The white jade steps of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect wound upward, with Glazed Lanterns casting a warm glow on either side. Lin Zhixia and Tang San had just arrived at the sect gates with Oscar when Ning Rongrong came running out, holding up her skirts. Ma Hongjun followed behind her, still chewing candy. "Fourth Sister, Third Brother, you're finally here! Where's Oscar?"
The moment she spoke, Oscar came into her sight. As their eyes met, Ning Rongrong abruptly stopped, her cheeks flushing as her fingers unconsciously twisted the fabric of her skirt. Oscar nervously clenched his Soul Tool Bag as well. The small scar at the corner of his brow stood out beneath the sunlight, but the inferiority he once carried was gone, replaced only by an awkward smile.
Seeing this, Lin Zhixia quietly gave Oscar a push and smiled at Ning Rongrong. "We brought the person you've been longing for. We also have an important matter to discuss with Sect Master Ning."
As soon as they entered the reception hall, Ning Fengzhi was already waiting in the seat of honor, the phantom of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda swirling around his fingertips. He looked at Oscar with scrutiny tempered by gentleness. "You're Oscar? Rongrong has mentioned you often these past five years."
Oscar took a deep breath and stepped forward, his tone firm. "Sect Master Ning, I know I wasn't worthy of Rongrong before, but I've trained with everything I had over these past five years. Now, I have the ability to protect her! I want to spar with Ma Hongjun and prove it to you!"
Ma Hongjun had just swallowed his candy when he immediately sprang up. "Sure! I'll let you see the Phoenix Spirit I've cultivated over these five years!"
Before the sparring match,