Chapter Thirty-Seven: Called a Beauty Trap, It Was All Psychological Warfare!

"Of course! If you, you heartless jerk, dare to reject me again, we are through from today on! And I will, I will—I will definitely get my revenge on you!"

Ning Tian sobbed with joy. He had agreed! He had finally agreed!

Standing where they were, Ning Wuque felt the lingering ache from the punch Ning Tian had just delivered. Though his physical resistance was high, the strike from a three-ring Soul Venerable still stung.

It wasn't just physical pain; he could feel the rawest form of indignation in that blow—she was furious at his lack of resolve.

*You are already such a genius, why do you lack even a shred of your own pride and confidence? Are you really so afraid of everything? What kind of genius acts like a timid turtle?*

Having reached this point, Ning Wuque had finally relented. He felt that if, even now, someone still insisted that his daughter’s life must be without a single flaw, then perhaps he and Ning Tian were simply never meant to be.

*Isn't that right, Sect Master?*

"I'm sorry, Ning Tian. If I could, I wouldn't want to leave you feeling disappointed..."

He apologized sincerely, knowing all too well how much psychological pain his two previous rejections must have caused her. But he had no choice.

If he possessed innate full soul power, if he didn't have to fear his own life being consumed by his own soul skills, would he really let himself hurt one of his only two friends just to be cautious?

*She is such a beautiful, wealthy young lady—why on earth would you reject her?*

He knew perfectly well what Ning Tian had sacrificed for him over these past few days. He wasn't some truly cowardly blockhead; he simply had to do what he did.

If Ning Tian’s father had been a scoundrel like Qian Xunji, Ning Wuque would have agreed without hesitation and taken her away to Shrek Academy. But that wasn't the case—she had a loving, wise, and open-minded father, a true Sect Master.

As long as he could prove Ning Tian's determination to her father, many things could be compromised.

It wasn't that he lacked pride!

It was just that his way of thinking differed from a child's. He considered things more comprehensively and prudently; he didn't just focus on his own feelings.

"It’s okay, I understand you. I really do. You’re not... you’re not disappointing me anymore, are you?"

Ning Tian leaned against Ning Wuque’s shoulder, reaching up to wipe the sad tears from her face. She had been truly heartbroken after being rejected twice.

But she understood that Ning Wuque was smarter and more mature than she was; he didn't truly want to reject her.

However, that didn't mean she wouldn't get her revenge later! *You dared to break my heart today, so tomorrow I’ll act as spoiled as any young lady in front of you, and you won't be allowed to refuse me!*

She already had a plan. Once they arrived at Shrek, she would act out and be demanding, making him pay for everything he had done today!

"Thank you, but... could you let go now? Your tears are about to soak through my clothes."

"No! I won't!"

She acted out with a small pout, wrapping her arms around him even tighter.

In the distance, Wu Feng clenched her fists as she watched, but she said nothing. She had always supported everything Ning Tian did.

Compared to Ning Wuque, she was the one person who would never let Ning Tian feel disappointed, regardless of the past or the future, no matter the time, place, or circumstance.

...

"Bone Grandpa, do you think if I had just stated my attitude toward them directly, they wouldn't have had to go to such lengths?"

"Yes, but you cannot."

"Indeed. There is nothing more unforgettable than a bond forged in uncertainty. The 'beauty trap'... they call it beauty, but it is entirely a campaign to win a heart."

Shaking his head, Ning Fengxiao, standing in the shadows with an elderly man in black robes, sighed helplessly.

He watched the two figures embracing in the sunset. He felt both a father's heartache for his daughter and a sense of guilt.

How could he not see through Ning Tian’s intentions? He was the Sect Master of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, after all! This vast sect ran entirely under his hand.

But precisely because he knew, he kept up the facade of ignorance in front of her, never revealing his own stance on her emotions.

Whether he supported or opposed it, or didn't care at all, he left it to her mother—just as his own father had taught him—to explain the duties and obligations she needed to fulfill.

The reason was simple: since he had already decided to gamble on Ning Wuque, he had to bind this boy tightly—lock him in!

Whether it was love or guilt, it didn't matter!

This confession today—if it failed, Ning Wuque would be left with regret; if it succeeded, he would be left with even more guilt. He would be stuck with a thorn named "guilt" for the rest of his life!

Unless he was truly a monster who could take everything and feel nothing, in which case it would only prove that he, Ning Fengxiao, had bet on the wrong person.

Of course, success was best. As a father, Ning Fengxiao did not want his daughter to be left with regrets or sorrow.

At the same time, this love would be far more sincere and pure than a normal romance; Ning Wuque’s feelings for Ning Tian would be difficult to sway by any other woman.

A harem? If that brat truly had such thoughts, he would only be able to look to Ning Tian’s mood to decide his fate.

...

Judging by the boy's usual routine and behavior, it was questionable whether he even had the energy for such things.

If it weren't for Ning Tian’s repeated, persistent pursuit, he might not have even bothered to make friends.

"When do you plan to be honest with Tian'er about your attitude? You can't keep this up forever."

"Wait a while longer. Let them graduate from the outer academy first, and let this relationship grow deeper. I intend to procure a piece of ten-thousand-year-old Island-Devouring Whale glue for that boy."

"Fengxiao, you..."

"Say no more, Bone Grandpa. Ning Wuque is worth it. I also plan to send people to scour the world for body-tempering and healing treasures. I can't let this boy die too soon."

"Very well. If you have any difficulties, tell me. The world is vast; though I am not at the limit, I am certainly capable of traversing the heavens and earth."

"Thank you, Bone Grandpa!"

"I truly owe your Ning family, sigh..."

...

Ning Fengxiao and the old man continued to watch the scene.

Nearby, Ning Wuque’s hands involuntarily rose to wrap around Ning Tian’s waist, though his clumsy technique betrayed the fact that this was his first time doing so, in this life or the last.

After a long while, the two finally pulled apart. The sunset had faded completely, and the night began to shroud the earth.

Ning Tian stood before Ning Wuque, her cheeks flushed. She stared at him, saying nothing, looking as if she were waiting for him to compose a poem or a phrase for her.

*Say something sweet to please me!*

Stared at like that, Ning Wuque scratched his head. His mind was in a chaotic mess; he couldn't think of anything good to say.

However...

Looking at Ning Tian, he flipped his hand and took something out.