Chapter 17: The Quiet Village

"Very well, since you have obtained your spirit ring, we must head back quickly. Rongrong and the others are still waiting for us."

Sword Douluo gently patted Ning Xi's head, his tone filled with tender concern.

"Yes, Master," Ning Xi nodded.

Sword Douluo carried Ning Xi as they flew back to the place they had just left.

It was already very late, but the eyesight of a Titled Douluo was exceptional, allowing him to see the surrounding environment clearly even in the night.

Bone Douluo was already waiting there; he had lit a small fire and set up a small tent.

Ning Rongrong was already asleep inside, her breathing steady and rhythmic, clearly having entered a deep sleep.

Ning Xi felt a warmth in her heart. She knew that Bone Douluo and Ning Rongrong must have been worried about her, and seeing them safe and sound put her mind at ease.

"Old Sword-man! You finally returned! I thought something might have happened to you, given how weak you’ve become lately."

Gu Rong’s initial anxious frustration vanished the moment he saw them return safely, and he let out a sigh of relief.

Chen Xin hummed unhappily. "Hmph, as if I could be weaker than you. If you have the guts, let's spar when we get back."

Gu Rong retorted without hesitation, "Fine by me. Once I get back, I’ll definitely have a go at you."

Sword Douluo looked at the sky; the night was deep, and he knew they could not make it back tonight.

"Alright, it is too late to return now. Let’s rest here for the night and head back tomorrow." His voice was calm and firm, as if it could dispel any unease.

"Hmm, agreed." Bone Douluo nodded, quickly taking out several cloaks, spreading them out, and saying, "Old Sword-man, go get some rest. I will keep watch."

Sword Douluo did not decline and immediately entered the tent. Ning Xi followed him inside but did not lie down to rest immediately. She sat cross-legged, closed her eyes, and began to meditate.

After absorbing that spirit ring, Ning Xi’s spirit power had increased significantly.

If her spirit power had been at level ten before obtaining the ring, it had now reached level sixteen.

In just a few months, she had risen from level ten to level sixteen; such progress filled Ning Xi with joy.

She knew this was not just the credit of the spirit ring, but the result of her tireless efforts.

Today’s gains were excellent, but Ning Xi knew this was only the beginning. The road ahead was long, and there would be more challenges, but she was ready to face them all.

...

The eastern horizon turned a pale white as the sun slowly rose. Golden rays pierced through the leaves, casting dappled spots of light upon the ground.

The spirit beasts that had fled the day before had settled down. Sword and Bone Douluo had taken turns keeping watch; now, Bone Douluo was still sleeping while Ning Xi and Ning Rongrong had already woken up.

Ning Xi had risen early to spear a few fish in a nearby lake and returned to roast them. The fragrant aroma of the fish immediately woke Bone Douluo.

She had also gathered some spirit fruits nearby that were known to improve one's constitution.

"Mmm! Xi'er's cooking is still as good as ever; you've tempted me right out of my sleep!" Bone Douluo yawned as he emerged from the tent.

"Sister, what is your first spirit ring? I was so worried about you last night." As soon as Ning Rongrong woke up, she began eating the roasted fish while recalling yesterday’s events, filled with curiosity.

She had not expected to successfully absorb a six-hundred-year spirit ring, and she was thrilled. Now, she was eager to know what kind of ring her sister had obtained.

She looked at Ning Xi with bright, expectant eyes.

Bone Douluo looked at Ning Xi with equal curiosity; he naturally wanted to know as well.

"Xi'er, hurry and release it for us to see!"

Ning Xi walked up to Bone Douluo, smiled slightly, and said, "Grandpa Bone, please wait a moment. Let me show you my spirit skill so you can feel my new ring."

Having said this, she took a deep breath, and her aura surged instantly. The Seven-Kill Sword shimmered with a cold light in her hand, and a sharp sword qi was released, directed toward a large tree in front of her.

As she released her spirit skill, a purple light ring appeared on her body.

Chen Xin looked on with pride and satisfaction; this was his disciple, truly making him proud.

"Swish!" The sword qi cut through the air like lightning, instantly slicing the large tree in half, while the remaining power of the strike caused the surrounding trees to tremble slightly.

Ning Rongrong and Bone Douluo widened their eyes, their faces filled with astonishment and disbelief.

Bone Douluo exclaimed in shock, "Xi'er, this spirit ring of yours is actually a thousand-year one!!!"

Ning Rongrong’s eyes sparkled with stars as she praised, "Sister, I never imagined your first ring would be a thousand-year one. You're amazing!"

Ning Xi smiled softly, "Because I want to work hard to protect you."

With that, she retracted the Seven-Kill Sword, turned to look at Ning Rongrong, and said with a touch of tenderness in her eyes, "Rongrong, let me see your spirit ring."

Ning Rongrong nodded and released her martial soul. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda shimmered with seven-colored light in the air.

The yellow ring on her body pulsed rhythmically.

"Seven Treasures Glazed Tile, first: Power!"

A beam of light landed on Sword Douluo, and he immediately felt the powerful effect brought by the spirit ring.

"Not bad! We have gained a great deal this time."

Chen Xin felt the power coursing through his body; with this enhancement, he felt as if he could kill ten oxen with a single punch.

Ning Rongrong lifted her chin proudly, "Of course! In the future, I will definitely support Sister and all the grandpas well!"

"Hahaha... good, we look forward to you supporting all of us." Bone Douluo laughed heartily and affectionately patted her little head.

Afterward, Ning Xi showcased her unique talent for roasting meat.

She took some fresh ingredients from her storage ring, expertly started a fire, skewered the meat on branches, and placed it over the flames.

Before long, the aroma of the roasted meat filled the air, making Bone Douluo and Ning Rongrong swallow their saliva in anticipation.

"Haha, Xi'er, your skills are truly superb!" Bone Douluo praised while taking large bites of the roasted meat.

Ning Rongrong ate with great relish, her face radiating a happy smile.

Seeing them enjoy the meal so much, Ning Xi felt an immense warmth in her heart. It was wonderful to have family again.

It was wonderful to be alive.

A gentle look unconsciously appeared in the depths of her eyes.

"Alright, we have stayed here for two days; let's head back. Fengzhi must be worried," Chen Xin said.

Gu Rong nodded. "Yes, let's go. It is time for us to depart." He scooped up Ning Rongrong and followed Chen Xin.

Along the way, the three of them chatted and laughed, the atmosphere very harmonious, and they soon emerged from the Star Dou Great Forest.

As Ning Xi and her group traveled along the winding path, a small village suddenly appeared in the distance.

The village was nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, with dense forests all around. A clear stream flowed past the edge of the village, its murmuring water bringing a sense of tranquility.

"It looks so peaceful here," Ning Rongrong said softly, her eyes filled with curiosity.

Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo exchanged a glance, and both immediately sensed an unusual scent.

Ning Xi smelled it as well, and her brows furrowed.

When they drew closer to the village, they realized something was wrong.