Conversation

"Uncle Sword, where on earth did you find such a monster? Looking at him, he doesn't seem to belong to any of those major factions."

As his fantasy faded, Ning Fengzhi sighed inwardly, clicking his tongue in wonder.

If this boy truly possessed such heaven-defying talent, then it was truly a blessing from the heavens for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

"I didn't find him; he delivered himself to my doorstep."

Sword Douluo spoke with a beaming smile, then briefly recounted what had happened at the ancestral tomb.

After listening, Ning Fengzhi didn't know what to say for a moment.

His current mood was likely similar to those lucky players in card games who could pull a top-tier prize from a random, worthless box.

After chatting for a while longer, Ning Fengzhi prepared to call the disciples waiting outside to settle Xu Bai in, intending to discuss other matters once he woke up.

When the time came, whether through coercion or temptation, unless Xu Bai was a saint, Ning Fengzhi was certain he could find a way to make him pledge loyalty to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Even if he were a saint with no desires, it would be easy enough to leave behind a sense of goodwill or a bond.

Just as he was about to act on this plan, Sword Douluo raised a hand to stop him.

"Is there something else, Uncle Sword?"

"No need to go to the trouble of settling him in. This brat is already awake; if you have something to say, say it now."

Sword Douluo hoisted Xu Bai up, walked to the window, and said nonchalantly, "Stop pretending. Keep it up, and I'll throw you down."

"Just woke up, just woke up! Senior, please, wait a moment!"

Xu Bai hurriedly opened his eyes, his gaze fixed firmly on Sword Douluo. He didn't dare glance downward, only speaking with a sheepish expression while feeling speechless inside.

He didn't understand it. Although he had been afraid of heights in his past life, it had only been a mild case—certainly not enough to make him faint.

He had assumed that after transmigrating, such minor ailments would disappear, so why had it only gotten worse?

Sword Douluo chuckled, carried Xu Bai back in front of Ning Fengzhi, and let go.

Having spent the entire time with his limbs dangling in mid-air, Xu Bai finally felt the solidity of the floor beneath him again and was almost moved to tears.

"You should have heard enough while you were eavesdropping. This is the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi. He wants to have a word with you."

After the introduction, Sword Douluo stepped aside, crossed his arms, and watched the two of them quietly.

"Greetings, Sect Master Ning."

Looking at the man before him—who appeared simple at first glance but was revealed to be incredibly opulent upon closer inspection—and then sweeping his gaze across the magnificent grand hall, Xu Bai was filled with envy.

Money, so much money. If only it were all mine.

Sigh, I'm so pitiful. Worrying about my livelihood at such a young age—truly, the children of the poor must grow up early.

With a sigh in his heart, Xu Bai suddenly thought of the culprit behind his current predicament, and his mood turned indignant.

Second Uncle, you really deserve to die. Once I become powerful, I'll make sure to turn you into Zhu Gaoxu, a pot-bound Second Uncle.

Well, that's my daily dose of self-reflection done.

Naturally, these were all internal thoughts. Xu Bai maintained a calm expression on his face, supplemented by just the right amount of vulnerability.

He looked like a child who had been bullied but was trying to act tough, the kind who would break down the moment someone offered a little comfort.

Given his young age, Ning Fengzhi naturally didn't suspect any pretense. He assumed the child was genuinely frightened but still trying to be brave, and his eyes softened even further.

He had always suffered for being young in the past, but this time, Xu Bai was reaping the benefits of his youth.

"Don't be afraid, child. Can you tell me your name, how old you are, and if you have any elders at home?"

Ning Fengzhi spoke gently, striving not to leave a bad impression on this monstrous genius.

"My name is Xu Bai. I'll be ten in a few months. I'm all alone..."

Xu Bai began his performance, a smile appearing on his face, though it was a strained one.

No family? That's great—er, I mean, how pitiful.

Ning Fengzhi held back a laugh, forcing a look of sympathy onto his face. "Growing up all by yourself must have been very hard."

"It wasn't hard. After all these years, I've gotten used to it," Xu Bai said calmly, as if speaking of a trivial matter.

Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly. To be so resilient at such a young age—he was a good child.

"Even if you're used to it, would you like to have a home? Living alone is ultimately a hardship for a child like you."

He continued, guiding the conversation along.

Xu Bai feigned deep thought and asked in return:

"By that, Sect Master Ning, do you mean you want to give me a home?"

"If you agree, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will be your new home."

Ning Fengzhi smiled as he spoke. Although he was confident, he hadn't expected things to go so smoothly.

Xu Bai was a monstrous genius, and such geniuses usually possessed a sense of pride.

To win him over, one could never use force to suppress him; that would most likely trigger a rebellious streak and prove counterproductive.

Therefore, the best approach was to appeal to his emotions and reason, just as he had done when he first persuaded Sword Douluo.

"Only an assassin fighting for their life needs to charge forward without hesitation; a true swordsman possesses a heart of protection, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect requires a blade that can shatter the enemy..."

That time, he had seen the desolation in Sword Douluo, so he used the concept of protection to persuade him.

But this time, he saw a lonely, helpless child, and prepared to use the warmth of a home to win him over.

However, Ning Fengzhi would likely never imagine, even until his dying day, that there existed a creature in this world known as a transmigrator, and Xu Bai simply did not buy into that routine.

Although his plan fell through, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was wealthy, and with the added, highly reasonable threat from Sword Douluo, Xu Bai had no choice but to join even if he didn't want to; one could say it was a case of stumbling into the right result.

Xu Bai was a person who disliked trouble, and when Ning Fengzhi first extended the olive branch, he had actually wanted to agree immediately.

But he also understood one principle: if something is obtained too easily, it will not be cherished.

Therefore, the identity of his damned "good" second uncle became very useful at this moment.

"Sect Master Ning, your proposal is very tempting, but, well, actually, I still have a relative by blood."

Xu Bai feigned hesitation for a long time, then, as if having made a difficult decision, spoke in a low voice.

"Oh? A relative by blood?"

Ning Fengzhi seized upon the key point.

"That's right. He is my second uncle. After my parents died, he seized my family property. If not for a loyal servant protecting me with their life, I might already be dead."

Xu Bai clenched his fists, though he couldn't quite manage to make his eyes bloodshot, so he simply lowered his head slightly, his voice deep as if suppressing his rage.

"You wish to take revenge? Very well. As long as you are willing to join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, I will send men to capture your second uncle right now. Whether he lives or dies will be entirely up to you."

Ning Fengzhi was extremely confident. To him, being able to secure Xu Bai's allegiance for a mere request like this was incredibly cost-effective and simple.

Xu Bai waved his hand slightly. "I will take my revenge personally; there is no need for Sect Master Ning to trouble yourself. The reason I mentioned my second uncle is because of his status. If you are still willing to accept me after knowing who he is, then I shall respectfully comply."

"What status?" Ning Fengzhi asked.

"Spirit Hall, Purple-Robed Bishop!" Xu Bai said calmly.

Ning Fengzhi: ?????

That's it?