Wu Qi hadn't ignored the possibility of recruiting Shui Bing'er from Sky Water Academy.
However, her situation was too special, forcing him to give up the idea.
First of all, her martial soul fusion skill required cooperation with Xue Wu to be used.
But Xue Wu was only an auxiliary-type Spirit Master, and her support abilities only enhanced ice and water-attribute Spirit Masters. The limitations were too great.
With Ning Rongrong already in the team, there was no need for another support-type Spirit Master.
There was no point overcommitting resources just for one addition.
Moreover, Shui Bing'er's martial soul attributes conflicted with those of Huo Wushuang and his sister. If they were placed on the same team, their abilities would interfere with each other, preventing them from performing at their full potential.
After deciding to recruit the Huo siblings, Wu Qi planned to develop the team along the lines of "wind fueling fire, fire borrowing the strength of wind." Bringing in Feng Xiaotian would undoubtedly strengthen the team.
Faced with Wu Qi's sincere invitation, Feng Xiaotian let out a sigh. "To be honest, my grandfather and Elder Huo intend for the three of you to join a combined team of Blazing Fire and Godwind."
"Now it seems that won't be possible. But if you want us to join your team, you'll have to speak with our elders personally."
"But don't worry. You're strong, and I don't want to lose a teammate like you. I'll speak on your behalf."
After saying this, Feng Xiaotian cupped his fists and turned to leave.
His task was complete. Next, he needed to report the situation back to his family elders.
Meanwhile, at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Ning Rongrong's sudden return caught Ning Fengzhi by surprise.
"Rongrong, were you mistreated at the academy?"
With Wu Qi gone for so long, no one had been helping her. It was possible she had suffered some grievance.
Ning Rongrong shook her head, a faint smile always on her face.
Just as Sword Douluo was about to speak, his expression suddenly froze. He said in surprise, "Rongrong, you've broken through Level 30?"
After carefully sensing her, Chen Xin frowned. "No, something's not right. Rongrong's spirit power is clearly in excess. It's just that without a third Spirit Ring, the surplus hasn't manifested yet."
Ning Fengzhi was shocked, his expression turning serious. "How is that possible? Rongrong, did you use some forbidden method to forcibly increase your strength at the cost of your talent?"
With her talent, Ning Rongrong was destined to inherit the sect. If she had gone down the wrong path, it would be a major loss for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
"Pfft, Father, Grandpas, can't you say something nice for once?" Ning Rongrong crossed her arms, pretending to be angry.
Gu Rong stepped in to smooth things over. "Fengzhi, this is indeed strange. Let's hear Rongrong out first."
Suppressing his worry, Ning Fengzhi forced a smile. "Rongrong, stop teasing us. Tell us what happened."
Ning Rongrong chuckled and straightened proudly. "Father, the reason my spirit power increased so quickly is thanks to an immortal herb given by Brother Wu Qi."
"I was only Level 27 before, but after absorbing the herb, I directly reached Level 30. Just like Grandpa Sword said, it's more than a three-Level increase. Once I obtain my third Spirit Ring, the excess power will fully show."
Such rapid growth in a single day, what kind of method was this?
Ning Fengzhi hurriedly asked, "Rongrong, what exactly is this immortal herb? Does it have any side effects on your body?"
Ning Rongrong replied with a hint of annoyance, "Father, immortal herbs aren't ordinary things! Brother Wu Qi said such treasures are rare even in the heavens, let alone the mortal world. Not only was my talent not harmed, it was actually enhanced."
"According to him, my cultivation speed is now equivalent to someone with innate Level 11 spirit power!"
As she spoke, she raised her right hand, and her martial soul appeared.
At first, Ning Fengzhi didn't pay much attention, until Chen Xin reminded him, "Fengzhi, Rongrong's martial soul isn't seven layers, it's nine."
"What?!" Ning Fengzhi's eyes widened. He counted carefully and was utterly shocked. "Nine layers, nine colors… the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda! This…"
Ning Rongrong lifted her chin proudly. "Father, now you understand the effect of the immortal herb, right?"
Unable to hold back, Ning Fengzhi quickly asked, "Rongrong, what exactly is the situation with these immortal herbs? Does Wu Qi have any more? I'm willing to buy them at a high price."
Ning Rongrong naturally understood the value of immortal herbs, but her heart leaned toward Wu Qi, so she spoke in his favor.
"Father, don't be greedy. Brother Wu Qi already said these are heavenly treasures. Finding even one on the continent is rare—how could there be a second?"
"During the past month, Brother Wu Qi wasn't away for leisure. He went treasure hunting with Senior Dugu, and only then did he discover the Qiluo Tulip that evolved my martial soul. Without the spiritual nourishment of the immortal herbs, that place has already been depleted. It may take hundreds or even thousands of years before another one appears."
Gu Rong couldn't help but ask, "Rongrong, do you know where that place is?"
Even if another one would only appear after centuries, as long as the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect occupied the location, it might one day produce another Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Spirit Master.
Ning Rongrong pouted, placing her hands on her hips. "Grandpa Bone, treasures belong to those destined for them. Since Brother Wu Qi didn't say, it means he wants that place to wait for its next destined owner."
"If the sect forcefully occupies it and disrupts the natural energy there, then even after hundreds or thousands of years, another immortal herb might never appear!"
Ning Fengzhi quickly apologized on Gu Rong's behalf. "Rongrong, we were out of line. Go get some rest first. Tomorrow morning, Uncle Bone will take you to obtain your third Spirit Ring."
"Your studies at the academy are important right now. Don't stay away for too long."
Ning Rongrong made a playful face and turned to leave.
For a moment, silence filled the hall. Ning Fengzhi and the other two exchanged glances, each hesitating to speak.
After a long while, Ning Fengzhi finally broke the silence. "Wu Qi has already brought us more than enough surprises. A talent like him must never become an enemy of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
Though Ning Rongrong hadn't said it outright, he was certain that Wu Qi still possessed more immortal herbs and could even "create" geniuses in batches within a short time.
Offending such a person would mean endless trouble for the sect in the future.
"Uncle Bone, how is the investigation into his background going?" Ning Fengzhi asked.
Gu Rong sighed. "The trail went cold long ago. That Wang Fang from the Spirit Hall branch was transferred to Spirit City years back. That lead is completely cut off."
"If he's unwilling to speak, it'll be nearly impossible for us to find out his origins."
Ning Fengzhi felt a headache coming on.
Even if Wu Qi held a high position within Spirit Hall, he still wasn't in a position to make decisions on its behalf.
Even if he wanted to cooperate with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, without approval from Spirit Hall's upper ranks, it would be meaningless.
Chen Xin suggested, "Old Bone, help Rongrong obtain her Spirit Ring as soon as possible. After that, Fengzhi and I will go meet him again under the pretext of thanking him."
"This time, our approach must be more direct. We may even reveal some of our intentions."
"Since we've confirmed he belongs to Spirit Hall, even if we say these things, he won't report them to Xue Qinghe or the Heaven Dou imperial family."
This was a gamble.
Trying to play both sides was something no one appreciated. If exposed, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's reputation would suffer greatly.
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