Ning Fengzhi's voice was heavy with emotion. "Level eighty. I was trapped at level seventy-nine for twenty whole years, and I've finally crossed that threshold. And..."
He lowered his head to look at the eight-tiered pagoda in his palm, his tone brimming with confidence. "Although the Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda still falls short of your nine treasures, I can feel that the potential within my body is nowhere near its limit. If I devote myself to cultivation, I may yet advance another step."
Ning Rongrong's eyes reddened slightly, and she threw herself into Ning Fengzhi's arms, her voice choked with emotion. "Dad, this is wonderful... really wonderful..."
Ning Fengzhi held his daughter and patted her back soothingly.
Dai Mubai was happy for Ning Fengzhi as well. His father-in-law had spent half his life trapped by the shackles of his martial soul, and now he had finally glimpsed a higher sky.
Ning Rongrong straightened up in her father's embrace and wiped the corners of her eyes. Then, remembering something, she hurriedly asked, "Right, what about Grandpa Jian and Grandpa Bone? How are they?"
Before her words had faded, two sets of footsteps sounded outside the front hall.
Their voices arrived before they did. A voice as cool and clear as a ringing sword came from outside the hall. "Rongrong, I knew you were still thinking of Grandpa Jian!"
Chen Xin strode into the hall.
He seemed like a sharp sword that had been honed anew, an exceptionally pure, keen aura radiating from his entire body. His eyes gleamed, and sword intent wreathed his every movement.
Ning Rongrong went up to him in delighted surprise. "Grandpa Jian! You broke through?"
The corner of Chen Xin's mouth lifted, a rare hint of pride appearing on his face. "I was already at the