Seeing this, everyone smiled and gathered around, eagerly sharing their newly acquired fourth soul abilities. Although Wang Feng had been aware of their soul ability, he listened attentively, feigning astonishment. "Impressive, you've all grown way stronger than before," he remarked with a hint of jest. "Perhaps now even I'll struggle to defeat you all single-handedly now."
Laughter erupted as several covered their mouths in amusement.
"Wang Feng, when did you return?" Ning Rongrong inquired suddenly.
Taken aback, Wang Feng replied casually, "This morning. Some other students mentioned you were headed to the Sunset Forest. I thought I'd wait here since you'd likely return soon."
"Really?" Ning Rongrong's eyes twinkled mischievously. "What a coincidence! I'm still feeling a bit weary today. Grandmaster gave us a day off, so I'll come find you tomorrow to play around with!"
With that, Ning Rongrong exited first, leaving the others to bask in the unexpected reunion.
Upon witnessing Rongrong leave, everyone also bid farewell and refrained from prying into Wang Feng's whereabouts.
"Brother Feng, let's retire for the night. We haven't had a proper rest in days! We'll catch up tomorrow," Tang San suggested, releasing a sigh of relief.
The group departed to seek rest, leaving Wang Feng behind with a smile. However, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease at the lack of inquiries about the Sunset Forest.
As night fell, a serene silence enveloped the surroundings. Wang Feng also drifted into a light slumber, only to be roused by a gentle knock on the door.
Opening it, Wang Feng was taken aback but greeted Zhu Zhuqing with a smile. "Zhuqing, aren't you going to rest too?"
Standing outside the door, Zhu Zhuqing was clad in her usual black attire, resembling a fairy under the moonlight—graceful, enchanting yet cold.
"I have something to discuss with you," she replied softly.
Zhu Zhuqing gazed at Wang Feng and spoke softly. Wang Feng's heart stirred, wondering if he had been discovered. Yet, he reassured himself that his disguise was impeccable—even if he hugged her, she wouldn't be able to recognize him, perhaps not even discern his gender.
Standing outside the door, Zhu Zhuqing interlocked her hands behind her back, fidgeting nervously before suddenly uttering, "Thank you."
Confused, Wang Feng arched an eyebrow. "Thank me for what?"
Zhu Zhuqing smiled unexpectedly. "Thank you for aiding us in the Sunset Forest! And for saving me!"
Rarely seen, her smile was breathtakingly beautiful, akin to the onset of ice and snow, leaving one breathless and longing to etch it into memory.
"What are you talking about?" Wang Feng furrowed his brow, feigning ignorance. Grandmaster had agreed it was best to conceal his identity as the Soul Emperor from the Seven, preserving his ability to provide specialized training in the future.
Zhu Zhuqing spoke softly, "In the Sunset Forest, your disguise was indeed flawless. There was no discernible scent, not even one I could detect. But..."
Her face flushed crimson, yet her voice remained cool and composed as she continued, "When you hugged me, I caught your scent. And I only just noticed it... This scent, only I can detect it."
Wang Feng was stunned. This girl was too astute!
But wait, something didn't add up. Upon returning, he had showered and changed his clothes. Even if there had been a scent only Zhu Zhuqing could detect, it should have dissipated by now. Moreover, the distance between the Sunset Forest and the college was significant enough for any lingering scent to fade.
In the dim light of the calcium carbide lamp, Wang Feng pondered, suddenly realizing something was amiss.
Before he could collect his thoughts, Zhu Zhuqing's cold voice interrupted his contemplation, "Actually, there's nothing distinct about your scent... But your silence and you contemplating it... In other words, my assumption was correct?"
Wang Feng was at a loss for words.
When did this girl learned to play such mind games?
There were numerous inconsistencies in Zhu Zhuqing's words, yet she asked them with confidence. One only needed to think for a moment to discern the truth, but that was enough to fall into her trap. Without assuming his previous identity, there was no reason for Wang Feng to contemplate such matters.
For the moment, Wang Feng found himself speechless, unsure of how to respond.
Zhu Zhuqing blushed slightly, inching closer as she tugged at Wang Feng's right sleeve, whispering, "Don't worry, I won't say anything to anyone... Let's just keep it as our secret."
With those words, Zhu Zhuqing quickly departed without looking back. Wang Feng sighed, watching her retreating figure, and shook his head. 'That sure is a nice back…'
"Secret, my foot." he muttered to himself. However, even if Zhu Zhuqing knew the truth, it wouldn't matter much.
With that thought in mind, Wang Feng gazed at the sky before returning to his room, resuming his sleep.
Just as he settled in, another knock on the door echoed through the room. Opening it, Wang Feng found Ning Rongrong standing before him.
"Wang Feng, I need to speak with you." Ning Rongrong said softly.
Wang Feng was taken aback, then asked, "What's the matter?"
"Wang Feng, is it true that you're the Soul Emperor from the Sunset Forest?" Ning Rongrong's question caught him off guard.
Wang Feng though this time didn't hesitate, shaking his head. "Rongrong, what are you talking about?"
Ning Rongrong snorted softly, "Don't try to deceive me. Zhu Qing mentioned you don't have any scent on you, yet you embraced her and had her scent on you. As soon as I returned, I caught Zhu Qing's scent. You can't deceive me!"
"Why are you doing this?" Wang Feng muttered to himself. 'I won't get caught this time.'
Wang Feng furrowed his brows without delay. "Rongrong, what's this about? Why are you speaking nonsense? When did I hug Zhuqing? What's all this talk about scents? Just go back to bed!"
Hearing Wang Feng's firm response, Ning Rongrong looked at him suspiciously. "Is it really you?"
Wang Feng shook his head, claiming ignorance.
Then Ning Rongrong uttered suspiciously, "But Zhuqing just told me that you are the Soul Emperor?"
Wang Feng was taken aback.
'Could Zhuqing really have done this?'
'Shit!', Wang Feng cursed inwardly.
"Hmph, you hesitated! It's definitely you!"
Ning Rongrong chuckled, "I just made up my mind! Your confident response, did Zhuqing also tried the same tactic? Does she already know who you are?"
"You never mentioned it! But little did you know, I'd figure it out and try another approach?"
Ning Rongrong blushed and whispered as she discreetly grabbed Wang Feng's hand, "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Zhuqing doesn't know I know... Let's keep it our little secret?"
With that, she swiftly turned and left.
"..." Wang Feng was left speechless.
What a predicament!
Wang Feng felt exasperated.
Why do these girls suddenly come up with such schemes? It's a pity I didn't experience love in my past life or I would have been better prepared for this encounter.
"Eh, usually I'm the one advising others, especially Xiao San. And is usually one step ahead in the game of tricks. How did I fall for one myself?" Wang Feng felt a bit speechless. Indeed, there's a significant gap between theory and real-life situations.
Back in his house, Wang Feng laid down, pondering the events. Suddenly, another knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Wang Feng was startled as he opened the door, only to find Tang San standing there.
"Brother Feng, I need to talk to you," Tang San said solemnly.
"???" Wang Feng wondered inwardly. 'Is Xiao San here too because he guessed my identity? Give me a break..'
"What's up?" Wang Feng asked, smiling.
Tang San leaned in and whispered, "Brother Feng, you must be aware of our journey to Sunset Forest, right?"
Wang Feng nodded.
"Well, I have a suspicion about the senior Soul Emperor identity..." Tang San's voice trailed off, his expression serious.
Wang Feng's face darkened slightly. "Go on..."
"He's the Avengers Teams captain Jiu Yikai!" Tang San's next words caught Wang Feng off guard once again.
"I don't... huh? What did you say?! Xiao San, why would you think that?" Wang Feng thought Tang San had figured out his true identity, but it turned out to be something entirely different this time.
"There are two reasons," Tang San said after a moment of thought, his tone solemn. "Firstly, the offensive techniques used by the opponent are strikingly similar. I recall the individual called Jiu Yikai, who eliminated members of the Slayer Team in the Silves City Great Fighting Soul Arena. The wounds inflicted were highly corrosive, and was akin to those inflicted on the soul beasts, with effects I've never encountered before."
Wang Feng pondered this for a moment, realizing the similarities. The God Killing Spear's attack not only prevented the enemy from healing but also had a profound impact on their mind and soul. Additionally, the blood phagocytosis effect of the fourth soul ring escalated matters to a higher level, inducing a frenzy in the soul beast and gradually weakening its spirit.
"The corrosive nature of his is highly formidable, both possessing exceedingly rare special attack effects," Tang San continued. "Furthermore, neither assailant released their martial souls or soul rings during the encounters."
"Why didn't you suspect me during our fight then? I also hold back on using my martial soul and soul ring," Wang Feng asked, surprised.
To his astonishment, Tang San smiled, replying, "Because we know your martial soul and soul ring, brother Feng. Moreover, teacher affirmed his identity as the Spirit Emperor and teacher would never deceive me. Additionally, both their attire is strikingly similar, wearing black masks and white robes."
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