章 93: Ning Fengzhi's Ambition
While Zuzong was secretly observing the middle-aged man, the man was also sizing up Zuzong and Xiao Wu.
From the fluctuations of their soul power, the man could sense that the pair were quite young—at most fourteen or fifteen, possibly even younger. Yet, their soul power had already reached the level of a Soul Elder, especially the blue-haired boy, who was nearing level 40. This shocked the man, as in his memory, not even the so-called Golden Generation of geniuses from the Spirit Hall possessed such power at such a young age.
The middle-aged man noticed Zuzong's subtle gaze, though it was well concealed, he still picked up on it.
With a faint smile, the man said, "It seems like this young friend recognizes me?"
Hearing this, Zuzong was momentarily stunned, silently acknowledging that the man was indeed a sly old fox. He almost forgot that this guy was a master of reading people, a skill unrivaled in the Douluo Continent. Zuzong decided it was pointless to play tricks in front of Ning Fengzhi. Unlike simpletons like Oscar or Ma Hongjun, this man wouldn't be easily fooled.
Zuzong replied, "I wouldn't say I know you, but you remind me of someone I know."
"Oh?" The middle-aged man seemed intrigued. Could the boy know one of his children? If that were the case, perhaps he could use this opportunity to draw them closer. After all, such talent was rare.
"And who might that be?" the man asked.
Zuzong shook his head and cupped his hands in apology, "I'm afraid I can't reveal that person's name."
Whether or not the man was Ning Fengzhi, Zuzong had no intention of getting involved with him for now. While Ning Fengzhi cherished talent, he was not merciful toward those he couldn't recruit or who posed a threat to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
He wasn't above assassinating geniuses either. Zuzong's comment about the man resembling someone he knew was just to throw him off. The person he resembled was likely one of his relatives, which would hopefully prevent Ning Fengzhi from paying too much attention to him and Xiao Wu.
Meanwhile, Xiao Wu, standing beside Zuzong, had a rare moment of insight after hearing his words.
She leaned over to Zuzong and whispered loudly, "Hey, Zong, now that you mention it, this guy looks a lot like Rongrong."
Zuzong's face darkened. Oh no, you silly rabbit! Couldn't you at least lower your voice when whispering? Now the man had heard it too!
The middle-aged man's eyes lit up, "Rongrong? Are you talking about Ning Rongrong?"
Xiao Wu excitedly responded, "You know Rongrong too? We met her in Suotuo City and even went shopping together!"
"Hehe," the man chuckled, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ning Fengzhi, Rongrong's father."
As he spoke, Ning Fengzhi raised his right hand, revealing a colorful seven-story pagoda, radiating a brilliant light.
Zuzong glanced at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in Ning Fengzhi's hand and mentally noted, "It's really him."
Apologetically, Zuzong said, "I'm sorry for the offense earlier. I didn't know you were the Clan Master."
"There's no need to apologize. Since you didn't know my identity, it's only right that you were cautious about revealing information about your friend. That's what being a good friend is about," Ning Fengzhi replied.
Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but reflect on how his little princess, Rongrong, had grown during her time away. She had even made friends—something quite rare for her.
Clearly interested in Zuzong and Xiao Wu, Ning Fengzhi shifted the conversation, "It seems you two must be around the same age as Rongrong. Are you here to bid on something as well?"
"Wow! Uncle, do you have x-ray vision? We're wearing masks, and you can still tell? Rongrong is a few months younger than Zong and just a little younger than me," Xiao Wu exclaimed in disbelief.
Zuzong gave Xiao Wu a sideways glance. Seriously? This rabbit is too easy to read! The man just casually said something, and you're spilling everything!
Before Xiao Wu could continue, Zuzong quickly covered her mouth and said, "We're here to sell some items. If there's nothing else, we'll be going now."
As he spoke, Zuzong dragged Xiao Wu away, worried that if she kept talking, she might spill all their secrets.
Ning Fengzhi, watching them leave, felt a storm of shock in his heart. These kids were around Rongrong's age, yet they had the strength of a near Soul Sect. This meant that they had reached Soul Sect status before the age of thirteen. If they continued to advance, they might even become Soul Sect before turning thirteen—a truly terrifying thought!
As he watched them disappear, a sly smile appeared on Ning Fengzhi's lips. If Rongrong could end up with this boy… Well, that would be quite advantageous.
Thinking this, Ning Fengzhi's eyes brightened. If this boy truly knew his precious daughter, he would need to have a talk with his little princess when he returned home. Even if they weren't close, he would make sure they became close.
Zuzong pulled Xiao Wu to another area and only stopped once Ning Fengzhi was out of sight.
Panting, Xiao Wu complained, "Why did you pull me away like that? You almost suffocated me!"
Zuzong shook his head, "I was worried you might say something that would expose all our secrets. Remember what I always tell you—never trust anyone too easily when you're outside."
"But he's Rongrong's father, isn't he? He seemed really kind," Xiao Wu said, still confused.
"He may be Rongrong's father, but he's also the Clan Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, one of the top three clans. People like him aren't simple. When it comes to scheming, he could outsmart both of us easily. I've even tricked you before, so imagine what he could do."
At this point, Zuzong felt a pang of regret, recalling the times he had had malicious intentions toward Xiao Wu.
Noticing Zuzong's sadness, Xiao Wu stood on her toes, lifted her mask, and kissed him gently on the right cheek.
Zuzong was stunned. This rabbit knows how to flirt now? And I actually fell for it!
Giggling, Xiao Wu said, "There, all better! Now let's go check out the other side."
She took his hand and led him to another area.
Half an hour later, Zuzong and Xiao Wu left the auction house. Xiao Wu had entered excitedly, but left with a look of anger on her face. She was furious not only about the servants treated like caged birds, but also about a mutated soul beast rabbit girl that had been auctioned off.
As in the original novel, the rabbit girl was bought by Ning Fengzhi. Zuzong's revolver was also purchased by Ning Fengzhi, as such weapons, which didn't require soul power, were highly valued by support-type soul masters like him.
Xiao Wu asked, "Zong, what do you think will happen to that rabbit girl?"
"The rabbit girl, unlike those maids who've lost their sense of self, still has human emotions. Since she was bought by Ning Rongrong's father, she'll likely be married off to one of his clan's disciples and taught how to cultivate. While she'll probably lose her freedom, she won't have to worry about being sold again and will live without fear," Zuzong replied thoughtfully, based on his knowledge of the original story.
Xiao Wu nodded but still felt a little down. "I finally understand why you don't like places like that."
Zuzong gently squeezed her soft hand, intertwining their fingers, as they silently comforted each other.
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