"Imperial Master is not only His Majesty's teacher but also the sect master of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect."
"He is amiable and has forged many connections..."
To the guards, Ning Fengzhi was an extremely formidable figure, someone they could boast about for a long time after just one encounter.
Among so many city gates, he had chosen to enter through the one they were guarding, wasn't this some kind of fate?
Was there a possibility that the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect was located in this very direction?
In a short while, the formalities were completed, and Xiao finally entered the city.
Meanwhile, Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin arrived at Zhongli's residence.
It was around ten in the morning. Though puzzled by their visit, Zhongli invited the two inside for a chat.
Ning Fengzhi was beaming with joy, looking as if he had shed ten years from his age.
Even Chen Xin assumed he was simply happy about the newborn child and his recent breakthrough to Title Douluo.
Of course, part of Ning Fengzhi's joy did stem from these two events, but more so from the fact that he was one step closer to the realm of gods.
"Huh, Sect Master Ning, did something happen on your way here?"
"You seem so happy."
Paimon, with her wide eyes, asked curiously.
In the past, Ning Fengzhi always wore a troubled expression. Though he appeared normal, deep down, he was never truly happy. Such genuine smiles were almost nonexistent.
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi pondered for a moment, then shook his head and smiled. "Something amusing did happen on the way here, but that's not the reason for my joy."
Zhongli set down his teacup and gave Ning Fengzhi a thoughtful glance.
This man was probably elated about the divine inheritance.
The inheritance of the Nine-Colored Goddess, huh...
Ning Fengzhi obtaining the inheritance of the Nine-Colored Goddess was somewhat unexpected.
His martial soul was suitable, but the inheritance itself...
"Oh~"
"What was the amusing thing?"
Seeing Paimon's curious eyes fixed on him, Ning Fengzhi was about to explain, but he swallowed his words.
Wait, this little one wasn't asking why he was happy but instead inquired about the amusing incident?
This... this was so Paimon!
With a helpless sigh, Ning Fengzhi recalled the event and said, "When entering the city, Uncle Chen and I saw a young man. He was exceptionally handsome, though a bit short, less than 1.6 meters tall."
As Ning Fengzhi described Xiao's appearance and the encounter, Zhongli and Paimon were slightly taken aback. Why did this feel so familiar?
"This young man had an extraordinary demeanor. Thinking it would be good to forge a connection, I helped him pay the city entrance fee."
"Last time at this same gate, there was a middle-aged man named something Shang..."
Ning Fengzhi always helped out when he encountered such situations.
To him, a single gold soul coin was nothing. If he could forge a good connection, it was always worthwhile.
What if these people knew someone exceptional?
What if they themselves were exceptional?
Investments carried risks, and he didn't hold too much hope.
But what if it paid off?
Besides, earning a good reputation through such acts wasn't a bad idea either.
Chen Xin remained silent. He had noticed subtle changes in Ning Fengzhi recently; he seemed much more cheerful than before.
Having been the sect master for so many years, Ning Fengzhi had never genuinely smiled, burdened by immense pressure.
But at some point, Ning Fengzhi's face was always filled with joy. Though Chen Xin couldn't figure out why, he didn't comment.
Couldn't the man just be happy?
Even if he was the sect master and should minimize personal emotions, there was no reason to criticize him for this, right?
Ning Fengzhi had kept the matter of his divine inheritance a well-guarded secret.
Aside from himself, no one in the sect knew about it. Firstly, as a support-type soul master, he feared that leaking the news could bring about fatal consequences.
Secondly, before achieving godhood, announcing it wouldn't serve much purpose. As the sect master, he could already mobilize all resources.
Whether he revealed it or not made little difference.
At that moment, the door chimed rhythmically again. Zhongli seemed to sense something and frowned.
This time, he didn't wave his hand to open the door directly. Instead, he vanished from the trio's sight and reappeared at the entrance, personally opening the door.
Zhongli: "..."
No one at eye level, which was normal.
"Lord Morax..."
By now, Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, and Paimon had also hurried out of the hall to the entrance.
"Xiao!"
Paimon exclaimed in delight. She hadn't expected Xiao to be among the visitors!
Seeing the newcomer and Paimon's reaction, Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin were both stunned.
Wasn't this the young man from the city gate?
They knew each other?
They had wanted to see who was worthy of Zhongli personally opening the door but hadn't expected it to be this young man.
"Paimon..."
"So the Vigilant Yaksha has arrived. My apologies for not welcoming you sooner, please come in!"
Zhongli, as if realizing something, said with a smile.
Hearing this, Xiao and Paimon were both dumbfounded, bewildered, and utterly incredulous. Their expressions were quite a sight.
The two exchanged a glance. Zhongli was still Zhongli...
Chen Xin and Ning Fengzhi also exchanged looks, their eyes filled with confusion.
For Zhongli to show such "respect," this young man must have quite the background!
Xiao's eye twitched slightly. Though he didn't understand why Zhongli was acting this way, he must have his reasons!
He glanced at the man who had paid his entrance fee, surprised to see them here as well.
Paimon rolled her eyes in exasperation. She remembered one Lantern Rite when Xiao had been particularly awkward.
The most renowned bard of Mondstadt had arrived, Barbatos, the Anemo Archon.
Then Zhongli and Barbatos pretended to be ordinary people, while Xiao was publicly acknowledged as the Vigilant Yaksha...
The scene had left everyone, whether they knew the truth or not, utterly speechless.
Perhaps only Hu Tao, that child, believed it was all real.
As Xiao, somewhat uncomfortably, entered the hall, everyone took their seats again.
Chen Xin and Ning Fengzhi observed Xiao with curiosity.
"Thank you for your generosity, sir."
Xiao clasped his hands in gratitude toward Ning Fengzhi.
Only then did Zhongli and Paimon realize that the "young man under 1.6 meters" Ning Fengzhi had mentioned was actually Xiao...
How to put it? This "young man" was likely older than Ning Fengzhi's great-great-great-grandfather...
Due to the nature of the Yaksha, his appearance never changed.
Zhongli also studied Xiao, and the more he looked, the more pleased he became.
The curse on Xiao had completely vanished!
At the same time, Zhongli breathed a sigh of relief. It was good that the curse was gone, as even he had been powerless against it, only able to suppress it at best.