Time passed quickly, and nearly two more months went by.
Ning Rongrong's cultivation had returned to its usual routine.
After her previous discussion with Ning Fengzhi about divine matters, she had been quite worried.
However, if she hadn't spoken up, her current and future actions wouldn't have had a logical explanation.
The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud—or the Sea God's Heart—was truly useless to her!
And Sea God Poseidon was nothing but a peeping tom.
What, you disagree?
During Qian Renxue's divine trial, what exactly did Poseidon broadcast to Tang San?
Fortunately, afterward, Ning Fengzhi and the two Title Douluo elders stopped asking questions, acting as if nothing had happened—not even mentioning the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud again.
Everything returned to its peaceful course.
"The ninth meridian channel has been successfully nourished."
The Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda hovering around Ning Rongrong gradually faded away. She clenched her fist.
"Still just a fragile support-type soul master who could be toppled with a light push."
She could clearly feel the strength in her body, yet she couldn't utilize it.
All she could do was stand at the back and cheer—"666!"
Was this reasonable?
"Well, I've made it this far—the boat will straighten itself when it reaches the bridge. I'll figure something out eventually!"
Ning Rongrong patted the dust off her clothes and stood up.
"Sister Yan, you can come out now. Does crouching in the tree like a cat give you a sense of accomplishment?"
"Tch, I really can't hide from you, can I?"
A purple-haired girl leaped down from a concealed branch, landing steadily on the ground.
After a month of meticulous treatment, the greenish tint at the roots of Dugu Yan's purple hair had completely vanished.
Thanks to the medicinal baths, her physical constitution had improved significantly, and she had even reached level 30—ready to obtain her third soul ring.
"Rongrong, don't you have any hobbies besides cultivating and reading?" Dugu Yan had been observing Ning Rongrong for several days.
All she did was cultivate, cultivate, and then visit the blacksmith's workshop.
Something seemed to be forged there, and Ning Rongrong checked its progress every few days.
"I love studying. Studying brings me joy." Ning Rongrong replied casually.
"Nonsense! No one actually likes studying—stop lying to me." Dugu Yan rolled her eyes.
"Hmm, how should I put it?" Ning Rongrong thought for a moment. "Since I intend to become the leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, I have to shoulder certain responsibilities."
"For example, transforming the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda into a Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda—surpassing my useless father."
"The esteemed leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan isn't even a Title Douluo."
"Sigh, I have no choice but to work hard!" She sighed with exaggerated regret.
Dugu Yan: "..."
The leader of the number one support-type clan—even if only a level 79 Soul Sage—wasn't someone anyone dared to underestimate.
Besides, the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda's support abilities were universally acknowledged as the strongest on the entire Douluo Continent.
"Sister Yan, don't you want to surpass Senior Dugu?" Ning Rongrong asked.
"I..." Dugu Yan fell silent. "That's impossible. My innate soul power is only level 7."
According to Douluo Continent's conventions, without extraordinary circumstances, reaching Soul Sage was already the peak—only one in ten thousand could become a Soul Douluo.
"Title Douluo..."
She didn't finish her sentence.
"Sister Yan, innate talent can be changed!" Noticing Dugu Yan's despondency, Ning Rongrong stepped closer and whispered, "I have high hopes for your future."
"R-Really?" Dugu Yan's eyes flickered with surprise.
"How did Senior Dugu's Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor spirit come about?"
"Was it always like that from birth?"
"Grandfather..." Dugu Yan hesitated before answering, "His spirit reportedly underwent a mutation, evolving from a Jade Phosphor Snake to a Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor."
"Exactly!" Ning Rongrong stood on her tiptoes and patted Dugu Yan's shoulder. "There were no roads in the world—only paths made by those who walked them first."
"But... but!" Dugu Yan seemed torn.
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan lacks many things—but money isn't one of them!"
"In terms of understanding spirits, aside from Spirit Hall, no one surpasses our clan."
Ning Rongrong comforted Dugu Yan, helping her regain confidence.
Just then, footsteps approached from a distance.
"Grandfather!"
Dugu Yan immediately ran over and hugged Dugu Bo.
"Alright, alright—you're not a child anymore." Dugu Bo patted her head with a kind smile.
His complexion had improved significantly compared to a month ago.
His soul power had also broken through from level 91 to level 92—no longer the "shame of Title Douluos."
Ning Rongrong followed, noticing Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and Ning Fengzhi standing nearby.
Their expressions suggested something important was about to be discussed.
After some casual conversation, they got to the point.
"Rongrong, here's the situation." Ning Fengzhi spoke first. "Elder Dugu has a medicinal garden in Sunset Forest with many rare herbs. He hopes you can visit."
When it came to treasure appraisal, Ning Rongrong surpassed even him, the clan leader.
"Yes, Young Mistress." Dugu Bo added. "There are many unidentified herbs in the garden that might benefit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
"Now that I've joined the clan, there's no need to keep it a secret."
"A medicinal garden? As expected of Senior Dugu—no wonder you're so knowledgeable about herbs." Suppressing her excitement, Ning Rongrong maintained a calm demeanor.
"You flatter me. Compared to the Young Mistress, I still have much to learn." Dugu Bo chuckled.
While Ning Rongrong might not surpass him in poison mastery, her expertise in herb combinations and identification left him, a Title Douluo, far behind.
His breakthrough to level 92 and the successful suppression of his serpent poison into a core were all thanks to her—well, with some help from Sect Master Ning and the two elders.
Without them, he might not have survived.
"When do we leave?" Ning Rongrong asked.
"Three days from now." Ning Fengzhi replied. "The soul guidance device you commissioned from the blacksmiths needs a bit more time. Don't you want to check its progress?"
"Huh? It's ready?" Ning Rongrong looked surprised.
"There are still some issues, but they've managed to produce one prototype."
"We'll see then. Mass production might be difficult." At this, Ning Fengzhi sighed.
"For this trip to Sunset Forest, Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and I won't be accompanying you."
"Elder Dugu, we entrust Rongrong to your care."
"Rest assured, Sect Master. Sunset Forest is like my backyard—the Young Mistress's safety won't be an issue."
Dugu Bo thumped his chest in assurance. Whether out of obligation or gratitude, he would protect Ning Rongrong.
"Eh?" Ning Rongrong blinked in surprise. "Father, you're not coming? There might be valuable herbs."
"No." Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "The Crown Prince just sent word that he'll be staying at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan for a while."
"Huh?!"
What kind of nonsense is this? Why is Xue Qinghe coming?
As the Crown Prince, isn't he afraid Xue Beng might whisper in Xue Ye's ear and overthrow him?
"Um... can we refuse?" Ning Rongrong's eye twitched.
She didn't want to see Xue Qinghe—or rather, Qian Renxue.
She's definitely here to spy!
"Unfortunately, no." Ning Fengzhi said. "The Dragon Fruit we provided helped him gain three levels."
"He's coming to express gratitude. It seems Xue Ye also wants to inquire if we have other methods to enhance soul power."
Truthfully, Ning Fengzhi was puzzled.
The Dragon Fruit should only have special effects on fire-attribute spirits—giving fire-attribute soul masters a chance to gain one or two levels upon first consumption.
Could the swan spirit really be so weak? Or is the imperial family's cultivation method flawed?
Is the swan spirit... actually a fire-attribute spirit?