Chapter 109: Unwilling to Be a Minor Official, Ning Rongrong's Disdain
Ye Tian stepped into the living room and was struck by an awkward sight—the room was filled entirely with guests.
Even though this was his own home, he felt more like a visitor.
The situation felt odd, unsettling even.
Without lingering on it, he calmly approached the sofa and gave a polite bow to Qian Renxue.
"Your Highness."
Qian Renxue's beautiful eyes gave him a detached glance before she turned to Ning Fengzhi and introduced him:
"This is Ye Tian. He has excellent medical skills. It was thanks to him that my injuries were healed."
Ning Fengzhi was visibly surprised by this introduction.
It was rare for the Crown Prince to give such high praise to anyone.
As the Crown Prince of the Empire, Xue Qinghe's standards were extraordinarily high.
Though courteous to most, he seldom offered compliments.
Yet, Ye Tian had earned an exception.
Ning Fengzhi, intrigued, spoke with an air of elegance:
"Quite an impressive young man. How old are you, and what is your cultivation level?"
With a warm smile, Qian Renxue pointed at Ning Fengzhi and introduced him to Ye Tian:
"This is Ning Fengzhi, the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and also my mentor."
Ye Tian feigned surprise, widening his eyes.
"So, you are the renowned leader of one of the upper three sects? What an honor to meet you."
"To answer Sect Master Ning's question, I am not a Soul Master, but just a humble healer."
Though Ye Tian appeared surprised, his heart was calm.
His gaze drifted to the raven-haired girl beside Ning Fengzhi.
The girl was poised, showing no sign of intimidation despite the formal setting.
Standing so confidently beside Ning Fengzhi, she could only be Ning Rongrong, one of the Seven Shrek Monsters.
A faint smile surfaced on Ye Tian's face.
Though he had been in the world of Douluo for several years, this was his first encounter with a member of the Shrek Seven.
So, the world of Douluo isn't as vast as it seems after all.
"Not a Soul Master?"
Ning Fengzhi frowned slightly.
In this world, those without the status of a Soul Master were destined to struggle at the bottom.
They couldn't join sects or become nobles.
After all, survival of the fittest was the law of the land.
Initially, Ning Fengzhi had planned to recommend Ye Tian to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy as thanks for saving Xue Qinghe.
But now, that clearly wasn't possible.
His interest in Ye Tian faded entirely.
Nonetheless, Ye Tian was still the Crown Prince's lifesaver, so decorum had to be maintained.
Ning Fengzhi mustered a polite smile and remarked neutrally:
"Even without being a Soul Master, life can still be fulfilling."
"With the recent upheavals in East Sea City, there will be many job vacancies.
"Why not let me recommend you for a minor administrative position there? It will ensure your livelihood and stability for years to come."
"Thank you for your kind offer, Sect Master Ning, but I have no interest in governance. I am content as a healer, helping those in need."
Ye Tian's tone was calm yet firm.
Ning Fengzhi was taken aback—someone turning down an official position?
He chuckled lightly through his nose. This young man was clearly naive.
Governance and healing weren't mutually exclusive.
In fact, holding an official post came with countless benefits. At the very least, the authority it conferred would deter common thugs.
It was leagues better than being a simple commoner.
"Ah, youth and its ignorance," Ning Fengzhi mused inwardly.
Still, since Ye Tian was Xue Qinghe's savior and their paths had crossed, Ning Fengzhi decided to offer a final piece of advice:
"I must warn you, the Crown Prince will soon leave East Sea City, and I won't stay much longer either.
"If you miss this opportunity, you won't get another."
Ye Tian nodded lightly. "I understand, Sect Master Ning. The Crown Prince already mentioned something similar to me, but I truly have no intention of becoming an official."
Qian Renxue sighed softly, her smile tinged with bitterness:
"Teacher, I'd advise you not to push him further.
"The terms I offered him before were far better, yet he turned them down without a second thought."
"Now you're only suggesting a minor post in East Sea City. He won't agree to it."
"Well, everyone has their own pursuits, and those pursuits can be meaningful in their own way."
Ning Fengzhi nodded gently, maintaining a mild expression.
But in his heart, he scoffed. One day, Ye Tian would surely regret his decision.
Of course, Ning Fengzhi had merely been making a token gesture. Ye Tian's caliber was far too insignificant to truly earn his attention.
"If there's nothing else, you may leave. The Crown Prince and I have important matters to discuss."
Ning Fengzhi waved his hand dismissively.
Ye Tian was visibly taken aback.
"Wasn't it the Crown Prince who summoned me?"
If Qian Renxue hadn't sent someone to call him, he wouldn't even be here.
Ning Fengzhi glanced at Qian Renxue in confusion.
"Your Highness, what is this about?"
Qian Renxue chuckled lightly.
"Teacher, I did summon Ye Tian.
"Apologies, Teacher, but there are some matters I need to discuss with him privately."
Ning Fengzhi was astonished.
The Crown Prince valued Ye Tian so highly?
Could Ye Tian possess some exceptional qualities after all?
Otherwise, the Crown Prince wouldn't be so close to him.
Yet, Ning Fengzhi couldn't discern anything remarkable about Ye Tian.
After watching Qian Renxue lead Ye Tian upstairs, Ning Fengzhi turned to Jian Chenxin.
"Uncle Jian, did you notice anything unusual about Ye Tian?"
"Why do you ask?" Jian Chenxin asked curiously.
At this point, Ning Rongrong interjected.
"Unusual qualities? None that I could see. But his character? Definitely not great."
"Oh? What makes you say that?" Ning Fengzhi's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone amused.
"I didn't expect my darling daughter to have such keen insight."
Ning Rongrong raised her pale neck proudly, her voice cool:
"Your darling daughter isn't that skilled.
"But earlier, Ye Tian kept staring at me. From that alone, I can tell his character is questionable."
He had scrutinized her plenty when he first entered, though she had chosen to let it slide.
In the past, she wouldn't have hesitated to call him out.
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi and Jian Chenxin exchanged amused glances.
"Why are you laughing?" Ning Rongrong crossed her arms, frowning deeply. "Am I wrong?"
Ning Fengzhi explained with a gentle smile:
"With your beauty, it's no surprise that Ye Tian couldn't help but look."
"Indeed," Jian Chenxin added.
"Ye Tian hails from a remote area. For someone who's likely never left his small town, meeting someone as stunning as you must have been overwhelming.
"The fact that he didn't completely lose composure reflects his decent self-control."
Jian Chenxin then observed thoughtfully:
"These days, many Soul Masters prioritize power and violence. Disputes are often resolved with swords drawn.
"That itself is a sickness.
"If Ye Tian were a Soul Master, his composure alone would suggest great potential."
His eyes glimmered with regret.
"Unfortunately, he lacks the talent to become one."
(End of Chapter)
Guys, I apologise for not being able to update yesterday; I was at my homie's place.