The atmosphere inside the Golden Spatula Pavilion was tense and charged.
Ning Fengzhi gripped the armrests with both hands. Leaning slightly forward, he fixed his burning gaze on Yi Chen, waiting for his answer.
Sword Douluo Chen Xin had also set down his teacup. A keen glint shone in his cloudy old eyes, making it clear that he attached great importance to what Yi Chen was about to say.
Yi Chen didn't keep them waiting.
He set down his teacup and folded his hands over his knees, his expression calm and earnest. "Sect Master Ning, I'm willing to work closely with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Specifically, I hope the sect can become the main partner promoting Teamfight Tactics in the southern part of the Heaven Dou Empire."
"Promotional partner?" Ning Fengzhi repeated, a thoughtful look appearing in his eyes.
"That's right." Yi Chen nodded. "Spirit Hall will handle promotion in the northern and central regions. As for the southern route, including the southern commanderies of the Heaven Dou Empire and the western borderlands of the Star Luo Empire, I'd like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to oversee it."
He paused, then continued, "In return, I'll build a Golden Spatula Pavilion near the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's headquarters, equal in size to this one. The pavilion will belong to the sect, and we'll split its operating profits according to an agreed ratio."
Ning Fengzhi's heart gave a hard thump.
A Golden Spatula Pavilion equal in size to this one?
He looked around at the imposing building: its strange stonework, the array that automatically absorbed the Soul Power of heaven and earth, the tables that could project the Golden Chessboard... The value of such things couldn't be measured in Gold Soul Coins!
If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect could own a pavilion like this, it would be an enormous material fortune—and an invaluable asset to its reputation!
"Is that truly your intention, Mr. Yi?" Ning Fengzhi's voice tightened.
"Of course." Yi Chen smiled. "I've already asked Spirit Hall to find me a group of excellent craftsmen and Soul Engineers. Once this flagship pavilion is running smoothly, I'll personally visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to choose a site and oversee its construction."
Ning Fengzhi drew a deep breath, tamped down his excitement, and clasped his hands solemnly. "In that case, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will do everything in its power to help you promote Teamfight Tactics!"
"Good." Yi Chen nodded with satisfaction and lifted his teacup. "Then here's to a successful partnership."
They raised their cups to each other, toasting with tea instead of wine.
After setting down his teacup, Yi Chen looked at Ning Fengzhi, as though weighing something in his mind. A moment later, he suddenly spoke. "Sect Master Ning, I have one more favor to ask."
"Please, go ahead."
Yi Chen lightly rubbed a finger along the rim of his cup. His tone was casual but earnest. "Your daughter, Ning Rongrong, seems gifted, and I like her personality. I'd like to take her as my disciple and teach her some of the deeper principles of Teamfight Tactics. What do you think?"
At those words, not only Ning Fengzhi but even Sword Douluo Chen Xin was stunned.
Take her as his disciple?
A Limit Douluo wanted to take Rongrong as his disciple?!
Ning Fengzhi's mind raced.
What did it mean to be the disciple of a Limit Douluo? It meant Rongrong could learn the essence of Teamfight Tactics and receive the protection and guidance of one of the continent's mightiest experts! How many people could only dream of such an opportunity?
And with that bond between master and disciple, the connection between the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Yi Chen would be more than a mere business partnership. It would be a far stronger tie!
"Well..." Ning Fengzhi forced down his joy and did his best to keep his voice steady. "For you to take my daughter as your disciple would be her good fortune, and an honor for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. It's just that she's lively and rather mischievous. I'm afraid she might cause you some trouble."
"That's all right." Yi Chen waved a hand, a smile at the corner of his mouth. "A little liveliness is a good thing. Someone too staid wouldn't be suited to learning what I teach. Besides..."
He paused, a mischievous glint flashing in his eyes. "I like that girl Rongrong. Let's just say it'll be a good connection."
Hearing that, Ning Fengzhi's last trace of concern vanished.
He rose and bowed to Yi Chen with utmost formality. "In that case, I thank you on my daughter's behalf! Once I return to the sect, I'll arrange for Rongrong to formally become your disciple!"
"No rush." Yi Chen lifted a hand as if to stop him. "Taking a disciple is a major occasion; we'll need to choose an auspicious day. And Rongrong has to agree to it herself. You can't force a melon to be sweet."
"Rest assured. That girl worships you. When she hears the news, she'll be so happy she won't sleep tonight," Ning Fengzhi said with a smile, his words full of a father's pride and affection.
Beside him, Sword Douluo Chen Xin stroked his beard with a smile. His gaze toward Yi Chen had grown warmer.
He had lived long enough to meet all kinds of people. He could tell that while Yi Chen had proposed taking Rongrong as his disciple partly to draw the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect closer, his fondness and admiration for her were sincere as well.
"Oh, right." Yi Chen seemed to remember something. He took a palm-sized golden token from his robes and handed it to Ning Fengzhi. "This is my token. If you run into trouble after returning to the sect, crush it, and I'll sense it. If it's within my power, I'll help."
Ning Fengzhi accepted the token with both hands. It felt warm to the touch, and a forceful character, "Chen," was carved into it, faint golden light flowing between its strokes.
He knew full well the weight of this token.
A Limit Douluo's promise was a priceless treasure throughout the entire Douluo Continent.
"Thank you, sir." Ning Fengzhi solemnly tucked the token into his robes, then stood. "I've imposed on you for long enough today. I won't disturb your rest any further. When you visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, I'll lead the entire sect out to welcome you!"
Yi Chen stood as well and returned the salute. "Safe travels, Sect Master Ning. Oh, and..."
He called out to Ning Fengzhi, who was about to turn away, and added, "Tell Rongrong to keep practicing the basic controls I taught her earlier. I'll be checking her progress the next time we meet."
Ning Fengzhi paused, then smiled and nodded. "I'll be sure to tell her."
After watching Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo disappear through the pavilion entrance, Yi Chen sat back down and lifted his now-lukewarm tea, taking a small sip.
He looked out the window, his gaze passing over the dense rooftops of Spirit City and settling on the distant south.
That was where the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect lay.
It was also the second move in his plan for the Douluo Continent.
"A disciple, huh..." he murmured, a meaningful smile curving his lips. "I hope you won't disappoint your master."