As the day's training concluded, evening set in. Su Ming and his friends went to the dining hall, then returned to their dorms, diving into their respective training routines.
Meanwhile, after carrying Ye Lingling back to her dorm and laying her on the bed, Dugu Yan stayed by her side, alternating between training and waiting for her to wake up.
Soon, Ye Lingling blinked awake, her vision still blurry. She felt exhausted, barely able to stay awake. She remembered the morning's training with Su Ming and that their spirit power fusion had succeeded. But how did she end up back in her room? Had she fainted before even experiencing the effects?
Sensing movement, Dugu Yan stopped her own training, noticing that Ye Lingling was finally awake.
"Lingling, how are you feeling?" Dugu Yan asked, gently helping her sit up.
Ye Lingling, still a bit dazed, rubbed her eyes. "I feel a little dizzy. I… I think I fainted, didn't I? Did you carry me back? I'm sorry for the trouble."
Dugu Yan smiled, though slightly embarrassed, and decided to clarify.
"Lingling, don't get too excited, but… Yes, I did bring you back, but from the grove to the dorm door, Su Ming carried you in a princess carry. You looked like a real Sleeping Beauty in his arms."
Ye Lingling was stunned for a moment before her face flushed deeply. In her drowsy state, she was now wide awake.
"W-what? A p-princess carry?" She couldn't believe she'd been held like that. Why hadn't Yan stopped him?
Although slightly embarrassed, she found herself oddly unopposed to the idea. They'd already been close to each other during their training to fuse spirit power. Still, it was mortifying—how was she supposed to face anyone after fainting and being carried by Su Ming?
Dugu Yan, seeing her reaction, sighed inwardly. Just try to get used to it.
"Oh, and Su Ming mentioned that you should come to the grove again tomorrow morning at the same time to continue training. He wants you to feel the benefits of the fusion for yourself."
After explaining the effects Su Ming had described, Dugu Yan added, "Honestly, I'm a bit skeptical. There are other Spirit Masters with fusion techniques, but none have reported these enhancements."
Ye Lingling was equally stunned. She hadn't expected her spirit power fusion with Su Ming to have such effects. If it were true, she couldn't deny feeling a bit eager to continue training alongside him. But then she suppressed that thought. Su Ming had his own goals and commitments; she couldn't monopolize his time, not when he had Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing.
"Lingling, since you haven't eaten all day, you must be starving. Let's go grab something to eat," Dugu Yan suggested, noticing her friend's discomfort.
Ye Lingling touched her stomach, realizing she was indeed hungry. She'd used a lot of energy that morning, and now her hunger was overwhelming.
After dinner, she started feeling sleepy again. Dugu Yan noticed and said, "You should rest. You'll need the energy for tomorrow."
As they parted, Ye Lingling couldn't help but admire Su Ming's resilience, both in his mental focus and spirit power.
After dinner, Su Ming returned to his dorm and began writing in his journal.
Su Ming's Journal Entry:
"This morning, after meeting Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan at the grove, we discussed a few tips for practicing the spirit fusion technique, and then we began our first trial."
"Dugu Yan stayed to observe, which was fine by me. Knowing that Lingling wouldn't feel entirely at ease alone, her presence also kept me in check. I pride myself on my self-control."
"To activate the fusion technique successfully, a certain level of closeness is required. I was upfront about it—I have a favorable impression of both Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan. After all, they're both lovely in appearance and personality."
"My honesty was pretty blunt, and even I felt a bit like a scoundrel admitting interest in both women. In my past life, I'd likely have been slapped for this!"
Ye Lingling/Dugu Yan: So you do know!
"But it had to be said. Ye Lingling wants to practice the fusion technique with me, which means we need to get closer. My interest is clear; the rest is up to her."
"We don't have to become romantically involved, but at least we should be good friends."
"As for Dugu Yan, her grandfather already hinted at arranging a marriage between us. He doesn't mind how many women I have, as long as I treat her well."
"And I'd agreed, on the condition that her grandfather convinces Dugu Yan. This morning was a chance to gauge her thoughts. After all, it's been over a month since our trip to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Old Freak Dugu probably went looking for Chrysanthemum Douluo, but he should've explained things to Dugu Yan by now."
"Reflecting on it, Dugu Yan seems hesitant. Perhaps it's because of the other women around me. Or maybe… there's still some lingering attachment to Yu Tianheng."
Dugu Yan's inner reaction: Nonsense! How could I ever have feelings for that cowardly traitor!
This remark infuriated Dugu Yan. After everything Yu Tianheng did, especially nearly getting me killed last time, I owe my life to Su Ming. Why would I want anything to do with him?
If she had any thoughts about Yu Tianheng, they were purely vengeful.
"Thinking it over, Dugu Yan is likely more put off by the number of women around me. She's a proud person. Even when outmatched, she won't yield and will fight harder instead. Not like Yu Tianheng, who was crushed by defeat in the battle arena and fell into despair when Yu Xiaogang told him he'd never surpass his disciple."
"If, as the original story implies, Yu Tianheng were able to match or even glimpse Tang San's shadow, he'd become one of the strongest in the land. Tang San became a dual-god entity, wielding both the Shura God and Sea God divine statuses, with Sea God being a high-ranking god among the top divine beings."
"In the story, Tang San's gods of Shura and Sea indirectly helped him defeat Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue. Without their help, his victory would've been impossible."
Reading about Tang San's dual-god status frustrated Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue. They were also inheritors of divine legacies—why hadn't their gods provided similar support?
Could Su Ming be right? Had the gods they inherited from, Rakshasa and Angel, truly fallen, leaving only remnants of their powers?
Bibi Dong, meanwhile, pondered more deeply. Xue'er's Angel God inheritance site remains protected by the Worship Hall, with Qian Daoliu and the other priests standing guard. The Angel God even left her a set of inheritance spirit bones, a full set of 100,000-year spirit bones, if fully absorbed!
"But what about me? The Rakshasa God gave no such assistance. I had to rely entirely on my own strength."
Moreover, my Rakshasa Trials only began after my time in Slaughter City. Su Ming mentioned that the Shura God's inheritance site is within Slaughter City. Why would I receive the Rakshasa God's trial there? Could it be… that the Shura God killed the Rakshasa God, leaving only a fragment of its spirit trapped in Slaughter City?
It was a chilling thought.
Thinking back, she recalled her first trial after leaving Slaughter City, with her heart steeped in hatred and bitterness. It involved an encounter with an injured Qian Xunji. At that moment, a voice urged her to exact revenge, promising her boundless power. She'd heeded it, killing Qian Xunji, which marked the start of her Rakshasa Trials.
Now, as she held the Heart Purification Bead gifted by the system, she realized how much it had helped. Without it, the Rakshasa God's influence might have led her further down a dark path.
Perhaps, she thought, to fully inherit the Rakshasa God's power, I must master these emotions rather than letting them control me.
She had come to understand that her trials, while immensely powerful, were also a double-edged sword. The dark power she wielded was as treacherous as it was tempting, and if she ever lost control, it would consume her.
After all, power itself is neither good nor evil; it's how you use it that matters.
The so-called "evil spirit masters" were judged not for the nature of their powers but for the methods they chose to wield them.
Reflecting on her past actions, particularly the way she'd killed Qian Xunji, Bibi Dong recognized the parallels. Her journey of reflection and vigilance had only just begun.
Bibi Dong's seventh Rakshasa Trial was unique: she needed to control thirty percent of the evil intent within the Pure Heart Pearl. This raised questions—how did the Rakshasa God know she possessed such an artifact, altering her trial based on her current state?
What Bibi Dong didn't know was that divine trials often adapted to the inheritor's circumstances. Though the Rakshasa God may have perished, it seemed a trace of its consciousness remained; otherwise, it wouldn't have been able to bestow a legacy trial.
Su Ming's Journal Entry:
"The original story gave little attention to Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan's fates. Ultimately, they ended up together, but things didn't end well. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, their sanctuary, was annihilated. This was Bibi Dong's first move in establishing the Spirit Empire, eliminating clans not aligned with her empire, including the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
"The Clear Sky Clan, secluded and powerful, was left untouched. However, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan wasn't as lucky; they were completely eradicated, while the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan survived with a remnant of their lineage thanks to Tang San's hidden weapons."
Dugu Yan felt a wave of realization: So Su Ming had spared Yu Tianheng, not out of leniency, but due to his consideration for her and everyone's safety. Yet, he also wanted her to make her own decisions about that connection.
Su Ming's kindness toward her and her grandfather was clear. Now she had to take responsibility, severing her ties with Yu Tianheng. She would make her stance known if they met in the upcoming Soul Master Tournament, perhaps even crippling him if necessary.
Su Ming's journal continued:
"During our first attempt at a spirit fusion technique, things didn't go as planned. Despite our best efforts, I was blocked from merging my spirit power within Ye Lingling's. She was clearly nervous and couldn't fully open up. Although it was a shame, I understand."
Everyone:...
Su Ming, do you realize how ambiguous that sounds?
Ye Lingling blushed as she read on, amused and flustered by the suggestive wording.
Su Ming's Journal:
"When Lingling asked if there was any other way, I explained that a deeper physical connection—an embrace—could help. This isn't your typical polite hug but a closer embrace that could foster a state of calm and connectedness."
He went on to explain:
"I admire beautiful women like any man, but to coerce someone goes against my principles. That's where I draw the line!"
Everyone: Leave it to you to make such a statement sound so... profound.
In her room, Ye Lingling's face was flushed, but she read on with fascination, eager to hear more about the effects.
"When we tried again with Lingling's permission, this time embracing from behind, the fusion process was much smoother. Eventually, our spirit powers merged entirely! This was a crucial first step toward a successful spirit fusion technique, proving that with time and practice, we could reach full compatibility."
With this successful merge, Su Ming continued:
"Our perfect compatibility would bring unique benefits. When two spirits achieve a perfect fusion, they don't just combine powers—they amplify each other. First, it speeds up spirit power recovery; second, it accelerates cultivation speed; and third, it enhances the quality and potency of any techniques or skills used during fusion. Unfortunately, Lingling fainted from the effort, leaving us unable to explore these effects in depth."
Ye Lingling, more determined than ever, felt her curiosity deepening about these new abilities. How much could her Nine Heart Begonia's healing power improve with such an enhancement?
Later that night, after journaling, Su Ming resumed training, confident that he would soon reach level 49.
Ding! "Congratulations, host! Daily journal completed. Reward: Ten-thousand-year increase for your first three spirit rings and a God-bestowed spirit ring (Poison)."
Su Ming was elated. An ideal poison-based spirit ring for his fifth ring? The coincidence was too perfect.
Inwardly, he praised the system: System, you're amazing!
System: "Your luck is all there is to thank for that."
Meanwhile, elsewhere...
Ding! Today's characters most frequently mentioned are Xiao Wu (nine times), Zhu Zhuqing (two times), Ning Rongrong (seven times), Ye Lingling (thirteen times), Dugu Yan (twenty times), Liu Erlong (five times), Bibi Dong (ten times), and Qian Renxue (three times).
Since Dugu Yan was mentioned the most today, her spirit ring's age has been increased to 10,000 years!
Dugu Yan was thrilled—this reward was incredible! With her spirit skills now reaching the 10,000-year threshold, a qualitative transformation was underway. Focusing on the changes, she noticed the toxicity of her attacks was significantly intensified.
Her second skill, Green Phosphorus Poison Fang, could now summon more green snakes, and the blindness effect increased from three to seven seconds. Without assistance, anyone caught would likely face death. Additionally, her fourth skill, Green Phosphorus Mirage, now increased speed by 300% and allowed her to create up to five illusions. She could show only two illusions around Su Ming until she hit level fifty, at which point she could reveal all five.
The following morning, Su Ming arrived at the forest clearing by the mountains as promised, only to find that Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan were already there. Without delay, they commenced their fusion practice, hand in hand, experiencing significant improvements in Ye Lingling's healing ability and a moderate 20% enhancement in Su Ming's own healing effects.
Afterward, Su Ming proposed a morning training schedule with Ye Lingling, which she accepted with excitement. While her thoughts leaned toward wanting Su Ming around more, she couldn't bring herself to say it directly, so his suggestion delighted her.
For the next few days, Su Ming trained with Ye Lingling in the mornings, often joined by Dugu Yan. In the afternoons, he practiced with Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing in a mimicry training environment.
During lunch in the dining hall one day, Su Ming turned to Dugu Yan and asked, "Dugu Yan, our team has been without a leader since Qin Ming left. Has the academy done anything to fill that spot?"
After spending so much time together, Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan had fully integrated into the friend circle of Xiao Wu and the others. Dugu Yan shook her head and suggested they consult the school administrators about formally appointing Su Ming as team leader for the Imperial Fighting Team.
Su Ming smiled but expressed concern, "The tournament is still nine months away, so they might hold another selection round. Appointing me directly could stir some resentment."
Xiao Wu interjected, "Su Ming, with your strength, who would dare object? If anyone tries, I'll personally teach them a lesson!"
The girls all laughed at this, agreeing with Xiao Wu's sentiment.
Dugu Yan added, "No one would dare to object, and we're already the strongest team in the academy. However, if someone truly believes they're capable, they can challenge us, but only members from the same role can issue such challenges."
Su Ming understood that their team, representing the Heaven Dou Empire, was the main team. If others had grievances, they could challenge them, which was fair. Meanwhile, the secondary team had little chance of even passing the preliminary rounds.
After lunch, everyone returned to their dorms to rest before more training. When Su Ming arrived at his door, he noticed a familiar figure waiting—it was Dugu Bo.
"Old Monster, you're back?" Su Ming said, smiling as he unlocked the door.
Dugu Bo chuckled, "Just got back and thought I'd share some good news with you."
Once they were settled inside with tea, Su Ming asked, "I heard from Dugu Yan that after the Star Dou Forest trip, you went off to duel that Titled Douluo you mentioned?"
Dugu Bo nodded, "Exactly! You wouldn't believe it—his flower-based spirit skills were no match for me. My poison dissolved his attacks before they even got close. He was shocked!"
Su Ming laughed, knowing that, with his new mastery over poison, Dugu Bo would no longer be disadvantaged. "So, was he curious about your sudden strength improvement?"
Dugu Bo chuckled. "Of course! He even suspected I was practicing some dark technique and warned me to give it up. Ridiculous, as if I'd choose something so reckless!"
Su Ming grinned, "Seems this Titled Douluo isn't a bad guy. After all, the Spirit Hall hunts dark spirit masters. If he thought you were one, he'd likely attack without question. Or, at his current strength, he might even lose in the attempt."
Dugu Bo agreed. "While we've clashed before, it's nothing personal—it's just the enmity between Spirit Hall and the Heaven Dou Empire."
Curious, he added, "By the way, I finally asked about his martial spirit. It's the same as the Chrysanthemum Douluo flower that grows by the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well: the Chrysanthemum Transcending Heaven Herb. I noticed during our fight that he's been developing his powers all wrong!"
Su Ming nodded, "You're right; following an offensive route is misaligned for him, but he can't change now. The misaligned focus depleted his potential, likely preventing him from reaching level ninety-six."
Dugu Bo sighed. "Do you think if he took the Chrysanthemum Transcending Heaven Herb, he'd be able to break through?"
Su Ming replied, "Possibly, but you're enemies, so why even consider it?"
Dugu Bo laughed, "True enough."
After a thoughtful pause, Su Ming voiced a question, "You've repaid your debt to the Heaven Dou Empire. Have you ever thought of moving to a different faction?"
Dugu Bo looked at him, intrigued yet cautious. "Su Ming, where did this come from?"
Su Ming explained, "Yes, that's my plan after the tournament. The Spirit Hall's support for the commoners resonates with me as one myself. Unlike the Empire, where nobles with no real strength hoard resources, Spirit Hall supports talented individuals, regardless of status."
He continued, "I have greater aspirations, and Spirit Hall's resources and influence are ideal for my growth. If I aimed to establish my own power, it would take years—perhaps decades. And honestly, the Empire's aristocracy treats commoners with disdain. It's unjust."
"Also, Old Monster, I thought I sensed compassion when you spoke of Chrysanthemum Douluo. You both share an interest in exotic plants and could have been good friends if not for the political division."
Dugu Bo fell silent, contemplating Su Ming's words. The Spirit Hall, after all, had programs benefiting commoners and even dedicated resources to hunting dark spirit masters. The Empire, by contrast, upheld a rigid hierarchy that stifled talent.
Finally, after a moment's hesitation, Dugu Bo nodded, "Alright, Su Ming. I'll stand by you. But let's be clear: I can't take orders from the Spirit Hall's higher-ups. My loyalty is with you."
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