Ever since they had set the date for their trip to the Star Dou Forest, the group had thrown themselves back into intense training.
Dugu Bo lounged lazily in a bamboo chair, his eyes half-closed as he let the sunlight wash over him.
Ever since Ye Ruilin had been using Ultimate Fire to purge his poison every other day, the bone-chilling cold within his body had gradually begun to fade.
Though he was naturally drawn to cold and shadowy places, he had begun to crave this pleasant warmth, as if even his bones had softened beneath the sun.
At the training ground, Ye Ruilin was guiding Ma Hongjun in controlling his flames.
"Not good enough. Again."
Ye Ruilin looked stern, his gaze fixed sharply on Ma Hongjun's movements.
Ma Hongjun wiped the sweat from his forehead without complaining, then gathered his Soul Power again and circulated the Ultimate Fire according to Ye Ruilin's instructions.
With Ye Ruilin's guidance, his combat ability had improved by leaps and bounds. Although his Soul Power Level had not risen noticeably, his fighting strength was now on a completely different level.
Just then, Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan appeared at the same time.
Ning Rongrong carried a food box, her smile sweet.
"Brother Ye, I brought you some snacks!"
She then walked over to Ye Ruilin and looked at him with a beaming smile.
Dugu Yan, meanwhile, held an ancient book, her expression calm.
"Ye Ruilin, you should be interested in this book about fire-element Soul Skills."
The girl's gaze was tranquil, but her hand showed no intention of withdrawing the book.
Ye Ruilin froze for a moment before he could speak, while Ma Hongjun had already leaned over.
He immediately broke into a grin.
"Snacks? A book? Boss, which one do you want?"
That smug look instantly irritated Ning Rongrong.
Ning Rongrong shot Ma Hongjun a glare.
"Ma Hongjun, no one will think you're mute if you keep quiet!"
She then turned back to Ye Ruilin.
"Brother Ye, I made these snacks especially for you."
A trace of grievance entered her voice.
Dugu Yan smiled faintly.
"Little Rongrong, cultivation comes first. You can eat the snacks later."
Ning Rongrong refused to back down.
"Sister Yan, Brother Ye has been training for so long. He should rest a little too."
After only a few words, the two had begun trading barbs.
Then they both looked toward Ye Ruilin.
Even Dugu Bo in the distance had not expected his granddaughter to be so capable.
Seeing this, he immediately burst out laughing.
"Not bad, not bad. Go, Yanyan! Take down that brat as soon as you can."
Ma Hongjun covered his mouth and chuckled softly before retreating to the side to enjoy the show.
Ye Ruilin rubbed his forehead helplessly.
He could not understand how Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan had suddenly ended up at odds.
He hesitated before speaking.
"How about... both?"
Ma Hongjun snickered from the side.
"Boss, you're caught between two fires here!"
Ye Ruilin glared at him.
"One more word, and today's training will be doubled!"
Ma Hongjun immediately shut his mouth and obediently retreated to the side again.
Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan exchanged a glance, then stuffed their things into Ye Ruilin's hands at the same time.
"You choose first!"
Ye Ruilin: "..."
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi's study.
Ning Fengzhi rubbed his temples, helplessness in his voice.
"That boy from the Ye Family is only going to obtain his second soul ring. What are you following him for?"
Ning Rongrong clung to Ning Fengzhi's arm and pleaded coquettishly.
"Dad, please agree! I want to stay by Brother Ye's side."
Ning Fengzhi sighed and tried to persuade her.
"Rongrong, your Martial Soul has already evolved into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. The most important thing now is to seize the time and cultivate."
"Besides, Ye Ruilin isn't never coming back. Why do you have to go with him?"
Ning Rongrong pouted, refusing to give in.
"I don't care. I'm going!"
Ning Fengzhi sighed helplessly and changed his approach.
"Rongrong, listen to your father. Stay in the sect and cultivate properly. By the time Ye Ruilin returns, your strength will definitely make him see you in a new light."
Ning Rongrong frowned slightly. After thinking for a moment, she still shook her head.
"No! Ma Hongjun and Dugu Yan are both going this time. If I don't go, Brother Ye will definitely become closer to them."
Ning Fengzhi wanted to continue persuading her, but Bone Douluo Gu Rong interrupted with a smile.
"Fengzhi, since this girl wants to go, let her go."
"At worst, I'll accompany her to the Star Dou Forest."
Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up. She ran to Gu Rong's side and linked her arm through his.
"Grandpa Bone, you're the best!"
"Uncle Gu, you spoil her too much."
Ning Fengzhi gave a bitter smile before finally nodding.
"Fine, but don't forget to cultivate once you get there."
"You are now the hope of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
Ning Rongrong stuck out her tongue, a brilliant smile spreading across her face.
"Got it, Dad!"
When Ye Ruilin's group set out, they unexpectedly spotted Ning Rongrong and Bone Douluo.
"Senior, Rongrong, what are you doing here?"
Ye Ruilin looked at Bone Douluo and Ning Rongrong in surprise.
"Brother Ye, I'm going to the Star Dou Forest too. Grandpa Bone is coming with us."
Ning Rongrong ran forward and said with a bright smile.
Even Dugu Yan's calm face showed a flash of surprise.
Their trip to the Star Dou Forest this time was not for anything particularly important.
They were mainly there to help Ye Ruilin obtain his second soul ring.
Dugu Bo was personally protecting Ye Ruilin, so he naturally had to accompany them.
He just had not expected the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and a Title Douluo to join in the excitement.
"Boss, isn't this getting even livelier?"
Ma Hongjun stood behind Ye Ruilin, grinning mischievously.
During this time, the two girls had seemingly been competing with each other, openly and secretly.
If they traveled together, the journey would likely become very lively indeed.
Ye Ruilin had a headache coming on.
He looked toward Bone Douluo.
Yet Bone Douluo simply waved a hand, his tone calm.
"Since Rongrong insists on going with you, I naturally have to accompany her."
He looked entirely resigned to indulging her wishes.
Ye Ruilin took a deep breath, then smiled bitterly.
"Since that's the case, then let's go together."
He looked like he had completely accepted his fate.
Seeing Ye Ruilin agree, Ning Rongrong excitedly ran toward the carriage.
With the two of them joining, they added another carriage to the group.
Dugu Bo walked over to his granddaughter Dugu Yan with a beaming smile.
"Yanyan, although the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is coming along too, Grandpa believes in you."
"You'll definitely take down that brat!"
Dugu Yan shot Dugu Bo an embarrassed, annoyed look.
"Grandpa, it's not what you think."
"That day, that ancient book just happened to be somewhat suitable for him."
Dugu Yan's eyes flickered, and a faint blush rose to her cheeks.
Dugu Bo immediately put on the expression of someone who understood everything and knowingly patted his granddaughter's shoulder.
"Grandpa understands."
"My granddaughter has no other thoughts. It's just that the book happened to suit that brat."
After saying that, he walked toward the carriage with a smile.
Seeing her grandfather's shaking shoulders, Dugu Yan stomped her foot in annoyance.
She turned back to glance at Ye Ruilin, who was talking to Ma Hongjun, then quickly ran after Dugu Bo and climbed into the carriage.
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