Chapter 26: Lotus Blooms Beneath the Jade Tower Pool

On the way, Ning Wuque learned from Wu Feng, the chef of the Ning household, about the layout of Ning Tian’s residence.

It consisted of two large courtyards arranged in the shape of the character "Lu." The front yard featured a pond, and the back yard contained a three-story tower used for rest.

Sounds ordinary, right? That was what Ning Wuque initially thought as well. He even felt that Ning Tian’s lifestyle was rather simple and retro, choosing such a traditional courtyard in an era where architectural styles leaned toward the modern.

Then…

"Holy crap!"

Looking up, Ning Wuque could not find the words to describe the shock in his heart; he could only utter a profanity to express his astonishment.

He could be forgiven for not knowing that thousand-year soul beast Soul-Nurturing Wood could be fashioned into walls, creating a natural environment that continuously radiated soul power to assist in cultivation.

He never imagined that a ten-thousand-year Star-Drooping Willow could be kept as a pet, rooted in the center of the pond to concentrate the soul power emitted by the Soul-Nurturing Wood.

And he certainly never expected that the entire three-story tower was encased in glazed crystal, appearing as dazzling as an exquisite pagoda from afar.

Beyond that, even the bricks underfoot were paved with White Elephant Jade, the soil was specially nurtured with the remains of ten-thousand-year soul beasts, and the fish in the pond… those were common ten-year Golden Silk Fish, kept purely for aesthetics, as carnivorous soul beasts—especially fish—were difficult to domesticate.

Ning Wuque was deeply shaken by the true meaning of wealth. In Ning Tian’s residence, even a small brick would cost at least a hundred gold soul coins if placed on the market.

The entire estate was not only visually stunning but also served to slightly increase the speed of soul power cultivation. Ning Wuque felt that even if he spent his whole life fishing, he could never afford it.

Even an ordinary Titled Douluo could only call themselves "poor" in front of Ning Tian!

"Is this the treatment a young princess of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Clan with innate full soul power receives? I’ve seen it now."

"Hahaha, never seen the world, have you? That’s true. After all, I grew up with Sister Tian. The courtyard my father prepared for me is also quite luxurious. When there’s a chance, I’ll take you to see it!"

Wu Feng held her nose high. The only area where she could currently tower over Ning Wuque was wealth. Although she was not one-tenth as rich as Ning Tian, her pocket money and real estate were assets Ning Wuque wouldn't reach until he was thirty.

As for what happens after thirty, that was hard to say. By then, no matter how mediocre Ning Wuque was, if he survived, he would at least have the strength of a Soul Douluo, right?

Ning Wuque ignored Wu Feng. Unlike his previous deliberate dismissals, this time he truly had nothing to say; after all, what Wu Feng said was the plain truth. Compared to the two of them, he was undeniably a poor kid.

In an instant, even the ten-million-gold-coin card inside his soul storage device felt less impressive. That amount of money might not even cover one-fifth of the cost of constructing Ning Tian’s residence.

The Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Clan was rich enough to rival a nation!

At least before the Sun-Moon Continent’s invasion, the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Clan’s assets were ranked number two among the three original Douluo nations. The first, naturally, was Shrek Academy; the Golden Tree alone was something the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Clan couldn't compete with, not to mention the Titled Douluos and their self-operated industries.

It was just that the nature of the two parties differed. Ning Tian’s status and personal vault were due to the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Clan’s nature as a family-led sect, and her innate full soul power was so dazzling that she was showered with all manner of favor. As for Shrek, the treatment of direct descendants was not bad, but there were simply too many, making it difficult to distribute resources.

"Aren't you quite clever? You have a poem for every occasion; why are you using such crude language now?"

Ning Tian feigned unhappiness, crossing her arms and giving Wu Feng a look, signaling her to help her speak up.

Seeing an opportunity, Wu Feng naturally bit at whoever she was pointed at, immediately darting to Ning Wuque’s side and saying fiercely:

"That’s right! Sister Tian wants you to recite a poem now. If you can’t, Sister Tian will be unhappy, and if Sister Tian is unhappy, your future days will be hard!"

"Oh, careful, or I’ll make things difficult for you during your training!"

"You, you, you! You’re despicable!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Feng immediately recoiled, pointing at Ning Wuque while complaining to Ning Tian, "Sister Tian, look at him! He’s bullying me!"

"Alright, alright. If you can't, it’s fine. Let’s go inside and attend to business."

Shaking her head, Ning Tian did not make things difficult for Ning Wuque. After smoothing things over, she grabbed both of them and prepared to enter the exquisite tower.

However, Ning Wuque’s strength was immense; he stood rooted to the spot, unmoving. Seeing she couldn't budge him, Ning Tian stopped, looking at his face, which was lost in thought as if composing, with expectant eyes.

What kind of poem would Wuque use to praise her? Ning Tian thought her hints had been clear enough, right?

Standing there, Ning Wuque looked at the scene of the jade tower and the small pond. Words flashed through his mind, and he began to recite:

"The Jade Pagoda dwells upon the immortal peak, where moonlight washes over brilliance hard to find.
Reflected in the pond, the lotus blossoms peak, with inner wisdom and beauty in the Ning heart defined."

"I wonder if this quatrain satisfies the Young Mistress?"

"Satisfied! Satisfied! A reward! I must give you a great reward!"

Was Ning Tian satisfied? She was beyond satisfied! Ning Wuque was truly too good. In one poem, he not only praised her courtyard but also gave her a glowing compliment!

Especially the phrase "inner wisdom and beauty," which made Ning Tian’s heart bloom with joy. It was a description tailor-made for her!

She was completely hooked by Ning Wuque, her eyes filled with delight. This boy was not only incredibly clever, steadfast in will, and talented, but also so eloquent—it was hard for a young girl not to be moved…

Beside them, Wu Feng was stunned.

*Hey buddy, you praising people like this makes me look so dull! Usually, it’s just 'Sister Tian is smart, Sister Tian is pretty, Sister Tian works hard.' How did you come up with such high-pressure stuff immediately?*

She felt completely dejected, feeling that from this day on, she would no longer be the most important person in her Sister Tian’s heart.

Instead, it would be this glib-tongued, outwardly firm but inwardly slick guy!

Didn't he train for over twelve hours a day? Why did he still have time to think of such things?

*Just to show off in front of others, right? Just like those two times before. What a hateful and despicable guy!*

"Then I shall thank you in advance, Young Mistress. I look forward to your reward."

Ning Wuque smiled. Showing off in front of others was the only fun he had left. It was fortunate he had stored some literary knowledge before transmigrating; otherwise, he would have been truly stumped.

Soon, amidst one person’s cheers, another’s laughter, and one person’s sullenness, the three of them entered the exquisite tower.

Upon entering, Ning Wuque was greeted by the antique atmosphere. However, having already been shocked by the exterior, he had developed a degree of immunity and did not show an overly exaggerated expression.

It was just… a tiny, insignificant bit of envy. Really!