Bab 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.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone