"Xiao Tian, my wife and I are also willing to join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and be loyal to it—please do what you can to help us," Yu Feng also bowed and pleaded. He wasn't trying to get something for nothing; he was ready to use his life to repay the debt.
It seemed that although his mother was only a collateral member of the Speed Clan, her feelings for the family ran deep and had influenced Yu Feng greatly.
"Yu Feng, there's no need for that—we're brothers. You don't need to trade your freedom for my help. Whether you join or not, I'll do my best to help today," Tianlin said, helping Yu Feng up.
He meant it. Yu Feng wasn't like Ma Hongjun back in the day, who was a stranger and had to fully join the sect to receive the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower. But Yu Feng had been a brother for years—there was no need to take advantage of a friend in trouble.
Yu Feng smiled warmly, a rare expression for his usually calm face. "I know what's in your heart, Xiao Tian. But since the Wind and Fire Seven-Leaf Flower, I've owed you a great deal. I can't repay that. This time, joining your sect isn't just to seek your help—it's sincere."
"Besides, I want the Speed Clan to have a say after becoming your affiliated clan. We don't have a Titled Douluo, but I can become one. When I succeed, the Speed Clan will get a bigger share when the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect divides up benefits, right?"
"You're straightforward," Tianlin laughed.
Yu Feng's honesty made people appreciate him more. He was joining for the Speed Clan's benefit, but so what? Such people are more trustworthy; for big powers, it's not good to have subordinates who act like saints and have no desires.
"Thank you, Brother Jun—truly, thank you!" Bai Chenxiang kept bowing in gratitude. With the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's help, her clan's crisis would surely be solved.
"Then, I'll set out for Star Luo tomorrow. Rongrong, Hongjun, you'll come with me," Tianlin decided. "Since Feng Tianlei fled from my sect, this is a good chance to settle the score."
"Mm!" Ning Rongrong and Ma Hongjun nodded. Going on a mission with Tianlin was something they longed for.
Gu Ran didn't fight to go this time; since this was a low-risk mission, Tianlin would naturally take Ning Rongrong. As for Ma Hongjun, Gu Ran could tell Tianlin was creating an opportunity for him with Bai Chenxiang, so he didn't compete—some things are more important.
…
That night, Tianlin reported the matter to Ning Fengzhi, then packed with Ning Rongrong.
Ning Fengzhi had no objections. As vice sect master, Tianlin could decide such things, and if they could also win over the Speed Clan and the Breaking Clan, it would only benefit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Night fell. Ma Hongjun lay alone on the newly built rooftop, as he did every night. He preferred being alone rather than mingling with the others.
After all, the others were all couples: Tianlin and Ning Rongrong, Gu Ran and Ye Lingling, Oscar and Meng Yiran, and even Qin Ming and Zhou Yan. Watching them be lovey-dovey, he felt an indescribable envy.
As a single guy, he'd rather be alone than watch others show off their relationships.
"Hey, why are you here alone?" Bai Chenxiang nimbly flew up to the rooftop.
Ma Hongjun was a little embarrassed. "Miss Bai, it's late. Not asleep yet? Something up?"
Bai Chenxiang played with her braid and slowly spoke, "I came to thank you personally—for pleading for me and Brother Jun today."
Ma Hongjun was stunned for a moment. "I never thought I'd see the day a beauty thanked me, especially a lady of the Speed Clan. I'm just a commoner and chubby—no noble girl's ever looked me in the eye."
"I'm not a lady!" Bai Chenxiang sat down next to him. "All these years, our sect has struggled, relying on handouts from other sects or nobles. Grandpa is a Soul Douluo, but he's had to put aside his dignity and beg for help—with no success except from Grandpa Yang. If not for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, we'd have perished months ago."
"But I heard your clan never accepted Spirit Hall's soul master subsidies, and you turned down the Strength Clan's invitation to Heaven Dou. If you'd gone, things would be better, right?" Ma Hongjun was confused. He knew the Speed Clan disliked Spirit Hall, but at the point of life and death, why hold out?
"We don't want their help! If not for Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Sect, how would we have ended up here? Even if the Speed Clan is always a subordinate, we'll choose someone we can trust." Bai Chenxiang said angrily. "Once this crisis is over, I'll keep working hard and one day revive my clan, showing the world the Speed Clan's power."
Ma Hongjun watched Bai Chenxiang's determined face. He could sense the resolve she had—something he lacked. He'd always been pushed along in his cultivation, slacking when he could. Otherwise, with his talent, he'd have caught up to or surpassed Gu Ran by now.
"Do you think I'm weak and just talking big?" Seeing Ma Hongjun silent, Bai Chenxiang thought he looked down on her.
"No, not at all. I see a bit of our boss Tianlin in you. He has dreams and the courage to fight for them. For example, during Spirit Hall's extermination campaign, I was fighting ordinary Soul Kings at the mountain's base, but he chose to confront a Titled Douluo to protect his family. If it were me, I wouldn't have that courage."
"But I hope one day I can gain that courage too—to risk everything for the people I care about." Ma Hongjun had always known his shortcomings but hoped to change.
But some flaws aren't fixed just by recognizing them. The real problem is a lack of determination.
"I believe you can!" Bai Chenxiang encouraged him. "You underestimate yourself. Don't forget, your martial soul is the Fire Phoenix, king of birds. My Sharp-tailed Swift is nothing compared to yours."
"Your background, looks—those can all be overcome with talent and hard work. Once you become a Titled Douluo, even imperial princesses will have to respect you. So, besides determination, you need confidence."
"Well, I'm off to bed. We leave for Star Luo early, so you should rest too!"
With that, she unfurled her wings and gracefully flew down. Watching her beautiful figure, Ma Hongjun felt flustered—the first time a girl had encouraged him so, his heart skipped a beat.