Chapter 417 Reminiscing, Ning Ping'an, the Third Elder of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect
In a luxurious courtyard in Heaven Dou City, a middle-aged man in a gray robe sat alone in a chair, brewing tea. Gazing at the fireworks continuously bursting in the sky, he sighed slowly.
"Sigh, I've watched Fengzhi grow up since he was a child. He was originally an extremely calm person, but why has he done so many foolish things over the years? This is so unlike him. I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is in his hands. Sigh, I still think that Jun Yi is much better than Tang San. Is one's background really that important?"
This person was none other than Ning Ping'an, the former Third Elder of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
"Third Elder, I'm quite surprised by your praise. You were very strict with me when I was at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
A golden light flashed, and Jun Yi appeared beside Ning Ping'an. He skillfully picked up the teapot, poured himself a cup of tea, and then drank it all in one gulp.
"Third Elder's tea is still the smoothest to drink," Jun Yi said to Ning Ping'an with a smile.
Upon seeing Jun Yi, Ning Ping'an was initially surprised, then a broad smile spread across her face. "It's been such a long time, Jun Yi! You've grown so handsome!"
"The Third Elder hasn't changed at all; he's still the same as before," Jun Yi replied with a smile.
"Me? Didn't I tell you? I once ate a strange herb that caused my appearance to freeze and my lifespan to increase. If I calculate my age, I'm almost two hundred years old," the Third Elder said with a smile.
"This is your opportunity, and also your blessing."
Jun Yi complimented him, saying that he had a very good relationship with this Third Elder back in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them close friends despite their age difference. Although the Third Elder was very strict with him, he would always bring back some strange and unusual gadgets for Jun Yi whenever he went out, and they would study them together. He would also pack a portion of any delicious food for Jun Yi. In many ways, the Third Elder truly treated Jun Yi like his own grandfather.
"No matter how great the opportunity, it can't compare to you. At such a young age, you not only possess immense strength, but you are also the founder of the Xuejun Pavilion. Calling you the sect leader wouldn't be an exaggeration."
As he spoke, Ning Ping'an poured a cup of tea for the Third Elder. "Sigh, I've always been very strict with you since you were little. Back then, I saw you as the successor of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. After all, Fengzhi's sons were all useless good-for-nothings. But you're different. You've shown intelligence beyond your years since you were little. Although some of your ideas are naive, if someone can guide and nurture you, it won't be a problem for you to take on the responsibility of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect in the future."
"I just didn't expect that Fengzhi would treat you as a pawn that could be discarded. I really don't understand what he's thinking."
Ning Ping'an sighed softly and poured out all the troubles in his heart.
"Let's not talk about that. What brings you here today to catch up with this old man?"
"I just suddenly remembered you. I couldn't detect your presence at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect earlier, so I searched for quite a while," Jun Yi replied.
Ning Ping'an sighed again, "You've been to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"
"Yes, I fought with Sword Chen Xin and Bone Douluo," Jun Yi replied truthfully. "You won't blame me, will you?"
Ning Ping'an smiled slightly and said, "Of course it's not your fault. I'm no longer a member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. You can do whatever you want with me, this old man won't interfere."
"Now you should have enough strength to Destruction the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, right?"
"As expected, nothing can escape your eyes," Jun Yi replied.
"Sects change and dynasties rise and fall; these are all normal occurrences. However, Rongrong is indeed a very good young girl. I hope you can spare her life," Ning Ping'an said calmly.
Jun Yi did not answer, but slowly picked up the teacup and savored the tea.
"So, you're planning to nip it in the bud? That makes sense. After all, hatred tends to linger, so it's better to be ruthless and Destruction at its source."
Ning Ping'an smiled broadly, his eyes filled with satisfaction. " Jun Yi, you've really grown up. Now you truly have the decisiveness that a leader should have. It seems that setbacks can indeed help one grow."
As he spoke, he poured himself a cup of tea, raised it above his head, looked up at the bright moon, and smiled, "I am Ning Ping'an. My Martial Soul Mutation when I was young. Because my Innate Soul Power was only level one, I was ridiculed by the sect members. In order to gain a chance of survival, I left the sect alone at the age of ten. At the age of thirty-five, by a twist of fate, I consumed a strange herb, which not only enhanced my talent but also granted me a long life. Through my own efforts and longevity, I eventually became an elder of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. And because of my Martial Soul Mutation, I proudly broke through to the Soul Douluo level at the age of one hundred and forty-three."
"Later, at the age of 151, I left the sect to travel the continent. However, forty years ago, the sect was thrown into turmoil, Upper Three Sects went to war. I had no choice but to return to the sect and serve as an elder again until the sect was revived. Then I resigned again. Later, because of the Soul Tool forging technology brought by Jun Yi, I chose to stay in the sect. Until four years ago, when the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect broke with Jun Yi, I resolutely chose to leave the sect. Two years ago, Ning Fengzhi asked me to teach Tang San how to forge Soul Tool, considering the future of the entire sect. Although I was angry, I still chose to return for the sake of the sect."
"It wasn't until three months ago, after Tang San had completely mastered the Soul Tool forging technique, that I was able to truly leave the sect."
Jun Yi listened quietly as Ning Ping'an recounted his life story, his eyes filled with a faint respect.
"I am 197 years old this year. Over the years, I have witnessed the rise and fall of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. In truth, I am already weary, yet I still cannot completely sever ties with it. Although I have left the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect School, I am still, in the end, a member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Today, I offer this cup of tea to reflect on my life."
After hearing this, Jun Yi also picked up his teacup with both hands, faced Ning Ping'an, and drank the tea in one gulp with him.
Then, Ning Ping'an turned his gaze to Jun Yi and said calmly, " Jun Yi, you are a very, very good child. I have nothing more to teach you. I am very pleased that you have grown to this point."
"Ruthlessness is a quality that a person in a position of power must possess; it's not a bad thing."
As she spoke, Ning Ping'an slowly raised her head and looked at the bright moon in the sky. " Changsheng, I can finally let go of everything and come to find you."
Ning Ping'an's breath began to weaken, his eyes began to glaze over, and he exuded an aura of death, as if he were using his last strength to speak to the ethereal world, but all he could hear was the soft whisper of the wind passing by his ears.
Ning Ping'an took his own life, his face bearing a smile and a sense of relief. It looked as if he had waited far too long for this moment to arrive.
(End of this chapter)