Chapter 50: Decent People Mind Their Own Business (Part Two) (Thanks to Yicheng Ge)

Chapter 50: Decent People Just Mind Their Own Business, Part 2
(Thanks for the monthly votes from Yichengge)

“!” Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin exchanged a silent glance, eyes meeting in mutual surprise.

Zhong Yan looked at the two of them, then smiled and shifted his tone to a gentler one before continuing, “There’s a saying: if you can’t beat them, join them. Even the Haotian Sect has stopped meddling in these matters, so why are you still stubbornly holding on to this so-called ‘Three Great Sects United as One’? You yourself said it’s just an excuse you’ve made up.”

Ning Fengzhi shook his head and smiled bitterly. “Do I even have a choice?”

“Hey, don’t say that. I’m not here to force you to choose today.” Zhong Yan pulled out a jade box and placed it on the table, pushing it gently toward Ning Fengzhi.

Ning Fengzhi caught the box. “What’s this?”

“Qiluo Tulip. According to the records of the Martial Soul Hall, it’s a celestial herb that captures the essence of heaven and earth’s creation. Ning Sect Leader, trust me—once you take it, you’ll understand.”

“Trust you? Fine, I trust you.” Even if it were poison, he had no other option.

“Fengzhi!” Before Chen Xin could stop him, Ning Fengzhi had already swallowed it.

Soon, Ning Fengzhi’s martial soul began to emerge on its own. He instinctively closed his eyes and began to cultivate slowly.

As time passed, the transformation in him was stunning. The Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda, glowing with seven-colored light, floated quietly before him. The seven soul rings shimmered, bathed in a rich golden light.

That golden light radiated from Ning Fengzhi himself, carrying the strong scent of tulips. With the shifting of the precious light, every intensification of the golden glow made the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda appear even more resplendent and dazzling.

About an hour passed. During this time, Zhong Yan was covered in goosebumps, being watched intently by Sword Douluo. He could only nervously fidget with his teacup.

[Sigh, why does Sword Douluo keep staring at me? I really haven’t harmed him. If I had poisoned him and caused a life-or-death battle, wouldn’t I already be dead here today?]

Another hour passed, and Ning Fengzhi finally awoke.

Seeing Ning Fengzhi awaken, Chen Xin hurried forward to support him. “How are you, Fengzhi? Do you feel any discomfort?”

Ning Fengzhi waved toward Sword Douluo and said, “I’m fine. We wronged you, young friend. This herb has greatly improved my condition—it feels like I’ve returned to my youth. It seems my soul power has also advanced.”

Yet he shook his head and lowered his voice, as if questioning himself, “How is that possible? It must be an illusion.”

Ning Fengzhi had been a youthful genius in his prime, full of ambition, tirelessly pursuing the thousand-year dream of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect. Yet no matter how hard he tried, he could never break past the level 80 limit.

“Ning Sect Leader, this isn’t an illusion. Release your martial soul and see for yourself.”

Ning Fengzhi waved his hand. “Do you think I don’t know my own body’s condition? Who understands the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda better, you or me?”

Zhong Yan almost burst out laughing but tried again, “How about you just release it and take a look? It’s no trouble.”

“Sigh, fine. I’ll take it as thanks for the herb you brought.”

Speaking, Ning Fengzhi slowly raised his right hand, and dazzling seven-colored light began to gather in his palm.

The splendid pagoda appeared in his hand, accompanied by seven soul rings—two yellow, two purple, and three black. Its radiant glow instantly brightened the entire hall.

Yet Ning Fengzhi felt something odd about this martial soul release. It was completely different from before. Before he could inspect it closely, Sword Douluo Chen Xin exclaimed with surprise, “Nine layers, nine colors—the Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda?”

“What?” Ning Fengzhi was stunned. Now he understood what felt strange—the colors in his palm were not just the usual seven hues but had gained two additional colors, totaling nine. And the pagoda in his palm now had nine layers.

At this moment, the sect leader of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect was overwhelmed with a new kind of shock. He never imagined his lifelong dream would come true so suddenly. The joy left him utterly stunned.

According to sect legend, if a special opportunity arises, the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda can evolve into the Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda. Not only does this strengthen the soul cultivator’s foundation, but it also provides a broader capacity. Once a soul master with the Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda reaches the nine-ring Douluo rank, he can earn the title of Auxiliary God, possessing the power to turn the tide in any battlefield.

Zhong Yan set down the teacup he had been fiddling with and called out to the two still dazed men, “Ning Sect Leader? Ning Sect Leader? Ning Sect Leader!”

Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin quickly snapped back to reality. “Oh! Young friend, you were saying?”

“So, Ning Sect Leader, I told you I came bearing gifts today.”

Suddenly, Ning Fengzhi produced a steaming pot of tea from somewhere and poured a full cup for Zhong Yan’s empty teacup.

“Here, young friend, I brewed this myself. Have a taste. I was remiss earlier.”

Having done the formalities and received the benefits, it was time to show his position. Today, he had definitely fallen under the spell of this Martial Soul Hall fellow. But why was he falling so deeply?

Zhong Yan laughed. “Good.”

“First, have a cup and try it. If it doesn’t taste good, I’ll brew another pot.”

“Good!”

“Ning Sect Leader, this Qiluo Tulip is quite effective, isn’t it?”

Ning Fengzhi poured himself another cup. “Very effective. Young friend, I wonder if you have…”

“This is a rare celestial treasure. Even the entire Martial Soul Hall can’t find another one.”

After tasting the tea, Ning Fengzhi said, “You’ve helped me so much, young friend, I must repay you.”

Zhong Yan waved his hands repeatedly, “No need, no need.”

Ning Fengzhi’s tone grew firmer, almost word by word: “If you can’t beat them, join them! Hahaha.”

Zhong Yan laughed and leaned back. “Haha, is that so?”

Ning Fengzhi grinned broadly. “Then who else can I rely on? Haotian Sect?”

“It’s long gone.”

“Tiandou Empire?”

“Even less reliable.”

“A person who claims neutrality?”

“Decent people just mind their own business, right?”

“Exactly.”

“Do you mind your own business?”

“I can’t do it alone. What about you?”

“In today’s situation, who can stay neutral and just play their own game?”

“Claiming neutrality but letting a stray run wild everywhere?”

With a “clink,” their two teacups gently touched.

“Despicable!”

Hahaha…

The school’s power went out at 7 a.m. and now the water is cut off too. If this chapter hadn’t been written and saved yesterday, there probably wouldn’t have been an update today. Still no notice about why the power outage.

Sigh!

(End of chapter)