Before heading to the Star Dou Forest, Tang Yin had one more thing to handle — the danger looming over the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Sect.
He'd already made up his mind to save them from Spirit Hall's hunt. Better to act now than wait until it was too late. If he didn't ease the hostility between the two forces, his entire plan could blow up in his face.
When Tang yin came out of seclusion, he went looking for Ning Rongrong.
"Yo, Rongrong," he called casually, "I think it's about time I ask your father for your hand."
She blinked, stunned for half a heartbeat, and then her whole face lit up. Without warning, she threw herself at him, laughing and crying all at once looking childish.
"Hmph, about time! But you'd better bring something amazing for him, or he'll think you're stingy. What was that thing Grandpa Dugu always says…? Oh right — stealing someone else's cabbage for free."
Tang Yin laughed at her excitement and glanced over her shoulder at the other girls, who were trying (and failing) to hide their envy.
"I've already got something special for your father," he said with a confident grin.
"He's absolutely going to love it. And as for the rest of you," he said, sweeping his gaze over them with a smirk, "I'll get around to asking for your hands soon enough. I'm starting with Rongrong because there's something urgent, so quit giving me those looks."
Rongrong's giggles rang out as the others exchanged glances — part envy, part genuine happiness for her. The girls still offered their blessings, even if a little reluctantly; their bond over the years hadn't been for nothing.
Afterward, the two boarded a very luxurious carriage bound for the Seven Treasures Sect.
Rongrong rested snugly in Tang Yin's arms, humming a cheerful tune. As he watched her radiant smile, he silently vowed never to let it fade. Their trip took less than an hour, with the sect lying just outside Tian Duo City.
When they arrived at the main gate, the two stepped down from the carriage. Tang Yin offered his hand, and Rongrong accepted with practiced grace, every bit the noble lady she was born to be.
"Hey, look! The young miss is back!"
"What? The witch's back? God help me."
A commotion stirred—Rongrong's reputation wasn't exactly spotless in the sect, where she'd long been known as the "witch." But Tang Yin didn't mind; he quite liked that rebellious yet kind-hearted side of her.
"Wait—who's that with the young miss?"
"AHH… SO HANDSOME!"
Seeing Tang Yin, many female disciples squealed, hearts in their eyes, completely lovestruck.
(Don't ask — that's Donghua logic for you.)
Rongrong confidently led him toward the Sect Hall, where Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo had already been informed of their arrival. Fengzhi's face lit up — this was Tang Yin's first visit to their sect.
"This Tang Yin is more capable than I thought," Bone Douluo said with a conflicted look. "What are you going to do, Fengzhi? Let Rongrong join his Tang Sect, or have him join our Seven Treasures Sect?" He hadn't expected that in just two years, the young man would become such a big deal.
"Why decide so soon?" Sword Douluo interjected. "Let's see what he's here for first. After all, it's Rongrong—we should let her choose."
"Agreed. Let's wait and see," Fengzhi said, still torn between his love for his daughter and his responsibility as sect leader.
Just then, Tang Yin and Rongrong entered the main hall holding hands.
"Hello, Uncle Fenzhi, Sword Grandpa, Grandpa Gu! It's nice to see you," Tang Yin greeted them respectfully.
"Oh—welcome, Tang Yin! This is your first time visiting our sect," Fenzhi said warmly.
"Welcome, young man," Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo echoed with friendly nods.
"Sword Grandpa! Grandpa Gu!" Rongrong called out. Chen Xin and Gu Rong returned her greetings with warm smiles and hugged her lovingly.
Fenzhi, however, wore a mock heartbroken expression as Rongrong ignored him, hugging her grandfathers first and deliberately greeting him last.
"Say, Rongrong, why am I always last? Don't you love your father?" Fenzhi teased, feigning heartbreak, while Sword and Bone Douluo chuckled along.
"Hmph, stinky father," Rongrong snapped, gritting her silver teeth. "Don't think I don't know about your little scheme—selling your daughter off to that Flender. But since I met Tang Yin because of it, I guess I'll let it slide… for now."
"What? Fenzhi, you sold our granddaughter? How could you!" Chen Xin and Gu Rong played along with mock outrage.
Tang Yin watched the whole exchange with an amused smile. Fenzhi quickly diverted the conversation.
"Anyway, since it's the first time both of you have arrived, let's have a banquet," he said, clapping his hands to summon the maids.
Later, at the long dining table, Fenzhi sat at the head, with Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo flanking him. Tang Yin and Rongrong sat side by side, enjoying the rare delicacies.
"Wow! Uncle Fenzhi, did you steal the chef from the Imperial family? This is the best feast I've ever had," Tang Yin complimented, feeding a bite to Rongrong.
The feast ended with laughter and lighthearted chatter filling the hall. Empty plates were soon cleared away, leaving behind a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
Chen Xin motioned to Gu Rong, and they exchanged a knowing glance.
Bone Douluo raised an eyebrow and asked curiously, "Young man, I don't think you came here just to visit us—otherwise, you would've come earlier."
He then looked Tang Yin squarely in the eye. "Do you need our help with something? Don't be shy—just ask."
Ning Fenzhi nodded in agreement. "Yes, Tang Yin, we're practically family now. Go ahead and speak freely."
Encouraged by their support, Tang Yin and Rongrong exchanged a quick smile. With the mood set, Tang Yin knew it was time to present his gift and explain the real reason for his visit.
"There's something I need your help with, and only you can help," Tang Yin said seriously.
"I'm here to ask for your blessings—Uncle Fenzhi, Sword Grandpa, and Grandpa Gu as well," Tang Yin said earnestly, his gaze sincere.
"Rongrong means the world to me, and I want to spend my life with her. I promise to protect her, support her, and make her happiness my own. So, I need your approval and blessing."
He then pulled two elegant jade boxes from his storage ring, the weight of the moment settling around them. "I've also brought gifts as a token of my respect and gratitude."
Fenzhi smiled broadly as he looked at him. "Why bother with all this? Just ask. I approve of your relationship, but Tang Yin—don't ever let her down, understand son-in-law?"
Moved, Rongrong threw her arms around her father, tears streaming down her face, both happy and sad. "Waa… Dad, I love you. You're the best." Fenzhi gently patted her back to soothe her.
"Take good care of Rongrong, my grandson," Sword Douluo said approvingly, giving Tang Yin his blessing. He had great expectations for this young man.
Gu Rong snorted, glaring at him. "If she ever complains about you, I'll make sure you bear my wrath. But yeah, you've got my blessings."
A little threatening, but okay, Tang Yin thought with a restrained smile.
Bone Douluo's curiosity got the better of him as he carefully opened one of the jade boxes.
Inside lay a 100,000-year-old Titan Earth Armadillo soul bone. The power radiating from it immediately caught the attention of both Chen Xin and Ning Fenzhi.
"A 100,000-year-old soul bone?!" Gu Rong swallowed hard as he recognized the trunk soul bone—perfectly suited for his Bone Dragon Wuhun.
"What?!" Sword Douluo and Ning Fenzhi exchanged awed glances at the priceless gift Tang Yin had presented.
Chen Xin then opened the other jade box, revealing a Praying Titan Mantis soul bone.
"Another 100,000-year-old leg soul bone that complements my Seven Kill Sword Wuhun," he said quietly.
"With these, our cultivation levels could easily rise by at least one level," Gu Rong added with a wide grin.
Meanwhile, Fenzhi's mind raced, astonished that Tang Yin would offer such precious soul bones as gifts—though Rongrong didn't seem surprised to see such priceless treasures.
But being smart, he didn't ask about such sensitive matters—everyone had their secrets. And since his daughter already knew, it was clear Tang Yin trusted her wholeheartedly.
"Tang Yin, are you sure it's alright to give such treasures away? These are truly priceless," Fenzhi asked, cautious but unable to hide his hesitation about accepting them without offering something in return.
"It's okay, Uncle Fenzhi. Please don't feel burdened. I'm planning to leave soon for Sea God Island to train with Rongrong for about five years. That's why I wanted to ask for your blessings as soon as possible," He admitted.
"At least let me know if there's anything we can do to help in return," Ning Fenzhi pressed.
"Yes, we can't accept such priceless gifts without offering something," Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo added in agreement.
"Hmm, then please assist if any difficulties arise in Tang Sect during my absence. That would be more than enough," Tang Yin replied.
"Not only that, we also promise to help you in the future. After all, you're already family," they assured him warmly.
Finally, Chen Xin and Gu Rong accepted the task. After absorbing the soul bones, both advanced from level 96 to 97. They both appeared a little younger, their lifespans extended by an additional hundred years.
Afterwards, Tang Yin spent some time at the Seven Treasured Sect before returning to Tang Sect. Even if Spirit Hall came hunting, with two such powerhouses on their side, he doubted they'd suffer like in the original story.