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While the family was deep in discussion, someone suddenly arrived at the door to inform Yang Xiong that Ning Fengzhi had summoned him.
Yang Xiong felt a wave of confusion. Ning Fengzhi was always busy with countless affairs—why would he suddenly summon someone as insignificant as himself? Could it be that he had discovered something unusual about him?
Since returning home, Yang Xiong had carefully categorized and hidden all his immortal herbs. His soul-guidance devices contained only ordinary medicinal plants and a few immortal herbs that might still be useful to him.
The rest of the immortal herbs were stored in a small soul-guidance device, which he had placed on the beam above his room. He even drilled a small hole in the beam and concealed it meticulously, ensuring no one could find it.
With a puzzled expression, Yang Xiong followed the messenger to the sect's core area. To his surprise, he was taken to Ning Fengzhi's residence, and there was no one else present—not even Sword Elder or Bone Elder, who usually accompanied Ning Fengzhi.
After entering, Yang Xiong quickly bowed. "Greetings, Sect Leader. I'm unsure why you've summoned me so late."
Ning Fengzhi appeared relaxed. "Xiao Xiong, don't be so formal. Sit down wherever you like."
Yang Xiong sat beside Ning Fengzhi, feeling somewhat awkward and uncertain.
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "Xiao Xiong, you're already a core disciple of the sect. Just treat me as an elder. The reason I've called you here tonight is because there's a small matter I'd like you to handle."
Yang Xiong was inwardly perplexed. If Ning Fengzhi truly had something important to deal with, how could it possibly fall to someone as low-ranked as a Soul Grandmaster like him?
Seeing Yang Xiong's confusion, Ning Fengzhi sighed. "Xiao Xiong, you know that Rongrong is my only daughter. Over the years, she's been somewhat spoiled within the sect, especially by Uncle Sword and Uncle Bone. I haven't been able to discipline her strictly, so she's caused quite a bit of trouble."
Yang Xiong quickly responded, "Sect Leader, you're overthinking things. Though Rongrong is a bit mischievous, she knows her limits. Moreover, her talent is extraordinary—her soul power far surpasses everyone in our class. A little pride is understandable."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "Xiao Xiong, don't comfort me. I'm well aware of Rongrong's shortcomings. She has indeed lacked proper training over the years. Today, I secretly provoked her into leaving the sect without Uncle Sword and Uncle Bone knowing. She should already be outside the sect by now."
Yang Xiong was confused. What did this have to do with him? Even if someone needed to be sent to secretly protect her, it wouldn't be someone as low-ranked as him.
"Sect Leader, Miss Rongrong is your successor and holds an esteemed position. Her safety is paramount. I suggest she stay within the sect for her studies. If not, she could attend the Tian Dou Imperial Academy—it would at least ensure her safety."
Ning Fengzhi chuckled. "I've already arranged for someone to secretly protect her. There shouldn't be any issues. However, I'm a bit uneasy about her traveling alone. You and Rongrong are classmates and childhood friends. I'd like to assign you to accompany her on her journey for training and learning."
Yang Xiong was startled upon hearing this. It seemed that Ning Fengzhi had goaded Ning Rongrong into heading to Shrek Academy. Yang Xiong didn't hold a high opinion of the people at Shrek Academy. After all, he had already uprooted all their most valuable immortal herbs—there was no way they could compete for the championship in the upcoming Soul Master Tournament. Rather than exposing himself to unnecessary attention, he preferred to stay home and focus on his cultivation.
"Sect Leader, I plan to attend Zixing Academy. My brother is there, and we can support each other's growth."
Ning Fengzhi's face lit up with a smile. "That works out perfectly. It seems you're planning to attend an advanced soul master academy. I happen to know of an excellent academy in Suotuo City in the Kingdom of Balak. Their faculty is exceptional and would be perfect for your future development."
Yang Xiong couldn't help but internally criticize Ning Fengzhi's words. 'The academy you're referring to is obviously Shrek Academy. Has the leader of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect fallen for Shrek's deceptive advertisements? No wonder the sect's future seems bleak.'
Yang Xiong shuddered inwardly. "Sect Leader, as you know, my bond with my brother runs deep. I'd prefer to attend Zixing Academy."
Ning Fengzhi's expression turned strange. "Xiao Xiong, didn't you know? Your brother has performed exceptionally well, so I've decided to recall him to the sect for focused cultivation. He may even become one of our sect's elders in the future."
Yang Xiong's face darkened. This Ning Fengzhi was truly cunning and meticulous. His brother was only at level thirty-two at eighteen years old. How could he possibly be considered a genius, let alone qualify to become a sect elder?
Ning Fengzhi seemed to understand Yang Xiong's thoughts. "Xiao Xiong, there's one more thing I need to tell you. I told Rongrong that you couldn't handle the pressure of her surpassing your soul power level and insisted on going to Suotuo City to study. I said that perhaps one day you might surpass her. That's why Rongrong decided to go there too. If you refuse to go, I fear Rongrong might cause chaos throughout the entire Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."
"You know I only have one precious daughter, and she's deeply loved by Uncle Sword and Uncle Bone. Some things might be beyond my control."
Yang Xiong: …
At this moment, Yang Xiong was utterly speechless. Ning Fengzhi was truly devious. He must have thoroughly investigated Shrek Academy long ago, yet he still encouraged Ning Rongrong to go—and even tried to persuade him to join her. It seemed Ning Fengzhi wanted to use Shrek's tough environment to temper Ning Rongrong's personality—but what did that have to do with him?
After much deliberation, Yang Xiong reluctantly spoke. "If this is the Sect Leader's arrangement, I will make sure Miss Rongrong studies diligently and won't disappoint you."
Originally, Yang Xiong had planned to find a secluded place to cultivate for a few years. With increased strength, he could justify his absence later. Going to Shrek Academy now seemed like an unnecessary complication.
Ning Fengzhi suddenly became serious. "Xiao Xiong, how do you think the sect has treated you these past few years? I know you've made significant contributions to the sect, but the sect's investment in you far exceeds your imagination. Otherwise, after achieving thirteen consecutive victories in the Great Spirit Arena in Tian Dou City, you would have already drawn the attention of various major powers, especially the Tian Dou Empire, which is desperate for geniuses. Yet, has anyone approached you?"
"Not to mention your two to three months of training in Sunset Forest. Do you really think someone at your cultivation level could move freely there without any danger? Someone was silently protecting you from behind."
Yang Xiong was shocked. His training in Sunset Forest had indeed gone smoother than expected. While there were some dangers, nothing had been life-threatening, and he hadn't encountered any terrifying spirit beasts.
He had already suspected something was amiss. Now, reflecting on it, it seemed every move he made in Sunset Forest had been under observation. Did that mean none of his actions had gone unnoticed?
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