Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!
Chen Xin and Chen Yuan had just returned and hadn't even had the chance to report the details of their soul beast hunt to Ning Fengzhi when they were met with another piece of news.
Ning Rongrong had run away from home.
"What?!"
Chen Xin was utterly shocked. His voice, filled with anger, echoed through the room:
"Rongrong ran away from home? Did someone in the sect bully her? That silly girl, if someone bullied her, why didn't she come to me?"
Ning Fengzhi looked at Chen Xin, who was reacting just like Gu Luo, and shook his head with a helpless smile:
"Sword Elder, with you and Bone Elder protecting her, who in the sect would dare to bully Rongrong? If anything, she's the one who bullies others. If anything, this is all my fault."
"Over the past few years, I've been busy traveling back and forth to Heaven Dou City for official matters. I've neglected Rongrong, yet I've been strict with her. I probably put too much pressure on her. So, in my opinion, letting her go out and relax might be a good thing."
"However, Rongrong is only a support-type soul master and has no combat abilities. Although the sect's guards can secretly protect her, they can't watch her all the time. She still needs someone to accompany her. Therefore…"
At this point, Ning Fengzhi turned to Chen Yuan:
"Chen Yuan, now that you've become a Soul Elder, what soul beast's soul ring did you absorb? What was its age, and what are the effects of your soul skill?"
Chen Yuan immediately replied:
"Sect Leader, I've become a Soul Elder. I absorbed the soul ring of a 5,000-year-old Golden Feather Divine Eagle. My third soul skill, Sword Wings Like Flight, allows me to fly on my sword with a 100% speed boost."
Ning Fengzhi was deeply impressed. A 5,000-year soul ring for the third soul ring was astonishing. A glint of meaning flashed in his eyes as he said:
"Here's the situation. Rongrong has run away from home, and she needs someone to protect her. Your strength is evident to all, so I want to assign you to protect Rongrong. I'm not asking this as the Sect Leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, but as a father. Rongrong running away is largely my responsibility. I can't be by her side, but someone needs to take care of her."
Hearing Ning Fengzhi's words, Chen Yuan knew he couldn't refuse. Coincidentally, he also wanted to leave the mountain and explore the world. Now that he had the strength, it was time to seize some opportunities.
He clasped his hands solemnly and said:
"Sect Leader, since you've entrusted me with this important task, I will do my best to complete it. I'll head down the mountain to find Rongrong and protect her from the shadows. When the time is right, I'll reveal myself and let her know this was your arrangement, showing her your care and love for her. Whether I bring her back or accompany her on her journey will depend on the situation."
Ning Fengzhi was pleasantly surprised. This child was incredibly thoughtful. Despite being the same age as Rongrong, he was mature and steady. His plan aligned perfectly with Ning Fengzhi's wishes, and the Sect Leader grew more and more satisfied with Chen Yuan.
Then, Ning Fengzhi took out a gold token engraved with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda pattern from his storage soul tool ring and handed it to Chen Yuan, saying:
"Chen Yuan, your plan is exactly what I had in mind. I'll entrust Rongrong to you with peace of mind. With this token, you can mobilize the forces of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect across the continent to find Rongrong's whereabouts. That won't be a problem. After that, everything will be under your responsibility."
Chen Yuan took the token without hesitation. This would save him time searching for Ning Rongrong, as others would help locate her. He said:
"Sect Leader, I know what to do."
Ning Fengzhi was very satisfied, but Gu Luo and Chen Xin still had some doubts. Gu Luo spoke up directly:
"Sect Leader, I don't understand. If safety is the priority, bringing Rongrong back to the sect and keeping her under our watch would be the safest option. No matter how talented this kid is, he's only a level-30 Soul Elder. His strength is still far from enough."
Ning Fengzhi smiled and replied:
"Bone Elder, Rongrong will eventually grow up. Even a fledgling under our wings must one day learn to fly on its own. Letting her travel the continent will benefit her greatly. Besides, I've been too strict with her in the past, which put a lot of pressure on her. Letting her go out and relax is a good thing. It will also give the other disciples in the sect a break. That little girl is well-behaved and obedient in front of you, but to the other disciples, she's a little troublemaker."
After being persuaded by Ning Fengzhi, Gu Luo finally agreed.
As for Chen Xin, he began instructing Chen Yuan:
"Yuan'er, Rongrong has grown up before our eyes. She's never suffered any grievances. Once you find her, make sure she doesn't experience any hardships."
Facing Chen Xin's instructions, Chen Yuan replied with his usual calm and maturity:
"Teacher, I understand. I'll make sure Rongrong doesn't suffer any grievances."
Hearing this, Chen Xin felt reassured.
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After receiving the task, Chen Yuan went back to pack and prepare to leave the mountain.
There wasn't much to pack. He had a storage soul tool, which contained tens of thousands of gold coins. Food, drink, clothing, and lodging along the way could all be handled with money.
He simply changed his clothes, swapping out his Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect uniform for a more suitable travel outfit. He wore a tight-fitting white inner garment, ideal for combat, and a blue cloak on the outside. The cloak was cinched at the waist with a belt, and the sleeves were short, reaching only to the elbows, so they wouldn't hinder his sword movements.
Finally, he tied his long black hair neatly at the back, revealing his handsome face with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes. His noble upbringing was evident in his striking appearance.
Before leaving the mountain, Chen Yuan learned of Ning Rongrong's last known whereabouts. She hadn't gone to Heaven Dou City but had headed south, possibly entering the territory of one of the subordinate kingdoms of the Heaven Dou Empire.
It made sense. If Ning Rongrong had gone to Heaven Dou City, she would still be under Ning Fengzhi's watchful eye, and it wouldn't count as running away from home.
After leaving the mountain, Chen Yuan summoned his martial soul. The Seven Kill Sword appeared in his hand, and a yellow and two purple soul rings rose from beneath his feet.
Chen Yuan then tossed the Seven Kill Sword into the air and activated his third soul skill. The sword instantly enlarged and hovered in mid-air.
Chen Yuan bent his knees slightly, then leaped into the air, performing a mid-air spin before landing gracefully on the sword. He placed one hand behind his back and formed a sword gesture with the other, controlling the Seven Kill Sword as it shot into the sky.
From now on, he was someone who could fly on a sword. When mounting the sword, he had to make it look as cool as possible.
Standing on the Seven Kill Sword, a strange glint flashed in Chen Yuan's eyes. He couldn't help but think:
'Is this a coincidence, or is it fate? I'll go and see if I can gain some benefits. For example, the appearance of the Eight Spider Lances—an external spirit bone. Even if I can't use it myself, it could be a valuable favor…'
(End of Chapter)
Word Count : 1,324
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