Chen Xin and Gu Rong immediately went on guard. Ning Fengzhi shook his head, signaling them not to act rashly. Then he stepped forward alone, knelt, and said:
"Starting the Continental War was entirely my, Ning Fengzhi's, responsibility. I know my crimes deserve death, but I hope Spirit Hall will spare the other innocent members of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
As he spoke, Ning Fengzhi assumed the posture of someone awaiting execution.
Qian Xunyi said, "Ning Fengzhi, who told you that I wanted your life? I am quite merciful. I will not take your life, but while the death penalty may be spared, you will not escape punishment."
Ning Fengzhi let out a breath of relief. "I shall accept whatever punishment Your Holiness decrees."
Qian Xunyi smiled and waved his hand. "Little Pingzi, come and see your father."
A shrill voice came from the corridor. "Yes!" A young eunuch holding a whisk stepped out from the covered walkway.
The instant Ning Fengzhi saw him, rage surged within him. That was his son! Spirit Hall had not even informed him before turning him into this neither-man-nor-woman eunuch.
Little Pingzi stopped before Qian Xunyi.
Qian Xunyi said, "Ning Fengzhi, tell me, what is your lifelong wish? I want the truth."
Ning Fengzhi was puzzled by Qian Xunyi's intentions, but he still answered, "Reporting to Your Holiness, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has always had one regret. No matter how gifted one is, one can only gain seven Soul Rings. Level 79 has always been an insurmountable threshold for our sect. My greatest wish in life has been to break through this limitation."
Qian Xunyi nodded with satisfaction. "At least you spoke honestly. Then what if I told you that I could easily make that happen?"
Ning Fengzhi looked at