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"A brilliant move! A brilliant move!"
"Uncle Fengzhi, that masterstroke in the middle of the board was a true finishing touch, turning the entire game on its head in an instant!"
"It's just a pity that Grandpa Jian's strategy follows the path of the sword—all sharp edges and relentless, pressing attacks!"
"From Grandpa Jian's moves, what I see is not a game of Go, but a lifetime dedicated to the sword."
After witnessing the two amateurs peck at each other, Ye Lan began to applaud and heap praise upon them, his face a perfect mask of sincerity, his heart not skipping a beat.
Upon hearing Ye Lan's compliments, a broad smile spread across Chen Xin's face, as if he had just met his one true soulmate in the world.
"Little Lan?! What brings you here? Could it be that you also understand the art of Go? I have merged the Way of the Sword with the Way of Go, creatively developing the Seven Kills Joseki. I've utterly crushed everyone in the clan with it, leaving them in disarray, a river of blood in my wake~"
Ye Lan smiled. "This humble one has only a slight understanding. My view of Grandpa Jian's Seven Kills is shallow, like seeing only a single leaf instead of the entire forest!"
Does anyone in the clan actually dare to win against you? Ye Lan thought to himself. The Seven Kills Joseki? Does that mean you draw the Seven Kills Sword the moment you start losing? That would indeed create a river of blood!
After listening to Ye Lan's flattery, Ning Fengzhi's face flushed with pleasant surprise. "Little Lan, what brings you to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan!?"
Ning Rongrong immediately pouted. "Dad, you completely ignored me! I'm back too!!"
"Rongrong?? Why are you back so soon? Didn't we agree you wouldn't return until you reached the rank of Spirit Elder?" Ning Fengzhi feigned happiness, but inwardly he was grumbling: Why is this little ancestor back already? I've only had a few days of peace and quiet.
Bone Douluo shot a reproachful look at Ning Fengzhi. "Fengzhi, why do you look so unhappy to see Rongrong? Rongrong! Come over here and let Grandpa see if you've gotten any plumper."
Ning Rongrong instantly wrapped her arm around Bone Douluo's. "Grandpa Gu is the best."
She then let out a cold hmph. "And who says I haven't become a Spirit Elder?!"
Chen Xin's spiritual sense swept over her, and his eyes widened in shock.
"Rongrong, you're Rank 35?!"
"Little Lan, you're Rank 33 as well?!!"
Ning Rongrong giggled. "Hehe, surprised, aren't you?!"
Ning Fengzhi couldn't wait to ask, "Little Lan, how did you train Rongrong? Even with your guidance, for her to advance eight ranks in just half a year is simply terrifying!"
Ye Lan smiled. "Don't be so hasty, Uncle Fengzhi. The real surprise is yet to come!"
Bone Douluo said, "What surprise could possibly be greater than advancing eight ranks in half a year??!"
"Rongrong, release your Martial Soul!" Ye Lan instructed.
"Yes, Teacher!" A nine-colored soul power flashed in Ning Rongrong's palm.
"One, two, three… nine tiers!!"
"It's the legendary Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!!" Ning Fengzhi exclaimed in utter astonishment.
Bone Douluo said excitedly, "Little Lan, what on earth is going on with Ning Rongrong's soul power and Martial Soul? This can't be some kind of illusion, can it?!"
Chen Xin replied, "Old Bone, what kind of illusion could possibly deceive the senses of the two of us?! Rongrong's Martial Soul is, without a doubt, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!"
Seeing their excited expressions, Ye Lan explained, "By a fortunate coincidence, I obtained some immortal herbs. The one Rongrong consumed is called the Qiluo Tulip."
"The 'Qiluo Tulip' is not a medicinal herb that boosts soul power at the cost of one's potential. On the contrary, it is a rare immortal-grade treasure in the mortal world that strengthens one's foundation and consolidates their core."
"This can also be seen from the evolution of the 'Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda' into the 'Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.'"
"After consuming the 'Qiluo Tulip,' Rongrong's soul power increased by about six ranks."
"Afterward, Ning Rongrong's third spirit ring came from a 2,500-year top-grade, gem-type spirit beast, the 'Tourmaline Spirit Fox.' Not only did this spirit ring raise her rank by two levels, but it also further increased her total soul power reserves."
"That is why, in just half a year, Rongrong was able to advance from Rank 26 to Rank 35!"
As Ye Lan explained, the expressions of Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, and Gu Rong shifted from confusion to elation, and finally to profound gratitude.
Ning Fengzhi said, "So that's how it is. I knew the reason for Rongrong's drastic change had to be because of you, Little Lan!"
Ning Rongrong said with a sense of grievance, "Dad, I also worked very hard at my cultivation, you know."
Ye Lan added, "Rongrong is right. She has indeed been training diligently for the past six months. Otherwise, the absorption of the 'Qiluo Tulip' would not have been so effective."
Ning Fengzhi said gratefully, "Everything Rongrong has achieved today is inseparable from your guidance. If it weren't for you, Little Lan, I find it hard to imagine our little ancestor could have grown to such an extent."
"Uncle Fengzhi, it was what I ought to do," Ye Lan replied humbly.
Ning Fengzhi gathered his soul power in his throat, his voice echoing throughout the entire clan:
"Hear my command, members of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan! As of today, in my capacity as Clan Master, I declare Ning Rongrong to be the Young Clan Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the sole heir to the next generation of Clan Master!"
"'The Scholar' Ye Lan is hereby named an Honorary Elder of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan! His status is second only to the Grand Elders and is equal to that of the Clan Master!"
"The clan's treasury is to be opened to Ye Lan. Regardless of his needs, everyone must obey his requests without any question!"
"Yes, Clan Master!!" all the disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan shouted in perfect unison.
They didn't understand what had just happened. They could have foreseen Ning Rongrong becoming the Young Clan Master. However, the fact that 'The Scholar' Ye Lan had become an Honorary Elder shocked them immensely. Even if the Clan Master had found a husband for his daughter, it was unheard of to grant him a status equal to his own!
After making his announcement, Ning Fengzhi turned back to Ye Lan and said earnestly, "Little Lan, I know you dislike being bound by a clan. But an Honorary Elder has no official duties. I implore you to accept this, for Uncle Fengzhi's sake."
With Ning Fengzhi putting it this way, Ye Lan found it difficult to refuse.
He hesitated, "Uncle Fengzhi, it's not that I'm unwilling to become an Honorary Elder of the 'Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan,' but my relationship with Spirit Hall is… quite complicated."
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "Is that all! Little Lan, rest assured. If a conflict arises between Spirit Hall and the Heaven Dou Empire in the future, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will never stand against Spirit Hall."
Although Ning Fengzhi didn't know Ye Lan's exact status within Spirit Hall, judging by his talent alone, he was confident that Ye Lan's future achievements would be no less than those of the Angel Douluo, 'Qian Daoliu.' In the future, Ye Lan would undoubtedly become a key figure with absolute authority in Spirit Hall.
After all, in the Douluo Continent, strength was what truly mattered. Even if a talent comparable to the Angel Douluo like Ye Lan did not become the Supreme Pontiff, who in Spirit Hall would dare to disobey his commands? If Spirit Hall were to truly attack the Heaven Dou Empire, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan wouldn't mind siding with Ye Lan. Judging by his interactions with Rongrong, their relationship was likely much more than just teacher and student. In that case, wouldn't it be perfectly natural for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to side with their Clan Master and her future husband?
For Ye Lan, who was destined to reach the very peak and perhaps even glimpse the realm of gods, Ning Fengzhi decided to go all in!
Your Majesty, it is not that your servant is disloyal, it is simply that what Little Lan offers is far, far too much!
"Uncle Fengzhi, since you think so highly of me, I will not refuse any longer. I am willing to become an Honorary Elder of the 'Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan,'" Ye Lan said.
Sword Douluo chuckled. "Little Lan, there's no need for such formalities. We are all family here."
Bone Douluo leaned in and whispered to Ning Rongrong, "Rongrong, well done! On your wedding day, Grandpa will definitely get blackout drunk to celebrate."
"Grandpa Gu!" Ning Rongrong's face turned bright red.
A seven-colored soul light flashed in Ning Fengzhi's palm, and he handed a black card and a secret manual to Ye Lan.
"Little Lan, this black card contains five million gold soul coins. Every year, I will deposit another one million gold soul coins into it. This is the annual stipend for an 'Honorary Elder.' Additionally, this secret manual is the clan's most guarded secret, called 'Distraction Control.'"
"This technique has five distinct realms: the Heart of Three Apertures Control, the Heart of Four Apertures Constancy, the Heart of Five Apertures Dispersion, the Heart of Six Apertures Accordance, and the Heart of Seven Apertures Exquisite!"
"Upon reaching the 'Heart of Seven Apertures Exquisite' realm, one can multitask seven different things at once with perfect focus."
"Little Lan, you are a Blue Silver Grass Spirit Master. Blue Silver Grass is exceptionally numerous, and I believe this secret manual can further enhance your control over it!"
A warmth spread through Ye Lan's heart. He didn't believe for a second that an 'Honorary Elder' received an annual stipend of one million gold soul coins. Such a large sum was purely a generous gift from Uncle Fengzhi.
Ye Lan's need for the 'Heart of Seven Apertures Exquisite' was not particularly urgent, as he already possessed the 'Heart of Eight-Sided Exquisite,' which gave him eight external brains. However, since the opportunity had come to him by chance, he didn't mind cultivating it. After mastering the 'Heart of Seven Apertures Exquisite,' he would be able to 'multitask sixty-three things at once.'
"Thank you, Uncle Fengzhi. I will cultivate 'Distraction Control' diligently!" Ye Lan said, accepting the black card and the secret manual.
Bone Douluo smiled. "Little Lan, don't think of 'Distraction Control' as being so precious. You know Rongrong's personality. Once you've mastered the 'Heart of Seven Apertures Exquisite' realm, you can also better guide her in its cultivation."
"Grandpa Gu, I will personally supervise Rongrong!" Ye Lan nodded in agreement.
Seeing that Ye Lan had accepted his gifts, Ning Fengzhi smiled. "Little Lan, come with me to the clan treasury. I will help you pick out a few ten-thousand-year spirit bones."
Ning Rongrong looked at her father in amazement. The clan treasury was the one place her father had always forbidden her from entering. To think he would personally take Ye Lan there to choose from their precious spirit bones.
Hearing Ning Fengzhi's words, Ye Lan was greatly surprised. A ten-thousand-year spirit bone was a priceless treasure, something that could be passed down through generations. For Ning Fengzhi to let him choose one was tantamount to handing over the family's entire legacy!
Ye Lan was overwhelmed by the gesture. "Uncle Fengzhi, there's no need for the spirit bones. Please, just show Rongrong and me the scenery of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan!"
Ye Lan had his own plans for spirit bones and didn't want to waste a precious slot on a mere ten-thousand-year one.
Ning Fengzhi's estimation of Ye Lan rose even higher. He never thought Ye Lan would remain so composed in the face of such a treasure, treating it as if it were nothing. He truly is worthy of the title 'The Scholar,' a man who would share his theories with the entire continent. Such a mindset is far from ordinary.
"Little Lan, there's no need for such ceremony with me!" Ning Fengzhi said with deep feeling.
Sword Douluo smiled and said, "Since Little Lan wants to see the clan's scenery, then Grandpa will take you both!"
With that, Chen Xin summoned a massive Seven Kills Sword.
"Little Lan, Rongrong, get on!"
Ye Lan's eyes instantly lit up. He was more than happy to experience the thrill of flying on a sword.
A year and a half later.
Heaven Dou City, the new Shrek Academy.
A middle-aged man with a buzz cut and a thick beard was lounging under a large tree, a wine gourd in his hand, his face etched with sorrow as he sipped the bitter liquid.
Seeing Yu Xiaogang in such a dejected state again, a well-built, middle-aged woman with a strikingly heroic face said, "Xiaogang, why are you drinking again! Don't listen to the idle gossip in the academy. In my heart, you will always be the number one master of theory on the continent!"
Liu Erlong snatched the wine gourd from his hand. "Leave me alone! Give me back my wine!" Yu Xiaogang reached out, trying to grab the gourd back from her.
Liu Erlong sat down squarely on Yu Xiaogang's lap, holding the wine gourd high above her head with a playful smile. "Come and get it, Xiaogang. If you can reach it, I'll let you drink!"
Yu Xiaogang's eyes were filled with the sight of the fiery woman's ample chest. He swallowed hard. Although he desperately wanted to be close to Liu Erlong, he was terrified of the rumors and gossip of outsiders.
Yu Xiaogang eagerly reached for the wine gourd in Liu Erlong's hand, but being shorter than her, his efforts were completely in vain.
Just as he was starting to enjoy the game, a voice came from behind the tree.
"Teacher, are you here?!" Tang San's voice grew closer.
A flicker of displeasure appeared in Yu Xiaogang's eyes. He didn't want anyone to see him being so intimate with Liu Erlong. He quickly gave her a push.
A ripple of excitement went through Liu Erlong's heart. Has Xiaogang finally come to his senses? She stood up from his lap with a thrill of anticipation, knowing she didn't need to rush things now.
"Little San, I'm here," Yu Xiaogang said, straightening his clothes and then giving Liu Erlong a look, signaling for her to leave.
Liu Erlong gave him a flirtatious wink and tactfully departed.
His mouth dry, Yu Xiaogang suppressed the strange feeling in his heart and stepped out from behind the tree.
The moment he saw his teacher, the gloomy expression on Tang San's face was instantly replaced with a bright smile.
"Teacher!!"
"Little San, what is it?!" Yu Xiaogang asked, puzzled.
Ever since Tang San had asked him for the Illustrated Guide to Spirit Beasts a year and a half ago, he had never again sought him out to discuss Martial Soul theory or related knowledge.
"Teacher, my soul power has now reached Rank 40!!" Tang San announced the bombshell.
"What?! You've advanced six ranks in a year and a half? As far as I know, Xiao Wu and the others have only advanced four ranks! Are you hiding something from me?" Yu Xiaogang said with a grave expression.
"I…" Tang San found it difficult to speak. He knew his methods were far from being righteous or honorable.
He remembered a time, during the Spirit Master stage, when he had genuinely worried about the extinction of spirit beasts. But ever since he had started using the 'Eight Spider Lances' to absorb the life force of spirit beasts to rapidly increase his cultivation, Tang San had come to feel that if the spirit beasts died, they died. It wasn't like he could kill them all anyway. With how prolifically they reproduced, they certainly wouldn't go extinct.
This method of cultivation was simply too tempting. The difficult problem of spirit beast extinction was a puzzle best left for the wisdom of future generations to solve.
Seeing Tang San's hesitant expression, Yu Xiaogang's heart sank. This is bad!
"Little San, you couldn't have used some potential-draining method to forcefully increase your soul power, could you!?" Yu Xiaogang asked anxiously. If Tang San was ruined, his own reputation would be utterly destroyed. The title of the Douluo Continent's number one master of theory, Yu Xiaogang, had to rely on Tang San to once again become famous throughout Heaven Dou!
Tang San thought Yu Xiaogang was concerned for him, and a warmth spread through his heart. "Teacher, my soul power is exceptionally refined! I just used some… special methods."
"What methods?! Can Xiao Wu and the others use them?!" Yu Xiaogang breathed a sigh of relief.
(End of this chapter)