Chapter 197 Seven Treasures Divine Light Encircles the Palace Beams, Rongrong Devotes Herself Again

As dawn's first light broke, the Seven Treasure Divine Light Terrace in the Nishen Imperial Palace was already bathed in the morning glow. This platform, built specifically for Ning Rongrong, was constructed at the palace's highest point. Paved entirely with Seven-Colored Spirit Crystals, its perimeter was carved with patterns of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. When a gentle breeze passed, it would ripple with fine, shimmering light, as if the very essence of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School had been transplanted into the imperial palace. This was Ning Rongrong's private sanctuary, holding her purest intentions and her unique, profound affection for Su Chen.

After the tender conclusion of Zhu Zhuqing's Shadow Court gathering last night, Su Chen arrived as promised for Ning Rongrong's invitation today. Dressed in a simple, elegant silk robe rather than ornate imperial attire, with his God-Defying Power restrained, he exuded only a gentle warmth. As he slowly ascended the Divine Light Terrace, he saw a figure in pink standing on tiptoe, leaning against the carved railing at the edge of the platform, gazing at the distant rising sun. A faint, multicolored halo shimmered around her, like a glazed tile princess who had descended to the mortal world.

Ning Rongrong wore a lotus-pink Flowing Cloud Silk Dress today, its hem embroidered with layers of subtle Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda patterns that shimmered with a rainbow of light as she moved. Her long hair was loosely tied into a flower bud bun, secured with a delicate Glazed Tile Hairpin. A few stray strands framed her cheeks, accentuating her lovely, spirited features. Hearing footsteps, she immediately turned her head. The moment she saw Su Chen, the light in her eyes bloomed instantly, as if holding a sky full of stars. She bounced over to him, hooked her arm through his, and said in a voice as crisp as a wind chime, "Brother Su Chen, you finally came! I've been waiting for you for so long!"

Su Chen reached out and ruffled the top of her head, his fingertips brushing the Glazed Tile Hairpin in her hair, saying affectionately, "How could I dare be late when my little princess invites me? Looking at you, you probably came to wait before it was even light out, didn't you?"

Ning Rongrong stuck out her tongue, tugged his arm as she led him towards the center of the Divine Light Terrace, and said playfully, "I wanted to show Brother Su Chen my new skills early! I've been cultivating diligently all this time. My Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda has grown even stronger!" As she spoke, she raised her hand, and a miniature Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda materialized in her palm. The nine-tiered pagoda shimmered with radiant light, appearing more lustrous than ever. A pure and powerful supportive force quietly spread out, enveloping the entire Divine Light Terrace in a multicolored halo.

This was the origin of Ning Rongrong's Spirit, a treasure passed down through millennia by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, and the most precious thing in her life. In the past, she used this pagoda to protect the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and her Shrek companions. Now, she only wished to use this pagoda to protect Su Chen alone, to amplify his strength, to safeguard his journey, to be his most solid support.

Upon reaching the center of the Divine Light Terrace, Ning Rongrong had Su Chen stand still. She took two steps back, looking at him with a serious expression. Gently cradling the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in her small hands, she took a deep breath and declared, "Brother Su Chen, this isn't an ordinary spirit power amplification. It's a Bestowal of Radiance, poured from the very origin of my Spirit. It can fuse my power with your God-Defying Power. From now on, no matter what you face, this power will always protect you!"

As her words fell, Ning Rongrong closed her eyes. A faint, multicolored light glowed between her brows, and the spirit power around her surged wildly, pouring entirely into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in her palm. The nine tiers of the pagoda instantly blazed with intense light, each layer igniting with a dazzling halo one after another: power, speed, spirit power, defense, recovery, critical strike, immunity, amplification, origin—nine ultimate supportive forces transformed into nine streams of multicolored light that gushed forth from the pagoda. They intertwined in the air, weaving into a massive Glazed Tile Light Cocoon that firmly enveloped Su Chen.

This power was different from the temporary amplifications of the past. It was gentle yet resolute, pure yet mighty. It seeped slowly through Su Chen's skin, infiltrating his meridians, where it intertwined and fused with the God-Defying Power within his body. Su Chen could clearly feel Ning Rongrong's Spirit origin, her feelings, her determination, even a wisp of her divine soul, all merging with this power into his being. From now on, you were in me, and I was in you, bound together in life and death.

Above the Divine Light Terrace, the multicolored divine light shot straight into the heavens, winding around the palace beams for a long time without dispersing. The entire Nishen Imperial Palace was enveloped by this pure power. Even the palace flowers and plants seemed nourished, blooming with renewed brilliance. Fine beads of sweat appeared on Ning Rongrong's temples, her face slightly pale. Yet, she gritted her teeth, refusing to relent in the slightest. She wanted to give Su Chen all her power without reservation, to make him the most powerful person in the world, and to ensure he would always have her protection.

Watching the lovely yet incredibly resilient girl before him, Su Chen's heart swelled with emotion. He knew this bestowal of origin would cost Ning Rongrong a tremendous amount of spirit power and mental energy, even causing her cultivation to temporarily regress. Yet, she did not hesitate, all for his safety. This once willful and capricious little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School had, through years of companionship, grown into someone willing to give everything for him.

"Rongrong, that's enough. Don't push yourself," Su Chen said softly, raising his hand as if to interrupt the flow of power.

"No!" Ning Rongrong opened her eyes, filled with stubborn determination. "Brother Su Chen, I want to see this through. This is my coronation gift to you, and my promise. My power will always belong to you!"

Her voice trembled slightly, yet was filled with unwavering resolve. After speaking, she closed her eyes again, pouring her last trace of spirit power into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. The nine streams of multicolored light finally completely fused with Su Chen's God-Defying Power. The Glazed Tile Light Cocoon slowly dissipated, turning into specks of starlight that settled around Su Chen, forming a faint, multicolored halo. It contrasted beautifully with the black-gold God-Defying Power, appearing both majestic and tender.

Meanwhile, Ning Rongrong, drained from spirit power overexertion, swayed and fell straight to the side. Su Chen reacted swiftly, instantly stepping forward to catch her in his arms. A gentle stream of God-Defying Power flowed from his palm, slowly regulating her meridians and replenishing her spirit power. "Silly girl, you didn't even care about your own well-being for my sake," Su Chen's voice held a touch of heartache, yet was full of affection.

Leaning against his chest, Ning Rongrong's cheeks flushed with a faint blush, but a sweet smile graced her lips. Her small hands tightly clutched his robe as she spoke in a soft, contented voice, "Not silly. I'm happy to do this for Brother Su Chen. From now on, I'll be your exclusive Glazed Tile Pagoda, forever amplifying your strength, forever protecting you."

Su Chen looked down at the lovely figure in his arms, his heart overflowing with tenderness. He reached up to wipe the sweat from her temples, his fingertips gently stroking her cheek before leaning down to kiss her lips. The kiss was gentle yet solemn, filled with heartache, cherishment, and unwavering love for this lifetime. As their lips met, Su Chen slowly channeled his God-Defying Power into Ning Rongrong's body, nourishing her meridians and replenishing her losses.

Ning Rongrong responded softly, wrapping her arms around Su Chen's neck and leaning her whole body into his embrace. She felt his warmth, his strength, her heart brimming with happiness. She knew her giving was never one-sided. Su Chen would always find his own way to dote on her, protect her, and cherish her as the most precious.

After a long while, the two slowly parted. Ning Rongrong leaned against Su Chen's chest, listening to his steady, powerful heartbeat. Her fingertips lightly traced the multicolored halo surrounding him as she said playfully, "Brother Su Chen, look, this halo is so beautiful. It matches your God-Defying Power perfectly! From now on, when others see this halo, they'll know you're mine!"

Su Chen chuckled softly, pinched the tip of her nose, and said affectionately, "Alright, I'm yours. In this lifetime, the next, forever."

"Then Brother Su Chen must promise me that no matter where you go in the future, you can't leave me behind," Ning Rongrong lifted her head, her sparkling eyes gazing at him with a hint of grievance. "After the coronation, you'll be the Great Emperor. There will surely be many people around you, but you can't forget me. You can't give me any less affection. I still want to be your most beloved little princess."

"I won't forget. Never will," Su Chen lowered his head, placing a light kiss on her forehead, his voice deep and solemn. "Whether I am Su Chen or the Reverse Lord Great Emperor, you will always be my little princess, my most beloved Rongrong. At the coronation ceremony, I will grant you the grandest honors, making you the most dazzling empress. After the coronation, I will accompany you every day, take you back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, watch the sunset glow over the sect, explore every place you grew up in. I'll also take you to see all the beautiful sights across the Douluo Continent, pick the sweetest Spirit fruits for you, make the snacks you most desire, and present all the world's wonders before you."

"My little princess deserves the very best of everything in this world."

Ning Rongrong's eyes instantly reddened, glistening tears swirling within them, yet her smile was brighter than ever. She reached out to hug Su Chen's waist, burying her face in his chest, and choked out, "Brother Su Chen, I like you so much. I love you, I adore you."

"I know. I love you too, Rongrong," Su Chen tightened his embrace, holding her close. He rested his chin atop her head, feeling the softness of the beauty in his arms, his heart filled with tranquility.

Above the Divine Light Terrace, the multicolored divine light still lingered, the shimmering light between the palace beams slow to fade. The glow of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda tenderly enveloped the embracing couple. A gentle breeze carried a faint, clear fragrance of glazed tile, as if narrating this pure and profound love. The once willful, capricious little princess had exchanged everything she had for a life-and-death bond with her beloved. And her beloved would, in turn, use a lifetime of devotion to protect her peace and security, letting her forever remain the carefree little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.

Ning Rongrong leaned against Su Chen's chest, fiddling with the lapel of his robe, and cooed sweetly, "Brother Su Chen, I'm drained of spirit power. I can't walk. You have to carry me down."

"Alright, I'll carry my little princess down," Su Chen replied without hesitation, scooping her up in his arms and striding down from the Divine Light Terrace. His palm continued to gently channel God-Defying Power, nourishing her body.

Ning Rongrong nestled in his embrace, her arms looped around his neck, her cheek pressed against his shoulder. Watching the scenery pass by, a sweet smile played on her lips. Sunlight bathed the two of them, the multicolored halo and the black-gold God-Defying Power intertwining, gentle and dazzling.