Chapter 60: Yu Yuanzhen's Furious Slap at Yu Xiaogang
Ning Fengzhi had always been someone who valued deep feelings and brotherhood, yet was also capable of ruthless methods. Though these sentiments might seem contradictory, they coexisted within him seamlessly. After all, the original accumulation of capital for a merchant has always been steeped in ugliness; if he had not been so ruthless, how could his Ning family have built the richest sect on the continent? Toward his own people, he naturally showed loyalty and kindness – otherwise, so many would not have willingly stood behind him to safeguard the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
As for his treatment of Bibi Dong, Ning Fengzhi felt no guilt. He believed he had given her countless chances, and she had squandered them all, intent on being an ingrate who would become the clan's enemy. Therefore, he felt nothing wrong about being merciless to her. He was also well aware of the darkness in this world, from the sorts of auctions selling female slaves for the wealthy's amusement, so cruelty did not faze him.
Without a cold, iron hand, one could never protect the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Without being ruthless, one could not stand firm!
Returning to the Seven Treasure Hall, dawn had arrived. Sword Douluo was still awake, seated on a chair awaiting the outcome.
"Fengzhi, how did it go with Dong'er?"
Ning Fengzhi privately recounted what had happened. Sword Douluo did not doubt his version, knowing that in such a matter, Ning Fengzhi would never lie. A sigh escaped Sword Douluo's lips. "Fengzhi, I just don't understand. We gave Dong'er all the best things we possibly could. Yet she's ended up like this?"
"I don't know either."
Ning Fengzhi closed his eyes tiredly, then peered toward the clan's exit. "Uncle Sword, let's not concern ourselves with Bibi Dong anymore. We've cleared away one parasite. Now we must deal with the other. Let Yu Yuanzhen see what sort of 'wonderful' son he's raised."
Outside the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan
Yu Xiaogang had gathered his belongings, mostly the theoretical books he had studied for months. Removing the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan uniform, he was ready to depart.
Strictly speaking, under the Douluo Continent's rules, anyone who joined a sect was bound to serve it for life; betrayal or withdrawal was not permitted. But rules could always be bent – it all depended on whether one was strong enough or had backing.
Yu Xiaogang was precisely that type. He had no power but he had a backer: the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, specifically his father Yu Yuanzhen.
Outside, he paced by the clan gate. Several sect disciples on patrol approached, rather unfriendly. "Yu Xiaogang, what're you doing here? If you're leaving, hurry and go!"
"Sorry, I'm waiting for someone."
"Waiting for who? Someone here is close to you?" one disciple sneered. Bitterly recalling that Yu Xiaogang, a so-called waste, seemed intimately acquainted with Bibi Dong – the clan's goddess – they were consumed by jealousy. They couldn't publicly scorn or assault him because that might infuriate Bibi Dong. So they swallowed their anger in silence.
"Bibi Dong."
That name only made them seethe more. "Like hell she'd leave with trash like you! Dream on, you toad lusting after a swan!"
Yu Xiaogang recalled how Bibi Dong had treated him warmly within these months. Strengthening his resolve, he retorted, "You'll see soon enough!"
"You won't be seeing anything."
A cold voice echoed. The gates swung open, revealing Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo, both wearing icy expressions.
"Pay respects to the Sect Master and the Sword Elder!"
The patrolling disciples saluted.
Yu Xiaogang, seeing them appear, felt an ominous chill in his gut.
"Yu Xiaogang, someone like you can never be worthy of Dong'er." Sword Douluo snapped.
Yu Xiaogang felt humiliation as the surrounding clan disciples mocked him. Lowering his head, rage burned, but he didn't dare talk back. He swore silently that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan – so heartless and petty – would pay for this. One day he would repay today's shame one hundredfold.
Then Sword Douluo reached out, soul power surged, and Yu Xiaogang was yanked close, within a foot. Sword Douluo, with Ning Fengzhi beside him, rose into the air, heading toward the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
"Sword Douluo, Ning Fengzhi, what do you want with me? Where are you taking me?!"
"To the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan to see your father, Yu Yuanzhen."
Yu Xiaogang felt a flash of relief. Once they reached his father's domain, his father would definitely seek compensation on his behalf.
"What compensation would that be?" Yu Xiaogang wondered. Because, in truth, he'd taken nothing from the clan. So what "debt" was there?
Half an hour later, in the Grand Hall of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, tension hung in the air.
"Ning Sect Master," Yu Yuanzhen said coldly, "you've publicly humiliated my son, then come here. Are you not going to give me an explanation?"
A chilling thunder flickered in his gaze. Down below, Yu Xiaogang, kneeling, recounted his supposed grievances in bitter tears. "Father, you must get justice for me!"
Ning Fengzhi spoke calmly: "It's not so simple to detail. But if you check your son's storage soul tool, you'll find what you want."
Yu Yuanzhen frowned, extending a hand. "Xiaogang, give me your storage tool. If you truly are the victim, I'll get you justice."
Yu Xiaogang saw no problem. He hadn't taken anything from them, so he handed the storage device over. Inside were his clothes, gold soul coins, and theoretical manuscripts – no hidden evidence.
Yu Yuanzhen tested it with spiritual power, then turned to speak. But Ning Fengzhi cut him off, "Look carefully at your son's so-called theoretical research."
After scanning those manuscripts, Yu Yuanzhen's face darkened. This jumble of theories was riddled with flaws. It even mentioned nonsense like a so-called maximum year-limit for soul rings. Did he intend to kill people with such nonsense?
"How does any of this prove anything, Ning Sect Master? Are you implying my son used it to harm your clan's disciples?"
Ning Fengzhi's tone stayed cold. "No. With me there, he never got the chance. But, Master Yu, aren't you curious how he came up with these theories?"
"Your son took the references from our clan's library, claimed them as his own, then left after stuffing himself, so to speak. A fine way to repay our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. That's your son, Master Yu."
"You brat!"
Slap!
Yu Yuanzhen roared. Across a dozen paces, he swatted Yu Xiaogang so hard that Xiaogang's right cheek puffed up. He toppled, wailing in pain.
"I, Yu Yuanzhen, despise all evil. How could I have sired such a shameless, vile spawn?"
Confused, Yu Xiaogang cowered, stunned his father would side with outsiders, tears glimmering in his eyes. "Father, these theories are my own!"
"You dare lie again? With your puny rank, you conjured up these scribbles? And that dogsh*t about a soul ring's absolute limit?"
Yu Yuanzhen slapped him again with greater force, flinging Yu Xiaogang across the floor. He tumbled several yards, both cheeks swelling like a pig's head, battered with shame. Anger battered his fragile pride. His father's relentless strikes wracked him with pain. Struggling to breathe, he fainted from agony.
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