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"Little Friend Dai," Bone Elder Gu Rong's tone was uncharacteristically serious.
"Rongrong is the cherished little princess of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Her safety and growth are our top priorities—the three of us elders hold this matter above all else."
"You saved her life, making you my benefactor. Therefore, I should not have tested you in such a manner."
He paused briefly, as if carefully choosing his words, then continued frankly: "It was only because I heard Chen Xin speak so highly of your genius that my curiosity got the better of me, causing me to lose composure."
"Though it was not done with ill intent, it was still presumptuous of me. Please accept my apology—I hope you can forgive me."
"In the future, should you encounter any difficulties on this continent, do not hesitate to seek out Gu Rong!"
"I will do everything within my power to assist you!"
This promise, coming from the lips of a titled Douluo, carried immense weight—its significance was self-evident.
It seemed that beyond the Star Luo Empire and the Spirit Hall, Dai Chengfeng now had the favor of yet another formidable force at his back.
Faced with Gu Rong's sincere apology and solemn pledge, Dai Chengfeng's expression betrayed a hint of surprise.
Being suddenly tested hadn't angered him—it wasn't enough to provoke outright resentment—but it would be impossible to claim he harbored no lingering doubts.
However, with Gu Rong being so forthright and honorable, Dai Chengfeng found himself unable to harbor any ill feelings.
With this in mind, he looked at Gu Rong and chuckled softly:
"Elder Bone Douluo, there's no need for such formality."
"And besides, gaining such a significant promise from an elder after just one test…"
Dai Chengfeng's smile deepened, carrying a touch of lightheartedness and playful teasing, as if remarking how profitable the exchange had been.
"This 'loss' of mine has turned out quite profitable indeed!"
"To earn the gratitude of a titled Douluo without lifting a finger—such a deal may never be found again in this world."
His tone was sincere yet infused with youthful wit and a dash of clever humor, instantly lightening the atmosphere in the room.
Ning Rongrong couldn't help but burst into laughter, giving him a gentle nudge:
"What nonsense about deals!"
In that moment, all traces of tension melted away into shared amusement.
Sword Elder Chen Xin smiled silently, while Ning Fengzhi's grin grew even wider. Internally, he sighed:
'This young man is not only extraordinarily powerful but also possesses an impeccable sense of tact in dealing with others—truly remarkable and not to be underestimated.'
A single deft response had completely dissolved any lingering resentment caused by the earlier test.
At this moment, Ning Fengzhi truly felt relieved.
He wasn't afraid of Dai Chengfeng—after all, he was the leader of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and Gu Rong was a titled Douluo.
Even if Dai Chengfeng was an exceptionally gifted prodigy, becoming a supreme powerhouse was still something for the distant future.
They had no reason to fear a junior… unless that junior was backed by forces capable of shaking the very foundations of the continent.
And that was precisely what made Dai Chengfeng so terrifying!
Ning Fengzhi's thoughts raced.
Chen Xin had already detailed in his letter that Dai Chengfeng was not only the prince of the Star Luo Empire but possessed potential so staggering it took one's breath away.
Moreover, he had been taken under the wing of Bibi Dong, the current Pope of the Spirit Hall—a figure whose depths were unfathomable and whose methods were ruthless.
As the prince of the Star Luo Empire, there was always the possibility of losing favor or being sidelined.
But as the direct disciple of Bibi Dong—this identity alone…
On the continent today, its value and the backing it represented rivaled that of any imperial crown prince!
Furthermore, it meant…
Dai Chengfeng was almost guaranteed to rise to greatness. After all, with the Spirit Hall and the Star Luo Empire—the two most powerful forces of this era—at his back, no one dared offend him, and thus no one would dare harm him.
He didn't even need to fully "mature" into his strength. As long as he demonstrated untapped potential that wouldn't falter prematurely, it would be enough to make any faction tread carefully around him.
Such a person was not someone the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect could afford to offend lightly—not due to fear, but because it would be foolish to antagonize him over trivial misunderstandings!
Still, having Gu Rong test him had been necessary—not because Ning Fengzhi doubted Chen Xin, but because the contents of Chen Xin's letter were simply too astonishing.
"Dai Chengfeng is absolutely worth the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect forging a close alliance with."
Ning Fengzhi gazed at the young man who had effortlessly deflected a titled Douluo's probe and, with ease and charm, earned Gu Rong's gratitude. His resolve hardened once more.
This Dai Chengfeng might very well be one of the greatest variables of this era.
Perhaps Rongrong growing closer to him isn't necessarily a bad thing—it might even become an opportunity for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect in the future…
While Ning Fengzhi was lost in thought, Ning Rongrong finally seized the chance to ask:
"By the way, Dai Chengfeng, you came all the way to the Seven Treasures Auction House today to find me—you didn't come just so I could witness Grandpa Bonesy testing you, did you?"
Her tone was playful yet direct, brimming with girlish eagerness, drawing everyone's attention back to Dai Chengfeng.
Upon hearing her question, Dai Chengfeng's relaxed smile faded slightly, replaced by a more serious expression as he turned to Ning Rongrong.
"Of course not. That was merely… an unexpected interlude."
"Rongrong, do you remember the earth-attribute treasures I asked you to help me find?"
"Earth-attribute treasures?"
Ning Rongrong tilted her head, her long lashes fluttering a few times. "Didn't I already find some for you?"
"Didn't you say you were satisfied with them?"
Dai Chengfeng nodded. "The earth vein essence core you found last time contained an abundance of pure earth elemental energy—it was indeed a rare and precious item."
He paused briefly, his eyes reflecting a trace of helplessness. "However… for what I intend to accomplish, their power remains… insufficient."
"Insufficient?"
Ning Rongrong's mouth dropped open in genuine astonishment.
Even the prized earth-attribute materials stored in the depths of the Seven Treasures Auction House's vaults couldn't meet Dai Chengfeng's needs?
What exactly was he planning to do?
Countless thoughts flashed through Ning Rongrong's mind, but she also understood—
Whatever required such seriousness from Dai Chengfeng likely involved deeply personal secrets.
Thus, the curiosity that had risen to her lips was quickly swallowed back down.
Though Ning Rongrong was spoiled and headstrong, when it came to important matters, she possessed the shrewdness expected of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's little princess.
After a brief pause, her bright and confident smile returned, and she puffed up her chest—now slightly more developed—and declared boldly:
"Pfft! You scared me for a moment! I thought it was something major!"
"It's just better earth-attribute treasures, right? Leave it to me, Ning Rongrong!"
Her crisp voice rang out with youthful bravado.
Then, her large, sparkling eyes, brimming with unhidden anticipation, turned toward her pillar of support—her father, Ning Fengzhi.
"Daddy~"
Ning Rongrong's voice instantly became sweet and cajoling, dripping with affectionate pleading. "Do you have any top-tier earth-attribute treasures hidden away in your secret stash?"
"Look, this is a solemn request from my lifesaver, Dai Chengfeng! Our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect can't afford to be stingy here!"
"I've already promised him with full confidence! Do we have anything good or not~?"
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