Flender and Yu Xiaogang both looked quite uncomfortable. If they slapped themselves in front of the students, how could they maintain any dignity?
They weren't young anymore, and face was very important to them.
Especially Yu Xiaogang—unlike Flender, who had thicker skin, he couldn't bring himself to do it. Although Ning Fengzhi had given him more leeway, it would still be humiliating to follow through.
Flender, realizing he had no choice, closed his eyes and began slapping his own face, hard. "Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack!"
Even though it wasn't as bad as Dai Mubai's punishment, Flender's face was still bleeding slightly, making his already unpleasant expression even worse.
Yu Xiaogang, gritting his teeth, swore to himself that once his disciple grew strong enough, he would avenge this humiliation. Then, he too slapped his face five times: "Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack!"
Seeing that both Flender and Yu Xiaogang had completed their punishments, Ning Fengzhi nodded in satisfaction. Now, where's Su Ming?
Ning Rongrong, meanwhile, quietly asked Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, "Xiao Wu, Zhuqing, why isn't Su Ming here?"
Xiao Wu responded, "Su Ming started a closed-door training session right after you left. We're not sure when he'll come out."
She added, "By the way, your father is here, so..."
Before Xiao Wu could finish, Ning Rongrong interrupted with a smug look, "Of course my father agreed to it! I personally took care of everything!"
Xiao Wu beamed with joy, knowing that Su Ming's strength would soon increase even more thanks to the new technique.
At that moment, Ning Fengzhi approached them, glancing at Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing. He greeted them warmly, "You two must be Rongrong's close friends. Rongrong can be a bit wild, so I hope you'll be patient with her. If you ever need help, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will gladly assist."
His gaze lingered on Zhu Zhuqing for a moment, though Ning Rongrong hadn't mentioned her relationship with Dai Mubai. Ning Fengzhi, however, had his own network and was well aware of the situation. Still, he would only lend a small hand in that matter, as his primary concern was always the sect's well-being.
Turning to Rongrong, Ning Fengzhi asked, "Is Su Ming not here?"
Ning Rongrong nodded, "Yes, he's still in seclusion. I'm not sure when he'll come out, but it's already the last day of the holiday, so maybe he's at a critical stage."
Ning Fengzhi frowned slightly. The main reason I came was to assess this potential son-in-law, and now it seems like I've missed him.
He recalled that Rongrong had mentioned Su Ming had recently reached the forty-fourth level, and now it seemed like he might be on the verge of another breakthrough.
Just then, a figure approached from a distance—it was Su Ming.
The group watched as Su Ming walked out of seclusion. Xiao Wu was especially excited and rushed to his side with a big smile. "Brother, since you've come out, does that mean you succeeded?"
Su Ming, in high spirits, patted her head and said, "Yes, I made some progress. As long as I have the materials, I'll be able to create some useful things."
Ning Fengzhi observed the intimacy between Su Ming and Xiao Wu, frowning slightly. Didn't Rongrong say they weren't blood-related? But isn't this a bit too close? However, seeing that Rongrong didn't seem to mind, he decided to hold off on commenting for now.
As Su Ming got closer, he finally noticed Ning Fengzhi. Wait, why is Rongrong's father here?
Also, why do Dai Mubai, Flender, and Yu Xiaogang all look like they've been beaten into pigs? What had happened while he was in seclusion?
Xiao Wu quickly whispered to Su Ming, explaining everything that had transpired. Su Ming couldn't believe it. I came out too late! I missed such an entertaining show—what a pity!
Su Ming then stepped forward to greet Ning Fengzhi. "You must be Rongrong's father, the sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Nice to meet you."
Ning Fengzhi smiled and replied, "Oh, you must know why I'm here, don't you? You seem quite calm about it."
Su Ming, maintaining a composed expression, said, "Based on my intuition, I assume you've agreed. I'm guessing Rongrong demonstrated that technique for you."
While speaking, Su Ming's gaze discreetly swept toward the academy's gates.
Ning Fengzhi noticed Su Ming's subtle glance and thought, Could it be that this young man has already detected something?
Indeed, Rongrong had demonstrated the Lingbo Weibu technique, and without that, Ning Fengzhi wouldn't have agreed to teach Su Ming their sect's Distraction Control technique.
In reality, Su Ming hadn't noticed anything out of the ordinary. Bone Douluo was hiding well, but Su Ming was aware that Ning Fengzhi wouldn't be alone—he was likely accompanied by two Title Douluo, even if they hadn't shown themselves yet.
Those who overheard Su Ming and Ning Fengzhi's conversation quickly picked up on a key detail: Ning Rongrong had demonstrated something to her father, and that was the real reason for their visit.
What could Ning Rongrong have demonstrated other than the Lingbo Weibu technique Su Ming had been teaching her? She must have mastered it!
It didn't matter when she learned it; the only thing on everyone's mind was whether Su Ming would eventually teach them the technique as well.
At this point, Yu Xiaogang, ignoring the pain on his face, rushed forward and asked eagerly, "Rongrong, did you really master the Lingbo Weibu technique? But didn't you leave before fully learning it?"
Ning Rongrong glanced at Su Ming, and after receiving a nod from him, she replied, "I was almost finished when I left. After a little practice back home, I mastered it. Why do you ask?"
Ning Fengzhi, although unsure why his daughter answered this way, chose not to expose the truth.
Yu Xiaogang then turned to Ning Fengzhi. "Sect Master Ning, are you here because of the Lingbo Weibu technique?"
In his mind, the earlier matter had already been resolved, so he didn't feel there was anything inappropriate about his question.
Ning Fengzhi shook his head and responded, "While I do admire Su Ming's self-created technique, I fully understand its value. Su Ming has already shown immense kindness by teaching it to Rongrong without expecting anything in return, and for that, I'm very grateful."
"I came here mainly to see Su Ming for myself. I must say, he's truly a remarkable young man—both in talent and appearance."
"As a token of my gratitude, I've decided to teach Su Ming our sect's Distraction Control technique. I heard he's a control-type spirit master, so this should help him improve his battlefield control."
Everyone was stunned.
When Ning Fengzhi finished speaking, he noticed that while the group was shocked, they also wore strange expressions. He couldn't help but wonder—Did I say something wrong?