Qian Renxue's heart skipped a beat at the question, but she forced herself to remain calm. "It's nothing, just a bit warm." Her attendants exchanged puzzled glances—could spirit masters really feel uncomfortable because of the heat? And besides, the weather was far from warm.
Sensing their confusion, Qian Renxue quickly shifted topics. "Spear and Dolphin Douluo, how are your injuries?"
The two replied respectfully, "Young Master, we received healing from the Wuhun Hall's spirit healer elders upon our return. We're fully recovered."
Then, Qian Renxue turned to Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo. "What are your thoughts on Tang San?" she asked, her tone measured.
Chrysanthemum Douluo responded first. "We underestimated that brat. He used that old orangutan as a shield, or else Tang Hao would've been seriously injured, if not killed, by our last strike."
Ghost Douluo nodded in agreement. "Tang San's character is chillingly ruthless for someone so young. In that situation, even a second's hesitation, and Lingyuan's ninth spirit skill would have injured Tang Hao. This kid must be eliminated! And considering the Young Master's mention of Tang San showing dark spirit master tendencies, Wuhun Hall is obligated to act."
Qian Renxue nodded slightly. The circumstances of Titan's death, combined with the rumors about Tang San being a dark spirit master, presented Wuhun Hall with an opportunity for some manipulation. Given that the Spirit Master Tournament was a focal event across the continent, Wuhun Hall could exploit this chance to ruin Tang San, Tang Hao, and even the reputation of the Clear Sky Clan. This way, the world would see that it wasn't out of fear of Tang San's talent but because of his dangerous nature that Wuhun Hall wanted to eliminate him.
After a moment's hesitation, Chrysanthemum Douluo spoke up. "Young Master, I'd like to meet Su Ming. There's something about him—or rather, someone close to him—that intrigues me."
"Who?" Qian Renxue asked, slightly furrowing her brows.
"His companion named Xiao Wu," Chrysanthemum Douluo replied. "The aura she exudes... it resonates with my martial spirit in a way I haven't experienced before."
Qian Renxue quickly understood—Chrysanthemum Douluo was reacting to the aura of the Lovesick Heartbreak Red Xiao Wu had once absorbed, even though the flower had long merged into her being.
Qian Renxue's eyes narrowed. "If Xiao Wu has such an aura, you're not planning to take it from her, are you?"
Cold sweat formed on Chrysanthemum Douluo's brow. "I wouldn't dare. I know her relationship with Su Ming. I'm simply intrigued. Should Su Ming possess such treasures, I'd gladly pay whatever price to acquire one for myself."
Ghost Douluo raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised at Chrysanthemum Douluo's eagerness. But since he had his own interest in another of Su Ming's companions, he remained silent for now. Qian Renxue pondered the situation and eventually agreed. After all, Su Ming had spoken highly of the two elders, and it wouldn't hurt to let them test the waters with Su Ming.
In recent months, Bibi Dong's actions had further cemented her support for the two elders by awarding them each a valuable 50,000-year-old spirit bone as a reward for their years of loyalty. It was a sign that her views of them had shifted, and her recent act of appreciation had touched them deeply. Still, both elders were stuck at level 95 despite their efforts. The prospect of breaking through this bottleneck was almost intoxicating, and Chrysanthemum Douluo felt hopeful that Su Ming could provide a solution.
That evening, Su Ming was quietly training, focusing on his mental energy to regain what he had lost. After feeling close to a breakthrough for days, a sudden surge marked his success: his mental power finally reached the Vast Sea realm! Su Ming was thrilled by the advancement, but it also reminded him of the challenge he faced. The strain from using his full-body Susanoo had been extreme—could it be that Susanoo needed to rely exclusively on his mental energy? Perhaps if he could find a way to bolster it with spirit energy, he'd gain better endurance.
Reflecting on his recent battle with Yu Yuanzhen, Su Ming realized that Susanoo's potential went far beyond simple defense. It could have offensive applications, too—like the teleportation trick he'd used to deflect attacks. The concept of a "counter-shield" that redirected his enemy's attacks back on them, all without harm to himself, had enormous potential.
As Su Ming contemplated staying up to refine his newfound abilities, he sensed a presence outside and called out calmly, "Elder Chrysanthemum, if you have something to discuss, you might as well come in."
Since he'd been discovered, Chrysanthemum Douluo gracefully leapt in through the window, bowing in respect. "Lord Su Ming, I've come to confirm a particular matter."
Chrysanthemum Douluo put aside any pretense of authority as a Titled Douluo. After all, Su Ming was held in high regard by Qian Renxue and had shown astonishing spirit abilities, despite only being a Spirit King. And more importantly, Chrysanthemum Douluo had a personal request, so a respectful stance was only natural.
"Oh? You want to confirm something?" Su Ming asked, slightly curious as to why he'd be disturbed so late at night.
"Yes," Chrysanthemum Douluo answered respectfully. "The young girl by your side, Xiao Wu, the one dressed in pink… did she, by any chance, consume a unique herb, perhaps a celestial plant?"
Su Ming's eyes glinted knowingly. So that was what this was about.
Still, one thing puzzled him. Why could Chrysanthemum Douluo sense the celestial herb aura only on Xiao Wu and not on others in his group? Could it be because the Lovesick Heartbreak Red, being the "king of flowers," left traces of its presence in Xiao Wu even after it was fully absorbed?
Su Ming smirked as he looked at Chrysanthemum Douluo. "Yes, Xiao Wu absorbed it. Why? Don't tell me you're up to something."
Chrysanthemum Douluo shook his head. "Of course not, Lord Su Ming. I was just curious and wanted to confirm it. Was the herb she absorbed the legendary Lovesick Heartbreak Red?"
Su Ming nodded. "Yes, it was. I'm impressed you could sense it even after it was absorbed. That must be thanks to your martial spirit, the Glorious Heaven-reaching Chrysanthemum, one of the top-tier plants. Still, it's a bit below the rank of the Lovesick Heartbreak Red."
Hearing Su Ming's response, Chrysanthemum Douluo's heart leapt. If Su Ming knew his martial spirit so well, perhaps he had indeed encountered other celestial herbs.
Before he could press further, Su Ming cut in, "I suppose you want to know if I have other celestial herbs. Perhaps one that perfectly matches your own, like the Glorious Heaven-reaching Chrysanthemum?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded eagerly. "Yes, Lord Su Ming. If you do, I'm willing to pay any price, as long as it doesn't mean betraying Wuhun Hall."
"Oh?" Su Ming's gaze grew penetrating. "But I don't really lack anything right now, and I'm not looking for favors. Even if I did have the herbs, do you think I'd just give them away? Or did you plan on taking them by force?"
Caught off guard, Chrysanthemum Douluo momentarily felt the urge to confront Su Ming for the herbs, but the calm resolve in Su Ming's eyes killed the thought. He was well aware of Su Ming's importance to Qian Renxue and Bibi Dong—acting rashly could very well mean his death. Besides, Su Ming's mere presence exuded a depth of power that made Chrysanthemum Douluo uneasy. Clearly, he was not someone to underestimate.
In the end, he realized that rather than antagonizing Su Ming, befriending him might lead to better results. After all, if Su Ming intended to join Wuhun Hall, Chrysanthemum Douluo's loyalty might someday be rewarded. Thinking along these lines, he decided to proceed cautiously.
Chrysanthemum Douluo bowed once again, respectfully. "Lord Su Ming, don't worry. I'd never act against you. After all, you are favored by both our young master and the Pope. As much as I covet such treasures, I know we're allies now."
Su Ming raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised at Chrysanthemum Douluo's restraint. It was true that fear of Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue played a part, but the Titled Douluo also genuinely seemed to consider Ghost Douluo's welfare. Su Ming made a quick decision.
"Later on, I might join Wuhun Hall. When that happens, I'll need supporters. Keep that in mind, Elder Chrysanthemum," Su Ming said, his tone hinting at potential rewards.
Chrysanthemum Douluo's eyes lit up as he understood Su Ming's meaning. "Thank you, Lord Su Ming. I'll take my leave now."
Su Ming's words had made it clear: if the two Douluo stood by him after he joined Wuhun Hall, there might indeed be a chance for them to acquire a celestial herb in the future.
After Chrysanthemum Douluo left, Su Ming exhaled, feeling relieved. With the finals of the Spirit Master Tournament approaching, he now had a few days to focus on cultivating his abilities further.
Paragraph comment
Paragraph comment feature is now on the Web! Move mouse over any paragraph and click the icon to add your comment.
Also, you can always turn it off/on in Settings.
GOT IT