The Wind Is Coming

The carriage stopped in front of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Xue Qinghe was in the Crown Prince's Residence, focusing on purifying his bloodline.

Su Chen, meanwhile, wanted to probe into a few things.

He lifted the door curtain and stepped out of the carriage.

The guards had long since recognized this young man in green robes; they did not block him, instead leading the way respectfully.

He walked through the corridors all the way to the main hall.

Inside the main hall.

The fragrance of tea curled in the air.

Ning Fengzhi sat upright in the main seat, personally pouring a cup of clear tea and pushing it toward the opposite side.

"Young Master Su, it is a rare honor to have you visit alone today. Did His Highness the Crown Prince not come with you?"

Su Chen took his seat.

"The Crown Prince's Residence is busy with official business, and he could not get away. I came today simply to seek clarity."

Ning Fengzhi smiled faintly and gestured for him to please drink.

"Oh? Young Master Su is gifted with extraordinary talent; even the fundamental flaws of the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda could not escape your eyes. What else could you possibly need clarity on?"

Su Chen leaned forward slightly, staring at the refined middle-aged man across from him.

"Sect Master Ning must have heard about the commotion at the Crown Prince's Residence last night."

Ning Fengzhi nodded and picked up his teacup.

"I have heard a little about the matters from the morning court session. Prince Xue Xing was anxious to save the Emperor; although he was a bit reckless, he can be considered loyal to the empire. As for those bandits, they deserved to die."

Su Chen sneered.

"Bandits?"

"An eighty-ninth-rank Evil Soul Master released a Blood Fiend Domain, with baleful energy soaring to the heavens. Is this what Sect Master Ning calls bandits?"

Ning Fengzhi looked surprised, his brows furrowed tightly.

"An Evil Soul Master? Such a monster actually infiltrated Heaven Dou City? The City Defense Army of the imperial capital didn't notice a thing; that is truly a dereliction of duty."

Su Chen ignored this performance and continued to probe.

"The Evil Soul Master is one thing; he could be cut down easily enough. But later, a spatial rift tore open in mid-air, and a hand reached out to snatch Xue Xing away."

"To be able to tear through space silently within the Heaven Dou Imperial City—this level of strength is certainly not ordinary."

"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's intelligence network spans the world and is on good terms with the imperial family. With such a figure hiding in the imperial capital, did Sect Master Ning really not receive even a whisper of news?"

Ning Fengzhi picked up his teacup and blew on the steam.

His expression remained completely calm.

"Young Master Su is joking. The power of space is profound and mysterious. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is merely a support sect; we only conduct business and teach our disciples."

"If such a peerless expert is determined to hide, who could possibly track them down?"

"Furthermore, since the Emperor has already defined it as a bandit uprising in the court, then within this imperial capital, there are no Evil Soul Masters, nor are there any mysterious figures."

"In some matters, it is better to remain ignorant. Young Master Su is young and promising; you should focus your mind on cultivation."

An old fox.

These words seemed to say nothing, yet they seemed to have pre-set everything.

The imperial family and the sect had reached a certain tacit silence under the deterrence of this mysterious person.

Even the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect dared not touch that layer of window paper.

Ning Fengzhi's feigned ignorance only proved that the water was unfathomably deep.

The more calm and breezy he appeared on the surface, the more it proved his fear in the shadows.

Su Chen did not intend to let this opportunity to probe pass easily.

"Sect Master Ning refuses to speak, likely because you feel the Crown Prince's Residence cannot protect the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

"The Evil Soul Master from last night had a chilling, oppressive aura. Without someone backing him, he wouldn't have had the guts to release a Blood Fiend Domain within Heaven Dou Imperial City, even if he had ten thousand lives."

"That expert who tore through space is someone even the Emperor must avoid. This kind of deterrent power cannot be formed in a single day."

Ning Fengzhi's tea-pouring motion paused for a moment.

He looked up, his gaze complex.

"Since Young Master Su sees things so clearly, why must you force me so hard?"

"Some things are better left unsaid, even if seen through."

"The situation within Heaven Dou City changes in an instant. I cannot afford to gamble."

Su Chen looked at the man's face.

"Very well. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has its own difficulties, and it is understandable that you do not wish to wade into these muddy waters."

Ning Fengzhi set down the teapot and took the initiative to change the subject, breaking the stalemate.

"The struggles in the imperial court are ever-changing and were never meant for sects to intervene in. Young Master Su has extraordinary talent; you should not waste your energy on such deceitful schemes."

"Since we last parted, you pointed out the flaws in the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda. I have pondered it day and night, and I am deeply shocked."

Su Chen tapped his fingers on the table without responding.

Ning Fengzhi continued.

"Although Rongrong has good talent, she has been spoiled by the sect. If she could have someone like Young Master Su by her side to offer guidance, she would surely benefit immensely."

"You refused last time, but I have thought it over. You and my daughter are of similar age; why not settle on a formal engagement and forge a good union?"

"A man should marry when he is of age, and a woman should wed. The two of you can settle the engagement first and grow closer in the future."

"If this marriage is settled, the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will be your most solid backing."

Su Chen refused decisively.

"I appreciate Sect Master Ning's kindness, but I must decline."

"I am too young to take on such a responsibility."

"This kind of bargaining chip for marriage is better suited for the princes of the Heaven Dou Empire."

Ning Fengzhi was rejected to his face, but no anger appeared on his face.

Instead, he sighed softly, his eyes revealing a trace of anxiety that was hard to conceal.

"Young Master Su has misunderstood."

"I am not using my daughter as a bargaining chip; it is just that the fundamental flaw of the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda is like a sharp sword hanging over my heart."

"Rongrong is the future of the sect and my only flesh and blood. I am shameless, but I will take a step back."

Ning Fengzhi stood up, cupped his hands, and lowered his posture significantly.

"Let us not speak of marriage. I only ask that you take Rongrong in and let her learn by your side."

"Whether it is serving tea or pouring water, or massaging shoulders and beating backs, as long as she can learn even a sliver of how to repair the foundation, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is willing to pay any price."

"Sect Master Ning, have you sensed something even more terrifying than the power of space?"

Ning Fengzhi's standing posture stiffened slightly.

He took a deep breath.

"Young Master Su, heavenly secrets must not be leaked."

"Some existences, once mentioned, will invite fatal disaster."

"As the master of a sect, the lives of thousands of people rest on my shoulders; I dare not gamble."

Su Chen looked at Ning Fengzhi's slightly pale complexion.

A realization dawned on him.

Sending Ning Rongrong to the Crown Prince's Residence was an attempt to leave a way out for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect in the coming storm.

Ning Fengzhi had seen the trump card behind the Crown Prince's Residence and wanted to place his bet early.

Su Chen set down his teacup.

"Last time in the hall, this girl pointed at my nose and cursed, and even tried to chase me away. Only a few days have passed, and Sect Master Ning is willing to send this pampered young lady to suffer?"

Ning Fengzhi's expression was solemn.

"On the path of seeking the Dao, those who are capable are teachers. What suffering is there that cannot be endured?"

"Undercurrents are surging in Heaven Dou City, and all parties are reshuffling. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is a tall tree that attracts the wind; one slight mistake and we will be smashed to pieces."

"I have no other requests; I only hope that Rongrong can be by your side and learn some real skills to survive."

Footsteps came from the side door of the hall.

Ning Rongrong poked half her body out from behind a screen, looking completely unwilling.

Her eyes were slightly red; it was clear she had been crying not long ago.

She gripped a hidden weapon tightly in her hand, bit her lower lip, and stared fixedly at Su Chen.

Ning Fengzhi's face darkened.

"Rongrong! Come over and greet Young Master Su!"

Ning Rongrong moved slowly, dragging her feet to the center of the hall.

"I won't go! I have Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone protecting me in the sect; why should I go there to be mistreated!"

Ning Fengzhi slammed the table and stood up.

"Insolent! I have indulged you too much; now you won't even listen to your elders?"

He turned to look at Su Chen, his tone humble.

"Young Master Su, this girl has been spoiled, but her aptitude is excellent. As long as you are willing to take her in, her life and death are in your hands; I will never interfere."

Su Chen stood up and walked in front of Ning Rongrong.

He looked down at her from above.

"If you want to learn how to repair the foundation, tears are useless."

"With me, there is no young lady, nor is there the pride of the world's number one support martial soul."

"There are only obedient apprentices."

"If you can't do it, go back and find Grandpa Sword now."

Ning Rongrong clenched her fists, full of grievance.

She wanted to retort, but when she saw her father's stern yet pleading gaze, she swallowed her words.

Tears fell drop by drop.

"I can do it."

Su Chen withdrew his gaze.

"I can accept her."

"However, I will say this first."

"Once you enter the gates of the Crown Prince's Residence, you must follow the rules. If you can't stand the hardship and run back, don't ever mention repairing the foundation again."

Ning Fengzhi was overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly.

"Young Master Su, rest assured! I will go and give instructions right now. Even if she loses a layer of skin, she is not allowed to step half a step out of the Crown Prince's Residence!"

Su Chen turned and walked toward the door of the hall.

He ignored the standoff between the father and daughter.

The moment he stepped over the threshold, he stopped and tilted his head slightly.

"Sect Master Ning, the wind and waves are coming."

Leaving these words behind, he walked down the steps.

Ning Fengzhi's body stiffened slightly.

He watched the retreating figure, remaining silent for a long time.

The wind and waves were not just coming; they were already at their feet.