Ning Fengzhi Pays a Visit

After resolving those matters, Chen An could finally slack off for a little while.

He returned to his routine life: tending to medicinal herbs, procuring supplies, and then providing daily guidance to his students and disciples.

Recently, he had been considering establishing a teacher-training class, or what one might call a "rocket class."

I should see when I can organize a grand competition to test their strength.

However, this was still in the planning stages, and there was no telling when it would actually be held.

The specific logistics—how to compete and how many categories to divide the competition into—were all issues that needed addressing.

Furthermore, since they were all still laying their foundations, there was no need to rush; holding it now would be meaningless.

Tsk, why has someone come knocking?

He had only been resting for a few days and was planning to stick to his schedule, yet he never expected someone to show up at his doorstep.

With the auras of two Title Douluo stepping onto his territory, how could he fail to notice?

"Sect Master, why won't you let me go find Rongrong? She is right inside."

Sword Douluo followed behind Ning Fengzhi, speaking in a low voice.

"Business comes first."

Their visit was very low-key. Previously, when Chen An was in seclusion, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had sent people here, inevitably crossing paths with Martial Soul Hall.

Naturally, both sides became aware of how much the other valued Phantom Star, or rather, how much they valued Chen An.

Thus, this trip was specifically arranged.

"What brings the two of you to my Phantom Star Academy with such free time?"

Once Chen An sensed someone entering the academy grounds, he flashed over. Had he not sensed a lack of malice, he would have already taken action.

"Who's there!"

Both Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin were startled, instinctively manifesting their martial souls.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda and the Seven Kill Sword appeared.

To approach without a sound, even when the vigilant Sword Douluo hadn't detected a thing—it was terrifying.

"So it is Sect Master Ning and Sword Douluo."

Seeing the two manifest their martial souls, the combination of a pagoda and a sword was truly rare. Moreover, aside from Ning Fengzhi and Ning Rongrong, he couldn't think of anyone else who would warrant an escort from Sword Douluo.

"Dean Chen?"

Ning Fengzhi asked cautiously, testing the waters.

The situation was simply too exaggerated; if this person had intended to launch a sneak attack, they would have had no chance to fight back.

"Indeed. Sect Master Ning, please, come inside."

Knowing who the visitors were, Chen An immediately changed his demeanor. Anyone seeking him out at this time was clearly looking to recruit or invest, and such things were easy to discuss.

The three of them arrived at Chen An's office in silence, and Ning Fengzhi finally began to calm down.

"Dean Chen has quite the refined taste."

Since they were guests, Chen An naturally wouldn't treat them poorly.

He brewed a pot of high-quality tea to entertain them, and the wafting fragrance made even Ning Fengzhi sigh in admiration.

"Good tea."

Just by smelling the aroma, he could judge that the grade of this tea was not low.

As the saying goes: first ask, second observe, third savor. Being well-traveled and the indisputable Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, he was quite knowledgeable about the tea ceremony.

"Hehe, many thanks for the praise, Sect Master Ning."

Among his inventory, this tea was of top-tier quality—it could probably squeeze into the top five, acting as the gatekeeper of his collection.

It was just right for entertaining guests.

"I am merely speaking the truth," Ning Fengzhi replied, not acting arrogant.

"I came today to see Ning Rongrong. You may not know this, but she is my precious daughter."

These words were sincere, but his purpose for coming here was clearly more than just that; otherwise, there would have been no need to make a special trip to see him instead of finding Ning Rongrong first.

But since the other party didn't say it, he wouldn't bring it up directly either.

So, he said with a hint of playfulness:

"Then, Sect Master Ning, are you looking to pull some strings for Rongrong?"

If Ning Fengzhi really thought that way, Chen An would naturally agree with a mouthful of promises. Blowing smoke—who didn't know how to do that?

He was used to being two-faced, and besides, he wasn't afraid of anyone looking for trouble.

"No, I want you to temper this girl well. You don't know, but she has become lawless within the sect."

Thinking of Ning Rongrong's behavior back at the sect, he felt a headache coming on. He truly had no other choice; otherwise, why would he have sent her away?

"I don't think so; she is doing quite well here."

When Chen An said this, Ning Fengzhi bristled slightly—what did he mean by she was doing well at the academy?

Based on his understanding of Ning Rongrong, that shouldn't be the case.

Even Sword Douluo, standing to the side, looked as if he found it hard to believe.

"It is indeed so. Would you like to go see for yourself? Or shall I call her over?"

Ning Fengzhi waved his hand as expected, composed his expression, and spoke.

"There is no rush for that matter. I have some other things I would like to consult with Dean Chen about."

Ning Fengzhi took a sip of tea, waiting for Chen An's reply.

He had originally wanted to chat about the specifics of Ning Rongrong's situation at the academy, but now was the perfect time to get to the main point.

"I am all ears."

From a sensory perspective, Ning Fengzhi had left a good impression on him; as the saying goes, first impressions are very important.

Therefore, Chen An was quite willing to continue the conversation.

Ning Fengzhi ran his thoughts through his mind once more before speaking, feeling his previous approach wasn't quite right, and improvised a new one on the spot.

"Dean Chen, I wonder if Phantom Star Academy would be open to capital investment."

His initial thought had been to recruit Chen An into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

He had intended to try and turn Phantom Star Academy into a subordinate institution of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

However, after learning about Chen An's soul ring situation, he had changed his mind.

Now that they had met, and having seen the tea the other party brought out, as well as the layout of this office, he realized he was unlikely to get a positive response.

His original proposal would not have been accepted, which was why he needed to change his rhetoric on the fly.

The reality was exactly as he suspected; if Ning Fengzhi had proposed an acquisition, Chen An would have immediately soured his expression and stopped the conversation.

Because in his view, Phantom Star Academy would never be a subordinate organization to any power.

If he had that kind of intention, why wouldn't he choose to back Martial Soul Hall instead?

"I'm sorry, I don't accept that."

Capital investment and sponsorship were two different things.

Investment meant dividing up power, and it carried the risk of being subjected to someone else's meddling.

He had no such intentions and would not accept such a proposal.

"But..."

Ning Fengzhi wanted to say something more, but he was interrupted by Chen An.

"Phantom Star Academy is an institution independent of any power."

Hearing this gave Ning Fengzhi a bit of a headache; he wanted to win Chen An over and build a good relationship with him.

But simply giving gifts didn't feel right, which was why he had resorted to this method.

"Then, what if it were just a partnership?"

Like the old fox he was, if one path was blocked, there would always be another way to go.

Rephrasing the proposal meant there would be no problem.

"Oh? What kind of partnership?"

Since the other party had taken a step back, Chen An's attitude naturally softened a little.

"Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect provides a sum of resources to sponsor your academy every year; could you admit our students when you recruit?"

Chen An said calmly, "There must be other conditions, right?"

He had no objection to extra admissions, as it wouldn't take up spots meant for commoner students.

At worst, he could just open a dedicated class; it wasn't a big issue.

"Naturally, it requires your esteemed academy to demonstrate that you can teach the students well."

"That's simple. In a moment, I will take you to see a student, and your concerns in this regard will naturally be dispelled."

"Very well."

The matter should have ended there, and they should have gone to find this student afterward.

But Chen An didn't move, so Ning Fengzhi naturally remained seated.

"I actually have another partnership in mind. I wonder if Sect Master Ning would be interested?"

Since Chen An had taken the initiative to propose a partnership, how could Ning Fengzhi not be interested? He put on an attentive expression and said:

"Please, go ahead."