Lin Yi felt his scalp tingle at Xiao Wu's earth-shattering proposal. Seeing the atmosphere turn bizarrely unmanageable, he coughed violently to force a change of subject, his expression turning stern: "Cough! Let us discuss this another time! The most urgent priority is to immediately report the infiltration and assassination attempt by the Martial Soul Hall Title Douluo to the Sect Master and my teacher! A Title Douluo-level assassin lurking near the branch sect is a matter of the utmost gravity!"
He immediately retrieved a specialized communication Soul Tool and concisely relayed the ambush, along with the opponent's recruitment attempts and threats, back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect headquarters, specifically emphasizing that Bone Douluo, who was away, must be notified at once.
Barely half a day had passed since the message was sent.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Several immensely powerful auras approached from afar, streaking across the sky like meteors before landing directly in the courtyard of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well branch. The leader, dressed in white as pristine as snow with hair and beard to match, possessed a rustic face and an aura of sharp, imposing sword intent; it was none other than Sword Douluo Chen Xin! He had clearly rushed back at top speed, a trace of imperceptible urgency etched between his brows.
Following closely behind were Bone Douluo Gu Rong, who had rushed back from the imperial palace upon receiving the news, and Ning Fengzhi, who arrived with a grave expression in an accelerated soul-powered carriage.
"Yi'er, how are your injuries?" Chen Xin's gaze was like lightning, instantly locking onto Lin Yi. Sensing that while his aura fluctuated slightly, his foundation remained stable and there was no major harm, the urgency in his eyes eased slightly, only to be replaced by cold, simmering rage.
"It is nothing, just flesh wounds. I am fine," Lin Yi replied respectfully.
"What a fine Martial Soul Hall! What a fine Bibi Dong! Keeping up appearances while secretly dispatching a Title Douluo to carry out such a despicable assassination! Do they truly think my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is devoid of masters?!" Bone Douluo Gu Rong had a fiery temper; upon hearing this, his hair stood on end in fury, his formidable soul power causing the surrounding air to hum and vibrate.
Ning Fengzhi's face was as dark as water. He carefully examined the traces of sword intent remaining on the wound on Lin Yi's back and listened to Lin Yi's detailed description of the shadow's soul power characteristics and concealment methods. After a moment of contemplation, he said slowly: "Judging by this technique—vicious, cunning, and adept at concealment—it is undoubtedly the Ghost Leopard Douluo from the Elder Hall of the Martial Soul Hall, known for his assassinations. For him to take action personally... it seems Bibi Dong is determined to have Lin Yi, or perhaps... she is determined to eliminate him at all costs."
He looked at Chen Xin and said in a deep voice: "Uncle Sword, this move by the Martial Soul Hall has completely torn away the mask of civility. If they can send Ghost Leopard Douluo to infiltrate the branch and assassinate Lin Yi today, they may infiltrate the core of the sect to assassinate more core disciples, or even you and me, tomorrow. The destruction of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family is still fresh in our minds; we cannot afford to harbor any illusions!"
Chen Xin nodded slightly, his eyes as sharp as blades. He looked at Lin Yi, his tone brooking no argument: "From today on, you will cultivate by my side. You are not to wander off alone until you possess the strength to protect yourself."
Lin Yi felt a warmth in his heart, knowing this was his teacher's care for him, and bowed in response: "Yes, Teacher."
Ning Fengzhi's gaze swept across the valley of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, shrouded in beauty and danger, a flash of resolve crossing his eyes: "This place is easy to defend and hard to attack, and with the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well as a natural barrier, it is a fortress. Compared to the original sect site, this place is safer and more secretive."
He took a deep breath and made a major decision that would change the fate of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect: "Pass on my order: starting today, initiate the sect relocation plan! Concentrate all resources to expand this branch! Secretly transfer all important scriptures, supplies, core disciples, and their families here in batches! At the original sect site, retain only a portion of the outer disciples to serve as a decoy and a warning!"
He intended to move the entire foundation of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to cope with the increasingly blatant threats from the Martial Soul Hall!
Everyone was shocked upon hearing this, but thinking of the tragic state of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family, no one raised an objection. This was the most secure path to survival at present.
Meanwhile, the Heaven Dou Empire, having learned of the attack on the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect—though the details were not made public, the high-ranking officials were well aware—also accelerated their military integration.
Driven by Emperor Xue Ye and Crown Prince Xue Beng, the empire's three great soul master legions and the Royal Knights began deep integration. They abandoned smaller, peripheral camps vulnerable to surprise attacks and concentrated their main forces in several key strategic locations, constructing a more robust, interconnected defense system to avoid being picked off one by one by the elites of the Martial Soul Hall. The entire Heaven Dou Empire was like a startled hedgehog, curling up and baring its sharp quills.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's relocation plan proceeded in full swing. Large quantities of supplies and personnel began to flow into the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well branch through secret channels, and the once-quiet valley became increasingly bustling and solemn.
On this day, a group of core disciples transferred from the original site of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect arrived, among them, Ning Fengzhi's only daughter, Ning Rongrong.
She still possessed her elfin beauty, but there was less of her former arrogance between her brows and more composure; yet, beneath this composure, she seemed to be suppressing some form of resentment and unwillingness.
After her living quarters were assigned, Ning Rongrong went straight to the newly cleared training grounds, where Lin Yi was following Chen Xin to cultivate sword intent.
"Lin Yi." Ning Rongrong's voice was crisp, yet carried a hint of detachment.
Lin Yi stopped his movements and looked at her. He felt quite conflicted about this nominal fiancée. Although they were betrothed, they had little interaction, and the relationship was largely a marriage of convenience for the sect's interests.
"Is something the matter?" Lin Yi's tone was calm.
Ning Rongrong pursed her lips, seemingly having made up her mind. She raised her head and looked directly at Lin Yi, a trace of stubbornness in her eyes: "I came here to formally tell you that I wish to annul our engagement."
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