Tang San answered respectfully but without any submissiveness, "Sect Master, I was chosen by an elder from the Spirit Hall and was supposed to be taken back with them. But midway, we were ambushed..."
"I got separated from the Spirit Hall elder and was later pursued by unknown enemies."
His words were half true and half fabricated.
It was true that he had been noticed by a Spirit Hall elder. The part about being hunted by soul beasts, however, was a complete lie.
If Ning Fengzhi were to discover the truth and began investigating those strange individuals...
He might uncover the existence of the Zerg Brood within Tang San's body. In that case, the one to suffer would undoubtedly be Tang San himself.
Moreover, after seeing the miserable state that Chrysanthemum Douluo had ended up in, Tang San seriously doubted that a sect master of an auxiliary-type martial soul sect would have the power to capture that mysterious man.
In Tang San's opinion, Chrysanthemum Douluo was already at the pinnacle of strength in the entire continent.
Among the powers of the continent—the Spirit Hall, the two Empires, and the three Great Sects—Spirit Hall's Title Douluo elders stood above most.
If even someone like Chrysanthemum Douluo was no match for that mysterious man, wouldn't sending others be tantamount to sending lambs to the slaughter?
"…I understand."
Ning Fengzhi furrowed his brows deeply after hearing Tang San's explanation. The Spirit Hall was attacked?
On the continent, the Spirit Hall was among the most powerful and influential forces. What kind of power dared to assault a member of Spirit Hall?
Could it be the Evil Soul Masters…?
He asked again, "Did you manage to see clearly who the attackers were? And what happened to the people from Spirit Hall? Who took you away from the scene?"
Tang San pretended to think carefully before shaking his head regretfully. "Apologies, Sect Master. I really can't remember clearly. Those people were extremely mysterious and powerful. The battle ended very quickly."
"It was Elder Ju from Spirit Hall who brought me out."
"What?!"
Ning Fengzhi's voice rose sharply as he stared at Tang San, his expression turning grave. "Repeat that—who did you say?"
Tang San's heart dropped instantly. He knew right away he'd slipped up.
But the arrow had already been nocked and couldn't be withdrawn.
Bracing himself, he continued, "It was Elder Ju. That's what he was called. Sect Master, is something wrong?"
"…No, it's fine. Nothing at all."
Ning Fengzhi took a few deep breaths, waving his hand to brush it off.
If what this young man says is true, then this incident is serious beyond measure!
A Spirit Hall Title Douluo—one of their honored elders—had been ambushed and was now missing?
Otherwise, Elder Ju would have ensured this child's safety. There's no way he would've left him to flee alone…
Unless… even Elder Ju himself couldn't escape.
A chill ran down Ning Fengzhi's spine as he murmured, "The heavens are about to change…"
No matter which scenario turned out to be true, the consequences would rock the entire Douluo Continent.
His gaze returned to Tang San, but this time, it held more wariness and concern.
Tang San had now become a hot potato. If Chrysanthemum Douluo survived, he would surely come looking for the boy afterward.
If he traced him to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi might still be able to provide an explanation.
But if Chrysanthemum Douluo didn't survive and Spirit Hall investigated the incident, and the clues led back to him—then the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would be in serious danger. Ning Fengzhi knew this all too well.
Noticing the worry in Ning Fengzhi's expression, Tang San stood and bowed respectfully, saying, "Thank you for saving my life, Sect Master. I will never forget this favor. My injuries are mostly healed now, and it's time for me to take my leave."
Ning Fengzhi looked at the youth's calm and composed demeanor, and a trace of regret stirred in his heart.
This boy, both in temperament and conduct, was truly exceptional—rare among his peers.
To have caught the attention of Chrysanthemum Douluo, his talent must be extraordinary.
If nurtured properly, he might very well surpass even himself in the future… Perhaps even reach the level of a Title Douluo.
For a moment, Ning Fengzhi hesitated. Should he really let Tang San leave?
"Father! Is that person awake yet?"
A lively voice called from outside the hall. Tang San turned his head—and his eyes lit up.
A young girl dressed in a bright green dress came bouncing in. Her face had the adorable softness of youth, and her complexion appeared even more radiant because of it.
Her large, expressive eyes narrowed playfully, revealing a mischievous sparkle.
Her long hair was tied up in a beautiful ponytail, draped across her delicate shoulders.
Her entire appearance and aura radiated a warm, spring-like charm, and even Tang San couldn't help but feel his heart skip a beat.
"Eh? So you're already awake!"
The girl ran straight up to Tang San, blinking curiously at him, her eyes full of wonder.
Feeling a little uneasy under her gaze, Tang San finally spoke up, "Miss, was it you who saved me?"
"Yup! I found you and had my dad bring you back. Otherwise, you'd have already become soul beast chow!" she pouted proudly.
"Rongrong! Mind your manners!"
Ning Fengzhi scolded her half-heartedly, then turned to Tang San with a hearty laugh. "Hahaha! This is my daughter—her name is Ning Rongrong."
Tang San caught the fond look in Ning Fengzhi's eyes as he gazed at the girl, and his eyelids twitched slightly.
So she's the sect's little princess. No wonder she's so lively…
He nodded politely to Ning Rongrong. "Thank you for saving me, Miss. I'll never forget it. If I have the chance in the future, I will definitely repay you."
"You sure talk like an old man for someone your age," Ning Rongrong huffed.
Then she asked, "Wait, does that mean you're leaving?"
Tang San nodded. "My wounds are almost healed, and I've recovered well. It's time I left. I don't want to trouble your sect any longer."
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong rushed to stand in front of him, puffing out her cheeks and blinking her big eyes. "No! I finally found someone interesting. Stay! Isn't our sect good enough for you?"
Faced with her playful pleading, Tang San suddenly didn't know what to do. He stood frozen, glancing at Ning Fengzhi for help.
"Uh…"
Ning Fengzhi shook his head, a trace of sympathy appearing in his eyes as he looked at Tang San.
He knew his daughter all too well. Ever since she was a child, she had been spoiled rotten and had turned the entire sect upside down.
Nearly all the young male disciples had suffered under her whims.
And now… it was clear she had set her sights on Tang San.
A bold idea suddenly struck Ning Fengzhi. He looked at his daughter, then back at Tang San.
Why not let him stay?
After all, his last interaction with Chrysanthemum Douluo had ended on a rather sour note.
Even if Spirit Hall decided to come investigating, Ning Fengzhi had no fear. His stance was solid.
****
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