Walking through the long corridor of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Tang San walked step by step towards the top of the main hall. Every step was so heavy, every step was so firm. His gaze never left the Level 1 Defense-Model Soul Tool in his hand, which was carefully assembled from countless tiny parts, each part like an expectation and obsession in his heart.
Suddenly, Tang San stopped in his tracks, his gaze falling on a pool not far away. Beside the pool, a young girl sat quietly, her eyes fixed on the distance, lost in thought.
Tang San walked over quietly and stood behind the girl. He gently called out, "Miss Rongrong, what are you doing here?"
Ning Rongrong slowly turned her head and saw that the person who came was Tang San. Her expression remained calm and her eyes remained indifferent. Then she turned her head back and continued to look into the distance.
"Miss Rongrong, are you feeling unwell?" Tang San walked to Ning Rongrong's side and asked with concern.
Ning Rongrong did not answer; her gaze seemed to pierce through layers of clouds and mist, fixing on a distant point.
Tang San couldn't help but feel angry. He felt that Ning Rongrong was always Bingbing towards him, which made him feel inexplicably frustrated. He couldn't help but raise his voice. " Ning Rongrong, what's wrong with you?"
Ning Rongrong slowly turned her head to look at Tang San. There was not a trace of emotion in her eyes, as if Tang San in front of her was a stranger.
Over the past two months, Tang San has begun to learn to move on from Xiao Wu's grief and start his life anew, just as he had promised Ning Fengzhi. But when...
Looking into Ning Rongrong's cold eyes, it felt as if his heart had been pierced by a cold, sharp blade.
Tang San took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his anger, and said in a deep voice, " Ning Rongrong, although we don't have much of a relationship, I don't want any conflict between us. I hope you can be a little friendlier to me."
Ning Rongrong looked at Tang San, her eyes remaining completely devoid of emotion, as if Tang San's words had no effect on her whatsoever. She spoke slowly, her voice flat and cold. " Tang San, there has never been any connection between us, nor is there any need for one. You are nothing more than Jun Yi's 'replacement'."
Tang San's expression changed slightly; Ning Rongrong's words had stung his pride. He abruptly raised his head, looking at Ning Rongrong with unwavering determination, and said, " Ning Rongrong, you're wrong. I, Tang San, will not be anyone's substitute. I am a person with strong resolve and conviction. I believe that as long as I work hard, I can definitely carve out my own place in the Douluo Continent."
"Then I wish you success," Ning Rongrong replied coldly.
Ning Rongrong's indifference successfully ignited Tang San's competitive spirit.
After glancing at Ning Rongrong, he turned and strode away. He thought to himself, " Ning Rongrong, the more indifferent you are, the more I'll prove to you that I, Tang San, am no substitute for anyone. I will use my strength and wisdom to make you look at me with new eyes."
Tang San arrived at the main hall of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. The guards, upon learning that he was there to see the sect leader, immediately led him into the hall. Inside, the sect leader Ning Fengzhi, was seated in the main seat, with several elders and disciples of the sect below him.
Tang San stepped forward, bowed to Ning Fengzhi, and said, "Sect Master, the Third Elder sent me to see you."
Ning Fengzhi nodded, gestured for Tang San to sit down, and then looked at the elders beside him, saying, "I just received a message that Tang San has successfully created Level 1 Defense-Model Soul Tool. Moreover, it only took him two months from beginner to actually creating it."
Several elders showed a hint of surprise on their faces, then bowed to Tang San with a much more respectful attitude than before. Tang San thought to himself, "It seems that strength is the true key to earning respect."
Ning Fengzhi smiled and said to Tang San, " Tang San, your talent and strength have impressed me greatly. I've come today to discuss something of great importance to you—your life's destiny."
Tang San was taken aback. "A lifelong commitment?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled slightly and gestured for the elders to leave, until only the two of them remained in the main hall.
Inside the main hall, only Tang San and Ning Fengzhi remained. Ning Fengzhi slowly descended from the main seat and walked to Tang San, his gaze filled with gentleness and expectation. " Tang San, you are an extremely talented genius. Your strength and wisdom have impressed me greatly. I wish to propose a marriage between you and Ning Rongrong here today," Ning Fengzhi said. Upon hearing this, Tang San's face was filled with disbelief.
The situation was unpredictable, changing from green to white to red in an instant, stirring up a storm in his heart. He never expected Ning Fengzhi to suddenly make such a request. "A marriage agreement?" Tang San asked with some difficulty.
Ning Fengzhi nodded seriously and said, "Yes, the engagement. Your engagement with Ning Rongrong." Tang San felt completely confused and had no idea how to respond to Ning Fengzhi's suggestion.
"I... I..." Tang San stammered, completely at a loss for words, unsure how to respond to this sudden news. Ning Fengzhi, observing Tang San's expression, seemed to have anticipated his reaction.
He smiled faintly and said, " Tang San, you don't need to make a decision right now. I can give you some time to think it over. I believe that you and Ning Rongrong have a foundation of love, and you can absolutely be together and create your own happiness."
Tang San stared blankly at Ning Fengzhi, his mind in turmoil. He had never imagined that there would be any emotional foundation between him and Ning Rongrong, let alone any marriage agreement. However, Ning Fengzhi's words had left a deep mark on Tang San's heart.
He began to wonder if there was any emotional foundation between him and Ning Rongrong, and whether they could be together and create their own happiness. In the days that followed, Tang San began to silently observe Ning Rongrong. He discovered that although Ning Rongrong always appeared cold and distant, she hid a deep sadness and loneliness in her heart. Tang San understood that it was because of Jun Yi.
With a faint smile on his face, Ning Fengzhi said to Tang San, "Both of you have someone you like, and for various reasons, you can't have them. We both know that."
Ning Fengzhi paused, then continued, "However, I believe that as long as you are willing to try and work hard, you will definitely find your own happiness. Tang San, are you willing to give Ning Rongrong a chance, and also give yourself a chance?" Tang San remained silent for a long time, finally taking a deep breath, looking firmly at Ning Fengzhi, and said, "Sect Master, I am willing."
Ning Fengzhi nodded in satisfaction, a faint smile appearing on his face. He said, "Very good, Tang San, I believe you. Therefore, this engagement is hereby settled."
(End of this chapter)