Once the deal was finalized, Ning Fengzhi sat down cross-legged right in front of Lin Fan and the others, beginning to absorb the medicinal power of the Nine-Rank Snow Lotus.
After consuming it, a thin layer of frost quickly appeared on Ning Fengzhi's body.
Though the chill of the Nine-Rank Snow Lotus wasn't as terrifying as that of the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, it was still an herb that grew near icy springs. The cold it carried was something most soul masters couldn't easily withstand.
Bone Douluo grew concerned when he saw Ning Fengzhi grimacing in discomfort with his eyes closed.
"Something doesn't seem right with Fengzhi. Could this be poison?" he asked Sword Douluo nervously.
Before Sword Douluo could respond, Lin Fan calmly interjected,
"Senior Bone Douluo, aren't your words a bit harsh? Even if I wanted to harm someone, would I dare do it right in front of you two?"
He nearly rolled his eyes.
Even if he did want to poison Ning Fengzhi, there was no way he'd be foolish enough to try it right under the noses of Sword and Bone Douluo.
Still worried, Bone Douluo muttered,
"Then what's going on? Fengzhi's whole body is radiating cold air—don't tell me it's cold poison?"
Lin Fan explained calmly,
"That won't happen. Like I said, the Nine-Rank Snow Lotus was picked from deep within the snowy regions of the Extreme North. Snow lotuses are inherently cold-type herbs, and this one's quality makes its chill even stronger."
"Ning Sect Master's current condition is completely normal. Once he finishes absorbing the medicinal effects, he'll naturally recover."
Lin Fan remained composed throughout, showing no sign of panic.
After all, Ning Fengzhi was a rank 79 Soul Sage. Compared to when Tang Yuehua had absorbed the Nine-Rank Purple Ganoderma, his absorption was much faster.
Just over three hours later, the frost on Ning Fengzhi's body gradually melted away. When he finally opened his eyes, they were filled with shock and disbelief.
"Fengzhi, how is it?!" Bone Douluo asked eagerly.
"Incredible. Incredible!" Ning Fengzhi exclaimed in astonishment.
"I never imagined such a miraculous treasure could exist. Bone Uncle, Sword Uncle, I've finished absorbing the herb's medicinal effects—my soul power has reached rank 80!"
"This means I can now acquire my eighth soul ring and officially become an eight-ring Soul Douluo!"
Ning Fengzhi was a man of vast experience, having seen countless rare treasures—but he'd never encountered anything this miraculous. What he had previously dismissed as an ordinary snow lotus had now completely overturned his understanding.
Sword Douluo, ever calm and composed, furrowed his brows slightly and reminded him,
"You'd best check your martial soul as well—see if there's been any change."
At that, Ning Fengzhi immediately summoned his martial soul—the brilliantly radiant, gemstone-like Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
The three of them leaned in to inspect it closely.
Ning Fengzhi himself began counting the number of tiers on the pagoda.
"Eight tiers! My martial soul has indeed evolved into the Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!" Ning Fengzhi gasped in awe.
He was stunned by the evolution of his martial soul, overjoyed at being able to resume cultivation, and utterly amazed by the treasure Lin Fan had provided.
Lin Fan smiled calmly.
"Well, Sect Master Ning, did I lie to you?"
Ning Fengzhi retracted his martial soul, then bowed slightly in a respectful manner.
"Brother Lin, I must admit my previous lack of insight. When you first asked for our Split-Heart Control technique, I did feel some resentment."
"But now, I realize I judged you unfairly. Please accept my sincere apology."
This time, Ning Fengzhi didn't address him by his full name, but instead used a friendlier, more respectful term—"Brother Lin."
Lin Fan chuckled lightly.
"It's understandable, Brother Ning. After all, your Split-Heart Control Technique is a core inheritance of your clan. It's only natural to be cautious."
"But I must say, your magnanimity truly impresses me."
Ning Fengzhi's expression turned serious.
"Honestly, Brother Lin, I'm the one who benefited the most from this deal. With this breakthrough, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has gained much greater confidence."
He wasn't exaggerating. Gaining an eighth soul ring wasn't just a simple numerical boost for Ning Fengzhi—it significantly enhanced his entire clan's overall strength.
As a seven-ring Soul Sage, his support allowed Sword Douluo to match the power of a rank 97 Super Douluo.
Now, as an eight-ring Soul Douluo, Ning Fengzhi's auxiliary boosts—especially combined with Split-Heart Control—could potentially push Sword Douluo's combat effectiveness to approach rank 98.
Even more astonishingly, with his mastery of Split-Heart Control, Ning Fengzhi could simultaneously boost multiple top-level powerhouses like Sword Douluo.
Thus, this breakthrough wasn't just his alone—it elevated the entire clan's might.
Lin Fan simply shrugged.
"Brother Ning, don't be so formal. No deal in this world is ever truly 'fair.' We both got what we needed."
Honestly, Lin Fan could've offered something even better—like the Delicate Fragrant Immortal Grass—but a single secret technique wasn't enough for him to trade away something that precious.
Ning Fengzhi chuckled.
"I, Ning Fengzhi, vow that our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will forever remain friendly with you, Brother Lin. It's a shame you don't have any children, though… Otherwise, I'd love to arrange a marriage between my daughter and your son."
"By the way, Brother Lin, after all these years, do you have any offspring?" Ning Fengzhi asked curiously.
Lin Fan shook his head with a wry smile.
"Brother Ning, I've been focused on cultivation all this time—no children yet. However, as I mentioned earlier, I met the Crown Prince at Moon Pavilion because Madam Tang is my beloved."
"That's why I've been living at Moon Pavilion."
Ning Fengzhi's eyes widened in shock.
"Madam Tang is your lover? No wonder!"
Smiling, he said,
"Alright then. Since I've already benefited from your great treasure, I'll keep my promise and teach you our Split-Heart Control Technique."
With that, he retrieved a book from his storage-type soul tool.
The cover read: [Split-Heart Control].
Ning Fengzhi handed it to Lin Fan, explaining patiently,
"Brother Lin, the Split-Heart Control Technique consists of several stages—Three Aperture Control, Four Aperture Constancy, Five Aperture Division, Six Aperture Freedom, and Seven Aperture Perfection."
"This technique allows its user to simultaneously control multiple soul skills and significantly reduces soul power consumption."
"This manual contains both the training methods and detailed notes from our clan's ancestors. I hope it will help improve your strength."
Lin Fan accepted the book with great reverence.
"Many thanks, Brother Ning. Rest assured, I won't leak this technique. Even if the day comes when I must pass it on, I'll first seek your permission."
"If I break my word, may the gods punish me!"
Ning Fengzhi nodded, smiling with trust.
"I believe you, Brother Lin."
Lin Fan then stood up, saying,
"Brother Ning, I'll return to Heaven Dou City first to study this technique carefully. Once I've fully memorized it, I'll return the manual to you."
Ning Fengzhi chuckled.
"Why the rush? You're welcome to stay a few more days here."
Lin Fan smiled knowingly.
"No need, Brother Ning. Besides, I suspect that after all these years stuck at rank 79, you must be eager to visit Star Dou Great Forest and acquire your eighth soul ring."
Ning Fengzhi let out an embarrassed laugh but admitted,
"You're right. But honestly, I need to be cautious this time. Since this is my eighth soul ring, I have no idea what kind of soul beast would suit me best. I might have to search for over ten days in Star Dou Great Forest."
Hearing that, Lin Fan smiled faintly. He had a sudden idea, recalling the future effects of Ning Rongrong's eighth and ninth soul skills.
"Brother Ning, I might have a suggestion for you."
Ning Fengzhi's eyes lit up with interest.
"Oh? Brother Lin, please do tell."
Lin Fan explained calmly,
"Your first seven soul skills all focus on boosting others, but you lack any self-protection abilities. For your eighth soul ring, you should consider obtaining a defensive-type skill—one that creates a protective barrier."
"Not only could it shield others, but it could also protect you during critical moments."
"For example, you could acquire a barrier that's immune to all attacks below the ninth soul skill, capable of withstanding a single ninth soul skill attack without breaking, and even absorbing the enemy's soul power to strengthen its defense."
As Lin Fan casually described the effects, he was laying out the future soul skills of Ning Rongrong.
Ning Fengzhi's eyes immediately brightened with excitement, clearly tempted by the idea.