One day three months later, to escape those two devils, Zhang Fei pestered Xue Qinghe into taking him along to visit his teacher, Ning Fengzhi, the sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect stood near Heaven Dou City. As one of the Upper Three Sects, it possessed deep reserves and wealth rivaling a nation's, and had always been a staunch ally of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family.
Sect Master Ning Fengzhi excelled at managing its affairs. Since the Clear Sky Sect had withdrawn into seclusion, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had become the foremost sect openly active on the Douluo Continent, its wealth, prestige, and strength blazing like the sun at its zenith.
With its two guardian Douluo, the level-ninety-six Sword Douluo Chen Xin and the level-ninety-five Bone Douluo Gu Rong, presiding over it, almost no one on the continent could surpass the sect's grandeur.
That vision of surging vitality, of all things striving to flourish, unfolded before their eyes.
Not long after being named Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe had become Ning Fengzhi's student. This had greatly enhanced his prestige within the Heaven Dou Empire and drawn the previously wavering court officials to the young Crown Prince's side.
Ning Fengzhi genuinely admired his student, Xue Qinghe, and had given him considerable support at the Heaven Dou Empire's court over the years. Their relationship as teacher and student was decidedly harmonious.
The carriage left Heaven Dou City and traveled for about an hour before a magnificent city gradually emerged ahead: Seven Treasure City.
Towering walls encircled Seven Treasure City. Within them stood forests of towers and sprawling halls, their green tiles, vermilion roof ridges, carved railings, and jade masonry gleaming golden in the morning sunlight.
The carriage slowly stopped at the sect's entrance. Zhang Fei climbed down, and the moment his feet touched the ground, the sight before him stunned him into stillness.
The architectural layout of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was breathtakingly grand.
The main hall soared high, its tiered, upswept eaves spreading to either side. Gilded bronze bells hung from their corners, chiming with clear, sweet notes whenever the wind passed.
Winding covered walkways linked the halls together. Even the railings on either side of the steps were made of white marble, polished as smooth as mirrors.
The entire sect exuded lavish splendor, every corner displaying the immense financial power of "the wealthiest sect on the continent."
"Come on. Stop gawking."
Xue Qinghe walked over to Zhang Fei, naturally took his hand, and led him into the sect.
A senior member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had already been waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing Xue Qinghe, he immediately stepped forward and bowed respectfully before leading the way.
Holding Xue Qinghe's hand, Zhang Fei followed behind, unable to stop himself from looking around as they walked.
Exquisite gardens filled the sect grounds. Rare flowers and trees whose names he did not know were artfully planted along both sides of the paths, with little bridges, flowing streams, artificial hills, and unusual rocks nestled amid the lush greenery.
Beds of golden jade lotuses grew in the ponds, their leaves a rich green. Blue skies and white clouds were reflected on the water, while koi leisurely swished their tails beneath the surface.
Beyond its luxury, the place possessed a quiet elegance.
Zhang Fei silently marveled, It sure is good to have money.
After passing through several corridors and courtyards, they arrived at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's main hall.
When the doors opened, the brilliance inside nearly made Zhang Fei squint.
The floor tiles were actually all made of jade, polished to a warm, translucent sheen. Dozens of glazed palace lanterns hung from the ceiling, making the entire hall look as though it had been draped in flowing light.
Ning Fengzhi sat upright in the seat of honor.
He appeared to be around forty, with refined, gentle features. Holding an entirely emerald-green scepter, he radiated an approachable warmth that felt like a spring breeze.
Two elderly men with white hair and beards stood on either side of him.
The man on the left had a stern face and a sharp gaze. He was none other than the level-ninety-six Sword Douluo Chen Xin.
The man on the right was broad and thickset, with a massive frame. Clearly, he was the level-ninety-five Bone Douluo Gu Rong.
Beside Ning Fengzhi sat a little girl, swinging her legs in utter boredom.
She looked about Zhang Fei's age, with a delicate, rosy doll-like face. She wore an exquisite, intricately fashioned dress and glittered with jewels from head to toe.
Zhang Fei guessed her identity at a glance: Ning Rongrong, the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and one of the Shrek Seven Devils in the original story.
Xue Qinghe stepped forward, released Zhang Fei's hand, and bowed slightly. "Your student, Xue Qinghe, greets you, Teacher, and Your Eminences."
Zhang Fei hurriedly followed Xue Qinghe's example, bending at the waist in a proper bow, though he could not resist stealing a glance at Ning Rongrong out of the corner of his eye.
Ning Rongrong seemed to notice him too. She tilted her head and studied him, clearly forming a favorable impression of his handsome appearance.
Chen Xin and Gu Rong gave slight nods in acknowledgment. Ning Fengzhi raised one hand to gesture for them to rise, his smile warm. "There's no need for such formalities, Qinghe. Come, sit down and talk."
His gaze shifted to Zhang Fei beside Xue Qinghe, and he asked with a smile, "Qinghe, is this the orphan you adopted, the one everyone in Heaven Dou City has been talking about lately?"
"Yes," Xue Qinghe answered with a nod before giving Zhang Fei a meaningful look.
Zhang Fei immediately understood. He stepped half a pace forward, clasped his hands, and bowed respectfully. "This junior, Zhang Fei, greets Sect Master Ning."
A trace of approval flashed through Ning Fengzhi's eyes.
This handsome child, the same age as his own treasured daughter, showed not the slightest nervousness or awkwardness in his presence. His tone was remarkably composed.
"Indeed, heroes emerge from the young. What an exceptional bearing. You have a good eye, Qinghe," Ning Fengzhi said appreciatively with a nod.
"Thank you for your praise, Sect Master Ning. You are the one we should look up to. Under your leadership, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has flourished. Who in the world doesn't admire you?"
Zhang Fei returned the compliment with a bright smile.
There's no such thing as too many kind words. A gift is sure to follow.
"Hahaha!" Ning Fengzhi laughed heartily. He lightly tapped his scepter against the floor, rose, and walked over to Zhang Fei. Turning his palm over, he took a black card from his Storage Soul Tool and held it out. "Young friend Zhang, since this is our first meeting, here is a small greeting gift from an elder."
Zhang Fei's eyes immediately lit up. Ning Fengzhi was generous indeed, giving him a Gold Soul Coin card at their very first meeting.
And it was a black card, too, with a balance of at least five figures.
Without hesitation, he reached out with both hands to accept it. "A gift from an elder must not be refused. Thank you, Sect Master Ning!"
Ning Fengzhi smiled and nodded, feeling even more pleased with him.
"Hmph! Daddy, why don't I get one?"
Ning Rongrong was already growing impatient. She turned her little face aside and stuck out her lower lip in an enormous pout.
Hearing her father constantly praise someone else had instantly ruffled her proud young mistress's temper.
At her words, Ning Fengzhi could not help laughing. He hurriedly took out another Gold Soul Coin card and offered it to Ning Rongrong, his voice brimming with indulgence. "Oh! I forgot our little princess. Here, this one is for you."
Ning Rongrong snatched the card with her soft, fair little hand and tucked it into her small purse. Only then did she lift her chin in satisfaction. "That's more like it."
The little interlude sent everyone present into hearty laughter.
Ning Fengzhi glanced at Ning Rongrong, then looked at Zhang Fei and spoke gently. "Rongrong, His Highness the Crown Prince and I have some official matters to discuss. Why don't you show our young friend Zhang around the sect?"
"All right." Ning Rongrong hopped down from her throne and looked Zhang Fei over a few times.
Zhang Fei knew that Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi were about to discuss political affairs. He had absolutely no interest in such things, so this was the perfect chance to have some fun with the Little Demoness.
Zhang Fei turned to Xue Qinghe with a questioning look.
Xue Qinghe gave a slight nod of approval.
Zhang Fei grinned, then quickly caught up with Ning Rongrong. The two left the hall, one following the other.
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