An Outburst from Silence

"W-What's wrong?"

Upon hearing Su Cheng's voice, Ah Yin paused for a moment, her half-closed eyes widening slightly.

He then quickly pulled his arm back as if he had been electrocuted, instinctively gripping his collar with his other hand, and stammered in a low voice, "What do you mean?"

As soon as she spoke, she suddenly noticed that her slightly hoarse voice sounded a bit strange.

It felt like a sticky, moist dampness was rising up in my throat, stuck between my lips and tongue, and then being gently exhaled along with my breath.

Her heart was pounding like a thunderous drumbeat.

A searing flame burned within her chest cavity, blood gushing from her aorta and then engulfing her entire body like molten lava, overwhelming her reason and leaving her feeling dizzy and lightheaded.

Su Cheng's heart also raced at that moment.

He swallowed hard, quickly looked away, and got up first to walk into the flower bushes, looking at the precious transplanted plants.

In the flower garden, besides some of the varieties Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, there are also rare and exotic herbs that Chrysanthemum Douluo has found elsewhere during this period.

Yue Guan flowers and has previously discovered many precious flowers and plants in famous mountains and dangerous places.

However, since most of those plants require special environmental support to grow, and he did not have the means to cultivate them in ordinary environments, he had not transplanted them.

After witnessing Ah Yin's methods, he no longer needed to hesitate and brought back the rare treasures he had long coveted to Spirit City for cultivation.

Su Cheng had been in Spirit City for so long, but he had never been to this flower garden before. However, due to his own professional background, he was also extremely interested in herbs.

At this moment, I was drawn to the scenery and began to admire it with great interest, gradually letting go of the fleeting beauty I had just experienced.

After a long time, Ah Yin's figure finally approached him from behind, her face still flushed with shyness.

Su Cheng, on the other hand, was carefully observing a tea tree that was more than half a person tall in front of him.

Its trunk is crooked and tough, and its bark is crisscrossed with grooves, bearing the marks of time. Its emerald-like tender leaves shimmer with a crystal luster in the sunlight, and it does not look delicate at all.

If Bibi Dong hadn't mentioned it before, he wouldn't have imagined that this thing required such a demanding growing environment. It's amazing that Ah Yin was able to take such good care of it and make it thrive.

Su Cheng didn't turn around, staring at the tea tree and casually asked, "His Holiness the Pope said that this is the mother tree of the tea that produced those teas, the Dragon Saliva Heavenly Fragrance? Where did you find it? I've never heard of this variety of tea tree before."

When Ah Yin heard his calm voice, she was taken aback for a moment. She did not answer immediately, but instead glanced at Su Cheng out of the corner of her eye.

Then, a look of astonishment and shame flashed in her eyes.

The other person's composure was genuine!

Although I understand that Su Cheng's nonchalant attitude in changing the subject at this moment is probably to avoid embarrassment.

But this nonchalant demeanor still left her feeling somewhat annoyed.

Therefore, his tone was somewhat indifferent. "I don't know. Chrysanthemum Elder found it. It was already half dead at the time. He asked me if I could revive it."

"So that's how it is."

Su Cheng nodded, glancing at Ah Yin in surprise.

This tone doesn't seem like the other person's personality.

Are you angry?

Because of what just happened?

It seems that the previous actions were indeed a bit excessive.

I was too engrossed in the moment and didn't consider Ah Yin's feelings.

Looking back now, that approach was probably even more unacceptable than the previous research into her body composition.

The other party's reaction after the study was completed proved this point.

But if that's the case, why didn't she choose to interrupt herself halfway through?

Although stopping midway would result in incomplete data collection, the overall effect wouldn't be significantly different...

The two walked silently through the flowerbed.

Apart from the rustling of the breeze through the flowers, the entire flowerbed was completely silent.

Su Cheng would occasionally reach out and touch the flowers and plants he had never seen before, observe and smell them, and then think about their uses.

Only after they had gone deeper into the area did Ah Yin hesitate before speaking, "Su Cheng, there's something I want to ask you."

"You say."

Su Cheng put down the branches and leaves in his hand and looked up.

Before this, Ah Yin seemed to want to say something but hesitated.

But for some reason, she seemed hesitant and didn't speak until now, when she finally made up her mind.

"Do you have any way to allow ordinary Soul Master to advance in rank by condensing Soul Ring themselves, without having to hunt Soul Beast?"

She knew that Su Cheng could do it himself.

Back in the Blue Silver Grass Forest, the opponent clearly did not possess the Blue Silver Emperor Bloodline, yet forcibly activated the powerful Martial Soul Bloodline within the Longevity Sword, and then absorbed the massive amount of Soul Power gathered by the Blue Silver King, directly condensing his Fifth Soul Ring.

At that time Ah Yin still had a very close connection with the Longevity Sword and could sense everything that happened within it.

The whole process amazed her.

It was precisely because of this that she made the same attempt some time ago and successfully condensed her Eighth Soul Ring to advance to the level of Soul Douluo.

However, it was precisely because she herself had done the same thing that she knew just how difficult it was.

In this process, it's not too difficult to say that a large amount of externally condensed Soul Power is needed.

The medium for stimulating the Martial Soul Bloodline is also not a problem; the Soul Power of Soul Master can trigger it.

The biggest challenge is that only a powerful and pure high-quality Martial Soul Bloodline can generate a blank law ring.

Therefore, this approach is clearly difficult to promote.

However, Ah Yin clearly remembers that Su Cheng did not know how to use Soul Power at the time. He completed the step of stimulating his bloodline by taking a certain medicine.

So she wondered if improving and optimizing the medicine might have some effect.

"..." Ah Yin looked at Su Cheng with anticipation in her eyes.

She believed that as long as the means of generating self-generated Soul Ring were available, the survival pressure on the Soul Beast Clan would be greatly reduced.

The risks of Soul Master hunting Soul Beast are only one aspect of the reason.

The key is that as long as there is enough natural Soul Power in the outside world, the self-generated Soul Ring can easily fill up to its maximum lifespan, and the resulting Soul Skill will be extremely compatible with the Soul Master's Martial Soul essence, making the combat power stronger after advancement.

No Soul Master could resist such temptation.

Once this method becomes widespread, Soul Master will only advance by killing Soul Beast when they have nothing else to do.

It's risky and the results aren't good.

"This matter is of great importance and is extremely troublesome..."

"I can help you research the follow-up. Didn't you say a long time ago that you hated this kind of promotion method? Besides, I am also extremely good at spiritual herbs, and I can provide you with many ideas."

"..."

Su Cheng did not answer immediately, but stood there pondering in silence.

Whether Ah Yin helps or not is not the most crucial issue.

Even the "trouble" he himself mentioned was not the main problem.

The problem lies in the risks after it's done.

He needs the right time to do this.

The impact of this move is no less significant than the release of the complete Innate Skill First Scroll, and in some ways even more so.

If this attracts the attention of the Divine Realm, or disturbs the Silver Dragon King, who may or may not be still asleep, the consequences would be unpredictable.

He doesn't yet have much ability to withstand risks.

Otherwise, Ah Yin wouldn't even need to bring it up; he would definitely be happy to take the initiative to push this matter forward on his own.

For Soul Master to cultivate Innate Power, the purer the composition of their own energy, the better.

Absorbing the Soul Ring from Soul Beast will inevitably pollute one's own Soul Power.

If the absorbed Soul Ring attributes are incompatible with the Martial Soul, it may even directly cut off the path ahead, and it is extremely difficult to reverse.

Su Cheng was able to cleanse himself of the impurities of the laws originating from the Soul Beast's Soul Ring because he was able to resonate with the five elements. How many other Soul Master can do this?

However, these secrets were of great importance, and he couldn't tell Ah Yin directly.

"..." Ah Yin's gaze never left Su Cheng.

She noticed some concerns in the other person's expression.

Although the exact reason is unknown, it is clearly not as simple as just having a troublesome process.

Her clear blue eyes went from initial anticipation to worry and unease, and finally dimmed little by little, leaving her feeling empty inside.

She whispered, "You still don't believe me, do you?"

Su Cheng did not answer.

The surroundings fell silent for a moment.

Just moments ago, things weren't like this between the two of them.

Although the atmosphere was slightly awkward just now, it felt like we had returned to two years ago, when we were open and honest with each other, even sharing our innermost thoughts...

After a long pause, Su Cheng coughed lightly, preparing to offer a few words of explanation.

Having just gone through the "physical examination," which was a very academic and formal process, it would feel ruthless to be too blunt this time, just like before.

Moreover, this matter is not about belief or disbelief, but rather a choice.

He doesn't even have the power to choose.

"Ah Yin, there's something I can tell you frankly. If nothing unexpected happens, I will definitely fight Tang San to the death in the future, and I have my reasons for doing so. This also means that Tang Hao will do the same."

"Moreover, you should understand that even if I don't target Tang Hao, because of your existence, he will inevitably see me as a mortal enemy. And given my personality, I would never sit idly by and wait to die. So as long as I am alive, sooner or later he and Tang San will die at my hands."

"..." Upon hearing these words, Ah Yin's breath hitched slightly, and her face turned pale.

The air is filled with the fragrance of flowers, and dappled sunlight falls on the path through the valley.

The place is so lush and vibrant that even Su Cheng could hardly identify all the plants.

The woman's heart, like this magnificent and splendid flower garden, is unfathomable.

But can she see it clearly on her own?

Su Cheng glanced at the silent Ah Yin and sighed inwardly.

He then said no more.

He turned around and walked away into the distance without looking back.

"...etc."

Before he had gone far, he suddenly heard a woman's anxious shouts behind him.

Su Cheng paused, his shoulders remaining still, but he turned his head, quietly waiting for what was to come.

In the warm and bright spring sunshine, his expressionless profile appeared unusually cold.

Ah Yin's heart skipped a beat at the sight of that wolfish gaze.

Yes, he is indeed that kind of person. He has always been that kind of person. Haven't I known that all along?

The words of advice I had intended to say suddenly became impossible to utter.

She could never influence his decisions.

Ah Yin knew about Su Cheng's past; it was something he had told her himself.

So she also knew that the person in front of her only appeared gentle on the surface, but was actually colder than anyone else deep down.

His unrestrained indulgence and ruthless indifference often stemmed from Shi Xing.

He is like a passerby in this world. Unless you enter his heart, no matter how much you seduce or provoke him, it is difficult to stir up much emotion in his heart.

He doesn't care at all.

According to Su Cheng at the time, he also possessed memories of another world.

Ah Yin vividly remembers the loneliness that Su Cheng exuded when he said those words.

She had no idea how profound the so-called "other memory" the other person spoke of really was.

But that moment touched her the most.

However, he himself seemed to have once entered the depths of Su Cheng's heart, which was probably the loneliest period of his life. His lover was thousands of miles away, and he himself was weak and helpless.

But a misunderstanding once again separated them into two different worlds.

It was only after a brief moment of being together and talking that she had the illusion that everything had gone back to the past, back to the time when they could talk about anything.

Su Cheng would ask her for advice about plants and trees, and he would also confide in her about the negative emotions he had accumulated over the years, treating her like a confidante...

That's right, that's how Ah Yin sees herself.

Although most of the time, the other person was mocking her for being ignorant, naive, and childish...

Until this moment, she suddenly realized that this was not the case.

The idea of going back to the past is, of course, just an illusion.

Many things, once they happen, are gone forever and can never be changed.

From the moment I escaped his control.

When I stood in front of his sword that day.

Everything is already different.

There is no longer a place for him in his heart.

She could no longer be someone he could confide in, nor could she continue to play the role of an older sister.

He will continue to be alone in the future.

All the secrets will remain hidden deep within his own heart.

Qian Renxue is the person he loves, but Qian Renxue cannot share those secrets because that woman is too domineering. She may not even know about Zhu Zhuqing's existence.

Zhu Zhuqing was no exception; that girl herself was already carrying a heavy burden of pressure...

"I can help you with the research."

Looking at Su Cheng's profile, Ah Yin said in a hurried voice.

"My abilities should be of great help to your research, right? You just said that my situation is very complicated."

"I know that my Soul Power has some wonderful characteristics, and you will definitely be able to use them."

"Furthermore, Su Cheng, I have never mentioned your secrets to anyone. You can trust me!"

"..."

Su Cheng did not reply; this was not the answer he wanted to hear.

So he silently turned his head away.

Then I continued walking away...

Ah Yin stared blankly at his receding figure, feeling a dizzying sensation as if she were lacking oxygen.

It shouldn't be like this...

That can't be!

She has already given in countless times.

From Xiao Wu's death.

Until Tang Hao and Tang San left.

When she joined the Spirit Hall, she was met with cold stares and even verbal abuse from countless people.

Today, she even allows the other party to know all her secrets...

Mingdu had already backed down to this point, he still did such outrageous things...

"... What else do you need me to say!"

This time, the voices from behind suddenly became excited.

It was also interspersed with heavy breathing.

Hearing this, Su Cheng stopped again, paused for a moment, and then turned around.

"Isn't this enough already...?"

Ah Yin's delicate face was now completely devoid of color.

The previously scorching hot blood gradually cooled down, congealing into ice crystals that flowed through the body.

Her fists were clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned slightly white from the force.

"It's been almost two years..."

Ah Yin looked distressed.

Do you know where this is?

"This is the Spirit Hall, the place that all Soul Beast hate and fear the most..."

"They saw me as an outsider, they looked down on me. Do you know that I died at the hands of these people..."

"Bibi Dong treats me like a pawn that she can manipulate at will. She is the successor of Qian Xunji, and her Martial Soul is stained with the blood of Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast!"

"Beneath her sits a throne forged from the lives of countless of my kind!"

"But what can I do? Without her, I can't even stay in this Spirit City..."

Su Cheng stared blankly at Ah Yin, caught off guard by her sudden outburst.

The content of those words weighed heavily on his heart.

Not far ahead, Ah Yin's outburst was not yet over.

"Besides you, I have no friends here. All I see every day are enemies!"

Tears streamed down her pale cheeks and then slid to the ground.

Her once vibrant red lips had become pale and dry.

"Do I have to tell you personally that you are free to kill Tang Hao?!"

"Does it take me to say this for you to believe me? Is this really that important to you?!"

"Or perhaps, one day I will have to personally intervene to satisfy you?"

"Apart from returning to the Blue Silver Grass Forest once, I have not left Spirit City for such a long time!"

"Since you didn't want to believe me, why didn't you just kill me back then?"

"Doing this kind of thing is so easy for you! With your ruthlessness, would you hesitate because of a soft heart?!"

Her voice gradually became hoarse, her bloodshot eyes trembled slightly, but she still stubbornly stared straight at Su Cheng.

"Have you never lied to me at all?"

"You clearly said before that you wouldn't kill that transformed Soul Beast. Because I stopped you from killing her, you're torturing me like this?"

"Yes, I escaped your control and didn't tell you about this."

"So, I deserve to continue being your slave, your Sword Spirit, and have my life and death controlled by you at will?"

Su Cheng fell silent.

He had never seen the other party so out of control before.

Even when I first awakened my Soul Body, I was mostly filled with shame, anger, and fear, but my emotions weren't particularly intense.

He opened his mouth, "I never said—"

"You resurrected me and gave me a second life."

"My life belongs to you, so it's only right for you to kill me. But why are you torturing me like this?"

"Okay, since you want to hear it, then I'll tell you!"

"I have nothing to do with Tang Hao anymore. Do whatever you want!"

"If you're still not satisfied, then put the chains back on me. With your skills, that should be easy for you..."

As she spoke, her voice gradually lowered.

Tears streamed freely down her cheeks.

This beautiful flower garden has once again returned to tranquility.

Ah Yin's body went limp on the ground, burying her head between her raised legs, curling up into a ball.

"... Why bother? Why bother?"

A familiar voice suddenly came from behind her, and a warm hand pressed on her thin shoulder.

She could no longer hold back and turned to bury her face in the arms of the person behind her, sobbing softly.

Su Cheng sighed silently, his expression complex.

Perhaps Ah Yin's outburst wasn't just due to his attitude just now.

The external pressures she has endured during her year-long stay in Spirit City have likely far exceeded her own expectations.

Those who haven't experienced similar situations will probably never truly understand this feeling.