Soto City Hotel, on the top floor.
Two figures stood here, watching the battle below.
One of them couldn't help but tremble after seeing the red-haired boy scolding Ning Rongrong.
He looked up guiltily, only to meet a pair of playful eyes.
"Dean Flander, your disciple is quite capable."
The other man smiled indifferently, his aged face calm, as he patted Flander on the shoulder.
"This is the first time in history that the precious daughter of our Ning Fengzhi has been scolded so harshly that she didn't dare talk back."
"Well, I remember that even Lord Chen Xin and Lord Gu Rong couldn't do that."
With every word the old man spoke, a drop of cold sweat trickled down Flander's face. He always felt that the hand patting his shoulder could strangle him at any moment.
Hongjun, Hongjun, why did you have to scold her of all people?!
Even though if it were me… I'd scold her too, but… this girl has powerful backing, and we can't afford to offend her!
"Hahahaha, well, he's just a kid. Don't worry, senior. When I get back, I'll definitely teach Hongjun a lesson and let him know girls can't be scolded like that!"
If you want to curse someone, do it in private.
He swallowed nervously, scratched his head, chuckled awkwardly, and discreetly moved out from under the old man's hand.
"No, I don't mean to blame you."
The old man didn't notice Flander's little maneuver, but instead sighed softly.
"Today's events were instructed by Ning Fengzhi and planned by me. My original intention was to let Rongrong understand the dangers of the world. Even though I gave her a hint in advance, she didn't catch on at all."
"It was your disciple instead…"
The old man's eyes sparkled with admiration.
"He managed to grasp the key from just a few words from those three filthy men and dared to risk his life to save his companions. Even when he was exposed, he remained calm and composed. If it weren't for Rongrong's interference, it would've been a perfect rescue."
Oh, why didn't you just say that earlier?!
Flander straightened his chest slowly, a wicked grin curling at his lips. He adjusted his glasses and nodded calmly.
My disciple is amazing.
Such an outstanding person is my disciple, Flander's disciple!
"He's born with a top-tier martial soul, has great looks, became a great spirit master at a young age. He's meticulous, brave, resourceful, and loyal. Simply—"
Flanders felt as comfortable as if he had gulped down an iced drink in the sweltering summer.
Is there anything more satisfying than hearing someone from a top sect praise you?
You say he's praising my disciple?
Oh come on, that's the same as praising me, isn't it? Who do you think taught him?!
"He's simply the perfect husband candidate for Rongrong."
Flanders suddenly realized something was off. His eyes widened in horror, and he looked at the smiling old man.
"Senior, senior, let's not joke around like that… That's not funny."
He wiped the cold sweat from his head and replied dryly.
"Why, do you think our Rongrong isn't good enough for your disciple?"
The old man tilted his head, looking at Flanders with a warm smile.
"N-no, it's our Hongjun who isn't good enough for Rongrong."
Flanders' Adam's apple bobbed, and the cold sweat that had dried started dripping again.
"Dean Flanders, you're mistaken. With Brother Hongjun's potential, as long as he continues to improve, all the major sects—especially those with flying-type beast spirits—will be scrambling to recruit him."
The old man's expression shifted, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Or… do you think our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is too small for your attention?"
The terrifying aura unique to a Soul Douluo suddenly spread out. The bricks beneath the old man's feet instantly turned to dust—yet strangely, they still maintained their shape.
Flanders felt like a mountain was crashing toward him, trying to crush him completely!
"Senior Hu, I don't want to fall out with you."
The Four-Eyed Owl took a deep breath, his soul power surged, black wings unfurled, and his previously hunched back gradually straightened under the pressure.
"Hongjun is my disciple, and only my disciple. Not even his parents have the right to decide who he marries or loves."
"If you insist on forcing me today, I may not win, but I won't retreat even one step!"
The middle-aged man's voice rang clear and firm. Though sweat poured from his face, he stood his ground without fear.
The old man was stunned for a moment.
Then, he shook his head and dispersed the Soul Douluo pressure with a wave of his hand.
"As expected of one of the Golden Triangle's legends on the continent—you truly respect the younger generation. I admire that."
"Don't worry. We, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, aren't foolish enough to offend a future Title Douluo whom we could befriend. But, as you said, if Brother Hongjun falls in love with our Rongrong, that's fine, isn't it?"
A sly glint flickered in the old man's eyes.
Hmph, Rongrong is beautiful and rich. How could she not win over a young man like that?
If nothing else works, use some tricks.
Flanders wiped his sweat, completely relaxed, and waved his hand casually.
As long as it's not an engagement, everything is fine.
All that talk about not deciding marriage—it's just an excuse.
The real issue is the evil fire!
Otherwise, who in their right mind would refuse such an amazing opportunity?
Not to mention, Ning Rongrong's conditions are excellent. Once he joins the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, all training resources from Spirit Master to Title Douluo level will be provided.
Seven Treasures Glazed has everything—except a lack of money.
If they didn't lack marriage-age young women, Flanders himself might have applied.
Hongjun, don't blame your teacher for blocking your future.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would never tolerate their heiress's fiancé fooling around before marriage.
They'd chop it off in a heartbeat.
If you get engaged, you'll probably suffocate to death!!
Flanders was deeply moved.
What he didn't know was that Ma Hongjun had already resolved his evil fire problem.
Otherwise, he would've already agreed to this marriage.
"Alright then. In that case, I should make a move."
The old man and Flanders exchanged knowing looks. The former laughed, stretched lazily, his casual demeanor vanishing as he became dignified and commanding.
"We can't really let those filthy people harm Rongrong and her friends, so let me…"
He raised his hand, aiming at the three attackers approaching the red-haired boy—but his expression suddenly changed, and he pulled Flanders back in retreat.
BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!!!!
A pillar of blazing fire suddenly erupted beneath them, shooting up ten meters high, like a volcano spewing magma in every direction.
Amid the fiery rain, a tall red-haired figure soared into the air, holding three girls in his arms.
His phoenix wings flapped, countless flaming feathers whirling around him. In the blue sky, they turned into a streak of red light and disappeared into the distance.