The luxurious yet understated carriage of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School traveled smoothly along the road back to the sect. Inside the carriage, however, the atmosphere was vastly different from the calm composure of their journey out, now filled with barely suppressed excitement and solemnity.
Ning Fengzhi carefully cradded the jade box containing the Nine Petal Purple Reishi, his fingertips even turning pale from the intensity of his grip. His burning gaze remained fixed on the box as if trying to peer through its walls to see the Immortal Herb within that might change the fate of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Despite his composure as the leader of one of the Three Great Sects, who had seen countless rare treasures, his heart still surged with turbulent emotions.
Bone Douluo Gu Rong sat opposite him, his withered face still bearing traces of shock and excitement. In his hoarse voice, he urged with some urgency: "Fengzhi, this item is of utmost importance. Why don't we return immediately to the sect's Secret Chamber? Let me and Old Sword Man personally guard you while you attempt to absorb and refine it! Let's see if it truly possesses the miraculous effect of breaking through constraints as Marco claimed!"
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi gradually emerged from his excited state. He raised his head to look at Gu Rong, a complex light flashing in his eyes - containing desire, struggle, but ultimately transforming into clarity and determination. He gently shook his head, his voice soft yet exceptionally firm: "Uncle Gu, I understand your intentions. But this Nine Petal Purple Reishi... I cannot use it."
"What?" Gu Rong was taken aback, his wrinkled face showing confusion. "Fengzhi, you..."
Ning Fengzhi turned his gaze to his daughter Ning Rongrong, who was nestled beside him, her small face flushed with excitement. His eyes filled with infinite affection and expectation. Reaching out to gently stroke Ning Rongrong's hair, he said in a profound tone: "Uncle Gu, we are both growing old. The true future of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School lies with Rongrong's generation. I am already past forty this year, with Soul Power at the 79th level. Even if this item could help me break through to the 80th level, my future achievements would be extremely limited. But Rongrong is different - she's only twelve this year, with exceptional talent, precisely at the golden age for laying foundations and determining her future."
He paused, his gaze returning to the jade box as if having made up his mind: "If Rongrong consumes this Immortal Herb, with its divine effects of cleansing the marrow, strengthening bones, and optimizing Martial Soul essence, it might fundamentally improve the qualifications of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. This would lay an unparalleled foundation for her future advancement to higher realms, and perhaps even... breaking through the thousand-year inheritance level restriction! This is far more valuable for the sect's future than letting a middle-aged man like me gamble on that faint, elusive hope!"
Bone Douluo Gu Rong stared blankly at Ning Fengzhi, watching as he unhesitatingly decided to leave this Immortal Herb - something that would drive any Soul Master mad with desire - for his daughter. His withered face first showed astonishment, then gradually transformed into deep emotion and a hint of... gratification. He understood Ning Fengzhi, knew how much this sect leader had sacrificed for their school. That he could yield such an opportunity to his daughter - the breadth of his vision and selflessness moved this old man who had guarded the sect for most of his life.
"Ah..." Gu Rong let out a long sigh, his voice hoarse as he said, "You're right, Fengzhi. We're getting old... The sect's future ultimately depends on these youngsters." His gaze toward Ning Rongrong was filled with expectation, then he snorted coldly, a vast and profound aura faintly emanating from him. "But rest assured, Fengzhi! With Old Sword Man and me, these old bones here, even if the sky falls, we can still hold it up for Rongrong, for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School for decades more! We will definitely protect her as she grows up safely and watch her lead the sect to glory! When that time comes, Old Sword Man and I will still serve as her grand elders and enjoy a peaceful retirement! Hahaha!"
Listening to Bone Douluo's heroic yet tender words, Ning Fengzhi also smiled, though deep within that smile lay a trace of lingering worry. He looked out the carriage window at the swiftly passing streets of Heaven Dou City, his voice lowering slightly: "Uncle Bone, with you and Sword Uncle here, I'm naturally at ease. It's just... in recent years, while the continent's situation appears calm on the surface, undercurrents are swirling beneath. The Spirit Hall has been making frequent moves, their momentum growing stronger each day. I truly fear... that the storm brewing beneath this calm sea will one day sweep over and... swallow us all."
Gu Rong's laughter cut off abruptly, and the slightly relaxed atmosphere in the carriage grew heavy once more. After a moment of silence, he said solemnly: "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has been passed down for a thousand years—what storms haven't we weathered? Fengzhi, don't worry too much. Chen Xin and I haven't grown so old that we can't wield our swords yet!"
Ning Fengzhi nodded and said no more, only tightening his grip on the jade box containing the Nine Petal Purple Reishi. This Immortal Herb might just be the crucial spark to preserve a thread of hope for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School in the turbulent times to come.
Meanwhile, at the Li Mansion in Heaven Dou City.
Upon returning home, Marco gathered his father Li Zhaoyan, mother Ye Shi, and Ye Lingling in the main hall. Without beating around the bush, he recounted the day's transaction with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School in detail, finally producing the jade box containing the 70,000-Year Amaranth Begonia Right Leg Bone and placing it on the table.
When the lid was opened, that vast yet gentle life energy spread through the room once more. The milky-white Soul Bone with its pale pink begonia patterns lay quietly upon the brocade, emanating an intoxicating fluctuation of Soul Power.
The moment Ye Lingling saw this Soul Bone, her clear, cold eyes suddenly brightened. Her small hand unconsciously covered her mouth, and her breathing grew rapid. The Nine Heart Begonia Spirit within her resonated intensely, trembling slightly and conveying an overwhelming sense of longing. This Soul Bone seemed as if it were made for the Nine Heart Begonia Spirit!
Mother Ye's reaction was even more profound. As she looked at the Soul Bone, her eyes held complex emotions—excitement, relief, and a touch of indescribable sorrow. She understood better than anyone what a high-quality Soul Bone with such compatible attributes meant for a Nine Heart Begonia Soul Master. This wasn't just a leap in power—it might even compensate for some inherent flaws of the Martial Soul itself.
"Ke'er, where did you obtain this Soul Bone? How could the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School be willing to exchange such a precious treasure?" Li Zhaoyan asked with a furrowed brow after hearing his son's account. As a Titled Douluo, he could better sense the extraordinary nature of this Soul Bone—its value far exceeded that of an ordinary ten-thousand-year Soul Bone.
Marco briefly explained the specific details of the transaction, including Ning Fengzhi's initial intention to recruit him and how he had used a head Soul Bone along with the Nine Petal Purple Reishi to complete a fair exchange.
After hearing Marco's account, Li Zhaoyan and Mother Ye exchanged glances, both seeing shock in each other's eyes. They hadn't expected their son (nephew) to quietly complete such an astonishing transaction involving one of the three great sects, and to handle it so... expertly? Especially that unheard-of "Nine Petal Purple Reishi," whose effects sounded utterly astounding.
Mother Ye was the first to speak, her voice trembling with emotion and a hint of tears: "Ke'er... this... this gift is too precious! This Soul Bone is like a rebirth for Lingling, for our Ye family! Auntie... auntie truly doesn't know how to thank you..." Her gaze toward Marco was filled with gratitude.
Ye Lingling also looked up, her ice-snow-like fair face blushing as she looked at Marco and softly said: "Thank you... Brother Marco." Though her voice was light, it carried sincere emotion.
However, after the initial shock, Li Zhaoyan's expression gradually turned serious. He looked sharply at Marco, his tone carrying an undeniable authority: "Ke'er, do you realize you acted somewhat rashly in today's matter?"
Marco was slightly taken aback: "Father?"
Li Zhaoyan said gravely: "When dealing with a force like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, especially involving such precious treasures, there are many variables. Ning Fengzhi, as the sect master, is deep and calculating, while Bone Douluo Gu Rong is a long-established powerhouse. Going alone like that - if they had malicious intentions or other schemes, how would you have responded? Even with your considerable strength, two fists cannot defeat four hands, and hidden arrows are harder to dodge than open spears! For such important matters, you should have informed me first. With me by your side, I could at least ensure your safety and help weigh the pros and cons more carefully!"
Hearing his father's admonishment, Marco felt shaken. He had only considered how to complete the transaction and avoid owing favors, but had indeed overlooked potential risks. Ning Fengzhi might refrain from open action due to his status and reputation, but if they truly had malicious intentions, with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's wealth and resources, arranging some treacherous schemes wasn't impossible. Relying on his strength and foreknowledge, he had indeed been somewhat overconfident.
He lowered his head and sincerely admitted his mistake: "Father's teaching is correct. I was careless and overconfident. If I encounter similar situations in the future, I will definitely consult with you first."
Seeing his son's sincere attitude in admitting fault, Li Zhaoyan's expression softened somewhat. Mother Ye also gently added: "Zhaoyan, Ke'er meant well, wanting to secure this opportunity for Lingling. For someone so young, he handled things quite thoroughly."
Li Zhaoyan sighed, his tone easing: "Ke'er, I'm not blaming you for thinking of the family. Your extraordinary talent and meticulous thinking comfort me greatly. But you must understand - there are always people beyond people, heavens beyond heavens. The continent's forces are deeply intertwined, and human hearts are treacherous. Your path ahead is long - you must remain vigilant at all times, planning carefully before acting. That is the way to endure."
"I will remember father's teachings," Marco replied respectfully.
Li Zhaoyan nodded, his gaze returning to the Crabapple Flower Soul Bone. He said to Mother Ye and Ye Lingling, "Since Ke'er has exchanged for this item, it must be fate's will. This bone is perfectly compatible with the Nine Heart Begonia and should be absorbed by you. In my opinion, Lingling is at the peak of her cultivation period, so she would benefit the most from absorbing it."
Upon hearing this, Mother Ye agreed without hesitation. "Exactly! Lingling, you should take this Soul Bone." Her eyes held no trace of reluctance, only joy for her daughter.
Ye Lingling looked at her mother, then at Marco and Li Zhaoyan, her eyes welling up with touched tears. She nodded firmly.
Li Zhaoyan then turned to Marco, his tone returning to calm. "Well, this matter is settled. Ke'er, you should head back and rest early. Tomorrow's tournament match is against the Tianshui Academy. I've heard they are quite formidable, especially skilled in Martial Soul Fusion Skills. You need to prepare and must not be careless."
Marco nodded in response. "Yes, Father. I will be cautious." He also recalled information about Tianshui Academy, particularly the astonishingly powerful Martial Soul Fusion Skill "Ice and Snow Drifting" used by Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu. That was indeed an opponent that required serious consideration.
The night deepened, and the warm, tranquil lamplight filled the Li Mansion's parlor. A precious Soul Bone had drawn the family's hearts even closer together. For Marco, his father's guidance had given him a clearer understanding of the path ahead.