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The usually serious Chen Xin finally shed his aloof demeanor and said, "Ye Lan, I heard you managed to win a two-on-one fight in the Great Spirit Arena."
"Uncle Fengzhi, may I ask who this is?" Ye Lan turned to Ning Fengzhi.
"This white-robed swordsman is my Uncle Jian—Chen Xin—titled Sword Douluo, the strongest offensive Titled Douluo on the continent. The black-robed elder beside him is my Uncle Long—Gu Rong—titled Bone Douluo, the strongest defensive Titled Douluo on the continent." Ning Fengzhi wasn't exaggerating in the slightest when praising them.
"Lord Sword Douluo, I only defeated two Soul Grandmasters in a two-on-one fight at the Spirit Arena," Ye Lan replied modestly.
"Ye Lan, being overly modest makes you seem distant," Sword Douluo feigned a reproachful tone.
A burst of pressure erupted from Chen Xin's body—Spirit Elder-level soul pressure.
Ye Lan remained composed, only feeling a slight heaviness on his shoulders.
Oh? Bone Douluo was surprised that even Chen Xin's Spirit Elder-level pressure hadn't fazed Ye Lan.
Sword Douluo gradually increased his soul pressure. Ye Lan felt his own soul power becoming more refined with each passing moment.
Sensing the changes in his body, Ye Lan forcefully resisted the instinctual urge of his cells to circulate soul power.
Soul power augmentation: 0%!
Thanks to the effects of whale glue, absorbing beyond-age-limit soul rings, ultimate vitality, an innate level-20 soul power foundation, and an external soul bone, Ye Lan's physical condition was already at the level of a Soul Ancestor—nearing Soul King. Thus, he could remain unfazed by Spirit Elder-level pressure.
When Chen Xin raised his soul pressure to Soul Ancestor level and saw Ye Lan even retracting his own soul power, his usually cold expression showed a rare trace of surprise. This boy... he knows my intention?
As Chen Xin continued to increase his pressure, he even paused occasionally, allowing Ye Lan's body to adjust. Eventually, Ye Lan felt that his soul power had condensed by nearly 30%. His physical qualities were now approaching that of a Soul King.
But then, countless cells within his body began to scream in agony, desperately craving replenishment of soul power. Overwhelmed by pain, Ye Lan's consciousness was momentarily engulfed, and he passed out.
Chen Xin nodded in satisfaction, watching him with approval.
"Fengzhi!"
Ning Fengzhi immediately summoned his Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Six soul rings lit up simultaneously.
"Seven Treasures shine—First: Strength!"
"Seven Treasures shine—Second: Soul!"
"Seven Treasures shine—Third: Enhancement!"
Ye Lan's attributes were instantly boosted by 80%, and a gentle wave of soul power began to nourish his fatigued cells. Moments later, Ye Lan regained consciousness.
"Thank you, Lord Sword Douluo, for the tempering, and thank you, Uncle Fengzhi, for your soul skills," Ye Lan said sincerely.
"Ye Lan, don't be so formal. Just call me Grandpa Jian. And this one here, you can call Grandpa Gu," Chen Xin said, still in awe of Ye Lan's monstrous talent. A Soul Grandmaster with the physical strength of a Soul King—what a concept! If Ye Lan could withstand the spiritual shock of a ten-thousand-year soul beast, he might even absorb a ten-thousand-year soul ring as his third.
Bone Douluo nodded at Ye Lan, acknowledging him silently.
With two peak Titled Douluo actively strengthening their bond with him, Ye Lan knew better than to decline. He respectfully said, "Grandpa Jian, Grandpa Gu."
Chen Xin and Gu Rong exchanged glances and burst into hearty laughter.
Seeing the atmosphere was right, Ning Fengzhi spoke up, "Ye Lan, since we're all family now, why not return to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect with us? As soon as you do, I'll formalize your engagement to Rongrong. Regardless of your children's talents, I will designate them as future successors of the sect. What do you think?"
Ye Lan could feel the sincerity in Ning Fengzhi's offer, as well as the admiration and closeness from the two super Douluo. A sect master from one of the Upper Three Sects was trying to recruit him personally—offering his beloved daughter and even the future of the sect itself. Most people wouldn't hesitate to agree on the spot.
Ye Lan, however, paused in thought before replying, "Uncle Fengzhi, Rongrong and I aren't what you think—we're just student and teacher. I'm afraid I can't accept your invitation. But no matter what, we are indeed like family."
If it weren't for Silver Wolf's timely intervention, he would have likely died earlier that day. In that moment, Ye Lan owed the Spirit Hall a life debt. No matter what, he couldn't align with any sect before meeting Bibi Dong.
As for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, whether as Ning Rongrong's teacher or as someone whose theories were being promoted by the sect—Sword Douluo had helped him refine his soul power. Sect Master Ning had shown him immense respect and even considered entrusting him with the sect's future. Ye Lan would not ignore these kindnesses. Even if he couldn't join the sect, he would do everything in his power to help them avoid the tragic fate of being targeted in future soul-hunting campaigns.
A trace of disappointment flashed in Ning Fengzhi's eyes, but he quickly responded warmly, "No need to rush your decision, Ye Lan. The doors of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will always be open to you."
"Ye Lan, if you change your mind, Grandpa Jian will personally bring up the marriage with Rongrong," Chen Xin said with a teasing look.
"Ye Lan, take this. If you ever find yourself in a difficult situation, just present this token. I believe anyone in the Heaven Dou Empire will give me, Ning Fengzhi, some face," he said, handing Ye Lan a sect master's token. This wasn't a unique item, but anyone who bore it could act with the authority of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Ye Lan didn't refuse. He accepted the token and said, "Thank you, Uncle Fengzhi. I'll continue guiding Rongrong well. If you want to see her, she's likely waiting for me at the Great Spirit Arena."
"Then it's settled. I expect a brand-new Rongrong when we meet again. And do visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect sometime—I'll treat you to a good drink!" With that, the three soared away on a giant sword.
"Fengzhi, why didn't you just tie that boy up and bring him back? If even he doesn't qualify to be Rongrong's husband, then no one in the world does," Bone Douluo asked curiously.
"I didn't expect that even with my utmost sincerity, Ye Lan remained unmoved. He's definitely not an ordinary person. Whether in theory or in martial achievements, there's never been anyone like him. I believe even Titled Douluo won't be his limit," Ning Fengzhi said with deep emotion.
Both Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo silently agreed—there was nothing wrong with what Fengzhi said.
Fengzhi continued, "Forcing him would be the worst choice. People like him have the strongest sense of pride. It's better to give him space and let him choose for himself. No matter what, Rongrong will always be his student. If he ever reaches the peak, we'll share in that glory." Ning Fengzhi believed that as long as Ye Lan didn't die prematurely, his future achievements would shake the world—and perhaps even touch the realm of legends.
"If only he were my son," Chen Xin sighed wistfully. His own talent had fallen short of his father's, which was why he had devoted himself entirely to the sword, never marrying.
"Uncle Jian, if all else fails, I'll set up a few blind dates for you. We can't let the Seven Kill Sword die with you!" Ning Fengzhi teased.
"Another time, another time!" Chen Xin deflected.
"Sword Bone, you might as well spend your life sleeping with that broken sword of yours," Bone Douluo quipped.
"Old bones, you're no better. Enjoy your life sleeping with your bones!" Chen Xin shot back.
(End of Chapter)