Chapter 60: Qian Renxue's Performance (The Tian Dou Palace Coup)

The white-haired old man listened to the request, then looked at Nian Yun, rubbing his white beard in contemplation.

"I didn't expect that even a kid who has just broken through to the Spirit Ancestor realm could give a senior such a hard time. If senior is unwilling, then please go back."

With that, Nian Yun turned around, intending to enter the academy. Just as he took his second step, a response came from behind him.

"Very well, we'll do as you say."

Nian Yun let out a low chuckle and turned back to face the white-haired old man. The white-haired old man took an incense stick from his waist, pinched the top with two thick fingers and gave it a twist, and the incense immediately ignited.

"Swish."

With a sudden flick, the incense flew straight from his hand and stuck firmly into the ground. Immediately after, he raised his right hand, releasing a wave of oppressive aura toward Nian Yun.

Nian Yun raised his right hand, executing Rock Integration, and the oppressive aura was completely neutralized.

"Interesting." A smile appeared at the corners of the white-haired old man's mouth as his spirit rings continuously emerged.

Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black—six rings rising in unison.

The pressure continued to mount, and beads of sweat slowly formed on Nian Yun's brow, yet his martial soul had still not been summoned.

The seventh spirit ring rose.

The incoming pressure blew Zhu Zhuqing back. While shocked by the seventh spirit ring, Zhu Zhuqing noticed that the incense had only burned halfway down, which made her even more anxious. However, not wanting to distract Nian Yun, she could only pray for the incense to burn faster.

"Bell Rock, emerge!"

Faced with the pressure of seven rings, Nian Yun finally summoned his martial soul.

Being able to hold on until the seventh ring before releasing his martial soul left the white-haired old man and the other two behind him utterly shocked. Tai Nuo, the Spirit King who had been beaten up by Nian Yun not long ago, found a shred of comfort in his heart upon seeing this.

The spirit power pressure continued to climb toward the eighth ring. At this moment, however, the "Goddess Hibiscus Tear" within Nian Yun's body grew dim as it continuously supplied energy to "Bell Rock," consuming a massive amount of spirit power.

The peak of the seventh ring.

Nian Yun half-knelt on the ground, large beads of sweat continuously dripping down. Three rings resonated simultaneously, shattering the rock shield again and again, only for the rock shield to reassemble and condense once more.

The white-haired old man looked at the incense; it was almost burned out. He hesitated no longer, unleashing his spirit power to the fullest as the eighth ring appeared.

"Spirit Douluo!" Zhu Zhuqing was frozen in place with shock, then turned to look at Nian Yun with a heart full of trepidation.

"Vortex Vanquisher."

"Clang!"

Just as his other knee was about to touch the ground, Nian Yun forcefully summoned the Vortex Vanquisher, using it to prop up his fragile bones. This time, Nian Yun felt as though the bones in his back were about to shatter.

"Grandfather, the incense!" Tai Long anxiously called out to the white-haired old man.

Glancing sideways, he saw that the incense was about to burn out. The white-haired old man immediately channeled all his spirit power as a medium, doubling the oppressive aura to yet another level.

Nian Yun's deep black fourth ring appeared. "O stone of old, hold jade of the eight wastes in thy embrace to shine bright!"

Golden light illuminated the ground, sweeping upward to completely envelop both Nian Yun and the Vortex Vanquisher.

"Bang!"

The sound of shattering rock echoed out as the divine weapon, the Vortex Vanquisher, instantly blasted away the oppressive aura.

The white-haired old man involuntarily took a step back, and the last remaining ashes of the incense were blown away in the wind.

As the aura dissipated, Zhu Zhuqing saw that the incense had burned out, and she hurried forward to catch Nian Yun, who was on the verge of collapsing.

"Senior, I concede the match," Nian Yun whispered weakly, collapsing into Zhu Zhuqing's embrace.

"Father, are we really going to follow his orders?" Tai Nuo's recent comfort vanished instantly, replaced by profound panic.

"What? Surely you want me to go back on a bet made with a junior?"

Just as the white-haired old man finished speaking, another old and resonant voice rang out. "Hahaha, old ape, I never expected you to get humbled by a junior."

All five of them turned toward the source of the voice simultaneously. Three figures suddenly appeared, one of whom was Ning Rongrong. Beside her stood a dignified-looking man and a black-armored elder whose aura was even stronger than that of the white-haired old man.

As the three of them made their entrance, a beam of light also landed on Nian Yun. "You always show up at such a convenient time."

"Nian Yun." Seeing Nian Yun's weakened state, Ning Rongrong hurried over and took Nian Yun from Zhu Zhuqing's arms.

"Hmph, don't be so smug. Given time, this kid will definitely make you take a fall too, believe it or not." Titan crossed his arms and glared at Gu Rong.

"Very well. If there's a chance in the future, the two of us can make a wager on it," Gu Rong replied with a smile.

"Since the Sect Master of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan is here in person, I assume it's not just to drop off your beloved daughter. I won't disturb you any longer." With that, Titan tossed a token toward Nian Yun. "Kid, keep this token safe. When you've thought things over regarding our bet, come let me know."

After giving Tai Long a few instructions, Titan left with Tai Nuo.

Having recovered slightly, Nian Yun walked into the academy alongside Ning Fengzhi.

In the reception room:

"Nian Yun, hello, I am Ning Fengzhi."

"Greetings, Sect Master Ning."

"No need for that. Since you and Rongrong are classmates, just call me uncle."

"Uncle Ning."

"Mm. I heard from Rongrong that it was you who gave her the Tulip of Immortality?"

"Yes."

"I wonder if you happen to have any more of such herbs? Of course, I will pay you a handsome reward."

"The Tulip of Immortality is a type of immortal herb, and I only obtained it by chance. I'm afraid I must disappoint Uncle Ning."

"No matter. Besides, I also wanted to check on the situation at the academy, and I've often heard Rongrong mention you. Thank you very much for taking care of her during this time."

Seeing Ning Fengzhi bow to him in gratitude, Nian Yun hurriedly returned the gesture. "Uncle Ning is being too polite. Rongrong and I are friends and classmates; this is only what I should do."

"Since you have helped Rongrong on multiple occasions, it is only natural for me to thank you. If possible, I'd like to invite you to visit the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. I wonder what your thoughts are?"

"Since Uncle Ning extends the invitation, I will certainly go."

"Mm. Moving forward, I'd also like to entrust you with taking good care of Rongrong. May I?"

"Rest assured, Uncle Ning."

...

On the way back:

"Fengzhi, you wouldn't happen to have taken a fancy to that boy, would you?" Gu Rong asked.

"Even Titan in his Spirit Douluo state couldn't force out the boy's second martial soul. With such high talent, and with the Spirit Hall not having noticed him yet, we must make our move early."

"What? You're saying that kid has twin martial souls?" Gu Rong found it hard to believe, but after pondering for a moment, he smiled. "I think Rongrong is quite fond of that Nian Yun as well. However, I'm afraid you'll have to act fast; if you ask me, that boy has far too many romantic entanglements around him."

——

Heaven Dou Imperial City:

"Tramp, tramp, tramp."

"Reporting to Your Highness the Prince, the Fourth Imperial Prince has been attacked!" A heavily armored soldier rushed frantically into the room and dropped to one knee to report.

Hearing the news, Xue Xing's pupils instantly dilated. He slammed his hands on the table, stood up abruptly, and rushed out. "Xue Qinghe, you really have some nerve."

After a light jog, Xue Xing strode into the main palace hall.

Before he even stepped inside, a voice he least wanted to hear reached his ears: "Father, Fourth Brother has been harmed. I beseech Father to permit this son to go and rescue him."

"Clang—"

At that moment, Xue Xing strode in aggressively, coming face-to-face with Xue Qinghe who was currently petitioning the emperor. It made his blood boil with irritation, but in front of Xue Emperor Xue Ye, Xue Xing refrained from losing his temper.

"My nephew is still far too young. I imagine this assassination was premeditated and the perpetrators were well-prepared. It would be best for my nephew to stay behind." Xue Xing's heavy tone carried a trace of fury as his eyes locked fiercely onto Xue Qinghe.