After Tang Hao's departure, the Sword Douluo finally voiced his question: "Rongrong, how did you know Tang Hao was injured?"
"Before coming to Notting City, I thoroughly researched the Haotian Douluo's records."
"Having just broken through to Title Douluo, he repelled multiple Title Douluo and severely wounded the 95th-ranked Pope Qian Xunji. It would be stranger if he emerged unscathed."
"I worried Tang Hao might act recklessly, hence mentioning the Crown Prince's impending apprenticeship."
"Father, Grandpa Sword... did I overstep my authority?"
"Rongrong, you acted correctly." Ning Fengzhi affirmed. "Until the end, I lacked resolve to sever ties with Tang Hao."
"Fengzhi, you overthink things." The Sword Douluo chuckled. "But perhaps that's why that old bone and I value you."
Turning to Ning Rongrong, he continued: "A mere hundred-thousand-year soul beast. Even without its bone, I'm confident of reaching rank 97 in my lifetime."
"As for that old skeleton? Bah! Any bone we gave him would just gather dust."
"Grandpa Sword, Bone Grandpa will be angry if he hears this!" Ning Rongrong sighed at the two elders' childish antics - though their constant bickering reflected deep camaraderie.
"Hah! Good! Maybe anger will push him to advance another rank. Fighting him at his current level lacks excitement."
Ning Rongrong: "..."
Contrary to her expectations, neither Ning Fengzhi nor the Sword Douluo seemed disappointed.
Witnessing Ning Rongrong's performance, Ning Fengzhi had essentially confirmed her as the next clan leader.
My brilliant daughter surpasses those empty-headed boys in every way! With innate full soul power and potential to break the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's limits, who else could lead?
"Rongrong, does Shi Nian truly possess a ten-thousand-year soul bone?" Ning Fengzhi recalled their earlier discussion, drawing the Sword Douluo's equally curious gaze.
"How should I explain..." Scratching her head, Ning Rongrong elaborated:
"I took interest in academy affairs. Reviewing reports, I noticed talented students from teams opposing the Canghui Academy often died mysteriously off-stage in bizarre ways."
"Clues pointed to a Soul Sage named Shi Nian, though his soul skills didn't match the deaths. So I ordered deeper investigations into Canghui Academy."
"Compiling the intelligence, I deduced Shi Nian likely possesses a high-level spirit-type soul bone. Since we'd be eliminating a public menace anyway, why not have the Haotian Douluo retrieve it?"
"I see." Both men nodded approvingly, though sensing something slightly off.
But did absolute truth matter?
As long as Ning Rongrong remained Ning Fengzhi's daughter and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's heir, nothing else was consequential.
The trio then toured Notting City, each lost in thought.
...
Several days later.
Xiao Wu finally reached level 20.
The undercover Seven Treasure Glazed Tile clansman serving as her and Tang San's teacher delivered detailed updates. After brief preparations, they tailed the hundred-thousand-year thug rabbit.
"Far enough from campus. After condensing my second ring here, I'll return to Brother San." Her murmurs were interrupted by approaching footsteps.
"Who are you?"
The approaching trio - young, middle-aged, and elderly - seemed distinctly unfriendly. Xiao Wu's guard shot up instantly.
"First meeting, hundred-thousand-year thug—er, hundred-thousand-year Soft Bone Rabbit." Ning Rongrong smiled at the jumpy girl.
"I don't understand." Xiao Wu's heart sank as she feigned ignorance, but when her gaze landed on the Sword Douluo, her pupils constricted violently.
"T-Title Douluo!"
The soul rings rising from his feet and the overwhelming pressure confirmed his rank to her experienced soul beast senses.
"Hurry up and condense your ring, spicy little rabbit. We're not interested in your rings or bones. We'll leave afterward." Ning Rongrong yawned.
"Sp-spicy?!" Xiao Wu twitched, then blinked in confusion. "You're not killing me?"
"Hmm? Why would we? We're pacifists." Ning Rongrong shrugged. "Unless you're bored of living and want to sacrifice yourself for Douluo Continent's betterment. I'd reluctantly accept."
"No sacrifices!"
Hell no!
I'd rather die than sacrifice! Never in this lifetime!
Her reflexive denial gave way to cautious curiosity: "You only want to watch me condense a ring?"
"A hundred-thousand-year ring and bone... and you're not tempted?" Her tone held genuine puzzlement.
"Just condense the damn ring." Ning Rongrong's eye twitched. "Keep talking and we might change our minds. Haven't you heard curiosity killed the rabbit?"
"Uh... okay." Though baffled, she wasn't suicidal.
She still needed to avenge her mother - dying here wasn't an option.
With no alternatives, Xiao Wu sat cross-legged, calming herself before beginning the condensation process.
Wispy soul power emanated outward, coalescing around her Soft Bone Rabbit martial soul.
The process concluded in about ten minutes.
"So that's how..."
Observing Xiao Wu's energy flow, Ning Rongrong mused while stroking her chin.
Being of the same origin, the stored energy simply transferred to the martial soul. The conversion first constructed a ring framework tied to physical attributes, then filled it with soul power until stabilization.
While differing from zhenqi techniques, it offered valuable reference points.
A second century ring materialized around Xiao Wu's Soft Bone Rabbit.
Rising unsteadily, she asked timidly:
"Esteemed seniors, may I leave now?"
Her fearful eyes darted to the Sword Douluo's massive, chilling Seven Kill Sword and nine terrifying soul rings. So scary for a rabbit!
"Sure, scram!"
After Ning Rongrong's approval, Xiao Wu stole one last glance at the Sword Douluo before activating her soul skill.
"Whoosh!"
Like the wind itself, she bolted toward Notting City at full speed.
"Truly a rabbit - runs impressively fast." Ning Rongrong remarked, then called out:
"Your Eminence Tang Hao, still there?"
From the shadows emerged Tang Hao.
"I'll deliver both bones within a month. See that you honor our agreement." With that, he departed.