"Thank you, Sect Leader."
Chen Xin and Gu Rong exchanged glances, understanding each other without words. They took the Immortal Herbs and immediately focused on consuming and absorbing them.
Just a few minutes later, the sound of light footsteps approached.
"Dad, why did you call for me?"
Ning Rongrong ran over, her face beaming with a bright smile as she asked cheerfully.
Ning Fengzhi, with a gentle expression, held the split Yulan Tulip and Eight Petal Immortal Orchid in his hands and handed them to Ning Rongrong, saying, "Rongrong, come, take these Immortal Herbs first."
Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong shook her head like a rattle drum, her face full of resistance. "No way, Rongrong doesn't want to take medicine."
As the beloved little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, she had been surrounded by various body-strengthening medicines and foul-smelling medicinal baths since birth, which explained her aversion to taking medicine.
Seeing her daughter's reaction, Ning Fengzhi had no choice but to play his trump card. "Rongrong, Brother Gu Feng specially brought these for you. Are you sure you don't want to take them? Then I'll have to tell Brother Gu Feng that Rongrong isn't being obedient."
"Ah? Brother Gu Feng gave them? Then I'll take them."
Ning Rongrong gritted her teeth, as if making a huge decision, and stuffed the Immortal Herbs into her mouth, chewing vigorously before swallowing.
Then, she opened her small mouth, revealing her pink tongue, as if to prove she had eaten everything, and cooed, "Dad, look, Rongrong finished it. Don't tell Brother Gu Feng, okay? Rongrong is the most obedient."
Watching his daughter like this, Ning Fengzhi felt both helpless and amused.
Helpless because his authority as a father was less effective than Gu Feng's name, and amused because Ning Rongrong was so easily coaxed.
However, as long as she took the Immortal Herbs, the goal was achieved.
After all, according to Gu Feng's letter, the earlier one consumed such Heavenly Material Earthly Treasures, the better the effects.
For children who had not yet awakened their Martial Souls, there was no need to deliberately guide the absorption.
The Immortal Herbs naturally had the miraculous effect of strengthening the foundation, and the medicinal power retained in the body would gradually improve the constitution and aptitude of the absorber without them realizing it.
At that moment, three elders entered the hall.
They were the remaining elders of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
They were Wang Yaozu, Chen Wei, and Xu Jin.
All three were Soul Douluo-level experts, with Wang Yaozu and Chen Wei being peak 89th-level Soul Douluo.
However, due to hidden injuries sustained during missions in their early years, they could no longer advance further in their cultivation.
Xu Jin, on the other hand, was stuck at the 84th level due to talent issues and had not made progress for many years.
"We pay our respects to the Sect Leader!"
The three spoke in unison, their voices carrying a hint of respect.
Ning Fengzhi quickly raised his hand to signal, "Elders, there's no need for formalities. You have devoted yourselves to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, risking life and limb. Now it's time for the sect to repay you."
Hearing this, the three elders hurriedly waved their hands in refusal. Wang Yaozu spoke with sincerity, "Sect Leader, this is unacceptable. We have been nurtured by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School since childhood. Without the sect, we would have likely died in the wilderness long ago. We have already enjoyed a lifetime of wealth and honor. How could we dare to ask for more in return?"
Chen Wei and Xu Jin also chimed in from the side, "Yes, Sect Leader, please take back what you just said."
Ning Fengzhi's gaze was firm as he earnestly advised, "Elder Chen, Elder Wang, Elder Xu, I know you are utterly loyal to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. But if you become stronger, it would be a great boon for the sect. Don't you want to become Titled Douluos?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the scene instantly fell silent, as if the air itself had frozen.
Become Titled Douluos?
This was something they had never even dared to dream of. However, based on their understanding of the Sect Leader, he never spoke without reason. Since he dared to say this...
Could it be that they also had a chance to become Titled Douluos?
At this moment, Ning Rongrong bounded over like a lively little deer, sticking out her pink tongue and making a playful face. "Shame on you three grandpas! Even Rongrong isn't afraid to take medicine, but you're so grown up and still scared? Na-na-na!"
Upon hearing this, the faces of the three elders instantly turned bright red.
Being teased by their young mistress like this was truly embarrassing.
The three of them exchanged glances, pondered for a moment, and then simultaneously nodded with determination. "Sect Leader, we will follow your lead!"
"Good! In that case, each of you take one of these Immortal Herbs and consume them."
Ning Fengzhi said with a smile, his eyes filled with anticipation.
The three elders each took their corresponding Immortal Herbs, sat down cross-legged, and began to focus on absorbing them.
Wang Yaozu's Martial Soul was the Swift Thunder Falcon, and he was assigned the Thunderlight Grass. The Thunderlight Grass complemented the attributes of his Martial Soul, and if absorbed properly, it would surely help him break through his bottleneck.
Chen Wei's Martial Soul was the Earth Tyrant Dragon, and the Immortal Herb he received was the Earth Dragon Golden Gourd, which would greatly enhance his strength and defense.
Xu Jin's Martial Soul was the Demon Vine, and the Vitality Bamboo he was assigned would strengthen the vitality and resilience of his Martial Soul.
After arranging things for the elders, Ning Fengzhi turned to Ning Rongrong and gently instructed, "Rongrong, from now on, it's up to you and Grandpa Dugu to protect everyone, alright?"
Ning Rongrong puffed up her pink cheeks and nodded seriously, like a little adult. "Alright! Rongrong will protect everyone."
Immediately after, Ning Fengzhi also consumed the remaining half of the Yulan Tulip and the Eight Petal Immortal Orchid, sat down cross-legged, and entered a state of absorption.
Witnessing this scene, Dugu Bo, who was standing to the side, found it amusing but also somewhat surprising.
Wasn't Dugu Yan accompanying Ning Rongrong earlier?
Now that Ning Rongrong had returned, where had Yan Yan gone?
...
Unbeknownst to him, Dugu Yan was currently being led by a maid to the small courtyard where Gu Feng used to live.
"Miss Dugu, this is where Young Master Gu Feng used to reside."
"Alright, you may leave now."
"Yes."
Dugu Yan looked around the courtyard. The facilities inside were simple, with only some training equipment and nothing else.
Then, Dugu Yan pushed the door open and walked into Gu Feng's room, filled with anticipation.
However, she saw nothing.
The room was very tidy, which left her somewhat disappointed.
She had thought she might discover some of Gu Feng's embarrassing secrets.
Wasn't it said that boys' rooms were usually a complete mess?
Why hadn't she found anything?
But soon, the corners of Dugu Yan's lips curled up in satisfaction as she hummed lightly, "Hmph, you little rascal. I didn't expect you to be so neat and tidy."
Although she was pleased, Dugu Yan hadn't forgotten about how Gu Feng had deceived her.
After a moment, she lightly added, "Since you, little brother, are so particular about cleanliness, from now on, you can wash all the dirty clothes and socks..."
Having said that, she seemed to feel it was somewhat inappropriate.
It seemed too cruel.
After all, who would make someone wash dirty socks?
Dugu Yan glanced down at her slender, beautiful legs, encased in a pair of thin black silk stockings, which outlined the perfect curves. Her toes, plump like crystal grapes, were tightly wrapped in the stockings.
Even though the prolonged chase with Ning Rongrong had caused her sweat to soak through the stockings, making her feet slightly sticky.
But it certainly wouldn't result in any sour or foul odor, as the physique of a Soul Master far surpasses that of ordinary people.
Thinking of this, Dugu Yan's cheeks flushed slightly. She wrinkled her delicate nose, gritted her teeth, and said, "Never mind, since you deceived me, you should wash everything except for my undergarments. Consider it your punishment."
(End of Chapter)