C4 The Ning Mansion Changed

"If you truly ascend to the Soul Emperor Realm, I'll need your assistance in forging a new body for myself," Ling Jing whispered. Noticing Ning Que's immediate nod, he gestured for pause and added, "Hold on, don't agree just yet. Crafting a new body not only requires you to be at the Soul Emperor Realm, but the materials needed are exceedingly rare and costly. If you decide to proceed, you can imagine the challenges ahead. Think it over carefully."

Ning Que sensed Ling Jing's reluctance to impose on him. After a moment of contemplation, he grinned and said, "At this point, we're in the same boat. No matter how tough it gets, what's there to fear?"

Taken aback, Ling Jing then chuckled and stroked his beard, looking at Ning Que with a gaze full of appreciation. "You've got spirit, kid. Rest assured, I'll spare no effort to aid you. Just promise not to hold it against me if I push you too hard," he said heartily.

Ning Que nodded, and they exchanged a knowing smile.

"Someone's approaching."

Despite the absence of footsteps outside, Ling Jing glanced over. Certain it was Ning Xian'er, Ning Que strode to the door and swung it open, only to be bumped by a servant who was also attempting to enter.

As an Astral Body, Ling Jing was invisible to the average person and didn't bother to hide his presence. Having been confined in that small realm for so long, he was eager to observe and experience the outside world's ambiance.

"Wow, you're actually awake, you fool. That's quite a surprise," the servant remarked, a slight man who rubbed his head and stared at Ning Que with a mix of wonder and disdain. He then shoved Ning Que aside, barking, "Get back to bed! What are you doing loitering in the doorway?"

Ning Que stood his ground, smiling at the servant.

He was well aware that most in the Ning Mansion paid him little mind, and even the lowliest servants would insult him when unobserved. Previously, his foggy mind had dulled any real perception of their contempt. But now, fully alert, he was curious to see what sort of antics the servant might try next.

"You're quite the lucky fool, aren't you? Not even the sea can claim you. My luck, on the other hand, must be cursed to have to babysit you at such a crucial time. Now I'll miss all the excitement at the council hall."

The servant was seething with anger, growing more incensed by the second. Noticing Ning Que's stillness, he swung his leg in a kick towards him.

"So, you've never really seen me as a person, have you?"

Ning Que deftly stepped aside, causing the servant to miss. He didn't advance further but stared at Ning Que as if he'd seen a specter.

"You, you, you..."

The servant could never have imagined that Ning Que, who had been perceived as simple-minded for over a decade, would suddenly regain his wits. The thought of the Patriarch learning of his earlier behavior was enough to predict the severity of his impending doom.

"I'll keep you around for now. Tell me, what's the spectacle at the council hall?"

Ning Que, with a newfound demeanor, saw no point in squabbling with the servant. Instead, he grabbed him by the collar, his expression grave, and demanded information.

"Young Master, I apologize. The Hai family has sent someone to the council hall, and the Patriarch is meeting with them. It appears they've come to propose a marriage."

The servant was shaking, likely from the guilt of having tormented Ning Que so often in the past. He hurriedly offered an apology, even addressing Ning Que as 'Young Master' for the first time.

"Propose marriage? To whom?"

Ning Que inquired, puzzled.

"It seems to be Miss Xian'er."

The servant's voice wavered as he spoke the name, swallowing nervously. In Ning Mansion, it was common knowledge that Ning Xian'er had always been exceptionally kind to Ning Que. Even if his previous actions had not reached the Patriarch's ears, Ning Xian'er learning of them would spell trouble for him.

Upon hearing this, Ning Que's grip tightened, his gaze icy as he glared at the gasping servant.

"Lead the way."

His voice was deep and commanding, leaving the servant in a state of sheer terror. He couldn't fathom how the once foolish young master could suddenly exude such an intimidating presence.

Releasing his hold, Ning Que watched as Ling Jing, standing nearby, offered a slight smile and remarked, "It seems Miss Xian'er holds a special place in your heart."

"In the vast Ning Mansion, there are but a few who truly see me as family."

"Don't worry, when the time comes, I'll step in. I won't let you be at a disadvantage."

Ling Jing stroked his beard. Currently, his existence was confined to the Abyssal Ring, and his fate was intertwined with Ning Que's—they would share both triumphs and setbacks. Naturally, he felt compelled to look after him a bit.

Bolstered by these words, Ning Que's confidence grew. He gave a slight nod to Ling Jing and continued following the servant who was leading the way.

In the Ning family's council hall.

It was surprising that, in such a short time, the Ning Mansion had convened here again. This time, however, the focus wasn't on the members of the Ning family but on two men in navy blue robes—a senior and a junior—standing with an air of arrogance in the center of the hall. Behind them was a person in a black robe and cloak, whose face was obscured.

"Patriarch Ning, I am here on behalf of my young master. Since he encountered Miss Xian'er in the marketplace, he has been utterly smitten, thinking of her constantly. Witnessing his deep affection, I have taken the liberty of coming to ask for her hand in marriage. What are your thoughts on this matter?"

The speaker was the elder in blue. He bowed respectfully to Ning Chaoping, who presided over the hall. Despite the outward display of courtesy, his expression lacked any real deference and even carried a subtle undertone of challenge.

Ning Chaoping's face clouded over. The speaker was Hai Yunqi, the Great Elder of the Hai family, a man of profound scheming and peak Soul Weaver strength. Without Hai Yunqi, the Hai family would have lost its foothold in Oceanwatch years ago when Ning Chaoping was still in his prime.

Over the years, the Hai family's influence had grown, now clearly surpassing that of the Ning family. Rumors even suggested that Hai Longsheng, the Hai family patriarch, had reached the pinnacle of the Soul Weaver realm, further tipping the scales against the Ning family.

Hai Yunqi's ostensible reason for visiting was to propose marriage, but his underlying motives were undoubtedly more complex.

"We are flattered by your interest, but Xian'er is still quite young. Discussing marriage at this stage seems premature. Besides, such personal matters should involve their own wishes."

After feigning contemplation, Ning Chaoping voiced the excuse he had already prepared.

"From what I understand, Miss Xian'er has turned sixteen this year. At that age, she's hardly a child. Moreover, if you consent, would Miss Xian'er oppose?"

Before Hai Yunqi could respond, the blue-clad young man beside him interjected. He was quite handsome, though his pallor lent him a delicate air. At that moment, his gaze was fixed on Ning Xian'er, his eyes brimming with undisguised desire, and he couldn't resist licking his lips.

"Be that as it may, the Ning family isn't so old-fashioned. She's free to make her own decisions. But judging by her demeanor, she seems unwilling. I suggest you both take your leave."

Ning Chaoping looked visibly annoyed. He recognized the blue-clad youth—Hai Longsheng's son, Hai Xaotian, known for his prodigious cultivation talent. So young and already possessing the strength of a Soul Warrior. Yet, if he thought such abilities gave him the right to be presumptuous here, he was sorely mistaken.

"Patriarch Ning, my young master means well. If the Ning family and the Hai family were to be allied, it would ensure peace in Oceanwatch."

Hai Yunqi gestured to Hai Xaotian to hold his tongue, then turned to Ning Chaoping with a smile. "Otherwise, our Hai family patriarch has just recently ascended to the Nine-star Soul Weaver realm. His power has surged, and he may well have designs on making Oceanwatch his own. He certainly has the strength for it."

"Are you threatening me?"

Ning Chaoping glared at Hai Yunqi, his eyes icy. Hai Yunqi grew wary but quickly masked it with a chuckle. "Threaten? Hardly. The Ning family is renowned for its valor. Surely you wouldn't want to jeopardize the harmony between our families over a trifle."

"Brother, there's truth in your words. Xian'er isn't your flesh and blood, and you're well aware of the Hai family's current might. A union between our families could indeed ease the tension."

Ning Jingtao chuckled and addressed Ning Chaoping, "So, you're willing to send Xian'er away just to buy us a brief respite?"

Ning Chaoping's gaze was piercing as he regarded Ning Jingtao with an icy demeanor, his disappointment in his brother palpable. "This isn't just my opinion. Why don't you ask the elders if they think there's merit to what I'm saying?"

Unfazed, Ning Jingtao scanned the faces of the surrounding elders. They remained silent, but their expressions spoke volumes to Ning Chaoping.

"Hmph, you're all old enough to know better, yet you're willing to sacrifice the younger generation for a few days of comfort? What have you been doing all these years—living like dogs?" Wu Cong, seated not far from Ning Chaoping, suddenly stood up, pointed at the silent elders, and berated them.

His words struck a nerve, sparking anger in some and shame in many others. The Ning family had always been the most prominent in Oceanwatch. If word of this debacle got out, the family's elders would have no face left to show.

"There's no need for such harsh words. As the family head, I must put the clan's welfare first. If we were to clash with the Hai family, the Ning family would be at a disadvantage. Why should we jeopardize the entire family for the sake of so-called pride?" Ning Jingtao appeared resolute as he stood and faced Ning Chaoping, his voice low and steady, "If the family head can't make the right decision today, then perhaps the elders will need to consider a different candidate for the role."

"You've had your eye on my position for quite some time, haven't you?" Ning Chaoping said with a bitter laugh, his cold gaze fixed on Ning Jingtao. Any remaining fraternal affection had now vanished.

Aside from Wu Cong, no one else spoke up against Ning Jingtao's proposition. The situation was clear: Ning Jingtao had long been laying the groundwork within the family, and he was not about to let this prime opportunity slip through his fingers.

"Even if it costs me the title of Patriarch, I will ensure Xian'er's safety today. If you disagree, come and face me yourself."

Ning Chaoping burst into laughter before turning a cold gaze upon Ning Jingtao. The latter, feeling cornered, was seething with anger. However, considering Ning Chaoping's reputation for cunning, he lacked the courage to confront him head-on.

"Elders, since you regard Xian'er as an outsider, may I handle this matter myself?"

Ning Xian'er, who had remained silent until now, rose to her feet and stepped forward with measured grace. Her delicate face now bore an icy chill, as cold as frost.

"You want to handle it?"

The elders murmured among themselves before one spoke up, "What are your thoughts? Speak freely. If your proposal is sensible, we will certainly consider it."