"Aside from eating, drinking, and sleeping, what else can you do?"
Tang San rubbed his temples, watching the carriage fall into a ditch for the third time. He was starting to feel sorry for the poor horses—what misery they had to endure.
Ning Rongrong pouted, puffing her cheeks in frustration. "I never said I could drive a carriage! You're the one who forced me to!"
Tang San nodded without hesitation. "You're absolutely right. My mistake was expecting you to have any redeeming qualities at all. My apologies—I was wrong. You truly are useless."
Ning Rongrong's chest heaved with anger at his words. She wanted to retort, but after some thought, she realized that aside from being a Soul Master with a top-tier Martial Soul, she really didn't have any other skills. Her Soul Power couldn't compare to Tang San's either. In the end, she could only shut her mouth.
After much trial and error, it was Tang San who ended up driving the carriage, finally arriving safely at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's castle.
As the wealthiest sect, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's castle was naturally grand and magnificent. From afar, it seemed to hover high in the sky—a fortress built halfway up a mountain, easy to defend and hard to attack. Under the sunlight, the castle gleamed with a metallic sheen.
As they drew closer, one could sense the overwhelming sword energy radiating from the castle. The surrounding mountain peaks bore countless sword marks, as though they could split the heavens and tear through the void. It felt as though anyone who approached would be instantly annihilated by this terrifying sword energy.
"Sword Douluo's sword remains as formidable as ever. The sword energy lingers without dissipating," Tang San remarked as he stepped down from the carriage, gazing at the words "Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School" carved into the distant stone mountain with sword strokes.
Ning Rongrong descended from the carriage as well. "This castle was only built in recent years. Our sect's main headquarters isn't here."
Of course, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's true stronghold wouldn't be located beside Heaven Dou Imperial City. It was only after the sect's relationship with the Heaven Dou royal family grew closer that they were permitted to establish this outpost near the imperial capital. Thus, the entire castle still looked brand new.
As Ning Rongrong stepped down from the carriage, the guards at the gate knelt on one knee and said, "Welcome home, Young Miss."
Ning Rongrong nodded slightly, her expression gradually regaining its usual arrogance. Her steps became more confident, as though she had completely forgotten the events of the past few days.
Now that she was back on home turf, Ning Rongrong regained some of her boldness. "Hmph, Tang San, this is my territory now. If you dare offend me, I'll have you thrown out."
Tang San chuckled lightly. "Yes, yes, of course it's your place. I wonder who was it that said they wouldn't rely on their father?"
Stung by his words, Ning Rongrong glared at him furiously. Unfazed, Tang San strode boldly into the castle without a care. Though this was the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's domain, given Tang San's status, he could walk sideways if he wanted—no one would dare stop him.
At the heart of the castle stood a middle-aged man dressed in pale robes, his hair flowing freely as terrifying sword energy pulsed from his body. This was none other than Sword Douluo, one of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's two Titled Douluo.
Tang San clasped his hands respectfully and greeted, "Senior Sword Douluo, it's been a while."
Sword Douluo also greeted with a smile, saying, "Young Sect Master Tang San, it's been many years since we last met. You've grown even more heroic, reminding me of your father in his youth. May I ask the purpose of your visit today?"
Naturally, Sword Douluo had noticed Ning Rongrong, but he didn't immediately greet her. Instead, he inquired about Tang San's business first. After all, Tang San wasn't an ordinary person who would casually visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School without reason.
Tang San produced a confidential letter from the Clear Sky Sect and, using the technique of the Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique, shot the envelope with force directly toward Sword Douluo high above. When the powerfully propelled letter reached within three inches of Sword Douluo, it was halted by an invisible sword aura. All momentum instantly dissipated, and the letter gently floated to Sword Douluo's hand.
"The Clear Sky Sect wishes to convene a Titled Douluo conference. We hope Sect Master Ning and both Titled Douluo can attend," Tang San stated.
Sword Douluo caught the descending letter and said to Ning Rongrong beside him, "Rongrong, Grandpa Sword will first deliver this letter to your father. You properly entertain Young Sect Master Tang San."
Tang San stretched lazily and murmured, "Finally completed the sect's task."
Ning Rongrong walked up to Tang San and asked curiously, "You're the sect's young master. Couldn't you have sent someone else to deliver the letter? Why come personally?"
Tang San glanced at Ning Rongrong and replied, "Because of succession. I've reached a certain age now and have gained the sect's recognition as young master. So I need to 'make my face known' to ensure a smoother transition when I eventually take over the sect."
To put it plainly, it was similar to visiting relatives—essentially going around to be recognized. Take Poison Douluo, for example, who had been in seclusion searching for detoxification methods. He only knew Tang Hao had a son but didn't know his name, let alone what Tang San looked like.
After this introduction, if any conflicts were to arise with Dugu Yan in the future, at least Poison Douluo would recognize Tang San and avoid unpleasant incidents.
This visit to announce the Clear Sky Sect-hosted Titled Douluo conference served not only to make Tang San's face known but also to inform Poison Douluo and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School that Tang San was being groomed as the next sect leader—he represented the Clear Sky Sect.
Moreover, having Tang San personally deliver the message underscored the importance of this conference.
Ning Rongrong naturally couldn't grasp these intricate political maneuvers among higher-ups. She waved her hand dismissively, saying, "Never mind, I don't understand what you're saying. I'm going back to my room to rest—I'm exhausted these past few days. Feel free to wander wherever you like."
After pondering for a moment, Tang San asked, "There should be a Simulated Training Field here, right? I'd like to test something."
"Huh? You're still thinking about training now?" Ning Rongrong stared at Tang San in astonishment. "You're truly diligent, no wonder your Soul Power is so high."
Hearing this, Tang San laughed and shook his head in denial. "You're mistaken about that. To be honest, hard work accounts for less than one-tenth of my current cultivation level. Luck and momentum are far more important."
"Luck and momentum?"
Looking at the utterly confused Ning Rongrong, Tang San couldn't help but feel exasperated. She truly understood nothing. He explained, "Success is impossible without luck. Not knowing how to leverage circumstances won't lead to success either. While effort is important, the growth it brings is very limited. Effort is what you rely on when you have nothing else to begin with."
Tang San sized up Ning Rongrong and lectured, "I don't know what Shrek Academy told you, but you were born into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School as the sect leader's daughter, possessing the world's top-tier Martial Soul, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, and are one of the most talented in your sect. What you need most right now isn't effort."Look at the character for 'effort' - it's the strength of a slave, the power used by those who have nothing. Are you a slave?"
(End of Chapter)