Marco strolled leisurely through the streets of Seven Treasure City, soaking in the unique atmosphere of the city. Just as he stopped in front of a shop selling Soul Beast ingredients, examining several rare medicinal herbs, a clear voice tinged with surprise came from behind:
"Huh? Aren't you... Brother Marco?"
Marco turned around to see a little girl in a pink dress staring at him with wide eyes—none other than the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, Ning Rongrong. Today, she was without her guards, standing alone at the street corner, holding a half-eaten candied hawthorn skewer.
"Miss Ning," Marco nodded slightly in greeting.
Ning Rongrong bounced closer, studying him curiously. "What brings you to Seven Treasure City? Are you here to see me?"
Marco smiled faintly. "I've come at Sovereign Ning's invitation to visit your school. But..." He glanced around. "Why are you alone, Miss Ning? Did you sneak out?"
Ning Rongrong's face instantly flushed bright red, and she stammered, "I... I didn't sneak out! I... I came out to buy Sword Grandpa's favorite osmanthus cakes!" She waved a small paper bag in her hand, but her evasive eyes clearly betrayed her lie.
Marco chuckled inwardly but maintained a serious expression. "Is that so? Well, since I'm heading to your school anyway, why don't we return together?"
"No!" Ning Rongrong shook her head hurriedly. "I... I still have other things to buy! Brother Marco, since you're here as a guest, why not accompany me for a stroll first? Seven Treasure City has so many fun places!"
She blinked her large eyes, putting on a pitiful expression. "Dad never lets me go out alone. It's such a rare chance today..."
Marco looked at this spoiled little princess and sighed inwardly. He could have insisted on taking her back, but considering Ning Fengzhi's character, he decided not to be too harsh.
"Alright," Marco relented with a sigh, "but only for a little while. We must return before dark."
"Great!" Ning Rongrong immediately beamed, tugging at Marco's sleeve as she pulled him down the street. "I know a particularly delicious dessert shop. I'll take you there!"
For the next few hours, Marco was dragged by Ning Rongrong through every corner of Seven Treasure City. Though young, the little princess knew the city's shops inside out. She took Marco to a century-old dessert shop to sample the local specialty, Seven-Colored Candy, and then to a store specializing in snacks for young Soul Beasts, where she bought several treats Qing Yu loved.
"Look how much Qing Yu likes this!" Ning Rongrong exclaimed happily, watching Qing Yu peck at the snacks she had bought.
Marco realized that beneath her spoiled exterior, Ning Rongrong was actually a clever and sharp-witted girl. She was remarkably knowledgeable about Seven Treasure City's commerce, even recounting the history and specialties of certain shops.
"This 'Exquisite Pavilion' has been around since my great-grandfather's time," Ning Rongrong said, pointing to an elegant jewelry store. "All their pieces are handmade, and no two are alike."
Marco noticed that although Ning Rongrong enjoyed playful antics, her demeanor carried an innate nobility, and her understanding of commerce far surpassed her peers. This gave him a new appreciation for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's educational methods.
As dusk fell, Marco once again suggested it was time to return. This time, Ning Rongrong didn't object, though she cast a reluctant glance at the unexplored streets.
"Alright," she pouted, "next time we come to Seven Treasure City, we must stay for several more days!"
When they arrived before the majestic gates of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, they found Ning Fengzhi standing at the entrance, flanked by Sword Douluo Chen Xin and Bone Douluo Gu Rong. All three wore solemn expressions.
The moment Ning Rongrong spotted her father, she immediately hid behind Marco like a startled rabbit.
"Rongrong!" Ning Fengzhi's tone held rare sternness. "You sneaked out again!"
Ning Rongrong timidly peeked out from behind Marco: "Father... I was wrong..."
A trace of helplessness appeared on Sword Douluo Chen Xin's stern face: "Fengzhi, Rongrong is still young. It's normal for her to be playful."
Bone Douluo Gu Rong added in his raspy voice: "Indeed, little Rongrong has returned safely after all."
Ning Fengzhi glanced at the two doting grandfather figures before turning to Marco, his expression softening: "Young friend Marco, thank you for bringing my daughter back. This child has been spoiled by us and only knows how to cause trouble all day."
Marco bowed respectfully: "Sovereign Ning, you flatter me. This junior came as promised for the visit and happened to meet Miss Ning on the way, so we returned together."
Ning Fengzhi nodded, his gaze carrying appreciation: "This old man is quite pleased to see you keeping your word, young friend. Please come in - the evening banquet has been prepared."
Entering the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, even at night, one could still sense the magnificent presence of this sect. Pavilions and towers stood in picturesque disorder, winding corridors led to secluded spots, everywhere revealing the heritage of this thousand-year-old institution.
Due to the late hour, Marco couldn't thoroughly appreciate the scenery within the sect and was directly led to an elegant banquet hall. The hall was brightly lit, with exquisite dishes already covering the table.
"Young friend Marco, please be seated." Ning Fengzhi gestured for Marco to sit. "Prepared in haste, our hospitality may be lacking - please forgive us."
"Sovereign Ning, you're too courteous," Marco responded politely.
During the banquet, Ning Fengzhi maintained a gentle demeanor, discussing Soul Master cultivation with Marco. Though Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo spoke little, they occasionally interjected with comments, expressing agreement with Marco's insights.
Ning Rongrong sat quietly beside her father, though from time to time she would secretly make faces at Marco, clearly still relishing the day's adventures.
"I've heard our young friend is about to embark on travels," Ning Fengzhi sipped his tea. "Might I ask what plans you have?"
Marco answered cautiously: "This junior plans to travel across the continent to broaden my horizons and temper my cultivation."
Ning Fengzhi nodded: "Traveling ten thousand miles surpasses reading ten thousand books. It's excellent that you have such aspirations, young friend. Should you pass by other establishments of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, you may use this token to seek assistance." He handed over a Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School Guest Elder Token.
Marco felt a stir in his heart, recognizing this as Ning Fengzhi's gesture of goodwill. Not wanting to decline, he accepted it respectfully: "Thank you, Sovereign Ning."
The banquet lasted for over an hour in a harmonious atmosphere. Ning Fengzhi, with his profound knowledge and elegant conversation, left Marco greatly enlightened. Though Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo carried an imposing presence, they showed considerable care toward the younger generation.
After the banquet, Ning Fengzhi arranged for Marco to stay in a guest room within the sect. As they parted, Ning Rongrong secretly slipped Marco a small package: "Brother Marco, these are candies unique to Seven Treasure City. Have them on your journey."
Marco smiled faintly: "Thank you, Miss Ning."
Returning to the guest room, Marco stood by the window gazing at the scattered lights twinkling across Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, his mind filled with countless thoughts. Today's experiences had given him a deeper understanding of both the sect and Ning Fengzhi. This school, renowned for its wealth, truly possessed its own distinctive qualities