Chapter 42: Ning Fengzhi's Big Pancake

After hearing Ning Fengzhi's words, Yang Xiong's expression became somewhat unreadable; on one hand, many of his hidden things had been uncovered, and on the other he felt a little relieved, since Ning Fengzhi probably didn't know about the Immortal Herb he obtained in the Ice‑Fire Dual‑Aspect Eye.

The outer rim of the Ice‑Fire Dual‑Aspect Eye is guarded by Dugu Bo's remaining Poison Array; ordinary Soul Grandmasters cannot breach it, and even Ning Fengzhi cannot dispatch a Title Douluo to accompany him, meaning that, for now, matters inside the Ice‑Fire Dual‑Aspect Eye remain secret.

Ning Fengzhi looked at Yang Xiong's shifting expression and thought he had seen through Yang Xiong's little thoughts.

Xiao Xiong, your experience in the Soul Master World is still too shallow; the Soul Master World is far more ruthless than you imagine, with numerous major sects standing tall. Although my Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is reputed as one of the top three sects in the Soul Master World, it is not without rivals.

The major sects and factions are entangled, each having numerous spies on the other side; especially toward the other's prodigious disciples, they either cannot win them over and instead work covertly to eliminate them. A sect cannot trust a disciple like you to wander alone. For example, on your trip to Sunset Forest, many people intended to strike you from the shadows, but we blocked them.

Yang Xiong quickly replied: "Thank you, Sect Leader; I have underestimated the ruthlessness of the Soul Master World."

Ning Fengzhi shook his head: "That's not your fault. Although you've read many books and mastered much Soul Master knowledge, what the books say and reality still differ. You may train alone within the sect and even become strong, but once you reach the High-level Soul Master stage, you must undergo various trials beyond mere cultivation, even face dangers. That's one reason I want you and Rong Rong to go out and learn together."

The environment in Suotuo City might be slightly poorer and not as comfortable as within the sect, but the teaching staff is decent, which should be beneficial to your growth.

Yang Xiong thought carefully before speaking: "Sect Leader, I am willing to go to Suotuo City, but I have a small request—please grant it."

Ning Fengzhi, hearing this, became somewhat interested: "No problem; as I've said, you can treat me as your elder."

Yang Xiong said: "Sect Leader, you know my martial soul is rather unique; there is no successful precedent in the Soul Master World. I have my own cultivation approach, and even if I go to Suotuo City I do not want anyone interfering with my method, nor probing any of its secrets. Soul Grandmasters each have their own hidden aspects, which may affect my future safety. Otherwise I would have to return to the sect early."

Ning Fengzhi nodded: "Of course, not probing others' secrets is the most basic rule of the Soul Master World; if such a situation arises, just return directly."

Yang Xiong finally breathed a sigh of relief; he didn't care much about those people from the original work, he had his own path, as long as they didn't interfere with his cultivation.

Ning Fengzhi thought for a moment before speaking: "Xiao Xiong, there are two more points you should watch."

"On the surface this time it's only you and Rong Rong going to Suotuo City; when Rong Rong goes to school later, she may meet many new classmates and encounter many new things. I don't want her to become overly close with other boys."

Yang Xiong scoffed at this, thinking Ning Fengzhi was probably afraid his little daughter would be lured away by some blond boy; in the original work he never seemed so cautious, and his daughter was even taken by someone from the Food System.

"Sect Leader, rest assured, I will stay close to Miss Rong Rong and will not let those ignorant people get near her."

Ning Fengzhi nodded with satisfaction: "That's good. By the way, there's one more thing—actually Gu Shu has been watching you from the shadows. Especially after you cultivated the 'Way of Defense', Gu Shu held you in high regard. After you graduate from school, I will ask Gu Shu to take you as a disciple."

"You should know Gu Shu's standing in my Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, especially since he is a Title Douluo serving as a teacher; your future cultivation will be much more efficient, and you may even reach Gu Shu's level of strength."

Yang Xiong was also startled; he indeed felt that the sect's higher-ups were watching him, and from the resources he cultivated, he didn't expect that person to be Gu Douluo.

In the Douluo World, a Title Douluo is considered the pinnacle of the Soul Master World; each Title Douluo is a giant of a region. The Heaven Dou Imperial Family suffered because their own house lacked a Title Douluo, and the top three sects have never been able to surpass that because Title Douluos are stationed there.

"Thank you, Sect Leader, for granting this, thank the sect for nurturing me, and thank the senior Gu Douluo for his regard. I will work hard in cultivation and will not disappoint the sect."

Ning Fengzhi's face showed a faint smile: "Xiao Xiong, sometimes you don't need to be so cautious. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect may not be invincible, but it's not something anyone can easily provoke. It's just a soul bone, there's no need to hide it. I don't believe anyone would dare provoke the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect over a soul bone."

"Remember I told you, the sect is your home; as long as you don't betray the sect, any resources you desire the sect will strive to obtain for you, even a Supreme Spirit Ring or a Soul Ring Soul Bone. Moreover, according to our sect's rules, your personal opportunities will not be coveted by the sect."

Yang Xiong quickly expressed gratitude: "Thank you, Sect Leader; I will definitely work hard in cultivation and strive to contribute to the sect."

"Xiao Xiong, everything at your home will be arranged, go back and prepare; we set out early tomorrow morning."

After their discussion, Yang Xiong finally returned to his home.

However, as soon as Yang Xiong got home, his previously smiling face turned serious.

Ning Fengzhi is far more formidable than I imagined; swinging a stick to give a sweet jujube is quite deft. If he were an ordinary twelve‑year‑old, he would have already bowed his head and paid homage because of these words.

But Ning Fengzhi clearly underestimated me, especially the secrets I carry. If he knew I possessed numerous Immortal Herbs capable of altering the entire Douluo Continent's situation, I wonder whether I would still be as calm as now.

Nevertheless, I have come to appreciate the depth and thoroughness of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, especially how the sect truly invests effort for young talents.

Yang Xiong thought carefully and realized that going to Shrek also has another advantage.

Given Yang Xiong's own temperament, going to Shrek might cause conflicts with those people from the original work; then we'll see how Ning Fengzhi decides, and whether the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is worth further sacrifice.

Yang Xiong briefly told his parents about the sect's arrangement, and Yang Lin and Sun Yu no longer argued about Yang Xiong's schooling.

(End of Chapter)