NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 75: chapter 75
Less than half a month later, the long-awaited title-conferring ceremony of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan was finally about to begin. During this period, representatives from various major clans had already arrived, but the truly influential figures were yet to make their appearance. They would likely arrive on the final day.
These days, Tianlin hadn't been practicing much. Instead he spent most of his time accompanying Ning Rongrong and Gu ran watching the two of them together inseparable, Gu Ran couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.
Inspired by this he finally made up his mind to pursue Ye Lingling. Upon learning of his decision, both Gu Rong and Ning Fengzhi fully supported him. After all the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda was unparalleled in its amplification abilities and if Gu Ran could bring the strongest healer into the clan they were more than willing to approve.
Soon, the ceremony officially commenced As the future leaders and guardians of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, Ning Rongrong, Tianlin, and Gu Ran were all present each standing behind their respective father or masters waiting to welcome the guests.
"Master Huyan of the Elephant Armor Clan has arrived!" The reception disciple's voice rang out announcing the arrival of an important guest.
"Haha! Clan Head Ning, His Majesty Sword Douluo, His Majesty Bone Douluo, it has been far too long!" A towering figure entered with booming laughter Standing at least two and a half meters tall, the man's sheer size resembled a mountain of flesh and his dark skin and large eyes, which gleamed like copper bells, made him appear immensely imposing. Next to him, Ning Fengzhi looked like a child.
This was Huyan Zhen, the leader of the Elephant Armor Clan and a level 87 defensive Spirit Douluo.
The Elephant Armor Clan was famed for its unrivaled defense. Their martial soul, the Diamond Mammoth, was a top-tier spirit that combined immense strength and defense. However, Huyan Zhen wasn't considered the best in defense on the continent and that title belonged to Bone Douluo Gu Rong of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan.
Huyan Zhen was deeply envious of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. Tianlin also recalled that in the original story, this man had secretly aligned himself with Spirit Hall in hopes of replacing one of the top three clans.
Tianlin couldn't forget Huyan Zhen's participation in the assault on the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. In Tianlin's mind, this man was already marked for death. Although his defensive power was formidable, his lack of intelligence made him an easy target to be outwitted.
"It is an honor for our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan to host you today. Please, take a seat" Ning Fengzhi said courteously but without much warmth. Given Ning Fengzhi's astuteness, he likely sensed Huyan Zhen's collusion with Spirit Hall. Since genuine friendship was impossible then a mere formalities sufficed.
Following Huyan Zhen's arrival, representatives from several other clans made their entrances. Unlike the Elephant Armor Clan, these clans sent envoys rather than their leaders. For instance, the Saint Dragon Clan sent Tuoba Ye, the younger brother of Tuoba Xi.
From the Heaven Dou Empire, it wasn't Crown Prince Xue Qinghe who arrived—he was preoccupied with state affairs. Instead, Prince Xue Xing represented Emperor Xue Ye. Prince Xue Xing's status was more than sufficient for the occasion.
Additionally, the grandfather of the Shi brothers, Shi Lei, made his appearance and despite not belonging to any clan, Shi Lei, a defensive Spirit Douluo with a Black Tortoise martial soul, was among the few who could rival Huyan Zhen's defensive prowess.
Shi Lei shared a close friendship with Gu Rong, and the two often exchanged insights on defense.
"Haha, old turtle, why are you so late? I've missed you! Later, you owe me three drinks as punishment!" Gu Rong exclaimed with delight
"Old bones, three drinks? Make it thirty, and I'll still join you!" Shi Lei laughed heartily "Firstly, to celebrate your clan gaining a new Titled Douluo, and secondly, to express my gratitude. My grandsons told me that thanks to the immortal herbs provided by Tianlin, they've progressed remarkably in a short time"
Shi Lei had been stunned by his grandsons' recent advancements and learned that the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan had assisted them and he seized this opportunity to personally convey his thanks.
"This has nothing to do with me—it's all thanks to Tianlin" Gu Rong said, calling Tianlin over "Xiaotian, come here. This is Shi Lei, a level 85 defensive Spirit Douluo and the grandfather of the Shi brothers. He's here to thank you."
"Greetings, senior. The Shi brothers and I are friends and they've helped me greatly at the academy. I was merely returning the favor. Please, there's no need to be so formal" Tianlin said with a respectful salute
Shi Lei nodded approvingly "Well said, young man. At such a young age, your spirit power is already exceptional—far beyond my grandsons and since you're friends with them, I won't hesitate to call you Xiaotian. You've helped my family today and I will surely repay this favor in the future!"
Shi Lei's principled nature was evident and his favor was certainly a valuable asset for Tianlin.
"His Majesty Thunder, the Patriarch of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, has arrived!"
At that moment, an announcement heralded the arrival of a truly eminent guest: Yu Yuanzhen, the leader of the third-ranked clan and known as Thunder Douluo.
Ning Fengzhi immediately stepped forward to greet him. After all, Yu Yuanzhen's status was equal to his own.
"Hmph!" Huyan Zhen snorted in displeasure. Ning Fengzhi's starkly different attitude toward Yu Yuanzhen irritated him and despite being part of the top three clans, Huyan Zhen believed that his time would come and he could replace them one day.
Following Ning Fengzhi outside, Tianlin saw a strikingly handsome middle-aged man arrive. Despite being over 80 years old, Yu Yuanzhen's profound soul power preserved his youthful appearance.
Yu Yuanzhen was known as a proud and ambitious leader who prioritized his clan's interests above all else. It was said that with his clan's secret technique, Dragon Transformation he once fought Sword Douluo Chen Xin to a draw.
"Your Majesty Thunder, it's been a long time. I didn't expect you to come in person. Ning Fengzhi is honored and deeply grateful" Ning Fengzhi said respectfully.
"Master Ning, you're too kind. I've come today not only to celebrate but also for an important matter," Yu Yuanzhen replied.
Ning Fengzhi raised an eyebrow"Oh? May I ask what matter?"
Yu Yuanzhen smiled mysteriously "Let me keep you in suspense for now. I'll explain everything after the ceremony."
Seeing this, Ning Fengzhi refrained from further questioning and welcomed Yu Yuanzhen and his grandson, Yu Tianheng, into the hall.
At this point, almost all the significant guests had arrived, and the ceremony was ready to begin. However, just as everything seemed settled, a group of uninvited guests appeared at the city gates.