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Standing behind Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin nodded slightly at Zhongli and Paimon—a polite but distant greeting.
A mere nodding acquaintance, nothing more.
Then, he spoke two words—
His name.
"Chen Xin."
Chen Xin—Martial Soul: Seven Kill Sword, 96th-rank Super Douluo, one of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School's Grand Elders.
The reason the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School established the Grand Elder position was to distinguish the sect's greatest protectors from ordinary elders.
Without this title, wouldn't Chen Xin and Gu Rong be lumped together with some Soul Douluos—or even direct-line Soul Sages?
Wouldn't that be an insult to Titled Douluos?
Thus, to both differentiate and honor them, the Grand Elder position was born.
Though their status equaled the sect leader's, final authority still rested with the leader.
This was the last line of defense for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School's main lineage.
After all, without combat power of their own, they could only rely on others to survive in this brutal world.
Once the introductions were complete, the "offense and defense" switched roles".
Paimon, never one to hesitate, floated forward and greeted them cheerfully:
"Hello, Sect Leader Ning Fengzhi!"
"Hello, handsome Grandpa Chen Xin!"
"I'm Paimon! P-A-I-M-O-N!"
"And this is Zhongli!"
This kind of greeting was second nature to her.
"What an interesting little thing. A martial soul like this… truly a miracle."
Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin exchanged glances, both thinking the same thing.
A martial soul as peculiar as Paimon's was unprecedented—even their sect's ancient texts held no records of such a being.
In other words, before meeting Paimon, they hadn't even heard of such a martial soul, let alone seen one.
If this little one were to add nine 50,000-year soul rings, her power might shake heaven and earth!
Yet Zhongli hadn't given her any soul rings—only two explanations existed:
He hadn't decided what path Paimon should take.
He hadn't found suitable soul rings.
A man with a hundred-thousand-year soul ring might disdain anything weaker!
Once he found the right hundred-thousand-year spirit beast, he would strike!
The difference between a hundred-thousand-year ring and anything lesser was like night and day.
Suddenly, Paimon seemed to remember something and blurted:
"Zhongli said last night that important guests would visit today—was he talking about you two?"
She hadn't forgotten—Zhongli had mentioned it again during breakfast.
But she didn't recall ever meeting these "important guests" before.
Had Zhongli sneaked out while she was asleep and met them?
That would explain why he seemed so familiar with this world—
Even though they'd arrived together, Zhongli acted like he'd come home.
Chen Xin, Ning Fengzhi, Zhongli: "…"
Chen Xin and Ning Fengzhi exchanged another glance, then studied Zhongli's unchanging expression, their hearts trembling.
This man had predicted their arrival?
If true, that was terrifying!
And what if Zhongli's "guests" weren't just them?
"A little one who can't keep secrets."
Zhongli internally sighed but kept his face neutral.
He had considered Ning Fengzhi's visit but wasn't sure when it would happen.
With the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School so close to Heaven Dou City, how could they not investigate the sudden appearance of a Titled Douluo?
Whether to recruit him—or eliminate a potential threat—they had to act.
"If no one else is coming, then it must be us."
Ning Fengzhi smiled confidently.
Important guests?
As the leader of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School and a 96th-rank Super Douluo, they more than qualified.
If they didn't count as "important," then who did?
Ning Fengzhi's smile was warm and practiced—clearly honed over years of diplomacy.
As the sect leader, he was far from soft-hearted.
"No wonder Zhongli brewed extra tea…"
Paimon muttered before adding:
"Please, come in!"
Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin hesitated slightly.
Zhongli hadn't spoken a word—everything had been said by his martial soul.
Normally, a martial soul speaking for its master wasn't unusual.
But Zhongli's situation was… unique.
Should they listen to Paimon—or the "silent" Zhongli?
Seemingly sensing their dilemma, Zhongli finally clasped his hands and spoke politely:
"Sect Leader Ning, Sword Douluo, please enter."
"Thank you."
Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin exchanged another look before stepping inside.
Moments later, the group was seated.
When Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin saw the two extra teacups prepared in front of Zhongli, they finally believed Paimon's words.
He had been expecting them!
"Please."
Zhongli pushed the cups toward them.
Tea culture in Douluo Continent was still developing—even elites like Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin weren't well-versed in its etiquette.
Zhongli's movements were fluid and mesmerizing, his tea ceremony a dance of precision.
Just as they tried to memorize his steps, he had already finished serving.
"Thank you."
Though they expressed gratitude, neither drank immediately—clearly wary of poison.
Zhongli didn't comment, simply sipping his own tea.
"Sect Leader Ning, Grandpa Chen Xin, why aren't you drinking?"
"Tea brewed by Zhongli isn't something just anyone gets to taste!"
Paimon tilted her head, puzzled.
Though she wasn't a tea enthusiast, Zhongli's brew had a unique charm—worth savoring occasionally.
Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin felt slightly embarrassed.
Some things shouldn't be pointed out so bluntly…
Yet Paimon's innocent eyes and genuine confusion made it impossible to resent her.
After a brief pause, Ning Fengzhi picked up his cup and mimicked Zhongli's posture.
Though he had his own tea-drinking habits, they paled in comparison to Zhongli's refined elegance.
"Hmm?"
With just one sip, Ning Fengzhi's eyes lit up.
The tea itself was ordinary—but under Zhongli's mastery, it had transformed into something extraordinary.
At least, its aroma had been elevated.
"Your Excellency, not only are you peerless in strength, but your tea artistry approaches divine perfection."
Reluctantly setting down his cup, Ning Fengzhi offered genuine praise.
As sect leader, he couldn't afford to lose face—no matter how much he enjoyed it, decorum came first.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 50 on my patreon, go check it out.