Chapter 19: Arguments

As the isolation formation dissipated, I felt the subtle shift in the air that always followed its deactivation. My ears pricked up at the sound of footsteps approaching. Before long, I heard my adoptive mother’s voice.

“Rong Rong, Feng’er, come here. I want you both to meet someone.”

Rong Rong and I exchanged a glance, her eyes shimmering with curiosity, and mine with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. We stepped forward and made our way to the entrance of the courtyard.

Standing there was a man I barely recognized. His hair was streaked with silver, his face was lined with experience, and his eyes held a depth that spoke of countless untold stories. But the most telling sign was the way his gaze softened and moistened as he looked at Rong Rong.

“Rong Rong,” he said, his voice trembling slightly. “Is that really you?”

Ning Rong looked puzzled for a moment, then realization dawned on her face. “Father?” she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her eyes widened, and for a moment, she stood rooted to the spot, taking in the sight of the man she hadn’t seen since she was a baby.

The man nodded, tears brimming in his eyes. “Yes, Rong Rong. It’s me, Ning Jian. I can hardly believe it’s you. You were just a baby the last time I saw you.”

I stood by, feeling like an awkward third wheel. This was clearly a moment meant for them, but I couldn’t help but feel a pang of curiosity and, admittedly, some jealousy. Who wouldn’t feel overshadowed standing next to someone like Ning Rong? She was already the center of attention with her remarkable talents and unique appearance. And now, her long-lost father returning added another layer to her ever-growing legend.

Ning Jian finally tore his gaze from his daughter and looked at me. “And you must be Feng’er. I’ve heard so much about you.”

I gave a polite nod, unsure of what to say. “Yes, sir. It’s an honour to meet you.”

He smiled warmly before turning back to Rong Rong. “I’ve missed so much. Eight years... It feels like a lifetime. I’m sorry I’ve been gone for so long.”

Rong Rong shook her head, stepping forward to embrace him. “You’re here now, Father. That’s what matters.”

Ning Jian hugged her tightly, then pulled back, wiping away a tear. “I want you to meet someone too.” He gestured behind him, and three children stepped forward.

The first, a boy with jet-black hair and piercing black eyes, stepped forward with a solemn expression. The second, a boy with striking blue hair and vivid blue eyes, gave a shy smile. The youngest, a girl with golden hair that shimmered like the morning sun and eyes that mirrored the same golden hue, looked up at Rong Rong with curiosity.

“These are the children I’ve been taking care of. They are... well, let’s just say I found them during my journey. This is our eldest, Li Liang ,” he said pointing to black haired kid "and this one is second in line Lu Jing " he pointed to the blue haired kid , ruffling the boy’s hair. “And the youngest Wang mie" he pointed to the girl with golden hair.

Rong Rong looked at them with wide eyes. “you’re very beautiful,” she said softly, her hand reaching out to the youngest girl, who grasped it without hesitation.

Ning Jian nodded. “They’ve been through a lot, but they’re strong. ”

I watched the scene unfold, feeling a mix of emotions. It was heartwarming to see the reunion, yet there was an undercurrent of something unspoken. Ning Jian’s journey clearly had its share of hardships.

“I owe you both an explanation,” Ning Jian said, his tone growing serious. “The clan sent me on a mission to explore a sub-realm forest. It was supposed to be a simple task, but the sub-realm had its own secrets and dangers. I was trapped there for years, unable to return or communicate. I’m sorry for the pain my absence must have caused.”

Rong Rong shook her head. “You’re here now, and that’s all that matters.”

Ning Jian looked at me with amusement. “Feng’er, thank you for looking after Rong Rong in my absence. I can see she’s grown into a fine young woman.”

I shrugged. “Rong Rong’s a handful, but she’s family. We look out for each other.”

Ning Rong shot me a playful glare. “A handful? Who was it that needed help with their little plans?”

I chuckled, raising my hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. Maybe I exaggerated a little.”

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While the kids were interacting Ning Jian turned to Ning Lian“ He is definitely Lu Jia’s son even his eyes are a exact copy of Her’s , I heard about his situation from elders and I can understand why you took the responsibility of taking care of him , you always considered Lu Jia as your own sister and the elders agreed to your decision of giving him Ning Surname mainly for two reasons , First one was probably they thought that Ning Feng will also have same Talent like Ning Rong as they were both born due to Naga’s gem which resonated with them , Second reason were you as you had the highest chance of reaching core formation but now that they have discovered your condition after you met father to talk about Ning Rong , I am afraid situation has probably turned worse for Ning Feng hasn’t it? I know you love him like you would your own son but I don’t think clan would agree to your request to send him along with Ning Rong as a disciple by using clan slots .”

Ning Lian turned towards him “ He is not like my son , HE IS MY SON , since you are back and brought back that thing that clan leader discovered long ago in that sub realm forest on the Grand Dao continent , I doubt he would disagree to your request if you ask him to use one of the slots for Ning Feng but since you have pointed this out for me, you must want to use those slots for these kids but according to what you have told me they are all extremely talented any sect would accept them without any problem .” she said with a hint of anger

“We both know after they do that , the disciple they took in will have nothing to do with any clan any longer , they will not be allowed to serve any clan or sect other than the one they are in and they will have to follow sect rules and cannot publicly take side of any clan or support them physically in a war or conflict. It will basically mean giving away these kids to that sect for not much gain.” Ning Jin reasoned.

“I doubt that’s the only reason , people who go in with clan slots can take servants with them and don’t have to go on a required number of dangerous missions outside the sect as the sects are compensated by the said clan in exchange and those with slots will definitely be supported by the clans with resources as they will able to serve the clan in future and are not completely bound by sect rules regarding their clans even if they join the sect in future , what you want to do is assure safety for these three . Ning Clan will have four slots to spare for selection , if we don’t recommend anyone for a few years and clan leader’s connections , you also don’t want to give that spot to Ning Feng .” Ning Lian calmy said the intentions hidden in his words.

“ Ning Feng is a good kid but I also know that he has a normal physique while those three have special physiques like Ning Rong , can you imagine a single clan producing four kids with a special physique in a single decade even the top clans in this world cannot say they can do it every decade and two of them have one mid level concepts and Wang Mie have two concepts , she is a genius among geniuses

not only in concepts but also in formations that’s actually the main reason we even met in first place . then there is Lu Jing he have two concepts as well and just like Wang mei, one is mid level concept another one is low level concept but what is amazing is his concepts have impeccable synergy , he is born for combat , both of them can be considered at the level of heirs of top clans and even at that level both of them can overshadow others.

Talent is very important in our world , there is very little chance he can comprehend any concept on his even if he reaches formation building stage and as for the last kid Li liang is the oldest among three of them and has least talent as he has a special physique of fire concept but he has good talent in alchemy and with fire concept his alchemy will reach great heights in future and you know how important any profession is for a clan.” Ning Jian said while not meeting her gaze .

“Ning feng can make Grade 1 runes “ she said plainly , “ so I don’t think he loses in terms of value for the clan this is something I have never told anyone in order to avoid problems while those three are all 8 years old and older , he is only 6 years old and can not only understand runes but actually make them, so now do you think he have low chances of comprehending a concept in future.” She said her fists tightly clenched.

Ning Jian looked shocked , his mouth agape , he fell silent for a moment and said ”You want him to go but I want those three to go and it mainly comes down to Li Liang and Ning Feng , I still think we should not bet on chances and go with the option that gives us assured results. So , lets discuss this later looks like something interesting is about to happen over there.” He said pointing towards five kids.

“Oh by the way , our daughter also have two concepts “ she said while moving towards the kids.

“Wh- what that’s amazing , does she have any mid level concepts , even if she doesn’t she would be the greatest genius clan produced in a millennia “ Ning Jian said with a happy expression

“Both of them are Mid level concepts and one of them is an extremely rare concept , concept of soul , I don’t think I need to remind you but don’t mention it to anyone else .” she said plainly while not looking back.

Ning Jian stood there rooted on his spot with a shock greater than anything else in his life his mind blanked out for a second he thought to himself ,” this is not best talent in millennia but in our entire history , I don’t think I heard of anyone with this level of talent while I was on the continent.”

………….

While the two adults were talking , five kids were introducing themselves to each other

“ My name is Li liang , I am 9 years and 6 months old, I have a special physique with fire concept and I am learning alchemy, I can already make grade 1 pills ,” the handsome black haired boy said with a confident or maybe even slightly arrogant smile on his face.

“My name is Lu Jing , I am 8 years and 6 months old , I have a special physique with two concepts , I like to train with my sword .” the boy with blue eyes and hair said with bright smile on his face, when others kept staring at him he said “Umm…. There is nothing else”.

Ning Feng was little shocked how can there be two people with special physique and one of them with two concepts all gathered in a small place like seven great islands and then he looked at the last person with curious but cautious eyes …… “ Don’t tell me” he thought a little warily.

“My name is Wang Mie , I am 8 years old , I have a special physique with two concepts as well and I like formations .” Girl with deep golden hair and eyes said shyly , gold as in actual gold colour and not blonde like from his previous life .

“Okay this might not be good.” Ning Feng thought his suspicion growing two notches higher

“That Ning Jian is not someone normal and all of this suggests one thing …….MC incoming”