2 chapters will be uploaded on daily basis i.e. 14 Chapters will be uploaded every week apart from the bonus chapters.
1 Bonus Chapter will be uploaded for every 50 Power Stones or 1000 Collections.
All interested readers can read advanced chapters on: Free Members of Patreon can read 10 Chapters ahead of Webnovel for FREE.
[email protected]/Kingdom_Of_Ink
×××××××××××××××
Oscar stopped in his tracks upon hearing the voice, slowly turning around. Moonlight streamed through the window lattice, casting dappled light and shadow on his handsome face. His peach blossom eyes, which had captivated countless maidens, now shimmered with cautious anticipation.
"Rongrong?"
Their gazes met in the moonlight. Ning Rongrong opened her mouth, but felt as if her throat was choked. She watched the light in Oscar's eyes gradually dim with her silence, like stars in the night sky obscured by clouds.
"I…" Her fingertips dug deep into her palms, but she ultimately couldn't utter that cruel Sect rule. In that moment, she wished so much that she wasn't the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, and that he wasn't a food system Spirit Master destined to be unable to protect her.
Ning Rongrong looked at Oscar, her father's meaningful gaze from that day flashing in her mind. She bit her lower lip and finally just shook her head slightly, forcing out a smile: "It's nothing… Little Ao, it's just… thank you for the pastries." Her voice was so soft it seemed a breeze could scatter it.
The light in Oscar's eyes instantly dimmed. He nodded silently, his footsteps heavy as if filled with lead as he turned to leave. The soft closing of the door sounded particularly harsh in the quiet night.
Oscar clenched his fists. He wanted so badly to rush back and tell Ning Rongrong that he would definitely be able to protect her. But the scene from Spirit City flashed back in his mind—Feng Xiao's zither music, like a myriad of bells chiming, Bibi Dong's suffocating pressure, Xiao Wu and Tang San's helpless appearance, Tang Hao's domineering entrance… and the disdainful looks of those nobles at the banquet.
Moonlight streamed through the corridor pillars, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Oscar's steps grew slower and slower, finally stopping beside a stone pillar. For the first time, he realized so clearly how powerless he was in this World of the strong preying on the weak, with only a food system Spirit.
Oscar stumbled along, his whole being as if his soul had been drawn out, his eyes hollow as he walked through the winding corridors of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. The moonlight stretched his shadow long and distorted, making him look completely different from his usual spirited self.
He didn't turn towards the Ni Tai Training Field as usual, but mechanically walked towards his residence. These past few days in the Sect, those deliberately lowered whispers kept reaching his ears—"He's just a food system." "A toad wanting to eat swan meat." His clumsy dance steps at the banquet became a laughingstock for everyone.
These past few days, he also understood what Ning Rongrong had been hesitant to say—that thousand-year-old Sect rule, that chasm that lay between them.
Suddenly, Oscar's footsteps halted. He looked up in the direction of Ning Rongrong's room, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes. The next moment, he rushed towards the Sect exit like a gust of wind.
No goodbyes, no lingering. At this moment, he finally understood that the grandeur of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was never meant for him.
Ning Rongrong leaned by the window, watching Oscar's figure gradually disappear into the night, her heart aching. Moonlight fell on her pale cheeks, revealing two fresh tear stains.
The Sect's thousand-year-old rules and her true feelings collided fiercely in her heart like two huge waves. She recalled Xiao Wu's desperate eyes on the arena, and Tang San's heartbroken shouts—at that moment, she finally understood the meaning of the Sect rule's existence.
"Without the Sect… I am nothing," she whispered softly, her fingertips unconsciously caressing the glazed decoration on the window lattice. Just like Oscar now, a simple support system Spirit Master, how powerless he was in this World where the strong prey on the weak.
The night wind blew, stirring her loose hair. Ning Rongrong knew that if Oscar continued to stay here, only more humiliation and blows awaited him. Those overt and covert exclusions, those deliberately difficult tests, would eventually dim the pure light in his eyes.
"This way… is good," she slowly closed the window, shutting out the last sliver of moonlight. Tears silently fell.
A low sigh sounded behind Ning Rongrong. She suddenly turned around and saw her father, who had quietly appeared behind her at some point, his hand, which had long governed the Sect, gently resting on her trembling shoulder.
"Rongrong, he's gone."
Ning Fengzhi's voice was very soft, but it was like the last straw that broke Ning Rongrong's forced strength. She suddenly threw herself into her father's arms, tears instantly soaking his luxurious Sect Master robe.
"Father… I really didn't know how to tell him…" she choked, her voice fragmented, "He tried so hard, but he's still just a support system Spirit Master…"
Ning Fengzhi gently stroked his daughter's hair, a complex ripple appearing in his eyes: "Yes… You, even I, your father…" He smiled bitterly, shaking his head, "am just a support system Spirit Master."
Moonlight through the window screen illuminated the rare weariness on the Sect Master's face. He was both relieved by Oscar's retreat in the face of difficulty and pained by his daughter's heartbreak at this moment. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda spun silently in his other hand, its brilliant light now seeming so ironic—this top Spirit, envied by the World, was it not also a heavy shackles?
"It will pass." Ning Fengzhi comforted softly, but he wasn't sure if he was convincing his daughter or himself. Outside the window, the last trace of Oscar's aura also dissipated into the night wind.
Everything seemed to have become extremely calm. Feng Xiao sat as usual in the garden pavilion of Heaven Dou Royal Academy, his slender fingers gently plucking the zither strings, the melodious music flowing in the morning light. However, today's melody was different from usual, with less clarity and more profound thoughts.
The piece ended, its lingering notes echoing softly.
Feng Xiao slowly opened his eyes, only to see that the surrounding area was filled with respectfully bowing students. "Your Royal Highness, Crown Prince—" Greetings rose and fell in the courtyard.
He looked up and saw "Xue Qinghe" in a moon-white brocade robe standing in the center of the crowd, a perfectly appropriate smile on his gentle, jade-like face. Feng Xiao showed a timely look of surprise, rising to bow and say, "I didn't know Your Royal Highness was visiting; please forgive my failure to meet you. He smiled faintly at the corner of his mouth, "Is there something important about your visit at this hour?"
Qian Renxue gently flicked her wide sleeve, making an elegant gesture. The accompanying guards and maids immediately understood, bowing and retreating ten zhang away. Sunlight filtered through the tree shadows, casting dappled halos on her perfect disguise.
Qian Renxue lowered her voice, her golden eyes twinkling under the disguise of Xue Qinghe: "As you expected, that boy has already left the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School."
Feng Xiao gently stroked the zither strings, producing a few scattered notes: "Just proceed as planned. Is there any problem?"
"The interesting thing is…" Qian Renxue's lips curved slightly, and Xue Qinghe's gentle voice carried a hint of playfulness, "That old fox Ning Fengzhi actually wants to use me to make a connection."
Feng Xiao raised an eyebrow, tapping the zither body twice with his fingertips: "Oh? So you've sold me for a good price?"
Qian Renxue nodded with a smile: "I only made one condition—to help me ascend the throne as quickly as possible." A sharp glint flashed in her eyes, "He agreed, but…" Her gaze meaningfully turned to Feng Xiao, "the key to success or failure probably still lies with you."
Feng Xiao smiled knowingly: "On the contrary. If I appear too eager, it will only arouse suspicion." He slowly plucked the zither strings, "How could a Spirit Master who truly pledges allegiance not consider the Sect's interests? Only if I resist more…"
"Ning Fengzhi will try even harder." Qian Renxue finished his sentence, and they exchanged smiles.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the zither surface. Feng Xiao casually plucked a string of clear notes, covering their final whispers: "This play must be acted even more realistically…"
In the afternoon, warm sunlight bathed the "Listening Rain Pavilion" teahouse, the most renowned in Heaven Dou City. Qian Renxue, in the guise of Xue Qinghe, arrived slowly with Feng Xiao in the Crown Prince's exclusive gold-gilded carriage.
In a private room on the second floor of the teahouse, Ning Fengzhi had been waiting for a long time. His scepter slowly rotated in his palm. Seeing the two arrive, he rose to greet them, his gaze subtly lingering on Feng Xiao for a moment.
"Teacher, you've waited long." Qian Renxue maintained Xue Qinghe's gentle and jade-like demeanor, displaying imperial bearing in every gesture.
Feng Xiao lagged half a step behind, bowing respectfully: "Greetings, Sect Master Ning." He had deliberately changed into the Heaven Dou Royal Academy uniform today, with the guest elder's jade seal subtly visible at his waist, showing both his status and humility.
"Qinghe, there's no need for such formalities between us, master and disciple." Ning Fengzhi smiled, his gaze gently turning to Feng Xiao, "Little friend Feng, it's been a few days, and your cultivation has improved again."
The three sat down, and a waiter served newly picked Cloud Mist Tea. Amidst the misty tea fragrance, Qian Renxue took a sip, glanced at Feng Xiao, and spoke seemingly casually: "Little Feng, Teacher's invitation today is for you…"
Ning Fengzhi put down his teacup, his clear, glazed eyes looking directly at Feng Xiao: "To be frank, I do have a request."
Outside the window, a leaf spun down. Feng Xiao lowered his eyes to look at his reflection in the tea, a barely perceptible curve at the corner of his mouth.
Feng Xiao's fingertips gently stroked the rim of the teacup, the celadon reflecting his thoughtful face: "Sect Master Ning, you flatter me. Since I am so favored, I will naturally do my utmost." When he looked up, he displayed a perfectly appropriate humility.
Ning Fengzhi stroked his beard and chuckled softly, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda flowing with a gentle glow in his palm: "My little girl has just returned from Shrek Academy and has been staying indoors all day. This Sect Master is busy with Sect affairs…" His gaze paused meaningfully, "Little friend Feng, since you can comprehend the mysteries of spirit ring fusion, your Heart Separation Control must be extraordinary. If you could give my little girl some guidance…"
"This…" Feng Xiao's teacup trembled slightly in his hand, a look of difficulty on his face, "This junior and Miss Ning are of similar age; 'guidance' is truly too much. Furthermore, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School still has Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, two seniors…"
Ning Fengzhi gently flicked his wide sleeve, bringing forth a clear, glazed sound: "No matter, no matter." A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, "It's good for young people to interact more. As for Uncle Sword and Uncle Bone…" A meaningful curve appeared at the corner of his lips, "They just happened to be sent by this Sect Master to handle important matters."
"In that case…" Feng Xiao poured tea for Ning Fengzhi, the stream of water forming an elegant arc in the air, "This junior will boldly spar with Miss Ning for a few days."
Feng Xiao feigned hesitation for a moment, his gaze subtly glancing at Qian Renxue. "Xue Qinghe" remained calm, only the fingertips holding the teacup tapping the saucer almost imperceptibly twice.
Ning Fengzhi took in their subtle interaction, yet maintained a warm smile on his face. He gently stroked his scepter, thinking to himself: How could it be easy to bring such a brilliant young man into the Sect? However…
His daughter was currently emotionally vulnerable, and Ning Fengzhi believed that even if Feng Xiao's talent was extraordinary, it wouldn't change one fact—he was ultimately a man, and as long as he was a man, he couldn't escape that soft allure.
His gaze swept over Feng Xiao's handsome profile, and he thought of his daughter's haggard appearance these past few days.
"Little friend Feng, there's no need to decline." Ning Fengzhi said warmly, "Young people sparring with each other is a beautiful thing in itself."
Feng Xiao lowered his eyes and smiled faintly, hiding the playfulness within. He naturally understood Ning Fengzhi's calculations, but… this Sect Master probably wouldn't have guessed that the prey in his eyes had already set a larger trap by playing along.
Feng Xiao bowed slightly, his robes rustling with a gentle breeze, and cupped his hands: "Since I have received Sect Master Ning's great kindness, this junior will await Miss Ning's visit and guidance at Heaven Dou Royal Academy."
When he looked up, a perfectly appropriate hint of anticipation was revealed in his eyes, yet he maintained a suitable sense of distance. This posture gave Ning Fengzhi enough face without appearing overly eager.
Qian Renxue sat beside him, sipping tea. Under Xue Qinghe's disguise, the corner of her lips curved almost imperceptibly. She knew that Feng Xiao's stance was the most appropriate—it gave Ning Fengzhi a way out and left ample room for maneuver in the subsequent plan.
Ning Fengzhi nodded with satisfaction: "Good, good. Rongrong will visit tomorrow."
Amidst the lingering tea fragrance, Qian Renxue and Ning Fengzhi changed the topic to court affairs. Feng Xiao sat quietly to the side, his hand holding the teapot as steady as a rock, occasionally refilling their clear tea. He listened with lowered eyes, and from Ning Fengzhi's carefully chosen words, he quickly grasped the deeper meaning—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was willing to give "Xue Qinghe" more support in the imperial court.
The night was as dark as ink, and Oscar walked alone on a desolate path leading out of Heaven Dou City. The moonlight stretched his shadow long, making him appear particularly lonely. He didn't know that two sharp pairs of eyes were tightly fixed on him from the shadows.
Amidst the rustling tree shadows, She Long stood with his arms crossed, his Snake Lance gleaming coldly in the moonlight. He squinted at the faint figure in the distance—it was the Spirit Saint powerhouse sent by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School to monitor Oscar.
"Just a mere Spirit Saint…" She Long scoffed, his fingertips gently caressing the sharp edge of his Snake Lance, "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is really petty." His emerald pupils constricted into slits in the darkness, like a venomous snake eyeing its prey.
The hoot of a night owl sounded in the distance, and She Long smirked knowingly. This was Ci Xue's signal—three more li ahead was the best place to make a move. It was deserted there, a perfect spot to remove this thorn.
"Boy, consider yourself lucky." She Long looked at Oscar's stumbling back, silently grinning, "To be chosen by Spirit Hall is your good fortune."
The night wind suddenly picked up, swirling fallen leaves across the ground. She Long's figure quietly disappeared into the darkness, leaving only an almost inaudible cold laugh. And in the deeper shadows, Ci Xue's scarlet robes flickered, like the cloak of the Grim Reaper fluttering.