Before Yang Xiong could say anything to his parents, Ning Rongrong excitedly arrived at his house, looking unusually thrilled.
Before Yang Xiong could react, Ning Rongrong suddenly kissed him on the cheek and then threw herself into his arms.
"Xiongzi, you're so good to me. Do you know what effect the Celestial Kirin Narcissus had on me?"
Yang Xiong smiled and said, "Rongrong, your spirit must have evolved, right?"
Ning Rongrong beamed with joy. "Of course! My spirit has now evolved into a nine-level tower called the Nine-Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. My spirit power has reached level forty, and I feel that if it weren't for the soul ring limitation, my level would be even higher."
After summoning her spirit, it was indeed the evolved Nine-Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Her spirit power was thick and rich, likely already over level forty. According to Yang Xiong's estimation, she should be around level forty-one or forty-two,an increase of roughly six levels.
Yang Lin, Sun Yu, and the others felt awkward seeing Ning Rongrong behave so intimately, but they didn't dare to interrupt the young lady.
Ning Rongrong suddenly remembered something and pulled Yang Xiong along. "Xiongzi, my father wants to see you. Hurry and come with me."
After saying goodbye to his parents and older brother, Yang Xiong followed Ning Rongrong to Ning Fengzhi's residence.
At this moment, Ning Fengzhi appeared full of energy. Previously calm and scholarly, he now exuded a powerful aura, as if he had undergone a transformation.
Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo beside him also looked pleasantly surprised. It seemed both had improved significantly after consuming the celestial herbs.
"Sect Master, why did you call me here so early?" Yang Xiong asked.
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "Xiong, I must really thank you. After consuming the herb you provided, I finally broke through my bottleneck. My Seven-Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda has evolved into the Eight-Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, and my spirit power has reached level eighty."
Yang Xiong quickly congratulated him. "Congratulations, Sect Master! You're now the second sect leader in our sect's history to achieve such a breakthrough. You'll surely lead our sect to new heights."
Ning Fengzhi smiled warmly. "This is all thanks to your contribution. I called you here to discuss some upcoming plans."
"Uncle Sword and Uncle Bone have both gained one level from your herbs. Uncle Sword is now level ninety-seven, and Uncle Bone is at level ninety-six. With my support, our sect has never been stronger."
Yang Xiong was a bit surprised. He hadn't expected the herbs to work so well, even on elderly Titled Douluo.
He also found it odd,this kind of sect-level matter shouldn't involve someone like him, since he barely knew the inner workings of the sect.
Seeing Yang Xiong's hesitation, Ning Fengzhi chuckled. "Xiong, don't overthink. You've contributed so much to our sect. Originally, we wanted to promote you to elder status, but since you're still young and your spirit power isn't high enough yet, it's best to stay low-key for now. After all, the sect isn't a monolith, and being too high-profile might draw unnecessary attention."
"Your merit won't go unnoticed. As long as you reach the Spirit Sage level, you'll officially become an inner sect elder. From now on, you may use any sect resource at will."
Yang Xiong was overwhelmed. "Thank you for your support, Sect Master. Since I've acknowledged Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo as my masters, I understand the importance of respecting my teachers."
Ning Fengzhi nodded. "Since we're all on the same side, what's your opinion on the sect's next steps?"
After thinking for a moment, Yang Xiong said, "I believe we should keep a low profile. Although we've strengthened significantly, the gap between us and the Spirit Hall is still too great. During the Spirit Master Tournament, the Spirit Hall sent seven Titled Douluo just to deal with Tang Hao. That shows how powerful they really are."
"Especially Bibi Dong. With her twin spirits, no one truly knows how strong she is. So I think it's best to develop quietly. Something feels off about the current spirit master world."
Everyone fell silent after hearing Yang Xiong's words. Eventually, Ning Fengzhi nodded. "Xiong, you have foresight. That's also my plan."
"If Sword, Bone, and I focus on cultivating, we may improve again soon. The herbs you provided might have more long-term benefits than we thought."
Yang Xiong knew very well how effective the herbs were. It was entirely possible that within ten years, Sword and Bone Douluo could advance again,celestial herbs could enhance one's potential, after all.
At that moment, Sword Douluo said, "Xiong, the Clear-Heart Three-Leaf Grass you gave me is excellent. I've gained deeper insight into my Seven-Kill Sword spirit. I might one day reach its ultimate form."
Yang Xiong responded, "Congratulations, Master. I hope you break through to level ninety-eight soon."
Sword Douluo nodded with a smile. Bone Douluo added proudly, "Xiong, the Earth Dragon Golden Melon you gave me was fantastic. Maybe I'll catch up to old Sword someday."
After some cheerful discussion, Ning Fengzhi spoke again.
"Xiong, since I need my eighth soul ring and Rongrong her fourth, we plan to go to Star Dou Forest soon. Would you like to come with us?"
"However, things aren't peaceful there lately. You've probably met Huyan Zhen from the Elephant Armored Sect. It's said they've suffered huge losses in Star Dou Forest. Many people now avoid it. As you know, the Elephant Armored Sect has always sided with Spirit Hall against us."
Hearing this, Yang Xiong had a strange expression. He hadn't expected his previous actions to have such far-reaching consequences.
Ning Fengzhi noticed his expression. "Xiong, aren't you surprised about the Elephant Armored Sect?"
Yang Xiong smiled. "They took a major hit. They sent three Spirit Douluo and ten Spirit Sages to the forest, only to be attacked by the Titan Giant Ape and Azure Bull Python. Two Spirit Douluo and eight Spirit Sages were lost, including one at level eighty. Even Huyan Zhen was seriously injured."
Ning Rongrong looked confused. "Xiongzi, how do you know all this?"
Yang Xiong replied, "Rongrong, I went to the forest recently for my fourth soul ring. Teacher Lin Gong and I noticed something off when we saw them helping someone hunt an eighth soul ring. We quietly observed and then sought help from Xiao Wu and the spirit beasts at the Lake of Life."
"Xiao Wu called upon the Titan Giant Ape and Azure Bull Python to attack them. You know about Xiao Wu's hatred for Bibi Dong, and the Elephant Armored Sect is her loyal supporter. Naturally, they were targeted with full force."
Ning Rongrong was delighted. "You met Xiao Wu? How is she?"
Yang Xiong smiled. "She's doing great. With those two ten-thousand-year beasts protecting her, and the rich spiritual energy at the Lake of Life, she's cultivating well."
Ning Fengzhi nodded. "That's a good lesson for the Elephant Armored Sect. If not for Spirit Hall backing them, I'd want to wipe them out. At least now I can go to Star Dou Forest with peace of mind."
Yang Xiong thought for a moment. "Sect Master, Oscar, Qin Shuang, and my brother Yang Wei have all reached level forty. Why not have everyone go to Star Dou Forest together for their soul rings?"
Ning Fengzhi and the others twitched at this. Just how many herbs did Yang Xiong hand out? It seemed he had completely emptied Dugu Bo's stash last time.
The three of them inwardly ridiculed Dugu Bo,this old hermit had hoarded such treasures without knowing their worth. Thankfully, they ended up benefiting the Seven-Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
After thinking it over, Ning Fengzhi said, "Alright. With me and Sword leading the group, we can guide them while ensuring their safety."
Yang Xiong had full confidence in Ning Fengzhi's understanding of spirits. At least in theory, he was no weaker than Yu Xiaogang, and far more experienced in practice.
Just as Yang Xiong was about to leave, Bone Douluo spoke up.
"Yang Xiong, since you've accepted me as your teacher, starting tomorrow morning I'll train you personally. Once Sword returns from Star Dou Forest, we'll take turns teaching you. If you dare slack off, we won't go easy on you."
Yang Xiong bowed. "Thank you, Masters. I'll complete your training."
When Yang Xiong arrived at the residence of Oscar and the others, he found Oscar, Qin Shuang, and Zhao Wuji all together.
As expected, Oscar and Qin Shuang had both reached level forty and needed soul rings. Zhao Wuji had advanced to level seventy-eight, matching Flender in spirit power.
With his current pace, Zhao Wuji would likely surpass Flender and become a Spirit Douluo within two years.
That would give Yang Xiong peace of mind while training away from home,Zhao Wuji would be able to ensure his parents' safety.
After helping Oscar and Qin Shuang analyze their fourth soul ring options, they finalized their direction. Zhao Wuji, concerned about Oscar's life at the sect, planned to go with them to Star Dou Forest, along with Yang Wei.
As for Yang Xiong himself, having just returned from Star Dou Forest, and with Ning Fengzhi personally leading the trip, he had no plans to go again.
According to his training plan, once Oscar and Qin Shuang obtained their rings, they would leave the sect for field training.
With two Spirit Elders traveling together, plus Qin Shuang as an inner sect disciple and hidden protection arranged by Ning Fengzhi, it shouldn't be too dangerous.
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