"Thud, thud, thud..."
Footsteps rang out.
Ning Hao's heart nearly leaped into his throat.
His daughter had been in the secret chamber for three or four days, which showed just how difficult the trial was. Yet it also gave him a sliver of hope. The longer she stayed, the more it meant she was steadily advancing. If she had been thrown out shortly after entering, that would have truly shattered all hope.
"..."
The door slowly swung open.
Two figures appeared before everyone.
The instant Ning Hao saw his daughter, he froze, his mouth falling open in apparent disbelief.
"Little Tian..."
"It's me, Father."
Ning Tian smiled.
She still wore her hair in a practical short cut, but her bearing had improved considerably. Even her height had increased, as though she had grown up overnight.
What made Ning Hao tremble most, however, was the strength the girl made no attempt to conceal... Soul King!
"It worked! It finally worked! To think our Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would live to see this day!!!" Ning Hao covered his face and wept, all the dignity and authority he normally possessed as the sect's leader gone.
Ning Tian hurried forward and supported her father.
Tears streaked from the corners of her eyes as well, but her lips curved into a broad smile.
"Father, esteemed sect elders, this is the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!" As she spoke, she raised her palm, and a dazzling Nine-Colored Treasure Pagoda hovered above it, drifting gently.
Though it had only gained two stories, the difference in significance was as vast as heaven and earth...
"Your Highness, the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect will follow your lead alone, even if our brains and blood must stain the earth!"
Ning Hao dropped to one knee.
The many elders of