The Lonely Ning Rongrong

This shop had already been converted into a general store, run by Chen Ze, selling various odds and ends.

This was prime real estate within the city; even ordinary goods could be sold at a hefty markup.

With no rent costs for the shop, Chen Ze bought low from the outer city and sold high here, earning a considerable income.

Additionally, he hadn't taken down the sign Qin Yuan had left outside the door.

Few people came here to place commissions, though one young woman frequently stopped by to ask about the progress of her request.

Qin Yuan hadn't told him the details of the commission, so he could only fob her off each time.

At that moment, Chen Ze sat behind the counter, letting out a helpless sigh.

It was clear the girl was anxious; just stringing her along wasn't right.

Just then, Ning Rongrong crouched down and slipped quietly into the shop. Catching him off guard, she covered his eyes.

"Guess who?" Ning Rongrong said with a giggle.

"Huh? Miss Rongrong." Chen Ze stumbled, nearly falling off his chair.

Hearing that the voice wasn't Qin Yuan's, Ning Rongrong's enthusiasm instantly faded, and she quickly asked, "Where's your boss?"

Chen Ze rubbed his forehead helplessly: Great, another one looking for the boss.

Ning Rongrong was a major client, and this shop belonged to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect; he dared not offend her.

"The boss took a commission and left two months ago. I don't even know where he went. He never said when he'd be back, and he hasn't written me any letters."

Ning Rongrong's shoulders slumped, and she trudged out of the shop with a dejected look.

Not even having anyone to talk to—this life was simply unbearable.

Fortunately, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's experts quickly found her and brought her back, preventing any major trouble.

Qin Yuan traveled without pause and, five days later, arrived at Heaven Dou City with Ye Lingling.

Heaven Dou Royal Academy was outside the city, so Qin Yuan took Ye Lingling into the city first to rest and then asked about her plans.

"Do you want to go to Heaven Dou Royal Academy first, or go Soul Hunting first?"

Ye Lingling didn't have much money on her, but Qin Yuan said it was just a favor, and Dugu Yan had already paid the fee, so he only charged her a few Gold Soul Coins as a token.

Right now, she did want to see Dugu Yan, but once she entered the academy, getting out again wouldn't be easy. Besides, the entry requirement for an Advanced Soul Master Academy was a Spirit Power level of at least twenty-one.

If she completed the Soul Hunt before going to the academy, she could hide there long-term without worrying about her safety.

Of course, wasn't this also a sign of trust?

Given Ye Lingling's talent, plenty of teachers at the academy would be willing to help her hunt souls. Yet she chose Qin Yuan, trusting in his character.

"Teacher Qin, I want to go Soul Hunting first," Ye Lingling said seriously.

Qin Yuan waved his hand and smiled. "I'm not a teacher. I just took Dugu Yan's commission and applied for the academy position to make things easier. You don't have to call me that; just call me big brother."

Ye Lingling shook her head and didn't respond.

She hadn't known Qin Yuan long, but along the way, he had shared many theories about the soul master world with her.

Though Qin Yuan wasn't an academy teacher, in Ye Lingling's heart, he would always be her teacher.

After resting for an hour, it was already afternoon. Fortunately, the Spirit Beasts Ye Lingling targeted were mostly plant-type with healing abilities. Plant-type Spirit Beasts couldn't leave their birthplace, making them relatively easy to hunt without wasting time searching.

The two entered the Sunset Forest at top speed.

Elsewhere.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had plenty of eyes in the city. Ning Rongrong had people watch for Qin Yuan's movements and soon got word.

In the evening, after class, Ning Rongrong looked dejected. "When will this ever end?"

The teachers' lectures were too dull and rigid, and she had to deal with all kinds of exams—bearing pressure she shouldn't have at her age.

Of course, there was no helping it.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown.

To become the future leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, these study tasks were something Ning Rongrong had to complete.

If she slacked off, the accumulated workload later would only be greater.

Just then, a disciple of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect informed her of Qin Yuan's whereabouts.

"He's back?" Ning Rongrong's face lit up with surprise, all her gloom vanishing in an instant.

"But miss, the sect master doesn't want you sneaking out alone," the disciple quickly reminded her.

Ning Rongrong's eyes darted around as she said, "What do you mean 'sneaking out'? Rongrong is just going to the night market with her clansmen as company."

As she spoke, Ning Fengzhi walked over. "Rongrong, it's getting late. Don't cause trouble."

"There's no market tonight. You're not going anywhere. If you want to go out, wait until tomorrow morning."

Ning Rongrong was reluctant, but she didn't dare defy Ning Fengzhi's wishes.

Her shoulders slumped, she had no choice but to turn in early.

Ning Fengzhi was also quite troubled by Ning Rongrong's current state.

He had hired many teachers to instruct Ning Rongrong in soul master knowledge. Among them were teachers from Heaven Dou Royal Academy, and even scholars from the imperial family.

But what was the result? Not only did Ning Rongrong refuse to attend class, she also developed a confrontational attitude toward the teachers.

If she were an ordinary student, the teachers could have administered some corporal punishment, but who would dare to harm Ning Rongrong, the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?

Ning Fengzhi understood that if this continued, once Ning Rongrong fell behind in her studies, after she came of age, she would inevitably have to take time away from her golden period of cultivation to make up for the knowledge she had missed, which would in turn slow her cultivation speed.

One move affects the whole body!

If someone could guide Ning Rongrong onto the right path of learning, Ning Fengzhi would be willing to spend any amount of money.

"Ning Wu, what did you just say to Rongrong?" Ning Fengzhi asked.

For a qualified leader, remembering the name of every disciple was a required course.

Being able to accurately call out a disciple's name and family situation would give the disciples a stronger sense of belonging.

Ning Wu did not dare to hide anything, and told Ning Fengzhi everything about Ning Rongrong's thoughts.

"Qin Yuan, the captain of the Golden Saber Squad?" Ning Fengzhi asked back.

After receiving an affirmative answer, his confusion deepened. "Rongrong only met him once. Why would she seek him out on her own? And did he ever seek her out?"

Ning Wu quickly said, "Sect Master, that Qin Yuan left Heaven Dou City two months ago. It has always been Miss Rongrong looking for him; he never sought out Miss on his own."

Suddenly, he thought of something and said, "Sect Master, could it be that Miss has no friends? Although Qin Yuan comes from humble origins, he carries a certain pride and refuses to bow his head."

"I imagine Miss feels that being with him allows her to forget her own identity and the burdens on her shoulders."

Ning Fengzhi was about to refute, but the words died on his lips.

Yes, he had protected Ning Rongrong too well since she was young. The guards he arranged would talk with her, but the master-servant mindset was too strong.

When others always went along with Ning Rongrong, over time, it only made her lose interest.

Although words of opposition were unpleasant to hear, they could add a touch of color to life.

Ning Fengzhi sighed. "Give Rongrong a day off tomorrow. Also, go find that Qin Yuan and have him guide Rongrong onto the right path. When the time comes, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will surely offer a reward."