"You, my dear..."
Ning Fengzhi gazed at Ning Rongrong with affection as she clung to his arm, playfully shaking it. His eyes were filled with indulgence.
Reaching out, he gently ruffled her hair, his tone laced with amused resignation.
"To help a friend, you're willing to raid your father's deepest reserves?"
"Oh, Daddy, you're the best~"
Ning Rongrong hugged his arm once more, lightly swaying it back and forth.
Ning Fengzhi chuckled softly, shaking his head. He stopped teasing and turned his gaze toward Dai Chengfeng, his smile still warm.
"Chengfeng,"
Ning Fengzhi began, "to be honest, I do have a personal treasury where I collect rare items from time to time."
"However, its contents are vast, and I cannot immediately say whether there are any top-tier earth-attribute treasures within."
He paused briefly, his tone sincere. "But since you've made this request, and Rongrong has pleaded on your behalf, rest assured that I will keep this matter in mind."
"After returning to the sect today, I will immediately order a thorough review of the inventory."
"Once we find something that meets your requirements, I'll have Rongrong personally deliver it to you. What do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Dai Chengfeng's eyes flickered slightly.
If someone else had spoken such words—words they might not even remember later—he would likely have dismissed them as an excuse to delay.
But coming from Ning Fengzhi, the leader of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, they carried undeniable weight.
After all, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was renowned for its immense wealth, and Ning Fengzhi was its patriarch.
The treasures stored in his vaults were likely so numerous that even he couldn't possibly remember them all.
Moreover, having personally promised to send the item once found, his sincerity was beyond question.
With this in mind, Dai Chengfeng's expression softened into one of gratitude. He gave Ning Fengzhi a respectful bow:
"Sect Leader Ning is too kind."
"The generosity of your sect will not be forgotten. Allow me to express my gratitude in advance."
Seeing that the matter was settled, Dai Chengfeng prepared to take his leave.
His purpose in coming today had been to seek out earth-attribute treasures. Though he hadn't obtained anything on the spot, the highest echelons of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had given their solemn promise, making this trip worthwhile.
However, just as he was about to bid farewell, Ning Fengzhi seemed to have anticipated his intention and spoke up with a smile, extending an invitation:
"Chengfeng, it's rare that we've gathered here today by chance. Moreover, today happens to mark the opening of our bi-annual grand auction."
"Although the prized earth-attribute treasure you requested has already been claimed…"
"There are still many rare and extraordinary items up for bidding, some of which may catch your eye."
As he finished speaking, Ning Fengzhi glanced out the window at the bustling crowds gathering below.
"The auction will begin shortly. Why don't you join us in the private box upstairs to enjoy the spectacle?"
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong chimed in, urging Dai Chengfeng:
"Yes, don't leave just yet. Who knows? You might stumble upon something unexpected!"
"And even if you don't, it'll still be a great opportunity to broaden your horizons."
She lifted her chin proudly, a hint of smugness in her voice. "Not to boast, but the treasures here will surely amaze you!"
Dai Chengfeng's eyes widened in realization.
No wonder Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong had suddenly arrived in Tian Dou City…
Then, his initial intent to leave wavered as Ning Fengzhi's suggestion sparked a new thought.
This was an auction hosted by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, which meant it would undoubtedly gather the finest rarities from across the continent.
And this wasn't just any auction—it was the biannual grand event of the Seven Treasures Auction House.
He had nothing urgent waiting for him back home. And besides…
Aside from earth-attribute treasures, he also needed certain rare herbs to refine the Nine-Turn Soul-Stabilizing Pill.
"Nine-Turn Soul-Stabilizing Pill…"
Dai Chengfeng silently repeated the name in his mind.
From its name alone, it was clear that this pill did not originate from the soul system of the Douluo Continent but rather from Taoist alchemy in his past life's memories—a secret tradition.
Its effects were profound: stabilizing the soul, anchoring the spirit, and nourishing the essence of one's spiritual origin, ensuring that a spark of consciousness remained unextinguished no matter what!
According to his plans, the auspicious beast deep within the Great Star Dou Forest—the Emperor Beast with golden dragon bloodlines, the three-eyed golden lion cub named Qiu'er—would become his fifth soul ring.
But after spending time with her, Dai Chengfeng no longer viewed Qiu'er merely as a source of soul rings and bones.
He didn't want her to suffer the fate of most hunted soul beasts, whose intellect would vanish or sink into oblivion the moment their soul rings formed.
He wanted more…
Without the guidance of Electrolux, the necromancer sage, Dai Chengfeng decided to rely on the knowledge he had brought with him from his previous life.
And thus, the Nine-Turn Soul-Stabilizing Pill became his alternative solution.
The core idea was simple: before absorbing Qiu'er's soul ring, which contained a vast reservoir of spiritual essence and the power of fate, he would have her consume the pill first.
Using the pill's energy as a catalyst, he would create a "safe haven" to protect Qiu'er's soul essence as much as possible.
Her consciousness, awareness, and even her complete soul would be shielded from being erased or assimilated during the soul ring fusion process.
Against the rules governing soul rings, he would forcibly give Qiu'er a chance at guaranteed resurrection!
And now, this top-tier auction hosted by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect…
It was highly likely to contain the rare herbs required to refine the Nine-Turn Soul-Stabilizing Pill—herbs that existed only in legends!
Even if he didn't find anything, the worst-case scenario was simply wasting a bit of time. There would be no real loss.
In a flash, Dai Chengfeng made his decision.
A relaxed smile spread across his face as he nodded respectfully to Ning Fengzhi:
"Ning Sect Leader has extended such a generous invitation—I dare not refuse."
"I've long heard of the Seven Treasures Auction House's renown. To witness this grand event is an honor."
"I shall humbly accept your gracious offer."
"Wonderful!"
Ning Rongrong's face lit up with excitement as she saw Dai Chengfeng agree to stay.
"Let's go, let's go!"
She eagerly tugged at Dai Chengfeng's sleeve, then linked arms with Ning Fengzhi.
"Daddy, Grandpa Bone, Grandpa Sword, let's hurry upstairs—it's about to start!"
Gu Rong burst into hearty laughter, clearly in high spirits. Chen Xin's lips curved upward slightly, nodding in acknowledgment.
Ning Fengzhi smiled warmly and gestured for them to follow. "Chengfeng, come with us."
---
The group left the tranquil private room and, under Ning Rongrong's cheerful guidance, walked through corridors lined with thick carpets, ascending higher.
Soon, they arrived at an even more opulent set of doors.
Two silver-armored guards standing at attention immediately bowed deeply upon seeing the sect leader's entourage and pushed open the heavy gilded doors.
Beyond the entrance lay an expansive, circular hall bathed in natural light, offering breathtaking views.
Enormous one-way crystal windows wrapped nearly half the circumference of the room, providing a commanding view of the vast auction floor below.
The vantage point was impeccable—truly overlooking everything from above.
By now, the venue below was packed to capacity, teeming with people. Murmured conversations blended into a low hum of anticipation.
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