The Master-Disciple Bond, Preparing to Take Rongrong as a Disciple

Inside the Golden Spatula Pavilion, the atmosphere was heavy yet fervent.

Ning Fengzhi gripped the armrests tightly, leaning forward slightly, his burning gaze fixed on Yi Chen as he awaited his answer.

Sword Douluo Chen Xin also set down his teacup, a sharp glint flashing in his clouded, aged eyes; it was clear he placed great importance on what Yi Chen was about to say.

Yi Chen did not keep them waiting long.

He set down his cup, folded his hands on his lap, and spoke with a calm, earnest expression: "Sect Master Ning, I am willing to enter into a deep partnership with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Specifically, I would like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to become the primary promotional partner for the Battle of the Golden Spatula in the southern region of the Heaven Dou Empire."

"Promotional partner?" Ning Fengzhi repeated the term, a look of contemplation appearing in his eyes.

"That is correct." Yi Chen nodded. "Spirit Hall is responsible for the northern and central regions, but for the southern line—including the southern counties of the Heaven Dou Empire and the western border of the Star Luo Empire—I wish to entrust the operations to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

He paused, then continued: "In return, I will construct a Golden Spatula Pavilion of equal scale near the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's headquarters. The ownership of the pavilion will belong to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and the operating profits will be split between us according to a set ratio."

Ning Fengzhi's heart gave a violent jolt.

A Golden Spatula Pavilion of equal scale?

He looked around at this magnificent structure—the exotic stone used throughout, the arrays that automatically absorbed the soul power of heaven and earth, the tables capable of projecting golden chessboards... The value of these things could not be measured in Gold Soul Coins!

If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect could possess such a pavilion, it would not only be a massive material fortune, but an invaluable asset to their prestige!

"Is Mr. Yi Chen serious?" Ning Fengzhi's voice sounded slightly strained.

"Naturally." Yi Chen smiled faintly. "I have already had Spirit Hall help me scout a group of excellent craftsmen and soul masters. Once the flagship pavilion here is running stably, I will personally head to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to select a site and begin construction."

Ning Fengzhi took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement in his heart, and bowed solemnly with cupped hands: "In that case, my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is willing to go all out to assist you in promoting the Battle of the Golden Spatula!"

"Good." Yi Chen nodded in satisfaction and raised his teacup. "Then here is to a pleasant cooperation."

The two men used tea in place of wine, clinking their cups across the space between them.

After setting his cup down, Yi Chen's gaze fell upon Ning Fengzhi, as if he were weighing something. A moment later, he spoke up: "Sect Master Ning, I have one more request."

"Please, speak, sir."

Yi Chen's fingers lightly brushed the rim of his cup, his tone casual yet serious: "I find your daughter, Ning Rongrong, to have excellent aptitude and a charming temperament. I would like to take her as my disciple and teach her some of the deeper mysteries of the Golden Spatula. I wonder what your thoughts are on this, Sect Master Ning?"

Once these words were spoken, not only Ning Fengzhi but even Sword Douluo Chen Xin was stunned.

Take her as a disciple?

A Limit Douluo wanted to take Rongrong as a disciple?!

Ning Fengzhi's mind raced at lightning speed.

What did it mean to be the disciple of a Limit Douluo? It meant that Rongrong would not only learn the essence of the Golden Spatula but would also gain the protection and guidance of one of the continent's top powerhouses! This was an opportunity that many could only dream of!

Furthermore, with this master-disciple relationship, the connection between the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Yi Chen would no longer be merely a simple matter of profit-sharing. It would be a far more solid bond!

"This..." Ning Fengzhi suppressed his inner ecstasy, trying to keep his voice as steady as possible. "For you to be willing to take my daughter as a disciple is her good fortune and the honor of my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. It is just that my daughter is flighty and quite mischievous; I fear she may cause you trouble."

"It is no matter." Yi Chen waved his hand, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Being lively is better; being too dull would not suit learning my craft. Besides—"

He paused, a playful glint flashing in his eyes. "I find that girl Rongrong quite agreeable. Let us consider it a bond of kindness."

Upon hearing this, the last shred of hesitation in Ning Fengzhi's heart vanished.

He stood up and bowed to Yi Chen with great solemnity: "In that case, I thank you on behalf of my daughter, sir! Once I return to the sect, I shall arrange for Rongrong to formally pay her respects!"

"No rush." Yi Chen raised a hand in a gesture of restraint. "Taking a disciple is a major event; it requires choosing an auspicious day. Moreover, Rongrong herself must be willing; a forced melon is never sweet."

"Rest assured, sir. That girl admires you greatly. If she hears this news, she will likely be so happy she won't be able to sleep tonight," Ning Fengzhi said with a smile, his tone filled with a father's pride and doting affection.

Beside him, Sword Douluo Chen Xin stroked his beard and smiled, his gaze toward Yi Chen softening with a sense of closeness.

Having lived for so many years and seen countless people, he could tell that while Yi Chen's offer to take a disciple certainly involved the consideration of winning over the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, his affection and appreciation for Rongrong were genuine.

"By the way," Yi Chen suddenly remembered something. He took a palm-sized golden token from his robes and handed it to Ning Fengzhi. "This is my token. After you return, Sect Master Ning, should you encounter any thorny issues, you may crush this token, and I will sense it. Within my power, I will certainly assist."

Ning Fengzhi took the token with both hands, feeling its warmth. A vigorous, powerful character for "Chen" was carved into it, with golden light faintly flowing through the strokes.

He knew full well the weight of this token.

The promise of a Limit Douluo was a priceless treasure across the entire Douluo Continent.

"Many thanks, sir." Ning Fengzhi solemnly tucked the token into his robes and stood up. "I have intruded for too long today, so I shall no longer disturb your rest. When you come to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, I will lead the entire sect to welcome you!"

Yi Chen also stood up and bowed. "Safe travels, Sect Master Ning. Oh, and—"

He called out to Ning Fengzhi, who was just turning to leave, and added: "Tell Rongrong to practice the basic operations I taught her well. Next time we meet, I will be checking her homework."

Ning Fengzhi paused, then nodded with a smile: "I will be sure to tell her."

Watching the figures of Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo disappear at the pavilion entrance, Yi Chen sat back down in his chair and took a light sip of his now-lukewarm tea.

He looked up toward the window, his gaze passing over the dense rooftops of Spirit City and toward the distant south.

There lay the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

It was also the second move in his layout for the Douluo Continent.

"My disciple..." he murmured to himself, a meaningful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I hope you do not disappoint your master."