Chapter 15: The Bond Between Ning Rongrong and Tian Lin (Part 1) - Douluo's spirit bead sword

Chapter 15: The Bond Between Ning Rongrong and Tian Lin (Part 1) On a night with sparse stars and a bright moon, the setting is the small grove within the orchard of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. Tian Lin emerged from the forest with a beaming smile, radiating the kind of joy that comes from happy events. "Feeling good, even though I missed dinner, I'm in an excellent mood. Time to go back and continue meditating!" As Tian Lin departed, Ning Rongrong lay on the ground inside the grove, her face stained with tears. Clutching her behind in frustration, she gritted her teeth. "Despicable! What a humiliating disgrace! I will definitely get my revenge for this!" The four others encased in ice exchanged glances, communicating silently. Three of them looked at Gu Ran, the meaning clear: "Boss, the little princess has been bullied. What should we do?" Gu Ran responded with a look, "What do you mean 'what should we do'? It's 'what can we do?' Can't you see, I'm frozen solid too? Who knows how long until the sun comes out, I might freeze to death, ah-choo!" The following morning, Tian Lin awoke from his meditation, only to be summoned to the main hall by a fellow disciple. Inside, Ning Fengzhi sat solemnly on the sect leader's seat, not uttering a word, while Ning Rongrong and the four disciples from the previous night knelt before him. The four disciples wore expressions of guilt, while Ning Rongrong appeared defiant and wronged. Tian Lin, oblivious to the situation, asked Ning Fengzhi, "Uncle Ning, what's going on?" "Little Tian, I know everything that happened last night. It's my fault for spoiling Rongrong. I'm here to apologize to you," Ning Fengzhi said solemnly. Ning Fengzhi knows? Tian Lin was puzzled. Who could have told him? He glanced at Ning Rongrong. Could this little fool have confessed herself? If that were the case, he would have to seriously question Ning Rongrong's intelligence. Though Ning Fengzhi and the two Douluos cherished Ning Rongrong, they wouldn’t tolerate her crossing fundamental lines—like ganging up with teenagers to assault a six-year-old fellow disciple. How could she even think of doing such a thing? What infuriated Ning Fengzhi more was Ning Rongrong complaining to him afterwards. It was akin to a confession, and under the Douluos' intimidating pressure, her four subordinates confessed everything without omission. To think she came to complain after losing a four-on-one fight. Ning Fengzhi, known for his wisdom, pondered how his daughter’s intellect could be so unlike his—is she really his? "Uncle Ning, Rongrong is still young. It's normal for her not to understand. Don't be angry, especially since I already taught her a lesson last night," Tian Lin said, hoping to prevent any further punishment for Ning Rongrong. He feared she would blame him for everything, something he found more bothersome than intimidating. Annoyed, Ning Fengzhi tapped his scepter. "Hmph, one time isn't enough. Little Tian, Uncle Ning has a favor to ask—could you take charge of disciplining Rongrong from now on?" "What, me?" Tian Lin's eyes widened. He had been trying to avoid trouble, yet Ning Fengzhi was thrusting it upon him. "Indeed. As you've seen, within the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, you're the only one who can handle her. The elders pamper her too much, and the younger generation dare not cross her. You're the only one who disregards her status," Ning Fengzhi sighed. "No way, Father! He spanks me!" Ning Rongrong cried out in horror, her backside still aching at the memory. But Ning Fengzhi, genuinely angered, ignored her pleas, leaving Ning Rongrong to seek help from her doting grandfathers. Unable to bear it, Gu Rong offered a bottle of medicine from his robe, "Rongrong, if Fengzhi doesn't care, Grandpa does. Take this ointment. After Tian Lin spanks you, just apply it yourself, and it'll heal quickly." Looking at the bottle, Ning Rongrong didn't know whether to laugh or cry. This was what they call caring for her? This ointment seemed like giving Tian Lin official permission to discipline her. "Grandpa Sword!" Her last hope was Chen Xin. "I am like my sword—one with the blade!" Yet Sword Douluo was even craftier. He employed his unique soul skill to transform into a sword, cutting off all connection to the world. Sweet Rongrong, what are you saying? Grandpa can't hear. Without hearing, there’s no help. That's clearly Sword Douluo's intention. "Alright, it's settled. Issue a decree: from now on, any command Ning Rongrong gives to clan disciples must first receive approval from Little Tian. Without his consent, no one is required to follow her orders." Ultimately, Ning Fengzhi decided, imposing a substantial restriction on Ning Rongrong's willfulness. Realizing there was no escaping, Tian Lin finally agreed, bowing his head slightly. "Uncle Ning, since that's the case, I'll take charge of Rongrong. I'll take good care of her." With that, Tian Lin left the hall, leading a pouting Ning Rongrong away, while the other disciples were dismissed to receive their punishment, albeit not severe—cleaning the outer disciples' dormitory at the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. Meanwhile, Chen Xin emerged from his trance, saying, "Fengzhi, let's hope Rongrong and Little Tian understand your intentions." "Indeed," Ning Fengzhi nodded. In his heart, Tian Lin was the future guardian Douluo of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, while Ning Rongrong was its heir. Their relationship needed to be strong enough to trust one another implicitly. Ning Fengzhi even entertained the idea that they could become a couple. Tian Lin certainly matched Ning Rongrong in talent. Though they appeared at odds now, he dismissed it as mere childish squabbling. Affection could be cultivated over time, which was the real reason Ning Fengzhi entrusted Tian Lin with Ning Rongrong’s upbringing. And both Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, knowing this, refrained from intervening. Otherwise, their indulgence for Ning Rongrong wouldn’t have allowed her to suffer even a hint of grievance. Meanwhile, Tian Lin brought Ning Rongrong back to his courtyard, where a room beside his would now be hers. "What now?" Ning Rongrong asked. "In the morning, I'll practice sword techniques while you train in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan's secret art of multitasking control. In the afternoon, we’ll study soul master theory, and in the evening, meditate. That's our daily routine from now on," Tian Lin explained his plan. Ning Rongrong, overwhelmed by the regimen, protested, "Dear God, that leaves no time for anything else! I want to go out and play, right now!" "No way. Uncle Ning has entrusted you to me, so I have a responsibility. If you don't behave, I might just..." Tian Lin paused, letting his gaze drift meaningfully. Frightened, Ning Rongrong clutched her backside, stepping back. "No, it still hurts from yesterday. Fine, I won't play!" Pouting, she plopped down defiantly, silently protesting that while she wouldn’t go out, she also wouldn’t train. What could he do about it? "How about a compromise with a holiday system? Every seven days, five days of diligent training followed by two days off," Tian Lin suggested, crouching in front of her with a smile. He never intended for Ning Rongrong to train as rigorously as he did—it wasn’t realistic for a child. Balancing work and rest was essential. But Tian Lin knew how to bar-raise and then negotiate. This initial strict plan was to wield a stick before offering a carrot, softening Ning Rongrong into agreement. Sure enough, the innocent six-year-old brightened, "Really?" Tian Lin nodded, "Otherwise, let's pinky promise! But let me clarify, the holiday is only during the day—nightly meditation is still essential, as soul power is the foundation and cannot be neglected!" "Deal!" Ning Rongrong extended her pinky, linking it with his. Thus began the bond between the future guardians of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan.