"Without a fight, the outcome remains uncertain."
The youthful voice and a steady tone instantly made Qian Renxue, who was on the verge of erupting, pause and calm down.
Golden Alligator Douluo's eyes flickered. The world knew of his supreme strength, but few were aware that he also dabbled in strategy and cunning. Upon hearing the conversation outside the hall, he quickly deduced the visitors' intentions.
I overestimated Ning Fengzhi after all... Golden Alligator stroked his chin and smiled.
Soon, attendants led Li Xun, Ning Fengzhi, and Sword Douluo into the study.
"Greetings, Your Majesty, and to the Second Enshrinement." After exchanging pleasantries, they took their seats one by one.
It was only then that Golden Alligator Douluo managed to secure a seat, but he said nothing more, instead smiling at Ning Fengzhi. "Sect Master Ning, what a coincidence. I believe we parted ways not long ago."
"I, too, thought it would be some time before we met again, Second Enshrinement. Unexpected matters compelled me to seek an audience with Her Majesty, but I hadn't anticipated you'd still be here instead of returning to Spirit City."
Ning Fengzhi's smile was as warm as a spring breeze, flawless in every way. Yet, a careful listener might detect subtle undertones in his words.
"Heh, I would have preferred to return earlier, but the Great Enshrinement is concerned about the young lady's safety," Golden Alligator sighed, though a smirk played on his lips.
His words emphasized his status, the Great Enshrinement's authority, and his own confidence in his strength.
'He has some strategic mind, but his arrogance overshadows it due to his power.' Ning Fengzhi narrowed his eyes, inwardly lowering his estimation of Golden Alligator even further.
When Golden Alligator had arrived at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's territory a few days prior, Ning Fengzhi had made extensive preparations and contemplated various scenarios, though he hadn't settled on a course of action.
But when Li Xun returned today, Ning Fengzhi realized he had overcomplicated everything.
This was also tied to his own strength.
As a support-type Soul Master, while his abilities were not lacking, he lacked the inherent traits of a true powerhouse. Though strategic, his inability to gauge the gap between powerhouses often led him to lower his expectations excessively.
Most crucially, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School now had to firmly stand behind Qian Renxue, making her feel they were a reliable ally. Otherwise, if Qian Renxue yielded under pressure, the Spirit Hall would seize the initiative in the Heaven Dou Empire.
But all of this hinged on one question: just how strong was Sword Douluo now?
After the master and disciple finished their conversation, Ning Fengzhi suddenly saw things clearly and brought Li Xun and Sword Douluo to the palace.
"Second Enshrinement need not worry. With Fengzhi and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School here, I doubt any petty threats could endanger Her Majesty," Ning Fengzhi said with a smile toward Qian Renxue.
"Second Enshrinement, you may rest assured and return to Spirit City whenever you wish." Qian Renxue's earlier anger had vanished, replaced by renewed confidence.
Golden Alligator Douluo did not reply but instead smiled at Li Xun. "This young man must be the prodigy from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School that everyone's talking about."
"Indeed. Greetings, Second Enshrinement." Li Xun put on an expression of being both honored and flustered.
"Your talent is truly remarkable." Golden Alligator Douluo looked him up and down, nodding approvingly before smiling. "Did you just compare me to Chen Xin?"
Li Xun wiped his sleeve across his forehead as if brushing away nonexistent sweat and chuckled awkwardly. "This junior spoke out of curiosity and haste. I beg your forgiveness, Second Enshrinement."
"There's no need to be afraid. It's only natural for a young man to yearn for powerful martial prowess. After all, in this world, everything is determined by strength." Golden Alligator Douluo waved his hand dismissively, appearing completely unconcerned.
Yet his gaze settled intently on Sword Douluo, who was meditating with closed eyes nearby. "I wonder if Sword Douluo would be willing to spar?"
From the moment the commotion outside began, he had already guessed what Ning Fengzhi intended to do next. But what use was it? In the end, this world operated on the principle that might makes right.
Golden Alligator Douluo could no longer remember exactly when he had advanced to the 98th rank. Although there was still some distance to the 99th rank, how could a newly promoted Sword Douluo compare to his years of accumulated power?
This was the confidence of a true powerhouse.
"Then let's begin." Sword Douluo abruptly opened his eyes, a sharp gleam flashing across them as his aura surged continuously.
This battle was something he had long anticipated. Having reached the 98th rank some time ago, it was the perfect opportunity to test his current strength and pave the way for his future challenge against Qiandao Liu.
"Truly worthy of the Seven Kill Sword. You are indeed qualified to be my opponent." Golden Alligator felt a shift in the atmosphere, his expression gradually turning solemn. He realized that Sword Douluo differed slightly from what he had expected.
Their auras intertwined, causing the air inside the hall to seemingly solidify. Moments later, the two shot out through the main gate and flew toward the outskirts of Heavenly Dou City.
After all, a battle between two fighters nearing the Limit Douluo level would cause massive destruction to the city, even if they restrained themselves.
Seeing the two about to vanish from sight, Li Xun dropped his feigned smile and quickly stood up. This was a rare opportunity to observe Sword Douluo in combat. With both fighters being evenly matched, the duel would undoubtedly reveal many intricate details.
His swordsmanship was still at a level where he only knew how to fight to kill. Observing masters in battle and absorbing insights from their techniques was essential for greater progress.
"Xiao Xun, take me with you." Seeing Li Xun about to leave, Ning Fengzhi hurriedly spoke up.
Although this confrontation was deliberately provoked to make Golden Alligator and Sword Douluo fight, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Spirit Hall were not enemies. They needed to prevent any unexpected incidents.
Moreover, he was deeply concerned about the outcome. If Sword Douluo won, everything would be fine. But if he lost... the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School might have to enter a period of silence.
"Junior Brother, take me along as well." Qian Renxue glanced at Ning Fengzhi in surprise, then realizing Li Xun might be able to fly, she swiftly moved to his side.
This battle would determine whether she could move freely in the future, and she wanted to witness the result firsthand.
Although her Martial Soul, the Six-Winged Angel, allowed her to fly, summoning it would fill the sky with golden light, making it far too conspicuous. Even though Heavenly Dou was now under her control, being seen by too many people would cause unnecessary complications.
Li Xun nodded, wrapping his left arm around Qian Renxue's waist while offering his right hand to Ning Fengzhi, then soared into the sky.
Of course, this wasn't because he was distracted by beauty and forgot his teacher—it was simply that he wasn't accustomed to embracing another man.
Though eager to study the sword techniques, the softness he felt in his hand stirred an unusual emotion within him.
This was the first time the two had been in such close contact. Although they had been near each other before, the boundaries between man and woman had always maintained a certain formality in their behavior.
The scenery rushed past her eyes, yet Qian Renxue had no mind to appreciate it. The burning heat at her waist sent her thoughts into disarray, her heart pounding fiercely.
Ning Fengzhi was deeply uncomfortable. He glanced back at Li Xun several times, but seeing his disciple focused on their flight, he swallowed the words on his lips.
Silently, he swore to himself that never again would he let Li Xun carry him through the air.
(End of Chapter)