Douluo Dalu (Soul Land): Shadow Monarch

When Ning Fengzhi abruptly raised the bid for the mysterious gloves to four million gold soul coins, no one dared to challenge him. Even the Imperial Marshal, Gollon, though visibly displeased, could only watch helplessly as Ning Fengzhi won the item.

Cheng Xiao gently massaged his forehead, his eyes revealing a hint of confusion. Ning Fengzhi's unexpected interference had caught him off guard.

With the auction's final item sold, the event concluded. Cheng Xiao, along with Dugu Yan and Dugu Bo, followed a maid into a post-auction lounge to complete their payment.

"Sir, here is the soft armor you won," the maid said with a cheerful smile, handing over a box containing the armor before quietly excusing herself from the room.

Dugu Yan eagerly accepted the box, her face lighting up with joy. She immediately clung to Dugu Bo's arm, acting playfully.

Just then, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the hall. Cheng Xiao turned his head to see the same maid returning, now accompanied by a refined middle-aged man and a white-haired elder.

The newcomers were none other than Ning Fengzhi, the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and Sword Douluo Chen Xin, the sect's guardian. Their arrival clearly indicated that the mysterious gloves were now in their rightful owner's possession.

Upon seeing the two men, Dugu Bo's pupils slightly contracted. Despite his displeasure with Ning Fengzhi's earlier interference, he knew he had to show restraint in their presence.

"Ning Sect Master. Sword Douluo," Dugu Bo greeted them with a slight bow.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect boasted two powerful guardians, making it a renowned sect with dual Title Douluos. Whenever the sect master ventured out, one of these Douluos would accompany him for protection, while the other remained at the sect to oversee affairs. Last time, Bone Douluo Gu Rong had traveled with Ning Fengzhi; this time, it was Sword Douluo Chen Xin's turn.

Ning Fengzhi, always courteous, responded with a polite smile. "Mr. Dugu, I must apologize for my actions during the auction."

"Hmph. Sect Master Ning, there's no need for jokes. With the wealth of your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, you could easily afford forty million, let alone four. Why would there be any need for apologies?" Dugu Bo retorted coldly.

Though Sword Douluo backed Ning Fengzhi, Dugu Bo was not one to easily back down. His dissatisfaction was evident, and he had no intention of concealing it.

Ning Fengzhi gave a gentle laugh at Dugu Bo's blunt response. However, as he glanced at Cheng Xiao, standing beside Dugu Bo, he was about to inquire about his identity when Sword Douluo Chen Xin's eyes suddenly narrowed.

"How did you get hold of Rongrong's gold card?"

Sword Douluo's voice turned cold and sharp as his gaze locked onto Cheng Xiao, brimming with vigilance.

Both Ning Fengzhi and Dugu Bo were momentarily stunned. Their eyes followed Chen Xin's to Cheng Xiao's pocket, where a small portion of a golden card was visible. The distinctive mark of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was etched onto the exposed part.

"What's going on?" Ning Fengzhi's expression darkened. As a father, the thought of his daughter encountering trouble was deeply unsettling. The sight of a young man holding an unlimited gold card, which he had gifted to Ning Rongrong, conjured unpleasant thoughts.

"Sect Master Ning, Sword Douluo, this might just be a misunderstanding," Dugu Bo hurriedly intervened, stepping in front of Cheng Xiao to shield him.

"Boy, explain yourself. How did you get your hands on this card? If you don't give me a proper answer, don't blame me for being merciless," Chen Xin warned, his sharp gaze fixed on Cheng Xiao, clearly ready to act at any moment.

Cheng Xiao remained calm under the pressure, casually retrieving the gold card from his pocket. With a composed smile, he said, "Senior Sword Douluo, what if I told you that this card wasn't stolen or taken by force but was actually given to me by Ning Rongrong? What would you do then?"

"Ning Rongrong gave it to you?" Chen Xin's brows furrowed. He had carefully observed Cheng Xiao throughout the conversation, searching for signs of deceit. Yet, the boy's tone remained steady, without the slightest hint of guilt or hesitation.

"May I ask for your name, young friend?" Ning Fengzhi asked with a polite smile. Though he didn't yet understand why his daughter had given Cheng Xiao the card, the fact that she had done so suggested that the boy was significant in some way.

"You can call me Cheng Xiao, Sect Master Ning," Cheng Xiao replied with a smile.

"Cheng Xiao, a fine name." Ning Fengzhi smiled warmly. "Could you tell me how Rongrong came to give you this card?"

Cheng Xiao shook his head. "Sect Master Ning, I'm afraid I can't answer that question. I suggest you ask Ning Rongrong directly—if she's willing to tell you, of course."

"Is something wrong with Rongrong?" Ning Fengzhi murmured, anxiety flickering in his eyes.

Cheng Xiao extended the gold card toward Ning Fengzhi. "Here, I'll return this card to you."

Ning Fengzhi silently accepted the card, exhaling deeply. Then, with a gesture, he signaled to Chen Xin.

Chen Xin hesitated briefly before pulling out the mysterious gloves they had won at the auction.

Ning Fengzhi smiled warmly at Dugu Bo. "Mr. Dugu, my earlier behavior was inappropriate. As Cheng Xiao seems to be a magnanimous young man, we would like to gift him these gloves as a token of goodwill."

"Oh no, that wouldn't be…" Dugu Bo started, but his hands were already moving swiftly, snatching the box from Chen Xin as if afraid they might change their minds.

Chen Xin's lips twitched in irritation. 'This old poisoner…'

With the gloves now in his possession, Dugu Bo grinned. "Well then, Sect Master Ning, Sword Douluo, we won't intrude on your time any further. Farewell!"

Without waiting for a response, Dugu Bo quickly led Cheng Xiao and Dugu Yan out of the hall.

"That old poisoner really is as unpredictable as they say," Chen Xin muttered, frowning as he watched the trio leave in haste.

Ning Fengzhi, holding the gold card in his hand, asked softly, "Uncle Jian, how much of what Cheng Xiao said do you think is true?"

After a brief pause, Chen Xin replied, "Sect Master, I believe he was telling the truth. From what I observed, the boy's strength seems to be at most that of a Soul Ancestor. Yet he showed no fear when facing a Title Douluo, which speaks volumes about his composure. Furthermore, the fact that Dugu Bo is willing to accompany him suggests that the boy is not ordinary."

Ning Fengzhi furrowed his brow in thought, letting out a quiet hum. He carefully put the gold card away, his voice turning cold. "Investigate this matter immediately. We cannot afford to take any risks with Rongrong. I need to know how this boy managed to earn her trust enough to receive this card."

"Understood. I'll make the necessary arrangements," Chen Xin nodded.

After a brief moment of silence, Ning Fengzhi sighed heavily, his voice tinged with fatigue. "Uncle Jian, what should I do if Rongrong… already has a boyfriend?"

Chen Xin's expression darkened. "Sect Master, you must be joking. Rongrong is still so young. How could she have a boyfriend?"

"I'm just worried," Ning Fengzhi admitted with a bitter smile.

Chen Xin fell silent for a moment, and then, after a long pause, he murmured, "To be honest… I'm worried too."