The next day, Chen Xiaoming slept soundly until he naturally woke up, completely forgetting about the special training he had planned for Dai Mubai, Oscar, and the others the previous night.
He was a busy man—where would he find the time to train others?
Lying in bed, he opened his drowsy eyes and turned slightly to the side. The sunlight streaming through the window was a bit dazzling. Just as he was about to indulge in a deeper rest, a series of knocks sounded at the door.
"Who is it? No sense of courtesy, disturbing my peaceful morning dreams so early!"
He shouted irritably, but the drowsiness was completely dispelled. Annoyed, he got up and opened the door.
The moment he did, he saw Oscar standing at the door with a gloomy expression, looking as if he wanted to say something but ultimately remained silent.
"Teacher Chen, there's a guest. The Dean asked me to call you to the office."
After saying this, Oscar didn't wait for a response and walked away with a dejected expression, leaving Chen Xiaoming puzzled.
His beautiful dream had been interrupted, yet Oscar seemed even more troubled than him. What had happened?
Recalling Oscar's words, a hint of doubt appeared in Chen Xiaoming's eyes.
A guest? Why would a guest ask for me? Could it be that they need me to keep up appearances?
Chen Xiaoming pondered for a moment. If he remembered correctly, this was around the time when the Grandmaster would arrive. Could it be that Flender was bold enough to ask the Grandmaster to analyze his soul rings?
Regardless, since the Grandmaster was here, he might as well go take a look and see what Flender was up to.
After tidying himself up, Chen Xiaoming stepped out of his room. The midday sun was glaring. Why would anyone make him walk under the blazing sun so early? Truly frustrating.
Flender's office was at the back of the academy, not too far away. In no time, Chen Xiaoming arrived at the office door.
Before he even entered, he could hear the sounds of conversation inside.
Frowning slightly, he pushed the door open. Inside the spacious office, besides Flender, there were several others present.
One of them was of medium build, slightly thin, appearing to be around forty or fifty years old. His short black hair was neatly parted to the side, and his features were ordinary, but he exuded a unique aura—his eyes flickered with both laziness and sharp intelligence.
Seated to the side, holding a teacup, his eyes lit up with excitement the moment he saw Chen Xiaoming enter.
On the other side of the room sat two other individuals. One was dressed in white, with a refined and scholarly demeanor, his elegant smile concealing an air of nobility and prestige.
Beside him was an elderly man clad in a flowing white robe. His long silver hair was neatly tied back, his features ancient and solemn, and though his eyes were slightly closed, every movement he made carried an aura of sharpness.
"Hmm? A Titled Douluo?"
The moment Chen Xiaoming entered and locked eyes with the elderly man, he instinctively sensed his formidable strength—a warrior's intuition.
"Interesting, there's actually a Titled Douluo here."
Smirking slightly, he remained unfazed despite the presence of such a powerhouse. Glancing at Flender, he noticed the latter anxiously signaling him with his eyes, leaving him momentarily confused.
"Huh? What's this about?"
"Ahem, let me introduce you all. This is the Vice Dean of our academy, Chen Xiaoming. And this here is an old friend of mine, known as the Grandmaster."
Flender rose from his seat and led Chen Xiaoming to the thin man, making introductions. Hearing the title "Grandmaster," Chen Xiaoming immediately understood his identity.
Tang San's teacher, Yu Xiaogang, the Wuhun Theory Master.
"And this gentleman is the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. He came here by invitation."
Flender then introduced the refined man in white. Hearing the words "Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect," Chen Xiaoming's eyes gleamed in realization. He immediately recognized the elderly man's identity.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, known for having two Titled Douluo—Sword Douluo Chenxin.
By invitation?
Chen Xiaoming thought back and vaguely recalled boasting at some point, stating that he wanted to meet Ning Fengzhi in person.
But after a trip to the Star Dou Great Forest, he had completely forgotten about it.
"Young friend, I know you are busy, but I have come as per your invitation."
A gentle voice rang out. Ning Fengzhi smiled warmly at Chen Xiaoming, meeting his gaze without a trace of displeasure.
Chen Xiaoming silently admired him. As expected of a sect master, his ability to remain composed was truly impeccable.
"It is truly my honor to have Sect Master Ning personally visit."
Since the man had come in person, Chen Xiaoming decided to show him some respect, responding with a polite smile.
"Dean, why did you call me here?"
Turning to Flender, Chen Xiaoming was somewhat surprised by Ning Fengzhi's presence. He had originally thought he would be here to chat with the Grandmaster, but now it seemed he had to deal with Ning Fengzhi first.
"You all go ahead and talk. I'm in no rush."
Flender exchanged glances with the Grandmaster, who shook his head slightly before getting up and heading for the door. Flender, ever the shrewd man, followed suit, closing the door behind them.
In an instant, only Chen Xiaoming, Ning Fengzhi, and Chen Xin remained in the office.
Chen Xiaoming casually took a seat, picked up the tea that had been prepared earlier, and took a sip.
"So, what brings Sect Master Ning here today?"
Setting down his teacup, Chen Xiaoming was never one for beating around the bush and asked directly.
"Haha, young friend, aren't you the one who asked me to come?"
Ning Fengzhi chuckled, throwing the question back at Chen Xiaoming.
"However, I don't recall sending a Titled Douluo to test someone beforehand."
A glint flashed in Chen Xiaoming's eyes. When it came to such matters, he preferred a straightforward approach.
"Sect Master Ning, I assume your visit today is to gauge my strength and, perhaps, to learn how I possess multiple hundred-thousand-year spirit rings?"
A faint pressure emanated from Chen Xiaoming, spreading throughout the office in an instant. Sword Douluo Chen Xin subtly activated his soul power, enveloping himself and Ning Fengzhi in a protective aura.
Ning Fengzhi's expression changed slightly. He hadn't expected Chen Xiaoming to be so direct, nor had he anticipated him using his soul power to exert pressure. He had indeed come to assess Chen Xiaoming's abilities, but as for the mystery of his soul rings—he had already learned a rough outline from Ning Rongrong the previous night.
His visit today was more about forming a connection with Chen Xiaoming, with an additional small intention in mind.
"Young friend, you must be joking. Your secrets are yours alone; I would never pry."
He spoke nonchalantly, his eyes glinting as he observed the composed Chen Xiaoming, increasingly impressed by his demeanor.
Then, he suddenly probed with a casual question.
"I wonder, young friend, what do you think of my daughter?"
"Pfft—"
Chen Xiaoming spat out his tea in shock, his eyes widening in disbelief as he exclaimed.
"Wait, are you trying to set me up with Ning Rongrong?"
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