The next morning, as the group enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the inn, a polite knock came at the door. Serenity, who had been lounging near the window, gave Ryan a look before vanishing into the shadows. Yue merely sipped her tea, unaffected, while Zhu Zhuqing straightened slightly, her sharp instincts immediately sensing something unusual.
Ryan didn't even need to ask who it was. He had been expecting this visit.
"Come in," he called casually.
The door opened, and three figures stepped inside.
At the forefront was a refined-looking man in elegant robes, exuding an air of confidence and authority. He was handsome in a dignified way, with a calm and intelligent gaze that instantly assessed the room. This was Ning Fengzhi, Clan Head of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
To his right stood an elderly man with a skeletal build missing most of his hair, dressed in simple martial robes but carrying an undeniable presence. His sharp eyes carried the experience of countless battles, and even without releasing his spirit, the weight of his existence was tangible. This was Bone Douluo, Gu Rong, one of the clan's two Titled Douluo.
On his left stood another man, quiet and imposing. His cold, sword-like presence seemed to cut through the very air, and despite his composed demeanor, Ryan could tell this man was dangerous. This was Sword Douluo, Chen Xin, a legendary figure whose name alone was enough to command respect across the continent.
The presence of two Titled Douluo would normally intimidate anyone.
Ryan simply smiled.
Ning Fengzhi stepped forward, clasping his hands together in a polite but formal gesture. "I hope we're not intruding. Allow me to introduce myself—I am Ning Fengzhi, Patriarch of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. These two beside me are Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, my most trusted protectors."
His words were respectful, his tone neutral but probing. He was here to gather information—to see for himself whether the rumors were true.
Ryan leaned back in his chair, unfazed. "Ryan," he introduced himself simply. Then, gesturing toward his companions, he added, "Yue, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing."
He made no move to stand or offer unnecessary formalities.
There was no need. Strength spoke for itself.
Ning Fengzhi, ever the astute leader, immediately took note of this. Ryan's demeanor wasn't one of arrogance or disrespect—it was simply the confidence of someone who had nothing to fear.
That fact alone put Ning Fengzhi even more on guard.
Still, he maintained his friendly smile. "I must admit, my daughter has told me much about your group. A team of prodigies, all of whom have reached unheard-of levels of strength for your age... Such talent is nothing short of monstrous." His eyes flickered toward Ryan. "And, of course, there is the matter of your unique spirit rings."
Chen Xin's sharp gaze lingered on Ryan. His instinct told him that these people were not ordinary.
"Would you mind humoring an old man's curiosity?" Ning Fengzhi continued smoothly. "I'd love to know more about your origins."
Ryan smirked. "That depends. What do you want to know?"
He already knew how this conversation would go. This was a dance of power and information.
And he was leading.
~~~~
Ning Fengzhi's eyes narrowed slightly, though his composed smile never wavered. His mind was working rapidly, processing the implications of everything Ryan had just said.
"I have never heard of any of you, but I do recognize the Zhu name from the Star Luo Empire." His gaze shifted toward Zhu Zhuqing, silently assessing her.
Ryan chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Oh, yes, she's originally from there. However, I disliked how she was being treated, so I took her for myself. She is now part of my group." His tone was casual, but the meaning was clear—what's mine is mine.
"Are you not worried about her family or the Star Luo Empire causing problems?" Ning Fengzhi asked, carefully choosing his words. "I believe she was engaged to the third prince."
Ryan leaned forward, a knowing smile on his lips. "Had a fiancé."
It only took a second for Ning Fengzhi to connect the dots. His sharp mind immediately reached the obvious conclusion—Ryan had killed the third prince of the Star Luo Empire.
"As far as I know, he seems to have disappeared a few days ago from a brothel, and nobody knows where he is." Ryan picked up his glass of juice, taking a slow sip. "I do so hope he's alright." His smile was pleasant, but the underlying message was ice-cold.
Zhu Zhuqing, sitting calmly beside him, nodded without hesitation. She had no regrets.
Bone Douluo let out a sharp breath before breaking into laughter. "Hahaha! You're a bold one, kid!" He didn't care about some waste prince, but not many would dare to kill a Star Luo prince and then casually claim his fiancée.
Ning Fengzhi, however, remained focused. "And you're not worried about them coming after you?" He was still fishing for information, gauging Ryan's confidence.
Ryan set his glass down, his smirk widening. "I can leave this place whenever I want, and there isn't a person alive here who could stop me. Girls."
In an instant, every girl in the room vanished.
Ning Fengzhi's pupils contracted. Even he hadn't seen how they moved. Gu Rong, a space specialist, couldn't detect where they had gone. And Chen Xin, a Rank 96 nearing 97, hadn't sensed anything.
This… was unnatural.
Before anyone could react, Ryan's voice remained steady. "Now then, I believe I have a couple of things that might interest you—things I'm willing to trade."
Ning Fengzhi refocused, suppressing his shock. "...Go on."
"I know all about your clan—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. A powerful auxiliary martial spirit with some of the best enhancement capabilities on the continent." Ryan's gaze sharpened. "But it has two major flaws. One, it's incapable of offensive techniques. And two, you can never advance past Rank 79."
At that moment, Ning Fengzhi knew—he had been targeted. There was no coincidence in their meeting.
Even so, he remained composed. "And what exactly are you looking for from my clan?"
Ryan smirked. "Your clan's Heart Separation Technique. In return, I'll give you a combat method perfectly suited for your clan, a self-created spirit technique, and some advanced spirit control methods." He stretched lazily. "I also have no interest in becoming your enemy. Right now, I'm simply here to enjoy myself and spend time with my girls."
The Heart Separation Technique was one of the Glazed Tile Clan's most important skills. But if what Ryan said was true, and he could provide a true combat technique... that was the one major flaw of their spirit, aside from the Rank 79 limit.
Ning Fengzhi considered the deal, his mind weighing the risks.
And then Ryan dropped the bombshell.
"Or... I can evolve your spirit into a Nine-Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda."
Ning Fengzhi stiffened.
Gu Rong's eyes widened.
Even Sword Douluo, Chen Xin, who rarely showed emotion, reacted subtly.
Those words hit like thunder.