Chapter 19

Six months later.

One morning, the now eleven‑year‑old Yu Tianyun gently pulled away the several soft arms entwined around his body, feeling slightly fatigued as he got up to wash.

Last night, driven by guilt, Yu Tianyun lavishly compensated the three beautiful maids.

He felt guilty because today he was to be engaged to Ning Rongrong of the Qi Bao Liu Li Sect! So last night he could only suffer this great villain, bearing the burden for him! At that moment, Xiao Yue, Xiao Yu (the true bunny girl) and A Li (the true fox spirit) were awakened by Yu Tianyun's movements, and they promptly rose, disheveled, to attend him.

As the first to enter the room, Xiao Yue was also the boldest; the jade hand helping Yu Tianyun tidy his clothes had unknowingly moved, and the corner of her mouth also gave a light laugh.

Yu Tianyun shuddered all over, and before he could react, a warm, soft touch came from behind.

It was Xiao Yu and A Li who had pressed close; his gaze fell on those three exquisite faces, a flash of anger ignited in his chest, he forcefully broke free of the jade hand's restraint—when the sun had fully risen, Yu Tianyun, one hand supporting his waist, fled in embarrassment, faintly hearing the teasing laughter of the women behind him.

Yu Tianyun gave a cold snort, straightened his waist and back, quickened his steps, and strode away.

At this moment, Yu Tianyun arrived at the mountain gate, where Yu Yuanzhen, Yu Luomian, and his parents had long been waiting.

He hurried forward, bowed to everyone, and said, 'Greetings, Grandfather, Second Grandfather, Father, Mother—I was delayed a moment by a small matter; I'm not late, am I?'

Yu Yuanzhen smiled faintly and said gently, 'It's fine, don't rush; according to our agreed time, there's still a quarter of an hour.'

Hearing this, Yu Tianyun finally breathed a sigh of relief, lightly nodded to show understanding, then stood quietly to one side, waiting together with everyone.

During this brief wait, everyone remained silent; Yu Tianyun silently observed his surroundings, only the occasional rustle of leaves stirred by the mountain breeze breaking the tranquility.

The quarter of an hour passed in an instant.

"Clang! A sword whistle rang out; from afar flew an azure ancient heavy sword, on which stood two adults and a child—none other than the Sword Douluo Chenxin of the Qi Bao Liu Li Sect, Sect Master Ning Fengzhi, and his little princess Ning Rongrong! The sword hovered before the crowd, and the three descended lightly.

"Gazing at the Lan Dian Ba Wang Sect members who had come out to greet them, Ning Fengzhi examined each in turn, his gaze lingering a moment longer on Yu Tianyun, then he smiled like a spring breeze and cupped his hands, saying, 'Uncle Yu, you personally came out to welcome us—this truly humbles me!'

"Sect Master Ning is too polite; it is only natural for this old man to come out to greet his future in‑laws!" Yu Yuanzhen said with a laugh.

At this moment, Yu Luomian excitedly said, 'Sect Master Ning, Douluo Chenxin, please come in quickly; if we keep you standing outside, outsiders will say our Lan Dian Ba Wang Sect lacks propriety!'

"Then I shall obey your command rather than merely show respect," Ning Fengzhi replied respectfully.

Together they walked toward the sect master's hall; along the way Ning Rongrong occasionally stole glances at Yu Tianyun's handsome face—his looks had completely taken root in her heart! Soon her cheeks flushed slightly. Though she had felt a bit reluctant before coming, now that reluctance faded with each furtive look.

Yu Tianyun naturally noticed Ning Rongrong's behavior, and couldn't help thinking, 'Women are easily deceived by appearance! Actually my greatest strength is diligence and study, not this stinking flesh!'

Upon entering the hall, everyone engaged in boring pleasantries and small talk; Yu Tianyun, meanwhile, stood aside with eyes closed, cultivating his spirit.

"Come, Tianyun, release your soul ring so your Uncle Ning can see your strength!" At some point Yu Yuanzhen's voice came.

Yu Tianyun nodded heavily, stepped into the midst of the crowd, and instantly all eyes focused on him.

A sonorous dragon roar rang out; Yu Tianyun's body suddenly gathered thunder and lightning, his gaze turning indifferent and domineering, as if he were the emperor of thunder.

Then he walked toward the three from the Qi Bao Liu Li Sect; with each step a soul ring appeared. At first the three paid no heed, but as he took the second and third steps.

The three from the Qi Bao Liu Li Sect were so shocked their eyes nearly popped out; even Ning Fengzhi, who had just sipped tea, nearly spat it out, straining to hold back a cough until his face flushed red!

Years of cultivating qi were shattered in an instant! Chenxin, equally stunned, said, 'A purple soul ring as the second ring? No, the colors of the first and third rings are also off—Old Dragon, what monster have you raised?'

Among the three, Ning Rongrong's reaction was the best; after her surprise she gazed at Yu Tianyun with eyes full of little stars, clearly more pleased, and her last trace of reluctance had vanished!

She couldn't help thinking, 'He's so handsome and talented; even if he's a bit flirtatious, I could perhaps accept it!' Unconsciously, Ning Rongrong had already fallen under Yu Tianyun's spell.

"Tianyun, do you like Rongrong?"

Yu Tianyun blinked slightly, not expecting Ning Fengzhi to be so direct, but seeing Ning Rongrong's hopeful gaze, he sincerely said, 'Miss Rongrong is naturally beautiful; I pity her, and I believe anyone who sees her would like her from the heart!'

Ning Fengzhi looked at Yu Tianyun's earnest expression, smiled satisfied, turned to Ning Rongrong and asked, 'Rongrong, are you satisfied now?'

"Mm!" Ning Rongrong's originally fair and pretty face turned crimson; she lowered her head to look at her feet, her voice barely a mosquito's buzz—had those present not been highly cultivated, they likely wouldn't have heard it.

Seeing Ning Rongrong's uncompetitive demeanor, Sword Douluo Chenxin couldn't help lamenting, 'Rongrong, where did your former stubbornness go? To so easily give yourself to this lad? Though he's a bit outstanding and handsome, but—but how could you agree so lightly! An unmarried woman shouldn't linger!' He then beat his chest and stamped his feet, looking vexed that iron won't become steel.

Seeing this, Ning Fengzhi laughed openly: 'I have only this one daughter; if someone likes her but she doesn't like them back, I really couldn't bear to force her.'

Everyone burst into cheerful laughter and chatter.

At this moment, Yu Yuanzhen looked at Yu Tianyun: 'Tianyun, take Miss Rongrong around our Lan Dian Ba Wang Sect properly!'

"Yes, Grandfather!" Yu Tianyun replied loudly, then gestured to Ning Rongrong: 'Miss Rongrong, I'll show you the sect's scenery!'

Yu Tianyun and Ning Rongrong walked side by side along the Lan Dian Ba Wang Sect's path; a gentle breeze brushed past, stirring their hair.

Yu Tianyun is a man of few words; he prefers action to talk, and now he didn't know how to converse with the girl beside him.

"Yu Tianyun, your soul rings are truly astonishing! How did you manage that?" Ning Rongrong broke the silence first, her face still showing the earlier astonishment and admiration.

"Just talent plus effort, nothing remarkable." Yu Tianyun said in a cold voice, uttering quite a smug remark.

"Hmph! You're actually quite humble!" Ning Rongrong gave a light snort, though the corner of her mouth rose slightly.

In the Qi Bao Liu Li Sect, no peer had ever spoken to her like this; everyone else tried to flatter her with ulterior motives to gain favor from Ning Fengzhi.

Having realized this, Ning Rongrong grew to dislike those peers; the environment left her without true friends. Now Yu Tianyun's lack of flattery sounded especially pleasing to her, and her heart grew ever more satisfied with him! They continued their stroll, occasionally hearing his cold tone and her girlish laughter.

Meanwhile, the two sides in the hall began discussing all cooperation matters; they did not intend to make this public now, for premature disclosure would be tantamount to provoking the Spirit Hall's nerves! It would not be too late to announce it after Yu Tianyun and Ning Rongrong reach adulthood.

Sword Douluo Chenxin flew away on his sword, taking the two with him; Ning Fengzhi departed the Lan Dian Ba Wang Sect with great delight, returning to the Qi Bao Liu Li Sect.

(End of chapter)