Although Li Chang'an now possessed both the means and opportunity to resurrect Ah Yin and Xiao Wu's mother, he was in no rush.
After all, his own "harem battlefield" had yet to be resolved—how could he bring back two more beauties, and mother and daughter no less? If he did that now, would he still have peace for the New Year, or any focus left for the tournament?
For now, he could only bide his time. Once the tournament passed and the dust of his "battlefield" settled, that would be the best moment to bring them back.
Still, with the ability of Soul Ring Rebirth in hand, Li Chang'an finally felt reassured. At the very least, he had gained a way to dissolve the looming conflict between Xiao Wu and Spirit Hall. From now on, he no longer needed to fear that particular danger.
He also had a preliminary plan for handling the messy "harem situation" that would surely arise during the upcoming tournament. Of course, it still needed to be refined and adjusted, but it was a start.
For now, none of that mattered. The most pressing issue was that Li Chang'an had to accompany Ning Rongrong to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
There was no way around it. From the moment he had drawn Ning Rongrong into his pond, he knew he would have to face this step. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was, after all, one of the Upper Three Sects. Since he had already claimed their daughter, it was only proper that he present himself and formalize the matter.
Thus, not long after returning to Shrek Academy, Li Chang'an accompanied Ning Rongrong on the short trip to the sect. Luckily, both the academy and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect were located in Heaven Dou City—so the journey was no trouble at all.
"Changsheng, do you know how happy I am right now?" Ning Rongrong clung to his arm the entire way, pressing her soft curves against him, making his head spin.
After all, this visit was essentially an official announcement. How could she not be happy?
Today, Ning Rongrong wore a light green dress in the style of a princess gown, paired with pale-gray heels and crystal stockings. She looked every bit the perfect princess.
"I know, I know. But… can I admit I'm a little nervous?" Li Chang'an smiled bitterly.
Ning Fengzhi was no fool. The sect's precious princess wanting to share a man with a dozen other women—this was bound to be a headache.
"Giggle~ What's there to be nervous about? With your talent, my father will definitely be satisfied. Besides, he dotes on me the most—he won't oppose it, you'll see."
Ning Rongrong laughed brightly. She had never seen Li Chang'an flustered before, and she found the sight rather amusing.
Li Chang'an could only shake his head with a helpless smile. Ignoring the stares of passersby, he pulled Ning Rongrong into his arms and kissed her a few times before letting her go.
Speaking of which, he had yet to truly deepen his relationship with Ning Rongrong. That was something he'd need to prioritize soon—not just opening the path, but widening it thoroughly.
---
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect – Banquet Hall
Seated at the head of the hall was a man in white robes, elegant in appearance. His fingers tapped lightly against the table as though waiting for someone. This was none other than Ning Fengzhi, Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
At his sides sat two elders.
One was tall and broad-boned. The chair beneath him, though spacious, looked almost too small for his frame. His clothes hung loosely on his bony form; his withered skin and sunken eye sockets made him resemble a giant skeleton. A few strands of white hair clung to his scalp, making him look as ghastly as could be. This was one of the sect's two guardian Douluo: Bone Douluo Gu Rong.
The other sat tall and straight, his gaze as sharp as a blade. This was the other guardian Douluo—Sword Douluo Chen Xin.
"Sect Master, what's all this? Why such a grand banquet? Are we expecting important guests?"
Bone Douluo asked curiously as disciples bustled about, bringing in dishes.
For their sect master to prepare on such a scale, the guest must surely be of great importance—perhaps one of the other Seven Great Sects, or an imperial representative, or even a Spirit Hall elder.
Ning Fengzhi sighed with a faint, bitter smile.
"Indeed, we are expecting guests. Bone Uncle, Sword Uncle… don't be jealous when I tell you. Two days ago, Rongrong wrote me a letter. She said she'll be bringing a male friend home to meet us."
"WHAT?!"
The atmosphere in the hall instantly grew tense. Both Title Douluo stood sharply, their expressions changing. Their beloved princess… bringing back a male friend?
This was no different than raising cabbage for years, only to watch a pig root through the garden!
"Fengzhi," Bone Douluo said solemnly, "it may not be my place to meddle in your family matters, but that boy's identity, his strength—you must investigate thoroughly. Our Rongrong isn't someone just anyone can match."
Sword Douluo, unusually, agreed wholeheartedly. "Indeed. For once, I think Old Bone is right. Rongrong is still so young—what if she's being deceived?"
Ning Fengzhi could only twitch the corner of his lips. How did the conversation leap so far already?
"Cough, cough. Sword Uncle, Bone Uncle, don't worry. I'll make my judgment. This time, we'll just meet him first. If he's unworthy, we'll send him away."
At this, both Title Douluo reluctantly nodded, though Sword Douluo added with a cold snort, "No matter who he is, unless he can withstand ten moves from me, he can forget about being with Rongrong."
"That, I agree with," Bone Douluo said firmly. He knew exactly how powerful his old partner was. With that condition, almost every young man alive was excluded.
But suddenly, Bone Douluo recalled a certain figure—a youth who had shaken all of Heaven Dou City just a year ago. Perhaps… there were exceptions.
---
Not long after, a servant came in to report: "Sect Master, the young miss has arrived with a man."
"Mm. Bring them in." Ning Fengzhi straightened his posture, while the two Title Douluo also composed themselves.
This was, after all, their first time meeting Rongrong's "boyfriend." Appearances mattered.
Soon, Ning Rongrong entered, cheerfully pulling along a young man. "Daddy, why are you waiting here in person?" she pouted playfully.
"You brought a friend home. Of course, I had to welcome him properly," Ning Fengzhi said with a warm smile before his gaze shifted to the young man.
Though Li Chang'an had used an alias at Shrek Academy and altered his appearance slightly, some things could never be disguised—his aura, his natural handsomeness, the unshakable poise in his bearing, and that unique sense of harmony with nature.
The first impression he gave the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was simple: what a fine young gentleman!
Li Chang'an, fully aware of etiquette, bowed respectfully. "Junior Li Changsheng, greets Uncle Ning and pays respect to the two honored seniors."
"Hmph!"
In perfect unison, Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo both snorted coldly. The oppressive might of two Title Douluo descended upon Li Chang'an like a mountain.