Chapter 6: The Sudden Turn of Events

"How can a raw jade be compared to an ordinary stone?"

As the wind suddenly rose, it stirred a wave of spring water.

In an instant, everyone's gaze turned toward Wang Dong; the mist over the water was shattered by this single remark.

At this moment, though Wang Dong was small in stature, his words led the way.

Xue Qinghe’s clear, spirited voice rang in their ears.

"Hahaha! What master? What core competitiveness theory? I never imagined it's all just empty fame and vanity."

Ning Fengzhi suddenly understood, "I was narrow-minded. Rongrong possesses the top-tier Spirit Weapon Soul, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tower. Her physical constitution is inherently superior—truly incomparable."

Wang Dong nodded; it was always easier speaking with the wise—they required no lengthy explanations.

Turning around, he saw Ning Rongrong staring at him unblinkingly, her cheeks flushing red as she awkwardly cleared her throat.

Ning Rongrong withdrew her gaze and resolutely said to Ning Fengzhi, "Father, I’ve decided to try!"

Though Ning Fengzhi was reluctant to let his daughter take such a risk, once she made up her mind, he would respect it.

He then produced the Seven Treasures Glazed Tower. "Go ahead, your father is here."

Meanwhile, under the steward’s control, the mighty spirit ape was barely clinging to life.

Ning Rongrong picked up a dagger and approached the spirit ape.

Wang Dong admired her courage. Truly worthy of being one of the original Seven Devils of Shrek Academy—so young, yet so bold.

However...

Why were her hands trembling?

Just as Ning Fengzhi was about to assist, Wang Dong, wearing a stern expression, stepped forward and firmly grasped Ning Rongrong’s other hand.

Confused, she looked up questioningly.

Seeing her shoulders visibly relax, Ning Fengzhi’s expression fell.

In just one morning, it felt as if his daughter had grown up.

Unaware of the swirling thoughts in Ning Fengzhi’s mind, Wang Dong simply offered silent encouragement without interfering further.

With a swift motion, the dagger struck.

A yellow spirit ring slowly rose from the spirit ape’s body.

Ning Rongrong hesitated briefly, then resolutely sat down and began absorbing the ring.

Ning Fengzhi’s fingers curled slightly. As long as Ning Rongrong hadn’t finished absorbing, the light of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tower behind him would never fade.

Wang Dong carefully observed Ning Rongrong, noting that not even a frown crossed her brow, and finally relaxed.

Time passed swiftly. In less than an hour, the spirit ring on the mighty spirit ape vanished completely. Ning Rongrong stood up as a yellow spirit ring ascended from below.

Everyone exhaled collectively.

"The Seven Treasures revolve, with glazed glass; one is strength."

As the voice fell, a gentle light entered Wang Dong’s body, and a surge of power swept through him.

Indeed, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tower lived up to its name.

Ning Rongrong sprinted to Ning Fengzhi, who scooped her up. "Father! I succeeded!"

"Rongrong, you’re amazing!"

Suddenly, the once-dead spirit ape let out a howl. A golden sparkling spot appeared on its forehead, rapidly moving toward them.

The sky darkened abruptly, the light growing clearer.

Then, a lightning bolt struck down, felling several trees around them.

Immediately, all the trees were encased in ice, turning the scene into a vast white expanse.

Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe reacted simultaneously, shielding Ning Rongrong and Wang Dong in their arms, blocking the glowing spots from advancing.

Yet these spots were highly permeable. Despite Xue Qinghe’s swift movements, some of the light infiltrated Wang Dong’s body unnoticed.

The spots soon dissipated in the air, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Wang Dong glanced at Xue Qinghe, who was becoming increasingly adept at holding him, and surprisingly felt no aversion. After all, not everyone would remain steadfast by your side when unknown dangers arise.

Xue Qinghe saw Wang Dong’s rare compliance and couldn’t help but pat his rear.

Wang Dong bristled and struggled to get down.

At that moment, a steward knelt and pleaded for forgiveness.

"Your Highness, please pardon me. It was my failure to locate such a dangerous soul beast. I await your judgment."

Wang Dong, mid-struggle, felt the fierce aura radiating from Xue Qinghe and instantly ceased his movements.

Realizing she had lost control of her temper, Xue Qinghe sighed lightly, "Take the spirit ape’s corpse back for thorough study. Afterwards, come down to receive your punishment."

"Yes, sir!"

With that, nearly half the guards departed with the spirit ape’s body.

However, Wang Dong vaguely sensed many covert agents lurking nearby. Unfortunately, his soul power was still too low to pinpoint their exact positions.

Ning Fengzhi circulated soul energy through Ning Rongrong’s body, ensuring she was unharmed before finally relaxing.

Ning Rongrong showed no fear; rather, she curiously studied her surroundings.

Seeing the danger had passed for now, Xue Qinghe set Wang Dong down.

Wang Dong walked slowly to the fallen trees, examining the traces left behind.

Ning Rongrong hurried over. "Xiao Dong, what are you doing?"

"Where a wild goose passes, it leaves a trace. If this isn’t the soul beast’s doing, then surely a soul master is behind it. I want to see if there’s any soul energy residue."

In just a few words, they once again revised their impression of him.

Such words were hardly those of a child.

Wang Dong gathered soul energy in his palm and gently pressed it onto the charred wood covered in ice and snow. After a moment, he withdrew his hand.

Xue Qinghe’s voice came from beside him, "Found any clues?"

Wang Dong was momentarily stunned before replying, "Not yet. I’ll check the spirit ape’s corpse when we return."

"Here."

Wang Dong turned to see a jade pendant inscribed with the character "Qing" offered to him.

He hesitated before accepting, "What does this mean?"

"It’s my personal jade pendant. Can’t you tell?"

...

He wasn’t blind.

"Why give it to me?"

Without a word, Xue Qinghe firmly placed it around his neck.

Wang Dong tried to remove it but was stopped by her words, "You want to investigate the spirit ape incident, right? With this, no one in the palace can stop you, and it will aid your efforts."

His hand paused. He was indeed curious about this matter, especially since it concerned Ning Rongrong’s spirit ring—it warranted caution.

Wang Dong reached to see if he had anything to trade, only to realize all his clothes had been provided by Xue Qinghe. He could only look up and say, "Thank you. I’ll return it once the investigation is complete."

Xue Qinghe found this child surprisingly amusing.

"Hahaha, no need to return it. I already said it’s yours."

Just then, Ning Fengzhi appeared, holding Ning Rongrong’s hand with one and a delicate box in the other, walking toward Wang Dong.

...

End of chapter.