Qian Lingche and the others stood before an endless stretch of mountains. Gazing at the magnificent scenery before them, they fell into thought.
Shi Yi sighed, his voice tinged with helplessness. "Xiao Che, were we too impulsive? We should've found people to build the place first."
Qian Lingche gave a wry smile and shook his head. "We were a little hasty, that's true. But now that we're here, we'll have to figure something out."
Just as they were wondering how to get started, the distant sound of hoofbeats and rolling wheels reached them.
They turned to look and saw Ning Fengzhi leading a large procession of people toward them.
Qian Lingche was a little surprised. He stepped forward. "Uncle Ning, Sword Douluo, Jing Chen? What are you..."
Ning Fengzhi chuckled, gazing at Qian Lingche with a warm expression. "Xiao Che, I guessed you'd left in a hurry and weren't prepared, so I've already had people bring building materials. Take a look and see where you'd like to build your force."
Qian Lingche knew why Ning Fengzhi had gone to all this trouble, but who would turn down help offered in their hour of need?
A flicker of gratitude crossed Qian Lingche's eyes. He hurriedly said, "Uncle Ning, this... how can I accept?"
Ning Fengzhi waved a hand. "You child, why be so formal with me? The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is your ally. If you need help, of course we'll lend a hand."
"Besides, Jing Chen is your friend, too. This is just a small matter."
Ning Jingchen stepped forward with a smile and patted Qian Lingche on the shoulder. "That's right, Lingche. Do we really need to stand on ceremony with each other?"
"Look at these mountains. The terrain is rugged and the scenery is beautiful. The materials we brought are enough to build you an imposing sect."
Qian Lingche smiled. "Then I'll have to trouble you, Uncle Ning."
With that, he turned to introduce the people beside him to Ning Fengzhi. Ning Fengzhi had already met Guang Ling and Ling Yuan, so there was no need to introduce them.
He pointed to the person in the distance, leaning against a tree with his eyes closed as he rested. "That's Shi Yi. He's a Titled Douluo, too."
He didn't mention Shi Yi's rank. Sword Douluo probably couldn't tell what it was, either; he could only sense that Shi Yi was very powerful.
Qian Lingche then gestured toward Ji Lin, who stood nearby, and said with a smile, "This is Ji Lin, the Platinum Bishop who follows me. He's also my chief steward."
"He's meticulous and thorough in everything he does. With him around, I have a lot less to worry about." Ji Lin stepped forward and bowed to Ning Fengzhi. "Greetings, Sect Master Ning. Thank you for your help."
Ning Fengzhi nodded with a smile. "Xiao Che, you certainly have no shortage of talented people around you. Your future is boundless."
Though he said this aloud, he already felt he'd struck gold: a young sect leader with a good temperament and three Titled Douluo. Having them as neighbors would put his mind at ease.
He had prepared the building materials as soon as he returned from Heaven Dou City. He just hadn't expected Qian Lingche to move so quickly.
Qian Lingche replied politely, "You flatter me, Uncle Ning. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is the one with a bright future. Your sect is richer than a nation, has two Titled Douluo on hand, and countless outstanding disciples..."
Time flowed like water, and before they knew it, two months had passed.
An imposing sect had risen from the ground amid the endless stretch of mountains. Its vast complex of buildings covered half the range, grand and magnificent enough to leave anyone marveling at the sight.
Since everyone there was a Soul Master, they built far faster than ordinary people could.
Ji Lin coordinated the entire project, arranging everything in perfect order. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect disciples Ning Fengzhi had brought pitched in as well. The whole construction process ran smoothly and efficiently.
Qian Lingche stood atop an observation tower at the highest point of the sect, looking down at the scene before him, his heart full of emotion.
This sect would be his new home. He finally had a home of his own...
Built along the mountainside, the sect's architecture was both stately and classical, yet possessed a touch of graceful beauty.
The main hall soared into the clouds, surrounded by several auxiliary halls and training grounds, as well as stretches of lush gardens. Nature and architecture seemed to blend perfectly together.
Ning Fengzhi walked over to Qian Lingche and said with a smile, "Xiao Che, what do you think of the sect? Are you satisfied?"
Qian Lingche nodded, his voice full of admiration. "Uncle Ning, this sect is even better than I imagined. Thank the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect for all your help."
Ning Fengzhi waved a hand. "Xiao Che, there's no need to be so polite. We'll be neighbors from now on, so of course we should help each other."
"Besides, I'm glad to see you settling down here."
After giving it some thought, Qian Lingche said, "Uncle Ning, from now on, this place will be called the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall."
Ning Fengzhi nodded at that. "The Eternal Night Frost Song Hall. What a fine name! Xiao Che, it seems you have great hopes for this sect."
Qian Lingche smiled and waved a hand. "With just a few of us, how can we call ourselves a sect? I only picked it because it sounded nice."
"Don't worry, Uncle Ning. I know what you have in mind. From now on, the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall will protect the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
Qian Lingche lay lazily on his bed, propping his chin up with both hands as he sighed in boredom. "This is so boring... Brother Ling is in seclusion, Brother Yi is in seclusion, and even Sister Ling Yuan has gone into seclusion."
He rolled over and lay on his back, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Qian Lingche pursed his lips and muttered to himself, "Maybe... I should go into seclusion, too... Nah. Cultivation is so dull, and I'm already bored out of my mind. There's no one to talk to, either."
He sat up and looked around the room. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. "Right, Ji Lin must still be busy. I could go chat with him and see how things in the hall are coming along."
With that thought, Qian Lingche immediately hopped out of bed, straightened his clothes, and walked out the door.
Sunlight streamed through the lattice windows in the corridor, casting patches of dappled light and shadow across the floor.
"Ji Lin!"
Ji Lin was standing in the main hall, speaking in a low voice with several of his subordinates.
Just then, he heard someone call his name. He turned and saw Qian Lingche.
Ji Lin immediately bowed and said respectfully, "Hall Master, what brings you here?"
Qian Lingche waved a hand, a lazy smile on his face. "I was bored. Brother Ling and the others are all in seclusion, and there's no one to talk to. What were you discussing?"
Ji Lin smiled slightly and explained, "In answer to the Hall Master, we were discussing our plans for the next stage of development."
"The hall is mostly complete now, but there are still many details to take care of."
"For instance, we need to put defensive formations in place, obtain and distribute cultivation resources, and manage our relations with the surrounding forces. All of that needs to be settled as soon as possible."
Qian Lingche nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. "You've worked hard. With you here, I really have so much less to worry about."
Qian Lingche looked at Ji Lin and suddenly asked, "Ji Lin, you've been at Rank 89 for a while now, haven't you? You should be close to breaking through to Titled Douluo, right?"
Ji Lin was slightly taken aback, then nodded. "In answer to the Hall Master, that's right."
"My Soul Power has felt a little unsettled lately. Perhaps I'll be able to attempt a breakthrough soon."
Qian Lingche nodded. "Mm. Breaking through to Rank 90 is what matters most. You can leave the hall's affairs to the others for now."
"Focus on preparing for your breakthrough. Don't worry too much about anything else."
He paused, a trace of amusement in his eyes. "Once you break through, I'll have Brother Ling and the others take you to hunt for a Soul Ring. They'll definitely find one that suits you best."
Ji Lin's eyes flashed with gratitude. "Thank you for your concern, Hall Master. I won't let you down. I'll break through as soon as I can and add to your strength."
Qian Lingche waved a hand and replied casually, "There's no need to be so polite. You've done so much for me, so of course I'll do everything I can to support you."
"Once you become a Titled Douluo, our strength will rise by another great deal."