Chapter 133 The Terrifying Aspect.
The illusory image of the ranking list in the sky faded away.
But in the center of the training ground, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda above Ning Rongrong's palm was more dazzling than ever before.
The nine-story pagoda was radiant with light, each story emanating a unique fluctuation of law.
At the top of the pagoda, a point of nine-colored divine light flickered, as if it might erupt at any moment.
Her aura had leaped from a level 47 Soul Master to a level 52 Soul King.
Although compared to the previous rankings, she was still like a firefly compared to the bright moon, the "possibility" emanating from her, that strategic potential belonging to the future, enough to change the rules of war, moved everyone who sensed it.
"Whoosh—!!!"
Two ear-piercing sounds of air being torn apart came from the horizon.
The next moment, two figures crashed onto the training ground like meteorites, landing without making a sound, revealing their exquisite control over power.
It was Sword Douluo Chen Xin and Bone Douluo Gu Rong!
The two Super Douluo exuded an undisguised powerful aura, enveloping the entire training ground.
On the high seas, Poseidon stood at the bow, gazing towards the mainland, her azure eyes reflecting the distant sky.
"Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda… Ning Rongrong…" she murmured the name, lost in thought.
"High Priest, should we adjust our plans?"
One of the island's guardian Douluo asked. "Ning Rongrong has immense potential. If we can gain her support, it will greatly help balance the situation on the continent."
Poseidon pondered for a moment, then shook her head: "No need to force it. We'll complete the landing first, make contact with the various forces on the continent, and then decide how to proceed."
"However… we could prepare a gift and present it to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School in the name of Seagod Island to express goodwill."
"Yes."
In the far north.
The Snow Empress had already returned to the depths of the Ten Thousand Year Ice Cave to continue consolidating her newly broken-through cultivation.
To her, Ning Rongrong's ranking on the list was merely an insignificant interlude.
The Ice Empress, however, was somewhat curious: "Sister, is that Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda really that powerful?"
"Human potential has never been determined by the strength of one's martial soul," the Snow Empress said calmly, "but by one's temperament, opportunities, and... whether one can survive in this cruel world."
She looked south, her gaze seemingly piercing through the vast ice plains: "That girl, if she can truly grow up, might become an interesting variable in this era. But the prerequisite is... that she can live until then."
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, Star Gazing Platform.
Ning Fengzhi stood on the edge of the high platform, looking in the direction from which the Sword Douluo and the other two had returned, his expression solemn.
In his hand, he held a communication soul tool, containing the probes and greetings he had just received from various forces.
The Heavenly Dou Imperial Family sent a congratulatory letter, earnestly expressing their willingness to fully support the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and inviting Ning Fengzhi to the palace to discuss "strengthening cooperation"—the implication being that they wanted to completely bind the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School to the imperial chariot.
The Star Luo Empire sent a secret letter, subtly expressing its desire for an alliance and promising to grant the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School a princely title and a vast fiefdom if they were willing to relocate to Star Luo.
Among the four lower sects, the Elephant Armor Sect, Wind Sword Sect, Fire Leopard Sect, and Rock Antelope Sect all sent "congratulations," but their words carried a hint of probing and subtle hostility.
Even some reclusive ancient sects began to re-establish contact with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
"Truly, the tree desires stillness, but the wind will not cease..." Ning Fengzhi murmured to himself, a bitter smile playing on his lips.
He knew that from this day forward, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School could no longer remain aloof as before.
The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's ascent to the Goddess Ranking signifies that the sect has been officially drawn into this massive vortex, orchestrated by god-level powerhouses, that will determine the fate of the continent.
It's either ride the waves or... be shattered to pieces.
"Father!"
A familiar voice called from afar.
Ning Fengzhi looked up and saw three streaks of light pierce the sky, landing on the Star Gazing Platform.
"Rongrong!" He rushed forward, embracing his daughter tightly, carefully checking her over. "Are you hurt? Is anything bothering you?"
"I'm fine, Father." Ning Rongrong's eyes were slightly red. "It's just... just a little scared."
"Don't be afraid. Father is here, Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone are here, the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is here."
Ning Fengzhi gently patted his daughter's back, his tone firm. "No one can hurt you."
Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo stood to the side, their expressions equally solemn.
"Fengzhi, on the way back, we sensed at least three groups of people secretly following us," Sword Douluo said in a deep voice. "Although we shook them off, the Spirit Hall is moving faster than we expected."
Bone Douluo added, "Moreover, news of Rongrong's ranking has spread, and now the entire continent's attention is focused on the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. We must respond as soon as possible."
Ning Fengzhi nodded, released his daughter, and turned to face the two guardian elders: "Issue an order to the entire sect."
His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable determination.
"First, activate the highest level of protection for the 'Glazed Tile Array.' No one is allowed to enter or leave the sect without my order."
"Second, recall all disciples and guest elders currently outside the sect. Regardless of their location or mission, they must return within ten days."
"Third, activate the 'Glazed Treasure Vault,' channeling all precious resources towards core disciples. Rongrong, from today onwards, you can freely access any resources in the vault. Make sure to improve your strength as quickly as possible."
"Fourth," Ning Fengzhi paused, a cold glint in his eyes, "contact all forces allied with us and hold the 'Glazed Tile Alliance.' Since we cannot remain aloof, then… we must win over all forces we can."
"Yes!" Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo responded in unison.
Ning Rongrong stood behind her father, looking at the solemn expressions of her three elders, a complex emotion welling up within her.
There was fear, there was unease, but more than anything… was an unprecedented sense of responsibility.
She knew that from today onwards, she was no longer the capricious little princess she could be.
She was the holder of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, a member of the Goddess Ranking, and the future of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
She had to become stronger.
For herself, for her father, for her sect, and for… those she wanted to protect.
"Father," Ning Rongrong suddenly spoke, her voice still childish but filled with determination, "I want to acquire my fifth spirit ring as soon as possible."
Ning Fengzhi turned, looking at his daughter's earnest eyes, a hint of relief flashing in his own.
"Alright," he nodded, "Once you've stabilized, Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone will accompany you to the Star Dou Great Forest. However… before that, you need to master the power of the 'Nine Treasures Domain'."
"I will try my best," Ning Rongrong nodded emphatically.
In the sky, the last ray of nine-colored afterglow slowly dissipated.
But the storm that would rage for Ning Rongrong had only just begun.
(End of Chapter)