Chapter 13: The Sect Master's Gamble – A Daughter for a Genius
Inside the spacious, ornate carriage, Ning Fengzhi turned his gaze toward Qin Chuan. The intent in his eyes was obvious.
At that very moment, Qin Chuan opened his eyes, signaling that he had been listening to the entire conversation between Ning Fengzhi, Qian Renxue, and Ning Rongrong.
"Master Ning, is there something you'd like to ask?" he spoke lightly, his voice calm and indifferent.
He didn't allow Qian Renxue to answer on his behalf. Although the two had reunited, there were still many secrets between them that couldn't be openly shared just yet.
Ning Fengzhi looked carefully at Qin Chuan's face. His expression grew serious, and after a long moment of contemplation, he finally asked, his tone mixed with complexity,
"May I ask… how old are you now?"
"Twenty-six," Qin Chuan replied concisely.
Ning Fengzhi instantly inhaled sharply, completely shocked.
Ning Rongrong's face flushed with excitement, her heart fluttering. In her eyes, the young man before her already felt like her destined partner. Her pride surged.
As for Qian Renxue—though she had long known the truth—she still couldn't help but show a faint, proud smile.
Her brother, Qin Chuan, truly was extraordinary!
A twenty-six-year-old Titled Douluo!
This wasn't just young—it was unheard of. It was monstrous.
Not even the legendary Haotian Douluo, idol of a past generation, had reached this level until his forties.
Ning Fengzhi sighed in awe.
"Indeed, each generation produces new talent."
Then, showing a rare gesture of respect, he continued,
"May I ask—Your Majesty—what is your name?"
He had changed his form of address from "Your Excellency" to "Your Majesty," a clear sign of reverence. This was no ordinary Titled Douluo.
In time, Qin Chuan's achievements would surpass even Jian Dao Chen Xin—he was destined to become a true giant in the world of soul masters.
Ning Fengzhi took a deep breath.
If it was possible, he must bring this man into the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, no matter the cost.
"Qin Chuan," came the reply.
Qin Chuan didn't bother hiding his real name. When he was in Spirit Hall, he had always stayed low-key to let Bibi Dong shine. So low-key, in fact, that the world only knew the mysterious "Great Elder" of Spirit Hall—no one ever knew his name.
"Qin Chuan… Qin Family?" Ning Fengzhi murmured, his fingers tapping lightly on the edge of the carriage as he fell into deep thought.
He searched his mind.
There was no prominent Qin family in the soul master world that could produce such a genius.
At this point, how could Qin Chuan not understand Ning Fengzhi's true intentions?
He turned to glance at Qian Renxue.
Her gaze was cold, but when their eyes met, she smiled slightly—clearly, she too had seen through Ning Fengzhi's plan.
"Master Ning," Qin Chuan said mildly, "you must be wondering which sect or family I come from, correct?"
Ning Fengzhi's hands froze mid-motion.
Slowly lifting his head, he offered a wry smile.
"Your Majesty, would you be willing to tell me the truth?"
It was crucial. Extremely crucial.
Whether or not Qin Chuan had a powerful clan backing him would determine everything—the strategy, the offer, the risk.
If Qin Chuan was alone, that was easy.
Just offer treasures, status, power… and women.
Eventually, he'd find something that Qin Chuan couldn't refuse.
Yes… women. Ning Fengzhi had already made up his mind. He would give away his daughter.
After all, wealth and fame could be matched by others, but blood ties could not be replicated.
That's why powerful families always sought alliances through marriage—it was a permanent bond.
And Ning Rongrong? She understood this well.
In fact, the moment she approached her father to suggest they win over Qin Chuan, she had already made up her mind.
She was more than willing to be that bridge.
And why not?
What woman wouldn't dream of marrying a tall, handsome, incredibly powerful man like Qin Chuan?
Qin Chuan smiled faintly.
"Master Ning, to be honest, I don't belong to any sect or family."
"Really?" Ning Fengzhi's breathing quickened with excitement.
But just as he was about to speak again, Qin Chuan continued,
"However… I also have no intention of joining any sect at the moment."
Ning Fengzhi's expression froze. The hopeful spark in his eyes dimmed as he sat down again and rubbed his hands together. The elegant calmness he once held began to crumble.
Qin Chuan noticed the change and couldn't help but mock him inwardly.
After a moment, Ning Fengzhi asked again, this time carefully,
"Is it because Your Majesty doesn't wish to be restricted by a sect or bound by obligations?"
"But please rest assured."
"My Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect welcomes talent. If Your Majesty is willing to join us, the sect will offer you the greatest possible freedom."
"Other than defending the sect in times of crisis, you will not be required to serve. You may simply register your name with us—and you'll still receive a full monthly salary."
The bargaining had begun.
Qin Chuan's potential was far too terrifying. He couldn't let him slip away that easily.
Still, Qin Chuan only smiled, silent.
Seeing this, Ning Fengzhi took another deep breath. His heart raced again.
He didn't reject it outright.
There was still a chance!
Perhaps… he just hadn't offered enough yet!
He pressed forward.
"The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect will also cover all your future cultivation resources," he added quickly.
"Training venues, simulated environments, elixirs, soul bones—whatever you need!"
"Even the two elders, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, can become your sparring partners."
"Whatever you desire—wealth, status, beauties—we will provide!"
This was the limit. A deal so generous that it would make almost any soul master fall to their knees.
But Qin Chuan… still shook his head.
"Sorry, Sect Master Ning," he began, "I really—"
Before he could finish, Ning Fengzhi suddenly gritted his teeth and reached behind him.
Without warning, he shoved Ning Rongrong straight into Qin Chuan's arms.
Qin Chuan was stunned.
He found himself holding a young girl, soft and warm, with a faint fragrance of blooming flowers and youthful innocence.
The scent was pure. The moment was frozen.
Even Qian Renxue, who had been listening with amusement, was dumbfounded by Ning Fengzhi's sudden and outrageous action.
Then she blinked.
Her entire body went numb.
A strange silence fell over the carriage.
It wasn't until Ning Rongrong exclaimed,
"Ah! Dad—!"
that the atmosphere cracked.
Blushing furiously, she scrambled out of Qin Chuan's arms and hid behind her father, completely flustered.
She had prepared herself to be offered as part of a marriage alliance…
But not like this!
Not by being literally thrown into a man's lap!
Ning Fengzhi's face flushed with embarrassment as he finally realized what he had done.
It was a desperate move, made without thinking.
Now, looking at Qin Chuan's twitching lips and Qian Renxue's icy stare, he quickly coughed to cover his shame.
Still, he pushed Ning Rongrong forward again and forced himself to speak,
"Your Majesty… What do you think of our daughter, Rongrong?"