Chapter 14: Ning Fengzhi's Calculations
The Balak Kingdom
Located south of the Heaven Dou Empire, bordering Fasno Province. Though it was called a "kingdom," its total land area was only three fourths that of Fasno Province.
Within its borders, two cities held the most significance.
One was Balak City, where the royal family resided.
The other
Soto City situated at the heart of the kingdom's richest and most fertile plains, known as the Balak Granary.
Soto City was a major urban center its importance evident from the fact that its Spirit Hall was classified as a Level Three Main Hall.
At the east gate of Soto City, the gates stood wide open as people flowed in and out.
Among the ordinary travelers, a young man dressed in white robes blended seamlessly into the crowd. His presence was subtle, almost unnoticeable.
Yet
As soon as he stepped past the gates and into the city, he glanced around, taking in the bustling streets and towering buildings.
Then
He muttered to himself:
"Finally, Soto City…"
But in his heart, he secretly added
One of the most iconic locations in Douluo! Every transmigrator inevitably ends up here.
And, of course
That young man was none other than Ye Cheng.
As for why he had come here
Aside from his curiosity about the original story's characters and his desire to witness or even participate in key events
The most important reason was to repay a favor.
A favor owed to Sword Douluo or rather, to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
The Day Before, at the Inn
After their initial clash, Ye Cheng and Sword Douluo sat down for a conversation.
Though they had fought intensely, they ultimately got along quite well.
During their discussion, Sword Douluo subtly probed Ye Cheng's attitude toward the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect
And, more importantly
He hinted that if Ye Cheng acknowledged his lineage, he could immediately become the sect's next master.
Yes
The entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would be his to command.
This temptation was no small matter.
One of the three great sects of the continent, known for its immense wealth and power, was willing to hand itself over to him.
Most people wouldn't even hesitate to accept such an offer.
But
Ye Cheng?
Completely uninterested.
He simply brushed it off with vague words, neither accepting nor rejecting the offer outright.
Sword Douluo was disappointed but chose not to push further.
Instead, he changed the subject.
He informed Ye Cheng
That the entire Wang Clan, formerly rulers of Balong City, had been captured and imprisoned within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's dungeons.
Every single member
All 163 individuals not one had escaped.
Hearing this, Ye Cheng simply nodded knowingly.
He had expected this outcome.
After all
With his current strength, many would seek to earn his favor.
There was no need for him to personally track down his enemies others would do it for him in hopes of securing his goodwill.
And so
Upon learning that his family's murderers were now in captivity, Ye Cheng showed no excitement.
Instead, he simply stated:
"Since that's the case, I'll trouble you to 'deal with them' on my behalf."
Then
He added:
"Consider this a favor I owe to your sect. Should you require my assistance in the future so long as it is within my ability I will not refuse."
These words were no small matter.
A favor from an Extreme Douluo one of the world's strongest beings was priceless.
For most factions, such an opportunity was a cause for celebration.
However
For the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect…
It left a bitter taste.
Because
Ye Cheng was the son of their sect master, Ning Fengzhi.
Because
Ye Cheng was the only soul master in the world to possess the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
By all rights
He should have been part of the sect from the beginning.
He should have led the sect to new heights, strengthening its power and influence.
Yet now
They had to use favors just to keep him from drifting too far away.
It was frustrating and a little ridiculous.
At that moment
Sword Douluo was seriously tempted to demand that Ye Cheng use this favor to formally join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
But
Logic prevailed.
Even if he could force Ye Cheng to join, it would only drive him further away.
After all
The so called "favor" wasn't even that significant.
The Wang Clan was already doomed their capture had simply saved Ye Cheng some time.
So
Did it truly hold enough weight to demand his loyalty?
Absolutely not.
Thus
Instead of forcing the issue, Sword Douluo recalled Ning Fengzhi's words before he left.
And with that
A new plan took shape.
Since Ye Cheng refused to return to the sect, they would take a different approach.
If force wouldn't work, then
They would play the long game.
They had analyzed Ye Cheng's mentality and concluded
He had been alone since the age of six.
He had endured hardship and exile.
He had never known the warmth of family.
Thus
Deep down, he must long for kinship.
Under normal circumstances
His father, Ning Fengzhi, would have been the best person to reconnect with him.
But
That wasn't an option.
To Ye Cheng, Ning Fengzhi was a heartless man who had abandoned his mother and ignored her death.
So
They needed someone else.
Someone who could reach him.
Someone he wouldn't instinctively hate.
And the answer was
His younger sister, Ning Rongrong.
Ning Fengzhi was confident that once Ye Cheng and Ning Rongrong spent time together, he would
1. Be drawn to her charm.
2. Develop a strong sibling bond.
3. Become a protective older brother.
And once that happened
He would naturally grow closer to the sect.
Perhaps
Even his hatred for Ning Fengzhi might soften.
That was the plan.
Sword Douluo had received these orders before leaving
So when Ye Cheng offered his favor, he didn't hesitate to say:
"Actually, there is one thing you could help with…"
He requested that Ye Cheng escort and protect Ning Rongrong for some time.
Hearing this unexpected request, Ye Cheng was momentarily stunned.
Then
After thinking it over, he realized their true intentions.
And
He nearly laughed out loud.
"Ning Rongrong? Seriously?"
Did these people actually believe she could win someone over?
With her spoiled, arrogant, and temperamental personality?
She was more likely to make enemies than friends!
They really had no self awareness, did they?
Still
Ye Cheng didn't refuse.
Because
It was an easy way to clear his debt.
He was curious about the original story's main characters.
He figured it'd be fun to mess with Tang San.
And so
Ye Cheng set off for Soto City.
(Chapter End)
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