"Oh!"
Upon hearing his daughter specifically introduce Tang Yin, Ning Fengzhi showed a hint of curiosity as he looked at the young man.
Since Tang Yin hadn't deliberately concealed his cultivation level, Ning Fengzhi—skilled in reading people—quickly discerned that Tang Yin had already reached level 39 in soul power. What surprised him was that Tang Yin appeared to be around the same age as his daughter, yet his strength was worlds apart from hers.
A genius like this was exceedingly rare, even with Ning Fengzhi's vast experience.
This immediately captured his attention.
Moreover, he noticed that when his daughter looked at Tang Yin, her gaze, demeanor, and body language all carried an unmistakable sense of admiration. As Ning Rongrong's father and a man who had been through such things himself, he instantly understood what was going on with his daughter.
At the same time, he couldn't help but feel a bit more favorable toward Tang Yin.
"Greetings, Sect Leader Ning," Tang Yin said politely at this moment.
After all, he had already "won over" Ning Rongrong. Even if he might not necessarily marry her in the future, Ning Fengzhi could still be considered half a father-in-law in terms of status. Basic courtesy was still necessary.
"Hello. You're Tang Yin, right? Thank you for taking care of my daughter. And to everyone else, I'm sure my daughter has caused you all quite a bit of trouble during this time."
Ning Fengzhi smiled warmly at Tang Yin before also expressing his gratitude to Yu Xiaogang and the others.
His refined, gentle demeanor—completely devoid of arrogance—left a positive impression on everyone.
Yu Xiaogang stepped forward and said, "Rongrong is our student. This is what we should do. There's no need for formalities, Sect Leader Ning."
Ning Fengzhi was somewhat interested in Yu Xiaogang, the master of soul master theory. When the latter spoke up, the two began conversing.
Both men possessed considerable experience and profound knowledge of martial souls. As they chatted, time slipped away unnoticed.
Meanwhile, Tang Yin glanced around and realized Xiao Wu was nowhere to be seen. After noticing Sword Douluo Chen Xin, he suddenly understood why she hadn't come.
After Ning Fengzhi, Yu Xiaogang, and Flender chatted for a while longer, the sect leader checked the time and saw that it was getting late. Remembering that Xue Qinghe, as the crown prince, still had matters to attend to in the palace, he prepared to take his leave.
Before departing, he naturally didn't forget to remind his daughter, Ning Rongrong, to study hard.
He also asked Tang Yin to take good care of her.
Having learned of Tang Yin's strength and briefly assessed him, Ning Fengzhi was deeply intrigued by this young genius. More importantly, knowing that his daughter harbored feelings for Tang Yin, he began entertaining the idea of recruiting the young man into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan as a live-in son-in-law.
Of course, this was just a passing thought for now.
Meanwhile, after returning to his palace, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe immediately ordered an investigation into Tang Yin's background. He also relayed all the information he obtained back to the Spirit Hall, ensuring that his mother, the Pope, would learn of this extraordinary talent in the Heaven Dou Empire—one who far surpassed the so-called "Golden Generation" of the Spirit Hall.
In his letter to Bibi Dong, Xue Qinghe deliberately included provocative remarks, even belittling the current Golden Generation as worthless. He predicted that they would inevitably be defeated by the Heaven Dou Royal Academy during the upcoming Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament.
His purpose in saying this was, of course, to provoke the mother who had never truly cared for her daughter.
After sending the message, he retired to his palace to rest.
As for Tang Yin, he was certainly of interest. Though Xue Qinghe had thoughts of recruiting him—or even bringing him under his wing—he was currently operating undercover as the Heaven Dou Crown Prince. Revealing his identity now was out of the question, so any plans to win Tang Yin over would have to wait.
Spirit Hall – Pope's Palace
In the grand meeting hall of the Pope's Palace, spanning over a thousand square meters, Bibi Dong sat upon the exalted papal throne.
Clad in a luxurious violet-and-silver robe, a nine-curved purple-gold crown adorned her head. Her slender, jade-like fingers gripped a gem-encrusted scepter nearly two meters in length.
Beneath her flawless forehead, her skin was as pure as snow. Beneath willow-like brows were eyes filled with a mysterious, captivating light. Her nose was straight and elegant, her lips tender and rosy. Two strands of violet-red hair curled delicately by her ears.
Perfect. Noble. Graceful. Serene.
No amount of praise could fully capture the essence of this woman.
Seated upon the papal throne, an intangible aura of sacred nobility radiated from her, compelling an almost instinctive urge to kneel in reverence.
At this moment, she picked up a recently delivered letter from the Heaven Dou Empire—urgently sent by her daughter, Qian Renxue.
After unfolding and reading it, her brows furrowed slightly.
The barbed words in Qian Renxue's letter were uncomfortable to read, but she paid them little mind. Instead, she found herself drawn to the contents.
"Tang Yin, a level 39 Soul Elder. A supreme genius with unparalleled talent—one who completely surpasses the Golden Generation."
Since the letter had been personally sent by Qian Renxue, Bibi Dong knew her daughter wouldn't jest about such matters, despite the sharp tone.
As she read, a flicker of interest—and even a hint of wariness—arose within her.
If such a genius could be nurtured and utilized, he would become an invaluable asset. But if he could not be controlled and instead became an enemy of the Spirit Hall, the consequences would be dire.
She preferred the former—recruiting Tang Yin into her ranks.
If that proved impossible, then the threat would have to be eliminated in its infancy.
She immediately sent a response to Qian Renxue, conveying her intentions and ordering her to act accordingly.
"Someone!" Bibi Dong called softly toward the entrance.
Soon, a figure entered.
"Your Holiness."
The newcomer was clad in golden robes, his appearance strikingly effeminate.
He was none other than one of the Spirit Hall's Title Douluo—the Chrysanthemum Douluo, Yue Guan.
Upon entering, Yue Guan bowed respectfully to Bibi Dong.
"Chrysanthemum Douluo, how goes the task I assigned you?" Bibi Dong asked coolly.
A bead of sweat trickled down Yue Guan's forehead.
Though her tone was calm, the authority of the Pope—and Bibi Dong's infamous ruthlessness—left no doubt in his mind that an unsatisfactory answer would bring severe consequences.
"Well? Still no leads?" Seeing Yue Guan's hesitation, a trace of coldness flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes.
Yue Guan's mind raced.
"Earlier, my subordinates reported unusual activity in the Star Dou Great Forest—soul beasts rampaging and attacking humans along the borders. I suspect the driving force behind these attacks is a 100,000-year soul beast."
"Your Holiness, I am prepared to depart for the Star Dou Great Forest at once to track down this beast."
Yue Guan spoke rapidly, then glanced cautiously at Bibi Dong.
Only when he saw her anger dissipate did he dare exhale in relief.
After a pause, Bibi Dong replied indifferently, "I hope, this time, you will not disappoint me."
---
Advanced 80+ Chapters in pat/reon.com/Sleepy_Hua