Honesty

Su Cheng and Zhu Zhuqing wandered aimlessly along the high cliff.

The sun shone brightly on the horizon, turning the clouds a golden hue.

A thin mist hung over the cliffs, and time flowed by as the two spent time together. Looking back, they seemed to have no recollection of what they had done during that time.

Perhaps, as Zhu Zhuqing said before, they were just wasting their time.

But spiritual practice doesn't have to be constantly tense. Occasionally, one can steal half a day of leisure like this and feel extremely satisfied.

As a great philosopher once said, if you can find pleasure in wasting time, then it is not a waste of time.

As the sun gradually tilted, it cast a faint, iridescent halo through the slowly moving clouds.

The two sat on the grass by the cliff. Zhu Zhuqing curled up her left leg and stretched out her other leg, showing off her long, straight, and perfect lines, which was captivating.

She hugged one knee, rested her head on Su Cheng's shoulder, and looked up with him at the golden clouds on the horizon, her eyes clear and serene.

A mountain breeze swept across the sky, blowing the girl's dark red hair, which then swirled around the back of Su Cheng's neck.

From behind, the two figures sometimes intertwined and sometimes separated, vaguely resembling one person.

Su Cheng suddenly turned to look at the girl beside him, lowered his head to touch her smooth forehead, looked into her watery eyes, and whispered, "Zhu Zhuqing, don't put too much pressure on yourself."

They felt each other's breath, and Su Cheng's moist lips were almost within reach.

"None of your business..."

She stubbornly refuted him as always.

Before she could even speak, a blush spread across her cheeks, tinging her delicate, fair face.

Her voice was soft and weak, with a touch of alluring charm amidst its coolness.

Gone is the toughness of the past; instead, it's more like she's being coquettish.

Su Cheng leaned down slightly to probe.

As he moved forward, Zhu Zhuqing's body leaned back unconsciously, her breathing became rapid, and her body trembled slightly without her noticing.

Then, their lips met, and he pulled her into his arms.

Zhu Zhuqing rubbed her legs together restlessly.

She was worried that someone might suddenly come here, and even though she could sense it in advance, she could never hide the unusual spring fever in her eyes and brows.

Yet, a unique thrill, unlike anything I'd ever felt before, welled up deep within me, as if I were walking on a swaying steel wire on a cliff edge, where the slightest sway would send me plummeting into the endless Abyss, or perhaps ascending to heaven.

Unable to resist, she swayed her upper body, pressing her full, firm breasts against Su Cheng's palms and gently rubbing them together. Her buttocks twisted and turned, her breathing became increasingly rapid, and her legs trembled weakly.

After a long time, the two parted ways again.

Su Cheng withdrew his arm, helped her tidy up her disheveled clothes, and carefully tied a corset around her waist.

Zhu Zhuqing opened her eyes, her gaze slightly dazed, as if filled with mist.

The rapid breathing exhaled puffs of mist in the cold wind, carrying a faint fragrance.

"Zhu Zhuqing, you've been pushing yourself too hard in the past. There's no need for that."

"Okay, I understand."

She lay there nestled in Su Cheng's arms, looking exceptionally docile.

It wasn't until several days later that Prince Xue Beng finally stopped running towards the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Su Cheng and Zhu Zhuqing were able to sit back in the sect's Council Hall and chat with Ning Fengzhi and the others over tea.

He didn't ask about the Heaven Dou Empire. After casually chatting about the interpretation of cultivation techniques and Ning Rongrong's future cultivation, he said directly, "Sect Master, you should be able to guess the main purpose of my visit here, right?"

"..." Ning Fengzhi paused, his fingers holding the teacup still. After a long silence, he gave a bitter smile. "Is this what the Spirit Hall wants?"

"That's true."

"Could you tell me what the Spirit Hall's ultimate goal is?"

After a moment's hesitation, Su Cheng said frankly, "Unification."

There's no need to hide this now, and it can't be hidden anyway.

The Spirit Hall's wolfish ambitions are obvious, and almost everyone in the upper echelons of the continent knows about them.

The conflict between the royal families of the Two Empires and the Spirit Hall had long been deeply rooted; all that was needed was a fuse to ignite it completely.

As expected, Ning Fengzhi did not show any surprise upon hearing this. Instead, he wore a bitter expression and asked in a deep voice, "Does the Spirit Hall intend to recruit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect? Is there no room for negotiation in this matter?"

"It's not that bad." Su Cheng glanced at him and secretly shook his head at his reaction. He knew even more clearly that Ning Fengzhi's expression and tone at this moment were probably just a charade, a performance of feigning helplessness.

"To be honest, I will never forget the kindness of the sect in helping me when I had nothing. My teacher is like a father to me."

"So, it's fine if the sect leader doesn't want to cooperate with the Spirit Hall. As long as he promises to remain neutral and not side with the Heaven Dou Empire, I can mediate and try my best to ensure that the Spirit Hall does not put too much pressure on the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

Upon hearing this, Ning Fengzhi's eyes flashed with joy, and he sincerely said, "Thank you, Xiao Cheng."

The Spirit Hall was too powerful for him to resist. This was true regardless of whether Su Cheng joined or not; at least in his view, Su Cheng was merely an added bonus to the Spirit Hall.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's former allies, the Clear Sky Sect, had been in seclusion for a long time, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was weak and ineffective, and the Heaven Dou Empire, which they once relied on, was extremely lacking in high-level combat power. Therefore, they wanted to find some breakthroughs from Su Cheng.

That's right. He not only hoped to maintain the sect's independence for a short period of time, but also wanted to get a promise from Su Cheng.

After all, the Spirit Hall's momentum toward unification is probably unstoppable.

When he discussed this matter with Chen Xin before, Chen Xin had actually said that Su Cheng wouldn't force the sect, and that he should just say what he wanted to say.

But without hearing a concrete promise, I still dare not be certain.

In his code of conduct, the interests of the sect were always placed in the most important position.

Su Cheng shook his head helplessly and said seriously, "To be honest, I don't recommend that you make this choice, Sect Master."

"What?" Ning Fengzhi was taken aback upon hearing this.

"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is ultimately just a sect centered around support-type Soul Master. Under the existing order, it may be relatively stable. However, times are changing." Su Cheng said, pointing to the scroll of Innate Skill placed on the table.

"If this cultivation technique were to be promoted, what do you think would happen, Sect Master? In the complete technique, there is also a part that can help ordinary people without cultivation talent become Soul Master."

"What?!" Ning Fengzhi's hand trembled, and he almost dropped the teacup in his hand.

Not only him, but Chen Xin and Gu Rong also turned their gazes over, their faces showing disbelief.

For countless years in the Douluo Continent, the level of Innate Soul Power has been like an insurmountable chasm, blocking countless people and dividing humanity into different classes.

Those who possess Soul Power those who do not are completely different kinds of beings.

But now, someone is telling them that ordinary people can become Soul Master, which is simply a fantasy!

"I didn't deceive you," Su Cheng said calmly. "Do you remember what I said that day, that some parts of the Innate Skill had a huge impact, so I concealed them and never made them public?"

"But... but didn't you say that was a method to improve the quality of Martial Soul and purify bloodlines?" Ning Fengzhi, looking bewildered.

How could he possibly forget this?

When he first heard the news, he thought that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would be completely transformed into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

"That's right." Su Cheng nodded slightly. "Improving the quality of Martial Soul also includes upgrading it from level zero to level one."

"This... this is impossible..."

"Everyone has Martial Soul, which means that everyone actually possesses Martial Soul Bloodline; the only difference is the quality."

That one sentence instantly awakened everyone.

Indeed, on this continent, everyone can manifest their Martial Soul after undergoing an awakening ceremony.

The only difference lies in whether or not one possesses Innate Soul Power, and the level of that Soul Power.

Zero-level Soul Power is the latent aspect of Martial Soul. Once a method for purifying bloodlines is available, it may indeed manifest.

So...

"Would the Spirit Hall be willing to promote this kind of cultivation technique?" Ning Fengzhi glanced at the books on the table beside him, his voice unusually dry, then turned to Su Cheng, "You're willing to promote it?"

"Yes." Su Cheng suddenly chuckled. "A world with rigid social hierarchies is just too boring, lifeless, and utterly uninteresting. Every day it's the same few people fighting each other; I've had enough of it."

"Boring...interesting..." Even Chen Xin felt a chill run down his spine at this moment.

He couldn't understand why his apprentice would have such a mindset.

"I just hope to give everyone the opportunity to strive, make progress, and break free from their shackles," Su Cheng said casually. "Of course, in the process, I also get some benefits myself."

"Benefit?"

Su Cheng didn't bother to explain in detail, but instead said, "With this technique in hand, when the Spirit Hall unifies the continent, we will stand at the commanding heights in terms of strength, morality, and prestige."

"At the same time, countless people in the world will rise from humble beginnings to greatness."

"In this era of rapid change, those who only want to protect themselves will be eliminated by the times."

Seeing Ning Fengzhi remain silent, he continued to persuade him, "Sect Master, in the end, it's just a change of ruler. What power in the world can last forever? Even the Spirit Hall will eventually decline and fall."

"As long as the bloodline Martial Soul can be passed down, with the power of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, it is impossible for it to remain silent. Why are you so obsessed with the empty title of the Upper Three Sects?"

"...I understand." After a long silence, Ning Fengzhi let out a long breath and looked at Su Cheng. "Let Ning Rongrong go to Spirit City with you."

Su Cheng was immediately surprised.

It's understandable that Ning Rongrong might be thinking recklessly, given her lack of awareness of the gravity of the situation. Would Ning Fengzhi really say that?

Although the other party was young, their status was extraordinary.

If he were to actually let her go back to Spirit City with him, it would be tantamount to openly choosing sides.

This is completely inconsistent with Ning Fengzhi's usual style.

Go all in?

He then glanced at Ning Rongrong, whose face was beaming with joy, and was speechless.

So this girl didn't hear any of the important points just now, she only paid attention to her father's last sentence.

Noticing the strange look in Su Cheng's eyes, Ning Fengzhi a deep voice, "Xiao Cheng, I do have a strong attachment to the legacy left by our ancestors, but don't underestimate me."

"If I don't even have this much insight, I'm not worthy of being the sect leader."

"Your Innate Skill is far more powerful than I imagined. No, it should be described as terrifying."

As he said this, a hint of fear flashed involuntarily in his eyes.

As someone in power, he was far more aware than ordinary people of the immense impact of this practice, and his feelings were exceptionally complex.

Even these words and responses were merely spontaneous remarks based on experience and instinct.

In fact, even now, his mind is still somewhat muddled, and he hasn't fully figured out many things.

It is very clear that this choice is crucial, and seizing the initiative is absolutely the right thing to do.

"And you're probably going to visit other forces next, right? Having Ning Rongrong with you can also boost your reputation."

"... Sect Master, there's no need for that."

After hesitating for a moment, Su Cheng waved his hand and declined Ning Fengzhi's suggestion.

He was doing this for the sake of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

The Spirit Hall is a large and powerful organization. Although its wolfish ambitions are well-known, it is not afraid of being targeted by others.

Forget about the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect; doing this would offend far too many people.

Putting aside what the Clear Sky Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan are thinking, the Heaven Dou Empire alone is a difficult hurdle to overcome, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's mountain gate is not far from Heaven Dou City. Who knows what adverse effects might follow?

Even though the relationship is a bit strained now, at least we can still maintain a superficial connection.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, as a support-type sect, owes its current prestige not only to its two powerful guardian Douluo, but also to Ning Fengzhi's adept social network.

Moreover, even without major risks, the sect's business on the mainland could still be affected, so there's really no need for that.

"If you really want Ning Rongrong to go, it's best not to do it this way. Send her to the Spirit Hall Academy under the guise of training and cultivation to show the Pope your sincerity. There's no need to be so high-profile."

"That's fine too."

A few days later, Su Cheng and Ning Rongrong, having left the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, headed northeast along the mountain road towards the Heaven Dou Empire.

Next, they planned to go to the Godwind Academy and see their apprentice whom they had never taken care of.

"Why don't you let your good sister come with you?" Zhu Zhuqing sneered coldly as they walked down the street.

"You look unhappy even now. If we really let her come with us, you'll skin me alive, won't you?"

As he spoke, Su Cheng reached out and ruffled her hair a few times to comfort her.

She immediately slapped his hand away, giving him a mocking glance, "Are you afraid of upsetting Qian Renxue?"

"Of course not." Su Cheng quickly denied. "She's not here right now, so what impact could she have? Besides, she knows about my relationship with Ning Rongrong, so she won't say anything."

After a moment of silence, he tentatively asked, "Don't you mind the relationship between me and Qian Renxue?"

After all, this was something the other party had personally admitted to Ning Rongrong that night.

"How can you even ask something like that? Have you no shame?"

"..."

"Heh." Zhu Zhuqing looked at Su Cheng, whose face was embarrassed, and snorted coldly. "But speaking of which, only you can tolerate Qian Renxue's personality. And you dare to act so recklessly. Aren't you afraid that one day she will cut off your head?"

"Xiao Xue, she..." Su Cheng hesitated for a moment, then sighed softly, "What I've been through with her is far more complicated and tortuous than you can imagine."

Hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing felt a little uncomfortable, and said calmly, "How complicated is it? Did she save your life, or did you save hers?"

"When we first met in real life, you took the initiative to stop me. It seems that you also guessed that the dreams you had experienced were related to me."

"That's right." The girl nodded frankly. "But I still have doubts; I can't be sure. When I asked you before, you never gave a straight answer. So, are you finally going to admit it now?"

"I have nothing to hide from you. Xiao Xue and I had something similar before, even before you."

"So you also devoted yourself to nurturing her, and then sacrificed yourself to make her happy?" She curled her lip in disdain. "No wonder someone like her would be so devoted to you."

"No, you're wrong. In that dream, I was just a useless Soul Master with extremely poor talent. She was a sharp blade in my hand, and she did many things for me. In the end, she was even willing to die for me."

At this point, Su Cheng recalled the scene of Qian Renxue and Bibi Dong's fierce battle after Qian Renxue became a god.

Then he remembered what Chen Xin had once told him, and his heart was filled with mixed feelings.

"She actually..." Zhu Zhuqing's eyes widened in astonishment, her pupils trembling slightly.

For a moment, I didn't know what to say.

I can't help but ask myself, if it were me, could I have done that?

Heaven Dou City, Shrek Academy.

This place was originally called Blue Tyrant Academy.

It was built by Liu Erlong, the illegitimate daughter of Yu Luomian, the second-in-command of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Horn of Slaughter of the Golden Iron Triangle.

Later, when the other two members of the Golden Iron Triangle, Yu Xiaogang and Flender, came to them, the academy was renamed so that the Shrek Team could qualify to participate in the Continental Spirit Master Competition.

However, Shrek Academy has undergone considerable changes compared to a little over a year ago.

With the financial support of the Heaven Dou Empire, the academy was able to expand, and various teaching facilities, Mimicry Training Ground, and the number of Soul Master all made great progress.

In fact, because the academy's team had achieved third place in the previous Soul Spirit Master Competition, which was full of geniuses, and because it did not recruit a large number of noble children of varying quality like the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, its reputation was even better than that of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, making it the first choice for Soul Master near Heaven Dou City to enroll in school.

In addition, Xue Ye also kept his promise and bestowed titles upon that year's students.

Because of Tang San's existence, Xue Ye also went to great lengths to win over Yu Xiaogang.

As he wished, Yu Xiaogang has now become Guest Elder of the Heaven Dou Empire's royal family.

Not only that, even Tang Hao is currently living at the Shrek Academy.

The sun shone brightly, and the sky was clear and cloudless.

A gentle, warm breeze enveloped the academy, where many students wearing those oddly colored yellow-green school uniforms were moving around.

At this moment, a young man dressed as a prince arrived at the academy gate.

He stood still, took a deep breath, composed himself, and then walked into the academy.

As soon as he arrived, students noticed and rushed forward to greet him, "Prince Xue Beng, what brings you here today?"

This person was none other than Xue Beng Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, who had repeatedly encountered Xue Beng at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect a few days ago.

Compared to before, his experience as crown prince over the past year has indeed cultivated a calmer demeanor in him.

He nodded slightly to the young Soul Master in front of him and said, "Please take me to see Dean Flender. If possible, please also find someone to invite the Grandmaster to come along."

"No problem, please come with me."

Not long after, the Xue Beng arrived at the dean's office, led by the student.

At this moment, Flender was leaning back in a huge chair in his office.

Compared to the other students in the academy who were filled with bitterness and resentment, he was actually the one with the most peaceful state of mind.

Flender was quite surprised to see Xue Beng. "Prince Xue Beng, what brings you here today? You didn't even give me a heads-up?"

Given his current status in cultivation, he doesn't need to be too careful with his words.

On the contrary, Xue Beng, who has not yet truly become the crown Xue Beng, needs to be treated with considerable respect.

Upon hearing the question, Xue Beng sighed softly and said in a deep voice, "Please wait a moment, Dean Flender. I asked a classmate to invite the Grandmaster. We can discuss it in detail after he arrives."

Flender frowned upon hearing this, but didn't pay too much attention and waited quietly.

Unexpectedly, this wait not only brought Yu Xiaogang, but also Tang Hao and Liu Erlong.

Upon seeing this, Flender felt a mixture of surprise and delight.

Since Tang Hao and Yu Xiaogang returned from that mysterious place, they haven't uttered a single word about what happened on that trip.

Even between these two people, there seemed to be a slight estrangement.

Previously, Tang Hao admired Yu Xiaogang's intelligence, and Yu Xiaogang admired Tang Hao's strength and domineering presence. In addition, with Tang San between them, they got along very well.

However, since a month ago, Tang Hao has lost his former enthusiasm, and Yu Xiaogang's already stiff face has become even colder, making everyone else feel very awkward.

But it's not appropriate to say much to a powerful Peak Douluo.

Little did he know that the two men were suffering a great blow outside the town Slaughter City was located.

Tang Hao began to doubt the necessity of Yu Xiaogang's existence, and Yu Xiaogang also harbored resentment because of Tang Hao's desertion. In addition, both of them were inherently overly self-conscious, so those knots in their hearts could not be untied in a short time.

Only today, when Xue Beng, representing the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, arrived, did they rush to come.

Although the reason for their visit is unknown, the Heaven Dou Empire is undoubtedly an important ally.

Upon seeing Tang Hao also appear here, Xue Beng's face showed a hint of surprise, and he quickly bowed to the three of them, "Greetings, Your Haotian Mianxia, Grandmaster, and Dean Liu."

Seeing this, the others nodded slightly. Then Flender spoke up, "Prince Xue Beng, what exactly is it? Can you speak frankly now?"

Xue Beng nodded, his expression somewhat grave. "You may not know this, but Su Cheng of the Spirit Hall personally visited the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect a few days ago."

"What?!" Yu Xiaogang was the first to react, his face turning ashen. "The Spirit Hall couldn't hold back this long already?!"

"In the end, there's no escaping it..." Tang Hao's expression was also heavy.

He then looked around at everyone and said calmly, "That Su Cheng is very strange."

"How so?"

Flender and Liu Erlong were both taken aback.

Especially Liu Erlong, whose eyes were filled with deep-seated hatred.

She has no children of her own.

Moreover, if she chooses to continue her relationship with Yu Xiaogang, she will not be able to have children of her own in the future.

So she truly treated Xiao Wu as her own daughter.

The image of Xiao Wu dying in front of her more than a year ago still replays in her mind. Tortured by this pain, she is on the verge of collapse.

Of course, she wanted revenge, but the more she learned about the strength of the Spirit Hall, the colder her heart became.

Qian Renxue, who personally killed Xiao Wu, already possessed the strength of Soul Saint, having achieved this by using Xiao Wu's 100,000 Year Spirit Ring as her Seventh Soul Ring Soul Saint.

At such a young age, his strength is already far superior to hers, and it is conceivable that this gap will only widen in the future.

This near-desperate sense of powerlessness is the root of her suffering.

In that battle, Su Cheng, another major accomplice, has now become an elder of the Spirit Hall.

When Liu Erlong first heard the news, she almost thought that Bibi Dong had gone mad.

A year ago, during the Spirit Master Competition, Su Cheng's level was only Soul King. No matter how much he cultivated, he could only reach Soul Emperor at most.

How could someone with such cultivation level become an elder of the Spirit Hall?

In order to gain fame and to cultivate a new generation of leaders, the Spirit Hall has even abandoned all sense of shame.

Only then did they realize there might be more to the story, and they quickly asked, "What do you mean? Something's wrong with Su Cheng. Isn't he Soul King?"

"Soul King?" A slightly distorted sneer appeared on Yu Xiaogang's stiff face.

"I don't know how strong he really is, but his cultivation has reached the Soul Saint level. Moreover, his Seventh Soul Ring is completely illogical."