35: Chapter 35: Plans Fail, Leaving Heaven Dou City

Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.

Ning Fengzhi stood by the window, gazing at the mist-covered mountains in the distance, his scepter unconsciously gripped tightly in his hand.

"According to the schedule, there should be a reply today."

"Fengzhi, you need not be overly worried," Chen Xin stood by his side. "Even without them, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is not something that can be easily manipulated."

Just then, rapid footsteps came from outside the hall.

"Sect Master, letters have arrived from the Clear Sky Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect."

A Disciple walked quickly into the main hall, holding two envelopes.

Ning Fengzhi turned and took the envelopes.

He opened the letter from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect first.

Clan Master Yu Yuanzhen's handwriting was vigorous and powerful, as domineering as his Spirit.

After reading it, Ning Fengzhi's brows furrowed slightly, and he proceeded to open the letter from the Clear Sky Sect.

This letter was even more concise...

But both letters held the same meaning — rejection.

Even though he had been mentally prepared, when he actually saw these two replies, Ning Fengzhi still felt a wave of powerlessness.

"Fengzhi, what do they say?" Chen Xin asked.

Ning Fengzhi handed the two letters to the two Sect-protecting Douluo, smiling bitterly: "It seems I overestimated the camaraderie of the Upper Three Sects."

"A fine 'wait and see'! A fine 'not concerning oneself with worldly affairs'! Do they really think Spirit Hall will spare them in the future?"

After reading the letters, Gu Rong's tone carried a hint of anger.

Chen Xin snorted coldly: "The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect has always been arrogant, believing that by remaining neutral, they can protect themselves."

"As for the Clear Sky Sect... ever since Tang Chen went missing, they have completely retreated into their shell."

Ning Fengzhi walked to the center of the hall, his tone heavy: "Actually, their choices are within reason."

"Although the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect is powerful, they have always been neutral, prioritizing the Sect's Legacy and unwilling to easily risk danger."

"As for the Clear Sky Sect..." Ning Fengzhi sighed, "Ever since Tang Chen went missing, they lost their greatest support; choosing to continue living in seclusion is likely a helpless move."

"Are we just going to let it go like this?" Gu Rong asked unwillingly, "Should I go there and explain the pros and cons to them in person?"

Ning Fengzhi shook his head: "No need. Since they have already made their choice, further persuasion will be useless."

Chen Xin walked to his side and said in a deep voice: "Fengzhi, since they are unwilling to join forces, we must make plans early."

"In recent years... Spirit Hall's covert actions have become increasingly frequent."

"Otherwise... by the time Spirit Hall truly makes a move against us, it will be too late."

Ning Fengzhi nodded: "From today on, strengthen the Sect's defenses and seek other allies."

"At the same time, increase cooperation with the Heaven Dou Imperial Family."

Immediately, Ning Fengzhi sent people to the Heaven Dou Imperial Family to inform Emperor Xue Ye of the situation.

...

Time flew, and a month passed in the blink of an eye.

After a month of life-and-death Spirit Fighting, Ji Xuan had now obtained the Gold Spirit Fighting Badge.

The name Jian Xuan also resounded throughout Heaven Dou City, and everyone was talking about this young swordsman who had suddenly emerged.

That evening, at the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace, in the Crown Prince's East Palace.

Ji Xuan gently wrapped his arms around Qian Renxue's slender waist as they stood by the window, gazing at the starry sky.

Qian Renxue leaned against Ji Xuan, and neither of them spoke.

There was only the faint sound of insects from outside the window.

"Xue'er." Ji Xuan finally broke the silence, his voice tinged with reluctance, "Tomorrow, I plan to set off and leave Heaven Dou City."

Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue's body trembled slightly.

After a moment of silence, Qian Renxue replied softly: "Mm... I know."

She knew that Ji Xuan could not stay here forever and had long anticipated this day would come, but when the moment of separation truly arrived, she felt immense reluctance in her heart.

Sensing Qian Renxue's low Spirits, Ji Xuan turned around and gently pulled her into his arms.

Qian Renxue's exquisite face looked exceptionally soft and beautiful under the moonlight.

"Xue'er."

Ji Xuan gazed into Qian Renxue's deep blue eyes, raised his hand to stroke her cheek, his voice exceptionally serious: "When the day comes that I help you unify the continent, I will take you as my wife, with this vast land as my betrothal gift. How about it?"

"Who... who wants to marry you!"

Qian Renxue's cheeks instantly flushed with a rosy hue, and she scolded him softly, but she did not break free from Ji Xuan's embrace; instead, she buried her face gently against his shoulder.

Ji Xuan chuckled softly and tightened his arms slightly: "Rest assured, that day will not be too far off."

Ji Xuan's voice carried unquestionable confidence, and his warm breath brushed against Qian Renxue's ear.

"Alright, I will wait for you."

The two embraced quietly for a moment, then Ji Xuan bent down, scooped her up, and walked towards the bed.

"Xue'er, it is late, let us rest early."

Qian Renxue did not speak, but simply wrapped her arms around Ji Xuan's neck and buried her head in his chest.

Ji Xuan gently placed Qian Renxue on the bed, propped himself up over her, and looked at the beauty in his arms with a smile on his lips.

Ji Xuan looked at her alluring red lips and slowly lowered his head.

As his breath drew closer, Qian Renxue unconsciously closed her eyes.

...

The next day, early morning.

Ji Xuan quietly opened his eyes and turned his head to look at his side.

Qian Renxue was sleeping soundly, a faint smile on her lips, as if she were having a sweet dream.

Ji Xuan carefully withdrew the arm she had been using as a pillow, rose gently, and carefully tucked the quilt in for Qian Renxue.

Ji Xuan quickly changed into a white robe, his gaze falling on that exquisitely beautiful sleeping face on the bed.

He then rose and took a letter he had written long ago from his storage ring, along with a golden badge—this was the Gold Spirit Fighting Badge he had obtained.

He placed the letter and the badge in the most conspicuous spot on the desk.

Ji Xuan turned and walked to the door of the room, paused, looked back at her one last time, and without further hesitation, gently pushed the door open and left.

In the courtyard, the figure of Golden Crocodile Douluo appeared silently, clearly having been waiting for a long time.

"Xiao Xuan, do you really want to leave so quietly?"

Ji Xuan looked at the starry sky and said softly: "Mm, Junior Martial Uncle Golden Crocodile, let us go."

Golden Crocodile Douluo nodded slightly, and the two figures disappeared into the night.

Not long after Ji Xuan left, Qian Renxue in the room slowly opened her eyes.

She had actually woken up when Ji Xuan got up, but had chosen to continue pretending to be asleep.

She did not want to face that scene of separation.

Qian Renxue sat up, her gaze immediately falling on the bed, where Ji Xuan's warmth seemed to still linger.

Then, she looked up and saw those two conspicuous items on the desk.

Qian Renxue got up, walked barefoot on the cool floor, and picked up the letter and the gold badge.

The content of the letter was very simple: "Xue'er, please forgive my unannounced departure. I leave the Gold Spirit Fighting Badge with you; seeing it is like seeing me. Do not worry, take care. — Ji Xuan."

"A-Xuan, take care. I will wait for you to return with this vast land to marry me."

For a long time, Qian Renxue looked at the badge in her hand, a faint smile on her lips, and murmured softly.