Chapter 216: Revealing His Power, Leaving Ning Xiuyuan Stunned
Ye Chen naturally had no intention of revealing the secret of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
First, he didn't trust the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Second—its destiny simply wasn't high enough.
Those who found or entered the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well were all individuals blessed with extraordinary fortune. Great sects like Tang Sect carried this heavenly destiny; others did not.
If he revealed such a secret to a sect without the right fate, they could suffer catastrophe instead of benefit.
Even in this mystical world, destiny was real—it moved unseen but tangibly affected outcomes. Ye Chen wasn't about to risk rewriting the future of the entire continent with a single careless admission.
And beyond that, there was no practical reason to tell them. There had only been one Qiluo Tulip—he had kept its remnants, but who knew how many years it would take before it grew again?
Sharing the secret could only bring trouble.
Turning slightly, Ye Chen glanced at Ning Tian, his tone warm. "Xiaotian's talent is exceptional. I simply wanted to do something for her. It was a gift, nothing more."
That affectionate look made Ning Tian's heart flutter with happiness, her face glowing with sweetness.
Ning Xiuyuan, seeing this exchange, could only twitch his lips in resignation.
Still, he drew in a quiet breath, setting aside the display of affection and turning serious. "Ye Chen, your relationship with Xiaotian aside, your kindness toward her—and by extension, to our entire sect—is immense."
He rose slightly, clasped his hands solemnly, and said, "On behalf of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, I offer my deepest gratitude."
"To show our thanks for your great help to both Xiaotian and our sect's future, anything within our treasury—resources, spirit bones, soul guides, manuals—whatever you desire, no matter how precious—it's yours. I, Ning Xiuyuan, will not refuse."
Shi Hao slapped his thigh boisterously. "Right! Don't be shy, lad! Say the word, and I'll march into the Star Dou Forest myself and bag you a hundred-thousand-year beast!"
Though exaggerated, the sentiment was sincere.
Jian Wuchen nodded gravely. "The sect's treasure vault is open to you."
Simple words, heavy weight.
For a sect master and two Title Douluo to make such an offer—anyone else on the continent would have fainted from excitement.
Ye Chen's gift had elevated Ning Tian's spirit into the Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda—an event so monumental the sect's future might hinge upon it.
Yet, Ye Chen remained calm.
He shook his head. "Sect Master Ning, Senior Shi, Senior Jian, I truly appreciate your generosity, but Qiluo Tulip helping Xiaotian is reward enough. I require nothing else."
His refusal was firm and unhesitant. He truly didn't care for material gain.
Ning Tian's heart swelled with pride. She turned to her father, declaring, "See? Ye Chen isn't like other men—he doesn't care about wealth or rewards!"
Ning Xiuyuan blinked, silently reassessing Ye Chen yet again.
"To reject such an offer… This boy may be more than he appears," he thought.
Though his outward smile remained warm, a faint gleam of scrutiny flashed in his eyes.
Watching his daughter lean close to Ye Chen, eyes full of unabashed affection, he couldn't help but feel a pang of melancholy.
His precious little girl—his winter coat of warmth—already had someone else holding her close.
He sighed inwardly but restrained his feelings. Ye Chen had helped their sect immensely—he couldn't bring himself to dislike the boy.
Still, logic as a father prevailed. They were both students—too young. These were critical years for cultivation. Allowing romance to interfere could harm their futures.
After a pause, Ning Xiuyuan decided it was time to set boundaries.
"Ye Chen," he said gravely, "our gratitude for your aid will never fade."
He exhaled slowly, then continued, tone more serious, "But this matter must be divided clearly. Regarding you and my daughter—truthfully, as her father, I am thankful for the chance you gave her. Yet as the sect master, I must remind you of our sect's traditions."
The room's atmosphere shifted, the earlier warmth replaced by quiet tension.
"Please, speak freely," Ye Chen said with a calm smile, clearly anticipating what would come.
Ning Xiuyuan studied him a moment longer before voicing his concern.
"First of all, Xiaotian is still very young. This stage of life should be devoted to cultivation. She knows little of relationships—it's simply too early for her."
Judging from Ye Chen's mature bearing, he looked around seventeen or eighteen at least.
And Ning Tian…
The three elders—Ning Xiuyuan, Shi Hao, and Jian Wuchen—all silently concluded the same thing: a charming older boy from the academy had seduced their innocent heir.
That was why their hostility earlier had been so strong.
Though Ye Chen had done their sect a great favor, they would never allow Ning Tian to be taken lightly.
Ning Xiuyuan had even considered temporarily withdrawing her from Shrek Academy—to keep her home, focus on training, and prevent her from "eloping."
"Secondly—and most importantly…" Ning Xiuyuan's eyes sharpened.
"For generations, every bearer of the Seven Treasures Pagoda required a partner of great strength. The Nine Treasures Pagoda is both a miracle and the sect's lifeblood. Its master must never be left unprotected."
"Her partner must not only be loyal and steadfast, but strong enough to guard her during her most vulnerable moments—when she channels her soul power to assist others."
"He must be able to shield her from all threats, from within and beyond the battlefield—to be her pillar, her wall, her sky."
"This responsibility can only be entrusted to a mighty battle-type or defensive soul master—one of top-tier capability, who stands among the best of their level."
His voice echoed through the main hall, solemn and resolute—equal parts authority and paternal care.
With a deep breath, he added, "Ye Chen, I do not doubt your character or your sincerity. You have my respect. But Xiaotian is my dearest daughter—I must ensure her safety."
He still couldn't gauge Ye Chen's soul power at all, but the boy looked far too young—too delicate, frankly—and that made him uneasy.
Despite Ye Chen's composure, he seemed, in the older men's eyes, like a charming troublemaker—a danger to their little girl.
Ye Chen smiled faintly. "Sect Master Ning, your concerns are completely valid. Let me first answer your question—Xiaotian won't fall behind in cultivation because of me. In fact, being with me only pushes her further ahead of her peers."
He turned his head toward Ning Tian.
Their eyes met, understanding wordless and complete.
Then Ning Tian stepped forward, releasing all her power.
Four soul rings flared into view behind her.
(END CHAPTER)
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