Heaven Dou Empire
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan
After more than a month of traveling, Chen Feng returned to the clan with his three newly recruited teammates.
Even Yu Tianlong, born of the prestigious Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, couldn't help but gape at the extravagant castle that stood before him. As for the two others from the single-attribute clans, they looked utterly dumbfounded, like geese that had wandered into a palace.
In terms of overall strength and prestige, the Upper Three Sects each had their strengths. But when it came to wealth, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was unrivaled.
To say they were "wealthy enough to rival a nation" would be no exaggeration.
Coincidentally, the soul master on patrol that day was none other than Hall Master Ning, the same man Chen Feng had encountered during his first visit.
The moment he saw Chen Feng approaching with his group, Hall Master Ning's face changed. He was about to slip away when a teasing voice called out:
"Hall Master Ning, running away when you see me? Not going to check my identity token today?"
Ning froze mid-step, turning back with a forced smile as if he'd just noticed Chen Feng.
"Ah! It's Chen Feng… Elder Chen Feng!"
Ever quick-witted, he immediately corrected his words with the proper honorific.
Now that Chen Feng held a far higher status in the clan than he did, Ning had no choice but to show deference.
Despite his efforts to hide it, his awkwardness was still obvious. After all, the incident from that day was still fresh in his memory. Sect Master Ning Fengzhi had personally and sternly reprimanded him afterward.
In truth, Hall Master Ning hadn't done anything wrong. Being cautious for Ning Rongrong's safety was understandable. But his grave mistake was continuing to act disrespectfully even after identifying Chen Feng's Seven Kill Sword Martial Soul.
That sword had long been a deterrent force for the clan, warding off countless troublemakers. Even the Spirit Hall treated the sword's wielder with caution.
After all, how many external titled Douluo had ever been granted the title of Honorary Elder of Spirit Hall?
The Sword Douluo, Chen Xin, was one of those few.
Now with Chen Feng appearing as a young successor of the Seven Kill Sword, it was all but certain he was related. Mistreating Chen Feng was as good as offending the Sword Douluo himself. For that reason alone, whether for the sake of the clan or personal survival, Ning Fengzhi had to take action.
Today, seeing Chen Feng again, Hall Master Ning knew better than to act arrogantly.
Luckily, Chen Feng seemed disinterested in settling old scores. After a single playful remark, he let it go.
To Chen Feng, the matter had already passed. Bringing it up again would only embarrass Ning Fengzhi.
"Is Sect Master Ning or Rongrong in the clan?" Chen Feng asked.
"Rongrong is," Ning replied. "She just returned yesterday and is currently sulking at the Sect Master."
"Oh? What's she upset about?" Chen Feng asked with interest.
Ning looked around carefully—a victim of the "little devil's" wrath before—and whispered:
"She came back without informing the clan, wanting to surprise Master Fengzhi and the others. But it just so happened that only Elder Bone was here. Sect Master and Sword Douluo were both away."
"Do you know where they went?" Chen Feng asked again.
"Sigh. Still trying to strengthen the clan's battle power. Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Tower is unmatched in support, but our disciples' combat capabilities are just too weak. During missions, our casualty rate has been alarmingly high, and it's become a major headache for the Sect Master."
Chen Feng nodded. He understood.
The last time, Ning Rongrong had brought Tang San's hidden weapons back, which had caught the sect's attention. They were now negotiating mass production.
Unfortunately, Chen Feng didn't excel at forging. There was little he could do to help in that field.
"Let's return to the clan. I believe I have a gift that will put a smile on Rongrong's face," Chen Feng said with a confident grin as he waved his hand. "Hall Master Ning, we'll take our leave."
"Safe travels, Elder Chen Feng!" Hall Master Ning bowed respectfully.
As they walked away, a trace of curiosity flashed in his eyes.
A gift?
For someone born into wealth like Ning Rongrong, what kind of gift could make her happy?
He shook his head with a sigh.
Yu Tianlong and the others followed Chen Feng straight through to the inner sect without hindrance.
If they had any lingering doubts about Chen Feng's identity before, that brief exchange put them to rest.
If he weren't truly an elder, why would even a Hall Master act so respectfully?
Still, it was hard to wrap their heads around it—Chen Feng was just so young. To have risen to this level already was almost surreal.
As they reached one of the inner courtyards, a voice could be heard from within:
"Aiyo, my little princess! Please have mercy on your Bone Grandpa—these old bones can't take your torment… Ow! Not the beard!"
It was unmistakably Bone Douluo's voice.
When Chen Feng and the others entered the courtyard, they saw Ning Rongrong sitting on Bone Douluo's lap, mischievously tugging at his beard.
Yu Tianlong and the others were dumbfounded.
What kind of child dares to act like this?!
Even among the Upper Three Sects, or the Spirit Hall itself, people would show utmost respect to someone of Bone Douluo's level!
No wonder the rumors were true—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan did have a "Little Witch."
"Aiyo! Rongrong, look who's here—your Chen Feng big brother!"
Seeing Chen Feng, Bone Douluo looked as if he'd found his savior.
Chen Feng walked in with a smile, followed by his companions.
"Greetings, Senior Bone Douluo!" the others greeted respectfully.
Unlike Ning Rongrong, they wouldn't dare be so bold.
Hearing unfamiliar voices, Ning Rongrong quickly jumped off Bone Douluo's lap, her cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment.
Bone Douluo hastily straightened his robes, then chuckled:
"Good, good. You may all rise. Are you Chen Feng's teammates? Not bad—each of you is a fine young talent."
"Senior flatters us..." they responded humbly.
Chen Feng stepped forward.
"Grandpa Bone, Rongrong—how have you been?"
"I'm doing well," Bone Douluo said with a smile. Then he turned to Ning Rongrong and said with a touch of sternness, "Look at your brother Chen Feng—he's already reached Soul Ancestor! You two are nearly the same age, yet you're still just a Soul Elder. You should follow his example."
Ning Rongrong pouted unhappily.
"Always scolding me! I'm already at level thirty-three—that's pretty fast, okay!"
Then she turned to Chen Feng, eyes filled with disbelief.
"Chen Feng ge, you're too much! The strongest student at our academy, Dai Mubai, is only level thirty-nine—and he's almost seventeen! And yet you're already a Soul Ancestor before turning fourteen?! That's insane!"
Chen Feng nodded lightly.
Without external aid, Shrek's Seven Devils progressed more slowly. But genius was genius—even without divine herbs, their spirit power growth hadn't fallen too far behind. Still, compared to him, they paled in comparison.
"Don't worry, Rongrong. I brought you a gift this time. I'm sure it'll help you make significant progress."
He smiled.
Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up.
"A gift from Chen Feng ge must be something extraordinary!"
Chen Feng grinned and nodded.
It's called the Delicate Immortal Fragrance (Qiluo Tulip).