Chapter 14: The City of Seven Treasures

At this point, Wang Dong no longer refused. “Thank you, Uncle Ning. I will take good care of it.”

Seven Treasures City was very close to Tiandou City. By nightfall, the carriage was slowly entering through the south city gate.

Although it was already evening, many townsfolk still filled the streets.

“Don’t miss out, freshly baked meat pies, still hot!”

“Grilled lamb skewers! Lamb skewers! Lamb skewers!”

The bustling cries of street vendors echoed from all directions into Wang Dong’s ears.

Curious, Wang Dong drew back the curtain and looked toward a lamb skewer stall, noticing that the vendor’s attire and accent were quite unusual.

“How is it? Seven Treasures City is lively, isn’t it!” Ning Rongrong’s voice came from beside him, filled with pride and confidence.

Wang Dong leaned out slightly. “Yeah! But they don’t seem like locals.”

“That’s because, under my father’s rule, the people of Seven Treasures City live peacefully and harmoniously, attracting many outsiders who come from afar to settle here. Moreover, my father treats everyone equally, so the happiness index is very high.”

Ning Fengzhi lowered his head and coughed softly, a little shy at how highly he was regarded by his daughter.

Ning Rongrong continued, “And most importantly, Seven Treasures City has the highest average life expectancy in the Tiandou Empire!”

Hearing this, Wang Dong looked toward Ning Fengzhi, realizing such a feat could not be achieved overnight.

As the continent’s foremost auxiliary sect, not only did they manage their affairs meticulously but also cared deeply for ordinary citizens—a truly rare accomplishment.

Sincerely, Wang Dong said, “Uncle Ning, you are truly remarkable.”

At that moment, Chen Xin spoke up, “Xiao Dong, do you want to go downstairs and explore? Those skewers look pretty delicious.”

“Grandpa Jian, aren’t you the one who likes quiet the most?” Ning Rongrong’s voice floated softly from the side, her small face clearly saying: Be honest.

Chen Xin hurried to say, “Little Princess, you will always be number one in my heart!”

Ning Rongrong immediately ran to Chen Xin’s side. “Grandpa Jian, when I grow up, I will protect you!”

“All right~”

The carriage did not stop, yet Wang Dong and Ning Rongrong each had two skewers of lamb in their hands.

Seven Treasures Glazed Sect occupied half of Seven Treasures City, and at its center stood the towering Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda.

Chen Xin was the first to dismount, carrying both Ning Rongrong and Wang Dong in his arms.

Wang Dong did not resist but allowed himself to be carried into Ning Rongrong’s courtyard.

Ning Fengzhi then said, “Xiao Dong, Rongrong’s courtyard is the largest and most spacious in the whole Seven Treasures Glazed Sect. You can stay here for now. Tomorrow, your own courtyard will be ready, right next door.”

A courtyard just for himself?

“Thank you, Uncle Ning,” Wang Dong replied. He would always reciprocate kindness shown to him with the utmost goodwill.

“Xiao Dong, about becoming your master, I hope you will consider it seriously. I truly want to take you as my disciple,” Chen Xin said, locking eyes with Wang Dong and speaking deliberately.

If he were only six years old, he would choose to apprentice, but now, with the soul of a twenty-year-old and his own cultivation methods, apprenticing might be inconvenient.

Yet, seeing Chen Xin’s earnest expression, he could not bring himself to refuse harshly. “Grandpa Jian, I will consider it carefully.”

“Good~”

After settling Wang Dong and Ning Rongrong in their rooms, the two left.

In the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect’s study room, the Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda shone brightly.

Chen Xin’s reaction matched Ning Fengzhi’s when they first saw it.

“Sect Master, should we prepare for the renaming ceremony?”

Ning Fengzhi nodded, eyes full of anticipation. “This is an unexpected gain, thanks to Xiao Dong. But…”

He paused, then added, “Xiao Dong’s background is tragic. Should we try to find if he has any other living relatives?”

Chen Xin recalled Wang Dong’s words in the carriage during the day and sighed.

“If Xiao Dong doesn’t bring it up himself, we shouldn’t interfere. He is much more mature than others his age—he must have endured many hardships.”

“Yes...”

They both looked toward Wang Dong’s room, their eyes filled with pity.

Meanwhile, Wang Dong had finished washing up and was preparing to sleep.

Although the room was temporary, it was well-equipped with everything he needed.

Perhaps because he had slept in the carriage during the day, he was not tired at all and sat on the bed gazing at the sky, lost in thought.

In the courtyard stood a tall, upright silk cotton tree, its blossoms bright and splendid, perfectly matching Ning Rongrong’s vibrant and noble spirit. Yet it was also resilient, standing firm through wind and rain, maintaining its brilliance while supporting others.

Just then, giggling voices came from beside the window.

Wang Dong smiled subtly and quickly hid near the window.

A small head slowly peeked through the open window, round eyes darting around. Seeing no one inside, the figure scratched their head and muttered:

“Strange, Xiao Dong should be sleeping at this hour. Where did he go?”

Wang Dong chuckled softly and suddenly turned around.

“Ah—”

A scream echoed through the sect. Patrolling disciples immediately appeared but, finding nothing amiss, soon left relieved.

Wang Dong hadn’t expected to truly startle Ning Rongrong and hurriedly apologized, “Rongrong, sorry for scaring you.”

Ning Rongrong, heavily panting and blinking rapidly like a frightened fawn, snorted and turned her head away.

“Sorry.” Wang Dong leapt outside the window, took her hand, and apologized once more.

Though truly frightened, Ning Rongrong’s anger softened upon seeing Wang Dong’s sincere apology. “I’m magnanimous—this time I forgive you!”

“Okay! But why did you come to find me?”

Ning Rongrong lifted a small rabbit she was holding. “I was afraid you wouldn’t sleep well in this unfamiliar place, so I came to keep you company.”

With that, she pulled Wang Dong inside.

The bed was large enough for the two children to sleep comfortably.

Ning Rongrong even took pillows and blankets from a soul-guiding device. “After a few days, once you get used to it, I won’t come anymore. Dad said big kids should sleep on their own!”

Having not slept with anyone else for a long time, Wang Dong felt a bit uncomfortable at first. But Ning Rongrong, who had promised to talk with him, fell asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow.

Closing his eyes, he heard steady breathing beside him and soon drifted off as well.

After they fell asleep, a carriage escorted by four men entered the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect through a rear gate, carrying a powerful spirit ape down into the sect’s basement.

Along with it came a letter from Xue Qinghe.

Ning Fengzhi read it and handed it to Chen Xin.

“Is His Majesty’s action a sign of dissatisfaction with the sect?”

...

End of chapter.