"Although I started a step ahead of you, Boss, I'm only three years older! I became a Demon Blade at eleven. If you work hard, you'll be able to join the ranks in ten years!"
"You've been at it longer than me, so you're bound to get there first!"
"Oh!"
Suo Ling's eyes dimmed, the disappointment in them replaced by determination.
Mu Rong turned toward the forest.
"Little Ling's soul power will depend on you, Father. You'll have to talk it over with your father."
"Don't worry, Boss! Leave this to me!"
The forest patted his chest in reassurance.
Mu Rong took a gold soul crystal card from his storage ring and placed it in Suo Ling's hand.
"Here. There are two hundred thousand gold soul coins on it. It's your cultivation funds."
"You've given me your trust without hesitation, Boss. I'll repay you a thousandfold. I won't let you down."
Suo Ling carefully accepted the thin card. He swallowed, his mouth watering as he took a deep breath.
"Boss... don't worry. I won't fail to live up to your expectations!"
"Enough. We're all grown men. Don't get all worked up over something like this."
Mu Rong waved his hand and pulled the forest back.
"Among these academies, I think Soul Heaven Academy in Suosuo City is the best.
"They have the greatest Soul Fighting Arena in the empire. It's something the other academies don't have."
"I have no objections!"
The forest was the first to raise his hand.
"Wherever you go, Boss, I'll go!"
"Boss, I agree too."
Suo Ling followed along.
"As long as I can take in refugees, I'm fine with anything."
"Then it's settled. We'll go to Suosuo City!"
Mu Rong slapped the table.
"Tonight, the three of us are going to drink until we drop! Tomorrow, I'll head back to the academy with you!"
"Great!"
The three of them packed up their things, then cheerfully made their way toward the biggest tavern in Suosuo City.
Just as they were about to leave the academy gates, a gentle figure blocked their path.
The man wore white robes. He had a handsome face and an elegant air about him. He was none other than the young master of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, Ning Fengzhi.
"Little Rong, we meet again."
Mu Rong's heart gave a sudden thump.
This fox—why was he here again?
He quickly regained his composure and smiled as he clasped his hands in greeting.
"Indeed, Elder Brother. I didn't expect to see you again so soon in Suosuo City."
He turned and waved to the forest and Suo Ling.
"You two go ahead to the tavern and wait for me."
"Oh, all right, Boss."
"Boss, hurry up!"
After bidding his companions farewell, Mu Rong went with Ning Fengzhi, once again heading to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan's branch.
It was the same private room as last time, with Ning Fengzhi still seated across from him.
"Little Rong, you're truly a genius. In just a little over two years, you've already reached the position of Soul Emperor."
Ning Fengzhi was the first to speak, his words full of admiration.
"Elder Brother, you flatter me. I only broke through recently, and I was lucky enough to obtain a Spirit Seed."
Mu Rong gave a modest reply, then immediately changed the subject.
"I wonder what brings you here this time, Elder Brother?"
"Ha ha, it's nothing major. I just wanted to speak with you about the Soul Fighting Arena."
Ning Fengzhi picked up his teacup and blew on the steaming tea.
"Isn't it convenient that you're here? I heard you were in Suosuo City, so I thought I'd come see you."
Convenient? That damn fox!
I don't believe him!
He'd only just broken through, and as soon as the old fox heard about it, he'd come looking. If he wasn't trying to recruit him, he'd be a dog!
Mu Rong felt a little uncomfortable, but he still put on a warm smile.
"Elder Brother, I wonder if you've found any information about the location of the Immortal Herbs?"
At the mention of it, Ning Fengzhi's gentle smile stiffened, and a trace of disappointment flickered across his face. He sighed softly.
"Fate brings things together, but they cannot be forced."
"I understand, Elder Brother."
Mu Rong spoke calmly.
"I believe that you'll become the first Titled Douluo of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. You'll lead the clan toward its true glory."
"Ha ha, then I'll take that as your blessing, Little Rong."
Ning Fengzhi smiled and changed the subject.
"By the way, Little Rong, since you're also a Demon Blade, what do you think of the academy?"
Damn it. He's waiting for me here!
That old fox—was he trying to rope me in? Was this some kind of sales pitch? Was that why he'd gone to all that trouble?
Mu Rong's mouth watered as he thought about it.
"Elder Brother, I've already made up my mind. I'm going to Soul Heaven Academy in Suosuo City."
Ning Fengzhi immediately understood the reason behind his words and laughed.
"Little Rong, with your talent, going to a place like Suosuo City would be a bit of a waste.
"How about the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy? It has better resources and cultivation conditions. As for your status, I'll make the arrangements for you."
"Thank you for your kindness, Elder Brother."
Mu Rong shook his head and tactfully refused.
"I won't abandon my friends. I'm going with them.
"And as far as I can tell, every academy is much the same. Apart from having a little more money, there isn't much difference."
Ning Fengzhi tried to persuade him again, but to no avail. He sighed.
Mu Rong's character was precisely what he admired: loyalty and sincerity.
The matter of the Star Dou Great Forest had already been reported clearly to the clan. The people involved had even shown their worth to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan.
Only those who kept such matters close to their hearts could be trusted with the clan's soul masters.
"All right. Since you've already made up your mind, I won't say anything more."
Ning Fengzhi took a token from his pocket. Unlike the one he'd given Mu Rong last time, this one was a deep emerald green and far more finely crafted.
"This is a guest token from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. Keep it with you.
"If you encounter any trouble, you can ask any Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan branch on the continent for help."
"Then... thank you, Elder Brother!"
Mu Rong accepted it, unable to refuse.
"I'll keep this kindness in my heart."
"All right. Go take care of your business. I won't keep you."
Mu Rong left. Ning Fengzhi watched his figure disappear beyond the screen.
"Young Master, why didn't you check the boy's soul power? The first Spirit Seed he absorbed took a hundred years. That's unheard of in the Soul Master world!"
Ning Fengzhi picked up his teacup and took a sip.
"Uncle Jian, there's no need."
"The soul power he just released was clearly at rank twelve, and his foundation was extremely solid. He wasn't far from breaking through to rank thirteen.
"If we acted too forcefully and caused him to become wary, it would backfire."
He set down his teacup and walked to the window, gazing in the direction Mu Rong had gone.
"Our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan values sincerity when recruiting people.
"The road to becoming a soul master isn't easy.
"Let him go out into the world and experience things. Only then will he understand the strength and influence of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan."
Ning Fengzhi seemed to have thought of something, and the corner of his mouth curled into a smile.
Mu Rong had left the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. As he walked along the bustling main street, his heart felt as cold as ice.
Ning Fengzhi had been staring at him like a fox eyeing its prey. It had felt as if a thorn were stuck in his back.
Still, everything had its advantages and disadvantages.
Perhaps, when the time came, this could become a talisman that would protect him.
Ah, the soul master world's hierarchy was no easy ladder to climb.
He shook his head, put those troubling thoughts behind him, and hurried toward the tavern.
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