The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School, a sect with an extremely special status in the history of Douluo Continent, boasts a history even longer than Shrek Academy. Aside from the long-retired Clear Sky Sect, it is arguably the oldest sect.
Located in the Nine Treasure Mountains near the west of Heaven Dou City, the sect stands amidst the continuous mountain range, its buildings rising majestically.
Utilizing the varying heights of the peaks, defensive lines are established, and hidden within are numerous hidden strongholds equipped with soul tools. As one of the wealthiest sects on the continent, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School purchases valuable soul tools from Shrek Academy annually.
Because the Sect Grand Competition is free to watch and includes a complete package of food, lodging, and drinks, from the sky, the winding official road is lined with ant-like carriages, one after another, heading towards the entrance of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School.
For ordinary people in Douluo Continent, the most enjoyable thing in life isn't going to brothels, but watching Soul Masters spar.
However, this inevitably leads to congestion. Inside the carriage, Huo Yuhao looked at the long queues outside, the noisy conversations, and the slow-moving procession, and felt speechless.
This scene was reminiscent of being stuck on a highway during the Lunar New Year in his previous life, stuck in traffic for ages.
"It's a pity we can't fly, otherwise it would be so convenient," Huo Yuhao complained.
Zhang Lexuan smiled and said, "Anyway, the sect competition doesn't start until tomorrow, so we're not in a hurry."
"Sigh." Huo Yuhao naturally agreed with Zhang Lexuan, but still sighed, lazily sitting on the sofa, gazing into the distance.
Looking at Huo Yuhao's profile, Zhang Lexuan smiled and shook her head.
Sometimes Huo Yuhao seemed like an adult, acting with composure, while other times he was like a still-childish boy, which was quite amusing.
The carriage procession moved forward slowly but steadily. After an hour or so, finally, mountains of varying heights began to appear before Huo Yuhao and Zhang Lexuan's eyes.
Looking out the window, one could already see the simple yet time-worn entrance to the sect at the foot of the mountain.
Outside the sect gate was a flat area, filled with carriages lined up in an orderly fashion, ready to return.
It was like a parking lot.
Carriages not belonging to the sect were not allowed to enter the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School. At this moment, at least a hundred disciples dressed in the sect's robes were clearing the way for the carriages. As for those who had come to watch the sect's grand competition, they had to walk up a set of steps not far behind the gate. It seemed there were quite a few steps; their legs would probably be trembling by the end.
After all, almost everyone watching the competition was an ordinary person; very few were Soul Masters.
But this was where the exception occurred.
Under the watchful eyes of those queuing for inspection and ascending the steps, Huo Yuhao's carriage was ushered into another passageway leading to the sect by the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School disciples.
Under the gaze of at least a thousand people present, the carriage bearing the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School flag sped away and disappeared from sight.
"If looks could kill, we'd probably be dead already," Huo Yuhao teased, withdrawing his gaze.
Zhang Lexuan didn't reply, her eyes filled with reminiscence as she gazed at the quiet passageway.
Bamboo groves flashed by along the way, and occasionally there were pavilions for resting. As they were running uphill, looking into the distance, they could see layers upon layers of undulating mountains, shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight.
With Huo Yuhao's perception, he instantly spotted some hidden bunkers tucked away along the inner side of the passageway. Occasionally, eyes would lock onto the carriages, but there was no hostility, only wariness.
As the sound of horses' hooves echoed, they finally reached the end.
As his gaze aligned horizontally, Huo Yuhao's expression changed slightly. At the end of the passageway was a sizable building, clearly the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School's designated carriage parking area.
To the left of the building was an area with rows of parked carriages, where sect disciples could occasionally be seen walking around. To the right was a short flight of stairs leading away from the "parking lot."
To everyone's surprise, the steps on the right didn't lead to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School's interior on flat ground. Instead, they were right next to a sheer cliff over fifty meters high. In other words, this so-called "parking lot" was actually built on a flat area below the cliff.
As the carriage came to a stop, the sect disciple who was controlling it respectfully announced, "Distinguished guests, we've arrived."
"Thank you." After a brief thank you, Zhang Lexuan and Huo Yuhao stood up and stepped down from the carriage.
After watching the carriage enter the designated area, they went up the steps on the right.
"Distinguished guests, this way." Another tall, thin sect disciple quickly approached and said respectfully.
Under his guidance, Huo Yuhao immediately understood why the building where the carriages were parked was next to the cliff—to leave, they would have to take a soul-guided elevator.
With the sound of soul-guided components sliding, the building gradually ascended. When the elevator doors opened, a beautifully decorated hall came into view, bright and airy, but with hardly any sect disciples moving around.
However, Huo Yuhao sensed an indescribable aura of danger, as well as some stationary soul-guiding shields and soul-guiding devices.
If an enemy were to invade, a powerful defensive line could be established here against the cliff.
Stepping out of the hall and onto the viewing platform, the view immediately opened up.
A vast, undulating landscape stretched out before him, with a huge plaza in the center. At this moment, numerous disciples of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School were arranging seats; clearly, this was the arena for the sect's grand competition.
Scattered around the plaza were some buildings of a novel and unique style, their glazed tiles gleaming brilliantly in the sunlight.
Further away, perhaps due to their height and the lingering mist, the buildings exuded a hazy, dreamlike quality.
In some places, bridges connected the structures, as a flowing stream flowed below, its spray lapping against the boulders and creating splashes.
"Long time no see."
Suddenly, just as Huo Yuhao and Zhang Lexuan were looking around the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School, a soft female voice came from the steps leading to the viewing platform.
Huo Yuhao and Zhang Lexuan looked in the direction of the voice, and the latter immediately smiled.
The person who came was none other than Ning Tian.
Compared to two years ago, Ning Tian, who was already sixteen years old, had become even more refined in appearance. Her skin was fair and translucent, and her figure was well-proportioned and graceful. Her long, light yellow hair fell over her shoulders, and paired with an elegant long dress, she looked exceptionally elegant.
Most importantly, Ning Tian had an innate aristocratic air about her. Although it was initially difficult to look directly at her, as her beautiful eyes sparkled and her red lips curved into a faint smile, she lost that aristocratic aura and gained a quiet gentleness, which greatly increased her likability.
However, Huo Yuhao's gaze quickly shifted to the old man beside Ning Tian.
Tall and imposing, with gray hair and a gentle, kind face, yet his eyes held an unseen sharpness, a glint that, though not directed at anyone, had become ingrained over time. Of course, without exceptional perception, one couldn't discern it.
This was undoubtedly a top-tier expert.
"Elder Xiao." As expected, after a brief smile and greeting to Ning Tian, Zhang Lexuan immediately bowed respectfully to the old man.
Elder Xiao?
Huo Yuhao's heart stirred slightly, and he followed Zhang Lexuan's bow. Before coming to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School, he had learned about the sect's experts.
One sect, three Douluo.
Among them, Xiao Kuangdao was the most famous, a level 96 Super Douluo with the Martial Soul Mad Soul Blade, and roughly the same age as Elder Jing.
"Lexuan, you're getting more and more beautiful." Xiao Kuangdao laughed heartily, stroking his beard before his gaze fell on Huo Yuhao. "You must be Huo Yuhao?"
"This junior is Huo Yuhao." Huo Yuhao replied, cupping his fists in greeting.
"Huh?"
Xiao Kuangdao's gaze swept over Huo Yuhao. As a Super Douluo, it was easy for him to check the aura of a junior, but he was quickly surprised. He found that he couldn't detect Huo Yuhao's aura fluctuations.
This…
After his surprise, Xiao Kuangdao quickly changed the subject, his tone gentle, "Xiao Tian strongly invited you to be an external aid for the sect leader's lineage. Originally, I had some concerns, but now I see, it's a sure thing."
Of course, even he, a Super Douluo, couldn't see through this kid's strength, so wasn't it a sure thing?
"Senior is too kind." Huo Yuhao didn't presume. He'd wait until he actually won the spar before showing off, otherwise, losing halfway through would be embarrassing.
Even if he was confident he had the strength to win.
Xiao Kuangdao didn't speak, only nodded in satisfaction.
"Senior Sister, Yuhao, let me take you to your resting place." Ning Tian, who hadn't spoken until now, interjected. Her gaze occasionally fell on Huo Yuhao, and there was a strange look in her beautiful eyes.
Two years had passed, and she had changed quite a bit, as had Huo Yuhao, who had become even taller and more handsome.
"Alright," Zhang Lexuan replied with a smile.
"Since that's the case, you all continue chatting, I'll take my leave," Xiao Kuangdao said, stroking his beard, before flying into the air and disappearing into the distance.
Watching Xiao Kuangdao leave, the three walked together on the clean and spacious path. However, as they walked, they drifted away from the area that had initially bordered the plaza. Looking ahead, various buildings could be seen everywhere, some hidden in bamboo groves, others nestled among flowers.
Occasionally, when they crossed a bridge, the magnificent waterfall cascaded down thousands of feet.
It was then that Huo Yuhao realized just how large the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School truly was; the area he had seen after ascending the soul-guided elevator was probably only one or two tenths of the sect's size.
When they reached a higher viewing platform, looking out along the railing, they could see the crowds coming up from the foot of the mountain. They were being led to another area with many buildings, clearly intended for onlookers.
"We specifically opened the sect competition in the hope of further spreading the sect's reputation. Although it would be best if a sect were composed entirely of Soul Masters, through repeated experiences and lessons, a sect cannot do without ordinary people joining. This is because there are too many industries, and relying solely on Soul Masters would be too scattered. Moreover, the headquarters must retain enough Soul Masters to serve as combat power."
Ning Tian explained to Huo Yuhao and Zhang Lexuan as they walked.
Huo Yuhao nodded imperceptibly, glancing sideways at the observation deck they were currently on, which belonged to a building called the "Mission Hall."
Ning Tian had been watching Huo Yuhao closely. Seeing him looking at the plaque, he smiled and said, "This building is where our Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect issues missions to its disciples."
"Besides that, there are also the Alchemy Hall, Soul Guidance Hall, Herbal Medicine Hall, Industry Hall, Combat Hall, and so on."
As they walked and talked, they unknowingly ventured deeper into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Perhaps knowing that the young sect leader had something to attend to, the sect disciples they encountered along the way all stood respectfully to the side, watching him go before resuming their work.
"We've arrived." Finally, after reaching a pavilion surrounded by gardens, Ning Tian stopped. Her delicate white fingers brushed against the vibrant flowers as she softly said, "I usually live here within the sect, along with Xiao Feng."
"Speaking of Wu Feng, where is she?" Huo Yuhao asked curiously. Normally, Ning Tian and Wu Feng would be inseparable.
Ning Tian replied, "Xiao Feng is training in the Practical Training Hall. She's exhausted from preparing for the sect competition."
Huo Yuhao nodded knowingly.
"Xiao Tian, is there anything different about your sect competition compared to previous ones?" Zhang Lexuan steered the conversation to the main topic.
Speaking of this, Ning Tian nodded solemnly, "There are differences. Please have a seat, I'll go prepare some things and then I'll tell you."
There were clean tables and chairs in the lower part of the pavilion, surrounded by flowers, and the air was filled with a delicate fragrance. A gentle breeze occasionally blew by, making it even more comfortable.
The things Ning Tian mentioned preparing were tea and pastries.
"The pastries are homemade, and the tea leaves are from the Douling Empire. Now that something has happened there, it's probably difficult to buy tea." Ning Tian put down the teapot and pastries and elegantly sat down beside Zhang Lexuan.
Douling Empire again… Huo Yuhao frowned.
"The academy also sent people there, and it's said the situation has temporarily stabilized," Zhang Lexuan told Ning Tian.
Ning Tian shook his head. "They say it's stable, but unexpected situations still occur occasionally. Fortunately, they're not serious, but they're very lethal to ordinary people. The spread of spatial power could easily tear apart ordinary people without soul power protection."
"I heard from my parents that an unknown secret realm might appear over there, like the Slaughter City ten thousand years ago. The sect has even prepared a team, and if the secret realm really appears, they plan to seize the opportunity to go in and take a look."
"Is this something you can say?" Huo Yuhao was embarrassed.
Ning Tian suddenly opened his clear, bright eyes wide, quickly covering his mouth with his hands. Oh no, he'd let it slip.
"You… just pretend you didn't hear that."
As he spoke, Ning Tian cautiously looked left and right, as if afraid someone might overhear.
Looking at Ning Tian's adorable, stunned expression, Huo Yuhao and Zhang Lexuan exchanged a glance and smiled.
"Let's get down to business." Seeing that no one was around, Ning Tian breathed a sigh of relief and quickly changed the subject, his expression feigning seriousness: "The Sect Grand Competition is essentially a battle between different factions for a share of resources. Every year, we spend about 50 million gold soul coins just on resource investment. As the overall strength of the sect increases, this number continues to rise. That's why we opened the Sect Grand Competition, intending to allow more ordinary people to participate and then develop more industries to make money."
"Resource investment is like a cake. The final winner will take a quarter, and the remaining factions will share the rest equally. Every four years, there is a Sect Grand Competition. The reason why only the final winning faction gets the most is mainly to take care of the other factions. Otherwise, if some factions always lose in the competition, their resources will become less and less, causing an imbalance and leading to resentment."
"In the past, our Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School's Grand Competition had a tiered system for resource allocation, with different levels receiving different amounts. This led to the complete decline of some branches, whose resource supply was less than one-fifth of that of the top branch. Later, when the Heavenly Dou Empire collapsed, some branches simply broke away and joined the Heavenly Soul Empire, turning against us and accusing us of treason, almost leading to our annihilation by the Heavenly Soul royal family."
"After the danger was averted, the Grand Competition was restructured, becoming what I'm telling you now. The final winner gets more resources, but not by much compared to other branches, so it's stabilized. Because the atmosphere of the Grand Competition is so harmonious, it has evolved into what it is today, almost like a matchmaking event for the Sea God's Fate Academy."
"Young people from different branches get to know each other during the competition, since they're all from the same sect. As the saying goes, 'Don't let the good stuff go to outsiders.'"
As Ning Tian finished his long explanation, Huo Yuhao immediately became interested. He had thought the Grand Competition would be a chaotic free-for-all, but it turned out to be a family-friendly event?
"Then you and Wu Feng will also have to participate in blind dates?" Zhang Lexuan suddenly asked.
Mentioning this, Ning Tian subtly glanced at Huo Yuhao out of the corner of his eye and nodded. "That's right. As the young sect leader, I have an obligation to participate, and I must participate. As for Xiao Feng, she is Grandpa Wu's granddaughter and the young hall master of the Practical Combat Hall, so she must also participate." "
Of course, we can refuse all matchmaking during the sect competition, but if we reach the age of twenty, Xiao Feng is fine, but I'm different. I must accept the marriage arranged by my family, which is why I went to Shrek Academy. I can use the excuse that I haven't graduated from the inner academy yet to refuse the marriage." "
But after all, I have accepted the resources provided by my family, so I must give back. It's my duty, so there will eventually be a day when I'm forced into a marriage, it's just a matter of time."
"My father and mother were in an arranged marriage. Fortunately, they are in love, although they got married first and fell in love later. Speaking of which, my mother's martial soul is quite powerful. It's the Crimson Dragon martial soul, which has the annihilation attribute."
Crimson Dragon... Huo Yuhao's heart skipped a beat. Isn't this the inherited martial soul of the Earth Dragon Sect, where Nan Shui Shui and Nan Qiu Qiu belonged in the original story?
At this point, Ning Tian sighed.
"We Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Soul Masters are lucky because our Martial Souls are very powerful, but we are also unlucky because our Martial Souls have no combat power whatsoever. Therefore, our other half must be a powerful Battle Soul Master. Even with Soul Tools that give us combat power, this rule has remained unchanged for ten thousand years." "
The only one who truly didn't obey this rule was our ancestor Ning Rongrong ten thousand years ago, but by then the sect was almost gone, so what rules were there to talk about?"
Perhaps turning his helplessness into appetite, Ning Tian grabbed a piece of pastry and started eating.
"Xiao Tian, something bad has happened."
Just then, an urgent voice came from a path in the distance.
Instantly, it attracted the attention of the three people sitting around.
Looking at the person who came, Huo Yuhao smiled. It was none other than Wu Feng, with long, fiery red hair, a tall figure, and stunningly beautiful features.
"Huh?" Upon reaching the attic area, Wu Feng was dumbfounded. Looking at Huo Yuhao and Zhang Lexuan, he exclaimed in astonishment, "Senior Sister? Huo Yuhao? You... something's not right."
Wu Feng shook his head and went straight to Ning Tian, saying in a deep voice, "Xiao Tian, I heard from my grandfather that the marriage partner your family arranged for you is also going to participate in this competition."
"What?" Ning Tian couldn't sit still any longer and stood up to ask, "Who is it?"
Wu Feng gritted his teeth and said, "It's someone from the Dragon City Heavenly Dragon Gate, named Yu Tianlong, whose martial soul is the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, and he's only two or three years older than us."
Yu Tianlong?
A memory surfaced in Huo Yuhao's mind. In the original Mingdu Soul Fighting Competition, there was indeed such a person from the Heavenly Dragon Gate, who was utterly defeated by Wang Qiu'er.
"It's him?" Ning Tian had obviously seen Yu Tianlong before. He frowned slightly and said, "Yu Tianlong is the number one genius of the Heavenly Dragon Sect in decades. Grandpa Xiao even commented that he has the potential to become a Super Douluo. It seems the family elders don't want to let this talent slip away."
"You don't seem too keen on him?" Huo Yuhao asked.
Ning Tian hummed in agreement, "Yu Tianlong's type isn't mine at all. He likes domineering and powerful girls, and I don't like his type either. We've met quite a few times. In any case, the Heavenly Dragon Sect is one of the top powerful sects within the empire, and there are many areas where our two forces can cooperate."
Domineering and powerful... Huo Yuhao remained noncommittal. In the original story, this guy was captivated by Wang Qiu'er's heroic and dashing appearance.
"What should we do, Xiao Tian?" Wu Feng asked anxiously.
Ning Tian, on the other hand, remained remarkably calm: "Alright, alright, even if he is my marriage partner, we'll have to wait until I graduate from the inner court. Maybe we'll just let it go then. Besides, given Yu Tianlong's personality, if we have a child whose martial soul is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, the child will have the surname Ning, not Yu. He probably wouldn't accept that."
Hearing this, Wu Feng calmed down. "I got agitated."
"Isn't there any rule that allows us to disregard arranged marriages?" Zhang Lexuan interjected, as she didn't particularly like arranged marriages.
Upon hearing this, Wu Feng and Ning Tian exchanged glances. The latter said with a somber face, "There is such a rule, but..." Ning Tian then smiled helplessly, "Unless my martial soul transforms into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, there is absolutely no possibility of breaking this rule. For ten thousand years, only Ancestor Ning Rongrong has been a Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Soul Master; no one has reached that level since."
"The Qiluo Tulip, this kind of immortal herb, is extremely difficult to find. In fact, no one knows whether Ancestor Ning Rongrong consumed the last one." As
Ning Tian spoke, Huo Yuhao's expression turned strange.
Because... he had a Qiluo Tulip stored in a jade box inside his storage ring.
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