Sword Douluo took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his emotions. He was this close to swearing! If the kid weren't so young, he'd have loved to give him a good beating!
What did he mean, his Soul Power consumption was high, and he could "only" use it twenty-some times?
And what was that about "having a domain, but it doesn't last long"? Did he even know what a domain meant?
It was something countless people never obtained in their entire lives. Even the Pope, Bibi Dong, had gained her domain at an age far beyond his.
Chu Qing's domain was also far from ordinary. It was both fierce and capable of controlling others, and this was only its initial stage. As Chu Qing grew stronger, the domain would surely become even more powerful!
This young man might one day surpass even him, reach the level of a Limit Douluo, or perhaps even become a god!
Ning Rongrong looked at the two Douluos' twisted expressions, utterly confused. They were usually so composed and elegant, like worldly masters who stood above it all. Why were they acting so strangely today?
"Grandpa Sword, Grandpa Bone, what's wrong with you? Why do you both look so distracted?"
Sword Douluo gave an awkward laugh and changed the subject. "All right, it looks like you've nearly finished absorbing them. Come back with me."
"Little Qing, would you be willing to come with us? We'll head back to Heaven Dou City together. There are plenty of opportunities there, and they could help you grow stronger." Sword Douluo might not even have realized that, without noticing, he had changed how he addressed Chu Qing from "young man" to the much more familiar "Little Qing."
Rongrong looked at him eagerly, too. "Exactly! Brother Qing, come back with us! I'll introduce you to my father. Then we can be together every day..."
Bone Douluo stared straight ahead, pretending he hadn't heard a thing.
At that point, Ning Rongrong suddenly realized how that sounded. Her pretty face flushed, and she hurriedly added, "We can cultivate together every day! With this young lady keeping an eye on you, your Soul Power cultivation will be twice as effective!"
Chu Qing's heart stirred. He knew Sword Douluo was tactfully trying to recruit him. After thinking it over, he decided there was no harm in making the trip. Perhaps an opportunity would present itself. Besides, he had already planned to visit Heaven Dou City; after all, a great opportunity was waiting for him there!
"Very well. I'll make the trip with you two seniors," Chu Qing agreed.
"Yay!" Ning Rongrong cheered when she heard Chu Qing accept. Her smile bloomed, revealing a pair of adorable little canine teeth and two shallow dimples. Anyone who saw her would be tempted to give her a good ruffle.
The four of them packed their things and left the Star Dou Great Forest. They hired several carriages and set off for Heaven Dou City, the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Ten days later, several carriages pulled up outside Heaven Dou City. A handsome young man with striking features stepped down, followed by a bright, adorable little girl and two elderly men with an otherworldly air.
A towering city wall stood before them. Warriors clad in heavy armor lined its top, and powerful Soul Power fluctuations emanated from them. One of them was unmistakably a Soul Master!
"Even the soldiers guarding the city aren't ordinary people? No wonder this is the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire. It really is extraordinary!" Chu Qing marveled inwardly.
"We're finally here. I'm exhausted after that journey!" Ning Rongrong pouted in complaint.
"Oh? I seem to recall someone confidently insisting she'd go get her First Soul Ring on her own, without anyone's help. How come a little travel has her complaining already?" A warm voice came from behind them.
Chu Qing turned to look. A middle-aged man in a white robe, with an elegant and refined air, was stepping out of a carriage covered in elaborate patterns. He smiled at Ning Rongrong, his eyes full of affection.
Several guards in matching uniforms followed behind him. They were clearly quite powerful, and watched Chu Qing warily. Though they said nothing, their eyes held a clear warning.
"Daddy!" Rongrong's annoyance turned to delight. She stared at her father, who had appeared behind them, and dashed into his arms in three quick steps.
The middle-aged man hurriedly caught her, gently stroking Rongrong's hair with his fair hands. "You silly girl. You had me worried sick."
Chu Qing carefully studied the man. So this must be Ning Fengzhi, the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. He really is extraordinary.
"This junior, Chu Qing, pays his respects to the Sect Master!" Chu Qing stepped forward and greeted him.
Rongrong quickly wriggled free of her father's embrace. "This is Brother Chu Qing! If it weren't for him, I might not have made it back this time! Dad, hurry and invite him into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!"
Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo promptly made the introductions. They had already used special means to report everything that had happened along the way to Ning Fengzhi.
Ning Fengzhi smiled but didn't answer Rongrong. Instead, he carefully studied Chu Qing.
"So you're the young talent who saved Rongrong? Truly, heroes come from the young! I'm honored to finally meet you in person. Please, accept this bow from me!"
With that, he bent forward and bowed to Chu Qing!
Chu Qing hurriedly stepped aside. "I couldn't possibly accept such a grand gesture from the Sect Master! We're all human. When you see injustice, you should draw your blade to help. It was the least I could do."
Ning Fengzhi didn't press the matter. Instead, he said, "Even so, I must thank you for saving my daughter's life. I, Ning Fengzhi, will never forget this great kindness! I came here for two reasons: first, to collect Rongrong, and second, to invite you."
"Would you be willing to join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"
Chu Qing looked at Ning Fengzhi. His expression was sincere, with no trace of mere politeness. It seemed he truly meant the invitation.
"Yes, Brother Qing, please say yes to Dad!" Rongrong urged him as well.
"Well... could you give me some time to think it over?" Chu Qing said with a troubled expression. He hadn't saved Ning Rongrong in order to use that kindness to get something in return, and he'd never considered joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. But perhaps joining wouldn't be a bad thing... The sect's cultivation resources would greatly benefit him, though joining would also mean taking on responsibilities and tying himself to the sect.
Ning Fengzhi was perceptive and immediately saw Chu Qing's hesitation. He quickly raised a hand to stop Rongrong. "No matter. No matter at all! Whatever you decide, you must visit my home first. We've prepared a meal already. You've all been on the road for so long; you must be hungry. Why not eat, then get some sleep and rest before we talk about it?"
"In that case, I won't stand on ceremony," Chu Qing replied with a cupped-hand salute. He then followed Ning Fengzhi and the others as they rode to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
After eating and drinking his fill, Chu Qing was shown to a lavishly decorated bedroom, fully equipped with everything he needed.
Meanwhile, in another room, two covert guards dressed in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's uniforms were reporting Chu Qing's basic information to Ning Fengzhi. "Chu Qing. Both parents deceased. Innate Full Soul Power. His Martial Soul is..."