"Yuexuan…" Wu Qi murmured softly.
The master of Yuexuan, Tang Yuehua, was in truth a member of the Clear Sky Sect and Tang San's aunt.
However, her identity had not yet been exposed. Xue Qinghe only knew that her background was extraordinary; he did not know of her connection to the Clear Sky Sect.
If Yuexuan's people had come here for grain, then the grain disappearance case that Xue Qinghe had been monitoring was likely related to the Clear Sky Sect.
Upon careful consideration, the possibility was quite high.
The Clear Sky Sect had already withdrawn from the world, and its disciples no longer traveled across the continent.
When Spirit Hall carried out its retaliation in the past, the sect itself had not suffered heavy casualties. Yet with such a large sect in seclusion, the daily consumption of grain would be an enormous figure.
The disciples of the Clear Sky Sect were all Spirit Masters. It was impossible for them to personally farm the land.
Tang Yuehua might be their intermediary placed on the continent, purchasing grain under the name of Yuexuan and secretly delivering it to the Clear Sky Sect.
Given Yuexuan's status among the nobility, few would grow suspicious.
Moreover, grain was not weaponry, so it attracted little scrutiny.
Xue Qinghe had only noticed the issue because of rumors spread by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect regarding Suotuo City. While reviewing intelligence on the city, he discovered that a portion of the grain output had inexplicably vanished.
Even so, his concern was limited to whether it was connected to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. He had no further suspicions and had not intended to investigate deeply.
The Clear Sky Sect's method of operating in plain sight had effectively deceived everyone.
Since the master of Yuexuan was Tang Hao's sister, it was not surprising that Tang Hao would lend assistance upon seeing Yuexuan's people.
With that thought, Wu Qi felt clarity settle in.
There was no grand conspiracy, only speculation born from a lack of evidence.
For now, he did not intend to report this matter to Xue Qinghe.
He had no way to explain that Yuexuan functioned as an outpost for the Clear Sky Sect. Without being able to clarify the key link, anything he said afterward would lack credibility.
However, one thing was certain: the grain matter had nothing to do with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
"Yuexuan is just a place that teaches noble etiquette. Could they be planning rebellion? Maybe they're secretly raising a thousand armored soldiers?" Chang Kong speculated.
Wu Qi replied casually, "Yuexuan has close ties with imperial nobles. Perhaps they're secretly helping some noble acquire grain."
"In any case, it's only speculation. There's no conclusion yet. Don't overthink it, it has nothing to do with us."
The Clear Sky Sect was not an immediate threat. There was no need to focus attention on them.
Moreover, given Qian Daoliu's temperament, if the matter of the Clear Sky Sect were raised, he would likely smooth things over and let it fade away.
Ning Rongrong sat by the hotel window, staring outside in boredom.
Having seen much of the world, there was little in Suotuo City that could interest her. After several days, she had already explored everything worth seeing.
Wu Qi's figure lingered in her mind. She had been unable to find any trace of him, which made her increasingly restless.
"Shrek Academy starts admissions tomorrow. Will he go?"
Lost in thought, she realized night had already fallen. Rubbing her stomach, she decided to head downstairs for a proper meal.
Just as she closed her door, a familiar voice echoed down the corridor. Looking ahead, she saw Wu Qi's back.
At first, she thought she was mistaken. After rubbing her eyes and confirming she was not imagining things, she hurried after him.
"Brother Wu Qi, is that you?"
Wu Qi stopped and turned around. "Ning Rongrong?"
He was not surprised to see her.
However, although they were staying in the same hotel, they had never run into each other before.
It truly was a matter of timing.
In reality, Ning Rongrong was used to leaving early and returning late. In the mornings, Wu Qi and Chang Kong stayed in their room cultivating Spirit Power. Around noon, they might go out briefly before returning to cultivate again in the afternoon. By evening, they would head to the Grand Spirit Arena for matches.
Ning Rongrong, on the other hand, spent her days exploring the city and only returned to the hotel after dinner at night. Their schedules never overlapped, which was why they had not met until now.
"What brings you here?" Wu Qi asked casually.
Chang Kong scratched his head in frustration. Why did every beautiful girl seem to focus only on Wu Qi? Was he not handsome enough?
For a moment, he looked completely defeated, but Ning Rongrong paid him no attention.
She first complained about Ning Fengzhi's strict control over her, then explained why she had come here.
"I don't know which fool spread rumors in Heaven Dou City about how prosperous Suotuo City is. It's completely exaggerated. If I find out who started it, I'll teach him a lesson."
Wu Qi and Chang Kong exchanged amused glances.
If Ning Rongrong ever found out that the rumor had been spread by Ning Fengzhi himself, she would likely feel thoroughly deceived.
"By the way, Brother Wu Qi, are you also planning to enroll at Shrek Academy?"
"I've heard Shrek Academy is very impressive."
Wu Qi raised an eyebrow.
First Dai Mubai, and now Ning Rongrong, why did they all assume he intended to join Shrek Academy?
Seeing that he did not respond, Chang Kong quickly stepped in. "Miss Rongrong, about the misunderstanding between us earlier—"
Out of respect for Wu Qi, Ning Rongrong waved it off generously. "Forget it. I won't argue with you."
"So, are you going to Shrek Academy or not?"
Chang Kong explained, "We've already seen some of Shrek Academy's students. Their talent is decent, but their combat awareness is lacking. They can handle favorable situations, but when faced with a troublesome opponent, they fall apart."
"So we believe Shrek Academy's reputation is exaggerated. They focus on recruiting talented students, but their teaching seems rather lacking."
Ning Rongrong nodded thoughtfully.
After a moment, she smiled. "In that case, I won't go either."
"If Shrek Academy were truly as extraordinary as people claim, its name would have spread across the entire continent by now. The current situation suggests it's mostly reputation."
For her, it did not matter where she went, as long as she could stay near Wu Qi.
Wu Qi spread his hands. "That's your decision. But I think you should return home soon. If your father starts asking questions, we won't be able to handle it."
Ning Rongrong pouted. "What's there to worry about? My father just likes to control everything."
As she spoke, she put on a pitiful expression. "Brother Wu Qi, you won't leave Rongrong behind, right?"
Chang Kong felt a chill run down his spine.
Years ago, Jin Yuting had spoken to him the same way, and he had always given in.
After a brief moment of thought, Wu Qi agreed.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect acted according to its interests. Ning Fengzhi was pragmatic, and his stance shifted depending on circumstances.
Spirit Hall itself was divided internally. If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect could be cultivated into a force capable of counterbalancing certain internal powers in the future, that would not be a bad outcome.
However, before understanding Ning Fengzhi's true position, Wu Qi did not intend to engage too deeply with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
If he revealed his identity prematurely, it might bring unnecessary trouble.
Future dealings with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would require an intermediary.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Spirit possessed unparalleled support abilities on the continent. Keeping Ning Rongrong nearby would greatly enhance their effectiveness in team Spirit Arena matches.
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