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Morning light filtered through the window screens, casting dappled shadows across the room. Feng Xiao and Qian Renxue awoke from their meditation almost simultaneously, turning to look at the windowsill with unspoken understanding—the Blue Silver Emperor was stretching its leaves, its golden patterns shimmering with a warm glow in the morning sun, as if enjoying the tranquil dawn.
"It seems to really like the sunshine here," Qian Renxue murmured, her golden eyes reflecting the morning light.
Feng Xiao smiled as he rose, his fingertips gently brushing the Blue Silver Emperor's leaves: "Let's go. It's a good time to mooch some breakfast from Manager Ning."
"You certainly make mooching sound righteous," Qian Renxue retorted, rolling her eyes at him, but still reached out to straighten his collar. In the morning light, her long eyelashes cast delicate shadows on her cheeks, and a barely concealed smile played on her lips.
The Blue Silver Emperor's leaves suddenly moved without a breeze, its golden patterns flickering as if laughing at a certain thick-skinned fellow. Feng Xiao smiled nonchalantly: "I call it being resourceful."
With that, he casually picked up the jade basin holding the Blue Silver Emperor. Qian Renxue shook her head, chuckling softly, the sunlight gilding her with a golden edge. She reached out and pushed open the door, and the morning breeze, carrying the unique aroma of Nuoding City, wafted in.
Morning light spilled onto the cobblestone streets of Nuoding City, gilding the passing pedestrians. Qian Renxue held Feng Xiao's arm, but her gaze was drawn to the Seven Stringed Zithers displayed in the instrument shops on both sides of the street—the style of those zithers was identical to Feng Xiao's Spirit, "Fuxi."
"These zithers…" Qian Renxue's eyes widened slightly, and she lightly tapped a shop window. "How are they exactly like your Spirit?"
Feng Xiao, holding the jade basin with the Blue Silver Emperor in one hand, heard her words and a nostalgic smile touched his lips. He didn't summon his Spirit, but simply said softly: "Back then, at Manager Ning's teahouse, I earned a lot of money with my zither skills." The morning breeze ruffled a few strands of hair on his forehead. "Over time, the Fuxi style spread throughout Nuoding City."
At this point, a hint of pride flashed in his eyes, much like the young zither player who had won thunderous applause in the teahouse back then. Seeing this, Qian Renxue couldn't help but smile—indeed, when it came to zither skills, Feng Xiao truly deserved the title "Unrivaled across the Continent."
The two stopped in front of an ancient teahouse. Wind chimes on the eaves tinkled in the gentle breeze.
Feng Xiao turned his head to look at Qian Renxue beside him, whispering: "Meeting Manager Ning with your true face, will it…"
Qian Renxue gently stroked her veil, a hint of cunning flashing in her golden eyes: "My true identity already has a place in Heaven Dou." She twirled a strand of her golden hair. "If he asks, just say I'm a maid given to you by the Crown Prince."
Hearing this, Feng Xiao deliberately scrutinized her from head to toe with a burning gaze, then suddenly leaned close to her ear: "A maid like this…" His warm breath brushed her earlobe. "Even Emperor Xue Ye's most beloved concubine would feel ashamed."
Under her veil, Qian Renxue's lips curved upwards unconsciously. She reached out and pinched the soft flesh at Feng Xiao's waist: "Say one more word, and I'll make you sleep on the street tonight." Her tone was fierce, but her eyes sparkled with a brimming smile.
A faint, elegant tea fragrance wafted from inside the teahouse, mingling with the floral scent in the morning breeze.
The sandalwood door was gently pushed open, bringing with it a waft of elegant tea fragrance. Feng Xiao and Qian Renxue stepped into the teahouse, sunlight filtering through the carved window lattices, casting dappled shadows behind them.
"Two distinguished guests…" The maid at the door was about to bow, but her eyes suddenly widened when she looked up. "Young Master Feng!" The tea tray in her hand nearly dropped, and her voice was filled with surprise.
Feng Xiao raised a hand, a gentle smile on his lips: "No need to announce us. Just take me directly to Uncle Ning."
"Yes!" The maid excitedly curtsied, leading the two through the corridor. The tea guests along the way all turned their heads, whispering about the identity of the perfect pair.
In front of the private room door, the crisp sound of chess pieces falling could be faintly heard from inside. The maid had just knocked on the door when a slightly displeased "Come in" came from within.
But the moment the door opened, Manager Ning, who was sipping tea, suddenly relaxed his brows. The celadon teacup in his hand paused in mid-air, the tea inside swaying slightly, reflecting his face filled with joyful surprise: "Little Feng?"
The sunlight perfectly illuminated Feng Xiao's smiling eyes, and his respectful bowing gesture remained just as it was when he was learning his craft back then: "Uncle Ning, how have you been?"
Manager Ning's hands trembled slightly as he braced himself on the table to stand up, repeating "Good" three times, his eye wrinkles brimming with smiles. When his gaze fell upon the Blue Silver Grass with golden patterns flowing in Feng Xiao's hand, he raised an eyebrow slightly, but wisely did not ask further.
Feng Xiao handed the jade basin to Qian Renxue, then cupped his hands and said: "This junior was passing through Nuoding City and specially came to visit. I apologize for the sudden intrusion, and hope Uncle Ning will forgive me."
"Why be so formal between us?" Manager Ning waved his hand, signaling the maid to prepare tea, his gaze lingering on Qian Renxue for a moment. Although the girl was dressed as a maid, her entire demeanor shone like a bright pearl.
"I am here to handle some matters for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. This is His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's personal maid," Feng Xiao introduced softly.
Manager Ning understood, and was not surprised, bowing respectfully to Qian Renxue. The arc of the girl's sleeve as she returned the bow carried the elegance of court etiquette.
"How is Lady Yuehua doing recently?" Manager Ning suddenly asked, his hand, which had been caressing the teacup, suddenly stopped.
A hint of playfulness flashed in Feng Xiao's eyes: "The Lady is well." He suddenly leaned forward. "Uncle Ning, back then, could it be…"
"Hahahaha!" Manager Ning laughed heartily, a look of reminiscence in his eyes, speaking with great nonchalance: "When I was young, there probably wasn't a single young man in all of Heaven Dou who didn't admire Lady Yuehua."
"Then do you still want to go back to Heaven Dou for a visit?" Feng Xiao asked softly, seeing his expression.
Outside the window, bamboo shadows swayed. Amidst the swirling tea fragrance, Manager Ning caressed the rim of his cup: "Heaven Dou… I won't go back." He looked at the green bamboo he had personally planted in the courtyard. "It's peaceful here."
Feng Xiao was about to speak, but Manager Ning suddenly changed the subject: "It's you, though. In just a few short years, your cultivation is almost surpassing mine."
"It's all thanks to Uncle Ning's regard back then," Feng Xiao said, bowing, but Manager Ning held his arm.
"How could a bright pearl be obscured by dust?" Manager Ning's gaze was piercing. "I only hope that if you gain power, you won't forget to look after the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School a little." Seeing Feng Xiao stunned, he smiled and took out the jade pendant from his waist—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda pattern on it shone brightly.
Hearing this, Feng Xiao paused slightly, a look of hesitation appearing on his face, then he nodded in surprise.
"Losing to Ning Fengzhi, it was my own skill that was lacking," Manager Ning said, as the stream of water pouring tea formed an elegant arc. "But the Sect will always be my home. You kid, you must have figured that out long ago, right?"
As the tea mist rose, a glimmer of nostalgia flashed in Manager Ning's eyes.
Feng Xiao's knuckles lightly tapped the teacup, the porcelain wall emitting a clear, resonant sound: "The Ning surname belongs to the direct lineage of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. For you to come to this small frontier city…" He looked up at the towering, illusory glazed pagoda outside the window. "Besides that Sect Master Ning, who else could have such authority?"
The tea in the cup rippled, reflecting Manager Ning's bitter smile: "With Elder Sword and Elder Bone, those two great mountains standing there…" He caressed the jade pendant at his waist. "Even the most dazzling genius cannot withstand the pressure of a Titled Douluo."
Outside the window, the bamboo shadows suddenly swayed violently, as if echoing his words. Manager Ning dipped his finger in the tea and drew a seven-story pagoda on the tabletop: "The fate of an auxiliary Spirit Master… what does personal talent matter?" The water mark quickly evaporated in the sunlight. "Ultimately, it depends on how many chips you hold, and how many powerful Spirit Masters support you."
Feng Xiao gazed at the disappearing water mark, then saw a drop of tea fall at the tip of the pagoda—caused by Manager Ning's unconsciously trembling wrist.
"When the Sword and Bone Douluo were present, the Sect was at its peak," Manager Ning's voice suddenly became ethereal. "But what if one day…" His voice drifted, and his eyes revealed endless emotion. "This Glazed Pagoda… I fear it will collapse…"
The tea room suddenly fell silent, with only the rustling of the Blue Silver Emperor's leaves in the jade basin.
Hearing this, Feng Xiao unconsciously turned his gaze to Qian Renxue beside him. The moment their eyes met, both read the same shock in the other's eyes—this direct disciple, living in seclusion in a frontier city, saw things so profoundly.
Amidst the swirling tea fragrance, Manager Ning's fingers gently caressed the rim of his cup: "Enough, these are no longer my concerns." He looked up at Feng Xiao, his infinitely emotional eyes suddenly flashing with a glint of shrewdness. "Little Feng, if one day the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School faces calamity…"
"Uncle Ning, rest assured," Feng Xiao nodded solemnly.
After three rounds of tea, it was high noon. When Feng Xiao rose to take his leave, Manager Ning insisted on seeing them to the door. In the sunlight, Manager Ning watched their receding figures, then suddenly called out loudly: "Remember to come back often for tea!"
Before long, the carriage slowly traveled along the cobblestone streets of Nuoding City. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting dappled shadows inside the carriage. Qian Renxue gently stroked the Blue Silver Emperor's leaves, saying thoughtfully: "This Manager Ning is a rare insightful person."
Feng Xiao leaned by the window, his fingertips teasing the Blue Silver Emperor's leaves: "Those in power are often blind… How could Ning Fengzhi not understand? It's just human desire…" He suddenly released his fingers. "Like a rolling stone on a mountain peak, how can it stop before falling into the abyss?"
Qian Renxue let out a cold laugh, a glint of coldness flashing in her golden eyes: "It seems the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, it's time to…"
"These trivial matters…" Feng Xiao suddenly took her hand, a meaningful smile playing on his lips. "Let His Holiness the Supreme Pontiff worry about them."
The carriage traveled smoothly on the main road. Qian Renxue gently stroked the Blue Silver Emperor's leaves and looked up, asking: "Are we going to that forest now?"
Before she finished speaking, the Blue Silver Emperor in the jade basin suddenly burst forth with dazzling blue-gold light, its leaves unfurling, and the golden patterns flowing like living things.
Feng Xiao chuckled at the sight, his fingertip tapping the most tense leaf: "Of course we are." A hint of cunning flashed in his eyes. "This tenant, it's time for him to pay some rent."
Immediately, all of the Blue Silver Emperor's leaves stood up in unison, its golden patterns frantically swirling, looking exactly like a pitiful tenant being pressed for rent, cursing an unscrupulous landlord.
"I found the Spirit Bone by my own ability," Feng Xiao slowly counted on his fingers. "Now I'm taking you to a cultivation treasure land…" He suddenly lowered his voice, like a merchant haggling over prices. "Growth speed will increase tenfold at least. You're making a huge profit on this deal. It's mutually beneficial, you know. Your people just need to contribute a little bit of their power."
A leaf suddenly slapped his finger with a "pop," not with much force, almost like it was tickling. The golden patterns on the Blue Silver Emperor flickered on and off, as if saying: "Scoundrel!"
Qian Renxue couldn't help but laugh. In the sunlight, her smiling eyes made the bargaining session instantly feel a bit warmer.
A few days later, as the morning light pierced through the thin forest mist, the two were already standing at the edge of the Blue Silver Forest. The jade basin in Feng Xiao's hand suddenly erupted with dazzling blue-gold light, the Blue Silver Emperor's leaves unfurled, and the golden patterns flowed like living things.
Feng Xiao closed his eyes, feeling the resonance of the Spirit Bone within him, a warm life force surging from his feet throughout his body. He was surprised to find that all the Blue Silver Grass in the entire forest was transmitting joyful emotions to him—just like a long-lost wanderer finally returning home.
"This is…" He slowly squatted down, his fingertips lightly touching the ground. In an instant, tens of thousands of Blue Silver Grass swayed simultaneously, the rustling of their leaves sounding like ocean waves. The emotions of each blade of grass were clearly discernible: curious gazes, affectionate greetings, and joy at the Blue Silver Emperor's return.
Qian Renxue watched the scene before her, her golden eyes widening slightly. Feng Xiao's mental force was now spreading like ripples, and wherever it passed, the Blue Silver Grass bowed down in salute, forming a magnificent wave in the forest.
Most surprisingly, the bowed grass leaves were not forced, but carried a sense of reverence, as if worshipping their king.
Feng Xiao's pupils suddenly constricted, and a strange tremor suddenly came from the Spirit Bone within him. The faint golden light points rising from the Blue Silver Grass were clearly— "Power of Faith?!"
A storm raged in his heart, and his fingers unconsciously clenched. These vast, star-like points of faith before him, each one contained the purest life force of vows. This precious power, which should have been used to achieve Divinity, was used by Tang San in the original work to play with Binding art?
Feng Xiao's mouth twitched, forcing back the urge to slap his forehead. A top-tier Spirit like the Blue Silver Emperor, capable of gathering the faith of its people, was like using a divine artifact as a fire poker in Tang San's hands. Feeling the resonance between his Spirit Bone and the countless Blue Silver Grass, he suddenly understood—this was clearly a broad road directly leading to a God Position!
Feng Xiao secretly calculated in his mind. With a powerful Spirit like the Blue Silver Emperor, even if he ultimately couldn't achieve a God Position, just this ability to resonate with the Blue Silver Grass would be enough to make him invincible within the forest's reach, at least making him invincible in the forest like Tang Chen.
Qian Renxue keenly noticed his abnormality, a hint of doubt flashing in her golden eyes: "What's wrong? Did you discover something?"
"These Blue Silver Grass…" Feng Xiao's voice carried an undisguised shock. "Those Blue Silver Grass are transmitting pure Power of Faith to it."
A gentle breeze swept through, and the surrounding Blue Silver Grass swayed in unison, as if confirming his words. The fragmented points of light rose from between the grass leaves, shimmering with a sacred glow in the sunlight.
The forest suddenly fell into an eerie silence, even the wind stopped flowing.
A Vicissitudes and trembling mental force fluctuation directly penetrated their mental defenses: "King, my noble King…" The voice was like thousands of leaves rustling at once. "Is it really you who has returned?"
"Heaven has eyes… Little Lan knew… how could an existence like you easily fall…"