Ning's Daughter Gives Her Heart, a Father's Trust

Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, the sect master's study.

Sandalwood incense curled through the air, yet it could not dispel the heavy, complicated atmosphere. Ning Fengzhi stood before the window with his hands behind his back, gazing silently at the resplendent sight of the sect outside. Sword Douluo Chen Xin and Bone Douluo Gu Rong sat on either side, their expressions equally grave.

Ning Rongrong sat in a chair to the side, her little face full of urgency and determination. Her hands clutched tightly at the hem of her clothes, as though afraid her father might change his mind.

After a long while, Ning Fengzhi slowly turned around. His refined face carried the solemnity of a difficult decision. Looking at his daughter, he said in a low voice, "Rongrong, have you truly thought this through? That Myriad Manifestations Sect... may indeed be mysterious, and Qin Mo is unfathomable, but everything he displayed was simply too unbelievable. Ten Times Cultivation Speed... how could such a heaven-defying thing exist in this world? If I had not seen your Soul Power surge with my own eyes, on the verge of a breakthrough, I would have found it difficult to believe."

He paused, and his gaze sharpened. "More importantly, the human heart is difficult to fathom. He so readily revealed such a secret realm and invited you to join his academy. He must be seeking something significant. I am worried that you... might be deceived, or even fall into danger."

"Dad!" Ning Rongrong rose anxiously to her feet, her eyes already reddening. "Why won't you believe me? It's real! The Soul Power in my body can't lie! After staying in that tower for only a short while, the Level 29 bottleneck that had trapped me for nearly half a year loosened! That feeling was a hundred times clearer than taking any pill or cultivating in any Simulated Environment! How could he deceive me?"

She walked up to Ning Fengzhi and grabbed his sleeve, her voice choked with tears and desperate longing. "That is the true hope of breaking the limit of our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda! Are you really willing to let us remain stuck at seven rings forever? Don't you want to see Nine-Colored Divine Light bloom in Rongrong's hands? I don't! I don't want to be nothing more than a Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Soul Master for the rest of my life! I want to become stronger! I want the name of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda to resound across the continent, even... across the Divine Realm!"

By the end, her voice had become choked with sobs, but the light in her eyes shone as brilliantly as stars. Her desire to break through her limits was scorching hot.

Seeing the unprecedented, almost fanatical faith and determination in his daughter's eyes, Ning Fengzhi's heart shook violently. How could he not hope for the sect to break its shackles? How could he not yearn for the legendary Nine Treasures Glazed Tile? But as sect master, he had too many concerns and too heavy a responsibility.

"Fengzhi," Sword Douluo Chen Xin slowly said, his voice as clear and calm as the ring of a sword, "what Rongrong says may be difficult to believe, but the changes in her Soul Power are real. Though Qin Mo is young, he bears himself extraordinarily. Even the attendants around him are exceptional, especially that old man in black. His strength is unfathomable. Even Bone and I felt our hearts tremble before him. The Myriad Manifestations Sect he spoke of is likely even more terrifying than we imagined. Rather than become enemies with them, we should befriend them."

Bone Douluo Gu Rong said in a muffled voice, "Hmph. That brat may be unpleasant to look at, but his methods are indeed heaven-reaching. If he can truly help Rongrong break through and take our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to greater heights, what's wrong with giving him a few benefits? At worst, I'll guard the gates of his academy for a few years!"

The words of the two guardian elders made the scales in Ning Fengzhi's heart tip once more. He knew Chen Xin and Gu Rong's judgment and strength well. If even they regarded the Myriad Manifestations Sect with such wariness and optimism, its power was obvious.

He drew a deep breath, as though making an immense decision. His gaze became wise and profound once more. Looking at Ning Rongrong, he said solemnly, "Fine! Since this is your choice, and since this is an opportunity our sect has never had in all its history, then as your father... I will trust you this once. And I will trust Qin Mo once as well!"

Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong broke into tears and laughter, throwing herself excitedly into her father's arms. "Thank you, Dad!"

Ning Fengzhi gently patted his daughter's back, but his gaze shifted to Chen Xin and Gu Rong. The three exchanged a look of mutual understanding.

Some investments were worth the risk.

The next morning, the rising sun illuminated the land.

Several exceedingly luxurious carriages bearing the emblem of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda rolled grandly out of the mountain gates of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect under the escort of an elite group of sect disciples, heading toward the Myriad Manifestations Academy construction site in the western outskirts.

Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, and Gu Rong sat in the leading carriage. Ning Rongrong sat beside her father, her little face brimming with anticipation and excitement.

Such a spectacle immediately drew the attention of every major force in Heaven Dou City. The sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had set out together with the two Douluo who guarded the sect—what an enormous event was this? Countless spies immediately sent the news racing in every direction.

The convoy soon arrived at the academy construction site, which had already begun to take shape.

Having received notice, Qin Mo was already waiting in the temporarily cleared plaza with Bing'er, Yan'er, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ye Lingling. As usual, Qin Yuan remained hidden in the shadows and did not appear.

When Ning Fengzhi and the other two stepped down from their carriage and saw the scene before them, surprise once again flashed through their eyes.

In only a few short days, this wasteland had changed completely. The foundations were deep and solid, the walls had begun to rise, and the foundation of the central giant tower in particular was vast in scale. All the materials used were of the highest grade, while many of its structures were things they had never even heard of. The craftsmen worked in perfect order, the guards had sharp, capable eyes, and the entire site exuded an efficient, rigorous air far beyond the reach of ordinary forces.

What drew even more of their attention were the young women at Qin Mo's side. Aside from the Ice and Fire Twin Beauties they had seen yesterday, there were two others. One wore black and had a cold demeanor, her aura like a shadow in the night. The other wore white and was tranquil and elegant, yet radiated a dense Life Aura that seemed no weaker than the Nine Heart Begonia! Just where had Qin Mo gathered so many peerless geniuses?

"Sect Master Ning, Senior Sword, Senior Bone, forgive me for failing to welcome you from afar." Qin Mo stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Young Sect Master Qin is too polite. We are the ones disturbing you." Ning Fengzhi smiled warmly, his gaze sweeping over the embryonic academy behind Qin Mo as he praised, "Young Sect Master, what a grand undertaking. To achieve such a sight in such a short time is truly astonishing."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, both sides entered a temporarily constructed reception room that had nevertheless been arranged with considerable elegance.

Once they had taken their seats as host and guests, the smile on Ning Fengzhi's face faded slightly, replaced by solemnity. "Young Sect Master Qin, after yesterday's events, Ning and my two elders gave the matter much thought. Since Rongrong so dearly wishes to attend your academy and pursue the path of breakthrough, as her father, I naturally have no reason to stop her."

His tone shifted and became stern. "However, Rongrong is still young. She is my only daughter and the future hope of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. With her alone outside, I truly cannot be fully at ease. May I ask what arrangements your academy has for the safety of its students? During Rongrong's time at the academy, if she requires anything, how should our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect provide support?"

This was the true purpose behind his personal visit today—he wanted to send his daughter away, but also secure the greatest possible protection and convenience for her, while probing the Myriad Manifestations Sect's background and attitude.

Qin Mo had long expected this question. He smiled calmly. "Sect Master Ning, I understand your love for your daughter. Rest assured, although Myriad Manifestations Academy has only recently been founded, its security is far from ordinary. As for Rongrong's safety..."

Before he could finish, the space beside him rippled faintly. Qin Yuan, dressed in a black robe, appeared silently at his side like a ghost.

The instant Qin Yuan appeared—

Buzz!

Chen Xin and Gu Rong shot to their feet almost simultaneously. The Soul Power around them surged violently out of control, their gazes sharp as blades as they stared fixedly at the seemingly ordinary figure in black. Their faces were filled with unprecedented gravity and horror!

Limit Douluo!

It was absolutely the aura of a Limit Douluo! And by no means an ordinary Limit Douluo! That aura was as deep and boundless as an abyss, utterly unfathomable. It even made the two renowned Titled Douluo feel an indescribable pressure from the depths of their souls!

Ning Fengzhi's expression changed drastically as well, and the teacup in his hand trembled slightly. Though he was weaker than his two uncles, his senses were equally keen. In an instant, he understood why the two had lost their composure!

This old man in black was actually a peerless expert capable of standing alongside Spirit Hall's Great Enshrined, Qian Daoliu! The Myriad Manifestations Sect actually possessed such foundations?!

Qin Yuan merely gave Chen Xin and Gu Rong an indifferent glance. He did not release any pressure, yet the two Douluo already felt as though they faced a great enemy. He looked at Ning Fengzhi, his voice calm but carrying unquestionable force. "While the little girl is at the academy, this old man will personally be responsible for her safety. Unless I die, no one will be able to harm even a hair on her head."

His words struck the ground with force!

Ning Fengzhi's heart shook violently, followed by immense joy and relief! A personal promise from a Limit Douluo! It was more reliable than any regulation or any guard!

He immediately rose and gave Qin Yuan a deep bow. "With those words from Senior, Ning has no more concerns! Thank you, Senior!"

Chen Xin and Gu Rong also slowly sat back down with complicated expressions. They nodded slightly to Qin Yuan in respect. Before such an expert, they had no choice but to put away all their pride.

Qin Mo continued, "As for Cultivation Resources, the academy will naturally provide the best. If Rongrong has any special needs, she may contact your sect through the academy at any time. Myriad Manifestations Sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will be friends forever."

Ning Fengzhi finally put all his worries aside, and a sincere smile appeared on his face. "Good! With those words from the Young Sect Master and Senior, Ning can rest easy! Rongrong will be entrusted to your sect!"

Turning around, he took a storage Soul Tool ring from his robes. It shimmered with flowing light and was engraved with the image of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda. He handed it to Ning Rongrong. "Rongrong, inside are some things you are accustomed to using, along with some Gold Soul Coins and Cultivation Resources I prepared for you. Be obedient at the academy, cultivate well, do not be willful, and do not disappoint Young Sect Master Qin and Senior's expectations. And do not... forget the sect."

At the end, his tone inevitably carried a trace of reluctant farewell and earnest instruction.

Ning Rongrong accepted the ring, her eyes slightly red as she nodded firmly. "Dad, Grandpa Sword, Grandpa Bone, don't worry. Rongrong will cultivate diligently and never disappoint you! Nor will I bring shame to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!"

Chen Xin sighed and stroked Ning Rongrong's head. "Girl, take good care of yourself out there. If anything happens, send word back."

Gu Rong also said in his deep, muffled voice, "If anyone dares bully you, tell Grandpa Bone. I'll go break his bones apart!"

At the time of farewell, Ning Fengzhi seemingly casually patted Qin Mo's shoulder and handed him a gift list, saying quietly, "Young Sect Master Qin, this is only a modest gift, not worthy of mention. Consider it Rongrong's tuition and a small token of sincerity from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. If the academy needs anything in the future, do not hesitate to ask."

Qin Mo took the list and swept it with his Spiritual Power. Even he could not help inwardly sighing at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's generosity. The list included Gold Soul Coins, rare metals, medicinal herbs, and even several Soul Bones of exceptional quality. Their value was enough to build several more academies like this one.

"Sect Master Ning's generous gift is too kind to refuse. Thank you." He accepted it openly. This was the goodwill and investment the other side offered, so naturally he accepted it.

In the end, under the complicated gazes of Ning Fengzhi and the other two, Ning Rongrong remained at the Myriad Manifestations Academy construction site, filled with excitement and a trace of parting sorrow.

The little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had thus become a member of Myriad Manifestations Academy. With Ning Fengzhi and the others returning, this news would spread through the upper circles of Heaven Dou City at an astonishing speed.

And the name Myriad Manifestations Academy truly entered the sight of the continent's top forces for the first time.