Just as Xue Ye Emperor was pondering how to educate Xue Ke later...
He suddenly heard the crisp sound of footsteps approaching from Ye Wen's direction. It was clearly the sound of a woman wearing small heels. Emperor Xue Ye frowned.
Who had the audacity to disturb his daughter while she was trying to charm a man!?
But after glancing over discreetly, Emperor Xue Ye's expression darkened.
A pink-clad figure in an elegant haute couture dress had approached Ye Wen and softly asked:
"Is this seat taken? If not, may I join you?"
The young lady's smile was radiant, her voice as melodious as a nightingale's, evoking images of the perfect "white moonlight" from romantic tales.
Ye Wen instinctively looked up at the pink figure before him and froze.
Ning Rongrong!? What was she doing here? Shouldn't she be wandering the streets with Shrek's group, only to later stumble upon Blue Tyrant Academy and be taken in by Liu Erlong?
Liu Erlong's storyline was infuriating. At this point, there were very few True Dragon martial souls left. Yu Xiaogang prided himself on being knowledgeable, yet he failed to recognize that Liu Erlong was related to him by blood. And when they discovered Blue Tyrant Academy, everyone acted like idiots—how could anyone use "Blue Tyrant" so casually? It was obvious that it was tied to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect!
One could only conclude that either Yu Xiaogang was genuinely stupid or had ulterior motives from the start.
But Ye Wen still couldn't figure out why Ning Rongrong was here.
Yet, he couldn't exactly chase her away. Though this was technically his apprentice ceremony, he wasn't the real host—how could he have the authority to turn someone away?
Moreover, thinking of Ning Fengzhi and the others chatting happily with Emperor Xue Ye nearby, Ye Wen inwardly cursed.
Could he dare to offend Ning Rongrong? If he said even one harsh word, her two grandpas would likely step in to suppress him. Even if Dugu Bo showed up, it wouldn't help much.
In the end, Ye Wen simply said casually, "This seat has no owner—you're free to sit."
Ning Rongrong didn't hesitate, plopping down onto the chair. But instead of speaking, she smiled and watched Ye Wen and Xue Ke.
Ye Wen wasn't angry, but Xue Ke couldn't contain her rising irritation.
'Who does this girl think she is? We were having a perfectly fine conversation, and she just barges in like this—isn't that incredibly rude? She has absolutely no noble upbringing!'
However, Xue Ke quickly calmed herself. Everyone present at this gathering was part of Tian Dou's elite circle—they wouldn't let just anyone in, especially not some empty-headed beauty.
And though the cultivation levels of these noblewomen varied, etiquette was something they all undoubtedly learned.
Yet this person dared to act so brazenly, showing no fear even upon seeing Xue Ke's princess attire.
This could only mean one thing: this person was no ordinary individual. Her background gave her the confidence to act so boldly.
Seeing both Ye Wen and Xue Ke fall silent, Ning Rongrong didn't feel the least bit awkward. Instead, with great interest, she said:
"Why did you stop talking? Don't mind me—just continue. This banquet is boring anyway, and I came here to pass the time."
After a long pause, Ye Wen sighed and said:
"Miss Ning, your behavior is somewhat impolite.
First, we don't know each other well. And as you can probably tell, the person beside me is the sole princess of Tian Dou Empire. Your arrival has made her uncomfortable.
So, could Miss Ning Rongrong please move to another seat and give us some privacy?"
Ning Rongrong, who had been acting mischievously like a little devil, was momentarily stunned. She looked at Ye Wen in confusion and asked:
"How do you know who I am? I'm sure I never introduced myself during our two encounters."
Suddenly, Ning Rongrong thought of something and smirked. "Don't tell me you've seen my portrait somewhere and memorized my appearance because you've secretly fallen for me."
Ye Wen rolled his eyes, utterly exasperated. Though Ning Rongrong was indeed cute, he wasn't like Tang San, who had questionable preferences.
Though Ning Rongrong appeared to be around thirteen or fourteen years old, her actual age was closer to twelve. Strictly speaking, it was borderline inappropriate.
Ye Wen felt the need to clarify things. Otherwise, by tomorrow, rumors about his "special interests" might spread after the ceremony ended.
"You're overthinking it, Miss Ning. I recognized you for other reasons—I have no interest in memorizing your portrait."
Though Xue Ke and Ning Rongrong had no prior interactions, they were both raised in environments filled with love and privilege. Ye Wen's words could be considered an insult to a "lady."
Thus, Xue Ke adopted an amused expression, ready to watch the drama unfold.
"How interesting! You claim to not know me, yet you somehow know my identity. You'd better explain yourself properly, or I'll go complain to my Sword Grandpa and Bone Grandpa. Whether you're the Poison Douluo's disciple or not, I'll make sure you regret it!" Ning Rongrong huffed angrily.
At Emperor Xue Ye's table, the atmosphere became completely silent.
Ning Fengzhi gave Emperor Xue Ye a wry smile and shook his head. He was clearly disappointed that his daughter, despite going out to train, still hadn't shed her somewhat troublesome nature.
Chen Xin and Gu Rong perked up their ears, sensing they might have a chance to step in. As doting grandfathers, they didn't mind Ning Rongrong using them as shields—in fact, they felt a sense of joy at being relied upon.
Ye Wen felt helpless. Why were there so many complications today?
But seeing the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect ready to intervene at a moment's notice, he knew that if he didn't provide an explanation, he'd truly be in trouble today.
Ye Wen first raised one finger and said, "First, I recognized your martial soul as the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda the moment I saw you. That confirms you're a direct member of the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect."
He then raised a second finger. "Additionally, my spiritual perception is highly sensitive—I can clearly sense others' cultivation levels. When we first met, your soul power was roughly at level 28, correct?"
Looking into Ye Wen's serious eyes, Ning Rongrong subconsciously nodded.
Ye Wen chuckled lightly and raised his third finger.
"Furthermore, your age is easy to deduce.
Although the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda is the world's top auxiliary martial soul, based on my knowledge, those who awaken it typically possess innate soul power ranging from six to eight levels.
According to this data, at your age—around twelve years old—the average soul power should fall between levels 17 and 24. However, your strength has already reached level 28, which is highly unusual. Therefore, your innate soul power must exceed level eight. Based on my information, the only person capable of achieving this is Ning Rongrong, the beloved youngest daughter of Lord Ning."
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