Visitors

Time flew by. In the blink of an eye, more than a month had passed.

Everything in the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect was moving according to plan.

The redistribution and relocation of its disciples, both inside and outside the sect.

The construction of a place of seclusion and a new academy.

Even the staggered purchase of Fixed Soul Cannon Shells.

All had proceeded in secret with Ning Hao's tireless support, and were gradually nearing completion.

Even news that the Nine Treasures Glazed Academy was about to be established had spread far and wide, thanks to his deliberate efforts.

There was no doubt that the news caused an enormous stir the moment it came out.

Ordinary sects and many academies watched with curiosity.

But the other top sects on the continent were mostly puzzled and scornful.

After all, the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect was an ancient power with a legacy stretching back ten thousand years.

Though its circumstances had been awkward in recent years, it had always occupied a position where it fell short of the best but stood above the rest.

Its foundations were still there for all to see.

And its current sect master was an ambitious man.

Even the empire would have to weigh the consequences before making a move against him.

So why had he suddenly lost his senses and decided to spend lavishly on converting the sect into an academy?

Why hand the imperial family leverage over him and willingly place himself under its control?

Could it be that, seeing how close the Heavenly Soul Imperial Family and the Body Sect had become, he was trying to secure a way out for himself?

Unfortunately, no matter how curious the continent's many powers were, they had no way of learning the truth.

All they could do was remain in their own territories and make wild guesses, with no way to confirm them.

Only a handful of powers that were on friendly terms with the sect, or those with transcendent status like Shrek, dared to send people to ask in person.

Outside the Nine Treasures Glazed Academy, two graceful black-haired women stood side by side.

"Senior Sister, what do you think the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect is after?"

"They had a perfectly good sect, but instead they're spending their entire fortune buying land, putting up buildings, and building an academy?"

Surveying the vast complex before them—which had yet to be fully completed, but already had the makings of a top-tier academy—one of the two girls, whose aura was somewhat weaker, looked utterly baffled.

The slender figure she had asked shook her head as well, indicating that she had no idea.

"Who knows?"

"But I was fortunate enough to meet Ning Hao once. He's shrewd and capable."

"If he dared to carry out this reform under pressure from all sides, it means he must have foreseen something!"

"That's why the senior elders sent us here to 'ask' whether he needs any... 'help.'"

At the end, the woman in the lead paused for a moment, a flicker of hesitation passing through her beautiful eyes.

Is building an academy... really the right thing to do?

Recalling the senior elders' instructions before they set out.

And that final "privilege" they had been granted: "If necessary, you may use your influence to pressure them."

She suddenly felt a little lost.

At that moment, the teachings her mentors had given her over the years clashed with her own conscience, leaving her thoughts in turmoil.

Fortunately, she had not come alone.

Noticing that something was wrong, the woman beside her set aside her own thoughts and called to her repeatedly:

"Senior Sister, Senior Sister, Zhang Lexuan!"

"Ah, Ruoruo, what is it?"

"And you're asking me what's wrong? You're the one spacing out!"

"Sorry. Something else came to mind."

As she spoke, Zhang Lexuan rubbed her temples, temporarily pushing aside her thoughts about right and wrong.

"Let's go. Sect Master Ning must have received our calling card by now."

"Okay!"

As soon as she spoke, the tightly shut gates suddenly opened.

A middle-aged man in splendid clothes, his bearing imposing, strode toward the two women.

Close behind him was an old man in a plain white robe, with sword intent faintly swirling around him.

The newcomers were Ning Hao and Sword Douluo, who were stationed at the academy.

"A friend has come from afar; we ought to receive you with the utmost courtesy. Unfortunately, the academy is not yet complete, so our hospitality may be lacking. Please forgive us."

His deep, steady voice rang in their ears, and the faint resentment in Han Ruoruo's heart vanished in an instant.

Zhang Lexuan, on the other hand, grew wary, thinking that this man would be difficult to deal with.

"Thank you, Sect Master Ning. My junior and I came without warning, which was discourteous in itself. We wouldn't dare ask for more."

"Hahaha! The Nine Treasures Glazed Sect and Shrek share a deep bond. How could your visit be called discourteous?"

Ning Hao laughed heartily at her words, then stepped aside and gestured for them to enter.

"To have Shrek's distinguished guests visit the Nine Treasures Academy today truly brings honor to our humble home!"

"Come! Please follow me inside, and we can talk at length."

Seeing this, Zhang Lexuan said no more and turned to signal her companion to hurry after them.

Then, on the way to the reception hall, Ning Hao talked nonstop.

He kept introducing the structure of the Nine Treasures Glazed Academy to the two women.

From its architectural style and functional areas to its guiding principles and vision for the future.

Leaving out the confidential details, he told them nearly every idea he had come up with recently.

His sincerity alone would have convinced anyone that the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect was determined to establish an academy.

Zhang Lexuan and Ning Ruoruo were no exception.

But unlike the latter, who chattered away with questions,

The former kept feeling that something was off, and remained silent the entire way.

She did not notice the glint of amusement that occasionally flashed through Ning Hao's eyes.

Young, and far too inexperienced. She can't hide what she's thinking at all. Just like Xiao Huan.

But that's fine. She'll be much easier to handle than that fellow Yan Shaozhe coming in person...

At that thought, a trace of gloom appeared in his shrewd eyes, unseen by anyone.

Shrek...

As overbearing as ever!

Sending a junior disciple from the inner court to question me, the sect master...

Again and again, do they really think I, Ning, have no temper?

Unfortunately, his own side's overall strength was far beneath theirs.

No matter how resentful he felt, he would have to endure it until his plans were complete.

One day, I, Ning, will make sure no one dares raise their voice at me!

Forcing down his anger at being so casually slighted, Ning Hao finally led Zhang Lexuan and her companion to their seats in the reception hall.

Then he lowered himself, personally picked up the teapot, and poured them each a cup of clear tea.

The two women were so flattered that they promptly stood and thanked him again and again.

It seems I can't judge everyone from Shrek by the same measure...

At least these two young women understand courtesy and good manners.

Ning Hao gave a barely perceptible nod. The displeasure hidden beneath the surface finally eased a little.

Then, pretending to be puzzled, he said:

"There were too many people just now. I didn't want too many ears listening, so I couldn't ask."

"You've come all this way to my humble home. Is there something your academy needs, or a request you'd like to make?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Lexuan suddenly stiffened. Clearly, she had not expected him to ask so bluntly.

As her mind raced, she realized that most of her mission had already been accomplished.

She had gotten nearly all the information the academy needed.

Only the reason for the reform and the genius who had summoned an ancestor remained undisclosed.

But because Ning Hao had taken the initiative to explain everything, she had no topic left to bring up.

Much less a way to steer him toward revealing the most important parts of the intelligence.

With no other option, Zhang Lexuan could only follow his lead and try to turn the tables as much as possible.

"Everything at the academy is well, Sect Master Ning. There's no need to worry."

As she spoke, she took a letter from her wrist, stood, and respectfully presented it to him.

"This is a letter Dean Yan asked me to deliver to you."