Celebration Banquet!

Bibi Dong stared at him for several seconds, then smiled softly.

"Very well. I respect your choice."

"However, my offer still stands."

"The doors of Spirit Hall will always be open to you, Zhao Tian."

"If you are ever wronged in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, or encounter difficulties you cannot resolve, you may come to Spirit Hall and seek me at any time."

"As long as you join us, I will certainly focus on nurturing you and devote all of Spirit Hall's strength to helping you reach the pinnacle."

The moment those words were spoken, everyone perceptive enough to understand felt their hearts tighten.

Bibi Dong was leaving Zhao Tian a way out, while also planting a thorn in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Once today's words spread, there would inevitably be people within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect who began to overthink things.

Would Zhao Tian truly go to Spirit Hall one day?

Would Ning Fengzhi develop misgivings toward Zhao Tian because of this?

Would Zhao Tian come to distrust the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect because of this?

It was an undeniably brilliant move.

Naturally, Zhao Tian understood Bibi Dong's intentions as well.

His expression did not change as he bowed again.

"I appreciate Your Holiness's kindness."

"However, I have been living very well in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. My three teachers have shown me immense kindness, and Rongrong and I are as close as siblings."

"I have never felt wronged, nor have I ever considered leaving."

"Therefore, I fear I will never have the chance to visit Spirit Hall."

His words were firm and resolute, leaving no room for compromise.

Bibi Dong looked deeply at him, then finally nodded.

"Since that is the case, I will not force you."

"I hope that in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, you can maintain the momentum you showed today and grow into an even more powerful Soul Master."

"I look forward to seeing you on a greater stage in the future."

With that, she returned to her throne as though nothing had happened.

Yet everyone knew that those few brief words had already cast a stone into the currents shaping the entire continent.

The ripples had only just begun.

Zhao Tian turned and walked back toward the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's viewing platform.

Ning Rongrong rushed over immediately, grabbing his hand with reddened eyes.

"Zhao Tian... you scared Rongrong to death..."

"That Pope... why did she suddenly..."

"It's all right."

Zhao Tian rubbed her head and comforted her softly.

"I merely turned down her recruitment offer."

Ning Rongrong sniffled and nodded vigorously. "Mm! Rongrong knew you wouldn't leave!"

Ning Fengzhi stepped forward, his gaze upon Zhao Tian carrying a trace of complexity.

"Tian'er, just now you..."

"Teacher, rest assured. I will not leave the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

Zhao Tian spoke directly before he could finish.

"Teacher took me in, taught me, and betrothed Rongrong to me. I feel nothing but gratitude."

"No matter how good Spirit Hall may be, it is not my home."

"This place is."

Ning Fengzhi looked into his clear, resolute eyes. The doubts in his heart completely vanished, and he gave Zhao Tian's shoulder a firm pat.

"Good! Good child!"

Chen Xin and Gu Rong walked over as well.

"Fengzhi, this time you truly found a treasure."

For once, Gu Rong did not bicker with Chen Xin.

Chen Xin nodded. "Tian'er's character is even more precious than his talent."

"To remain completely unmoved in the face of the Pope's recruitment—that kind of composure is something many adults could not achieve."

Zhao Tian felt a little embarrassed by the praise and was about to say something when Ning Rongrong grabbed his hand.

"Come on, come on! Rongrong will take you to get treated! You're still injured!"

"We can talk later!"

Without giving him any choice, she dragged Zhao Tian toward the resting area.

As Zhao Tian was pulled along, he looked back at the purple figure on the high platform.

Bibi Dong still sat there, her gaze deep and unreadable, as though she were lost in thought.

But he knew that after today, his relationship with Spirit Hall was destined not to remain peaceful.

But so what?

He had his own path to walk and his own goals to achieve.

Spirit Hall or Bibi Dong, neither could stop him.

The celebration banquet was held in the largest banquet hall at the central grounds. Spirit Hall had organized it personally, and the scale was grand.

Dozens of long tables had been joined into a winding line, laden with every kind of delicacy. Golden candleholders illuminated the entire hall, while the rich fragrance of fine wine filled the air.

Contestants from the major sects and clans gathered together, and the hall was exceptionally lively.

As the champion of this tournament, Zhao Tian was naturally the center of attention.

He had changed into a clean white robe. Though several parts of his body were still wrapped in bandages, he was in excellent spirits, his complexion rosy, with no sign that he had just gone through a fierce battle.

"Zhao Tian!"

A familiar voice came from behind him.

Zhao Tian turned around to see Feng Xiaotian striding over with a wine cup in hand. His hair still hung loose and carefree, and his signature grin rested on his lips.

"You brat, that fight today was incredible! You even knocked Yu Tianheng off the arena. Impressive!"

As Feng Xiaotian spoke, he reached out and gave Zhao Tian's shoulder a hearty pat.

Zhao Tian shifted slightly and smiled. "Didn't you lose to me too?"

"That was just because you got lucky! It won't be so easy next time!"

Feng Xiaotian glared at him fiercely for show, then burst into laughter.

As the two spoke, Yu Tianheng approached with a wine cup as well.

His arms were still wrapped in thick bandages, and his movements were somewhat stiff as he walked, but his eyes remained sharp.

"Zhao Tian, you won today. I, Yu Tianheng, acknowledge it."

Yu Tianheng raised his cup, his tone solemn.

"But when we meet again, I will not lose."

Zhao Tian also lifted the cup before him and lightly clinked it against Yu Tianheng's.

"Fine. Then we'll fight again next time."

The three raised their cups and drank, immediately drawing a burst of cheers from those around them.

Huo Wushuang came over with Huo Wu, while Tuoba Xin held a plate and watched the excitement as he ate. Though the sisters Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er stood farther away and did not approach too closely, their gazes remained fixed on Zhao Tian.

"Little Brother Zhao Tian is amazing!"

Huo Wu tugged on Huo Wushuang's sleeve, blinking her big eyes at Zhao Tian with unconcealed admiration in her voice.

"You beat so many people today. Will you become even stronger in the future?"

Stared at by those sparkling eyes, Zhao Tian was uncharacteristically embarrassed. He coughed lightly. "I suppose so."

"Then Huo Wu will become as strong as Little Brother Zhao Tian in the future too!"

Huo Wu clenched her little fists and declared earnestly.

Huo Wushuang rolled his eyes beside her. "You little girl, you get carried away at the slightest breeze."

"Brother, shut up! Little Brother Zhao Tian is amazing!"

Huo Wu glared at her brother. Huo Wushuang shook his head helplessly, too lazy to argue with her.

Feng Xiaotian leaned close to Zhao Tian's ear and chuckled in a lowered voice. "Kid, you gained quite a lot from this battle. Even little girls admire you now."

Zhao Tian shot him a glance but did not respond.

Ning Rongrong had been speaking with several female Soul Masters nearby, but the corner of her eye had remained fixed on Zhao Tian.

When she saw Huo Wu standing so close to him, she immediately put down the pastry in her hand, hurried over, and naturally linked her arm through Zhao Tian's.

"Zhao Tian, your injuries haven't healed yet. Don't drink too much."

Ning Rongrong lifted her little face and spoke with concern, though her gaze drifted toward Huo Wu from time to time.

When Huo Wu saw Ning Rongrong holding Zhao Tian's arm, she froze for a moment, then pursed her lips and sensibly retreated behind Huo Wushuang.

Zhao Tian sensed the subtle tension between the two little girls and secretly found it amusing, though his expression remained unchanged.

Feng Xiaotian and Yu Tianheng exchanged a glance, both wearing knowing smiles.

After three rounds of wine, the atmosphere grew increasingly lively.

Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan also appeared at the entrance to the banquet hall. Though they did not enter, Hu Liena's gaze passed over the crowd and settled on Zhao Tian, an unfathomable smile curling at her lips.

Zhao Tian sensed that gaze and looked up, meeting Hu Liena's eyes.

Hu Liena nodded slightly, then turned and left the banquet hall, disappearing into the night.

Zhao Tian withdrew his gaze, his expression calm.

This was the first time, but he knew it would not be the last.