Before leaving Heaven Dou City, Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian made another visit to the former Tang Sect residence.
Ning Tian's original intention was to invite Tang Ya and Beibei to attend today's family banquet at the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect together, but the two politely declined.
Tang Ya and Beibei were well aware that although their relationship was very close, it would not be quite appropriate for such an occasion. This was a family banquet of Ning Tian's household, and they were ultimately outsiders. Moreover, they also needed to handle some matters for the Tang Sect.
In the end, Tang Ya once again expressed her gratitude to the two of them and agreed to meet again later at Shrek Academy.
As soon as Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian stepped out of Heaven Dou City, a luxuriously decorated carriage was already waiting there in advance. It possessed an extremely metallic texture yet did not lack elegance. As night was approaching, exquisite soul guide lanterns hung at the four corners of the carriage, emitting soft, warm-toned halos. The interior of the carriage was also equipped with various soul guide devices convenient for daily life, such as heating soul guide devices and sound-isolating soul guide devices.
Moreover, what pulled the carriage were not ordinary fine horses, but extraordinary soul beasts, Dragon-Scaled Horses.
Dragon-Scaled Horses, as the name suggests, possess a trace of dragon clan bloodline. Depending on the rank and purity of the dragon clan bloodline they carry, there are detailed subdivisions.
The two Dragon-Scaled Horses before them possessed the bloodline of the Red Armored Earth Dragon, also known as Red Scaled Horses. Not only did they have excellent endurance, but they were also highly adaptable to various harsh, low-temperature environments. Their popularity in the northern part of the continent far surpassed that of Horn Scaled Horses, and of course, they were even rarer and more expensive. They were often hard to come by, even for ten thousand gold.
From this, one could somewhat see the profound foundation of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
The one driving the carriage was an inner sect disciple of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. He respectfully opened the carriage door for Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian. Only after the two had settled in did he close the door and drive the carriage toward the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
"Roar—" The two Red Scaled Horses raised their heads and snorted, but what came out was a low dragon roar.
Thanks to its special structure and soul guide devices, the carriage traveled extremely smoothly.
Xu Zihuang leaned against the window, watching the scenery gradually passing by outside. Ning Tian rested in his embrace, her eyes filled with a smiling expression, together forming a warm and affectionate scene.
Xu Zihuang's left hand, resting on Ning Tian's fragrant shoulder, gently stroked her hair that emitted a faint, clear fragrance, teasingly saying:
"Your aura when declaring sovereignty in front of Wei Na today almost made me fail to recognize you."
"Isn't it because you're too good at attracting bees and butterflies?" Ning Tian gave Xu Zihuang a coquettish glare.
"If I hadn't said anything, Wei Na, the dignified princess of the Heavenly Soul Empire, would have practically thrown herself at you. Didn't you notice the way she looked at you?"
"This can't be blamed on me, right? I didn't do anything." Xu Zihuang helplessly shook his head.
He had indeed once had thoughts of getting close to Wei Na back in the day, but ever since his strength increased and his mindset changed, he had not made any out-of-line moves when interacting with Wei Na. Even five months ago, during the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament, when they discussed matters, it had all been proper business about resisting the invasion of the Sun Moon Empire in the future.
"Tianhuang, did I say you did anything? Why does it sound like you're confessing without being accused?" Ning Tian teased Xu Zihuang in a joking tone, then smiled sweetly.
"Actually, I had already anticipated that such situations would arise in the future. Who made the man I like so outstanding?"
"That part is indeed true." Xu Zihuang accepted it without changing his expression.
Ning Tian's eyes were like autumn water as she smilingly continued: "So, don't you think you should give me a bit of security?"
"How do you want me to give you security?" Xu Zihuang looked at Ning Tian in confusion.
Ning Tian lightly touched Xu Zihuang's lips, her pretty face still smiling as she meaningfully said, "You just need to promise me. You'll know when the time comes."
"Of course, I'll promise." Carrying a trace of guilt, Xu Zihuang pulled Ning Tian into his arms, letting her sit on his lap.
Looking at the charming and lovely Ning Tian, this time he took the initiative.
Ning Tian, fully immersed in it, had eyes full of sweetness and lingering affection.
The mountain road from Heaven Dou City to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was quite rugged, so the Red Scaled Horses could not fully display their speed. By the time they arrived at the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, half an hour had already passed.
Under the cover of night, the light flowing over the buildings of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect appeared exceptionally brilliant.
The location of the banquet was chosen in the courtyard where Ning Tian had lived during the previous period. Including Ning Xingxu and Elder Gu, there were only four people in total.
Entering the courtyard and seeing Ning Xingxu and Elder Gu already waiting there, Xu Zihuang said somewhat apologetically:
"Sorry, Uncle Ning, Elder Gu, for keeping you waiting."
"No matter." Ning Xingxu waved his hand nonchalantly and gestured toward Xu Zihuang.
"Sit."
Xu Zihuang sat opposite Elder Gu, to Ning Xingxu's right. Ning Tian naturally sat to Xu Zihuang's left. Her pretty face carried a few unusual blushes, and although her walking posture remained elegant, there was a faint sense of unnaturalness.
Ning Tian pretended to be composed as she greeted Ning Xingxu and Elder Gu.
"Father, Great-Grandfather."
Ning Xingxu and Elder Gu were both highly perceptive people; how could they not notice Ning Tian's unusual state? Their gazes met for only an instant, and they already understood in their hearts.
Unlike Elder Gu's straightforward delight and approval, Ning Xingxu's deep and vicissitudinous eyes revealed a trace of emotion. He personally poured Xu Zihuang a cup of clear, fragrant fruit wine brewed from various spirit fruits.
"Tianhuang, Tian'er is entrusted to you."
Xu Zihuang did not dare to be negligent. He quickly raised the glazed cup with both hands to receive the clear liquid and solemnly nodded.
"Uncle Ning, please rest assured."
Ning Tian, who had not yet fully recovered, did not keenly notice the change in atmosphere and certain details as she usually would. She only thought her father was worried about her safety when heading to Dragon City in the northeast of the Heavenly Soul Empire.
"Father, could it be that you still don't trust Tianhuang's strength?"
"Of course, we trust him." Elder Gu laughed heartily, but the look in his eyes, as if he already knew everything, made Xu Zihuang's scalp tingle a little.
Looking at his daughter's current appearance, a trace of helplessness flashed through Ning Xingxu's deep and aged eyes. Then he sincerely suggested to Xu Zihuang:
"No matter your origins, the Heavenly Dragon Gate is ultimately your root. This time, when you go back, have a good talk with your grandfather and the others. You should be able to see that their attitude toward you is not exactly as it appears on the surface. If there are any hidden difficulties or unresolved knots in their hearts, just talk them out."
The words Ning Xingxu spoke were completely from the standpoint of an elder.
This also showed that he truly acknowledged Yu Tianhuang and regarded Yu Tianhuang as a close junior. If it were only for the interests of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, he would not have needed to say these things.
"I understand, Uncle Ning." Hearing Ning Xingxu mention these matters, complex emotions surfaced in Xu Zihuang's heart.
Toward him, the Heavenly Dragon Gate had indeed been benevolent to the utmost, and one could even say they owed him enormous kindness.
Amid the toasting and exchanging of cups, the atmosphere of this banquet was harmonious and warm.
Xu Zihuang, Ning Xingxu, and Elder Gu were all inwardly perceptive; only Ning Tian was the outsider.
It was not until the banquet ended and everyone returned to the castle that Ning Tian belatedly realized something. Her pretty face flushed red as she hugged Xu Zihuang's arm.
Ning Xingxu and Elder Gu escorted Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian to the staircase at the entrance of the first-floor meeting hall in the central castle.
"Wait, Elder Gu." Xu Zihuang suddenly called out to Elder Gu.
Under everyone's puzzled gazes, Xu Zihuang reached out his right hand and grasped Elder Gu's wrist.
In the next instant, Elder Gu's pupils suddenly contracted. He only felt an extremely rich, almost tangible life aura flow along the meridians in his arm, spreading to every part of his body.
His body, which had been filled with the aura of decline, seemed to regain vitality, and even the soul power within him was stirred.
"This is?!"
The changes in Elder Gu's body and aura were extremely obvious; both Ning Xingxu and Ning Tian could clearly sense this vast life force.
"You don't need to worry; doing this won't harm my body." Seeing what Elder Gu was thinking, Xu Zihuang added.
"The reason I can mobilize the life force of this level is due to the opportunities I had in the past. This should at least have some effect on your body."
Elder Gu tightly gripped Xu Zihuang's hand in return, deeply moved as he said: "Tianhuang, given your relationship with Tian'er, I shouldn't be so polite. But this old man must remember this kindness."
With the supplement of this life force, his lifespan had been extended by at least ten years. Moreover, with his body regaining vitality, it meant he now had the possibility of attempting to break through to rank 99 Limit Douluo.
Although the chance of success was not high, at least there was now hope to strive for.
Ning Xingxu's expression was also somewhat excited, but he knew that any words at this moment would seem pale. He simply patted Xu Zihuang's shoulder heavily.
"Tianhuang, take Tian'er and go rest early."
"Uncle Ning, Elder Gu, then we'll take our leave first." Xu Zihuang took Ning Tian's hand and ascended the stairs.
Watching the figures of Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian disappear, Elder Gu finally shifted his gaze to Ning Xingxu.
"Xingxu, your vision is indeed as good as ever. This child Tianhuang truly deserves to be born carrying a great destiny. He may touch that realm in the future."
Seeing the unusual gleam in Elder Gu's eyes, Ning Xingxu was momentarily stunned.
"Grandfather Long, you…"
"Since there is hope, one must always try." Elder Gu smiled freely.
"But rest assured, I will wait until I have a certain level of confidence before attempting. And at the very least, I must wait until Tianhuang has grown up. That way, I can have no more worries."
On the other side, Xu Zihuang was also frankly explaining to Ning Tian.
"The life aura I infused into Elder Gu comes from a special energy crystal called Life Gold. Life Gold contains an incomparably vast amount of pure life energy. With that life energy, Elder Gu's lifespan can be extended by more than ten years."
"Thank you, Tianhuang." Ning Tian looked up at Xu Zihuang with a radiant and captivating expression. Elder Gu had watched her grow up since childhood. Although there was no blood relation between them, their bond was extremely deep.
She was genuinely happy from the bottom of her heart that Elder Gu could have his life extended by more than ten years.
Xu Zihuang placed his right hand against Ning Tian's fair and delicate cheek, chuckling: "Why say such things between us? Alright, go back to the room and wash up. You've held back for so long; aren't you feeling uncomfortable?"
"Isn't it all because of you?!"
Ning Tian immediately blushed, coquettishly pressed down her skirt, and quickly walked toward the top floor. Only the crisp sound of footsteps echoed through the spacious castle.
...
The next morning, Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian boarded the same carriage they had taken the previous night.
This time, only Ning Xingxu came to see them off. Elder Gu had gone into secluded cultivation to better absorb that life energy.
After Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian bid farewell to Ning Xingxu from inside the carriage, they set off on their journey to Dragon City.
Although the terrain in the north-central part of the Heavenly Soul Empire was not a vast plain, it was still relatively gentle. Once they left the rugged mountain roads near the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, the astonishing endurance and speed of the Red Scaled Horses were fully displayed.
It was now approaching early winter, and heading north, one could clearly feel the temperature gradually dropping.
However, with the heating soul guide device inside the carriage, Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian sitting within were not affected by the changes in external temperature.
After traveling at full speed for about two hours, snowflakes began to fall.
Inside the spacious carriage, warmth filled the air. The soul guide lantern hanging from the ceiling swayed gently, and soft, warm air rolled across the plush carpet. It formed a stark contrast with the icy world outside.
Such environmental contrast made those inside the carriage feel even more comfortable.
Ning Tian elegantly sipped fragrant black tea while leaning on Xu Zihuang's shoulder, gazing at the snowy white scene outside the window. They had not overexerted themselves last night, so her energy today was exceptionally abundant.
Xu Zihuang seemed to think of something. He placed the porcelain cup containing black tea on the small table in front of him.
"Ning Tian, your soul power cultivation should not be far from the rank 60 bottleneck, right?"
"Mm, it's already rank 59. What's wrong, Tianhuang?" Ning Tian sat up straight and turned to look at Xu Zihuang.
Xu Zihuang said seriously, "Then I'll also use the life aura of Life Gold to cleanse your meridians. This can greatly enhance your physical strength and also promote the improvement of your soul power cultivation. If you can smoothly break through to rank 60 during this process, I can take you to the Extreme North to hunt a soul beast that is extremely suitable to become your sixth soul ring."
The sixth soul skill is the most important soul skill for the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, called attribute amplification.
The direct disciples of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect often hunt a soul beast with particularly powerful attributes at rank 60, then use the sect's secret method to obtain the attribute amplification soul skill.
No matter what attribute the hunted soul beast possesses, the stronger the attribute ability, the better the effect of the attribute amplification soul skill for Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda or Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda soul masters.
The soul beast Xu Zihuang had set as the target was precisely from the Ice Jade Scorpion race of the Ice Empress, one of the three heavenly kings of the Extreme North, possessing the ultimate ice attribute.
Ning Tian was intelligent and immediately understood: "Tianhuang, are you talking about the Ice Jade Scorpion?"
"Do you remember what I told you before? Tianmeng comes from the Extreme North. It is a dual-attribute soul beast of ice and spiritual attributes. Moreover, its ice attribute origin is still intact. With its million-year cultivation, it is sufficient to assist you in absorbing an ultimate ice attribute Ice Jade Scorpion soul ring." Xu Zihuang nodded slightly.
Hearing this, Ning Tian's eyes lit up. She certainly trusted Yu Tianhuang's judgment. If she could hunt an Ice Jade Scorpion of ten-thousand-year cultivation or above as her sixth soul ring, the attribute amplification soul skill she obtained would undoubtedly be the most powerful one in the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect in tens of thousands of years.
Just like that, Ning Tian allowed Xu Zihuang to use the life aura of Life Gold to cleanse her body and meridians. However, it did not take long before her crystal-clear earlobes turned completely red.
Because for Yu Tianhuang to do this, he needed to meticulously touch every inch of her skin.
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Here are the chapters for today (づ￣3￣)づ╭～
"Don't forget there are chapters available on Patreon."
"From Douluo to Godhood by Defy 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo: Far North Invincibledo 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo Peerless: Living as an Evil Soul Master 40 Advance chapters."
"Douluo Dalu 2:Peerless Tang Sect Dawn of Sun and Moon 40 Advance chapters."
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