A slap

Inside the Crown Prince's Villa, everyone understood as soon as they heard Ning Chuan's explanation.

The gathering continued, and everyone spoke freely. With Ning Chuan present, they tacitly avoided any topics related to cultivation.

After several rounds of drinks, the young people gradually loosened up and began chatting in twos and threes. Qian Renxue then slowly revealed her true purpose for hosting this gathering.

Skywater Academy posed little threat to Spirit Hall, so Qian Renxue's main targets were Yu Tianheng and Yu Yao.

Ning Chuan could see what Qian Renxue was after, but it was none of his business, so he naturally had no intention of meddling.

He knew full well that even the Upper Three Sects combined were no match for Spirit Hall. Whatever information Qian Renxue gleaned from the younger generation would merely add flowers to an already splendid brocade.

Ning Chuan felt no aversion toward Spirit Hall, because time had already proven that without it, the Douluo Continent would only descend into greater chaos.

Besides, Spirit Hall's plan to infiltrate the Heaven Dou Empire was remarkably civilized.

Had Tang San not interfered, Spirit Hall's plan to annex the two great empires might never have involved ordinary armies, and so many people would not have died.

After all, Spirit Hall possessed a force of Soul Masters capable of crushing all opposition. Assassinating the imperial families of the two great empires would hardly have been difficult for them.

They had spent twenty long years laying the groundwork for their undercover operation precisely because they wanted to win without shedding blood. Yet Tang San's interference ultimately turned it into a brutal war involving millions upon millions of people.

In the end, Tang San certainly won fame and glory.

But who remembered those million lonely souls? Who remembered how Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo had fallen tragically at Jialing Pass while covering the retreat?

Even as a spectator, Ning Chuan had felt deeply saddened by that scene. Now that he had spent years living alongside Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, he naturally would never allow it to happen again.

Thus, Ning Chuan would not obstruct Spirit Hall's plans. If necessary, he would even help Spirit Hall.

What Ning Chuan needed most right now was time.

He knew full well that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would never submit to Spirit Hall. Therefore, Spirit Hall's Soul Hunting Plan might be delayed, but it would never change.

For that reason, Ning Chuan had to ensure that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect possessed the strength to protect itself before Spirit Hall launched its plan.

With seven or eight years, Ning Chuan believed that as long as he kept obtaining higher-tier cultivation methods, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo would have a strong chance of reaching the Level 99 Limit Douluo realm.

Ning Chuan did not know what realm he himself could reach by then, but he was certain that even if he were only level seventy, the Creation Exquisite Pagoda's outrageously powerful skills would let him support Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, allowing their strength to break through the limits of level ninety-nine and reach God Level.

Ning Chuan silently swore that this time, he would not let a single member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect suffer injury or death.

The gathering continued, and even as Ning Chuan pondered these matters, he kept an eye on Qian Renxue.

After awakening the Creation Exquisite Pagoda, Ning Chuan's perception had become exceptionally keen. Now that he had also comprehended a soul cultivation method, even the most minute changes in other people's expressions could not escape his senses.

He noticed a distinct trace of wistfulness and envy in Qian Renxue's expression.

Clearly, watching the young people speak freely and share drinks in good cheer had touched her heart.

She had impersonated Xue Qinghe for years, living behind a disguise and amid endless schemes. Every word and action demanded caution, and she had scarcely ever had the chance to lower her guard and drink with others as freely as this.

At the end of the day, she was only two or three years older than the young people present. Watching others form sincere friendships when she had never had a single true friend since childhood naturally left her feeling miserable.

Over the years, she had met young people of decent character, yet she could never form genuine friendships with them. That feeling was a kind of torment in itself.

Anyone who could work undercover had to possess tremendous inner strength.

That was something Ning Chuan genuinely admired.

Just as Ning Chuan was quietly reflecting on this, a sharp, ringing slap instantly drew everyone's attention.

Everyone turned to see Yu Yao clutching her cheek, with Xiao Yun standing beside her and glaring fiercely at her.

"You dared hit me! You're courting death!" Yu Yao immediately moved to attack, but Yu Tianheng reacted swiftly, rushing over to stop her.

Yu Tianheng knew his younger cousin's temperament all too well. He understood that for someone as insecure as Xiao Yun to suddenly strike another person, Yu Yao had most likely said something vicious that trampled on Xiao Yun's dignity.

"What happened?" Yu Tianheng asked.

Yu Yao immediately complained, "Brother, she hit me! Didn't you see it yourself?"

Ning Chuan also walked over. Realizing that she had caused trouble, Xiao Yun immediately apologized to him. "Young Master Ning, I'm sorry. I was wrong, and I'm willing to accept any punishment!"

Ning Chuan knew full well that Xiao Yun would not strike someone even if she were humiliated. There was only one thing that could make her lash out: Yu Yao had insulted Ning Chuan.

"Punishment!" Yu Yao sneered. "Get on your knees and apologize to me right now, then let me slap you a hundred times, and I'll let you off. Otherwise, this isn't over!"

"Yu Yao, stop making trouble. Explain what happened first!" Yu Tianheng remained perfectly rational.

Ning Chuan nodded to Yu Tianheng, then turned to Xiao Yun and asked softly, "Why did you hit her?"

Xiao Yun cautiously raised her eyes to glance at Ning Chuan. Only after seeing that he did not seem angry did she answer, "She insulted you, young master. I spoke up to stop her, but instead of restraining herself, she became even more brazen. That's why I..."

"I understand," Ning Chuan said softly, then looked at Yu Yao. "She hasn't falsely accused you, has she?"

Yu Yao felt no fear at all before Ning Chuan. In her eyes, he was nothing but a useless fool, utterly unqualified to speak to her like that.

She immediately snapped at Ning Chuan, "So what? I only spoke a few truths. A useless piece of-"

Smack...

Without question, Yu Yao had received another slap. This time, the person who struck her was none other than Yu Tianheng.

Yu Tianheng knew full well that if he let Yu Yao keep talking, she would offend not only the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, but also the Heaven Dou Imperial Family.

Although Ning Chuan's reputation outside was hardly favorable, everyone at today's gathering could see that he was nowhere near as disgraceful as the rumors claimed.

Insulting the crown prince's friend and Ning Fengzhi's son at the crown prince's own gathering-if word of this got out, there was no telling how much trouble it might cause.

"Yu Yao, you should be grateful you're a member of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's direct line. Otherwise... hmph!" Qian Renxue said coldly.

At that moment, Yu Yao instantly came to her senses.

"Apologize to Ning Chuan!" Yu Tianheng demanded harshly.

Yu Yao also realized that she had spoken out of turn. She immediately bowed to Ning Chuan. "I'm sorry, Young Master Ning. I've had too much to drink. Please forgive me!"

Ning Chuan nodded. He did not want to make a scene, and Xiao Yun had not suffered any loss anyway.

Yet while Ning Chuan was willing to let it go, Yu Yao was not.

She continued, "Young Master Ning, if you had been the one to hit me today, I would naturally have nothing to say. But her? No!"

"What do you want?" Ning Chuan asked calmly.

"Let her fight me. If she wins, this matter ends here. If she loses, I want to return that slap!" Yu Yao said.