After a night of rest, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun gathered their emotions and knocked on the door of Ning Fengzhi's study.
"Oh, it's you two."
Ning Fengzhi looked up at the two as they pushed open the door and entered, a warm smile on his face.
"You're here so early. Have you had breakfast?"
"Thank you for your concern, Sect Master Ning. We've both already eaten."
Dai Mubai cupped his hands.
His voice was steady, betraying no fluctuation in his emotions, but only he knew how he had tossed and turned all night, barely closing his eyes.
Ma Hongjun stood beside him. Most of the redness and swelling on his face had subsided, though faint traces were still visible on closer inspection.
"We came so early because there are some matters we'd like to discuss with you, Sect Master Ning."
"Please, go ahead."
The smile on Ning Fengzhi's face remained unchanged. He set down his brush and leaned back slightly against his chair, assuming the posture of someone ready to listen attentively.
Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun exchanged a glance.
Then both bent forward in unison and dropped to one knee before Ning Fengzhi, their knees striking the floor with a dull thud.
"Hongjun and I wish to join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Please grant us this wish, Sect Master Ning!"
Dai Mubai's voice echoed through the study.
He lowered his head, his gaze resting on the carved panel beneath Ning Fengzhi's desk. Its intricate patterns blurred together before his eyes.
"Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!"
Ning Fengzhi's voice came from above, filled with undisguised delight.
Pushing his chair back, he strode out from behind the desk, his robes stirring a light breeze.
He came up to them, bent down, and helped Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun to their