"What was that sound?"
Everyone was startled and instinctively turned to look behind them.
In the direction of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, the sky had become an inferno. Towering flames surged into the heavens like crashing waves, and the oppressive heat rolled across the land, making everyone tremble with fear.
Dugu Bo and Lin Shui stood frozen in shock, eyes wide with horror as they stared at the blazing inferno.
"They must've used the jade talisman already. That should be enough to keep us safe now."
Standing beside them, Lin Feng remained composed, as if everything had unfolded exactly as he had expected. His calm voice carried a trace of confidence and certainty.
"As expected of a Limit Douluo. With that kind of power, crushing me would be as easy as squashing a bug."
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would have to be suicidal to covet Flame Valley again."
Dugu Bo gulped, awe etched into his face as he stared into the inferno. His voice trembled.
The trio steadied themselves and continued flying forward.
Back at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, many disciples and elders had also witnessed the blazing sky.
The firelight illuminated their terrified faces; some were pale as sheets, legs giving out beneath them.
Fortunately, the horrific firestorm eventually dissipated, leaving behind only scorched, blackened earth and an acrid stench lingering in the air.
Survivors collapsed to the ground, murmuring with relief.
"We're still alive…"
As night fell, the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was cloaked in darkness and silence.
In the main hall's rear chamber, a soul tool lantern flickered, casting light on Ning Fengzhi's weary face.
Many within the clan had witnessed the terrifying spectacle in the sky, and some of them were undoubtedly spies from other factions.
He had to act swiftly to prepare for the inevitable inquiries from other powers.
"It's late. The rats hiding in the dark should start moving."
"Send Second Elder to lead the Shadow Guards. Keep an eye on all suspicious individuals within the clan. I want to know just how many spies we're harboring."
His voice was cold despite his fatigue.
"Yes!"
A shadowy figure bowed and then melted into the darkness.
At that moment, Liu Rong entered the hall carrying a steaming bowl of noodle soup, walking quietly toward him.
"Fengzhi, you've worked hard today. You should rest early."
Her gaze was full of tenderness, and her voice soft as water.
Without looking up, Ning Fengzhi waved his hand.
"You go rest. I still have some matters to attend to. I won't be returning tonight."
His voice was tired and resigned as his brush continued scribbling across the parchment.
Liu Rong gazed at his focused back, her heart filled with silent resentment.
She remained there for a moment, eyes brimming with disappointment.
Despite all she had done for Ning Fengzhi, he was always too busy to notice her feelings.
For a fleeting moment, a dangerous thought crept into her mind—perhaps she should find someone else.
But she quickly felt ashamed. Shaking her head, she tried to dispel the thought entirely.
"Rong'er? Something wrong?"
"I'm fine. I'll go to bed now."
"Mm. Get some rest."
Ning Fengzhi gave her a concerned look as she left the hall.
She returned to her residence.
Outside the gate, two guards bowed respectfully as she approached.
One of them, however, couldn't help but sneak a glance at her feet as he lowered his head.
"Hm?"
Liu Rong noticed the subtle movement immediately—her senses were sharp.
"What's your name? I haven't seen you before."
The man responded respectfully, "Madam, I'm a new guard. My name is Lao Ai."
He was a fair-skinned, handsome young man. Something about him reminded her of Fengzhi in his twenties. Her heart involuntarily skipped a beat.
Her face remained calm.
"Lao Ai, the Clan Head is still in the hall working. Go fetch a bowl of lotus seed porridge and wait at his door. Make sure it stays warm."
"The Clan Head must drink it to soothe his nerves and rest well."
Her gentle voice held a commanding tone that allowed no refusal.
"Ah? But the canteen is already—"
"I'll do it!"
Before Lao Ai could finish, another guard interrupted him respectfully.
Liu Rong didn't object.
"Very well. Go quickly."
She stepped into her residence without another word. Behind her, Lao Ai's gaze lingered on her back, full of undisguised appreciation.
"I'll hold down the fort here, Lao Ai."
"Thanks, Brother Li. Really appreciate it."
"No need for thanks. You're new here, so you wouldn't know—there's always a side door left open in the canteen for preparing meals for the Clan Head."
With that, the other guard rushed off, carrying a lantern.
Late at night, under the pale moonlight, the compound was silent.
Only one guard remained posted at Liu Rong's door, standing quietly amid the stillness.
Suddenly, the door creaked open.
Liu Rong stood in the doorway, her silhouette glowing under the moonlight like a descending celestial maiden.
Lao Ai froze. "M-Madam?"
"You—come in." Her voice quivered, but it was unmistakably a command.
A flush colored Liu Rong's cheeks.
Moments later, Lao Ai carefully stepped into the courtyard and gently closed the door behind him.
…
Flame Valley.
In Ye Lingling's room.
The dim lamp flickered gently, casting a solemn mood in the air.
Her grandfather, Ye Nantian, sat quietly in a chair, listening to her retelling of recent events. His kindly face contorted with tension.
"Lingling, I'm afraid I can't help with this."
"I'm just a Soul Douluo. What we're up against is the powerful Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
"A single stomp from them could shake the entire Douluo Continent. What can we possibly do?"
His voice was full of helplessness as he turned his head, a shadow passing through his gaze.
"People call me the continent's number one healing-type soul master, but that's just a title."
"If they honor me, it's a courtesy. If they don't, there's nothing I can do."
"In this world where strength reigns supreme… what do we have to stand against them?"
"Even the Lin Clan's words hold more sway than mine."
Ye Lingling's eyes dimmed, but she wasn't disheartened.
"It's okay, Grandpa."
"Flame Valley has a guardian beast now. Even Sword Douluo from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan didn't dare step in."
"We're safe now."
Ye Nantian gave a bitter smile, eyes full of pity at her naïve hope.
"Child, you're far too innocent."
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has deep foundations and countless experts. Do you really think they'd fear a soul beast?"
"They might not be able to act within the valley—but outside? How will we survive then?"
Ye Lingling trembled slightly.
Her grandfather's words were like a cold bucket of water, dousing her illusions completely.
A flicker of panic and concern crossed her eyes.
"No matter what, I want to stay with Lin Feng. I can't let him face these dangers alone."
She bit her lip and spoke with firm resolve.
Ye Nantian looked at her stubborn expression, both pained and helpless.
He slowly stepped forward, a flash of decisiveness in his eyes.
"Lingling… don't blame your grandpa."
With that, he raised his hand.
A soft but powerful light flashed.
Ye Lingling didn't even have time to react before her eyes gently closed and she slumped into his arms.
Ye Nantian caught her tenderly, his eyes full of love and sorrow.
"This is for your own good."
"I'll take you away from this place, away from all this strife. May you live in peace from now on."
With heavy steps, he carried her out the door.
Moonlight bathed his figure in silver, outlining a lonely but resolute silhouette as it slowly disappeared into the night.
---
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