, why did Ning Fengzhi suffer such pain when his Martial Soul first evolved, but none later?”

“Because it shouldn’t be painful if handled carefully. But since he spoke to his teacher that way, of course, he felt some pain. However, the pain also tempered his body, increasing his stamina and physique, which was beneficial.”

“If it were only punishment, he might resent it. But since I helped strengthen his body, he has no grudges and should even be grateful!” Ling Xiao explained.

“Wow! Xiao’er, you’re so clever. I never thought of that!” Bibi Dong praised, smiling slightly. Ling Xiao was so gentle with her.

Qian Daoliu nodded, impressed by this excellent approach.

He was also surprised that Ling Xiao, so young, could think of so much. But as a divine inheritor, some uniqueness was expected. This was good, too; when he was gone, someone would still care for Qian Renxue.

*Ding*—“Congratulations, Master, on completing the Four Trials of the God of Life. Reward: Advanced Life Water,” the system announced.

Ling Xiao’s soul entered the system space, where he saw a newly appeared lake of Life Water, excited by the immense energy contained within.

Elsewhere, Ning Fengzhi exited the Martial Soul Hall, his face a mix of excitement and helplessness.

“Fengzhi, do we really have to ally with the Martial Soul Hall? Our sect is in the Dou Empire!” Chen Xin said.

“Sigh! Sword Uncle, it’s not a matter of willingness anymore. We’re now thoroughly tied to the Martial Soul Hall!” Ning Fengzhi sighed.

“But that Sacred Son of the Martial Soul Hall doesn’t seem easy to get along with. Today, during cooperation talks, their attitude was like that. And although he evolved your Martial Soul, the second time was painless, so the first time shouldn’t have been painful either.”

“This is clearly a form of intimidation. I don’t think cooperating with such a person will end well!”

“Sigh, Sword Uncle, use your soul power to check my body now!”

“What’s wrong, Sect Master? Did he leave some hidden danger inside you?” Chen Xin examined Ning Fengzhi’s body with soul power and suddenly stiffened.

“Sword Uncle, you noticed it too! My physique has become much stronger.”

“Could it be from earlier...?” Chen Xin’s face showed shock.

“Yes! We underestimated this Sacred Son. Though it was painful, the benefits far outweigh it! I shouldn’t complain but rather be thankful!” Ning Fengzhi shook his head helplessly.

Chen Xin’s expression flickered; he hadn’t expected this Sacred Son to be so cunning. This was no child but a sly old fox!

“Sword Uncle, with this Sacred Son in the Martial Soul Hall, the future is unimaginable. Our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect must learn to pick sides, or when this Sacred Son rises, destruction might be our only fate!”

“Perhaps even now. Just now, I sensed an aura from him not weaker than yours, Sword Uncle,” Ning Fengzhi said gravely.

What!

Chen Xin’s face changed dramatically.

“So, Sword Uncle, for the sake of our sect’s present and future, we must side with the Martial Soul Hall!” Ning Fengzhi said again. With a heavy heart, Chen Xin left Martial Soul City.

Three days later, Ning Fengzhi returned to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, where an adorable girl of five or six rushed over.

Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin looked at the girl, their smiles brightening, feeling much of the gloom inside dissipate.

The girl leapt into Ning Fengzhi’s arms.

“Daddy, Sword Grandpa, you’re back!”

“Mhm. Rongrong, have you been good at home? No mischief, right?”

“Hmph, Daddy’s mean! How could you think that of me? I’m angry!” Ning Rongrong pouted.

“Yes, yes! Our Princess Rongrong is the most obedient and well-behaved. Fengzhi, how can you say such things? She’s still young; a little mischief is fine!” Chen Xin’s face darkened as he scolded Ning Fengzhi.

“Sword Uncle and Bone Uncle spoil Rongrong too much. This won’t do,” Ning Fengzhi said with a wry smile. He was helpless but understood; neither had descendants, so they indulged Ning Rongrong endlessly.

“Fengzhi, Old Sword, you’re back,” a voice said as a tall, thin figure with a massive bone structure approached.

“Bone Uncle!”

“Grandpa Bone!”

“Old Bone, you want to fight again, huh?” Chen Xin’s face darkened.

“Fight if you want. Old Sword, do you think I’m afraid of you?” Bone Douluo said fearlessly.

“Bone Uncle, calm down. I have something to discuss with you,” Ning Fengzhi intervened as tensions rose.

Hmm?

Bone Douluo was puzzled but saw Ning Fengzhi’s serious expression and knew something important had happened.

“Rongrong, go play somewhere else! Daddy and Sword Grandpa and Bone Grandpa have business to discuss!”

“Daddy’s mean, keeping secrets from me! I won’t play with you anymore.” Ning Rongrong jumped out of Ning Fengzhi’s arms and ran off.

Ning Fengzhi and the others were used to this; inside the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, no one could harm her, so she could go anywhere.

The three entered the sect’s conference hall.

“Fengzhi, why the serious face? What’s the matter?” Bone Douluo asked; he rarely saw Ning Fengzhi so grave.

“Bone Uncle, we’re going to cooperate with the Martial Soul Hall!” Ning Fengzhi said straightforwardly.

“Fengzhi, what’s going on? Suddenly cooperating with the Martial Soul Hall?” Bone Douluo frowned.

“Old Bone, we have no choice but to cooperate with the Martial Soul Hall, not just for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect but also for Rongrong’s future!” Sword Douluo also spoke.

“Fengzhi, Old Sword, you must have discussed this on the way. But since you’ve decided, I won’t say anything,” Bone Douluo said.

“I’m glad you agree, Bone Uncle!” Ning Fengzhi breathed a sigh of relief.

“But can you tell me why?”

“Mm.” Ning Fengzhi nodded and summoned his Martial Soul.

“One, two... nine layers?” Bone Douluo stared in surprise at the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Tower.

“Bone Uncle, listen carefully!” Ning Fengzhi looked at Bone Douluo seriously and began to recount the events of a few days ago.