Forced to Work

Ning Huan ignored the silent or helpless expressions of the two women and walked toward the training ground gate without looking back.

Everything that should have been said, and even what shouldn't have, had been laid out word for word.

How things proceed from here is entirely up to them to decide.

He had done all he could; his conscience was clear.

Setting other matters aside for the moment.

At the very least, he had lived up to Ning Hao's investment and Chen Xin's trust.

That was enough.

Of course, if Wu Feng remained obstinate and became an unstable factor within the team.

Then she could not blame him for resolving the trouble at its source in the future.

On the quiet path paved with bluestone, the young man walked with a leisurely expression and steady steps.

While admiring the scenery, the interactions he had with Ning Hao and the others over the past two days flashed through his mind.

Only after confirming there were no major oversights did he let out a long breath and sigh with emotion:

"Sigh~ If it weren't to reduce obstacles for the future, who would want to meddle in such a thankless task?"

"Fortunately, although that hot-tempered girl is crazy, she is still young after all and lacks that stubbornness from the original work that would drive her to crash through a brick wall."

Recalling the whispers he had accidentally overheard before stepping out of the training ground, Ning Huan finally curled his lips into a smile.

"As expected, emotions are truly too difficult to control; guiding them is always better than tearing them apart."

However, just as he was strolling through the woods, lost in his thoughts, a familiar voice interrupted his reverie at the right moment.

"Xiao Huan? You're here! We were just about to go look for you!"

"Uncle Ning? Sword Douluo?"

"Weren't you supposed to go to Heaven Dou City today? You're back so soon?"

Ning Huan, snapping back to reality, was quite surprised.

Without a doubt, the people who had arrived were none other than Ning Hao and Sword Douluo.

Observing their dusty appearance and weary faces, it was clear they bore the marks of a long, hurried journey.

"For the sake of the sect's grand cause, I naturally dared not delay, so I kept the journey as simple as possible."

Noticing that his attitude did not seem feigned, Ning Huan's favorability toward him soared instantly.

Although choices had always existed, to put it bluntly, he had invisibly forced the former to make one.

Even if he hadn't chosen, it wouldn't have had much of an impact on the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect.

The outcome would have been no different than before.

They would be suffocated by the threats of major powers, yet face no immediate danger of annihilation.

Therefore, from the very beginning, he hadn't expected his ideas to be implemented so quickly.

He had assumed they would have to suffer another setback before the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect would act.

Who would have thought that Ning Hao would be so decisive.

He had given Ning Huan support and trust that could be described as unreserved.

Regardless of his underlying motives, looking at his current performance alone was enough to put his mind completely at ease.

"Uncle Ning is righteous; this junior admires you."

"Enough, I have serious business with you! Come with me to the main hall immediately!"

With that, Ning Hao hurried forward.

Disregarding etiquette or status, he grabbed Ning Huan on the spot and ran quickly toward the Nine Treasures Hall.

"It's rare to see the Sect Master so emotionally agitated that he can't contain himself..."

"But, Ancestor Chen Xin, whether bringing Ning Huan back to the sect is good or bad, who can say..."

Sword Douluo, unable to see the future, muttered to himself, his usually sharp eyes now filled with confusion.

Yet, in an instant, they returned to clarity.

"I have practiced the sword my entire life; how could I possibly fathom the minds of two foxes."

"Better to just focus on my own duties."

As the self-talk faded, the old man moved.

In the blink of an eye, he caught up to Ning Hao and the other, no longer pondering matters unrelated to his sword.

A moment later...

"In other words, in just a single morning, you made a round trip between the sect and Heaven Dou City."

"And you spent a fortune buying a plot of land not far from Heaven Dou City from the Heaven Dou Emperor."

"You've even finalized the construction blueprints, booked the construction team and material suppliers, and are ready to start a massive project?"

As the tone of his summary rose, the look of shock on Ning Huan's face grew increasingly intense.

What should one do when their Sect Master's execution is off the charts?

"That's right! As you said last night, some things are better done sooner rather than later~"

Ning Hao looked calm as he picked up his teacup and took a light sip.

His indifferent posture made it seem as if none of this had anything to do with him.

"Hiss~ as expected of you!"

Still unable to recover from his surprise, Ning Huan's expression stiffened as he nodded blankly.

Then, as if he had suddenly thought of something, a question slipped out subconsciously.

"Wait! Since the plan is already on track, why come to me?"

"Naturally, because there are still missing pieces in the plan!"

As he spoke, Ning Hao secretly curled his lips, extremely dissatisfied with the young man's attitude of being a hands-off manager.

Clearly, the idea was yours, yet you dumped the refinement, coordination, and implementation all on me. It's unfair!

Anyway, you don't need to cultivate your own soul power, and all your combat strength lies in your Spirit Body.

Instead of letting you slack off, it's better to have you help me with some work.

As for the Contract Spirit Body, if it really doesn't work out, we'll just wait for Uncle Feng to come back and have him catch one for you!

Wind Douluo: I thank you so much!

Thinking of this, Ning Hao felt settled, his smile becoming quite playful.

"Xiao Huan, just stay by my side for the next few months, learn about sect affairs, and help me brainstorm along the way."

"...?!"

"Wait a minute!"

Too agitated to maintain honorifics, Ning Huan's eyes were filled with disbelief.

"Are these things I'm supposed to be doing!"

"You were the one who told me yesterday that I didn't need to worry about anything and should just focus on cultivation!"

Unfortunately, the fact that Ning Hao could make such a decision meant he had already anticipated this scene.

He had the answer ready in his heart.

"You don't want to?"

"Then let's talk about the reason for the frequent theft of assets at the Tianluo City branch."

Ning Huan: "..."

Oh my!

So you're threatening me!

A dignified prodigy like me, how can I let myself be bullied!

Consequently, Ning Huan stood up immediately, shouting aggressively:

"Look at what you're saying, I'm just a bit surprised, when did I say I wouldn't do it."

"Are you being insincere?"

"I am for the sect, and the sect is for me!"

Sword Douluo: "..."

What a thick skin!

Is it really worth it for a bit of money?

Why on earth did the ancestor Chen Xin approve of this kid?

I can't figure it out!

But since things had reached this point, and it was rare for him to have the 'heart' for it, he had to go along with it.

"Good! Then Ning will give you a problem first."

Under Ning Huan's despairing gaze, Ning Hao cleared his throat and spoke in a deep voice about the worry that had troubled him all night.

"With Uncle Feng's ability, a hidden place suitable for the sect will be found in no time."

"So, how should the sect send the selected disciples to that place without attracting the attention of other forces?"

"In other words, how do we explain those disciples who vanish into thin air?"

Upon hearing this, the former understood instantly, then cursed inwardly:

He's sick! He's making a whole plate of Chiaotzu just for a saucer of vinegar!

"Why don't you just ask me directly!"

Yet, because this concerned his own future, no matter how resentful he felt, he could not hold anything back.

"I have a way!"

"It just depends on whether you can bear to part with this massive family estate!"

Ning Hao: ...

He had a bad feeling about this...