Chapitre 327: Chapter 327: Su Ming's Suggestion: Breakthrough by Facing Life and Death!
Bone Douluo (Gu Rong) sighed, "Su Ming, my personality's too stubborn. How am I supposed to find inner peace like that old guy, Sword Douluo? It looks like I'll never reach level 96."
Ning Rongrong asked in a low voice, "Brother Su Ming, is there really no hope?"
Su Ming shook his head. Apart from rare herbs, there was indeed an extreme method he hadn't mentioned—it was too dangerous, though. Sword Douluo's recent breakthrough had been a stroke of luck.
Su Ming sighed, "Bone Grandpa, you're known as the best defensive soul master on the continent, but do you have a true, unwavering commitment to protect?"
Gu Rong was curious. "Commitment? What do you mean?"
Su Ming's eyes focused, "I mean the type of commitment where you would give your life to protect someone, even a whole sect."
In the original story, during the massacre of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, why was it only Sword Douluo who advanced? Su Ming believed it was because Sword Douluo, facing a hopeless situation, fought without fear, determined to kill enemy Titled Douluos and protect his sect leader and fellow clansmen.
As for Gu Rong, his job was simply to escort Ning Fengzhi to safety. The stress they faced was entirely different.
Sword Douluo had been pushed to the brink of life and death, while Gu Rong, with his skills, had an easy time getting Ning Fengzhi to safety.
Gu Rong glanced at Ning Fengzhi and replied naturally, "Of course! Fengzhi and the sect are my purpose to protect. Isn't that obvious?"
Su Ming shook his head. "It's not enough. You have the heart to protect, but not the pressure."
"You and Sword Grandpa are the sect's guardians, symbolizing offense and defense. But when there's a powerful enemy, I'm guessing it's usually Sword Grandpa who takes the lead in battle while you protect Uncle Ning. This has led to a discrepancy: Sword Grandpa faces more pressure, fights more, and gains more insights from it."
"You can't make progress through quiet introspection alone. You need intense pressure, the kind that ignites an extreme desire to protect!"
Ning Fengzhi, hearing this, was silent. He hadn't expected Su Ming to analyze things this way. Clearly, Sword Douluo's breakthrough wasn't mere luck; Su Ming's perspective was truly insightful, and Ning Fengzhi couldn't match it.
In the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Sword Douluo had indeed faced higher risks than Bone Douluo, as he had to defeat enemies rather than just defend against them.
"Su Ming, is there an extreme method to help Bone Uncle break through?" Ning Fengzhi asked earnestly.
If Bone Douluo could also reach level 96, with Sword Douluo at level 97 and Ning Fengzhi's supportive boosts, their sect would stand a chance at surpassing the Clear Sky Clan!
Su Ming responded, "There is a way, but it's extremely dangerous. Are you sure, Uncle Ning?"
Ning Fengzhi nodded, "Tell us, Su Ming. We can't afford to waste a rare chance for Bone Uncle to advance."
Su Ming continued, "Well, as I said before, it's a 'breakthrough through adversity' method. To succeed, Uncle Ning, you and Bone Grandpa would need to put yourselves at great risk."
"Essentially, you'd need a high-level attack-type soul master, someone on par with Sword Grandpa, to launch a fierce attack on Uncle Ning. This time, Bone Grandpa wouldn't be allowed to use his spatial skills to dodge; he'd have to defend on the spot with all he has."
Turning to Gu Rong, Su Ming added, "Bone Grandpa, your martial spirit would be ideal if all your spirit rings had spatial attributes. But since those spirit beasts are hard to come by, you focused on defense. This creates a drawback: instead of tanking attacks, you often dodge with spatial skills. To break through, you'll need to confront this!"
Gu Rong sighed, "Kid, what you're saying is true. It looks like I'm stuck at level 95. I wouldn't risk Fengzhi's life. Neither I nor that old sword freak would ever want that!"
Su Ming raised his hand in concession, "Then it's settled. It is extreme, and it's best avoided unless necessary. If Sword Grandpa's attacks break through your defense, Ning Rongrong would lose her father, and that's the last thing I want."
Gu Rong was speechless. Su Ming wasn't pulling any punches, but he was right; Sword Douluo's level 97 abilities would likely overwhelm his defense without spatial skills to help. The two-level gap wasn't easily bridged.
Ning Fengzhi, however, was deep in thought. Su Ming's suggestion held potential for immense gains, but the risks were equally great. Should he consider it?
Finally, he said, "Thank you for your advice, Su Ming. I'll give it some thought."
Gu Rong protested, "Fengzhi, this plan isn't worth considering! If I fail to protect you, we'd both feel guilty, and the sect, and Rongrong—what would become of them?"
"Bone Uncle, calm down. I'm only considering it. We don't need to go that far now. Just hearing Su Ming's advice has given you something to ponder. As a defensive soul master, what's the right approach? Is it to endure all attacks or to use spatial skills to evade?"
Gu Rong reluctantly nodded, "Understood. I'll reflect on it carefully once we return."
After a while, the auction finally began.
Su Ming glanced over the initial items and quickly lost interest, as they were of no use to him.
Soon, the auction reached its final item.
So far, he'd only purchased three nice accessories for Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing. If he remembered correctly, this last auction item should be the beautiful cat-girl. With the spirit bone gone, she would be the main attraction.
As the staff wheeled out an iron cage covered with a red cloth, Xiao Wu furrowed her brows, sensing a familiar presence—a fellow soul beast!
"Brother, do you feel that…?" Xiao Wu whispered.
Su Ming nodded, replying telepathically, "I do. There's a cat-girl in the cage. Her martial spirit likely mutated, giving her a partial soul beast form—a kindred spirit of sorts."
Reassured, Xiao Wu grew anxious. "Brother, could you bid on her?"
Su Ming considered it. The money wasn't an issue, but once he had her, how would he arrange for her care?
He decided to sort it out later. If worst came to worst, he could arrange for her training at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, just like in the original story.
In the end, after a series of bids, Su Ming won the cat-girl for 180,000 gold soul coins, though he incurred the ire of Prince Xue Xing in the process. Fortunately, Ning Fengzhi's presence allowed him to avoid any immediate retaliation.
Ning Fengzhi and the others were surprised by his bid. Did Su Ming have an interest in this cat-girl?
Bone Douluo quipped, "Su Ming, don't tell me you actually…?"
Su Ming shook his head with a smile, "Bone Grandpa, what are you thinking? I'm not interested in her like that. I just didn't like seeing people treated like objects. This cat-girl still has a soul, unlike those attendants. She doesn't deserve to be someone's plaything. Besides, most of that money was given to me by Uncle Ning!"
Ning Fengzhi appreciated Su Ming's stance. He had also planned to buy the cat-girl, both to rescue her and bring her into the sect as a resourceful member.
Ning Fengzhi laughed. "Money aside, what you've done is admirable. But here's a question—what will you do with her? She can't go to the academy with you."
Ning Rongrong offered, "Father, can't she just stay at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect? We can see if she has a knack for cultivation. If she does, the sect can teach her. How about that?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled and turned to Su Ming. "Does that align with your plan?"
Su Ming, slightly embarrassed, replied, "If you can shelter her for now, that would be perfect. My mental scan showed her soul power is low because no one's taught her, but I believe her aptitude isn't bad."
Satisfied, Ning Fengzhi agreed, "Consider it done. But you bought her; you should handle her onboarding. After all, 180,000 gold soul coins is no small amount!"
For Su Ming, the cost was trivial. Beyond Xiao Wu's request, he wanted to challenge this unjust society. Someday, he hoped to dismantle the slave system entirely.
He also had a longer-term idea: once the cat-girl was trained and stable, he could have her stay at Holy Soul Village with Grandfather Jack as a companion and village guardian.
With the auction concluded, Su Ming's cat-girl awaited in a private room.
He turned to Xiao Wu and instructed, "Xiao Wu, go and talk with her. She's your kin in a way, so she shouldn't feel scared around you."
Xiao Wu nodded and led the cat-girl to clean up and prepare for her new life.
Soon after, they returned, and the cat-girl approached Su Ming, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, master."
Su Ming replied gently, "No need to be nervous. We won't harm you. Do you have a name?"
The cat-girl shook her head, still a little shy. "Could you give me one, master?"
Su Ming hesitated. Naming wasn't his strong suit, but after some thought, he glanced at her purple outfit.
"Let's call you Zi Ling, and you can take my family name, Su Zi Ling."
Xiao Wu and the others beamed with approval—Su Zi Ling was a lovely name, fitting her well.
The cat-girl, pleased, repeated, "Thank you, Master. My name is Su Zi Ling now!"
Chapitre 328: Chapter 328: Su Ming’s Compassion and Meeting Liu Erlong
Su Ming turned to Su Ziling and said, "Ziling, though I bought your freedom, that doesn't mean I'm your master. I'll give you two choices: first, you're free to go and live as you wish; or second, you can join Uncle Ning at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to cultivate—if you have the aptitude."
No sooner had Su Ming finished than Su Ziling firmly replied, "I want to go to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Master! I want to become stronger! I don't want to be at anyone's mercy anymore!"
Tears sparkled in Su Ziling's eyes, yet her voice was resolute. Su Ming wasn't surprised by her decision; given her life as a slave, she'd naturally understand the importance of strength.
"Ziling, do you remember your initial spirit power level?" Su Ming asked.
Su Ziling hesitated, then uncertainly answered, "I think… it was around level four."
Ning Fengzhi nodded in approval; while not exceptional, this was a decent starting point for a commoner. Even though Ziling appeared around twelve or thirteen, it wasn't too late for her to achieve respectable strength with dedication.
After some thought, Su Ming realized Ziling's unique mutation wasn't too shabby. A commoner with level four innate spirit power was quite rare.
At that moment, a steward brought over a crystal ball for spirit power testing at Su Ming's request. "Ziling, place your hand here and inject your spirit power."
As she complied, the crystal ball emitted a faint glow—level six! Given her lack of formal training, the two-level increase over the years didn't surprise anyone.
Su Ming pondered briefly. Since he'd already invested in Ziling's freedom, he might as well help her further.
"Ziling, sit down and relax. I'll give you a small gift to help speed up your cultivation," Su Ming instructed.
"Yes, Master!" she replied, her trust unwavering.
Ning Fengzhi looked on with curiosity, eager to see what Su Ming had in mind. Nearby, Xiao Wu whispered to Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, "Can you guess what Su Ming is planning?"
After a moment, a spark of realization lit Ning Rongrong's eyes. "I think he plans to open up some of her meridians, allowing her spirit power to circulate more freely for faster cultivation."
Everyone nodded in understanding. Though Su Ming hadn't taught her any techniques, unblocking her meridians would enhance her talent indirectly.
Since they were familiar with Su Ming or possessed a diary, they understood the significance of meridians.
Ning Fengzhi observed Su Ming with admiration. His willingness to invest so much in Ziling was surprising. Saving her was already a tremendous favor, yet Su Ming was treating her more like an ally than a former slave.
What Ning Fengzhi didn't realize was that Su Ming's kindness stemmed from genuine compassion. Ziling was the first person he'd ever liberated, making this experience meaningful to him.
When Su Ming finished, Ziling rechecked her spirit power—level ten! Everyone was astounded, including Ziling herself, who had felt an initial discomfort followed by an overwhelming sense of relief.
"Thank you so much, Master! I'll work hard in my cultivation and never forget your kindness!"
Su Ming gently corrected her, "You're free now, Ziling. Be yourself."
He turned to Ning Fengzhi. "Uncle Ning, I'll leave Ziling in your care. Would you like to visit the academy afterward?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "Leave her with me, don't worry. Since we've already seen you, we'll head back to the sect. Bone Uncle can use this time to reflect as well."
After a quick farewell, Su Ming watched as Ning Fengzhi and his companions departed.
Just before she left, Ziling summoned her courage and called out, "Master! Thank you! I'll work hard to repay your kindness someday!"
Su Ming smiled, shaking his head, attributing her gratitude to the freshness of her freedom. That feeling might change with time.
Turning to Dugu Yan, he asked, "Is your grandfather still in town?"
She shook her head. "He's probably not. He mentioned yesterday that he'd be away for a while on some important business. He looked pretty excited."
"Do you know what he's up to?" she asked, sensing Su Ming's curiosity.
Su Ming shook his head, thinking with amusement that the old monster was probably eager to challenge Chrysanthemum Douluo. Chrysanthemum Douluo would certainly have a hard time this time around.
He found himself intrigued by their rivalry. Why the vendetta? Surely Dugu Bo had other enemies if he opposed the Spirit Hall. Their tension felt almost… playful?
"Alright, with the auction over, let's head back to the academy," Su Ming suggested.
The group agreed, with Dugu Yan especially eager to return, as she hadn't forgotten the potential fusion skill between Ye Lingling and Su Ming.
As they walked, they spotted a familiar figure waiting for them—Liu Erlong, dean of Lan Ba Academy. Judging by her expression, she'd been waiting a while.
Chapitre 329: Chapter 329: Liu Erlong's Goodwill Gesture and Su Ming's Curiosity
Liu Erlong had come to apologize to Su Ming and felt that bringing the valuable gift to her own academy would be safer. After all, if the spirit bone's aura were noticed, even with the low likelihood, it could attract unwanted attention.
When she finally saw Su Ming approaching, she let out a sigh of relief. Since hearing he had returned to the city, she had people watch the academy's gates to report his whereabouts. She had been waiting nearly an entire afternoon, almost giving up when he finally appeared.
She quickly approached him, excitement evident on her face. "You're Su Ming, right? I'm Liu Erlong from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
Although she knew Su Ming recognized her name, this was their first official meeting. Since she wanted to establish a connection, it was crucial to introduce herself and make her intentions clear.
Feigning confusion, Su Ming asked, "Oh? The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan? Are you here to attack me as well?"
Xiao Wu and the others already knew Su Ming was playing along, and since Liu Erlong could hardly be his match, it took all they had to hold back their laughter.
Liu Erlong felt a twinge of helplessness but quickly explained, "No, I'm here on behalf of my branch of the clan to apologize."
Her meaning was crystal clear, and Su Ming understood, though he found it odd. Did Liu Erlong and Yu Luomian really believe he would someday gain enough power to threaten the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan?
"Su Ming, would you be willing to visit my Blue Tyrant Academy? It's here in the city, a school I established. I'd like to show you the sincerity of our side of the family—it's also my father's wish."
Yu Luomian's wish? Su Ming had little knowledge of Yu Luomian aside from his status as a Spirit Douluo and his intervention to prevent Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong's marriage. Still, that incident alone revealed much about him. If he hadn't cared about Liu Erlong, he would've ignored their hidden marriage plans, which only they knew about. The fact he intervened just in time indicated his concern.
After some thought, Su Ming's curiosity got the better of him. "Alright, I'll go with you."
How Liu Erlong had recognized him so quickly didn't bother him; being part of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan likely gave her access to sufficient intelligence resources.
Turning to Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling, Su Ming said, "Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling, I'll go to Blue Tyrant Academy with her. If you need anything, let's meet tomorrow, as it's already getting late after the auction. How about meeting somewhere specific tomorrow?"
Dugu Yan thought for a moment, then agreed. "Then tomorrow morning as usual, let's meet by the grove next to the academy's back hill."
Su Ming nodded. "Sounds good."
Turning to Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing, he added, "You three should head back too."
None of them objected; they trusted that Liu Erlong wouldn't do anything out of line.
At the academy's secluded cottage, a private space for Liu Erlong, she spoke to Su Ming in a serious tone, "Su Ming, I apologize for what happened previously. I know you'll probably go after Yu Tianheng and the clan leader, but I hope you only seek retribution against those involved in that incident, sparing the others, like my father's branch of the family."
Su Ming looked at her with a smirk. "You're so certain I'll have the strength to trouble the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan?"
Liu Erlong explained earnestly, "I am. Not only were you able to escape unscathed from powerful opponents, but your support network is formidable. With both the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Poison Douluo on your side, you're not to be underestimated."
"While Ning Fengzhi may prioritize his sect's disciples over taking aggressive action against our clan, Dugu Bo doesn't have such constraints. With his granddaughter safe at the academy or in hiding, he alone could inflict significant damage on our clan."
"Once I realized all this, I went back to confirm whether my father was involved. Thankfully, he wasn't even informed by the clan leader about their plans, so he knew nothing of it."
"That's why I returned and discussed things with him, and we decided the best course of action was to separate ourselves from Yu Yuanzhen's branch and extend our goodwill toward you—taking your side, so to speak."
Her words were straightforward, as she knew Su Ming disliked beating around the bush. Having gotten a sense of his character, she saw no need for elaborate schemes or tests. If it worked, it worked; if not, no amount of persuasion would change his mind.
Su Ming didn't particularly care for their apology, but knowing that Yu Luomian's branch hadn't been involved was enough. Being a person of clear principles, he had no intention of troubling their side unnecessarily. Besides, Liu Erlong was a character he respected from his previous life—fiery and loyal in love, though sometimes unwise in her choices.
Then, a thought struck him. Since they were face-to-face, why not ask a question that had piqued his curiosity for a while? Although the system had offered an explanation, he wanted to hear her perspective on her feelings for Yu Xiaogang.
"Liu Erlong, are you telling me you're entirely cutting ties with Yu Yuanzhen's branch? If I remember correctly, isn't Yu Yuanzhen Yu Xiaogang's father? Doesn't that bother you? I thought you two were… close?" Su Ming asked, watching her expression closely.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
200+ Classement
Power Stone 
29 Power
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