Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Shocks the World, the Dark Night Cat Comes into My Arms

Soto Grand Hotel, top-floor presidential suite.

Two hours had passed since the match ended, but the night sky over Soto City still echoed with the legend of the World Burial Team.

Inside the room, Yu Tianyu had just finished a shower. Dressed in a loose bathrobe and holding a glass of red wine, he stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the city's nightscape.

Dugu Yan curled up on the sofa like a lazy, beautiful serpent, toying with a lock of Yu Tianyu's hair. Ye Lingling sat nearby, quietly reading a medical text, occasionally glancing up at Yu Tianyu with gentle eyes.

"Knock, knock, knock."

The door was tapped lightly.

The sound was soft, betraying the hesitation and nervousness of the person outside.

"They're here."

A smile of expectation curled the corners of Yu Tianyu's mouth.

"Yanyan, go open the door. Our new teammates have arrived."

Dugu Yan raised an eyebrow, a playful glint flashing in her green eyes. "So soon? It seems that trash heap called Shrek really is unbearable for even a minute longer."

She rose and walked over with a seductive gait to open the door.

Standing at the entrance, carrying their luggage with complex expressions, were Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong.

Both had changed out of their Shrek uniforms. Ning Rongrong wore a light blue dress, while Zhu Zhuqing remained in her signature black leather outfit that accentuated her figure.

Seeing the stunningly beautiful and imposing Dugu Yan open the door, both girls instinctively took half a step back.

"Yo, isn't this the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the second young lady of the Star Luo Empire?"

Dugu Yan leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, her gaze sweeping over them with brazen scrutiny. "What is it? Not sleeping in the middle of the night and running over to us? Could it be... you've finally figured things out?"

"I..."

Ning Rongrong was a young lady of high status after all, and feeling uncomfortable under Dugu Yan's judgmental gaze, she started to retort.

"Let them in."

Yu Tianyu's calm yet unquestionable voice came from inside.

Dugu Yan immediately dropped her aggressive posture, stepped aside, and even made a "please" gesture, her change in demeanor truly startling.

"Come in, little sisters. From now on, we're all one family."

This scene sent a shiver through the hearts of Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing.

That lawless Dugu Yan was actually so obedient to Yu Tianyu? Just how strong was this man's control?

Walking into the room, the two girls felt a long-lost sense of comfort.

There was no damp, musty smell like at Shrek, only the faint scent of incense and the feel of a luxurious carpet.

Yu Tianyu sat in the main seat on the sofa, set down his wine glass, and pointed to the seats opposite him.

"Sit."

No small talk, no pleasantries.

"Since you're here, it means you've made your choice."

Yu Tianyu's gaze swept over them. "I'm not a man who beats around the bush. I'll say the ugly things first."

"Once you enter my door, you are my people."

"That 'only monsters can survive' nonsense from Shrek is complete garbage here. I have only one rule—absolute loyalty."

"I can give you the best resources, the strongest cultivation techniques, and even the chance to change your destiny. But if one day, you dare to betray me..."

Yu Tianyu tapped his fingers lightly on the table, producing a crisp sound.

"I will destroy you with my own hands, along with the families behind you."

Domineering.

Even a little cold-blooded.

But strangely enough, whether it was Ning Rongrong or Zhu Zhuqing, hearing these words actually made them feel more at ease.

Compared to the hypocrisy of Flender, who spoke of benevolence and morality while sending people to their deaths, Yu Tianyu's naked, power-based exchange made them feel safer.

"I understand."

Zhu Zhuqing spoke first, her eyes firm. "As long as I can become stronger, as long as I can escape the shadow of that man, my life is yours."

"Me too!"

Ning Rongrong gritted her teeth and looked at Yu Tianyu. "As long as you keep your promise and let my martial soul evolve... the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will be your firmest ally! I... I will listen to you too!"

"Very good."

Yu Tianyu nodded with satisfaction.

He flipped his wrist, and a flash of light appeared.

An exquisite jade box appeared on the table.

The air in the room instantly became fresh, and a rich fragrance of tulips permeated the space, refreshing the spirit and causing their soul power to circulate a few notches faster.

Ning Rongrong stared fixedly at the box, her breathing instantly becoming rapid, her heart pounding like thunder.

That was... the scent of hope!

"Click."

The jade box opened.

A strange immortal herb lay quietly inside.

It possessed a rich, tulip fragrance, and the flower displayed a graceful and luxurious golden hue, its petals appearing as if carved from the finest gemstones, with a faint layer of golden light mist circulating around it.

Even someone who knew nothing of pharmacology could tell at a glance that this item was extraordinary.

"Is this... the Tulip of Romance?"

Ning Rongrong reached out with a trembling hand, wanting to touch it but not daring to, fearing that this might just be a dream.

"That's right."

Yu Tianyu introduced it indifferently, "This flower is the flower of wealth among immortal treasures, absorbing the essence of heaven and earth, the brilliance of the sun and moon. It has one characteristic, which is 'grace and luxury,' specifically treating all kinds of... congenital deficiencies."

"Its medicinal power is enough to fill the missing two-layer foundation of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda."

As he spoke, Yu Tianyu pushed the jade box in front of Ning Rongrong.

"There is a specific way to consume it."

Yu Tianyu looked at Ning Rongrong's delicate little face, a hint of playfulness flashing in his eyes, "You need to gently inhale the stamen, slowly drawing its essence into your body, and then chew the petals. Remember, clear your mind of distracting thoughts and practice Holding the Origin and Guarding the One."

"Now, eat it."

Ning Rongrong took a deep breath and lifted the golden tulip with both hands.

She glanced at Yu Tianyu.

The young man still wore a calm and indifferent expression, as if he hadn't just given away an invaluable immortal herb, but rather a simple head of cabbage.

"Thank you..."

Ning Rongrong's eyes turned slightly red as she whispered.

Then, she closed her eyes, leaned close to the stamen, parted her red lips slightly, and gently took the golden stamen into her mouth.

That momentary action carried an indescribable sense of allure and devotion.

As the essence entered her body.

Boom!

Ning Rongrong felt as if she had swallowed a sun.

A warm, mellow, and immensely vast energy instantly surged down her throat and into her limbs and bones.

"Mmm..."

She let out a soft moan, her body trembling uncontrollably.

There was no pain.

On the contrary, it was a warmth and comfort like returning to the womb. Every cell in her body was cheering, and every meridian was being baptized by the golden radiance.

"Sit cross-legged and circulate your spirit power!" Yu Tianyu's voice exploded in her mind like a thunderclap.

Ning Rongrong hurriedly sat cross-legged on the carpet, forming hand seals.

Hum!

Brilliant seven-colored light erupted from her body.

That exquisite Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda spirit automatically manifested above her head.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven.

The pagoda, which originally only had seven levels, was now enveloped in a layer of rich golden light.

Dugu Yan and Zhu Zhuqing both held their breath, staring intently at the pagoda.

Time passed second by second.

The aura on Ning Rongrong's body grew stronger and stronger; her spirit power, originally only at level 26 as a Great Spirit Master, began to soar wildly!

Twenty-seven... twenty-eight... twenty-nine... thirty!

It still hadn't stopped!

The medicinal power was still erupting!

Just then.

"Crack!"

A sound like an eggshell breaking rang out.

Under everyone's gaze, the top of the pagoda, wrapped in golden light, actually slowly grew a new level!

The eighth level!

"Really... has she really broken through?!" Dugu Yan covered her mouth. Although she had heard Yu Tianyu mention it, seeing the scene with her own eyes was still shocking.

But this was not the end.

As the last bit of medicinal power from the Tulip of Romance was absorbed.

"Boom!"

Another tremor shook the room.

Above the eighth level, radiance condensed once more.

A towering, sacred pagoda spire, radiating a nine-colored halo, finally broke through its shell!

The ninth level!

The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!

At that moment, the entire room was illuminated by nine-colored light. Ning Rongrong looked like a goddess who had descended to the mortal world, her entire being exuding an aura of nobility that could not be violated.

A long time passed.

The light faded away.

Ning Rongrong slowly opened her eyes.

Her originally brown eyes now held a faint layer of golden light, making them appear even deeper and more enchanting.

She felt the surging spirit power within her (which had soared directly to around level 36, though it would only manifest after hunting for a Spirit Ring) and felt the unprecedented sense of perfection from her martial soul.

"Nine levels... it really is nine levels..."

Two lines of clear tears slid down Ning Rongrong's cheeks.

Only she knew what these two extra levels meant for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

It was the hope of breaking the curse! It was her father's lifelong dream!

"Why are you crying?"

Yu Tianyu handed her a tissue and smiled, "You've become even more beautiful; if you keep crying, you'll turn into a little kitten."

Ning Rongrong looked up at the handsome young man before her.

It was him.

It was he who pulled her out of that desperate Shrek.

It was he who casually gifted her an immortal herb that would drive any Title Douluo mad.

And it was also he who fulfilled her family's thousand-year dream.

An emotion she had never felt before erupted in Ning Rongrong's heart like a volcano. It was gratitude, admiration, reliance, and... love.

"Tianyu..."

Ning Rongrong suddenly stood up and threw herself into Yu Tianyu's arms, regardless of anything else.

"Thank you... thank you so much..."

She hugged Yu Tianyu's waist tightly, burying her face in his chest, her tears soaking his bathrobe.

"Alright, it's no big deal."

Yu Tianyu gently patted her back, feeling the girl's soft, delicate body and that faint, maidenly fragrance.

Suddenly.

Ning Rongrong looked up.

Her tear-stained face carried a shy yet determined blush.

She stood on her tiptoes.

Under the shocked gazes of Dugu Yan and Zhu Zhuqing.

Under the lingering glow of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.

She took the initiative to press her soft, warm red lips against Yu Tianyu's.

This was a kiss that tasted of salt (tears) and sweetness (the lingering aftertaste of the tulip).

Innocent, yet passionate.

After a long while, their lips parted.

Ning Rongrong, face flushed red, hid behind Ye Lingling, not daring to look at anyone.

Dugu Yan rolled her eyes and said sourly, "Not bad, you learned how to launch a sneak attack as soon as you arrived. It seems I, as the big sister, will have to watch out for you from now on."

Although she said that, she wasn't truly angry. After all, having the support of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda would be a huge boost to Yu Tianyu's future hegemony.

At this moment, Zhu Zhuqing, who had been standing in the corner, looked somewhat lonely.

Watching Ning Rongrong undergo a rebirth, watching her intimate interaction with Yu Tianyu.

Zhu Zhuqing looked down at her own hands.

She remained that level 27 Great Spirit Master, still carrying the heavy burden of her family's fate.

"Do you think I'm being unfair?"

Yu Tianyu's voice suddenly rang out beside her ear.

Zhu Zhuqing started in surprise, looking up to find that Yu Tianyu had appeared before her without her even noticing.

"N-no," Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head in a panic. "Rongrong is a support-type; her getting stronger is important for the team. I... I will work hard on my own."

"Silly girl."

Yu Tianyu reached out and took hold of her hands, which were somewhat rough from years of cultivation (especially at the fingertips).

"I have prepared a gift for you, too."

"However, it is not a medicinal herb."

Yu Tianyu gazed into her cold, black eyes. "The Nether Civet follows a path of extreme agility and burst damage. Improvements from medicine are, in the end, just external forces."

"What I want to teach you is a movement technique called Flash Step: Night Guy, along with the Shadow Kill Art that complements your Nether attribute."

"And..."

Yu Tianyu's fingers lightly traced the collarbone wrapped in her tight leather suit, his tone becoming slightly ambiguous.

"This technique requires special guidance. I must use my spirit power to help you clear several hidden meridians along your back while you cultivate."

"The process might be a little... intimate."

"Are you willing?"

Zhu Zhuqing's face turned beet red, the flush spreading all the way to her ears.

Clearing hidden meridians? Intimate contact?

She certainly knew what that implied.

But, looking at this powerful man before her, she remembered the sight of Dai Mubai embracing those twins.

Zhu Zhuqing took a deep breath and gripped Yu Tianyu's hand in return.

"I am willing."

Her voice was soft, yet incredibly firm.

"Even if it means... giving myself to you, I am willing."

"As long as you can make me stronger."

Yu Tianyu smiled.

He reached out to wrap his arm around her shockingly slender waist, pulling her close to him.

"Rest assured, just follow me."

"One day, I will have you standing on the throne of that Star Luo Emperor, looking down upon the family that treated you like a discarded pawn."

"As for Dai Mubai..."

"The next time we meet, I will let you break his legs yourself."

That night.

Inside the presidential suite of the Soto Grand Hotel, the air was thick with spring (though they had not yet taken the final step, their feelings heated up rapidly).

The Imperial Fighting Team was officially renamed the World Burial team.

Captain: Yu Tianyu (Power/Control, Dragon Slayer Mage + Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon). Vice-Captain: Dugu Yan (Control, Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor). Member: Ye Lingling (Support, Nine Heart Begonia). Member: Ning Rongrong (Support, Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda). Member: Zhu Zhuqing (Agility, Nether Civet). Plus the original Yu Feng, Oslo, and the Shi Brothers (who had by now been relegated to the second team or rotational starters).

The composition of this team could already be called the most luxurious and terrifying existence on the entire continent.

Dual top-tier support, dual top-tier power, plus the backing of Dugu Bo, a Title Douluo.

"We depart tomorrow morning."

Yu Tianyu stood by the window, watching the sky turn a pale white.

"Target—Heaven Dou Royal Academy."

"As for that so-called Elite Tournament of Advanced Spirit Master Academies..."

"The championship is mine."

"And Shrek..."

A cold glint flashed in Yu Tianyu's eyes.

"Let them rot slowly in the mud of Soto City."