Xie Yue went to visit his master, Sword Douluo Chen Xin.
"Master~," Xie Yue called out.
"How many times have I told you to call me Grandpa?" Chen Xin said angrily.
Although they were master and disciple, Chen Xin preferred it when Xie Yue addressed him as Grandpa.
"Oh, Grandpa~ I'm already at level 15. I've even chosen some soul beasts for my next soul ring," Xie Yue said.
"Oh? Tell me your thoughts," Chen Xin replied.
"I've chosen three soul beasts: Ink Leopard, Tiger Devil Cat, and Crystal Bear. You can help me find one of them for my second soul ring," Xie Yue said.
"Hmm, you've picked some top-level soul beasts. There are even some records of the Crystal Bear in our sect," Chen Xin remarked. "Alright, Grandpa will arrange for some people to locate them." Then, he paused before asking again,
"Aren't there still nearly two years before you reach level 20? Why the hurry?"
"It's better to find one earlier," Xie Yue explained. "That way, when I reach level 20, we won't waste time searching for a suitable soul beast."
Chen Xin nodded, acknowledging the logic in Xie Yue's words. The two continued discussing various soul beasts before Xie Yue brought up another matter.
"I'm going to study at Moon Pavilion for a while, Grandpa~ I'll miss you when the time comes," Xie Yue said.
Over the past year, Sword Douluo had taught him a lot. Chen Xin had even guided him in developing blade intent.
Xie Yue had grown quite close to him—but not out of gratitude. He valued Chen Xin only because of his worth. The man was the number one attack-type soul master in the world, at least on the surface. He was currently level 95; in one or two years, he would break through to level 96. In twenty years, he would reach level 97. He was already a formidable powerhouse.
When the time came for Xie Yue to meet Dugu Bo, the old poison master wouldn't dare act recklessly if he knew Xie Yue was Sword Douluo's disciple.
"Huh? Your father allowed you to go?" Chen Xin asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah~ Father said that since it's Moon Pavilion, there's no need to worry about my safety," Xie Yue explained.
"That's true. Here, take this; it's my token. I know you already have your father's token, but it's always good to have mine as well." As he spoke, he retrieved a token from his storage soul guide and tossed it to Xie Yue.
"Thank you, Grandpa~ I'll visit you again before I leave."
After chatting a little longer, Xie Yue left. He went to see his sister, Hu Liena, and spent some time with her before heading to the library again to borrow books on alchemy.
---
Three Days Later
Escorted by servants, Xie Yue arrived at Moon Pavilion once again. The towering five-story building stood unchanged, but this time, no one stopped him. His servants handled all the necessary procedures—his father had already arranged everything. Before leaving, his father had also given him a large sum of money.
Stepping down from the carriage, Xie Yue walked forward with small strides.
Now seven and a half years old, he had grown taller and more refined. Thanks to a nutritious diet, medicinal herbs, and overall good living conditions, his skin had become smoother, and his features more delicate. Compared to when he was six, he looked cuter and more handsome. A rich life truly made one's skin glow.
Standing at 120 cm, he wore a red and white full-sleeved robe that complemented his appearance. At the edge of his eye was a red, lily petal-shaped mole, adding an air of mystery to his charm. It was his evil charm.
As he stepped into Moon Pavilion, he was met with evaluating gazes. Everyone here was over 20 years old but under 30, all from noble families.
But so what?
Xie Yue didn't care. Even if he killed someone out of anger, they wouldn't be able to do anything to him.
He was Ning Fengzhi's son.
Although this fact wasn't publicly known and his identity had been carefully concealed, his father would take care of any trouble he caused. But Xie Yue wasn't foolish enough to act recklessly. He would continue being the good, sensible, cute little kid that everyone liked. It wasn't time for him to reveal his true nature yet.
Before long, he was welcomed by the manager, Aude, who guided him through another admission procedure.
"Kid, come with me; I'll take you to meet your teacher," Aude said.
He didn't know Xie Yue's true identity. Ning Fengzhi had never mentioned him—only used his influence to secure him a spot. However, Aude had his suspicions.
Ning Yue.
His surname alone was enough to hint at his background. Being a Ning meant he was part of the core family of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
"Mm, okay, Uncle~," Xie Yue responded sweetly and followed him.
They ascended the stairs and arrived at the fourth floor—where Tang Yuehua taught. The fifth floor was her private residence.
In the main hall, a woman sat on a mat, playing the harp. The melody was smooth and flowing.
Xie Yue listened intently.
Though he only knew a little about music, he could still sense the depth of emotions in the tune.
After a while, Tang Yuehua stopped playing. Only then did Manager Aude step forward to introduce Xie Yue.
"Madam, this is Ning Yue," Aude said respectfully.