"It's Miss! Miss is back!"
"Quickly! Go and report to the sect leader! Miss is back!"
The news spread like wildfire throughout the entire mansion.
Under the excited, curious, and somewhat awe-inspiring gazes of her many disciples, Ning Rongrong stepped into this "home" that felt both familiar and strange.
Before long, the sound of rushing wind and fluctuations of Soul Power came from outside the mansion!
Ning Fengzhi, who was inspecting military camps and handling government affairs outside the city, immediately dropped everything and rushed back with Bone Douluo Gu Rong who was by his side, after receiving news of his daughter's return!
Almost simultaneously, a sharp and unparalleled sword light descended from the sky and landed in the courtyard of the mansion. It was none other than Sword Douluo Chen Xin, who had rushed back from the sword training ground outside the city after sensing Ning Rongrong's aura!
" Rongrong! Where is my Rongrong?!" Ning Fengzhi's anxious and trembling voice came through even before he arrived.
When he rushed into the hall and saw the graceful figure standing in the center, he stopped abruptly.
The girl before me wore a simple and neat outfit, her skin was a healthy wheat color, her posture was as upright as a pine tree, her eyes were firm and bright, and she exuded a solid and powerful Soul Power. Where was there any Shadow of the delicate and fragile little princess who needed constant care from back then?
Is this... is this still his daughter, Ning Rongrong?
Chapter 423 Self-Destruction
Looking at his daughter's face and body, which clearly showed the marks of countless hardships, Ning Fengzhi felt a lump in his throat and his eyes instantly reddened. He opened his mouth, but his throat felt like it was blocked by something, and he couldn't speak for a moment.
" Rongrong! My little darling! You're finally back!" Gu Rong didn't hold back. He rushed forward, tears streaming down his face, and reached out a trembling hand to touch Ning Rongrong's face, as if afraid of hurting her. His voice choked with emotion as he said, "You... how did you become like this? This... how much suffering you must have endured!"
How did the Xiangxiang, soft, and spoiled little princess in his memory become this capable female warrior who looked like she could kill a bull with one punch? This huge contrast made this old man, who was known for protecting his own, feel a pang of heartache.
Although Chen Xin didn't speak, his usually calm eyes were filled with excitement and undisguised heartache. He silently walked to Ning Rongrong's side, carefully examining her and feeling the immense Soul Power within her that far surpassed her previous strength. He was both gratified by her growth and heartbroken for the hardships she must have endured over the years.
Looking at her overjoyed father and her two grandfathers who treated her like their own daughter, Ning Rongrong's eyes welled up with tears. She forced back her tears, flashed a bright smile, and opened her arms wide. "Dad! Grandpa Bone! Grandpa Sword! I'm back!"
Ning Fengzhi could no longer hold back. He stepped forward and hugged his daughter tightly, his voice choked with emotion, "It's good you're back... it's good you're back..."
Gu Rong also came over, wiping away her tears. She wanted to hug him but was afraid of crowding him, so she could only circle around the father and daughter.
Chen Xin stood to the side, a rare, gratified smile on her lips.
It took a while for his agitated emotions to subside.
Ning Fengzhi held Ning Rongrong's hand, looked her over carefully, and asked with heartache, " Rongrong, these years... on Sea God Island must have been very hard, right?"
Ning Rongrong shook her head, her eyes still glistening with tears, but her smile was incredibly bright and proud, "It was tough, Dad. The Sea God Island trials were very difficult, and sometimes I really felt like I couldn't hold on anymore. But... I persevered! Look, I'm a very strong Soul Douluo now!"
She released a wisp of Soul Power, and the powerful aura made Ning Fengzhi and the other two secretly startled.
" Soul Douluo..." Ning Fengzhi murmured, feeling both proud and bittersweet. When his daughter left home, she was only a Soul King. In just a few years, she had grown to such a level. The hardships she had endured were unimaginable.
"Oh right, Dad, Grandpa Bone, Grandpa Sword," Ning Rongrong said excitedly, as if she had just remembered something, "We came back this time because the Sixth Trial is to assist Xuan Ming in reshaping the continent's order! I can help out now!"
Upon hearing " Xuan Ming " and " Reshaping Order," Ning Fengzhi and the other two became slightly solemn. As high-ranking officials of the empire, they naturally understood what this meant.
The reforms of the Spirit Hall Empire today can be said to be driven by Xuan Ming.
If it weren't for Xuan Ming's existence, the Spirit Hall Empire would definitely not be what it is today, and even the entire continent would be completely different.
"Good, good..." Ning Fengzhi patted his daughter's hand, his eyes filled with complex emotions, "My Rongrong, you've really grown up."
Although he felt sorry for the hardships his daughter had endured, seeing her transformative growth and her high spirits filled him with more joy and pride as a father.
His little princess has finally grown from a delicate flower that needs to hide in an ivory tower into a towering tree capable of weathering storms and even participating in world-changing events.
However, the price he paid for this growth left him, as a father, with mixed feelings.
A month passed in the blink of an eye.
After reuniting with their families and gaining a deeper understanding of the current state of the Spirit Hall Empire, Hu Liena, Ning Rongrong, and others were Jiujiu deeply shocked and overwhelmed by a complex mix of emotions.
The Spirit Hall Empire of today is almost unrecognizable from the Spirit Hall of their memories, which was centered on the privileges of Soul Master, acted tyrannically, and was plundered by nature!
The empire implemented strict new laws, severely restricting the privileges of Soul Master and emphasizing equality before the law for all.
At the same time, the empire invested huge resources to introduce and promote Soul Tool technology, focusing on improving people's livelihoods and increasing productivity, thus opening up channels for ordinary people without Soul Power to learn skills and gain social status and wealth through hard work.
Although all of this is still in its early stages, many policies are being implemented with difficulty, and there is considerable internal resistance and conflict, the empire's direction is clear, and its goal is well-defined—to establish a more equitable, orderly, and sustainable new order.
They all knew that the root of this disruptive transformation lay with Xuan Ming. If it weren't for Xuan Ming's will and power supporting them, given Bibi Dong's personality and the inherent inertia of the Spirit Hall, she would never have risked shaking the very foundations of the organization to implement such radical reforms.
Having learned this, their resistance to "assisting Xuan Ming in Reshaping Order " lessened considerably.
After all, if the Spirit Hall Empire is still the same Spirit Hall as before, they would find it hard to convince themselves to serve it.
But now, they see a more constructive possibility, which makes them willing to commit to it.
Just as they were gradually adapting and beginning to think about how to participate in this " Order Reshaping," the delegation from the Heaven Dou Empire, after a long journey, finally arrived at the border of the Spirit Hall Empire and, under the guidance of a special person, headed towards Spirit City.
The delegation was led by King Blue Clear Sky Tang San as the chief envoy, and the three members of the teaching committee of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy as deputy envoys.
As they traveled, the sights of the Spirit Hall Empire they encountered were vastly different from their preconceived notions and the "tyrannical empire" image propagated within the Heaven Dou Kingdom.
Soul Master are strictly disciplined, and those who oppress commoners are often severely punished; various convenient and beneficial Soul Tool begin to appear in the streets and alleys; the faces of the lower classes have become less numb and more filled with awe for "order" and a little hope for the future.
All of this left the three well-informed education commissioners completely baffled.
How could a military empire, built upon Soul Grandmaster and rapidly rising through force, actively suppress and restrict its core Soul Master class, instead appeasing and supporting powerless commoners?
This is putting the cart before the horse and destroying our own foundation!
On the other hand, they also keenly realized that if the Spirit Hall Empire's approach could truly succeed and establish a relatively fair, stable, and vibrant new order, then in the long run, its appeal and potential would far exceed that of the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empire, which clung to their old privileged systems.
However, whether all of this is a genuine change or a pretense to lull the outside world into complacency and accumulate strength remains to be seen and will require time and facts to verify.
Tang San's feelings were even more complicated. The sights and sounds he had seen and heard along the way filled him with countless thoughts, and the prospect of entering Spirit City stirred up even more turbulent emotions within him.
He hadn't seen Xiao Wu since the finals of the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament.
He didn't know how she had been all these years, whether she was still with Xuan Ming, or what role she played in the current Spirit Hall Empire.
Longing, worry, and a touch of indescribable bitterness mingled in his heart.
When the delegation's carriages finally arrived at the outskirts of Spirit City, the honor guard representing the Spirit Hall Empire was already lined up and waiting.
The leader, dressed in the purple-gold official robes of the Imperial Prime Minister, possessed an elegant and refined demeanor; he was none other than Ning Fengzhi, the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Prime Minister of the Spirit Hall Empire.
Behind him stood the Sword Douluo Chen Xin and the Bone Douluo Gu Rong, both exuding a deep and imposing aura.
Seeing this former ally and honored guest of the Heaven Dou Empire now appear before them as the prime minister of an enemy country, both Tang San and the three members of the Education Committee felt an indescribable sense of embarrassment and regret.
After all, for a long time, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has been one of the most steadfast and important supporters of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, with close cooperation and a deep relationship between the two sides.
However, everything changed after that Soul Master Tournament. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect sided with the Spirit Hall and even participated in the attack on the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Although the Heaven Dou Empire later learned that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was facing a desperate situation of " Destruction if it did not cooperate," it was, to some extent, a last resort.
While there is understanding, the established facts and the shift in stance still create a seemingly insurmountable chasm between the two sides.
The atmosphere was inevitably subtle and heavy at this reunion.
Chapter 424 Reunion of Old Friends
Deep within the Pope's Palace, in a side hall.
Xuan Ming stood by the window, his gaze calmly fixed on the direction outside the city, as if he could see through the layers of buildings and into the newly arrived delegation from the Heaven Dou Empire.
Bibi Dong sat in the main seat, holding a detailed file about the mission members in her hand, a thoughtful look in her purple-gold eyes.
"You sent Ning Fengzhi to greet them," Xuan Ming's voice rang out calmly, revealing no emotion, "That's a bit of a perverse sense of humor."
Upon hearing this, Bibi Dong raised her head, looked at Xuan Ming's retreating figure, and a meaningful smile curved her lips, "A twisted sense of humor? No, this isn't a twisted sense of humor, but a well-thought-out arrangement."
She put down the documents in her hand, slowly stood up, walked to Xuan Ming's side, and looked out the window with him. " The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is the first and currently the most determined of the Upper Three Sects to side with our Spirit Hall Empire. They not only provided enormous financial support, but more importantly, they have become a benchmark for us in the Soul Master World."
" Ning Fengzhi has obtained the position of Prime Minister, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's influence within the empire is far greater than before, with the sect's development flourishing. This is a living example, telling all the Soul Master and forces that are still observing—choosing to cooperate with the Spirit Hall Empire can bring them the status and development they have dreamed of but could never achieve in the past."
"Have Ning Fengzhi greet the delegation, especially those three highly respected members of the Education Commission in the Heaven Dou Empire's Soul Master World. The point is to let them see firsthand what they can gain by siding with the Spirit Hall Empire. This is far more persuasive than any empty propaganda."
Bibi Dong's tone was tinged with coldness. "Those who stubbornly resist, like the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, have met their end, as everyone knows. Those who are pragmatic, like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, have also seen their future. The wise understand how to choose."
Xuan Ming listened without comment. He had never doubted Bibi Dong's political skills. She had indeed maximized the value of Ning Fengzhi and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
"So," Bibi Dong changed the subject, turning her gaze to Xuan Ming with a hint of inquiry, "What about Tang San? What do you plan to do with him? Or... what do you think of Xiao Wu?"
She mentioned that sensitive name. " King Blue Clear Sky, a representative of the younger generation of the Clear Sky Sect, possesses exceptional talent. According to our intelligence, the Tang Sect he founded manufactures incredibly powerful Hidden Weapon, capable of effectively suppressing even Soul Master legions. If we can recruit such a talent, it will be twice as effective in dismantling the Heaven Dou Empire's will to resist."
Xuan Ming was silent for a moment, then said calmly, "He is Tang Hao's son."
A simple sentence, yet it contains a heavy past.
Bibi Dong naturally understood Xuan Ming's meaning. Tang Hao had a deep-seated hatred for the Spirit Hall, which was responsible for the murder of his wife and forced him to go into hiding and close his sect. Even though the mastermind was the deceased Qian Xunji, the Spirit Hall, as the executor, could hardly let this score go unresolved.
" Qian Xunji is dead," Bibi Dong said calmly.
" Tang San is a smart man. He should understand the consequences of opposing the Spirit Hall Empire. He should also be able to see that the path the Spirit Hall Empire is now on is different from that of the Spirit Hall in the past. The power of the Empire is far beyond what the Heaven Dou Empire can contend with. If it weren't for your wishes, I would have already sent troops to crush Heaven Dou."
She paused, then continued, "As for the Clear Sky Sect, if they are willing to set aside past grievances and sincerely submit, I can guarantee they will receive the status and respect they deserve within the empire, and be treated equally. But if they remain stubborn..."
Bibi Dong didn't finish her sentence, but her chilling killing intent was already self-evident—those who don't know the times will only Destruction, just like the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Xuan Ming turned around and looked at Bibi Dong: "Hatred is never so easy to let go of, especially when it becomes a person's motivation and belief in living."
"You know this best."
He didn't directly answer the question about Xiao Wu, but he knew that Tang San's hatred for the Spirit Hall was deeply ingrained and couldn't be easily resolved by a simple weighing of interests or a comparison of strength.
Bibi Dong frowned slightly; she understood Xuan Ming's meaning. Recruiting Tang San would probably be much more difficult than she had anticipated.
"In any case," Bibi Dong returned to her seat, regaining her imperial dignity, "This peace talk is an opportunity. Even if we can't recruit Tang San, we should try our best to find out their true strength and divide the forces within the Heaven Dou Empire. As for their final decision... that depends on their own wisdom."
"By the way, I sent Ning Rongrong over there. She knows Tang San too; they're classmates. Her intervention might be effective."
"..." Xuan Ming.
Are you sure?
Spirit City, the embassy district where the Heaven Dou Empire delegation is staying.
Following a brief but formal welcoming ceremony hosted by Ning Fengzhi, the two sides held a basic courtesy meeting.
Ning Fengzhi did not linger and soon left with Chen Xin and Gu Rong. The specific details of the peace talks would need to be discussed in a formal setting later.
There was a quiet, secluded courtyard within the embassy, which was the residence prepared for Tang San, the chief envoy.
He had barely settled in when he heard footsteps and familiar voices outside the courtyard gate.
" Xiao San! Is the Xiao San here?" a clear and lively female voice rang out.
Tang San's heart skipped a beat; that voice... it was Ning Rongrong!
He quickly got up, walked to the courtyard gate, and opened it. Standing outside were three young girls: Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing!
The moment Tang San saw Xiao Wu, his heart skipped a beat, and he almost stopped breathing.
After many years, Xiao Wu had grown into an even more graceful and beautiful young woman. Her brows had lost some of their former playfulness and gained a touch of serenity, but her large eyes remained clear and bright. She wore a light pink dress, her posture upright, and her aura restrained yet powerful.
Ning Rongrong was dressed smartly, her wheat-colored skin looking healthy and full of vitality, and her smile was radiant. Zhu Zhuqing was still dressed in black, as aloof as ever, but her eyes were more determined than before.
" Rongrong, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing!" Tang San suppressed his excitement and complex emotions, a delighted smile spreading across his face. "Please come in!"
Tang San welcomed the three women into the living room and personally poured them tea. The atmosphere became somewhat awkward for a moment, as they hadn't seen each other for many years and their current status and positions were different.
Ning Rongrong, seemingly trying to break the awkward silence, smiled and said, " Xiao San, it's been so many years! You've become the King Blue Clear Sky of the Heaven Dou Empire! You're truly amazing!"
Tang San smiled, somewhat wryly, "It was just a coincidence. But you all... you've really changed a lot."
His gaze involuntarily fell on Xiao Wu again.
Xiao Wu gave him a familiar, slightly mischievous smile, "Long time no see, Xiao San. You look a lot more mature."
Hearing Xiao Wu still affectionately call him " Xiao San," Tang San felt a warm current well up in his heart, as if he had returned to his days at the Shrek Academy. He nodded. "Yes, we've all grown up."
Ning Rongrong picked up the conversation, asking curiously, "By the way, Xiao San, what level have you reached in your cultivation? It's been seven years!"
Mentioning his cultivation level, Tang San felt a surge of confidence. Over the years, he had endured countless hardships and fortuitous encounters, and with the support of the Heaven Dou Empire and the Clear Sky Sect, his cultivation speed far surpassed that of ordinary people. He didn't hide anything, releasing a trace of Soul Power fluctuation and smiling, "I broke through by chance; I'm now a level sixty-eight Soul Emperor."
At twenty-two years old, a level sixty-eight Soul Emperor! This is considered top genius in the entire Soul Master World, and his future achievements are limitless.
Tang San was confident that his cultivation level was enough to amaze anyone.