Ning Rongrong blinked and said, "This technique is called Lingbo Weibu (Ripple Step). It was indeed taught to me by Su Ming—it's his self-created spirit ability. Amazing, right?"
Ning Fengzhi nodded seriously, "Amazing! That Su Ming is truly a genius, no, a prodigy!"
At the same time, all three elders—Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, and Gu Rong—were thinking the same thing: Su Ming must be interested in Rongrong, or why else would he teach her such a powerful, self-created technique?
Chen Xin and Gu Rong didn't care as much, as their own speed was already impressive, but Ning Fengzhi couldn't help feeling envious. He worried he might blurt out a request to have Rongrong teach him the technique. However, he restrained himself—after all, Su Ming had taught Rongrong the technique out of goodwill, and he didn't want to be ungrateful. Besides, Su Ming had no real ties to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and Ning Fengzhi hadn't even met him yet.
Although Rongrong had learned Lingbo Weibu, Ning Fengzhi knew she couldn't teach it to anyone else without Su Ming's permission. Otherwise, it could cause a rift with such a talented soul master, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect needed to forge alliances with people like Su Ming, not alienate them.
Ning Fengzhi understood the long-term benefits and kept his composure. At that moment, a bold idea crossed his mind—why not betroth Rongrong to Su Ming? Unable to resist, he asked, "Rongrong, do you have feelings for Su Ming?"
Blushing, Ning Rongrong shyly nodded.
Ning Fengzhi smiled warmly, "I see. Although I haven't met Su Ming, if you have good feelings toward him, that says something about his character. I won't oppose your relationship, but there will be some small tests to see his strength."
"Don't worry, it'll just be a way for us, as parents, to assess Su Ming's abilities," Ning Fengzhi added with a sly smile.
Chen Xin and Gu Rong were taken aback. "Fengzhi, you—"
The two elders were anxious. They hadn't even met Su Ming yet! How could they just let their precious Rongrong be taken by some kid? It felt like their precious cabbage was about to be taken by a pig!
Blushing fiercely, Ning Rongrong protested, "Dad, I've already said we're not in that kind of relationship yet!"
Ning Fengzhi chuckled, "Oh, but I can see it clearly. You like him, and he clearly cares enough to teach you such a valuable life-saving technique. Plus, Su Ming meets all the requirements for the future leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's partner. Where else can I find such a perfect son-in-law?"
Ning Fengzhi continued, "How about this? When you return to the academy in a few days, we'll accompany you to meet Su Ming and see what he's like."
At this point, the three elders had different thoughts. Ning Fengzhi genuinely wanted to meet Su Ming and see if he could recruit him into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Even if Su Ming didn't join, building a good relationship would be beneficial.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect lacked high-level combatants, with only Chen Xin and Gu Rong as Titled Douluos. They hadn't seen any new Titled Douluos join in a long time. Ning Fengzhi knew they needed fresh talent, not only for the sect's future but also for Rongrong, as she would inherit the sect one day. Both Chen Xin and Gu Rong were getting older, and they needed strong new allies.
However, Ning Rongrong thought to herself, If Dad knew that Su Ming already had another woman, I wonder if he'd still have these thoughts. Su Ming has already said he won't join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect or become a subordinate.
Chen Xin and Gu Rong shared the same goal: they really wanted to see what Su Ming was capable of, since he had caught Rongrong's eye. In the past, none of the young men at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had ever attracted her interest!
Ning Fengzhi then turned to his daughter and asked, "Now that you've shown us Lingbo Weibu, can you tell us what favor you want to do for Su Ming?"
He already knew the demonstration was meant to convince them, and they were indeed shocked by the technique's power.
Ning Rongrong took a deep breath and said, "Dad, I want to teach Su Ming the sect's secret Multitasking technique. I hope you'll agree."
"What?!"
All three were stunned. Rongrong wanted to pass on the sect's most closely guarded secret!
Chen Xin and Gu Rong remained silent, knowing that the decision ultimately rested with Ning Fengzhi. But they thought to themselves, If Su Ming and Rongrong truly end up together, it wouldn't be considered an outsider learning it. However, they're not officially together yet!
Ning Fengzhi hadn't expected Rongrong to return home so urgently for this reason. After a moment of thought, he had made up his mind. But first, he asked, "Rongrong, can you tell me—did Su Ming ask you for this secret technique, or...?"
Before he could finish, Ning Rongrong quickly shook her head. "Dad, Su Ming didn't ask for the Multitasking technique—I wanted to give it to him. I believe it will be useful to him, and I don't want to be someone who only takes without giving in return."
"You saw how powerful the technique Su Ming taught me is—it's definitely on par with our sect's secret technique."
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi relaxed a bit. It wasn't Su Ming who requested the technique. That was a relief. If Su Ming had asked, Ning Fengzhi might have seen it as a transaction, which would have lowered his opinion of Su Ming.
"So, Rongrong, can you explain why the Multitasking technique would be useful to Su Ming?"
Ning Rongrong had anticipated this question and answered confidently, "Dad, Su Ming's spirit is wood-based, so he's technically a control-type spirit master. The Multitasking technique would allow him to better assist his teammates in battle."
She thought to herself, He's an all-rounder, so this counts as part of the truth!
For the first time, Ning Rongrong didn't fully tell the truth to her father and grandfathers. She felt a little excited but knew it was necessary to protect Su Ming's secret about Sage Mode. Even her closest family couldn't know.
Ning Fengzhi pondered for a moment, then smiled. "If you want to return the favor, teaching Su Ming the Multitasking technique isn't out of the question. I agree."
The main reasons Ning Fengzhi agreed were Su Ming's close relationship with Rongrong and the incredible value of the technique Su Ming had taught her.
Moreover, Ning Fengzhi had his own motive—he hoped Su Ming might teach him Lingbo Weibu one day!