When Ning Fengzhi stepped outside, he saw Rongrong happily holding onto both Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone's arms.
"Grandpa Sword, Grandpa Bone, aren't you both happy that I'm back?"
Chen Xin and Gu Rong, seemingly competing with each other, simultaneously said, "Of course, we're happy! How could we not be happy that you're back, Rongrong?"
Hearing them speak in unison, Ning Rongrong was overjoyed. Deep inside, she made a solemn vow—no matter what, she would not allow the tragic events from the original storyline to occur. She would not let her beloved grandfathers die because of Tang San!
Meanwhile, Chen Xin and Gu Rong exchanged glares after speaking at the same time.
Gu Rong growled, "Sword-man, I'm obviously happier than you are!"
Chen Xin, his brow furrowing, had his Seven Kill Sword flashing with energy. "Old man, do you want to fight? I'm clearly the happier one!"
Gu Rong retorted, "Bring it on! I'm not afraid!"
Watching her two grandfathers' bickering, Ning Rongrong burst into giggles. This... this is wonderful.
Ning Fengzhi came out and saw the familiar scene. With a sigh of exasperation, he said, "Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, stop bickering and making Rongrong laugh at you. You've been at this for a lifetime."
At his words, the two grandfathers turned away from each other with a huff. "Hmph!"
Neither could do much to the other, but they still couldn't help but be annoyed by each other. When it came to who spoiled Rongrong more, neither was willing to back down.
Although Chen Xin's level was one rank higher than Gu Rong's, Gu Rong's spatial transfer and defense were not to be underestimated.
Chen Xin's Seven Kill Sword was mighty, and with his strength, he could generally predict where Gu Rong would transfer. But Gu Rong's defenses were also formidable. In a serious fight, unless it was a life-or-death battle, neither could overcome the other.
Ning Rongrong saw Ning Fengzhi coming and dashed towards him like a bird returning to its nest, throwing herself into his arms. "Dad, did you miss me?"
Ning Fengzhi, dotingly stroking her head, smiled. "Of course I missed you. Why didn't you let us know you were coming back? I could've sent your grandfathers to pick you up—it would've been safer."
Ning Rongrong replied, "The academy only gave us a seven-day break, and it was a last-minute decision. I couldn't inform you in time, so I had the people protecting me rush me back as fast as they could."
"Oh, and by the way, Dad, those people worked really hard to bring me back. You should reward them!"
Ning Fengzhi chuckled, "Alright, alright, we'll do as you say."
"Now, let's not stand around outside. Come inside and tell us what's going on. I'm guessing you came back so quickly because there's something important you need to discuss, right?" Ning Fengzhi smiled mysteriously as he looked at his daughter.
Ning Rongrong realized that nothing could escape her sharp-witted father. Sticking her tongue out playfully, she admitted, "You really do know everything, Dad. But it's true—I really missed you all. I was so tired after rushing back, but seeing you and Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone made me feel completely refreshed!"
Ning Fengzhi shook his head, laughing. This girl always knows how to say just the right thing to make us happy.
Inside the hall:
Ning Fengzhi sat at the head with his cane, while the two titled Douluo sat on either side. Ning Rongrong stood before them.
"Alright, Rongrong, you must have something important to tell us. Why don't you just get to it? Let me guess—does this have to do with your classmate Su Ming?"
Ning Rongrong's heart skipped a beat. How did Father guess so accurately? He's spot on!
Seeing her reaction, Chen Xin and Gu Rong immediately understood that Ning Fengzhi had hit the mark.
The two of them suddenly shared the same thought: What is this Su Ming kid up to, making our precious little princess rush back to the sect like this? That brat! Next time we see him, we'll teach him a lesson!
Gu Rong, having met Su Ming before, was just as annoyed as Chen Xin. Rongrong, our little girl whom we've doted on for twelve years, is about to be snatched away by some pig!
Even though Gu Rong admitted that Su Ming was a decent kid—good-looking, extremely talented, and powerful, and crucially, not a support-type spirit master but one with combat prowess, making him an ideal partner for the sect's heir—it didn't change the fact that he felt annoyed. After all, Rongrong was only twelve!
They hadn't expected that after just one trip to Shrek Academy, Rongrong would return having taken a liking to someone. However, she hadn't explicitly said it, so maybe they were still just good friends?
But seeing the faint blush on Ning Rongrong's cheeks, their hopes dimmed.
Ning Rongrong stammered, "Dad, how did you guess so accurately?"
Ning Fengzhi didn't answer directly, instead asking, "How far have things gone between you two?"
Hearing this, both Chen Xin and Gu Rong fixed their gazes on Ning Rongrong. They were hoping she'd say they were just friends. At this stage, they couldn't bear the thought of their little princess being taken so soon!
Ning Rongrong blushed even harder, fiddling with her fingers as she thought about how much Su Ming had done for her. But still, she said, "What do you mean 'how far'? Dad, we're just friends..."
Ning Fengzhi chuckled. "Oh? Just friends for now?"
He emphasized the word "just," making his point clear.
Chen Xin and Gu Rong felt like they had been struck by lightning. That damn Su Ming!
From this, they knew that even if Rongrong and Su Ming hadn't officially become a couple, they were certainly more than just ordinary friends!
Although they believed Su Ming was a good match for Rongrong, there were still many things to consider. After all, being the future leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect required more than just strength—it also required good character and other abilities!
Feeling flustered, Ning Rongrong covered her flushed face with her hands and muttered, "Dad, if you keep teasing me, I won't talk to you anymore!"
Knowing when to stop, Ning Fengzhi relented. He didn't want to push her too hard. There'd be plenty of time to ask more questions when she returned to the academy—perhaps he'd send Uncle Sword or Uncle Bone to escort her back.
"Alright, alright, I'll stop. Now, why don't you tell us what urgent matter brought you back? It must be something to do with Su Ming, right?"
Ning Rongrong nodded, having composed herself. She spoke firmly, "Yes, Dad. But before we talk about it, I want you all to help me with a little test. Don't be too surprised afterward!"
Turning to Chen Xin, she grinned playfully. "Grandpa Sword, will you be my partner for this test?"
Author's note- Read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X, currently uploaded up to chapter 370