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Three days later, Qian Renxue reabsorbed the sacred fire. By then, her body was covered in a thick layer of impurities.
Looking at Qian Renxue, Ning Tian secretly nodded in approval. It was true that immortal herbs were best consumed early, but once a soul master's soul power exceeded level 60, they could fully refine the herb's energy in one go. That's why it had taken Qian Renxue three full days to complete the process.
"This is the legendary immortal herb? It truly lives up to its reputation. It instantly raised me to level 70." At this moment, Qian Renxue's soul power had surged from level 65 to level 70. Once she obtained her seventh soul ring, she could expect an additional five-level boost, a remarkable improvement.
Unaware of her current state, she stretched lazily, her movements accentuating her alluring curves. It wasn't until she noticed the amused gleam in Ning Tian's eyes that she realized her predicament. With a sharp scream, she bolted to a small room in the corner of the training room; the bathroom. After every training session, Qian Renxue would shower there to wash away the sweat and dust.
Women's baths are often lengthy affairs. Half an hour later, Qian Renxue emerged, now dressed in a palace gown. Meeting Ning Tian's appreciative gaze, she lifted her beautiful eyes and glared at him fiercely. "If you dare speak of what just happened, I'll never acknowledge you as a friend again and then I'll kill you."
"Yes, yes, my dear Miss Qian," Ning Tian replied with a grin. He pulled out a portable sofa from his storage soul guide, sat down, and shifted over, inviting her to join him. Qian Renxue didn't fuss and sat down gracefully, only for Ning Tian to wrap his arm around her waist.
"Get to the point. I'm not some naive little girl you can easily deceive. Don't think you can take advantage of me," she snapped, glaring at him. But she didn't resist. Ning Tian tightened his hold, a spark of defiance in his eyes. "What do you think about the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?"
Qian Renxue's expression turned serious. "Are you trying to plead for them?"
"Yes and no," Ning Tian shook his head.
"Whether we decide or not, with Ning Fengzhi's cunning and unwillingness to submit, even if the Spirit Hall doesn't trouble him, he'll still try to rally forces against us," she said.
"What if he dies and Ning Rongrong becomes the sect master?" Ning Tian suddenly asked.
"You want to kill Ning Fengzhi?" Qian Renxue shot up, staring at him in disbelief. Ning Fengzhi was Ning Rongrong's father, and Ning Tian's relationship with Ning Rongrong was no secret. In a way, this would be like plotting against his own father-in-law. The thought sent a chill down her spine, followed by a wave of emotion.
'Is he doing this for me?' she wondered. It seemed like the only explanation.
"What are you thinking? Putting aside my relationship with Rongrong, even if I wanted to kill Ning Fengzhi, do you think the two Title Douluos of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect are just for show?"
Ning Tian began to spin a story. "From what I know, although Ning Fengzhi appears strong and healthy, he's actually terminally ill with no cure. In a few years, his body will collapse, and Rongrong will become the sect master."
"If that's the case, then it might work," Qian Renxue nodded. After a moment's thought, she looked at Ning Tian's handsome face, so close to hers, and said earnestly, "If Ning Fengzhi is indeed replaced by Ning Rongrong as you say, I can guarantee the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's safety."
"Then it's a deal," Ning Tian said, thinking it was necessary to have Ning Fengzhi step down. This way, the sect wouldn't meet the same fate as in the original story. And once Ning Rongrong took over, he could gradually shape the sect to his liking. It was a win-win situation.
After that, he planned to win over Qian Renxue, take control of the Heaven Dou Empire, deal with that irresistible madwoman Bibi Dong, seize the Spirit Hall, conquer the Star Luo Empire, and deal with Zhu Zhuqing's sister, Zhu Zhuyun. Then, his life would be complete.
"It's a deal," Qian Renxue smiled, retrieving a token and a map from her soul guide. "This is the map to the Lost Grand Canyon. It's already under Spirit Hall's control. Take the map to the entrance and show my token. I'll have Snake Lance Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo take turns protecting your girls in secret. As for the Slaughter City, it's also marked on the map, about two thousand km from the Maze Canyon."
"Since that's settled, I should be going." With his goals achieved, Ning Tian stood up, put away the map, and prepared to leave.
But Qian Renxue grabbed his sleeve. "I'll wait for you to come back."
He nodded, turned, and gave her a hug, then couldn't resist kissing her cheek. By the time she realized what had happened, he was already gone.
Furious, she stamped her foot. "That damned bastard, taking advantage of me again!"
…..
When Ning Tian returned to the Sunset Forest, Zhu Qing had already gone back to the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy and Zhu Zhuqing and Ye Lingling were ready to leave. The three of them departed the forest, with Ning Tian carrying the two girls as they followed the map westward.
The Maze Canyon lay to the west of the Star Dou Great Forest. Though it was on the outskirts, its danger rivaled the core areas of the forest. It was a place of both peril and opportunity. For soul masters seeking training, it was an ideal location.
According to Qian Renxue, anyone who emerged from it, as long as they didn't fall, was almost guaranteed to become a Title Douluo. The entrance to the canyon was now guarded by the Spirit Hall, with a gatehouse built. Only those with high-level permission from the Spirit Hall could enter.
After presenting Qian Renxue's token, Zhu Zhuqing and Ye Lingling entered under Ning Tian's watchful eye. Just as he was about to leave, a group caught his attention; the seven members of the Spirit Hall Academy's Golden Generation, led by Yan.
"It's you!" Yan recognized Ning Tian instantly, his face twisting with hostility. The others shared similar sentiments. If not for Ning Tian, they wouldn't have lost the competition and been exiled to the Maze Canyon for training. And it was for five years. Pope Bibi Dong had told them they could only leave once they broke through to level 60; otherwise, they were to stay for the full duration.
"What a coincidence!" Ning Tian ignored their glares and greeted them with a smile.
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