Ning Rongrong's Gratitude and Impulse

"Let me use your Ruyi Treasure Pouch. I need to find some herbs to prepare an antidote for Ning Rongrong."

Su Cheng felt somewhat helpless; he had just forgotten to have the Porcupine Douluo cure the poison before leaving.

Anyway, it takes some time for the paralyzing toxin to be neutralized before the person wakes up.

Dugu Bo casually tossed a blue leather pouch over, which Su Cheng caught.

This thing is even better than ordinary Soul Tool; it can store living things inside.

As he rummaged through the herbs he needed, he casually remarked, "Don't you want to ask me anything?"

"I do want to, but I'm afraid you're unwilling to say."

"Ask me anything you want to know, and I'll tell you what I can. Otherwise, keeping it to yourself will hurt our brotherly relationship."

"You're getting more and more disrespectful, kid." Dugu Bo glared at him.

After thinking for a moment, he asked, "Who was that young girl just now? How did you two meet?"

"The person from the Spirit Hall, Xue Qinghe, whom you met before, was her in disguise. As for how we met, I can't tell you that."

"Xue Qinghe was really someone else in disguise?!" Dugu Bo exclaimed in astonishment. "How did you know about this?"

"I can't say that either."

Dugu Bo didn't pay any attention, and then said thoughtfully, "That little girl seems to have a high status in the Spirit Hall. She actually has a subordinate at the Titled Douluo level."

Although Qian Renxue's identity is unknown, her extraordinary age and cultivation level alone make her quite remarkable.

At least he had never seen anyone cultivate to the Soul Emperor realm before the age of twenty.

"That's right, she has a very high status, and even Bibi Dong can't do anything about her." Su Cheng nodded and said, "Please help me keep her affairs a secret, senior."

There's nothing wrong with saying it out loud.

Moreover, it's possible that after Qian Renxue returns to the Spirit Hall, her existence will gradually be revealed, provided that the Heaven Dou Empire doesn't suspect anything.

"Now that she's gone, it's no problem for me to keep it a secret for you. But judging from your tone, are you planning to join the Spirit Hall in the future?"

Dugu Bo stroked his chin, recalling the conversation between Su Cheng and Qian Renxue just now.

"I haven't decided yet, but I'll most likely find an opportunity to join."

He had originally planned to tell Dugu Bo about this so that the other party could be mentally prepared.

Dugu Bo is a lone Titled Douluo who has no grudges with the Spirit Hall. They have always kept to themselves and have no vested interests in each other. Letting him know in advance is not a bad thing.

There are countless Soul Masters in the world who want to join the Spirit Hall, so even if Su Cheng really has this idea, he won't hold a grudge because of it.

"You've got some skills, kid." Dugu Bo looked Su Cheng up and down and chuckled. "So, what are you planning to do about the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"

"I will not do anything to harm the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. You should know how strong the Spirit Hall's hidden strength is. If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has any ambitions towards the Spirit Hall, it's just wishful thinking. The two are not even in the same league."

"You actually know about the Spirit Hall?" Dugu Bo was somewhat surprised.

He knew something about the Spirit Hall.

As a lone Titled Douluo, Dugu Bo had once been invited by the Spirit Hall.

However, he was used to being free and easy, so he didn't join in.

This caused a rather unpleasant incident with Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan back then, but it wasn't really a feud.

However, through this opportunity, he also learned about the Spirit Hall's resources.

"You've seen my relationship with Xiao Xue, and you know about the Spirit Hall. Is that strange?"

"I still don't understand. If that's the case, why didn't you just go directly to the Spirit Hall?"

"Xiao Xue does have some influence in the Spirit Hall, but she has a big conflict with Bibi Dong. She can protect herself, but she can't protect me. It would be very dangerous for me to go with her. The matter is very complicated and cannot be explained in a few words."

Seeing that Dugu Bo was still waiting to ask more questions, Su Cheng said directly, "Senior, I know you're used to being free and probably don't have any particular thoughts about the Spirit Hall. But that's alright, even if I go to the Spirit Hall, it won't affect our relationship, will it?"

"That's true." Dugu Bo nodded.

Everyone has their own choices.

Because he has given up many resources for freedom over the years, he understands this better than most people.

"But I think you're probably going to the Spirit Hall to cause trouble."

Upon hearing this, Su Cheng's face darkened immediately. "What nonsense are you talking about?"

"I see you're the kind of person who won't do anything without a profit, but you're not interested in power. I don't know what attracts you, but the Spirit Hall must have something you want."

"Hey, you've got a good eye for people." Su Cheng didn't deny this. "The most important thing in a transaction is fairness. You have to give to receive. If you want to gain something, you have to pay the corresponding price. This applies to me, and it should apply to the Spirit Hall as well."

Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo's eyes twitched, and he secretly sighed at Su Cheng's audacity.

He had only been testing the waters casually, but he never expected that this kid would actually be after the Spirit Hall.

He believed in Su Cheng's talent.

If they continue to cultivate step by step, they might actually run into the Spirit Hall in the future. After all, high-level Titled Douluo have an overwhelming advantage over ordinary Titled Douluo; one of them could possibly take on more than a dozen.

But judging from the other party's attitude, they clearly didn't intend to wait too long.

Su Cheng hadn't expected Dugu Bo to be so imaginative.

He's not in Simulation now, and he doesn't have any mission to destroy the Spirit Hall. He's just bored and has nothing better to do than go looking for trouble with the Spirit Hall.

As I just said, it's nothing more than mutual exploitation.

He can make some contributions to the Spirit Hall, but only if the Spirit Hall can give him what he wants.

Dugu Bo couldn't help but criticize, "That young girl just now, it's not right for you to take advantage of her like that. I think she has deep feelings for you."

"Who said I was going to use her?" Su Cheng gave him a strange look. "Forget it, I can't explain it to you. Anyway, whether it's the Spirit Hall or the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, they're just transitional for me. What I value is the person, not the so-called sect power. No matter how strong the Spirit Hall is, it's just that it has more Titled Douluo. They won't get in my way in the future. The same goes for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

Dugu Bo's expression changed, and he gave Su Cheng a deep look. He didn't say anything more, nor did he mock Su Cheng's arrogance.

Having spent so much time together, he already knew what kind of person Su Cheng was. He always spoke his mind and never hesitated to admit his shortcomings and weaknesses.

But acknowledging one's own weakness is also a form of self-confidence.

How many people in the world dare to face their own shortcomings?

I know I am weak right now.

I also know that I will be very strong in the future.

Dugu Bo finally understood what that peculiar quality he had always seen in Su Cheng was.

It was a confidence that the past would eventually pass away and the future would belong to me.

"It's a pity he's a jerk," he added softly.

Su Cheng's ears twitched, and he frowned.

Who are you calling a scumbag?

"Isn't that right?" Dugu Bo retorted confidently. "That little girl might not know, but I know how clingy this little girl from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is to you, and the other Immortal Herb was prepared for her, wasn't it?"

"These are two different things."

"It's okay to be a scumbag. If you're capable, you can go after Yan Yan too."

"Senior, you're so old, have some decency when you speak. There's no way you'll make me call you grandpa." Su Cheng said while pouring the antidote he had just prepared into Ning Rongrong's mouth. "Besides, what I just said was the truth. I have no interest in little brats."

"Yan Yan is not a little girl."

"I'm talking about Ning Rongrong. And this has nothing to do with size."

"..."

Ning Rongrong woke up not long after taking the medicine. When she opened her eyes and saw Su Cheng, her first reaction was to grab his hand and ask anxiously, "Brother? Are you alright?"

Looking around, he discovered that the Titled Douluo and the vicious woman had both disappeared.

On the contrary, Poison Douluo Dugu Bo stood not far from the two of them.

Su Cheng used his Soul Power to examine Ning Rongrong's body and said softly, "Fortunately, Senior Dugu arrived in time, and she is alright now. I'm sorry, it was my negligence that caused you to encounter such danger."

Ning Rongrong stared blankly at Su Cheng upon hearing this, her memory still stuck on the moment Porcupine Douluo.

Are you feeling unwell anywhere?

Just as she was waking up, Su Cheng had already used his Soul Skill to heal her minor external injuries.

"No." Ning Rongrong lowered her head.

Strands of hair fell down, obscuring the expression on her face.

"That's good. I'll take you back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect later. You can rest there for a few days. I also want to apologize to my teacher and the sect leader for not taking good care of you."

"..." After a long silence, Ning Rongrong suddenly spoke up, "Brother, you know that woman, right?"

Su Cheng was taken aback upon hearing this, and everything that had happened before flashed through his mind in a rapid, whirlwind fashion.

Upon closer reflection, his conversation with Qian Renxue at the time was indeed a bit strange, but it's also difficult to prove that there was any connection between the two.

He immediately and decisively denied it, saying, "I don't know her. But I've been suspicious of Xue Qinghe's identity for a long time. I had Senior Dugu send her a letter before, hoping to trick her, but I didn't expect her to follow the clues and find me here."

As he spoke, he subtly gave Dugu Bo a wink.

Seeing this, Dugu Bo cursed inwardly, but said aloud in cooperation, "I probably didn't pay attention at the time and left some clues. My title is Poison, and some of my personal characteristics are indeed a bit too obvious."

"This matter is not the Senior Dugu; it was my overconfidence that led me to this."

Listening to their conversation, Ning Rongrong remained silent, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, before finally just nodding quietly.

Su Cheng had no idea what she was thinking about at that moment.

But I don't really care, as long as I clear myself of suspicion, that's enough.

What Ning Rongrong thinks is irrelevant to him; the key is to give an explanation to Ning Fengzhi and the others, who are now his main backers.

Dugu Bo's Ruyi Treasure Pouch is still in his possession.

With a flash of golden light, the magnificent and luxurious Immortal Herb Aromatic Silk Beauty, with a golden tulip growing at its tip, appeared in his hand.

"This rare flower is called the Aromatic Silk Beauty. Its properties are perfectly compatible with your Martial Soul. After consuming it, you can absorb the essence of heaven and earth and the brilliance of the Sun Moon. This is the main purpose of our trip. There is only one of this flower in the world. It is a treasure of Senior Dugu and was specially prepared for you."

Su Cheng handed it over, saying, "You must be careful not to swallow it. You need to gently inhale the flower stamen to slowly absorb its essence into your body, and then cultivate your Soul Power to allow the medicinal effects to spread throughout your body."

Ning Rongrong was stunned for a moment before silently reaching out to take it, gazing into Su Cheng's eyes.

He opened his mouth, hesitated for a moment, but ultimately said nothing and took the medicine as instructed by Su Cheng.

She immediately felt the medicine begin to flow rapidly through her body, and quickly closed her eyes to regulate her breathing and slowly guide it.

Su Cheng recalled Ning Rongrong's expression and reaction just now, his face remaining calm.

Time passed by, second by second.

Three hours later, the effects of the divine herbs began to appear.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul spontaneously appeared in front of her, its seven-colored halo flashing. The two Soul Ring shimmered, set off by a layer of rich golden light, radiating a dazzling brilliance.

The golden light emanated from Ning Rongrong herself, carrying a rich tulip fragrance. As the precious light swirled, it made her appear as if she were a fairy descending to earth.

Each time the golden light intensified, it made the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in front of Ning Rongrong look even more dazzling.

Several more hours passed, and the sky gradually darkened.

"My Soul Power Level..."

Ning Rongrong's voice rang out, and she stared at Su Cheng with wide eyes, unable to believe her eyes.

At this moment, she unexpectedly reached the bottleneck of level 30.

Moreover, it was clear that this was not the limit yet, and after absorbing the Third Soul Ring, it would be able to continue to increase by three or four levels.

At this moment, the golden light emanating from Ning Rongrong's body had completely subsided, and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in her right hand. Below the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, a faint ring of golden light, resembling tulip petals, served as a backdrop.

Su Cheng didn't pay attention to her level change, but instead stared intently at her Martial Soul.

Noticing his gaze, Ning Rongrong and Dugu Bo also turned their attention to him.

"My Martial Soul seems to have undergone some changes." But she hasn't yet clearly sensed exactly where these changes have occurred.

"Nine floors, it's actually nine floors..." Dugu Bo's shocked voice rang out.

He was already extremely surprised when he discovered Ning Rongrong's rapid increase in Soul Power, but compared to seeing the changes in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul, that little bit of Soul Power upgrade was nothing.

"Nine floors..."

Ning Rongrong's gaze sharpened as she stared at her own Martial Soul.

Immediately, I felt a surge of heat in my heart, and even my voice began to tremble.

What does it mean that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda has become nine stories?

This means that her Martial Soul has become the legendary Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda of the sect, which is also the goal that her father, Ning Fengzhi, wanted to achieve throughout his life.

Her hand holding the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda trembled slightly as she looked at Su Cheng's calm face.

Although the two haven't spent much time together over the past few months, Su Cheng's occasional guidance has been of great help to her, and he has also prepared medicine for her to improve her foundation.

In Ning Rongrong's heart, she had long regarded him as an extremely important person.

But all of that is vastly different from what we have today.

Thinking back to her doubts about him just half a day ago, a faint bittersweet feeling suddenly welled up in her heart.

Perhaps it was gratitude and emotion, perhaps it was guilt and self-blame, or perhaps it was some other complex emotion, but an impulse surged into my heart in an instant.

"Elder brother!"

Ning Rongrong lunged forward, trying to hug Su Cheng, while simultaneously pressing her lips to his face.

Su Cheng shifted slightly, reached out his right hand and placed it on her shoulder to stop her movement, saying calmly, "What are you doing?"

Previously, when faced with Qian Renxue's surprise attack, he was not strong enough and was suppressed by the Titled Douluo on the side, so he was unable to resist.

But if Ning Rongrong, with her limited cultivation, thinks she can launch a sneak attack, then she is clearly underestimating him.

Not far away, Dugu Bo was speechless with surprise.

It wasn't because of Ning Rongrong's impulsive action just now.

But the changes to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda were truly unbelievable to him.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, as a top-tier support-type Martial Soul, has a major drawback: it can only be equipped with seven rings.

Now that it has become a nine-story pagoda, the meaning of which is all too clear.