Looking at Chrysanthemum Douluo, Su Ming said with some exasperation, "Elder Chrysanthemum, haven't I already told you not to come looking for me in the middle of the night? Do you and Elder Ghost not need sleep?"
"Ahem… Su Ming, please forgive me. Both Elder Ghost and I are busy managing the tournament during the day, and you've seen the Pope's recent actions. I'm only free at night," Chrysanthemum Douluo replied, a bit embarrassed.
In truth, he hadn't wanted to bother Su Ming at night, but it was the only time he was available.
Besides, he'd hidden his aura so well, yet Su Ming had detected him immediately and even teleported him directly into the room without him noticing.
This made Chrysanthemum Douluo feel even more respect for Su Ming, as he wondered if the young lord could even match Su Ming's abilities.
At that moment, he noticed Dugu Bo behind Su Ming, who seemed to be absorbing something familiar—was that the Golden Sacred Dragon?
Momentarily forgetting his reason for being there, Chrysanthemum Douluo whispered, "Su Ming, is the old poison absorbing…"
"Oh? He's absorbing the Golden Sacred Dragon bloodline. His strength should improve another level after this," Su Ming replied casually.
Hearing this, Chrysanthemum Douluo was shaken. The Golden Sacred Dragon bloodline—it had to be something Su Ming had given him.
Instantly, he felt a twinge of envy toward Dugu Bo. Having a friend like Su Ming was truly a blessing.
As for how Su Ming acquired the bloodline, Chrysanthemum Douluo wasn't too concerned; he had a good guess. The only Golden Sacred Dragon known on the continent was the one used in the Golden Iron Triangle's trinity martial soul fusion technique.
So, he figured this must have come from Yu Xiaogang. Poor Yu Xiaogang—just recently humiliated by the Pope, and now Su Ming had dealt him another blow.
Noticing Chrysanthemum Douluo's strange expression, Su Ming didn't mind and directly asked, "Elder Chrysanthemum, what brings you here so late?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo collected himself and said cautiously, "I have a rather bold request, though I'm not sure if I should mention it…"
Su Ming teased, "If it's that bold, maybe you shouldn't say it."
Chrysanthemum Douluo: …
This guy, Su Ming, doesn't play by the usual rules, does he? Chrysanthemum Douluo had only been using a polite phrase, but now he felt stuck, awkwardly scratching his head.
"Hahaha, I'm just kidding. Don't take it personally, Elder Chrysanthemum. Go ahead—what's on your mind?"
Seeing Chrysanthemum Douluo's embarrassment, Su Ming couldn't help but chuckle.
Chrysanthemum Douluo sighed in relief. "Su Ming, I noticed that Elder Ghost recently took Zhu Zhuqing as his disciple. It got me thinking, and I'd like to take Xiao Wu as my disciple. I sensed the aura of the Lovesick Heartbreak Red on her—it would make her an ideal student for me."
Su Ming: …
"That's it?" Su Ming asked with a smirk.
Though Chrysanthemum Douluo's reason seemed reasonable—Elder Ghost had taken on a disciple, so it was fair for him to want one too—Su Ming doubted this was his only motive. The request was just a bit too obvious.
"Elder Chrysanthemum, did Elder Ghost tell you something after he returned from the Death Canyon? Is that why you're interested in taking Xiao Wu as your disciple? You want a closer connection and access to immortal herbs?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo was taken aback. Su Ming had hit the nail on the head. He had indeed thought that if Xiao Wu became his disciple, Su Ming might be more inclined to give him an immortal herb.
Of course, he was sincere in his intention to teach and protect Xiao Wu, just as Elder Ghost was doing for Zhu Zhuqing.
Seeing Chrysanthemum Douluo's embarrassment, Su Ming continued, "Elder Chrysanthemum, I don't mind your motives. However, Elder Ghost is teaching Zhu Zhuqing all of his skills, including his masterful stealth and assassination techniques. If Xiao Wu becomes your disciple, what can she learn from you?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo: …
Su Ming's question stumped him. His martial soul was the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum, and his main hobby was studying plants, which had little relevance to Xiao Wu's martial soul. What could he possibly teach her?
After a long pause, Chrysanthemum Douluo awkwardly replied, "Well… as her teacher, I'd… protect her, and I'd ensure she acquires the most suitable soul rings."
Su Ming: …
That comment was a bit off the mark. Xiao Wu was a hundred-thousand-year soul beast in human form, so Chrysanthemum Douluo's words, though well-intentioned, weren't entirely appropriate. If he said that in front of Xiao Wu, it would not end well.
Besides, Xiao Wu's fifth soul ring was already sixty-thousand years old, and her sixth soul ring would be her life-bound soul ring. Given her physique, she would likely be able to condense a hundred-thousand-year soul ring.
As for the seventh ring, it could be even older—at least over a hundred-thousand years.
It wasn't that Su Ming looked down on Chrysanthemum Douluo, but with his current strength, he'd struggle to take down even a standard hundred-thousand-year soul beast alone, let alone a soul beast older than that. Such beasts were rare and often lived in dangerous territories—death zones where Chrysanthemum Douluo would hardly survive.
The best approach for Xiao Wu would be to absorb a god-given soul ring, of which Su Ming had accumulated enough over the years for her future use.
On second thought, although Xiao Wu didn't really need Chrysanthemum Douluo's teaching, it wouldn't hurt to have a Titled Douluo's backing. Once Xiao Wu joined Spirit Hall, it would discourage troublemakers and save her from unnecessary hassle.
Moreover, Chrysanthemum Douluo's request showed his sincerity. For a Titled Douluo to lower himself like this was no small gesture.
"Fine, I have no objections. I don't expect Elder Chrysanthemum to teach her much; I just hope you'll fulfill a teacher's duty like Elder Ghost does. I'll speak with Xiao Wu about it tomorrow, and after the Soul Master Tournament, you can find an opportunity to formally take her as your disciple."
Chrysanthemum Douluo was thrilled, despite the hint of disdain in Su Ming's tone. He didn't mind at all; unlike Elder Ghost, he couldn't teach Xiao Wu much beyond protecting her.
Just as Su Ming and Chrysanthemum Douluo concluded their conversation, a sudden surge of energy emanated from Dugu Bo. His Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor was enveloped in golden light, undergoing a transformation!
"Su… Su Ming, is the old poison's… martial soul beginning to evolve?" Chrysanthemum Douluo asked, stunned.
Just by absorbing the Golden Sacred Dragon bloodline, his martial soul could evolve—wasn't that a bit too easy?
Su Ming didn't find it surprising. It was perfectly logical; the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor and the Golden Sacred Dragon were both high-quality martial souls, but the Golden Sacred Dragon was still a step above.
However, since the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor wasn't the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, this evolution would likely integrate some characteristics of the Golden Sacred Dragon, perhaps even granting some light attributes.
A moment later, the golden glow around Dugu Bo faded, and his aura surged dramatically.
"Old monster, it seems you've gained quite a lot this time. Not only has your martial soul evolved, but your strength has also improved. Did you reach level 98?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo's mouth twitched at Su Ming's comment; he, too, wished he could gain strength like that.
Dugu Bo shook his head with a wry smile. "Little monster, do you think everyone can level up as quickly as you? Especially after reaching level 95."
He paused before adding, "But my strength has indeed risen to the peak of level 97. My soul power is nearly maxed out, so it won't be long before I can break through again!"
Then Dugu Bo turned to Chrysanthemum Douluo, who was staring at him in a daze. "Chrysanthemum Douluo? What are you doing here? Did you come to spar with me? Perfect timing—I've just powered up, so I can show you the strength of my new martial soul!"
Chrysanthemum Douluo:
Oh, keep flaunting, old poison. I should've given you a proper beating ages ago. Regrets…
Of course, he wouldn't dare say that now, or he'd be the one suffering. Better to stay silent.
"Ahem… Alright, old monster, tell us if your martial soul has gained any new abilities from this evolution. And do you have a new name for it? Are you actually going with Golden Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor?" Su Ming interjected, giving Chrysanthemum Douluo a momentary reprieve and feeling curious if Dugu Bo had acquired any new abilities.
Dugu Bo decided to spare Chrysanthemum Douluo further embarrassment and laughed, "I actually wanted to test my new ability by sparring with Chrysanthemum Douluo. As for the new name, let's call it the Golden Dragon Phosphor Serpent Emperor."
Well, well, he mocked my naming sense, but that's pretty basic, thought Su Ming.
Seeing Su Ming's expression, Dugu Bo sensed his thoughts and protested, "It's at least better than Golden Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, hmph!"
"Alright, alright, old monster. How about we take advantage of the night and find a place to test your martial soul's new abilities?" Su Ming said, unconcerned with the name but eager to see the new power.
At that moment, Chrysanthemum Douluo seized the opportunity and suggested, "The Spirit Hall has many large training grounds. I can take you there, and no one will notice at this hour."
Dugu Bo looked at Su Ming, awaiting his decision.
Su Ming nodded, "Alright, Elder Chrysanthemum, lead the way. Just stay close to me."
Kamui!
The three of them were transported to the Spirit Hall's large training room through Su Ming's spatial transfer.
This was Chrysanthemum Douluo's first time discovering that Su Ming could use spatial transfer, similar to Elder Ghost's ability.
Su Ming noticed Chrysanthemum Douluo's curious yet hesitant expression and found it amusing.
Dugu Bo, unfazed as he'd seen this before, issued a warning, "Chrysanthemum Douluo, keep this ability of the little monster's to yourself. If I find out you told anyone, you'll be in trouble!"
Knowing his position, Chrysanthemum Douluo laughed nervously, "Don't worry, don't worry. But I am curious, what exactly is this ability?"
"It's one of my eye powers, a form of pupil technique. If it helps, think of it as an eye-type martial soul that doesn't require spirit rings," Su Ming explained casually before turning to Dugu Bo. "Old monster, stop keeping us in suspense and show us the new ability."
"Ahem… Alright, I'll let you both experience it now."
"Holy Phosphor Domain!"
Boom!
A golden aura spread outward from Dugu Bo, enveloping Su Ming and Chrysanthemum Douluo.
"What? A domain skill!" Su Ming and Chrysanthemum Douluo exclaimed.
"Old monster, you gained a domain skill from your martial soul evolution!" Su Ming said excitedly, thrilled at Dugu Bo's new ability.
The stronger Dugu Bo became, the better it was for him.
Chrysanthemum Douluo, on the other hand, was envious. The gap between him and Dugu Bo had just widened. It had been one of level before, but now Dugu Bo had a domain skill on top of that.
As a level 95 Titled Douluo, Chrysanthemum Douluo still hadn't acquired a domain skill. The best chance to gain one was upon obtaining the seventh spirit ring, and afterward, it was only possible through deep insight.
Soon, Su Ming and Chrysanthemum Douluo noticed specks of light falling onto them within the domain, and no matter how they moved, they couldn't avoid them.
After just a few seconds, Chrysanthemum Douluo began to feel discomfort.
Frowning slightly, he remarked, "This domain seems to have light attributes, which could counter Elder Ghost, but why do I feel physically uncomfortable? Su Ming, are you feeling anything?"
Su Ming shook his head, puzzled. "No, I don't feel anything at all."
Dugu Bo: …
Dugu Bo looked at Su Ming like he was a freak—though, to be fair, Su Ming was one.
He had deliberately withheld the details of his new domain to surprise them.
The specks of light in the domain actually contained the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor's venom. Though minimal in quantity, there were many, and they couldn't be avoided.
Within just a few seconds, Chrysanthemum Douluo felt it, while Su Ming appeared unaffected, leaving Dugu Bo feeling somewhat defeated.
"Oh, that's because you're poisoned. The light specks in the domain are a type of toxic trap. If you're fooled by its appearance, death isn't far off!"
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