Chapter 8: Whale Glue

Tie Yan was born into an ordinary blacksmith family within the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and had been learning the craft in the sect’s forging workshop since childhood. His temperament was steady and calm, and he harbored an almost obsessive passion for the iron hammer in his hands.

His martial soul was a colossal hammer called the “Flaming Iron Hammer.” The hammer’s body was heavy and emitted a blazing red glow, as if it contained the flames of a smelting furnace. The hammerhead was intricately engraved with runes that, when activated by soul power, shimmered with dazzling light.

Yet, despite his efforts, he was stuck at the Soul King level, unable to rise any higher.

He often helped the sect forge many tools and had assisted in repelling numerous enemies. Ning Fengzhi regarded him as simple and honest and was relatively friendly toward him. Although his martial soul couldn’t compare to the mighty Haotian Hammer, it was still quite formidable.

Ning Xi entrusted him with handling the minerals and other materials, leaving the final work to herself. Crafting soul-guided devices posed no problem with his help.

Perhaps it was due to Ning Xi’s intense sword training in recent days that even the Sword Douluo granted her a day of rest. After handing over the materials to Tie Yan, Ning Xi returned to her residence.

Her living quarters were beautifully crafted. Outside the courtyard, Ning Rongrong sat idly on a swing, gently swaying her small feet adorned with a tiny bell that jingled crisply and pleasantly. Ning Xi also wore a similar bell on her foot.

Looking up at the sky, Ning Rongrong heard the movement and immediately leapt down from the swing. Agile and graceful, she approached Ning Xi. Ning Xi, slightly taller, smiled gently and reached out to ruffle her little sister’s hair. “What’s wrong?”

Ning Rongrong instantly lowered her head, sulking. “Sister, you’ve been so busy lately. You don’t have time to play with me like before, and I’m unhappy!” She glanced up at Ning Xi, feeling sad but unwilling to complain.

“Be good. I happen to be free today. Want to go out for a walk?” Ning Xi smiled wryly.

Who would have thought that the young girl, once revered as the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Tower Soul Master and the Nine-Colored Goddess, would reveal such an adorable side?

The once dull and downcast little girl suddenly lifted her head and looked at her with surprise. “You can really play with me today?”

Ning Xi nodded.

“But after today, you have to train with me. You can’t waste your talent anymore.”

Ning Rongrong’s joyful expression stiffened at those words, quickly turning into a pout.

“Can’t I not train? Sister…” She feigned grievance, tugging at Ning Xi’s clothes as if about to burst into tears.

Moreover, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect possessed a core skill: mind control. Ning Rongrong needed to start practicing from a young age, and so did Ning Xi.

But Ning Xi merely patted her head and spoke earnestly, “You have such a great gift; you must not waste it. Besides, no one outside will go easy on you just because you’re the daughter of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.”

“We must become stronger ourselves so that others will respect you.”

After all, wasn’t that the truth in her past life?

Millennia later, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect…

“…”

Listening to Ning Xi’s earnest reasoning, Ning Rongrong couldn’t argue and quietly lowered her head, silently absorbing the words.

Yet, training was truly dull and boring!

Ning Rongrong’s heart roared in protest but ultimately resigned herself.

“All right, let’s go.” Ning Xi casually called a soul master to follow behind them.

Of course, with bodyguards, one couldn’t be careless.

Just then, the Sword Douluo appeared.

“Little disciple, are you going out shopping? I’ll accompany you!” The moment he appeared, Ning Rongrong seemed to come alive again.

“Grandpa Sword~” Ning Rongrong clung affectionately to the Sword Douluo.

“Hmph! You slippery one, you ran so fast, turns out you came looking for your little disciple and Rongrong!”

The Bone Douluo’s voice came from behind, and in an instant, two powerful figures stood beside Ning Xi and the others.

“Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone are coming to accompany us shopping?” Ning Rongrong’s eyes sparkled with joy, looking at them ecstatically.

Since the Sword Douluo had accepted Ning Xi as his disciple, he had been constantly observing and instructing her swordsmanship. Now that she had made some progress, he granted her a day off.

“Yes, just so happens that we’re free. It’s been a while since we’ve gone out with you two little girls.” The Bone Douluo smiled warmly and patted Ning Rongrong’s head.

Ning Xi nodded slightly. They were all family; there was no need for formality.

“Master, Grandpa Bone, shall we go?”

“Yay! Wonderful!” Ning Rongrong cheered joyfully. How could she not be excited when all her favorite people were together?

…

Sunlight bathed the bustling streets of Seven Treasures City, alive with handsome men and beautiful women weaving through the alleys and avenues.

Ning Xi, Sword Douluo Chenxin, Bone Douluo, and Ning Rongrong strolled leisurely amidst the crowd. The shops along the street displayed a dazzling array of strange and exotic items that overwhelmed the senses.

The four carried an imposing aura that drew many curious glances.

“I’m so hungry! Sister, Grandpa, let’s go eat! That place called ‘Superb Chaos Dumplings’ is delicious!” Ning Rongrong pointed at a shop with a sign bearing the name.

“You and your eating and playing!”

Sword Douluo tapped her head affectionately.

Ning Rongrong stuck out her tongue playfully, grabbed Ning Xi’s arm, and they entered together.

After the group ate their fill inside, they stepped back into the lively afternoon bustle. Street vendors lined the roadsides, selling all sorts of toys, dolls, and small games that dazzled the eyes.

Walking along, the four felt an unparalleled sense of peace and happiness.

Suddenly, Ning Xi’s steps halted, and the others stopped as well.

Her gaze was drawn to a counter in an herbal medicine shop displaying a deep yellow, faintly glowing piece of whale glue.

Her eyes brightened as she hurried over to examine the whale glue carefully.

“Whale glue?”

Ning Xi whispered the name, a trace of delight flickering in her eyes. “This is a fine item.”

Sword Douluo Chenxin and Bone Douluo approached, casting curious glances at the whale glue. Both showed slight confusion on their faces.

“Whale glue?” Sword Douluo Chenxin frowned slightly. “Isn’t this used as an aphrodisiac?”

Could it be that the child…

He looked at Ning Xi with mild surprise.

Bone Douluo nodded in agreement. “Indeed, I’ve heard of this, but it doesn’t seem to have any practical use.”

He too was puzzled by Ning Xi’s sudden interest.

Ning Rongrong, standing nearby, looked equally puzzled. “Whale glue? What is that? Can you eat it?”

Ning Xi was momentarily stunned by the question, then smiled. “Master, Grandpa Bone, whale glue is not just an aphrodisiac; it also greatly aids soul masters in their cultivation.”

Sword Douluo Chenxin’s interest piqued immediately, raising an eyebrow. “Oh? Do tell.”

Ning Xi nodded earnestly and explained, “Whale glue is an extremely precious material, especially when it’s millennia-old whale glue.

It greatly benefits a soul master’s physique, enhancing the endurance of muscles, bones, and meridians, allowing the soul master to withstand greater soul power shocks during cultivation.

Moreover, it helps soul masters recover stamina quickly, which is invaluable for prolonged training and battle.”

Sword Douluo Chenxin and Bone Douluo exchanged a glance, surprise evident in their eyes.

“Really?” Bone Douluo was skeptical. “I always thought it was just used as an aphrodisiac.”