The crisp ringing of bells echoed repeatedly.
The cultivators were unaware of the beast-taming bell's mystique, and even marveled at Feng Qingcheng's kindness.
Look, this second daughter of the Feng family, disheveled and covered in dust, still remembers to help her elder sister tame beasts.
In just a moment, they withdrew their gazes and focused intently on Feng Ninghe.
Earlier, while Feng Qingcheng was taming the beast, the Thunder Leopard feigned submission and seized the opportunity to sneak attack Feng Qingcheng.
This time, perhaps Feng Ninghe would also be ambushed by the Thunder Leopard.
However, Feng Ninghe's hand gently stroked the Thunder Leopard's head.
The originally ferocious Thunder Leopard, with immense enthusiasm, nudged its head against her fair arm, greedily sniffing the scent on Feng Ninghe, and let out soft growls.
What a fragrant, beautiful cultivator, I really want to recognize her as my master!
How glorious it would be to recognize the same master as Brother Qilin!
Xiao Zhao's azure eyes instantly widened, and he continuously grumbled and vehemently rejected.
Having me as a master is enough, you don't need another one!
Having one little seedling fighting with me for the master is already too much! Go wherever you want to cool off!
"What... what is going on?"
Feng Qingcheng was stunned, the movement of shaking the beast-taming bell paused slightly, but after a moment, she frantically circulated her spiritual energy and used the beast-taming bell.
But no matter how she shook it, the Thunder Leopard showed no change, affectionately rubbing against Feng Ninghe's palm, like a well-behaved, obedient kitten.
If the crowd hadn't witnessed the Thunder Leopard's ferocity with their own eyes, they might have been deceived by its docile appearance.
Feng Qingcheng did not notice the spatial jade bracelet on her wrist subtly move, skillfully neutralizing the beast-taming bell.
Li Huang's expression was excited, and a trace of fervor flashed in his eyes: "As expected of the daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo, to be able to tame such a ferocious beast!"
More importantly, before Feng Ninghe and the Thunder Leopard even exchanged blows, the Thunder Leopard submitted willingly.
The Empress stared at the scene before her with surprise.
Everyone present found it difficult to reconcile the docile and obedient Thunder Leopard, enthusiastically rubbing against Feng Ninghe's arm, with the fierce beast that had been relentlessly chasing Feng Qingcheng moments ago.
Di Wenbin's mouth gaped in astonishment, and after a long while, he managed to utter a sentence: "Is this... still the ferocious Thunder Leopard? Could Feng Ninghe have swapped it out?"
Swapping out the Thunder Leopard in plain sight was impossible.
He refused to believe that Feng Ninghe truly had the ability to tame the Thunder Leopard, and kept trying to convince himself otherwise.
It must be that Feng Ninghe did something underhanded in secret!
The cultivators erupted, chattering amongst themselves like gossiping women in the marketplace.
"This Thunder Leopard has actually been tamed by her! The Thunder Leopard submitted willingly before Feng Ninghe even made a move!"
"She accomplished what even Feng Qingcheng couldn't do! No wonder she was taken as a disciple by Immortal Xu; she must have extraordinary abilities..."
Feng Ninghe remained unfazed, not paying attention to the cultivators' discussions. She continued to gently stroke its head, "Li Huang is of noble status. If you recognize him as your master, he will naturally not treat you poorly."
The Thunder Leopard opened its innocent and harmless eyes, glanced at Xiao Zhao with a hint of apprehension, then shifted its gaze back to Feng Ninghe, softly whimpering.
Don't you want an innocent and cute Thunder Leopard as your spirit beast?
The Thunder Leopard blinked its eyes repeatedly, attempting to act cute.
Its massive body combined with its fierce appearance made its attempts at cuteness seem out of place.
Feng Ninghe smiled and withdrew her hand: "You will not fare badly following Li Huang. He is the king of a nation and commands the resources of an entire country. If you miss this opportunity, you will never find such a master again. I already have spirit beasts by my side and do not need another."
The Thunder Leopard looked at Feng Ninghe with some pain, its heart filled with unwillingness, but it still nodded in agreement.
"Li Huang, the Thunder Leopard has been tamed and is willing to recognize you as its master."
Feng Ninghe turned her gaze towards Li Huang.
These simple words caused Li Huang to laugh heartily, and he looked at her with great satisfaction: "Ninghe, I never expected you to have the ability to tame the Thunder Leopard. If your parents in heaven saw you achieve such success, they would surely be immensely proud."
The Thunder Leopard obediently walked towards Li Huang, lowering its head to await the signing of the contract.
Li Huang pricked his middle finger and dripped a drop of blood onto the Thunder Leopard's forehead.
The contract was signed, and a fierce light emanated from the Thunder Leopard. After a moment, the light disappeared.
Only after the contract was signed did Feng Qingcheng stop her actions, no longer shaking the beast-taming bell frantically.
She stared at the scene before her with wide eyes, filled with disbelief, almost crushing the beast-taming bell.
Feng Ninghe, the good-for-nothing, had successfully tamed the Thunder Leopard with just a few words.
What sorcery did this woman use!
Madam Zhang, who was fawning over Feng Qingcheng, pointed at her tattered clothes and reminded her: "Qingcheng, before everyone notices, quickly change into clean clothes."
Feng Qingcheng then noticed her torn and ragged attire, ripped in many places.
She quickly used her spiritual arts to change into a new set of clothes and tidied herself up a bit with Madam Zhang's help. Although she still looked a bit disheveled, it was at least better than before.
Madam Zhang looked at a scratch on her cheek with a hint of heartache: "Qingcheng, Mother has some excellent ointment. I'll use it on you later. Your face absolutely cannot be harmed!"
For a young lady, a beautiful face was of utmost importance.
Feng Tongtong's face was already so injured; she had to take good care of Feng Qingcheng.
Feng Qingcheng nodded and took out a veil from her storage bag, covering her cheek. Her resentful gaze was fixed on Feng Ninghe.
Li Huang stroked his chin with mild satisfaction, his eyes filled with delight as he looked at Feng Ninghe: "Ninghe, you have tamed the Thunder Leopard for me. Naturally, I cannot let a contributor feel slighted. What reward do you desire?"
Feng Ninghe's gaze slightly narrowed, her expression calm, and a subtle smile played on her lips: "Reporting to Li Huang, Ninghe does not require any reward. I only ask that Li Huang does not interfere with the bets between the younger generation."
"Bets? What bets?"
Li Huang showed a curious expression.
Facing his inquiry, Feng Ninghe calmly replied: "A few juniors just made a bet with me, betting whether I could tame the Thunder Leopard. Now that the results are out, they should honor the bet."
Upon hearing that it was merely a bet among the juniors, Li Huang said dismissively: "If that is the case, it is not appropriate for me to meddle in the affairs of the younger generation."
Di Wenbin and Wang Junzhao shivered.
They remembered the content of the bet.
But they were disciples of the Immortal Sect. Being bullied by Su Hongxiu was one thing, but did they have to apologize to Feng Qingcheng in public?
Di Wenbin's footsteps faltered, and he took a step as if to leave.
He was the only son of the Immortal Sect's leader. He absolutely could not afford to be shamed in the small Li Kingdom, otherwise, he would be mocked upon his return.
"Where are you going?"
Suddenly, a gust of wind swept past him.
When the wind stopped, a solitary figure had appeared before him.
Feng Ninghe's expression turned cold, her sharp eyes staring directly at him: "You two are disciples of the Immortal Sect. Are you perhaps sore losers, trying to escape at the last moment?"