While the family was still deep in discussion, someone outside suddenly came to inform Yang Xiong that Ning Fengzhi had summoned him.
Yang Xiong found it quite strange. Ning Fengzhi, being such a busy man, why would he suddenly want to meet a minor figure like himself? Could it be that Ning had discovered something unusual about him?
Ever since returning home, Yang Xiong had carefully categorized and hidden the various immortal herbs he'd acquired. The soul tool he wore only contained some common herbs, along with a few rare ones that might be useful to him personally.
The rest of the herbs were all stored in a separate small soul tool, which he had hidden in the beam above his room. He even drilled a small hole in the beam and camouflaged it so thoroughly that no one would be able to find it.
With a puzzled expression, Yang Xiong followed the messenger to the sect's core area. To his surprise, he was taken directly to Ning Fengzhi's residence. Even more surprising was the fact that no one else was there, not even the usual companions Sword Douluo or Bone Douluo.
Upon entering, Yang Xiong quickly bowed and greeted him, "Greetings, Sect Master. May I ask why you've summoned me so late at night?"
Ning Fengzhi responded casually, "Ah, Xiong, you're here. No need to be so formal. Have a seat."
Still filled with confusion, Yang Xiong sat down beside Ning Fengzhi, feeling a bit unsure of himself.
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "Xiong, you're already one of the core disciples of the sect. Just treat me like a senior in the family. I called you here because there's a small matter I need your help with."
Yang Xiong was puzzled. If there really was something important, why would it fall on someone like him, just a Soul Master?
Seeing Yang Xiong's confusion, Ning Fengzhi looked slightly troubled. "Xiong, you know I only have one daughter, Rongrong. Over the years, she's been a bit spoiled in the sect, especially thanks to the doting care of Uncle Sword and Uncle Bone. I haven't been able to manage her strictly. As a result, she's stirred up quite a few problems here."
Yang Xiong quickly responded, "Sect Master, you're overthinking it. Miss Rongrong might be a bit mischievous, but she knows her limits. With her outstanding talent, she's well ahead of others in our class in terms of soul power. A little pride is only natural."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "No need to comfort me. I know her flaws better than anyone. She really lacks discipline. Today, without telling Uncle Sword and Uncle Bone, I provoked her with words and encouraged her to go out on her own. By now, she should have left the sect."
Yang Xiong was even more puzzled. What did this have to do with him? Even if someone needed to protect her in secret, it surely wouldn't be his job.
"Sect Master, as your heir, Miss Rongrong has a noble status. Her safety is extremely important. I still think it would be safer for her to study within the sect. If necessary, she could attend the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, that would at least ensure her safety."
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "I've already arranged for her safety. She'll be protected in secret. But I'm not entirely comfortable letting her go alone. Since you and Rongrong are classmates and grew up together, I'd like you to accompany her during her studies and training."
Yang Xiong was startled. It seemed Rongrong had been provoked into running off to Shrek Academy. Yang didn't have a good impression of the people at Shrek and doubted he could learn anything useful there.
Besides, he had already picked all the immortal herbs from Shrek's greatest opportunity, their herb garden. There was no chance of them winning the Soul Master Tournament now. Rather than going out and attracting attention, he'd prefer to stay home and train quietly.
"Sect Master, I plan to attend the Purple Star Academy. My elder brother is also there, and we can support each other in our growth."
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "That works out perfectly. I see you're planning to directly attend an advanced Soul Master academy. I know of a very good one in Soto City of the Balak Kingdom. Its faculty is excellent and well-suited for your future development."
Yang Xiong couldn't help but grumble inwardly, wasn't that academy just Shrek Academy? Had the dignified sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect really fallen for Shrek's false advertising? If so, the future of the sect was worrying.
Yang Xiong quickly replied, "Sect Master, as you know, my brother and I are very close. I'd really prefer to attend Purple Star Academy."
Ning Fengzhi showed a strange expression. "Xiong, didn't you know? Because of his outstanding performance, I've already decided to recall your brother to the sect for focused training. He may even become an elder in the future."
Yang Xiong's face darkened. Ning Fengzhi was truly devious. His brother was only at level 32 at age 18, far from a genius. How could he possibly become an elder?
Ning Fengzhi seemed to understand Yang Xiong's reluctance. "Xiong, there's one more thing. I told Rongrong that you couldn't bear her having a higher soul power level than you, so you insisted on going to Soto City to study. That gave her the idea to go there. If you don't go, I'm afraid she'll cause chaos throughout the entire sect."
"You know she's my only daughter, and with how much Uncle Sword and Uncle Bone dote on her, there are some things even I can't stop."
Yang Xiong: …
At that moment, Yang Xiong was extremely frustrated. Ning Fengzhi was too cunning. There was no doubt he had already investigated everything about Shrek Academy, yet he still encouraged Rongrong to go there, and now even wanted to drag him along, probably to use the people at Shrek to temper Rongrong's character. But what did that have to do with him?
After a long pause, Yang Xiong reluctantly said, "Since it's the Sect Master's arrangement, I will do my best to guide Miss Rongrong in her studies and ensure I don't let you down."
Originally, Yang Xiong had planned to find a quiet place to cultivate for a few years and then emerge with much stronger power. Now, going to Shrek seemed like a hassle.
Suddenly, Ning Fengzhi's tone grew serious. "Xiong, how do you think the sect has treated you these past years? I know you've contributed greatly, but the sect has done far more for you than you imagine. For example, when you achieved thirteen consecutive wins in the Great Soul Arena of Heaven Dou City, you caught the attention of many powers, especially the Heaven Dou Empire, which highly values talent. But has anyone approached you?"
"Also, you trained in the Sunset Forest for two to three months. Do you really think a mere Soul Master could survive there without encountering danger? You only succeeded because someone was quietly protecting you from behind the scenes."
Yang Xiong was shocked. His training in the Sunset Forest had gone surprisingly smoothly. Although there were some dangers, there were no real threats or terrifying soul beasts.
He had already felt something was off. Now it seemed that every move he made in the forest had been under surveillance. Did that mean all his little secrets had been exposed?
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