"Wait, are you trying to set me up with Ning Rongrong?"
Chen Xiaoming's startled voice echoed from Flender's office. Just as Flender and the Grandmaster were descending the stairs, they exchanged glances. Flender's eyes were filled with surprise, while the Grandmaster wore an expression of quiet understanding.
"Clatter."
At the same time, a soft noise came from the side, and a figure stumbled and fell. Flender and the Grandmaster turned their heads to see Oscar scratching his head awkwardly, but the disappointment in his eyes was impossible to conceal.
He had only just started seeing Ning Rongrong in a new light after their time in the Star Dou Forest. And now, out of nowhere, a Titled Douluo-level rival appeared. Facing Chen Xiaoming, Oscar had no confidence at all.
"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh..."
Dai Mubai, Tang San, Ma Hongjun, and the others also came down from above, standing beside Oscar.
Ning Rongrong looked at Oscar with a conflicted expression. She was well aware of his feelings for her. Ever since that moment in the Star Dou Forest when he had stood in front of her, shielding her from harm, she had felt something stir in her heart.
But she was a daughter of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Her father was its sect master. She had to consider the future of the entire sect.
Compared to the weight of her responsibilities, her personal feelings seemed insignificant. That was the duty and obligation of the sect's princess.
"Xiao Ao, I..."
Ning Rongrong started to speak but found herself at a loss for words. Her emotions were in turmoil, and she didn't even know what she truly wanted to say.
"Don't say it. I understand."
Oscar interrupted her. He didn't want to hear those words—he couldn't bear it. If she never said them, he could still pretend nothing had happened. Perhaps he could hold on to the beautiful illusion in his heart just a little longer.
He understood Ning Rongrong's position, which made it all the more painful. His fists clenched tightly in frustration.
Why? Why did he have to be a support-type Soul Master? Why?!
He roared in his heart, venting his frustration. But it was only for a fleeting moment before he forced himself to calm down.
"Xiao Ao."
Tang San patted Oscar on the shoulder. Of all people, he understood Oscar's feelings the most. Just last night, he had been in the same torment. And now, he had no idea how to console him.
"Sigh."
Flender, watching his students struggle with their emotions, could no longer maintain his usual smile. His expression darkened, and he let out a deep sigh.
A powerful sect. A Titled Douluo.
He was merely a Soul Saint. He couldn't afford to offend either.
"Perhaps... things aren't as bad as they seem."
The Grandmaster, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke, his gaze sweeping over the group.
His words made Oscar freeze, and even Ning Rongrong and the others turned to look at him.
"Teacher, what do you mean?"
Tang San, sensing a sliver of hope, immediately asked on Oscar's behalf.
The Grandmaster hesitated only briefly before voicing his thoughts.
"If what you're saying is true, and he really possesses Titled Douluo-level strength, then he may not necessarily accept Sect Master Ning's proposal."
"A Soul Master at rank ninety or above, possessing nine hundred-thousand-year soul rings—what help could even the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect offer him?"
"Someone like that pursues the ultimate goal of all Soul Masters—becoming a God at rank one hundred."
Thinking of the possibility that he might witness someone actually achieving the legendary breakthrough, the Grandmaster's heart trembled.
A Titled Douluo in his early twenties. Nine hundred-thousand-year spirit rings. The potential to ascend to godhood.
It wasn't impossible.
"Such a person may not be willing to be tied down by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."
His words sent a jolt through Oscar and the others. Oscar's eyes briefly lit up with hope—only to dim again just as quickly.
It was all speculation. Everything still depended on Chen Xiaoming's decision.
...
Inside the Dean's Office.
Chen Xiaoming sat back down, momentarily stunned. He took a deep breath.
Ding!
[You took a deep breath. Experience +100,000.]
The mechanical voice in his mind helped him regain his composure. His expression steadied as he turned his gaze toward Ning Fengzhi with an amused smile.
"So what you're saying... is that you want me to marry Ning Rongrong and join the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?"
Chen Xiaoming's excited tone and earlier outburst left Ning Fengzhi momentarily at a loss.
His original intent had simply been to see if Ning Rongrong could become Chen Xiaoming's disciple. After all, even Flender had taken Ma Hongjun as his disciple.
Given that Chen Xiaoming was now the Vice Dean of Shrek Academy, Ning Fengzhi had hoped to explore the possibility of a mentorship.
After all, the man was nearly twice Ning Rongrong's age—it hadn't even crossed his mind to suggest marriage.
Now, meeting Chen Xiaoming's curious gaze, Ning Fengzhi found himself with a headache.
Did this young man already have such thoughts in mind, or was he just playing along?
Either way, Ning Fengzhi had to think carefully.
A young Titled Douluo, barely over twenty years old.
Nine hundred-thousand-year spirit rings.
Even Sword Douluo might not be a match for him.
If he truly married Ning Rongrong, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would have three Titled Douluo in its ranks. Their position on the continent would become unshakable.
Especially considering Chen Xiaoming's decent looks and noble temperament—Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but be tempted by the thought.
A great sect's disciples often had little say in their fates.
As the daughter of the sect, Ning Rongrong had even less choice.
"Fengzhi."
A deep voice cut through the silence. Sword Douluo Chen Xin, who had been observing quietly, finally spoke.
Having watched Ning Rongrong grow up, he had long regarded her as his own granddaughter.
The thought of using her as a bargaining chip to secure a powerful ally did not sit well with him.
His gaze toward Chen Xiaoming grew sharper.
Ning Fengzhi sighed softly. The situation was truly complicated.
Yet, he still raised his head and addressed Chen Xiaoming with a measured tone.
"If you truly have such an intention, my Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would be honored."
He agreed without hesitation.
But Chen Xiaoming simply waited for him to continue.
He was no fool like Ma Hongjun. He was a Titled Douluo.
If he married Ning Rongrong, once Ning Fengzhi passed away, he would inherit the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Would Ning Fengzhi really accept that?
"However... whether my daughter is willing or not is something we must still ask her."
Hearing this, Chen Xiaoming smirked inwardly.
A cunning old fox.
Asking Ning Rongrong was merely a pretense—the real goal was to gauge Chen Xiaoming's feelings toward her.
A Titled Douluo who was in love with Ning Rongrong would be an asset to the sect.
One without any emotional ties?
Perhaps not so much.
However, Chen Xiaoming had no desire to continue this conversation.
Ning Rongrong was not his type.
If she had been someone like Zhu Zhuqing—loyal to love, willing to live and die together—he might have considered it.
Shifting the topic, he looked at Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo, a competitive fire reigniting within him.
"I've long heard of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda's legendary power. Today, would the two of you grant me the honor of witnessing it firsthand?"
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