Rongrong's Feelings

Rongrong walked over the halls of the mansion at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's headquarters. Every person that she met in her way quickly recognized her as the headclan's daugther, making her way and bowing politely towards her while her reaction was a little frown.

"Why had dad called me?" She thought. It has been more than a year since she returned to the clan, not coming since she joined Shrek. However, she had always been in contact with her father and she was surprised by thr sudden letter that requested her presence with the maximum speed.

Rongrong was worried by the sudden notice and she feared that she would be forced to return permanently.

People might think that she leaving the headquarters and going to Shrek was a mere childish tantrum, a way of the famous she-devil to gather attention. However, it was far more profound for Rongrong.

She didn't like the clan. She loved his dad and grandpas, but hated everyone else. The false expressions, the lies, the murmurs, the talks at the back.

Over the clan, she couldn't be herself. It didn't matter what she did, she wouldn't be recognized by it, always being seen as the headclan's daughter, nothing else.

Yes, she was truly blessed to be born at the Seven Treasure Clan, with the greatest support spirit and a big talent. But what about her own hard work?

She had pushed since little to be at her dad's level to not embarrass him, training to be better. But people never saw her, only saying that it was natural as Fengzhi's daughter that it was to be expected.

It didn't matter how much effort she put, it was always the same, people envying her and talking bad at her back, telling her that it was only for her background. She hated it.

Rongrong then decided to change, starting to become lazy and causing problems around, tricking people and becoming whimsical. She wanted people to see herself, even if it was in a bad way.

However, she quickly discovered that it didn't change anything. People were too scared of her dad to even scold her, letting her whims be and starting badmouthing her at her back.

She reached her limit so she run away. Leaving the clan on her own to see the outside world with the hope that it would be different.

Finally, she reached Shrek. There, she was able to meet more talented people, she being the lowest in rank. There, students and teachers alike scolded her, going against her selfish desires and daring to confront them.

They trained together, fought together, ate together. They lived together as equals. There she wasn't Fengzhi's daughter, she was Rongrong.

Even Oscar perfectly knowing that he was a food spirit master started approaching her more intimately. It might be impossible to be with the future heir of the Seven Treasure Clan but with Rongrong. He saw her as Rongrong.

Rongrong wasn't silly. After all this time, she was sure that her father had something to do with her going Shrek, but nevertheless, she liked it. She knew that her experiences and her friends' feelings were true.

She felt that in Shrek she could be her true and best self, growing along with her friends. That's why she feared to not return there.

Finally, Rongrong stopped just before the door of her father's office.

"Tock!" Rongrong knocked on the door, the door automatically opening for her.

Entering the office, Rongrong saw three people standing, all their eyes turning to her.

As normal one was her father Fengzhi accompanied by Chen Xin. However, the remaining one was the one stranger to be there, a handsome black-haired youth.

"Haotian?" Rongrong blinked in surprise. She quickly recognized the youth, clearly remembering him from their meeting at Heaven Dou Academy.

"Miss Ning" The youth politely bowed his head, finishing it with a shining smile.

Rongrong was a little taken by Haotian. She was used to people being polite with her, but rather than politeness, she could feel confidence in Haotian. Even when he stayed next to her father and grandpa Sword, he stood as an equal, not at all being intimidated by them.

"What are you doing here?" Rongrong finally asked.

"I think that senior Fengzhi would better answer that question" Haotian simply answered.

"We had prepared a very important gift for you, Rongrong" Fengzhi told to his daughter "Haotian was the one that found it and gave it away. As such, I saw it correctly for him to stay here when you receive it."

"You can consider it a gift from me" Haotian said smiling.

Listening to the gift part, Rongrong's eyes shining brightly. In the end, that childish part of her continued and she looked forward to a gift, especially one prepared by her father and that needed her to come to the clan.

"Here it is" Fengzhi waved his hand, a beautifully wrapped box appearing from thin air.

Looking at the simple gesture, Haotian lifted his brow 'I could feel the aura from the Beautiful Silk Tulip exactly the same as before, without losing any of its properties. He must have an inventory of living things. As expected of the richest clan.'

Rongrong quickly went over the box, eagerly opening it and revealing the Beautiful Silk Tulip, the fragrance from it spreading all over the room.

"This is a Beautiful Silk Tulip. An immortal herb that absorbs heavens and heart energy, becoming extremely pure. It's an incredible treasure that would help in your cultivation" Haotian explained "You also don't need to worry about any side effect as it would even strengthen your own foundation."

Seeing the tulip, Rongrong could feel an incredibly rich and fragrant essence from it, somehow she could feel herself attracted to it, instantly knowing that Haotian was right, it would be incredibly beneficial for her. With it, she might be able to even surpass her friends, not continuing to be the less ranked one.

Rongrong turned towards Haotian and bowed to him "Thanks! It is a truly marvelous gift."

"You're welcome" Haotian smiled "Be wary that this flower can't be devoured. You have to breathe in the stamen, slowly absorbing the best features within, afterward, cultivate your spirit power and slowly circulate it, letting the medicinal effects find their way to the hundred bones of all four limbs."

Rongrong carefully embraced the tulip and looked at the group with uncertainty. It could be easily seen her eagerness to absorb it immediately.

Fengzhi sighed seeing Rongrong "I already had prepared a room for you. You can go absorb it now."

Rongrong's face shined "Thanks!" She shouted before taking her leave, going to the already prepared room guided by a servant.

Without Rongrong in the room Haotian turned towards Fengzhi "Was there any need for me being here? You could have simply gifted it to her."

"I wanted to show your goodwill to her" Fengzhi said with a light smile.

'Something feels fishy' Haotian thought.

"Moreover, what's wrong with me wanting to have some chat with one of my most promising clan members" Fengzhi said.

'Would he want to make sure that I'm near in case something goes wrong with the tulip, avoiding me to escape?'

"Also, don't worry about the results of the Beautiful Silk Tulip" Fengzhi told like reading Haotian's mind "I already make sure the plant is harmless and beneficial for our spirit. Even if Rongrong is unable to evolve to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, I won't blame you. I'm truly thankful with you and I'm sure that it would be great for Rongrong."

'He seems genuine' Haotian thought 'If it's not for that, is he trying to match me with Rongrong?' Haotian reasoned 'I showed my strength and my intelligence, helping even when I'm lacking the clan. I suppose that is kind of normal, wanting to tie me more tightly to the clan using Rongrong. Not that it goes bad for me. If Fengzhi helps, the better.'

"Okay" Haotian suddenly felt a palm resting over his shoulder, quickly turning around. It was Chen Xin.

"Hg!" Haotian groaned as Chen Xin put pressure over Haotian, a powerful strength pressing all over his body.

Chenxiang opened his eyes surprised "What had you done these days?" He could feel that Haotian's body had experimented an incredible transformation, far stronger than before.

Haotian's body was stronger than your average spirit master, having as a Spirit Elder the strength of an early Spirit King. However, now it had gone to even the strength of a Spirit Sage, especially his arms that surpassed it.

"Like with the Beautiful Silk Tulip, I had also absorbed an immortal herb, greatly strengthening my body" Haotian explained "I was also lucky enough to find two spirit bones for my arms, enhancing even greater my strength."

Haotian exposed some of his secrets. Secrets were important if they could be hidden, if not, it would be better to expose one's secrets and show sincerity. Haotian was sure that Chen Xin had analyzed his body and discovering the higher strength of his arms, he would quickly suspect of it. Of course, Haotian would not expose the mind blowing age of the bones.

"Ho" Fengzhi said interested "Two spirit bones?"

"Yes, they were from some lizard spirit beasts" 'Not enteritely correct' "They can increase my defense and strength, but unlucky they don't have a skill."

"Next time it would be better for you to wait before absorbing" Fengzhi "We can help you in analyzing your compatibility. And using our contacts, we might even be able to change them for something more according to you."

"Thanks. I will take into account for the next time." Haotian nodded.

"What is my granddaughter doing?" Chen Xin asked. Meijing had trained and passed a lot of time with Chen Xin, becoming close family. Now, Meijing was considered to be the adopted granddaughter of him "I thought that she would also come with you."

"Meijing was busy searching for her 4th spirit ring with the academy teachers" Haotian explained.

"She had also broken through?!" Chen Xin asked surprised. The last time Meijing was rank 34, to reach rank 40 in a month... "Did she also took an immortal herb?" Chen Xin inquired, putting both hands over Haotian's shoulder and pressing him.

Haotian nodded "Not only her, Biyun and Chenxiang also took one."

"So all of you took an immortal herb" Fengzhi said thoughtful "So it means that you have access to a great number of it?"

"I knew of a place" 'Of course Fengzhi would sum 1+1 and discover the place. 1 plant was a coincidence, but 5? If the well wasn't destroyed, I don't know what would have been the better choice'.

"The truth is that it was Dugu Bo's medical garden" Haotian said "That was the main reason all our conflict escalated so much."

"If it's like this could you sell us some for our members." Fengzhi said calculating "I won't mind paying any price to you for the information and to Dugu Bo for them."

Haotian shook his head "Unluckily, the medical garden was destroyed, not being able to save any of it."

"It's so..." Fengzhi said thoughtful "What a pity."

'I'm sure that he would investigate about. Nevertheless, what I said is the truth, he would at most discovered the destroyed well without any of its godly properties.' Haotian thought.

"I'm looking forward to seeing my granddaughter's growth" Chen Xin said proudly, but quickly turned serious as he turned to Haotian "Tell her to talk to me before anything. I'm far better at choosing for her spirit ring than your teachers there. Especially for her next ring that is very important."

"Luckily, it was only the 4th. She can prepare for her 5th accordingly" Chen Xin mumbled for himself.

After that, Fengzhi and Haotian started talking about their relation with the clan, preparing some training between them and about how Haotian's group was preparing for the upcoming tournament and the probability of their victory.

"Bang!" Suddenly the office's door fully opened, everyone turning their gaze to the door, seeing Rongrong standing there. She was a little blushed, her skin being pink with some sweat running over her forehead, however, she seemed full of energy, having a different aura than some time before.

Rongrong decidedly dashed towards Haotian, throwing herself into his arms, tackling him into a tight hug, Haotian unconsciously wrapping his arms around her thin hips.

"Thanks!" Rongrong shouted. Then letting herself be controlled by her joy and emotion, she leaned over Haotian, kissing him over his lips, shocking everyone in the room. It wasn't a deep kiss as she didn't even use her tongue, nevertheless, she lasted 3 seconds.

Haotian could smell the sweet aroma of her hair and savor the sweet taste of her lips 'Strawberry'.

Breaking the kiss Rongrong finally recovered her cool, calming herself down. She looked directly at Haotian's deep purple eyes and blushed highly, her face becoming red like a tomato, now understanding that she had kissed him.

"S-sorry. I was very happy and I acted on an impulse" She waved her hands trying to apologize.

"I don't have any problem with it" Haotian said with a big smile, causing Rongrong to blush even redder.

"Rongrong, could you explain the meaning of this?" Fengzhi asked gazing over Rongrong who was even now over Haotian's arms.

"Eh? Oh! Yes!" Haotian released Rongrong, letting away from the hug. Rongrong standing over the floor and turning over her father. Then, she lifted her hand.

"Flash!" A bright light surged from Rongrong's hand as she invoked her spirit, the pagoda appearing over her hand "Look at this!" Rongrong shouted very happily, showing a beautiful big smile.

Nine colors and nine layers, Rongrong's spirit had evolved. The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda had appeared!