Chapter 42: Ning Fengzhi's Trickery
After hearing Ning Fengzhi's words, Yang Xiong's expression became somewhat unpredictable. On one hand, he realized that many of his secrets had been discovered, but on the other hand, he felt relieved that at least Ning Fengzhi was unaware of the celestial herbs he had obtained from the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Eyes.
The outer layer of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Eyes still contained the poisonous formation left behind by Dugu Bo, which ordinary Soul Masters couldn't break into. Even Ning Fengzhi couldn't have sent a Title Douluo to follow him. This meant that at least the events inside the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Eyes remained secret for now.
Ning Fengzhi observed the change in Yang Xiong's expression and assumed it was because he had seen through Yang Xiong's little schemes.
"Xiong, your experience in the Soul Master world is still too shallow. It's much crueler than you think. There are many sects in the Soul Master world, and even though our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is one of the top three, we still have our enemies."
"The major sects and forces are deeply intertwined, with many spies from other factions. Especially when it comes to talented disciples, if they can't be swayed, they will try to eliminate them in secret. A sect would never feel comfortable letting a disciple walk alone in the outside world. For example, when you went to the Sunset Forest, many people tried to secretly make a move against you, but we stopped them."
Yang Xiong quickly responded, "Thank you, Sect Master. I underestimated the cruelty of the Soul Master world."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "This is not your fault. Although you've read many books and mastered much knowledge about Soul Masters, what is written in books is still different from reality. You may be able to cultivate independently in the sect and become strong, but when you reach the level of Advanced Soul Master, in addition to personal cultivation, you'll have to undergo various trials and dangers. That's one of the reasons I want you to go with Rongrong to gain some real-world experience."
"The environment in Soto City may be a little worse, not as comfortable as the sect, but the faculty there is excellent and will be beneficial to your growth."
Yang Xiong thought for a moment before speaking. "Sect Master, I'm willing to go to Soto City, but I have a small request. I hope the Sect Master will grant it."
Ning Fengzhi became a bit interested. "Feel free to speak. I told you to treat me as your elder."
Yang Xiong said, "Sect Master, you should know that my martial soul is quite special, and there are no successful cases of it in the Soul Master world yet. I have my own cultivation methods, and even if I go to Soto City, I don't want anyone to interfere with my cultivation methods or investigate my secrets. Soul Masters all have their own secrets, and this could relate to my future safety. Otherwise, I'll have to return to the sect early."
Ning Fengzhi nodded. "Of course. It's the most basic principle in the Soul Master world not to pry into others' secrets. If anyone violates that, just come back."
Yang Xiong sighed in relief. He didn't care much about the people from the original story; he had his own path to follow. As long as they didn't interfere with his cultivation, everything would be fine.
Ning Fengzhi thought for a moment before speaking again. "Xiong, there are two more things you need to pay attention to."
"This time, it's just you and Rongrong going to Soto City, but she might meet many new classmates and encounter new things. I don't want her to become too close to any other boys."
Yang Xiong couldn't help but think that Ning Fengzhi probably worried about his daughter being swept away by some young boy. He remembered in the original story how she was tricked away by a food-type soul master.
"Sect Master, don't worry. I'll stay close to Miss Rongrong and won't let anyone who doesn't know better get too close to her."
Ning Fengzhi nodded in satisfaction. "That's good. Also, there's another thing. Uncle Gu has been quietly observing you, especially after you cultivated the 'Path of Defense.' He has high hopes for you. After you graduate from school, I'll ask him to take you as his disciple."
"You should know Uncle Gu's status in our sect. Having a Title Douluo as a mentor will make your cultivation much more efficient, and you might even reach his level of strength in the future."
Yang Xiong was taken aback. He had indeed sensed that someone in the sect was paying attention to him, especially considering the resources he had been given for cultivation. He hadn't expected that this person was actually Bone Douluo.
In the Soul Master world, Title Douluos were at the pinnacle. Each one was a giant, and the Tiandou royal family had suffered because they didn't have a Title Douluo. The top three sects were also protected by these powerful figures.
"Thank you, Sect Master, for your support, and thank you, Bone Douluo, for the attention. I'll work hard to cultivate and not disappoint the sect."
Ning Fengzhi smiled slightly. "Xiong, sometimes you don't need to be so cautious. Although our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect isn't invincible, we aren't someone anyone can easily provoke. It's just a soul bone. No need to hide it. I don't believe anyone would dare to challenge our sect over a single soul bone."
"Remember, I've told you before, the sect is your home. As long as you don't betray us, whatever resources you need, we will do our best to get them for you, including top-tier soul rings and soul bones. And according to our sect's rules, your personal opportunities will never be taken by the sect."
Yang Xiong quickly responded with gratitude. "Thank you, Sect Master. I'll work hard and contribute to the sect as much as I can."
"Soon, everything for your family will be arranged. You can go back and prepare. We'll set off early tomorrow."
…
After their conversation, Yang Xiong returned home.
However, as soon as he got home, his previously smiling face turned serious.
Ning Fengzhi was far more cunning than he had imagined. He was good at playing the game—first giving a blow, then a sweet reward. If Yang Xiong were an ordinary twelve-year-old, he probably would've bowed down immediately.
But Ning Fengzhi had clearly underestimated him, especially the secrets he carried. If Ning Fengzhi found out that Yang Xiong had celestial herbs that could change the entire Soul Land, he would wonder if he would still be as calm as he appeared now.
Yang Xiong also realized the depth and thoroughness of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, especially how much effort the sect put into nurturing young geniuses.
After some thought, Yang Xiong decided that going to Shrek Academy might have some benefits after all.
Considering his own personality, he might clash with the people from the original story there. He would see how Ning Fengzhi chose and whether the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was worth more of his dedication.
Yang Xiong briefly explained the sect's arrangements to his parents. Yang Lin and Sun Yu didn't push the matter of Yang Xiong going to school any further.
(END CHAPTER)
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