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As the words faded, a flicker of anticipation flashed deep within Dai Chengfeng's golden-blue eyes.
After all, setting aside the chance to teach that arrogant Dai Mubai and his lackeys, as well as that self-righteous "Master" Yu Xiaogang, there was one thing in particular that excited him.
Simply put, after winning the match, he would finally get to witness the legendary Great Sumeru Hammer of the Hao Tian Tang Hao—a technique said to be unmatched among mortal skills.
That alone was enough to make his heart race with excitement.
Currently, Dai Chengfeng was only one critical step away from mastering his perilous yet immensely powerful self-created soul skill, Exploding Rings.
Though it seemed like a thin veil separating him from mastery, its profound intricacies eluded his understanding for now.
However, Dai Chengfeng was absolutely confident. If he could personally witness the might of the so-called 'Strongest Technique Beneath Divine Skills', the explosive power of the Exploding Rings fueled by soul rings—capable of unleashing cataclysmic destruction in an instant—he would surely break through that final barrier and fully grasp the ultimate essence of Exploding Rings!
At that moment, his entire power system would undergo a complete transformation!
Meanwhile, on the other side, Bibi Dong was somewhat surprised by how readily Dai Chengfeng agreed but nodded slightly nonetheless:
"Then let us depart."
"Wait."
Dai Chengfeng suddenly spoke up at this moment. "Teacher, please wait for me in the carriage. I need to leave a message."
Without waiting for Bibi Dong's response, he pushed open the door and quickly descended the stairs, heading toward the hotel's front desk.
The attendant at the front desk was a young woman dressed in a neat uniform, wearing a professional smile. Upon seeing Dai Chengfeng approach, she immediately recognized this distinguished man with close ties to the young mistress of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. She promptly bowed deeply:
"Master, how may I assist you?"
Dai Chengfeng stopped. "I have something I need you to do."
"Please give your instructions."
"Please relay a message to Miss Ning Rongrong of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Tell her that Dai Chengfeng, due to urgent matters, has already returned to Spirit City and was unable to bid her farewell in person."
The attendant nodded immediately. "Understood, Master. I will convey your message to Miss Rongrong right away. Is there anything else you need?"
Dai Chengfeng paused briefly before speaking again. "Also… tell her that I look forward to seeing her again in either Tian Dou City or Spirit City."
With that, Dai Chengfeng turned and walked out of the Swan Hotel.
The attendant watched Dai Chengfeng leave, not daring to delay even a moment.
She swiftly stepped out from behind the counter and hurried through the hotel lobby, heading straight for the residence of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect where Ning Rongrong was staying.
After reporting, she arrived at Ning Rongrong's door and gently knocked.
Knock, knock, knock…
A moment later, the door creaked open slightly, revealing Ning Rongrong's face, still showing traces of sleepiness but no less delicate and adorable.
She rubbed her eyes, recognized the visitor, and asked with some confusion:
"What is it?"
The attendant quickly bowed. "Miss Ning Rongrong, forgive the intrusion."
"The gentleman who accompanied you earlier left a message before departing. He said that due to pressing matters, he has already returned to Spirit City and was unable to say goodbye in person. He deeply regrets this."
"He also said that he looks forward to meeting you again in Tian Dou City or Spirit City."
The drowsiness on Ning Rongrong's face vanished instantly, replaced by astonishment.
Her eyes widened, and her small, rosy lips parted slightly: "He… he left?"
"Now? He's already back in Spirit City?"
Incredulity filled Ning Rongrong's voice.
It seemed she couldn't believe how suddenly Dai Chengfeng had departed.
"Yes, Miss. That gentleman just left in a carriage moments ago." The attendant answered cautiously.
Upon confirmation, Ning Rongrong's bright, large eyes brimmed with disappointment and reluctance. She lowered her head, staring at her toes, her shoulders slumping slightly.
Instinctively, she tightened her grip on the edge of the doorframe, her knuckles turning white, as if wanting to say something…
However, this sense of loss didn't last long.
Perhaps recalling Dai Chengfeng's words—"I look forward to seeing you again"—or perhaps remembering something her father had hinted at earlier, the corners of her petite mouth suddenly curved upward uncontrollably. The smile initially carried a hint of grievance but was soon replaced by a mixture of smugness and mischief. Her eyes regained their sparkle.
"Hmph, ran off so quickly…"
She muttered under her breath, but her tone carried little resentment.
She then raised her head and waved dismissively at the attendant. "I understand."
"Thank you for your hard work, Miss. It was my duty."
Seeing that this little troublemaker from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect wasn't making things difficult for her, the attendant sighed in relief, bowed once more, and quietly withdrew.
Ning Rongrong closed the door, leaning against it, but her smile grew wider.
Meanwhile, in the courtyard gazebo, Ning Fengzhi and Sword Elder Chen Xin—who had observed every shift in expression on their daughter's face from the moment she opened the door until she closed it—exchanged glances, each spotting a trace of understanding and resigned amusement in the other's eyes.
"At first, I was worried she might resist going to Spirit City. But now it seems…"
Ning Fengzhi shook his head gently, his warm voice tinged with both reflection and relief. "We don't need to worry too much anymore."
"This child's feelings are impossible to hide."
Chen Xin crossed his arms, his usually stern face softening slightly as he gazed toward Ning Rongrong's closed door. "Young hearts are like that."
---
At this moment, atop the towering walls of Tian Dou City.
'Xue Qinghe', clad in luxurious prince regalia, stood tall and motionless behind the battlements.
Her gaze followed the ornate yet understated carriage below, exuding an air of majestic dignity.
At this moment, the carriage was slowly exiting the city gates, merging into the main road leading to distant lands.
"Dai Chengfeng, next time… when we meet again…"
'Xue Qinghe's' figure continued to follow the carriage. A gentle breeze swept the hem of her elegant attire, lifting strands of hair from her temples.
On her peerlessly handsome face, there was no expression, but deep within her profound eyes churned a complex, indescribable mix of emotions—longing, shyness—all eventually fading into silence.
Only when the carriage disappeared entirely from view, shrinking into a small black dot at the horizon and eventually vanishing altogether, did 'Xue Qinghe' slowly withdraw her gaze and turn to leave. Her solitary figure stood out starkly against the vast emptiness of the city wall.
"Young Master, if you truly wish…"
At this moment, the ever-loyal Porcupinefish Douluo standing beside Xue Qinghe began to speak softly.
"No!"
Before Porcupinefish Douluo could finish, Qian Renxue interrupted. "I've spent so many years working toward this goal. I can't afford to abandon it halfway."
"And besides… Bibi Dong…"
Ultimately, Qian Renxue shook her head. "Never mind. I believe Dai Chengfeng will understand."
"Right?"
As she spoke, Qian Renxue looked once more in the direction where Dai Chengfeng's carriage had disappeared. "Little Tiger?"
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