Jiang Yun and his team followed the guard through the bustling corridors of the Soul Arena. The thunderous cheers of the audience faded behind them, leaving only the muffled hum of distant battles. The hallway stretched before them, lined with ornate decorations that reflected the wealth and prestige of the Soul Arena.
"Why would the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan want to meet us?" Bai Ling whispered nervously, her radiant lotus martial spirit gently glowing with a soothing light.
"Maybe they want to recruit us?" Feng Ming suggested, his eyes gleaming with excitement. The agile youth couldn't help but feel a rush at the thought of being noticed by such a prestigious clan.
Hua Yue frowned, her fiery crimson hair matching the intensity of her gaze. "Or they're here to test us. Clans like them never waste time on insignificant people."
Jiang Yun walked calmly at the front, his expression composed. "Whatever their intentions, remember—stay calm and be respectful. We have nothing to hide."
Zhu Zhuqing walked beside him, her sharp eyes constantly observing. "We showed our strength in the arena. It's only natural they would be curious."
As they reached the grand doors of the private lounge, the guard bowed and gestured for them to enter.
Inside, the room was richly decorated, with soft carpets, and a gentle, warm glow from crystal lamps. At the center, a tall, graceful man stood with a kind smile—Ning Fengzhi. His calm eyes were sharp, and the air around him carried a sense of quiet authority. Beside him stood a dignified old man radiating an oppressive aura—Bone Douluo Gu Rong. His presence alone seemed to thicken the air.
But it was the young girl who immediately caught Jiang Yun's attention. She had a delicate face, bright eyes, and a confident demeanor—Ning Rongrong.
Jiang Yun's eyes widened slightly. 'Ning Rongrong? She is here?'
A rush of realization struck him. Could it be… the establishment of Azure Dragon Academy has caused a butterfly effect? Is that why she didn't join Shrek Academy?
"Welcome, young heroes," Ning Fengzhi greeted, his voice warm yet dignified. "I must say, your performances were remarkable."
Jiang Yun stepped forward, bowing slightly to Ning Fengzhi then giving respect to Bone Douluo as a Titled Douluo it was deserved. "Thank you for your praise, Clan Master Ning, Your Majesty Bone Douluo."
Bone Douluo Gu Rong didn't said any word just nodded in acknowledgement.
Ning Fengzhi's gaze swept over the group, pausing briefly on Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan. "Such a talented team at your age is truly a rare sight. May I know your names?"
"I am Jiang Yun. These are my teammates—Zhu Zhuqing, Dugu Yan, Hua Yue, Feng Ming, Qiao Xuan, and Bai Ling."
Ning Fengzhi's smile widened slightly. "An impressive lineup. Dugu Yan, you must be related to Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo?"
Dugu Yan nodded politely. "Yes, he is my grandfather."
"And Zhu Zhuqing… from the Zhu family of Star Luo Empire?"
"Yes," Zhu Zhuqing replied, her voice calm, though her gaze was sharp.
"A powerful speed-type spirit, no doubt," Ning Fengzhi remarked. "Your family must be proud."
Jiang Yun stepped forward slightly, his calm gaze meeting Ning Fengzhi's. "We are honored by your praise, but may I ask why you wished to meet us, Clan Master Ning?"
Ning Fengzhi chuckled, clearly impressed by Jiang Yun's composure. "Straight to the point. Very well. I wanted to witness the talents who caused such a stir in the Soul Arena. Your teamwork, coordination, and individual strength are outstanding. Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan values such potential."
Ning Rongrong's gaze lingered on them, her heart racing slightly. 'They are my age… and yet they are so strong. Their teamwork is flawless, and each of them has a presence I can't ignore. Especially that Jiang Yun… his calmness feels unnatural for someone so young.'
"What exactly are you proposing?" Jiang Yun asked, his voice steady.
Ning Fengzhi leaned forward slightly. "I would like to establish a friendly relationship with your team. Our clan can provide support when needed, and in return, should we require capable assistance, I hope you will consider lending a hand."
"An alliance?" Hua Yue's eyes brightened with interest.
"Precisely," Ning Fengzhi replied, smiling. "But without any binding contract. Only mutual goodwill."
Jiang Yun exchanged a glance with his teammates. While the offer seemed friendly, he knew that such a prestigious clan never acted without a reason. "I appreciate your offer, Clan Master Ning. For now, we are focused on growing stronger, but we will keep your words in mind."
"A wise answer," Ning Fengzhi praised. "Please remember, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan values talent. Our doors are always open to you."
As they exchanged polite farewells and turned to leave, Ning Rongrong watched them closely. Her fingers clenched slightly around her sleeve.
'How are they this strong at this age? I was always told I was a genius… but now I feel so… small…'
Her gaze lingered on Jiang Yun.' And that boy… his calm, unwavering gaze… it's like nothing can shake him. Who are they really?'
Once the doors closed behind them, Ning Fengzhi's smile faded slightly.
"Uncle Gu, what do you think?"
Bone Douluo Gu Rong stroked his beard. "Strong, disciplined, and sharp. That Jiang Yun… his composure is beyond his years. He's dangerous in a good way."
Ning Rongrong looked at her father. "Father… do you really think they are just wandering talents?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled gently. "No, Rongrong. Their strength and calmness are too refined. Especially Jiang Yun—his presence is not something a child should possess."
Ning Rongrong shivered slightly. "Then… should we be wary of them?"
"Not necessarily." Ning Fengzhi's smile returned. "We should befriend them. Such talents may one day become pillars of the continent. And having them as allies would be far better than making them enemies."
As Jiang Yun and his team walked down the corridor, Hua Yue whispered, "You think they were just being friendly?"
"No," Jiang Yun replied calmly. "They are testing the waters. But that's fine. We must become strong enough that no one can manipulate us."
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes gleamed with determination. "Then we will become so strong that even they will have to respect us."
Jiang Yun smiled. "Exactly."
Back in their residence, Jiang Yun stood by the window, the moonlight casting a soft glow over him. Zhu Zhuqing leaned against his shoulder, her hand gently wrapped around his.
"We are getting stronger, aren't we?" she whispered.
"We are," Jiang Yun replied, his voice calm but warm. "And this is just the beginning."
From the side, Dugu Yan watched them, a mix of longing and determination in her gaze.
"I won't fall behind either…" she whispered to herself.
In the quiet of the moonlit room, ambition and determination burned brightly in each of them—a flame that would only continue to grow.