Meanwhile, in the Douluo Dalu (anime) world...
"Huh, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan works this quickly?"
Dai Mubai muttered to himself as he saw Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin arriving with smiles on their faces.
It had only been half a day since their discussion, yet they were already back. Without even needing to ask, Dai Mubai knew that Soul Saint Shi Nian must have been dealt with.
What Dai Mubai didn't realize was just how seriously Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin had taken this matter.
Shi Nian's bad luck didn't help—he was discovered by the clan's forces shortly after, and with Chen Xin personally taking action, Shi Nian hadn't lasted beyond the second move.
After finishing Shi Nian, as expected, they obtained the gemstone-like head spirit bone he had dropped. Without wasting a moment, Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin headed straight for Shrek Academy.
Inside the Shrek Academy Conference Room
Only four people were present: Dai Mubai, Ning Rongrong, Ning Fengzhi, and Chen Xin.
Zhao Wuji, who had escorted and announced the visitors, wisely excused himself. Matters involving family were not something for the vice dean to eavesdrop on.
"Mubai, your information was spot on!"
Chen Xin clapped Dai Mubai on the shoulder, laughing heartily.
Shi Nian had died utterly confused, never understanding why Chen Xin had hunted him down. Even at the moment of his death, he couldn't figure it out.
"Grandpa Sword, what exactly did Mubai tell you?"
Ning Rongrong's curiosity was piqued as she turned to Chen Xin.
"Haha, it's good news—a spirit bone!"
Ning Fengzhi chuckled and retrieved a beautifully crafted box from his storage soul tool. He handed it to Ning Rongrong as he continued.
"Mubai told us about a location where a spirit bone was hidden and asked us to retrieve it. This lazy kid even made us old folks do the work."
Ning Fengzhi cleverly omitted the part where the spirit bone had been dropped by Shi Nian. He gave Dai Mubai a knowing look, trusting that he would understand.
There was no need for Ning Rongrong to be exposed to the darker side of the spirit master world so early.
"Yes, the location was well-hidden. Who knows how Mubai got the information?"
Chen Xin nodded, playing along with a serious expression.
Shi Nian: "…"
Dai Mubai's mouth twitched, but he nodded calmly and added,
"Well, it was far away. Only someone like Senior Chen Xin, with the power of a Titled Douluo, could retrieve it so quickly. It's better this way—less chance of someone else discovering it."
Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin both nodded in satisfaction. They liked hearing this kind of talk.
Wait a second—was Dai Mubai subtly implying that Chen Xin was fast?
Hmm???
Well, technically, sword flight was very fast.
"Rongrong, open it. This head spirit bone is perfect for you!"
Dai Mubai ruffled Ning Rongrong's hair, quickly changing the subject.
Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin exchanged knowing smiles, choosing not to comment.
Ning Rongrong, however, felt puzzled.
Who would hide a spirit bone? she thought. And how did Dai Mubai even find out about it?
Spirit bones were far more precious than spirit rings—who in their right mind would leave one lying around?
But her father, Chen Xin, and Dai Mubai spoke so earnestly, as if it were all true.
There was no way all three of them would conspire to deceive her, right?
Convinced, Ning Rongrong hesitated no longer and opened the box.
As soon as the lid lifted, the conference room was bathed in radiant light and a surge of spirit energy.
The gemstone-like head spirit bone, though only 20,000 to 30,000 years old, was incredibly intact and of the highest quality.
Ning Rongrong blinked, momentarily at a loss.
As the cherished daughter of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, she had been raised as the future successor of the clan. Naturally, she understood the rarity and value of spirit bones.
Suddenly—
Smack!
Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin: "…"
Seriously? Can't you two wait until later to show affection?
As elders, they didn't say anything, but they couldn't help feeling a bit uncomfortable.
They've raised this "cabbage" for years, and now... sigh…
"Rongrong, go ahead and fuse with it. We'll guard you."
Dai Mubai smiled, noticing that Ning Fengzhi's expression was starting to darken.
"Mm!"
Ning Rongrong nodded obediently, deeply moved.
Dai Mubai prepared this surprise for me. Shouldn't I do something in return?
She decided to focus on fusing with the spirit bone first—she could think about reciprocating later.
The Shrek Academy conference room was not only used for meetings but also for closed-door cultivation. It had excellent soundproofing.
Although Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin had other matters to attend to, they couldn't leave while Ning Rongrong was fusing with the spirit bone. Ensuring her safety took precedence.
The three men—Dai Mubai, Ning Fengzhi, and Chen Xin—stood outside the conference room.
"Mubai, have you thought about how you'll deal with your elder brother?"
Ning Fengzhi's tone was casual, but the weight of his words was clear.
Ning Fengzhi was already well aware of Dai Mubai's identity and circumstances. This was the first time he broached the subject, signaling that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was willing to support Dai Mubai in his quest for power.
Of course, they couldn't openly declare such support, as the clan was officially aligned with the Heaven Dou Empire.
Helping Dai Mubai in secret, however, was entirely possible.
Dai Mubai shook his head, smiling faintly.
"Beating my elder brother, Davis, is no challenge at all."
"When I defeat him, I'll tie him to the throne myself."
Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin were stunned.
What was this guy talking about?
A throne within arm's reach, and he didn't want it?
The Star Luo Empire's system of succession was vastly different from that of the Heaven Dou Empire. Star Luo valued strength above all—whichever prince had the "bigger fist" inherited the throne.
Given Dai Mubai's strength, defeating Davis was practically a given. The throne was as good as his.
"Ning Uncle, I have no interest in the throne. To me, it represents more burden than privilege."
Ning Fengzhi pondered for a moment, his eyes lighting up.
If Dai Mubai doesn't ascend the throne, isn't that even better?
If Ning Rongrong became the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's leader and Dai Mubai became the clan's protector, wouldn't that be perfect?
Yes, this is ideal!
Dai Mubai: "???"
Why does my future father-in-law seem even happier about this?
Realizing Ning Fengzhi's intentions, Dai Mubai chuckled and said,
"Ning Uncle, have you heard of becoming a god at Rank 100?"
"Boom…"
The words hit Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin like a thunderclap.
Becoming a god? At Rank 100?
As two of the most…
(End of Chapter)