Dugu Bo is here too?
Makes sense. With such an exceptionally talented grandson-in-law, how could he not protect him?
Qian Renxue quickly gathered her thoughts and, along with Ning Fengzhi, respectfully greeted, "Greetings, Lord Bilin."
The three education committee members standing in the background immediately followed suit and paid their respects.
A cold glint flashed in Chen Xin's eyes as he shot a dissatisfied glance at Dugu Bo. His voice was as sharp as an unsheathed blade.
"You sinister old man, you actually managed to train such a tenacious genius in combat willpower?"
"Are you telling me he cultivated all the way to this point by himself?"
"So what if he did?" Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow.
"In your hands, wouldn't he be wasted? He'd be better off as my disciple." Chen Xin's tone was full of confidence.
"Sword Uncle," Ning Fengzhi's face changed slightly as he hurriedly tried to stop him.
Dugu Bo was unfazed by Ning Fengzhi's polite but clearly insincere attempt to intervene. He sneered mockingly.
"Heh. And then he'd conveniently become one of your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's people, right?"
"At least the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan still has Yu Tianheng to support their image. I haven't heard of any talents from your clan worth mentioning."
As soon as those words fell, the atmosphere grew heavy.
That shameless Chen Xin had actually tried to poach someone right out in the open, giving no regard to appearances.
And of course, Dugu Bo wasn't going to give face either, directly stabbing at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's sore spot.
Their main bloodline may have had geniuses, but they were ultimately limited by their martial spirits.
No matter how talented someone with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was, they were forever capped at level seventy-nine,and lacked any real self-defense capability since they were a support-type spirit.
Although Gu Rong usually enjoyed bickering with Chen Xin, their years of friendship meant that in times like this, they backed each other up.
"What you say doesn't matter. The choice lies with Fang Ling himself."
"Geniuses have their own personalities. You're his teacher,don't you know that? Do you really think you can limit him for life?"
"Haha, very well. Then Fang Ling, speak for yourself." Dugu Bo smiled slightly and patted his disciple on the shoulder, stepping aside to let him take the stage.
He understood his disciple's nature and had absolute confidence in him.
Fang Ling glanced over at the apologetic-looking Ning Fengzhi and the serious expression on Qian Renxue's face. Then he spoke in a calm voice.
"If I were to become Sword Lord's disciple, what could you offer me?"
"I would teach you how to hone your will, guide you in the sword path of conviction, instruct you in the use of weapon-type martial spirits, and in battle-hardened close-combat techniques..."
"I could even help you search for a soul bone that grants limb regeneration, with the support of the entire clan."
As Chen Xin spoke, he glanced slightly at Gu Rong and Ning Fengzhi, then added solemnly:
"I can also invite Old Bone and the Clan Master to join me in guaranteeing that, when you reach level ninety, we will help you hunt a hundred-thousand-year soul beast."
At level ninety-six, wielding the top-tier martial spirit Seven Kill Sword, Chen Xin was arguably the most powerful known weapon spirit user today.
Moreover, he used a giant sword, which had certain similarities with Fang Ling's scythe.
And the offer of a soul bone capable of regenerating limbs, plus the promise of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast,these were tempting even to Qian Renxue.
Fang Ling nodded slightly but showed no change in expression. He calmly replied:
"Those are excellent conditions. But I refuse."
"Why refuse? That's a hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone!" Qian Renxue asked in shock.
"There's no reason. My past experiences have taught me that strength is everything."
His eyes burned with fighting spirit as Fang Ling declared his resolve aloud.
"I've focused solely on cultivation and walked this road alone. Wealth and fame mean nothing to me."
"With Yan Yan and Lingling by my side, I already feel fulfilled."
"With my teacher's protection and my path already laid out, I only wish to focus on cultivation. I don't want to get involved in the political entanglements of major clans over vague future promises of soul beasts."
"A soul bone that restores limbs is rare and uncertain,not something I dare hope for."
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan may be great, and Lord Sword may be strong, but they're not where my heart lies. Sect Master Ning, I'm sorry."
Fang Ling gave a slight bow to Ning Fengzhi.
Ning Fengzhi sighed inwardly, though he hadn't completely given up yet.
Chen Xin had once cared only about the sword path, and now he was part of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. But Fang Ling wasn't alone,this made the situation more complicated.
Ning Fengzhi quickly waved his hand with a gentle smile.
"This time, Sword Uncle got a bit too excited. It was impolite of us. I should be the one apologizing."
The atmosphere quieted down. Qian Renxue tried to lighten things up.
"Fang Ling truly deserves to be called a peerless genius. With such strong willpower, it's no wonder he's come so far."
"Your Highness flatters me. I'm no genius," Fang Ling said, recalling his arrival in this world and the disparity of his circumstances. Then he launched into his performance.
His eyes showed deep sorrow.
"Just as Your Highness said, I was a beggar from a young age. I even lost a leg. I don't know how I survived."
"Back then, with a weak body, I had to fight stray dogs for food, catch rats and bugs to eat, pick through trash at the market, struggle to make traps, and even fight other beggars for a place to rest..."
This was all true, and he wasn't afraid of anyone verifying it. Everyone in that part of Nuoding City knew his story.
"No one helped me. But I didn't die,and I didn't give up. Eventually, I held on until my spirit awakened." Fang Ling shook his head. The sorrow in his eyes faded, replaced by a bright smile.
Everyone fell silent upon seeing that radiant smile.
They were born into privilege and had never endured such hardships.
They couldn't imagine how he had survived in such dire circumstances, nor what kind of willpower had brought him this far.
"Fang Ling..." Ye Lingling's blue eyes, clear as autumn water, showed a deep and uncontrollable sadness. She unconsciously hugged Fang Ling's arm tightly.
She had seen Fang Ling's optimism, his talent, his unwavering resolve every day.
But this was the first time she had heard him talk about the painful past he rarely mentioned.
"Fang Ling, you have us now." Dugu Yan felt the same pain in her heart. Her gaze was gentle and warm, as if it could heal all wounds.
"Ah..." Dugu Bo let out a long sigh and patted Fang Ling's shoulder. No words were needed.
"Of course. Now I have Teacher, and Yan Yan and Lingling."
Fang Ling laughed heartily and continued.
"After awakening my martial spirit, though I started at level one, life became much better."
"I trained hard for three years at Nuoding Academy and became a regular one-ring soul master."
"During that time, something happened that left a deep impression on me. It's also the reason I've been able to cultivate so quickly to this day."
"What happened?" Xue Qinghe's eyes were filled with curiosity.
Everyone else listened intently.
"I encountered a fallen soul master with only one ring," Fang Ling said, flipping through his Frost Snow Ring and taking out a pale-golden certificate, which he handed to Qian Renxue.
She received the certificate and slowly read it aloud:
'This certifies that Nuoding Academy student Fang Ling, age seven, spirit power level six... witnessed by Qian Zhaolong and Qian Feiguang of the Angel Legion Demon-Hunting Camp, Qianyao Squad.'
Fang Ling spoke with a trace of regret.
"Back then, the three older brothers wanted to recommend me to the Spirit Hall Academy."
"Unfortunately, my innate spirit power was only level one, so I had to give up."
"But this certificate still helped me a lot. When I grow stronger, I'll go back and thank them properly."
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