Chapter 325: Sword Douluo's Surprise and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's Support
Seeing the girl in Dai Yao's arms, Sword Douluo was taken aback. He had sealed the carriage with his soul power, making it impossible for anyone to enter or leave without his knowledge. So, this young woman was indeed Ning Rongrong. Her clothing was the same as before, and he could sense her familiar essence, though her presence now exuded a power and grace far beyond her former self.
Feng Wutong, too, studied the girl closely, quickly realizing what must have occurred within the carriage. She recalled her own transformation, granted by absorbing a red lotus, which had elevated her appearance and talent. Judging from Ning Rongrong's newfound radiance, her experience must have mirrored Feng Wutong's. Knowing Dai Yao had bestowed such a precious gift upon her, Wutong quietly acknowledged that Ning Rongrong was destined to be his next wife, as their bond had taken a significant step forward.
A trace of sorrow flickered across Feng Wutong's heart as she lowered her gaze to hide her expression under her hood. Ning Rongrong's social standing and wealth could catapult Dai Yao's ambitions in establishing a new sect, easily sweeping away any obstacles in his path. Meanwhile, what could she offer? Everything she had now was built upon Dai Yao's aid and trust.
At Sword Douluo's questioning, Ning Rongrong hesitated momentarily, understanding his confusion. With her hands crossed over her chest, she averted her gaze, pouting slightly as she pretended to be upset. "Sword Grandpa, do you not recognize me anymore? I thought you said you cared about me!"
Ning Rongrong's familiar endearing tone reassured Sword Douluo, yet her transformation was still astonishing to him. "So, you really are Rongrong?" he asked.
She gave an indignant huff. "Of course! Who else would I be?"
Sword Douluo exhaled slowly, calming his inner turmoil. His sharp gaze shifted back and forth between Ning Rongrong and Dai Yao as he inquired, "Rongrong, what exactly happened? How did you change so drastically?"
Meeting Dai Yao's eyes, Ning Rongrong hesitated. As a young clan leader, she understood that revealing the lotus's true nature would bring peril to Dai Yao. To protect him, she couldn't share the whole truth, not even with her Sword Grandpa, Bone Grandpa, or even her father.
"Sword Grandpa, I can't explain it fully. All I can say is that I encountered a rare fortune, similar to Father's."
Sword Douluo was stunned, recalling that Ning Fengzhi's fortuitous encounter had evolved the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, propelling the clan's power to unprecedented levels. If Ning Rongrong had inherited a similar opportunity, her spirit had likely evolved as well, though whether it reached eight or nine layers, he couldn't be certain. Though he was curious to see her evolved spirit, a more pressing matter awaited.
His intense gaze shifted to Dai Yao, whose calm demeanor seemed unfazed yet respectful.
"Dai Yao, follow me," Sword Douluo commanded, turning without waiting for a response. Ning Rongrong immediately stepped between them, protective. "Sword Grandpa, please don't press him further. He really can't tell you anything about this!"
Sword Douluo's face darkened as he processed her words. Ning Rongrong, though not yet married to Dai Yao, was already fiercely defending him. It was hard for him to accept that the girl he had cherished like a granddaughter could be swept away by someone like Dai Yao. To him, Dai Yao was that impulsive youth riding a reckless path.
Dai Yao's exceptional talent and contribution of two enhanced Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda users meant little to Sword Douluo, who saw only the excess of women in his life.
"Dai Yao! Follow me now!" Sword Douluo barked, leaving no room for argument as he strode away. Dai Yao began to follow but paused when he felt a gentle tug on his arm. Turning, he saw Ning Rongrong's worried face. Smiling, he gave her hand a reassuring pat. "Don't worry; the Elder won't harm me."
Reluctantly, she released him, and Dai Yao flashed an apologetic glance toward Feng Wutong as he passed. Feng Wutong smiled softly, nodding in quiet understanding, soothed by his simple gesture, even as traces of bitterness lingered from watching his closeness with Ning Rongrong.
Ning Rongrong furrowed her brows, her gaze flicking from Feng Wutong back to Dai Yao as they departed…
Dai Yao caught up to Sword Douluo, whose pace quickened to a speed surpassing that of most Soul Emperors. Realizing this was a test, Dai Yao pushed his own limits, keeping up without tapping into his spirit power.
In mere moments, the two had left the bustling city gates of Longxing City far behind, reaching the peak of a distant mountain. Sword Douluo stopped, his silver hair billowing in the wind, momentarily taken aback as he observed Dai Yao, who stood by his side without breaking a sweat.
"I'd heard rumors that you'd defeated all the younger disciples of the Clear Sky Clan single-handedly, and I doubted it. But seeing you now, keeping pace with me effortlessly and without drawing on your spirit power, I find myself believing those tales," Sword Douluo said, a note of admiration in his voice.
"You flatter me, Elder," Dai Yao replied, bowing respectfully.
Sword Douluo waved off the compliment, his gaze fixed on the blazing horizon. "I don't intend to make things difficult for you. Since Rongrong has chosen you, neither Bone Douluo nor I will stand in her way. However, Ning Fengzhi is another matter. As the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's leader, his decisions must align with the clan's best interests."
Sword Douluo turned to Dai Yao, his expression solemn. "Before we left, Fengzhi asked me to present you with three conditions if you wish to be with Rongrong."
Dai Yao's expression turned serious. "Please, go ahead."
"First, we're aware you're married to Zhu Zhuqing, and we won't force you to choose. However, Rongrong must also be given the title of wife," Sword Douluo said. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan could not accept Ning Rongrong, their precious jewel, being relegated to the status of a mere concubine. Her role would affect not only her honor but the face of the entire clan.
"Naturally," Dai Yao agreed without hesitation.
Though he regarded each woman in his life equally, he understood the significance of giving Ning Rongrong the title of wife; it honored both her and her clan. Pleased with his response, Sword Douluo smiled. "Good. We'll expect you to give her a wedding worthy of her status."
"Of course," Dai Yao nodded firmly.
"By agreeing to this first condition, you've gained Fengzhi's approval," Sword Douluo continued. "However, the next two conditions are what will determine if the clan itself will fully support you. The second condition: you must reach the Soul Douluo level within the next ten years. The third condition: you must secure a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring upon reaching Soul Douluo."
Sword Douluo's intense gaze met Dai Yao's. "You're a member of the Spirit Hall, with which the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has a longstanding rivalry. If you're to marry our clan's brightest star, your power must command respect across the entire clan."
Dai Yao's mind flashed back to the original story, trying to suppress a groan. Why did the strongest on Douluo Continent always issue these two same conditions? Either it was reaching Soul Douluo in ten years or obtaining a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring. It seemed like a cliché by now! Unbeknownst to Sword Douluo, Dai Yao had already achieved one of the two. He possessed a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring from his sixth spirit ring onward.
"What's wrong? Are you afraid to agree?" Sword Douluo's brow arched at Dai Yao's silence.
Dai Yao chuckled, shaking his head just as two figures came speeding toward them from the horizon.
…
Meanwhile, back at the city's edge, Ning Rongrong and Feng Wutong exchanged glances.
"You're Feng Wutong?" Ning Rongrong asked, studying the black-robed woman with her hood drawn low.
"Yes, I am, Miss Rongrong," Feng Wutong replied with a respectful nod.
Ning Rongrong smiled sweetly. "Please, there's no need to be so formal. From what I understand, you're a bit older than me. If you don't mind, just call me Rongrong."
Driven by her feelings for Dai Yao, Ning Rongrong had long ago researched the people closest to him.
"Oh, I couldn't possibly. You're the future lady of the household, and I am simply a maid in the young master's service. How could I ignore that distinction?" Feng Wutong declined, flustered.
Ning Rongrong's smile deepened as she observed the bustling work underway to prepare the new residence. "If you were just a maid, would Dai Yao bring you with him wherever he goes? And would he grant a simple maid something as valuable as the lotus flower?"
She had always found it strange that someone as gifted and beautiful as Feng Wutong would serve as a maid. Now, after absorbing the golden lotus herself, she understood: Feng Wutong owed her transformation, her very power, to Dai Yao's benevolence. Naturally, such loyalty followed.
"And since Dai Yao entrusted you with a lotus, he must trust you deeply," Ning Rongrong added meaningfully.
Feng Wutong blinked, momentarily speechless at Ning Rongrong's insight.
With a gentle laugh, Ning Rongrong took Feng Wutong's hand. "Sister Wutong, I'm not trying to undermine you. I just want you to know that we share the same secret, and Dai Yao trusts us both equally."
"We're no different. Besides," she said with a knowing smile, "you've been with him far longer than I have…"
Ning Rongrong's cheeks flushed as she reached the end of her sentence, words catching in her throat. After a moment, she continued, "We're already like sisters; you really don't need to be so formal with me."
Hearing this, Feng Wutong felt a surge of warmth toward the young clan leader. Hesitantly, she responded, "Then… I'll call you Rongrong if it's not too bold of me."
"Yes, Sister Wutong!" Ning Rongrong said, smiling.
In truth, Ning Rongrong had planned this conversation carefully. Since she was now married to Dai Yao, it was only natural she would eventually meet Zhu Zhuqing and the others. But figuring out how to bond with them was a challenge. Zhu Zhuqing was distant and cool, making her seem unapproachable. Though Dugu Yan was alluring and enchanting, Ning Rongrong guessed she'd be even harder to connect with than Zhu Zhuqing. Feng Wutong, however, seemed the easiest to get close to.
With a good relationship established with Feng Wutong, her bond with Zhu Zhuqing and the others would be less strained.
"Sister Wutong, doesn't wearing that hood all day make you tired? I haven't seen what you look like since I got here!" Ning Rongrong said, glancing at Feng Wutong's shrouded face.
Startled, Feng Wutong hesitated, but after a moment, she slowly removed her hood. Beneath it appeared a face of striking beauty, stunning everyone nearby from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Already surprised by Ning Rongrong's transformed appearance, the clan members around her grew silent as they took in Feng Wutong's face, understanding instantly why she kept it hidden under her hood. Now, they felt a mix of admiration and jealousy towards Dai Yao—the man who had not only stolen away their beloved clan beauty but who also had yet another woman by his side who was equally captivating.
Ning Rongrong widened her eyes, exclaiming, "You're stunning!"
Feng Wutong humbly replied, "You're the beautiful one, Rongrong."
The two chatted for a while, with Ning Rongrong asking questions and Feng Wutong answering them. In no time, Ning Rongrong had a clear understanding of Dai Yao's current situation within the Spirit Hall and his reasons for establishing a new sect.
"I'll help Dai Yao create his sect no matter what!" Ning Rongrong declared, raising her tiny fists with determination.
"Thank you, Rongrong," Feng Wutong said gratefully.
Ning Rongrong gave her a mischievous smile. "Sister Wutong, would you like to go eavesdrop on what Sword Grandpa is saying to Dai Yao?"
Feng Wutong hesitated. "Wouldn't that be a little improper…?"
"Oh, come on! Sword Grandpa's probably just giving him a bunch of trials and requirements. But once I show him my evolved spirit, he'll likely forget all about those tests and conditions!" Ning Rongrong giggled.
With little choice, Feng Wutong relented. She summoned her spirit, Zhuque, and the two soared into the sky toward the outskirts of Longxing City.
…
"Rongrong, what are you doing here!" Sword Douluo exclaimed, annoyed as he spotted Ning Rongrong and Feng Wutong. He had hoped to keep his talk with Dai Yao private. Seeing his granddaughter there, still unmarried yet already taking Dai Yao's side, Sword Douluo felt his heart ache.
After releasing Feng Wutong's hand and landing on the ground, Ning Rongrong pouted, saying, "Sword Grandpa, you're testing Dai Yao again, aren't you?"
Sword Douluo was momentarily speechless. Against an opponent, he could eliminate all in his path without mercy, but in front of Rongrong, his indomitable spirit seemed to fade away.
"Hmph, I guessed right," Ning Rongrong sniffed. "Sword Grandpa, I want to show you something."
"Oh? And what would that be?" Sword Douluo asked, clearing his throat as he composed himself.
Ning Rongrong channeled her spirit power, summoning a shimmering, ten-layered glazed tower that appeared in her hand, radiating a mesmerizing glow.
"What is this?" Sword Douluo's gaze was transfixed.
"One, two… seven, eight, nine layers! Nine layers, that's incredible, Rongrong! You've achieved the potential to become a Title Douluo! Wait… that's not all…" Sword Douluo's eyes widened as he spotted the faint outline of a tenth layer atop the pagoda. "Is that… the tenth layer?"
Even as composed as he was, Sword Douluo could not help but exclaim. He knew better than most what a tenth layer symbolized. The tenth layer implied the ability to absorb a tenth spirit ring—meaning the potential to become a god!
Sword Douluo laughed aloud. Years of suppression by the Spirit Hall and Qian Daoliu's dominance were momentarily forgotten in his surge of excitement. With the rise of Ning Rongrong, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan could birth a god! Not even the Spirit Hall or Qian Daoliu could achieve eternity, but with a god, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan could stand immortal.
The whole of Longxing City felt the tremor of his unleashed soul power as countless weapons—swords, axes, lances—began to tremble in reverence for the king of weapons. Those in the city below were astonished, their once orderly routines descending into chaos.
After a long moment, Sword Douluo's laughter subsided. Such was his happiness that he'd lost control of his soul power. He turned to Ning Rongrong, eyes gleaming with pride.
"Rongrong, do you realize what this Ten Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda of yours represents?" he asked.
Ning Rongrong, her tone assured, replied, "Of course I know. This spirit is only mine because of Dai Yao. Now, Sword Grandpa, do you still think he needs to meet those conditions?"
Sword Douluo had already forgotten the conditions he'd set. With the existence of the Ten Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, the clan's honor was no longer a concern compared to the ascent of a deity.
"No, no conditions!" Sword Douluo said, chuckling as he turned to Dai Yao, his tone now warm. "Dai Yao, from today onward, my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will support you without reservation. If you want to establish a neutral sect, we'll be the first to join!"
"I'm sure once we return and I share this news with Fengzhi and the others, they'll wholeheartedly agree," he added.
Dai Yao bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Elder."
Sword Douluo waved him off with a slight grimace. "Oh, enough with the formalities. Just call me Sword Grandpa, like Rongrong does!"
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