Departure!

Spirit City, in a secret chamber.

A black figure stood in the darkness with his back to the door, as though he had merged with the shadows.

"My lord, the Pope has received word from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

A low voice echoed through the chamber.

"How did she react?"

The black figure did not turn around, his tone calm.

"Her Holiness seemed to detest that child's martial soul attribute. She likely associated it with something unpleasant."

"Radiant Phoenix... it truly is a troublesome martial soul."

The black figure chuckled softly, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

"But the more so, the more interesting it becomes."

"My lord, should we do something?"

"No hurry."

The black figure shook his head.

"Wait until the competition begins and see how that child performs."

"If he is worth recruiting, find a way to approach him."

"If he is not worth it... then let him be."

"This subordinate understands."

The voice vanished, and the secret chamber returned to silence.

The black figure stood amid the darkness, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.

"Zhao Tian... Radiant Phoenix..."

"Interesting."

Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Zhao Tian did not know that his existence had already drawn the attention of Spirit Hall's upper ranks.

At that moment, he sat cross-legged on his bed, circulating the Radiant Divine Canon to consolidate the second soul ring he had just obtained.

The addition of his second soul ring had brought a qualitative leap in his strength.

Twenty-second-level Soul Power, two Hundred-Year Soul Rings, and two powerful soul skills.

Combined with the Four Cultivation Systems of the Radiant Divine Canon, his combat strength was far beyond that of an ordinary Soul Grandmaster.

"Tomorrow, we set off for Spirit City..."

Zhao Tian opened his eyes, determination flashing within them.

"I have to win this competition."

Not to prove anything, but to display the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's strength before Spirit Hall.

To let Bibi Dong know that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was not to be trifled with.

And to let those people of Spirit Hall know that Zhao Tian was not someone they could push around.

The next day, early morning.

Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, before the sect's main hall.

Several dozen carriages stood in neat rows across the square. Each was drawn by two sturdy horses, and the sect's emblem was carved upon every carriage.

A seven-tiered glazed pagoda shimmered brilliantly beneath the sunlight.

The sect disciples busily loaded supplies onto the carriages in perfect order.

For this journey to Spirit City to participate in the competition, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had truly mobilized all its strength.

Aside from Zhao Tian and Ning Rongrong, the two contestants, Ning Fengzhi personally led the group. Chen Xin and Gu Rong, two Title Douluo, accompanied them as guards, along with dozens of elite sect disciples and logistical staff. The procession numbered nearly a hundred people.

"Tian'er, Rongrong, are you ready?"

Ning Fengzhi stood before the main hall, looking at the two children with a gentle smile.

Zhao Tian wore fitted white clothing, with golden phoenix patterns embroidered along the cuffs and collar. His hair was tied back with a white headband, and he looked energetic and strikingly heroic.

Ning Rongrong had personally selected the fabric for this outfit, and Ning Fengzhi had ordered it made overnight.

In Ning Rongrong's words, "Zhao Tian is representing the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect in battle, so of course he has to wear the best-looking clothes!"

Ning Rongrong herself wore a pale green dress, its hem embroidered with the image of the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda. Her hair was styled into two adorable buns tied with green ribbons, making her look lively and cute.

"We're ready!"

Ning Rongrong answered before Zhao Tian could, her little face brimming with excitement.

It was her first time traveling far from home, and she was going to a place as grand as Spirit City. The thought alone thrilled her.

"Then get in the carriage."

Ning Fengzhi pointed at the largest and most luxurious carriage in the center.

It was a carriage prepared specifically for him. Its cabin was spacious, furnished with soft cushions and a tea table, enough to accommodate five or six people.

Naturally, Zhao Tian and Ning Rongrong would ride in that carriage.

Chen Xin and Gu Rong each mounted a tall, sturdy horse and rode at the front and rear of the convoy respectively, responsible for vigilance and protection.

"Set off!"

At Ning Fengzhi's command, the convoy slowly rolled out through the gates of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and headed down the main road toward Spirit City.

Inside the carriage, Ning Rongrong lifted the curtain and curiously watched the scenery outside.

"Zhao Tian, look! That tree is so tall! There's a whole field of flowers over there! Wow, there are birds too!"

Like a bird newly released from its cage, Ning Rongrong chattered nonstop.

Zhao Tian sat across from her, holding a book about martial souls, but he could not focus on it at all.

Because Ning Rongrong was simply too noisy.

"Rongrong, can you be a little quieter?"

Zhao Tian raised his head helplessly.

"No! It's Rongrong's first time traveling so far. Am I not allowed to look around?"

Ning Rongrong puffed out her cheeks and spoke with complete confidence.

Zhao Tian had no reply, so he could only lower his head and continue reading.

Seeing that he ignored her, Ning Rongrong's eyes darted about. She scooted beside him and reached out to pull the book from his hands.

"Stop reading! Keep Rongrong company!"

"Talk about what?"

"Hmm... tell me how you plan to compete once we reach Spirit City?"

Ning Rongrong tilted her head and asked.

Zhao Tian thought for a moment before answering, "It depends on the opponent. I'll adapt accordingly."

"Tch, that's the same as saying nothing."

Ning Rongrong curled her lips, then patted her chest.

"But it's fine. With Rongrong here, you'll definitely win!"

"Rongrong is your personal support!"

Zhao Tian looked at her proud little expression and could not help smiling.

"Alright, then I'll be counting on Rongrong."

"Leave it to Rongrong!"

Ning Rongrong nodded hard, her eyes curving into crescents as she smiled.

The convoy sped onward. After traveling for most of the day, they finally reached a small town before nightfall.

This was a necessary stop on the road to Spirit City, still three days' travel away from their destination.

Ning Fengzhi ordered them to rest for the night at an inn in town and continue their journey early the next morning.

During dinner, Ning Fengzhi summoned Zhao Tian and Ning Rongrong to his room.

"Tian'er, Rongrong, tomorrow we will enter Spirit Hall's sphere of influence."

Ning Fengzhi's tone turned serious.

"Once we get there, mind your words and conduct. Do not give Spirit Hall anything to use against us."

"Especially you, Rongrong. You are lively by nature, but outside the sect, you cannot behave as casually as you do at home."

Ning Rongrong nodded obediently. "Father, Rongrong understands."

Ning Fengzhi nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Zhao Tian.

"Tian'er, you are the young sect master. You represent the honor of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and many people will be watching you once we reach Spirit City."

"No matter what happens, remain calm. Do not let anyone provoke you, and do not act rashly."

"This disciple understands."

Zhao Tian nodded solemnly.

"That is all. Get some rest early. We still have a journey ahead tomorrow."

Ning Fengzhi waved his hand.

Zhao Tian and Ning Rongrong rose to take their leave, then returned to their respective rooms to rest.