The once peaceful and tranquil Blue Silver Grass Forest erupted in a massive storm today.
Countless towering trees swayed violently in the wind, their leaves fluttering in all directions.
If someone were to look down from above, they might get the illusion of being in a blue-green ocean.
The tidal waves surged continuously, a scene almost impossible to witness.
Such phenomena usually only occur in open areas where solar radiation causes temperature differences, resulting in rapid air pressure changes and intensifying air flow to create winds of this scale.
However, in this densely vegetated area, with numerous plant-type soul beasts forming a powerful domain like a miniature world to suppress such conditions, it's impossible for a hurricane to form naturally.
But the storm here wasn't naturally formed.
At the very center of the storm, it was calm and peaceful. A tall, slender figure stood there—the true cause of the extraordinary scene.
The raging winds and waves surrounding the area didn't seem to affect this spot at all.
The black clothing on the figure was already in tatters.
It wasn't torn by the wind but by the high-concentration soul power violently running through her meridians, tearing it apart from the inside out.
The clothes were stained a dark red, making her look as though she had just been pulled out of a pool of blood.
However, from the gaps in the tattered clothing, there was no sign of anything suggestive, only horrifying wounds deep enough to see the bones.
Her body, unable to withstand the powerful soul power, had its meridians, flesh, and skin blasted into layers of blood mist.
Only the tougher bones barely held her together.
Even so, the exposed bones were covered in cracks.
The wind grew even more intense.
Zhu Zhuqing's aura had weakened to an extreme.
Her once delicate and sculpted face was now grotesque.
However, despite all this, the newly formed spirit ring had just crossed the ninety-thousand-year threshold...
More flesh silently exploded.
Countless thunders rumbled in Zhu Zhuqing's soul.
She had almost turned into a skeleton.
However, apart from her left arm, which had a light red hundred-thousand-year spirit bone from Xiao Wu, the rest of her bones glowed with a silver-gray sheen.
They shone coldly, exuding a fierce aura.
It no longer looked like a human skeleton but more like a fierce, roaring tiger.
The fierce wind whistled through the gaps in the bones, producing a sharp howling sound.
Even in death, a tiger's bones stood firm, its killing intent undiminished!
In the next moment, the sky was filled with the blood energy of the White Tiger, which then re-entered the bones, coating them with a layer of red light...
The wind gradually stopped.
The blue ocean of soul power was forcibly dispersed by another domain's light.
Su Cheng had ultimately intervened.
"Zhuqing, infuse the spirit ring with the essence of your martial soul!"
His voice seemed to echo directly in Zhu Zhuqing's soul.
The external gathered soul power had completely dissipated.
A complex, unreadable light flickered in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes. She then endured the immense pain in her body and began the process of stabilizing the spirit ring.
The forest winds dissipated, gathering only at the very center.
Watching the massive blood cocoon wrapped in a blood-colored hurricane not far away, Su Cheng's gaze was uncertain.
Could Zhu Zhuqing gain a hundred-thousand-year sixth spirit ring if she continued?
It was possible.
Though she wasn't like Su Cheng, who understood the uniqueness of the hundred-thousand-year spirit ring and knew how to imbue it with special intent to grant the spirit ring sentience, her innate talent in advancing her domain and her deeper understanding of her martial soul's essence through life-and-death battles, along with the pure, intense battle intent emanating from her body, met the conditions.
If the spirit ring's age truly broke the hundred-thousand-year barrier, it would naturally upgrade accordingly.
But it was too risky.
For her to further enhance the spirit ring, she would have to endure several more life-and-death crises.
The further she went, the greater the danger.
Her body might not hold up.
In Su Cheng's view, Zhu Zhuqing reaching this point was already impressive.
Her sixth spirit ring, though not undergoing a fundamental change, was far from an ordinary ten-thousand-year spirit ring.
It was a unique spirit ring naturally condensing perfectly suited to her.
Moreover, during the spirit ring condensation, she had infused it with her special insights, leaving room for future upgrades.
Furthermore, Su Cheng noticed that the intense battle intent Zhu Zhuqing displayed at the end was incredibly powerful.
In real combat, it's not just about the health bar determining the victor.
For ordinary soul masters, as the battle continues, the injuries, energy depletion, and mental fatigue during the fight cause their state to continuously decline.
Thus, usually, one doesn't get stronger the longer they fight but weaker.
But from now on, Zhu Zhuqing wouldn't follow the norm.
With that unique battle intent boosting her, she could indeed become stronger as the fight went on.
Simply put, the lower her health, the stronger her combat power; the more injured, the more terrifying she became.
Even after a fierce battle, as long as she survived, she could greatly enhance her strength through it.
Su Cheng speculated that this resulted from two factors.
First, the killing instinct and combat nature of the Hell White Tiger martial soul, matching with her corresponding innate talent. This was the fundamental prerequisite, unique to this god-level martial soul, similar to the purification characteristic of the Six-Winged Angel martial soul and its attached true wings.
Second, Zhu Zhuqing's arduous training in the City of Slaughter and the process of condensing her spirit ring by stimulating her bloodline, utilizing her powerful will that transcended life and death to unlock the martial soul's potential.
As the spirit ring condensation neared completion, the forest fell silent.
Blue Silver King began to release its soul skills consciously, blue light pouring out to nourish the massive blood cocoon on the ground ahead with strong life-imbued wood attribute soul power.
Su Cheng also assisted, enhancing it with his Five Elements Domain.
Time passed by, half a day quickly elapsed.
"Crack—"
With a faint sound, white light flickered as the blood cocoon's shell shattered.
A slender figure clad in a black tight-fitting dress, draped in a luxurious robe, slowly walked out.
Zhu Zhuqing was, after all, of noble birth.
Despite her family's issues, she didn't lack soul guides and had spare clothes, preventing Su Cheng from seeing anything unintended.
However, he wasn't in the mood to notice such things at the moment.
He observed that Zhu Zhuqing's appearance and demeanor had changed significantly.
Already tall, her recent advancement to Spirit Emperor had added an inch or so to her height, and her features became more mature.
The soft facial lines and slightly dark blue hair she had while in the Blue Silver Grass Forest had now completely reverted.
Her hair had a slight dark red sheen, and her facial features appeared more defined.
Her appearance had become more exquisite, yet the sharpness in her eyes was even more pronounced, almost intimidating.
It wasn't a ferocious killing intent but pure sharpness.
Like an unsheathed blade, even a glance could seemingly cut with the sharpness in her gaze.
"...Sorry."
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing approach, Su Cheng remained silent for a moment before his first words were an apology.
Though he said nothing more, Zhu Zhuqing understood his meaning.
She continued walking until she was just inches away from him before stopping.
Then, she reached out her slender, fair fingers and gently touched Su Cheng's cheek.
This unexpected gesture left Su Cheng momentarily stunned.
Zhu Zhuqing rarely took the initiative like this.
Her eyes held a light difficult to interpret.
"Su Cheng, you know, I've held a lot of resentment towards you."
Zhu Zhuqing softly said.
"It's not because of your messy thoughts or because of Qian Renxue.
"I hate that you treated me like a puppet, arranging my life at will.
"Maybe those are illusions, or perhaps you think it's for my good, but that's not what I want.
"What I want, I can strive for myself. Otherwise, it's just jumping from one prison to another."
Su Cheng opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing.
Even his recent intervention went against Zhu Zhuqing's will.
But he couldn't help it; he couldn't tolerate the other possible outcomes compared to her resentment or any effect on her.
He was inherently selfish.
In many things, he couldn't achieve the ideal unity of knowledge and action.
Yet, Zhu Zhuqing's voice rang out again, softer this time.
"But just now, I was afraid you'd let me continue being reckless, just watching me take risks. After all, I'm still an ordinary person."
A gentle smile appeared on Zhu Zhuqing's typically cold face.
"It was only just now that I realized, actually, I'd rather you interfere with me in every possible way than leave me to my own devices."
"..."
"Su Cheng, I have no other family, only you."
...
Two days later, a young man and woman walked side by side into Heaven Dou City.
The man was unassuming, with a restrained aura, showing no special traits except his calm, mountain-like presence.
In contrast, the woman beside him had an exceptionally alluring figure and exquisite beauty, though her icy demeanor and sharp gaze made it hard for people to look directly at her.
These two were Su Cheng and Zhu Zhuqing, who had left the Blue Silver Grass Forest.
After Zhu Zhuqing successfully advanced to Spirit Emperor, they resumed their journey, planning to visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
But before returning to the sect, Su Cheng took her to Heaven Dou City.
Although Zhu Zhuqing had successfully condensed her sixth spirit ring and her strength had undergone a dramatic transformation, her mental fatigue remained.
The multiple life-and-death experiences took a toll on her psyche.
So, before returning to the sect, Su Cheng planned to let her rest.
In simple terms, he wanted her to get some sleep.
There is no better way to relieve mental stress than sleep.
"This environment is much better than the Star Luo Empire's capital," Zhu Zhuqing casually remarked as she observed the diverse crowd on the broad street.
This wasn't her first visit to this city. During the last Soul Master Tournament, she had come as a member of the Shrek Academy team to participate in the Heaven Dou Division preliminaries. Before that, she had also visited the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy with her teachers to seek qualification for the tournament. It was then that she reunited with Su Cheng and later went to the Sunset Forest's Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to consume immortal herbs, laying a solid foundation for her future development.
However, during those times, either because she was busy or moving with the academy team, she had no time to explore the city. Today was the first opportunity she had to truly look around.
The broad, clean streets were lined with shops, bustling with an endless stream of people. Although her expression remained cold, there was a trace of joy at the corners of her eyes and mouth.
Su Cheng noticed this change in Zhu Zhuqing. She had indeed changed a lot. She was no longer as gloomy and repressed, appearing more lively. Although her habitual cold expression remained, her aura was now vibrant and lively. This kind of soulful relaxation and freedom could not be faked.
"After all, the environments of the two countries are quite different. Come with me, I'll take you somewhere." Saying this, he took her soft hand and walked towards the center of Heaven Dou City.
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at their intertwined hands without a word, then casually looked around, a slight, almost imperceptible smile appearing on her lips.
They walked to the most prosperous area of Heaven Dou City and stopped in front of a quaint and elegant building. This five-story building was quite tall, even in the bustling Heaven Dou City. The sign above simply read "Moon Pavilion."
Few people came and went, but it was clear that those who did were all well-dressed and had an excellent temperament, many of them even possessing soul power. Even the two young men welcoming guests at the door were handsome and extraordinary in demeanor.
As they entered the first floor, a faint fragrance greeted them. The screen wall was carved from fine boxwood, and two three-meter-high exotic orchids stood in front of it. Although just a step away, it felt like entering a different world.
Zhu Zhuqing was a bit surprised. This place was indeed quite unique. Elegant and serene, though the materials and layout were extraordinary, the style was extremely low-key.
Walking past the screen wall, they entered a spacious hall. The floor was paved with large gray tiles, and the surrounding furnishings were all made of various expensive woods. At the front, behind a wide desk, stood several plainly dressed yet beautiful young women. On either side of the desk were exquisite wooden staircases.
They didn't linger on the first floor but headed straight upstairs. As they stepped onto the second floor, melodious music reached their ears. Neatly arranged tables and chairs filled the area, with many guests quietly sipping tea and listening to the music, creating a refined atmosphere.
Su Cheng glanced around and then led Zhu Zhuqing towards the stairs leading to the third floor, intending to explore further. He was also curious about this place, as he had never visited it before despite spending so much time in Heaven Dou City.
However, as they reached the staircase, they were stopped by an attendant. "I'm sorry, but the third floor and above are only open to Moon Pavilion members and soul masters with three rings or more. Please show your credentials."
Su Cheng hesitated. The attendants were ordinary people, so revealing his aura wouldn't help. The only way was to display his soul rings, but both his and Zhu Zhuqing's soul rings were too conspicuous. Revealing them would likely draw unwanted attention.
"Forget it, the environment on the second floor seems nice," Zhu Zhuqing said, noticing his difficulty. She didn't care much about going upstairs. Luxuries had long lost their appeal to her. The Moon Pavilion's environment was indeed impressive, but it only slightly surprised her. The conditions in Spirit City were clearly much better.
"Alright," Su Cheng nodded. They were just exploring, and the upper floors likely just had better musicians. Neither of them cared much about that.
"Su Cheng?!" A surprised male voice came from the staircase. Su Cheng turned to see Yu Tianheng appearing around the corner.
"Senior, what a coincidence," Su Cheng said with some surprise. He hadn't used his senses, so seeing Yu Tianheng here was unexpected. He didn't know that Yu Tianheng had graduated from the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy after the last Soul Master Tournament. It wasn't a coincidence that they met here, as Yu Tianheng often visited the Moon Pavilion lately.
After Dugu Bo joined the Spirit Hall, Dugu Yan followed and enrolled in the Spirit Hall Academy, which ended her budding relationship with Yu Tianheng. This didn't affect Dugu Yan much as she had a Titled Douluo grandfather, but it was harder for Yu Tianheng to accept. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's internal relationships were not harmonious, and as the heir of the clan's main line, his performance was not outstanding. Missing the opportunity to connect with a Titled Douluo left him in a more awkward position within the clan.
Su Cheng had once used the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan to pull Qian Renxue out of the Heaven Dou Royal Family's mess, indirectly strengthening their ties. To further cultivate connections with the Heaven Dou upper class and to build his grandson's network, the clan leader, Yu Yuanzhen, assigned Yu Tianheng the task of liaising with the Heaven Dou nobility. The Moon Pavilion became his primary venue for interacting with the empire's elite.
Su Cheng didn't think much about Yu Tianheng's reasons for being here and casually asked, "Senior, can you take us upstairs for a tour?"
Yu Tianheng was taken aback but quickly agreed with a smile, his demeanor somewhat obsequious. He could no longer regard Su Cheng as an equal.
In the past year, Su Cheng's name had spread across the continent, known as the youngest elder in Spirit Hall history. Initially, many doubted the authenticity of this claim until various Spirit Hall branches confirmed it.
Some said Spirit Hall was promoting its ambitions by highlighting Su Cheng's achievements, though he hadn't won the tournament. Yet, an elder's title was indisputable, making Su Cheng a distinguished guest wherever he went.
Yu Tianheng led Su Cheng upstairs, feeling conflicted. Although there were frictions between the top three sects and Spirit Hall, no one could deny Spirit Hall's power. He never imagined that his former schoolmate would rise so quickly in Spirit Hall, becoming a key elder within a year. Even knowing that Su Cheng might have helped Dugu Bo join Spirit Hall, he dared not complain.
As they ascended, Yu Tianheng noticed the silent woman beside Su Cheng and asked uncertainly, "Are you Zhu Zhuqing?"
If Su Cheng and Qian Renxue were the stars of the last Soul Master Tournament, Zhu Zhuqing, Tang San, and the Golden Generation of Spirit Hall also gained considerable fame, especially Zhu Zhuqing. Her strength made her stand out among the younger generation. Although not as widely known as Su Cheng, she was recognized among her peers. Her appearance and temperament had changed significantly since a year ago, making Yu Tianheng unsure.
"Hello," Zhu Zhuqing nodded slightly.
"Are you two...?" Yu Tianheng's gaze fell on their clasped hands.
"Yes," Su Cheng nodded, not denying it.
A smile appeared on Zhu Zhuqing's cold cheeks, which stunned Yu Tianheng.
Su Cheng didn't know that after they left, the originally quiet atmosphere on this floor suddenly became noisy.
Almost everyone cast their eyes in the direction of the stairs and started talking about it.
Just now, Yu Tianheng saw Su Cheng and shouted in surprise. Moreover, he himself is a frequent visitor to the Moon Pavilion. As the theoretical future heir of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he is already well-known.
Who else could be the young man who surprised him so much, except for "Su Cheng," who once studied at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy?
Almost all the people who come and go in the Moon Pavilion are high-ranking figures in the Heaven Dou Empire. They are either nobles with extraordinary family backgrounds or officials with great power.
Even though many of them are not soul masters, they have inextricable ties with the soul master world.
How could they not have heard of the name of the most prestigious young soul master on the continent in recent years?
The attendants guarding the stairs also looked at each other subconsciously.
Then one of them hurriedly ran upstairs.
As service staff here, they deal with high-ranking officials all year round, so they are naturally good at dealing with people.
Now that an elder of the Spirit Hall is here, they have to inform the hall's owner no matter what.
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