Ning Fengzhi's words left Ning Rongrong feeling both ashamed and lost in thought.
Was she really that detestable?
She was beautiful, had a good figure, and fair skin. By all appearances, she was flawless, the epitome of a refined lady. Yet her father despised her solely because of her personality!
What kind of father was he?
Ning Rongrong's contemplation didn't interrupt Ning Fengzhi's words.
"Oscar, I owe you an apology for this!"
Ning Fengzhi sighed, his face filled with regret.
If it weren't for Ning Rongrong's interference, Oscar's future would have been bright!
After all, Oscar's talent had caught the attention of a deity, who had bestowed upon him a divine position. Such a genius was truly rare, appearing only once in ten thousand years.
Ning Rongrong was his daughter, and Ning Fengzhi knew full well whether she was worthy of Oscar. The truth was, she wasn't a good match for him.
But what was done was done. Oscar would just have to endure it.
After saying this, Ning Fengzhi bowed deeply to Oscar, a sincere and heartfelt gesture.
It was indeed Ning Fengzhi who had wronged Oscar first, yet Oscar had repaid that wrong with kindness. He deserved this bow.
As a father and as the sect leader, this was the least Ning Fengzhi could do.
Seeing this, Oscar's expression changed, and he quickly waved his hands in protest.
"Father-in-law, this is too much, too much!"
No matter what, Ning Rongrong was Ning Fengzhi's daughter, and Oscar was his son-in-law. How could he possibly accept such a bow from Ning Fengzhi?
Absolutely not!
It would shorten his life!
"I can sense that your father-in-law is sincere. Although he has his own selfish reasons, he is mostly filled with regret. He's a good man."
The voice of the God of Food rang out again. Clearly, he also thought highly of Ning Fengzhi.
Such a temperament, such a sense of righteousness, and most importantly, he knew how to assess the situation.
If possible, the God of Food would have even considered passing his divine position to Ning Fengzhi. Unfortunately, the God of Food's position wasn't a good fit for him.
On the other hand, the Nine-Colored Goddess's position would perfectly complement Ning Fengzhi's Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda.
"Regret, huh…"
Oscar murmured to himself, his eyes filled with a strange emotion.
Even a sect leader like Ning Fengzhi could feel such emotions?
Of course, he was human, not a machine solely dedicated to the development of the sect. He had feelings too.
"Father-in-law, don't worry. The glory of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will be revived by me, Oscar!"
Oscar made up his mind. No matter what, he would help the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect overcome this crisis.
As for Tang San, he dared not get involved. Even gods feared Tang San and avoided him. How could a mere inheritor of the God of Food dare to befriend him?
"I, Oscar, will never be a villain!"
It felt like a long time, but in reality, only a few seconds had passed.
"Oscar, whether as a father or as the leader of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, your righteousness deserves this bow."
Ning Fengzhi spoke with sincerity. His entire life had been spent scheming for the sake of the sect's development.
One could say he had dedicated his life to the sect.
For the sect, he could endure what others couldn't, lower himself as the sect leader, and even give up unnecessary dignity.
"Fengzhi…" ×2
Chen Xin and Gu Rong murmured, exchanging a glance filled with understanding.
They knew why Ning Fengzhi was doing this. First, he truly felt regretful and believed he had wronged Oscar.
Second, it was for the sake of the sect, and for Ning Rongrong!
By pointing out Ning Rongrong's flaws now, if Oscar found her unworthy, he could speak up.
If he didn't say anything now, the future would be entirely up to Oscar's choices, and there would be no turning back.
Also, Ning Fengzhi had already scolded Ning Rongrong. Oscar, don't you dare scold her too…
No matter how much Ning Fengzhi disliked Ning Rongrong, she was still his daughter. To ensure she had a better life, there were some things he had to do.
"Father-in-law, I've only done what I should. Since joining the sect, I've become a part of it."
"Regardless of my original intentions for joining."
Oscar spoke with determination. His heart remained unwavering, growing even more resolute.
As if remembering something, Oscar turned his gaze to Ning Rongrong, his expression serious.
"Rongrong, I'll do my best to give you the freedom to be willful. But before that, you must listen to me!"
"???"
Ning Rongrong was utterly confused, her mind filled with question marks. What was Oscar talking about?
Hadn't it always been Oscar who listened to her?
What did he mean by giving her the freedom to be willful?
She had once had that freedom, but it had been "sealed" by Ning Fengzhi.
"Oscar, you…"
Before Ning Rongrong could finish, Oscar grabbed her hand, his tone heavy.
"Rongrong, this time, you must listen to me!"
Looking at Oscar, who was so close, Ning Rongrong felt a sense of unfamiliarity. When had he become so "domineering"?
But at this moment, she felt incredibly safe!
The only time she had felt this way before was when she was nestled in Ning Fengzhi's arms.
"Can you tell me why?"
Ning Rongrong asked softly. She was the type of person who responded better to firmness than gentleness. Speaking softly to her only made her think the other person was weak.
But this kind of domineering attitude…
"I want you to live, to live with me."
It wasn't the most romantic line, but Oscar said it without thinking, instinctively.
The two locked eyes, and at that moment, Ning Rongrong felt something in her heart melt.
"Alright, I'll listen to you."
In the divine realm, the God of Food shook his head. He had underestimated how much Oscar cared for Ning Rongrong.
"This path is too difficult. You might not be able to handle it."
"I just hope that a hundred years from now, you won't regret the decision you made today."
To live with Oscar?
Helping others become gods might not be a problem, especially for geniuses. All they needed was the corresponding divine trial and position, and they could ascend in no time.
But helping someone with innate deficiencies become a god? Even gods were powerless in that regard!
Of course, perhaps only "lower gods" were powerless. For "higher gods," it might be a trivial matter.
Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, and Gu Rong exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and relief.
Especially Ning Fengzhi. The more he looked at Oscar, the more he found him pleasing.
"From today onward, you two are free to move around the sect. But without my permission, you are not to leave, especially you, Ning Rongrong!"
"Dad, can't you be a little less of a buzzkill?"
"Oscar finally stood up for himself!"
Ning Fengzhi: "…"