Leaving the Forest

Gu Rong looked at Ning Fengzhi's nearly all-or-nothing expression. He opened his mouth, intending to warn him about the enormous investment and potential risks, but when his gaze swept over the tangible Eight Treasure Glazed Pagoda in Ning Rongrong's palm, every word of dissuasion died in his throat. He merely nodded heavily. "Good! I'll handle it myself!"

He turned and strode away, his steps carrying the wind.

Only then did Ning Fengzhi look at the still-excited Ning Rongrong. A loving, gratified smile appeared on his face as he said gently, "Rongrong, you've rendered great service this time. Go back and rest well. Stabilize your cultivation, and don't let down Her Excellency Ge Duo's painstaking efforts or this opportunity."

"Got it, Father!"

Ning Rongrong obediently agreed. Only then did she happily put away her Martial Soul and skip out of the study.

Only Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin remained in the study.

The two exchanged a glance, each seeing the other's lingering excitement, as well as the complex feeling of a burden carried for years finally easing somewhat.

"Fengzhi, this Ge Duo..." Chen Xin began slowly.

"I know." Ning Fengzhi interrupted him, his gaze returning to the window as though it could cross space and see that valley where ice and fire intertwined.

"She is waiting for the highest bidder. She is controlling the pace. But she has indeed produced something we have dreamed of."

He turned around. His usual composure had returned, but the heat in his eyes had not faded. "No matter what, this is our best opportunity in thousands of years. It is worth playing this act through with her."

Chen Xin nodded and said no more. As long as they could break the sect's fate, even if it meant seeking a tiger's skin, he would accept it.