Tea fragrance curled through the council hall, steam rising from glazed crystal cups and mingling with the tea's delicate aroma.
Hosts and guests took their respective seats. Ning Rongrong nestled beside Ning Fengzhi, her fingertips toying with a tiny phantom Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Radiance rippled across its surface, lighting up the undisguised pride in her eyes.
Qian Daoliu lifted his teacup and took a small sip. His gaze settled on Ning Rongrong, his voice carrying a warm hint of amusement:
"Little one, are you happy now?"
"Happy! Super happy!"
Ning Rongrong nodded vigorously, her little head bobbing like a pellet drum.
"I have innate full soul power now too! Someday, I'll become a Soul Master at the very pinnacle, even stronger than Papa, Grandpa Sword, and Grandpa Bone!"
"Oh? Quite ambitious."
The amusement in Qian Daoliu's eyes deepened. Then he changed the subject, his tone growing more earnest.
"Since you like this gift, would you be willing to become my disciple? If you agree, I'll not only teach you the finest cultivation methods, but also give you another Soul Spirit-one guaranteed to suit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda better, and be stronger, than anything your father could find."
At those words, the council hall fell deathly silent. Even the curling tea steam seemed to freeze in midair.
Ning Rongrong tilted her round little head, her long eyelashes fluttering as she considered his offer seriously.
"I know about Soul Spirits! Papa already promised to find me one that suits the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda perfectly. Is the Soul Spirit you'd give me really better than the one Papa would find?"
She paused, proudly puffing out her little chest as the phantom Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda slowly revolved in her palm.
"Besides, my martial soul is the