Chapter Fifty-Four: A Midnight Encounter with Qian Renxue

Do you take me for a fool? Upon hearing Ning Fengzhi’s proposal, Xiao Yu was practically fuming. After all Ning Fengzhi’s talk, wasn’t he just trying to get the production technology of soul devices from him for nothing? As for splitting the profits, leaving aside how long Ning Fengzhi’s verbal promises would hold, under his proposed partnership, the stores belonged to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, the customers were theirs, and the books were kept by them as well. In the end, how much profit was made each year would simply be up to Ning Fengzhi’s word. Did Xiao Yu have “gullible fool” written across his forehead?

Xiao Yu rejected him outright. “Sect Master Ning, the technology for making soul devices is the highest secret of Nine Star Hall and absolutely cannot be shared!”

So it’s not going to work. Ning Fengzhi sighed internally, but quickly changed his approach. “In that case, may I purchase a batch of soul devices from you, Young Lord Xiao?”

“That, of course, is perfectly acceptable.” Xiao Yu nodded. “Later, I’ll draw up a list for you, Sect Master Ning, and you may choose as you wish.”

Xiao Yu had already given the Jiuxin Begonia family a list of soul devices at a friendly price. But there was no need for such courtesy with Ning Fengzhi. He could charge as much as he liked—the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was the richest sect in the world; they wouldn’t care about the cost.

Ning Fengzhi cupped his hands. “Then I’ll trouble you, Young Lord.”

Both Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi had more or less achieved their objectives. After a few more courteous exchanges, they took their leave.

Not long after leaving Sunset Forest, the two parties parted ways. Xue Qinghe, accompanied by four elders moved to tears with gratitude, returned to Heaven Dou City, while Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo headed in the direction of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.

“Uncle Jian, what do you think of that young lord Xiao Yu?” On the way, Ning Fengzhi could not help but ask Sword Douluo.

Dustheart’s expression was grave. “With those two Title Douluo present, I didn’t dare go too far. But I could sense the boy’s soul power is vast and his blood energy abundant; among his peers, I doubt anyone could match him.”

“Exceptional talent is one thing, but the child’s temperament is also outstanding. Despite his youth, he handles matters flawlessly—extraordinarily shrewd,” Ning Fengzhi sighed, a hint of regret in his tone. “What a pity. If he weren’t the young master of Nine Star Hall but instead a lone soul, I would spare no effort to recruit him into the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.”

Dustheart nodded in agreement. At present, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was in a transitional period, with only Ning Fengzhi’s daughter, Ning Rongrong, showing notable promise; though she possessed innate soul power at level nine, she was, after all, an auxiliary soul master, reliant on powerful teammates to bring out the terrifying support abilities of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda.

If Xiao Yu could grow under their protection and, in the future, attain the rank of Title Douluo to assist Ning Rongrong, the sect could flourish for another century. But with Xiao Yu already marked as belonging to another sect, joining the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was out of the question. All Ning Fengzhi could do was sigh. “No matter what, we’ll maintain friendly relations with Nine Star Hall for now—what comes next, we’ll have to play by ear.”

A few days after Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi departed, Yu Yuanzhen finally gathered three soul bones each over thirty thousand years old and hurried to Sunset Forest to redeem his people.

Unlike the cultivated Xue Qinghe or Ning Fengzhi, Yu Yuanzhen was blunt and irascible. Upon arrival, he threw down the three soul bones and, fuming, took his three clan elders and left.

Xiao Yu merely shrugged off Yu Yuanzhen’s rudeness. The fate of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan was already sealed. Even if, in a few years, Bibi Dong’s soul-hunting plan encountered an accident on the Spirit Hall side, he would personally see to the clan’s annihilation.

A month later, Nine Star Hall’s Heaven Dou branch in Sunset Forest was completed, and the soul device business with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was also finalized. Xiao Yu then led his people on the journey home to prepare for the academy’s registration.

Compared to his arrival, the return trip was far more illustrious. The Heaven Dou royal family, eager to draw closer to Nine Star Hall, spared no means—covering all expenses along the way. There was no need to seek out inns or taverns; they stayed directly at official post stations.

The officers at the post stations had obviously been instructed by the authorities and served Xiao Yu and his group with the utmost care, as if they were honored ancestors.

Naturally, Xiao Yu saw no reason to refuse such benefits. Staying at the official post stations also saved him a great deal of unnecessary trouble.

......

“Who’s there?”

In the middle of the night, a sudden angry shout shattered Xiao Yu’s meditation. He leapt up and rushed outside.

In the courtyard, Aiolia and Milo stood side by side, facing off against two black-robed figures. The chief of the Jiuxin Begonia clan, Ye Renxin, who had returned with Xiao Yu, arrived a step behind the other two.

“As expected of Title Douluo with a hundred-thousand-year soul ring—such keen perception,” said the man on the left, his voice slightly hoarse. “No need to be so tense. We mean no harm tonight. We’re here on our master’s orders, simply to invite Young Lord Xiao for a chat.”

“Why should we trust you, skulking about like this?” Ye Renxin rebuked them angrily, then sent a soul-power transmission: “Be careful, Xiao, these two are likely both Title Douluo. This is no ordinary visit!”

“Young Lord Xiao, a hero in his youth—surely you’re not lacking in courage?” the man on the right taunted.

“There’s no need to try goading me. I’m not so easily provoked,” Xiao Yu replied coolly. “But as it happens, I’m in a good mood tonight. I’ll go with you.”

“Xiao!” Ye Renxin cried, flustered, wanting to persuade him otherwise.

Xiao Yu gave Ye Renxin a reassuring look. “Don’t worry, Grandpa Ye, I know what I’m doing. Besides, I think I know who wants to see me. You stay here and look after everyone—I’ll be back soon.”

Seeing Xiao Yu agree, the two black-robed figures said nothing more, turned, and left. Xiao Yu, Aiolia, and Milo followed closely, flying away from the post station.

The five formed two distinct groups—three in the lead, two behind. After leaving the city and flying for more than ten miles, they finally landed.

So it was her!

Upon landing, Xiao Yu saw who awaited them—a tall, striking young woman of about eighteen, with a high nose, skin like snow, eyes bright with authority, and wearing a palace gown woven with golden threads. Every inch of her exuded noble elegance.

Qian Renxue!

Xiao Yu recognized her at once. After all, he’d covered for her soul sense before Ning Fengzhi, and she must have harbored suspicions ever since. He’d anticipated she would seek him out, but he hadn’t expected she would come to meet him in person.