Has It Always Been This Way, and Does That Make It Right?

Ning Rongrong's eyes darted around as she began finding excuses for herself. "Besides, our Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda Martial Soul can only reach the Soul Sage realm at most. That's an innate limitation—no matter how hard we cultivate, we can't break through it."

"Since that's the case, why should I work so desperately? Taking it slow is fine! Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone are there to protect me anyway, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has so many powerful Assault System Soul Masters!"

Ning Rongrong spoke with complete conviction, as though she had thoroughly persuaded herself.

Yet deep within those lively, bright eyes, a trace of confusion and guilt flickered past—so faint that even she might not have clearly noticed it.

It seemed she was using those words to persuade both Snow White and herself.

Snow White listened quietly without immediately refuting her or lecturing her.

She had an innate ability to sense the emotions of others. Though it was not as precise as Mind Reading, she could tell that behind Ning Rongrong's words lay not pure laziness, but also a helpless acceptance of her predetermined fate and a negative desire to avoid it.

At the same time, she clearly understood that Ning Rongrong was different from her. She was a genuine child, and she still possessed a child's natural temperament.

Snow White thought of her teacher, Liuyun. He would occasionally tell her of strange tales and unusual events from across the continent, and among them seemed to be a few scattered mentions of the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda Martial Soul.

Holding Ning Rongrong's hand, Snow White led her toward the small flower hall beside her chambers, which had been specially prepared for her to rest and receive guests. Warm milk and delicate pastries had long since been set