The Four Parts of the Azure LotusSeven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
In the antique-style waterside pavilion, Ning Fengzhi leisurely admired the fish swimming gracefully in the pond. Five years seemed to have left no trace on him; he remained as handsome and dashing as ever.
Beside him, the Ancient Banyan Tree, the Bone Douluo, leaned against a wooden pillar, resting with its eyes closed. Its towering figure made its head seem to reach the roof.
"Dad, Grandpa Bones, I'm back!"
A joyful voice came from the other end of the waterside pavilion.
Upon hearing this voice, Ning Fengzhi immediately laughed. Gu Rong also opened her eyes.
Ning Fengzhi was stunned when he saw Ning Rongrong, who was running towards him, clutching her skirt. This girl...was Ning Rongrong? She was elegant and refined, dressed exactly like Ning Rongrong, but far more beautiful. He exclaimed in surprise:
"You are... Rongrong?"
"Um."
"How did you become like this?"
Ning Fengzhi said with some surprise. After a brief encounter, he was certain that this was his daughter, Ning Rongrong. Although her appearance had changed, the familiar feeling emanating from her martial spirit remained the same.
Ning Rongrong smiled mysteriously: "Dad, I'll tell you about this later."
Ning Rongrong then hugged the astonished Bone Douluo before sitting down beside him.
Sword Douluo, dressed in white, followed Ning Rongrong and walked over. The moment Sword Douluo stepped into the waterside pavilion, his eyes met those of Bone Douluo, and the air seemed to be thick with tension.
The two titled Douluo had been fighting for half their lives. Ning Fengzhi shook his head helplessly, turned his gaze to Ning Rongrong, and asked:
"You've been away for so long, is there anything you want to tell your dad?"
After saying that, he gently blew on the steaming tea and took a small sip.
Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong excitedly said:
"Well, Dad, I actually have something I want to tell you. I want to leave the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and join Dai Yao's sect!"
puff--
Ning Fengzhi's eyes widened, and the fragrant tea he had just taken a sip of instantly sprayed out. He didn't have time to worry about his appearance, and stared at Ning Rongrong in disbelief, saying:
"What did you say? You want to leave the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?!"
Ning Rongrong nodded firmly.
Beside him, Bone Douluo Gu Rong quickly came over, reached out and touched Ning Rongrong's forehead, and said with some confusion:
"That's strange. The little witch doesn't have a fever. What's wrong with her now? Rongrong, you are the young sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. You absolutely cannot leave."
Then, he glared resentfully at the indifferent Sword Douluo. Rongrong had made such a big decision, yet this old swordsman didn't object at all; he must know something. He said indignantly:
"Old Swordsman, tell me, what exactly happened to Rongrong? If it's because of that brat Dai Yao, I absolutely disagree!"
Bone Douluo was already furious that he agreed to let Ning Rongrong and Dai Yao be together. Dai Yao had several women around him, and Ning Rongrong would definitely suffer if she stayed with him.
Sword Douluo smiled mysteriously, completely ignoring Bone Douluo's question. Under Bone Douluo's hostile gaze, he slowly walked to Ning Fengzhi's side and smiled:
"Fengzhi, I agree with Rongrong's decision. Don't rush to object. Take a look at something first before making a decision."
Ning Fengzhi was filled with doubts. Ning Rongrong was his handpicked successor, and Sword Douluo must know her importance. Why would he agree to Ning Rongrong's decision? What exactly was that thing he wanted to see?
Ning Rongrong's eyes darted around, and instead of showing Ning Fengzhi what Sword Douluo wanted her to demonstrate, she smiled slyly and said:
"Dad, I'll make a bet with you. If you read this and agree to let me join Dai Yao's sect, you'll give me five million gold coins; but if you still don't agree to let me join Dai Yao's sect, then I'll continue to be the young sect leader."
Ning Fengzhi, leaning on his jade cane, smiled slightly and said:
"Haha, alright. Rongrong, if there really is something more important than you becoming the young sect leader, then how about I agree to your conditions? Don't even mention five million gold coins, even ten million gold coins is no problem."
Ning Rongrong immediately said:
"Then it's settled, ten million gold soul coins."
Ning Fengzhi nodded and said slowly, "Well, but what you've brought out will make me change my mind."
Inside the waterside pavilion, all three people's gazes were focused on Ning Rongrong. Ning Rongrong's expression turned serious, her soul power surged, and accompanied by dazzling light, a crystal and glass pagoda appeared in her palm.
"Oh? The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda? Could it be that Rongrong's martial soul has also evolved into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda?"
Ning Fengzhi's tone contained a hint of excitement.
Ning Rongrong's martial soul also evolved into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul, and he understood all too well what that meant. With two soul masters possessing the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School would, barring any unforeseen circumstances, have two support-type Title Douluo.
"However, Rongrong, if it's just the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul, you can't make Daddy change his mind, okay?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled.
Ning Rongrong smiled slyly and said, "Dad, why don't you count them carefully?"
Ning Fengzhi exclaimed in surprise and began to count carefully:
"First floor...eighth floor, ninth floor...tenth floor..."
Ning Fengzhi's eyes widened, the words stuck in his throat, his elegant demeanor completely vanished, and he stared at Ning Rongrong in shock, his voice trembling and urgent as he asked:
"Rongrong, am I seeing things? That's the tenth floor?!"
Ning Rongrong raised her head with a hint of pride and nodded.
Ning Fengzhi could no longer contain his joy and burst into laughter. Bone Douluo, standing beside him, was also beaming with delight. Suddenly, as if struck by a thought, he excitedly exclaimed:
"The Ten Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, doesn't that mean Rongrong can absorb the tenth soul ring?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled and said, "Yes, Uncle Gu. If I'm not mistaken, Rongrong can absorb the tenth soul ring and use it to break through to level 100, becoming the legendary—god."
Upon hearing this, Bone Douluo couldn't help but gasp.
Does God really exist?
He said in a trembling voice.
Ning Fengzhi nodded, gazing at the artificial hill outside the waterside pavilion, and said in a deep voice:
"I don't know either, but as far as I know, the Spirit Hall's Hall of Worship enshrines a deity. Moreover, it seems that both of the peerless Douluo, Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu, were defeated by a guardian of a deity. So, gods should exist."
For a moment, Bone Douluo stared intently at Ning Rongrong, finding it hard to believe that this girl, so familiar to him, would become a legendary god.
"Dad, don't change the subject. You can't back out now. You have to give me ten million gold soul coins."
Ning Rongrong pouted.
Upon hearing this, Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong exchanged a glance and smiled helplessly. Their little darling, whom they'd raised for so long, was still leaking air. Those ten million gold soul coins were undoubtedly intended for Dai Yao to establish his sect.
Ning Fengzhi said:
"Alright, ten million gold soul coins it is, Dad won't go back on his word. Besides, Dad also agrees to you joining Dai Yao's sect."
"Thank you, Dad."
Ning Rongrong immediately said excitedly.
"Dad, I've gone to the Azure Lotus Sect. I'm the sect's treasurer now, and I have a lot to do."
Seeing Ning Rongrong's expectant smile, Ning Fengzhi, the old father, felt a pang of sadness in his heart.
"Uncle Jian, Uncle Gu, I was originally wavering between the Empire and the Spirit Hall, but after seeing Rongrong's spirit, I made a decision. Throughout history, there has never been any neutrality in any upheaval on the continent. Any neutral force will be eliminated by the opposing sides working together."
"But this time is different. Time is on our side. As long as Rongrong becomes a god, all the sacrifices will be worthwhile."
"Rather than getting caught in a whirlpool with an unpredictable outcome and having to choose one side, it's better to leave the center of this whirlpool altogether. This impending storm is no longer our concern..."
Ning Fengzhi's previously anxious heart finally settled down.
Ning Rongrong's Ten Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul gave them the confidence to remain neutral. What they needed to do now was not to join a war with an unpredictable outcome, but to provide Ning Rongrong with a safe environment to grow and help her become a god.
Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo gazed with satisfaction in the direction Ning Rongrong had gone. They turned their heads at the same time, their eyes met, and they both let out a cold snort before turning away.
······
Tian Dou City.
Inside a spacious mansion, a bustling scene unfolded, with building materials scattered everywhere and shouts of the Imperial Clan working diligently on the construction.
Inside a makeshift building, Dai Yao stared in astonishment at the three patriarchs of single-attribute clans who had come to greet him, and said in surprise:
"How did the three elders know I had returned?"
Bai He smiled slightly and said, "Our Min clan can't just sit around doing nothing. As soon as we arrived in the Tiandou Empire, I sent people out to ensure that no movement escaped our notice."
"Hey, old white bird, what do you mean? Are you saying that our Royal Clan is just freeloading?"
Niu Gao raised an eyebrow and asked in an unfriendly tone.
Bai He didn't even glance at Niu Gao, but smiled at Dai Yao:
"Sect Master, I didn't say anything. It's been almost a month and the sect residence is still not repaired. Do you think this old rhinoceros is indulging in the pleasures of Tiandou City?"
"Old White Bird, you..."
Niu Gao's eyes widened immediately, and he pointed at the white crane, ready to unleash a torrent of abuse. Yang Wudi quickly intervened, saying helplessly:
"Alright, you're all grown up now, and there are so many younger people watching. Be mindful of your words when you're joking around."
Building a mansion, especially such a large sect mansion, is by no means an easy task. Many factors need to be considered, such as layout, drainage, and defense. First, the geographical conditions must be understood, then a rough sketch must be drawn, and finally, construction can begin.
The current progress is already considered incredibly fast.
In the original work, the Tang Clan was built on the site of the Power Clan, and the Power Clan's mansion was originally built by the Royal Clan, so it was much easier to renovate.
Dai Yao smiled; the three of them really had a good relationship.
"Alright, seniors, we have finally met in Tiandou City. Since that's the case, I also have something important to announce."
The three men made up their minds and followed Dai Yao into the temporary building. Also present when they traveled from the Star Luo Empire to the Heaven Dou Empire with Dai Yao were Zhu Zhuqing and her four daughters, Lou Gao's blacksmith association, and Dugu Bo.
Everyone sat around, without any distinction between host and guest.
Beside Dai Yao sat Zhu Zhuqing, Dugu Yan, and Ning Rongrong, while Feng Wutong remained standing behind him. Dugu Bo leaned against the wall alone, resting with his eyes closed. The younger members of the three single-attribute clans stood behind their respective clan leaders.
"Before we get down to business, I need to introduce myself. The person sitting next to me, as you all probably know, is named Dugu Yan. She is four years older than me and comes from the Bilin Clan. She is a level 64 Control-type Battle Soul Emperor. Because of my status, she will be acting as the sect leader in my place."
Dugu Yan stood up and bowed slightly to everyone.
Upon hearing Dai Yao's introduction, a look of surprise flashed in everyone's eyes. They then realized that this seemingly charming woman was actually incredibly powerful. She would most likely become a Title Douluo in the future.
With such talent, he is indeed qualified to be the acting sect leader.
Not to mention the Azure Scale Douluo standing behind her.
A barely perceptible hint of apprehension flashed across Lou Gao's eyes. He had personally witnessed how Dugu Yan and Feng Wutong had defeated two Soul Douluos. That incredible martial soul was definitely not the Azure Scale Serpent!
The second person Dai Yao introduced was Ning Rongrong. He said:
"This woman, named Ning Rongrong, was once the young sect leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. She is the only daughter of the sect leader and has now officially joined the Azure Lotus School, where she is in charge of the sect's financial affairs. Moreover, she also shoulders the important responsibility of maintaining contact with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. The establishment of the Azure Lotus School would not have been possible without the financial support from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School."
Ning Rongrong smiled and greeted them. Her five years as the young sect leader gave her a demeanor that resembled Ning Fengzhi's in front of outsiders.
However, her soul power was only level 57, partly because the five years she spent as the young sect leader had made her relax her cultivation somewhat. But since her martial soul evolved into the Ten Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, she was no longer limited by bottlenecks and could cultivate without any worries.
Among the women around Dai Yao, her soul power level was the lowest, and her inner pride wouldn't allow her to fall behind any longer.
Dai Yao turned his gaze to what was behind him and introduced himself softly:
"This is Feng Wutong, a level 63 offensive-type Soul Master, whose Martial Soul is the Vermilion Bird. I think the Min Clan should know her well, so I don't need to introduce her."
Bai He nodded, his eyes fixed on Feng Wutong, burning with desire. The Vermilion Bird Martial Soul was too tempting for their Min clan; it was enough to allow them to leap forward in life and completely escape their fate of being purely Min.
"As for the woman beside me, she is my wife whom I have been betrothed since childhood, Zhu Zhuqing. Her martial soul is Netherworld Overlord, a level 63 agility-attack type battle soul emperor."
The crowd was already somewhat puzzled by the appearance of another stunningly beautiful woman beside Dai Yao, but after Dai Yao's introduction, they were immediately astonished. This Zhu Zhuqing was so young, yet she had already reached the Soul Emperor level.
Looking closer at the women beside Dai Yao, it was clear that each of them was destined to become a Title Douluo. Given enough time, not counting Dugu Bo, the Qinglian Sect would have five Title Douluos—that number was simply terrifying.
Everyone felt fortunate to have made the decision to join the Azure Lotus Sect.
The younger generation standing behind the three clan leaders looked at Dai Yao and his group with complicated expressions. They were all young people, so why was there such a big difference between them?
After the introduction, Dai Yao's expression turned serious, and he said in a deep voice:
"As for the three single-attribute clans, since they have already joined the Azure Lotus Sect, they can no longer be referred to as sects. However, considering that the three single-attribute clans are ultimately one clan, I plan to make some arrangements."
"First of all, our Qinglian Sect upholds a neutral stance and is a peace-loving sect. Therefore, there should not be too many offensive terms within our sect."
"Therefore, I plan to change the Yu clan into the Construction Department. It will be responsible for the defense of the sect and the construction of the sect. Senior Niu Gao will serve as the Minister, and Niu Ben will serve as the Deputy Minister."
"I plan to reorganize the Min clan into an Information Department. It will be responsible for reconnaissance and information gathering. Senior Baihe will serve as the Minister, and Bai Chenxiang as the Deputy Minister."
"I plan to transform the Broken Clan into a Medical Department. It will be responsible for treating fellow disciples and saving lives. However, to outsiders, the Medical Department is a treacherous place that can kill with its elixirs, killing with its Soul-Breaking Spear. Senior Yang Wudi will serve as the Minister, and Dugu Xin will serve as the Deputy Minister."
Dugu Xin is a Soul Douluo from the Bilin clan. The Bilin clan is skilled in poisons, which is perfect for complementing the strengths of the Po clan and exchanging knowledge with them.
"As for Senior Lou Gao's blacksmith association, it has been renamed the Technology Department. It is responsible for forging hidden weapons and developing soul tools. It is both the most profitable department in the sect and the most expensive department. At the same time, the hidden weapons forged by the Technology Department must be given priority to the Information Department."
That's all I can think of for now. Does anyone have any opinions?
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone's eyes revealed approval. Especially Bai He, although he didn't know where Dai Yao got Tang San's hidden weapons from, these hidden weapons could greatly enhance the Information Department's combat effectiveness and survivability, so obviously he didn't need to worry about that.
"And there's Senior Dugu Bo. According to Senior Dugu Bo's opinion, he will serve as the chief guest elder of the Qinglian Sect."
Dai Yao continued.
Upon hearing this, everyone was overjoyed. They hadn't expected that the Azure Lotus Sect could actually bring in Dugu Bo, this lone traveler. With a Title Douluo in charge, the sect's strength would be vastly different.
"By the way, Sect Master, I've been thinking about those ores for forging top-tier hidden weapons for a long time. It seems that apart from those people in the Haotian Sect, no one else can refine them. But I'm a little unwilling to give up."
The tall building seemed unwilling to accept its fate.
Dai Yao laughed and said, "Senior Lou Gao, I've thought about this for a long time. Isn't the person who forged the Deep Sea Silver and the Heart-Freezing Iron Essence right in front of us?"
Lou Gao glanced at the group, somewhat puzzled: "You mean?"
Dai Yao laughed and said, "Have you forgotten the flames of the Phoenix Tree?"
Looking up at Feng Wutong from the high tower, his eyes lit up. Yes, Feng Wutong's terrifying flames could definitely help him forge those hidden weapons.
Then, he smiled wryly and said:
"Miss Wutong is going back to the Spirit Hall with you, so I'd better think about those hidden weapons first. I'll tell you when I'm sure I can make them."
Feng Wutong said solemnly, "Senior, rest assured, as long as you say so, I will definitely come back."
Lou Gao smiled with satisfaction and said nothing more.
Dai Yao continued, "As for important matters of the sect, let everyone discuss and decide together, with Dugu Yan making the final decision. If we are truly unable to determine the matter, then I will make the decision."
The group exchanged glances. Although Dai Yao's words were somewhat forceful, such forcefulness was an essential quality of a powerful leader. They all said in unison:
"We have no objection."
Thus, the Azure Lotus Sect was officially established. (End of Chapter)