Chapter 273: Ning Fengzhi's Decision
Oscar did not embark on the path to seek power as he did in the original story. Aside from the fact that Ning Rongrong had no feelings for him, another reason was Ning Fengzhi's intervention.
In the history of the soul master world, there had never been a case of a support-type soul master possessing innate full soul power. Thus, Oscar could be considered the undisputed number one among support-type soul masters. His existence was nothing short of a miracle. How could Ning Fengzhi bear to let such a prodigy leave the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan?
In the original story, the reason Ning Fengzhi tacitly allowed Oscar to leave, letting this support-type soul master with no combat ability embark on a perilous journey, was primarily because Ning Rongrong had developed feelings for him. This, however, crossed Ning Fengzhi's bottom line.
The union of two support-type soul masters was something Ning Fengzhi could not accept. Although both of them had exceptional talent and the potential to break through to the Title Douluo level, this still could not change the fact that they lacked combat ability.
Even if they became Title Douluo in the future, without external help, a Soul Sage could easily wipe them out.
For the sake of Ning Rongrong and the future of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, Ning Fengzhi chose to let go of this miracle of the soul master world.
His reasoning was simple: the continent was fraught with danger, and a support-type soul master venturing out alone had at least a 90% chance of perishing. As long as Oscar died, with the passage of time, Ning Rongrong would naturally move on.
Of course, if Oscar were truly blessed by the heavens and returned with a method to grant support-type soul masters offensive capabilities, Ning Fengzhi wouldn't mind fulfilling his daughter's wishes.
But the current situation was different. Since his daughter had no feelings for Oscar, it was purely one-sided affection on Oscar's part.
Given Ning Rongrong's beauty, status, and position, there were quite a few talented young men within the clan who secretly admired her. One more Oscar wasn't a big deal. Ning Fengzhi, who always prioritized the clan's interests, would instead make full use of Oscar's affection for Ning Rongrong to firmly bind this rare support-type genius to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan's cause.
"Rongrong, are you okay?"
Oscar reached out to help Ning Rongrong up. Ning Rongrong frowned slightly and subtly pushed his hand away, shaking her head. "I'm fine!"
"That's good to hear!"
In the years since Oscar joined the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, Ning Fengzhi had been subtly influencing him. A clear-headed Oscar was no match for the scheming Ning Fengzhi.
Under Ning Fengzhi's psychological manipulation, Oscar had become less clear-headed, gradually taking on the demeanor of Feng Xiaotian and Yan, and was poised to claim the title of the third most devoted admirer in the Douluo Continent.
For example, at this moment, although Oscar sensed Ning Rongrong's resistance, he still managed to convince himself that at least she hadn't reacted too harshly. This meant she still had some fondness for him. If someone else dared to touch Rongrong's delicate body, they might have gotten slapped.
"First Spirit Skill, Super Recovery Sausage!"
Seeing that Ning Rongrong looked a bit pale, Oscar immediately chanted the incantation and handed the sausage to her. "Rongrong, you've been supporting the clan's soul masters in battle. You must be exhausted. Quick, replenish your energy!"
Ning Rongrong didn't refuse Oscar's sausage. After all, she had eaten quite a few during her two years at Shrek Academy, and the recovery effect was indeed substantial. As for the slightly lewd incantation, she had grown immune to it after hearing it so many times.
Ning Rongrong took the sausage and began chewing it vigorously, her words slightly muffled. It was unclear whether she was talking to herself or asking Oscar beside her, "Strange, these damned guys clearly had the upper hand. Why did they suddenly retreat?"
The same words were spoken by the Bone Douluo, who had originally been preparing to retreat but had just landed beside Ning Fengzhi and the Sword Douluo.
A bitter smile appeared on Ning Fengzhi's pale face as he said, "What's so strange about that, Uncle Bone? Didn't you hear what Yue Guan and the others said as they retreated? Their target has shifted to the Sunset Forest. Whose territory is the Sunset Forest? Isn't the reason obvious?"
"Could it be…"
The Bone Douluo's expression changed.
"The Spirit Hall is ambitious and has launched such a brutal extermination campaign to eliminate the sects within the Heaven Dou Empire that haven't submitted to them. This is to intimidate the two empires and the resurgent Clear Sky Clan, paving the way for their next move. Besides us, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family and the Nine Star Hall are also likely their targets. The Nine Star Hall's headquarters is far away in the Sylvian Kingdom, so their branch in the Sunset Forest will undoubtedly be their first target."
"However, judging by the hasty retreat of Yue Guan and the others, even a branch of the Nine Star Hall must have far exceeded their expectations in strength. The Spirit Hall's attacking force might have instead become the prey, and there's a high possibility they're facing the risk of total annihilation. That's why they urgently sent out a distress signal. If it were just a simple retreat due to being outmatched, Yue Guan and the others wouldn't have abandoned their pre-planned attack on our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan!"
"Fengzhi, what should we do next?"
The Sword Douluo wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. Although his life-draining frenzy had only lasted less than five seconds, it had still caused significant harm to his body.
However, the Sword Douluo paid no attention to his dwindling lifespan. Despite his discomfort, he suggested to Ning Fengzhi, "Should I lead a team to chase after them and cooperate with the Nine Star Hall to deal with the Spirit Hall, avenging our fallen disciples?"
The Sword Douluo's feigned composure couldn't fool the Bone Douluo, who was also a Title Douluo. A flicker of pain passed through the Bone Douluo's eyes, but knowing the Sword Douluo's temperament, he maintained a mocking tone. "Old Sword, you should stay and rest at the clan. Leave the task of avenging our fallen disciples to me!"
"Fengzhi, I think the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family is in a similar situation. Why don't we send someone to call on that old dragon and join forces to deal with the Spirit Hall?"
"No, Uncle Bone, Uncle Sword, neither of you should go!"
Ning Fengzhi's expression was grave. "The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan's defensive system has been completely destroyed by the Spirit Hall. This is no longer a safe place to stay. The top priority now is to immediately prepare for the clan's relocation. We must move the clan into Heaven Dou City and seek refuge under the Heaven Dou Empire to regroup. Additionally, we must urgently request reinforcements from the Heaven Dou Empire, asking them to send heavy troops to assist us!"
"Fengzhi, why is that?"
Both the Sword Douluo and the Bone Douluo were puzzled. "Based on your earlier analysis, the Nine Star Hall branch is incredibly strong and can counter the Spirit Hall's attacking force. Yue Guan and the others won't be able to return anytime soon after going to reinforce them. Now is the perfect opportunity for us to join forces with the Nine Star Hall and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family to take revenge!"
(End of Chapter)
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