Visiting Ning Fengzhi

Three months later, to escape those two devils, Zhang Fei clung to Xue Qinghe and begged her to take him along to visit her teacher—the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect stood close to Heaven Dou City. As one of the Upper Three Sects, it possessed deep foundations and wealth rivaling that of a nation, and had always been a steadfast ally of the Heaven Dou imperial family.

Ning Fengzhi, the Sect Master, was exceptionally skilled at management. Since the Clear Sky Sect had gone into seclusion, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had become the number one sect on the surface of Douluo Continent. Its wealth, prestige, and strength were all at their peak.

With the ninety-sixth-ranked Sword Douluo Chen Xin and the ninety-fifth-ranked Bone Douluo Gu Rong guarding the sect, its standing was virtually unmatched across the continent.

That scene of vigorous vitality and flourishing growth still lingered before his eyes.

Not long after being named Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe had taken Ning Fengzhi as her teacher. This greatly enhanced her prestige within the Heaven Dou Empire and caused those formerly wavering court officials to rally around the young Crown Prince.

Ning Fengzhi truly admired Xue Qinghe as a student as well. Over the years, he had provided her with considerable support in the Heaven Dou Empire's court, and their relationship as teacher and student could be called harmonious.

After the carriage left Heaven Dou City and traveled for roughly half an hour, a majestic city gradually came into view ahead—Seven Treasure City.

Towering city walls surrounded Seven Treasure City. Within them stood countless towers and sprawling halls. From afar, its azure tiles, crimson roofs, carved balustrades, and jade-like masonry gleamed golden beneath the morning sun.

The carriage slowly came to a stop at the sect entrance. Zhang Fei stepped down, and the sight before him stunned him for a moment.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's architectural layout was extraordinarily grand and imposing.

The main hall rose high into the air, its layered flying eaves spreading out to either side. Gilded bronze bells hung from the corners, chiming clearly whenever the wind passed through.

Winding corridors connected hall after hall, while even the railings beside the steps were built from white jade, polished smooth as mirrors.

The entire sect exuded an air of ultimate luxury and grandeur, displaying everywhere the formidable wealth of "the richest sect on the continent."

"Come on. Stop staring."

Xue Qinghe walked to Zhang Fei's side, naturally took his hand, and led him into the sect.

A senior member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had already been waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing Xue Qinghe arrive, he immediately stepped forward and respectfully bowed before leading the way.

Holding Xue Qinghe's hand, Zhang Fei followed behind, unable to stop himself from looking around as they walked.

Exquisite garden landscapes filled the sect grounds. Rare flowers and trees, many of which he could not name, were planted in orderly arrangements along the paths. Small bridges, flowing water, artificial hills, and strange stones dotted the lush greenery.

The ponds were filled with golden jade lotuses. Their leaves were emerald green, reflecting blue skies and white clouds upon the water, while koi leisurely swayed their tails beneath the surface.

Beyond its extravagance, the place carried an added sense of tranquility and elegance.

Zhang Fei secretly sighed to himself, Having money really is nice.

After passing through several corridors and courtyards, they arrived at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's main hall.

The moment the doors were pushed open, Zhang Fei was nearly dazzled blind by the sight inside.

The floor tiles were actually all made of jade, polished smooth and translucent. Dozens of glazed palace lanterns hung from the ceiling, making the entire hall seem covered in a layer of flowing light.

Ning Fengzhi sat upright in the seat of honor.

He appeared to be around forty years old, with refined and gentle features. He held an entirely emerald-green scepter, and his whole person radiated an approachable aura that made others feel like they were basking in a spring breeze.

Two white-haired old men stood at either side of him.

The one on the left had a cold expression and sharp eyes. He was the ninety-sixth-ranked Sword Douluo, Chen Xin.

The one on the right was broad and heavily built, with a massive frame. He was clearly the ninety-fifth-ranked Bone Douluo, Gu Rong.

Beside Ning Fengzhi sat a little girl, idly swinging her legs.

She looked about the same age as Zhang Fei. Her doll-like face was exquisitely pretty, and she wore an elaborate, beautiful dress adorned with precious jewels from head to toe.

Zhang Fei immediately guessed her identity. Ning Rongrong, the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and one of the Shrek Seven Monsters from the original story.

Xue Qinghe stepped forward, released Zhang Fei's hand, and bowed slightly. "Your disciple Xue Qinghe greets Teacher and greets the two Your Excellencies."

Zhang Fei hurriedly followed Xue Qinghe in bowing. He bent at the waist properly, though the corner of his eye could not help glancing toward Ning Rongrong beside him.

Ning Rongrong seemed to have noticed him as well. She tilted her head and studied him, clearly having a favorable impression of Zhang Fei's handsome appearance.

Chen Xin and Gu Rong gave slight nods in return. Ning Fengzhi raised one hand in a gesture of support and smiled warmly. "Qinghe, there is no need for such formality. Come, sit and speak."

His gaze shifted to Zhang Fei beside Xue Qinghe, and he asked with a smile, "Qinghe, is this the orphan you recently adopted, the one everyone has been talking about in Heaven Dou City?"

"Yes." Xue Qinghe nodded, then gave Zhang Fei a look.

Zhang Fei immediately understood. He stepped forward half a pace, cupped his hands, and bowed. "This junior, Zhang Fei, greets Sect Master Ning."

A trace of approval flashed through Ning Fengzhi's eyes.

This handsome child, the same age as his precious daughter, showed no signs of nervousness or restraint before him. Even his tone was remarkably steady.

"Truly, heroes emerge in their youth. You possess extraordinary bearing. Qinghe, you have a good eye," Ning Fengzhi said with an appreciative nod.

"Thank you for your praise, Sect Master Ning. You are the true example for us all. Under your leadership, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has flourished. Who in the world does not admire you?"

Zhang Fei replied with a beaming smile.

There was no harm in saying more nice things. The red packet would not be small.

"Hahaha!" Ning Fengzhi laughed heartily. He lightly tapped the ground with his scepter, rose to his feet, and walked over to Zhang Fei. With a flip of his hand, he took out a black card from his storage soul tool and held it out to him. "Young friend Zhang, this is a small gift from an elder for our first meeting."

Zhang Fei's eyes immediately lit up. Ning Fengzhi truly was generous—he had given him a Gold Soul Coin card upon their first meeting.

And it was even a black card, with at least a five-digit balance inside.

Without hesitation, he accepted it with both hands. "A gift from an elder must not be declined. This junior thanks Sect Master Ning!"

Ning Fengzhi smiled and nodded, growing even more satisfied inwardly.

"Hmph! Daddy, why didn't I get one?"

Ning Rongrong, standing nearby, had already grown impatient. She turned her little face aside, her lips pouting high.

Hearing her father praise someone else over and over, the little pride of a young miss in her immediately became displeased.

Ning Fengzhi could not help laughing. He quickly took out another Gold Soul Coin card and handed it to Ning Rongrong, his tone full of indulgence. "Oh! I forgot our little princess. Here, this one is for you."

Ning Rongrong snatched the card with her fair little hand and tucked it into her small purse. Only then did she lift her chin in satisfaction. "That's more like it."

This little episode made everyone present burst into laughter.

Ning Fengzhi glanced at Ning Rongrong, then turned to Zhang Fei and said gently, "Rongrong, His Highness the Crown Prince and I have some important matters to discuss. Why don't you take young friend Zhang around the sect?"

"Fine." Ning Rongrong jumped down from her seat and gave Zhang Fei a few appraising looks.

Zhang Fei knew that Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi would be discussing political affairs next. He had no interest in any of that, so this was a perfect chance to go have some fun with the little devil.

Zhang Fei turned to Xue Qinghe and gave her an inquiring look.

Xue Qinghe nodded slightly, indicating her agreement.

Zhang Fei grinned, then quickly followed after Ning Rongrong. The two left the main hall one after the other.