Ning Fengzhi Offers an Apology

Ning Fengzhi was badly frightened by the sight before him. He staggered back two steps, and fortunately, Sword Douluo placed a hand on his shoulder at the critical moment, pulling Ning Fengzhi out of the illusion and back into reality.

Huff!

Drenched in sweat, Ning Fengzhi gripped his cane tightly. What he had just experienced left his breathing ragged, as though he had taken a trip to hell. The lingering fear still haunted him.

Sword Douluo frowned deeply. "What a domineering domain. It actually dragged us into an illusion in an instant. If this old man hadn't reacted quickly, we might already have been beyond redemption."

Ning Fengzhi looked toward Lin Yuan. Upon seeing how young the other man appeared, his expression shifted unconsciously. With furrowed brows, he asked, "Are you Lord Lin Yuan, the teacher from Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"

Lin Yuan instantly appeared beside Xiao Wu. The surging force he kicked up sent Ning Fengzhi and Ning Rongrong stumbling back several steps, their expressions gradually changing.

"Level 94 Title Douluo..."

Sword Douluo frowned and stepped forward, shattering all the Soul Power Lin Yuan had released. He then lowered his voice and said, "You are Lin Yuan?"

"That is correct."

With one hand behind his back, Lin Yuan said calmly, "Sect Master Ning, you wanted to take away my maidservant without my permission. Is that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's way of doing things?"

Ning Fengzhi nodded. "Lord Lin Yuan, you jest. I merely happened to see Shrek Academy's disciples today. I only intervened after learning of the matter from Rongrong. Since Xiao Wu is unwilling, how could I possibly force her?"

Feeling the aura emanating from Lin Yuan, coupled with his youth, Ning Fengzhi knew that Lin Yuan's future achievements would be beyond imagination. There was no need to offend a Title Douluo over a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast.

Lin Yuan snorted disdainfully. Sword Douluo's strength was indeed not to be underestimated, but if they truly fought, it was hard to say who would win.

Sword Douluo sent a voice transmission. "Fengzhi, do you truly intend to hand this soul beast over? That is a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast. If it were given to Rongrong in the future, her achievements would be unimaginable."

"Uncle Sword, I know what you are thinking, and I understand the value of a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast. But do not forget that this man is a Level 94 Title Douluo, and he is so young. His future achievements will certainly be unimaginable."

"This child will surely accomplish great things in the future. We can only befriend him, never make an enemy of him."

Hearing Ning Fengzhi's reminder, Sword Douluo naturally understood Lin Yuan's talent as well. A Title Douluo this young—even Tang Hao in his prime could not compare. Lin Yuan's future achievements might even place him in an invincible position.

Sword Douluo withdrew his Soul Power and returned to Ning Fengzhi's side, no longer paying attention to Lin Yuan.

Lin Yuan looked at Xiao Wu. "Go back first. You handled today's matter well. As long as you obediently listen to me, not only will you not die, you may even receive an opportunity to break through in Soul Power."

Xiao Wu nodded obediently. After exchanging a glance with Ning Rongrong, she turned and quickly left, disappearing completely from Lin Yuan and the others' sight.

Ning Rongrong did not dare say anything. The man before her was a Title Douluo-level powerhouse. Even her father was so wary of him, let alone her, a mere Soul Elder.

"Lord Lin Yuan, would you be willing to sit down and have a talk?"

"No interest."

Lin Yuan snorted and refused. "Just now, you were planning to seize my soul beast. Now you want to turn hostility into friendship? Isn't that a little too late?"

Ning Fengzhi's expression visibly shifted at those words, but since they had indeed been in the wrong, he greeted Lin Yuan with a smile. "I know we were at fault, which is why I wish to invite Lord Lin Yuan for a drink and offer an apology. Please give us an opportunity."

Seeing Ning Fengzhi's sincere expression, Lin Yuan merely sneered inwardly. He did not dislike the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, but neither did he particularly like it.

Ning Fengzhi had long occupied a position of power and could see through others' thoughts through their eyes. This allowed him to handle matters with ease and always leave a favorable impression.

Though he held a high position, Ning Fengzhi was not arrogant. He treated others gently, especially talented individuals. He was always courteous to them and never put on airs as one of the Upper Three Sects.

He loved his daughter dearly, but when faced with an exceptionally outstanding young man, Ning Fengzhi would consider sacrificing his daughter's marriage to win him over.

As eager as he was to recruit talent, when it came to geniuses he could not use and who might threaten the sect, Ning Fengzhi's first consideration would be assassination.

At the same time, Ning Fengzhi possessed a kind heart. He often visited auction houses to rescue slaves who still had their souls, but he would not waste time or money saving attendants who had already lost theirs.

Yet he was far too cowardly. In the end, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was ambushed by Spirit Hall, and nearly all of its disciples were slaughtered. Had they not reacted in advance, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect might have vanished from the world long ago.

Ning Fengzhi glanced at Sword Douluo beside him and spoke again. "Lord Lin Yuan, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect offers our deepest apologies for today's events. I hope you will forgive us."

Seeing Ning Fengzhi's sincere expression, Lin Yuan considered it for a moment before saying, "In that case, find a place."

At this, a relieved smile immediately appeared on Ning Fengzhi's face. He quickly stepped aside and made an inviting gesture. "Lord Lin Yuan, this way, please. Qingfeng Pavilion, the finest establishment in the city, has already been prepared. I hope it will meet with your satisfaction."

Though Sword Douluo was still unwilling to let the Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast go, Ning Fengzhi had already made his decision, so he could only follow silently behind.

Along the way, the streets were crowded with pedestrians. Yet upon sensing the powerful fluctuations of Soul Power around Lin Yuan, they all instinctively moved aside and looked at him with reverence.

Before long, the group arrived at Qingfeng Pavilion.

This Yuxiang Tower was the most luxurious restaurant in the city, with carved beams and painted rafters, its air steeped in antique elegance. When the attendants saw Ning Fengzhi, they all wore respectful expressions and swiftly led the group to a private room on the top floor.

Inside the private room, sandalwood incense curled through the air. An exquisite round redwood table was laden with delicacies, and Ning Fengzhi personally filled a cup of fine wine for Lin Yuan.

"Lord Lin Yuan, I offer this cup on behalf of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect as an apology. I hope you will be magnanimous and cease holding this matter against us."

"It is nothing."

Lin Yuan raised his cup and took a small sip. The wine was rich and smooth, with an excellent taste, but his expression remained indifferent, without the slightest reaction.

"Sect Master Ning, if not for your sincerity today, this matter would not have been settled so easily. And if there is a next time, do not blame me for being impolite."

Lin Yuan set down his cup and fixed Ning Fengzhi with a piercing gaze. "However, since you sincerely wish to befriend me, I am not an unreasonable man. But from now on, I hope the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will not interfere in my affairs again."

Ning Fengzhi hurriedly nodded, smiling as he said, "Naturally. Lord Lin Yuan, rest assured. After this matter, we will certainly remember this lesson."

Lin Yuan said nothing further. He understood Ning Fengzhi's character better than anyone. Today's invitation for wine appeared to be an apology, but in truth, Ning Fengzhi wanted to draw closer to him, hoping Lin Yuan would help the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect should it encounter danger in the future.

At that moment, Ning Fengzhi turned to Lin Yuan and, with a smile, took out an exceptionally precious treasure from his Soul Tool. "Lord Lin Yuan, this Sea Blue Heart is a precious Soul Tool of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. I would like to give it to you today."

Seeing the Soul Tool Ning Fengzhi had produced, Lin Yuan was somewhat surprised. He had not expected Ning Fengzhi to take out such a valuable Soul Tool.

After all, on Douluo Continent, the most precious items were soul bones, with Soul Tools second only to them.

Soul Tools were artificial devices created by engraving core formations onto rare metals and gemstones.

Soul Tools were broadly divided into three categories: melee Soul Tools, long-range Soul Tools, and fixed-installation Soul Tools. There were also other kinds of Soul Tools, such as Storage Soul Tools and humanoid Soul Tools.

After obtaining a precious Soul Tool, Soul Masters could refine and inscribe it to upgrade and strengthen it, granting it even greater power.

Throughout the ages, the methods for crafting Soul Tools had been lost. These precious Soul Tools had all been left behind by generations of family heads many years ago.

The Sea Blue Heart Ning Fengzhi offered was a defensive Soul Tool. It could withstand the strongest attack of a Title Douluo and could also strengthen one's body and temper the soul.

Given the current capabilities of Douluo Continent, possessing a defensive Soul Tool should have been nearly impossible. However, if it was a Soul Tool from ancient times, it made sense.

Lin Yuan glanced at the Soul Tool before him and said, "Sect Master Ning, you should take it back. This item is exceedingly valuable. I, Lin Yuan, cannot accept a reward I have not earned."

"A fine horse deserves a fine saddle, and a fine ship deserves fine sails."

Ning Fengzhi smiled. "The Sea Blue Heart serves no purpose in our hands, but if it is placed in yours, I believe its true usefulness will be brought out."

Even after hearing that, Lin Yuan shook his head. Keeping such an item by his side would indeed improve his strength, but it belonged to Ning Fengzhi. As the saying went, taking someone's gift meant owing them a favor—especially a gift from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

"Forget it. I cannot accept a reward I have not earned. I have no interest in such things. Besides, only by keeping it at your side can Sect Master Ning bring out this Soul Tool's greatest use."

Seeing that Lin Yuan would not accept his gift of apology, Ning Fengzhi could only reluctantly put the Soul Tool away.

His personality was extremely similar to Xue Ye's. Both had always cherished talent, placed great trust in young people, and continuously sought top-tier powerhouses capable of becoming Title Douluos for their daughters.

For Ning Fengzhi, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's current achievements were inseparable from the support of Title Douluo powerhouses. Especially at this time, it needed to stabilize the sect's strength and development as quickly as possible.

Lin Yuan had reached the Title Douluo realm at only twenty years old. His future achievements would be unimaginable; even breaking through to Level 100 would be more than possible. To Ning Fengzhi, who desired fresh blood, Lin Yuan was undoubtedly the best candidate.

If Lin Yuan could be brought into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, it would bring nothing but benefits to the entire sect and greatly raise its overall strength.

That was precisely why Ning Fengzhi thought this way. However, it seemed Lin Yuan held no interest whatsoever in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

After three rounds of wine and several courses of food.

Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo left the restaurant together. Before departing, they did not forget to deposit some Gold Soul Coins at the restaurant, so that if Lin Yuan came to dine there in the future, he could directly use the Gold Soul Coins left behind by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

On his way back to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Lin Yuan happened to encounter Fourth Prince Xue Beng of the Heaven Dou Empire, who had just finished classes.

Xue Beng also noticed Lord Lin Yuan, reeking of alcohol. He ran over happily, smiling as he said, "Lord Lin Yuan, why are you back so late?"

"Xue Beng?"

Lin Yuan smiled. "Did you just finish classes?"

"Yes, Teacher Lin." Xue Beng scratched his head and gave a bashful smile. "There have been a lot of classes lately, and the teachers often run overtime. I rarely have time to go out and walk around."

Xue Beng always presented himself as a debauched playboy before others. However, in front of Lord Lin Yuan, he returned to his former self. After all, aside from Teacher Lin and his uncle, Prince Xue Xing, he trusted almost no one.

Prince Xue Xing had supported him from the beginning in becoming the Empire's Crown Prince, but the other ministers favored the more capable Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe. Coupled with the sudden murders of princes not long ago, this had created the current playboy Fourth Prince Xue Beng.

Xue Qinghe was the eldest, while Xue Beng was the youngest. Among the four princes, the most outstanding was not Xue Qinghe, but the second prince. Yet the second prince had suddenly died at the age of twelve. The following year, the third prince also died.

From then on, Xue Beng, as the Fourth Prince, understood that his eldest brother was not as approachable as he appeared. On the contrary, Xue Qinghe's methods were more cruel and ruthless than anyone's.

"Teacher Lin, can we go for a walk?"

Hearing this, Lin Yuan nodded slightly. "Let's go. It has been a long time since we had a proper talk. Over the years, you have changed quite a bit."

Walking beside Lin Yuan, Xue Beng said softly, "Yes. After I left back then, I followed your teachings and maintained the personality of a wastrel disciple. That was the only way I could survive."

Lin Yuan said, "Teaching you back then was merely an unintentional act. If you had not taken it to heart, other events would naturally have turned you into what you are now. Still, pretending for so many years has indeed been exhausting."

Fourth Prince Xue Beng sighed. He naturally understood everything he had gone through over the years, but without experiencing it, how could he have grown? How could he possibly have survived in these troubled times?

"I will never forget Teacher Lin's kindness from back then. If I ever have the chance in the future, I will surely proclaim the grace of your teachings."

Xue Beng looked at Lin Yuan with a firm expression. Had it not been for Teacher Lin back then, he might already have become dry bones in a grave.

Lin Yuan smiled faintly and walked forward with one hand behind his back. At the same time, he asked, "Xue Beng, do you still remember the words I gave you back then?"

"I remember." Xue Beng nodded. "Teacher, you once said, 'When uncertain in the face of trouble, ask the spring breeze. If the spring breeze gives no answer, follow your heart.'"

"But if my heart were truly firm, how could I be uncertain when trouble arose? The spring breeze has its own sorrows; there is no need for it to worry over me..."

Xue Beng spoke with a face full of melancholy.

Lin Yuan stopped and looked at Xue Beng. Gently patting his shoulder with his right hand, he offered a lesson. "Remember this: when you encounter misfortune, first possess compassion. But a gentleman is not foolishly rigid. He may save others, but he must never allow himself to fall into certain death."

"I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Teacher."

Xue Beng nodded firmly and bowed to Lin Yuan. If only I had become a combat-type Soul Master back then, perhaps I could have become Teacher Lin's disciple like Ye Lingling.

But unfortunately, with his talent and Martial Soul, he could never become a leader among Soul Masters in this life. At most, he would become an emperor and grow old alone.

With one hand behind his back, Lin Yuan said softly, "Xue Beng, remember what I told you today. You may find use for it someday."

"It is getting late. Go back and rest first. When I have time another day, I will teach you other things."

"Then this disciple shall take his leave."

Xue Beng said nothing more. He was completely different from the wastrel disciple he had appeared to be earlier. Only after bowing did he reluctantly leave Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

Watching Xue Beng's departing back, Lin Yuan merely shook his head symbolically. Thinking back, if Xue Beng had possessed an attack-type Martial Soul, perhaps he might already have become Lin Yuan's personal disciple.

Xue Beng's talent was not high, and his Martial Soul was the Swan Martial Soul, which possessed no combat ability. The best achievement for this type of Soul Master was merely reaching the Soul Emperor realm.

The emperors of the Heaven Dou Empire throughout the generations had remained around the Soul King realm for their entire lives. Few could break through to Soul Saint, and their ability to become emperors was inseparable from their talent for commerce.

Letting him become emperor might not be a problem, but making him the strongest Soul Master was almost impossible.

At sunset, cicadas chirped without end.

Reeking of alcohol, Lin Yuan returned to the courtyard on the academy's Back Mountain. Ye Lingling was currently discussing matters on the path of cultivation with Azure Dragon Consultation, while Xiao Wu was cleaning the rooms.

Upon seeing Lin Yuan return, Ye Lingling happily rose to her feet and hurried over to him. With a sweet smile, she said, "Teacher, you're back."

Azure Dragon Consultation also stood and bowed toward Lin Yuan. "Shang Que greets Master."

Lin Yuan waved it off casually. "No need to be so formal. Nothing happened here while I was gone, right?"

Shang Que replied, "While you were away, Poison Douluo Dugu Bo came by once. We do not know what he wanted. After learning that you were not here, he left."

"After that, the Heaven Dou Empire's Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe, sent an invitation. In three days, it will be Xue Ye's birthday, and he wishes to invite you to the Imperial Palace to attend."