Returning to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan

Yu Tianlong couldn't help but smile at these words. It turned out that the future Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had been quite the mischievous monkey in his youth.

"Brother Ning, it would be better to bring a few guards next time you head out. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is the wealthiest in the world; there are plenty of people keeping an eye on you."

"Brother Yu is right, I'll keep that in mind." Ning Fengzhi nodded solemnly, then, as if remembering something, his eyes lit up. "Brother Yu, are you also here to participate in the Three Sects Grand Competition?"

Yu Tianlong felt a stir in his heart and nodded. "I do have that intention. However, I am merely a rogue cultivator without a sect recommendation, and I've been worrying about how to secure a spot."

"Pah, what's there to worry about!" Ning Fengzhi slapped his thigh and said generously, "Brother Yu saved my life; this little matter is on me! I'm well-acquainted with the people from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. I'll help you secure a spot for the competition, guaranteed!"

Yu Tianlong had been waiting for exactly these words. He didn't stand on ceremony, cupping his hands in a salute. "Then I thank you, Brother Ning."

"What's with the formalities! From now on, you are a brother to me, Ning Fengzhi!" Ning Fengzhi laughed heartily and reached out to drape an arm over Yu Tianlong's shoulder.

"By the way," Ning Fengzhi nodded, then looked curiously at the two Luo Sanpaos squatting on Yu Tianlong's shoulders. "Speaking of which, Brother Tianlong, your martial soul... it's an external beast martial soul, right? Why does it look so familiar?"

He tilted his head, pondered for a moment, and suddenly clapped his hands. "Right! That Yu Xiaogang from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, his martial soul seems similar! What was it called... Luo Sanpao? Yes, Luo Sanpao! But his Luo Sanpao is pale gold, while yours are one gold and one silver, and they look much more spirited than his."

Yu Tianlong felt a slight tremor in his heart, but his expression remained calm. "Is that so? That's quite a coincidence."

"More than just a coincidence!" Ning Fengzhi grew more animated as he spoke. "And honestly, I think your two Luo Sanpaos look much better than his. That one of his just knows how to hold its head high all day, looking down on everyone; it's just annoying to look at. Brother Tianlong, are you also from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan?"

Yu Tianlong was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded. "You could say that. A side-branch descendant of the Yu family, but I wasn't highly regarded, so I left early to make my own way."

He didn't say much more, but Ning Fengzhi automatically filled in the blanks with an inspiring story of a "side-branch descendant who was mistreated, left home in a fit of indignation, and carved out his own path." The look he gave Yu Tianlong was filled with even more admiration.

"No wonder you're so impressive! Reaching this level by relying on yourself is far better than someone like me who relies on family resources!" Ning Fengzhi sighed, then patted his chest. "But don't worry, as long as I, Ning Fengzhi, have a meal, you, Brother Tianlong, will never go hungry! Once we reach the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, I'll help you get a prime spot for the competition, guaranteed to let you shine!"

The Three Sects Grand Competition was open to rogue cultivators as well.

After all, it was a prime opportunity to gain exposure; as long as one performed well, there was a chance to join one of the three great sects as an outer-sect disciple.

"Then I thank you, Brother Ning." Yu Tianlong cupped his hands in thanks, though he was secretly laughing inside.

If Ning Fengzhi knew that the "arrogant" Yu Xiaogang he spoke of had actually risen to power by devouring a sliver of his own Luo Sanpao's bloodline, he wondered what he would think.

The two walked and chatted, heading up the mountain path for about half an hour, until a massive caravan appeared ahead.

The caravan consisted of dozens of gorgeously decorated carriages, each pulled by four spirited Dragon Scale Horses, with the emblem of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect inlaid on the carriages—a seven-story pagoda shimmering in the sunlight.

Surrounding the caravan were nearly a hundred fully armed guards, each with a steady aura, clearly well-trained experts.

In the center of the procession was the most luxurious giant carriage, crafted from precious golden silk nanmu, intricately carved and painted, with tassels and bells hanging from the corners that chimed as it moved, creating an imposing sight.

It was the team from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

"We're here, we're here!" Ning Fengzhi pulled Yu Tianlong along and ran excitedly toward the most luxurious carriage. "Father! I'm back!"

The carriage curtain lifted, and a scholarly middle-aged man poked his head out.

He appeared to be in his early fifties, with a refined face, a long three-stranded beard, and wearing a moon-white robe. His temperament was gentle and elegant, but his eyes were exceptionally bright, as if they could see through a person's heart.

It was the current Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Yuan.

Seeing Ning Fengzhi, Ning Yuan first let out a sigh of relief, but then his expression darkened, and he put on a stern face.

"You still know how to come back? I told you to stay in the carriage, but you insisted on sneaking out! Do you have any idea how worried your father was?"

"Father, I was wrong..." Ning Fengzhi shrank his neck, then pulled Yu Tianlong over, changing the subject. "But Father, I didn't come back empty-handed from sneaking out! I met this Brother Yu, and he saved my life!"

"Oh?" Ning Yuan's gaze fell upon Yu Tianlong, scanning him up and down, a flicker of scrutiny in his eyes. "And this young friend is..."

"Father, you don't know!" Ning Fengzhi interjected. "I was surrounded by three villains outside, and it was all thanks to Brother Yu's intervention! He took them all down—three villains at the Soul King and Soul Ancestor levels—with just one move! Isn't that amazing?"

Hearing this, Ning Yuan raised an eyebrow slightly and re-evaluated Yu Tianlong.

He could naturally tell that Yu Tianlong was definitely under eighteen years of age. To take down three opponents at the Soul King and Soul Ancestor levels in a single move—this level of strength was certainly not that of an ordinary person.

"Young friend saved my son; I am deeply grateful." Ning Yuan cupped his hands, his tone polite yet distant. "May I ask your name, and where you studied?"

"Junior is Yu Tianlong, a mere rogue cultivator with no master," Yu Tianlong replied with a respectful yet composed bow. "Seeing injustice and drawing one's blade to help is only right; Sect Master Ning need not take it to heart."

"Yu Tianlong..." Ning Yuan repeated the name silently, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes, but he quickly returned to his normal demeanor and smiled.

"To possess such strength at such a young age, your future is limitless. Since you saved Fengzhi, you are an honored guest of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Someone, bring one hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins as a token of gratitude."

A guard immediately stepped forward holding an exquisite storage Soul Tool and respectfully handed it to Yu Tianlong.

Yu Tianlong did not decline, accepting it gracefully. "Many thanks, Sect Master Ning."

He thought to himself: The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is indeed wealthy and imposing; they hand out one hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins without even blinking. No wonder it is said across the continent that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's wealth rivals that of a nation.

"Father, Brother Yu is also here to participate in the Three Sects Grand Competition!" Ning Fengzhi added. "But he is a rogue cultivator without a sect recommendation. I wanted to help him secure a spot, what do you think..."

Ning Yuan glanced at Yu Tianlong, pondered for a moment, and nodded. "Since he is Fengzhi's savior, I must grant this favor. Once we arrive at the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, I will have a word with Clan Master Yu Yuanzhen and arrange a spot for you."

"Many thanks, Sect Master Ning." Yu Tianlong cupped his hands in thanks once more.

"No need for formalities." Ning Yuan waved his hand, then said to Ning Fengzhi, "Alright, get in the carriage. It's getting late; we must be on our way."

"You got it!" Ning Fengzhi pulled Yu Tianlong along and hopped excitedly into the carriage.

The caravan set off again, moving in a grand procession up the mountain path.

Inside the carriage, Ning Fengzhi chatted enthusiastically with Yu Tianlong, covering everything from the history of the Three Sects Grand Competition to the geniuses of various sects, and even the strange anecdotes he had heard, as if he had an endless supply of things to say.

Yu Tianlong responded while gazing through the carriage window at the building complex on the mountaintop, which was drawing ever closer.

The main hall of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was already clearly visible.

"Yu Xiaogang, Yu Yuanzhen..."

He repeated these two names in his heart, a cold, sharp light flashing in his eyes.

"I'm here."