As Ning Rongrong released her martial soul, the dazzling brilliance immediately drew the attention of Ning Fengzhi.
In that moment, the patriarch of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was utterly stunned, his heart shaken to its core.
It was well known that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda could only support up to seven spirit rings — a natural limitation of the martial soul. This was no secret, and precisely because of it, Ning Fengzhi himself, despite being the clan leader, was capped at Level 79, forever halted at the Soul Saint realm.
There had always been a legend: only with a unique opportunity or miracle could the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda evolve into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Not only would this strengthen a soul master's foundation, but it would also grant them far greater potential.
A soul master with a Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda who ascended to Title Douluo status would become a force capable of turning the tide of any battlefield — a true God of Support.
At this moment, Ning Fengzhi's emotions were a storm of exhilaration, disbelief, and overwhelming joy.
Nearby, Sword Douluo asked curiously,
"Rongrong, how did your martial soul suddenly evolve into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda? Did you have some kind of special opportunity?"
Bone Douluo replied for her,
"This is all thanks to your grandson."
"Chen Feng?"
Everyone's gaze turned toward Chen Feng.
Sword Douluo suddenly recalled something,
"Wait… are you saying it was that gift Chen Feng brought back from Poison Douluo's herb garden?"
At the time, Chen Feng had said he was preparing a special gift for Ning Rongrong. When asked about it, he kept it mysterious. Now, it was clear — the gift had caused her martial soul to evolve.
Sword Douluo turned his questioning eyes to Chen Feng, patiently waiting for an explanation. While he knew about the immortal herbs, he didn't know their full properties.
But to think a single herb could cause such a massive transformation… was truly hard to believe.
Chen Feng began to explain calmly,
"Grandpa Sword, Uncle Ning, the gift I gave Rongrong was indeed an immortal herb — its name is Qiluo Tulip."
"Qiluo Tulip?"
The powerful elders looked at each other, confused. None had heard of such a name before.
Chen Feng wasn't surprised. After all, these herbs had only gained fame after Tang San refined and used them, once the Shrek Seven Devils had become known throughout the continent. Before that, even Poison Douluo, who had lived right beside these herbs, hadn't recognized their true value — or they would've never been so easily harvested.
Sword Douluo asked cautiously,
"This Qiluo Tulip… is there any more of it?"
As he spoke, his gaze drifted toward Ning Fengzhi.
Everyone could guess what he meant. As the head of the clan, Ning Fengzhi had soul power stuck at Level 79 — not because of his potential, but due to the natural ceiling of his martial soul.
If he could also evolve his Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda into the Nine Treasure version, then in just a few years, the entire clan might be reborn as the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Facing their hopeful expressions, Chen Feng could only shake his head apologetically.
"Grandpa Sword, Uncle Ning… I'm afraid not. The reason these are called 'immortal herbs' is precisely because of their uniqueness. There was only one."
Ning Fengzhi's smile held a hint of regret, but also contentment.
"I understand. It's fine — the fact that Rongrong was able to obtain this opportunity is already a miracle. How could I possibly ask for more?"
His mood quickly brightened. Clearly, from this day forward, the clan's hope of transformation would lie in his daughter.
"Father, I've already agreed to join the team that Brother Chen Feng is forming," said Ning Rongrong.
"Really?" Ning Fengzhi's face lit up with delight. "Then you have my full support!"
He had long wished to pull Ning Rongrong out of Shrek Academy anyway. From what he'd heard, the environment there was… unruly. That Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun were practically living in brothels — the family's informants had reported on it multiple times.
If not for work matters tying him down, he would've already brought her back by force. This was the perfect opportunity.
"In that case, let the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan fund the establishment of a new soul master academy, just for Chen Feng's team!"
Ning Fengzhi decided without hesitation.
Chen Feng added,
"Uncle Ning, I also have something else I'd like to discuss with you."
"Speak freely."
"During my trip to the Star Luo Empire, both the Breaking Clan and the Defensive Clan expressed interest in allying with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan," Chen Feng explained.
Beside him, Bone Douluo nodded and added,
"This was all Chen Feng's idea. He's gone to great lengths to strengthen our clan's defense."
Chen Feng had already spoken with Bone Douluo about this alliance, and the latter had given his approval. Now that Ning Fengzhi was here in person, it was time to bring him up to speed.
Bone Douluo shared the details of their conversation with Ning Fengzhi, whose eyes gradually lit up as he listened.
Finally, he clapped his hands together excitedly.
"Excellent! Chen Feng, you've given me yet another surprise today. You truly deserve the title of Honorary Elder!"
Sword Douluo spoke meaningfully,
"Honorary?"
Ning Fengzhi chuckled, rubbing his forehead.
"You're right. I must be getting senile before my time.
I'll raise a motion at the next clan meeting — remove the word 'honorary' from Chen Feng's title and officially make him a Guardian Elder!"
Those words caused Yu Tianlong and the others to tremble slightly inside.
Guardian Elder!
In the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, only two individuals held that title — the two Title Douluo, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo. Yet Chen Feng was currently only a Soul Ancestor (a Soul Sect)!
Did Ning Fengzhi truly see such a promising future in him?
Even if it was just a motion for now, everyone knew the truth: Ning Fengzhi was the true authority in the clan. If he proposed, who would dare object?
"Uncle Ning, I deeply appreciate your trust… but I must decline."
Chen Feng rejected it on the spot.
Though "Honorary Elder" and "Guardian Elder" sounded similar, the power difference was vast.
A Guardian Elder in the clan wielded life-and-death authority, second only to the Sect Master himself, empowered to make decisions on all major clan matters.
But Chen Feng valued freedom. He still had a long road ahead — one that would take him through the trials of the Asura God, toward godhood itself.
If he accepted the role of Guardian Elder, he would be forever tied to the safety and future of the clan — a responsibility he wasn't ready for.
The privileges of an Honorary Elder were more than enough. Greater power would only become a shackle.
Ning Fengzhi smiled understandingly,
"Chen Feng, I wasn't making an emotional decision. You truly have the qualifications to be a Guardian Elder. With your talent, I believe becoming a Title Douluo is only a matter of time."
Chen Feng simply shook his head,
"Then let's wait until that day comes."
Saying that, he grabbed Yu Tianlong and the others and headed for the exit.
"Alright then, Uncle Ning — I've reported all my business.
I'm off to Shrek Academy to handle some matters. Catch you later!"
With that, he rushed out the door like a man escaping a trap.
Ning Fengzhi and the Sword & Bone Duo looked at each other and sighed with wry smiles.
"Maybe we're pushing too fast," said Ning Fengzhi softly.
We should give young people the time and space to grow. After all, he's not even fourteen yet…