After enjoying a luxurious aristocratic lunch in the cafeteria, Su Cheng stood up, ready to leave. But just as he was about to leave, a figure suddenly blocked his path.
It was none other than his long-lost "old friend" Zhang Sansan.
Su Cheng didn't pay much attention and tried to walk past him. However, Zhang Sansan moved slightly and blocked his path again.
Su Cheng raised an eyebrow and said casually, "Good dog doesn't block the way."
"Is this cafeteria yours? Can't I stand here?" Zhang Sansan retorted provocatively.
Su Cheng couldn't be bothered to argue with him and tried to push him aside.
"What are you trying to do? The young master of the Su family is quite domineering, expecting everyone to make way for you," Zhang Sansan mocked.
"Really?" It dawned on Su Cheng that the other party seemed prepared for this encounter. While Zhang Sansan had occasionally acted provocatively in the past, he had never been so brazen. Su Cheng glanced around and noticed many people silently watching. There were quite a few people now associated with Zhu Zhuqing, and Zhang Sansan was one of them. Zhu Zhuqing herself was quietly dining nearby, with no one sitting beside her, seemingly unaware of the situation.
As the conflict between Su Cheng and Zhang Sansan attracted more attention, more people gathered around.
Su Cheng immediately understood the situation but pretended to be surprised, saying, "Oh, what's going on here? Sansan, you seem unusually bold today. Have you forgotten the pain from last time? Your face doesn't hurt anymore?"
Zhang Sansan's face turned pale at the mention of the public humiliation he had endured in the past. He regarded it as the biggest disgrace of his life.
"You!" His anger flared up, but when he met Su Cheng's cold gaze, he couldn't help but feel apprehensive. Over a year ago, Su Cheng had effortlessly injured him, and he couldn't even follow Su Cheng's movements.
Their innate soul power levels were similar, with little difference in cultivation talent. So, chances were, he wouldn't be Su Cheng's match now.
"Ha..." Su Cheng sneered and walked straight ahead. Zhang Sansan was further provoked by his indifferent attitude and blocked his path again.
"Aren't you done?" Su Cheng frowned, raising his arm as if to make a fist.
"Do you dare to assault a fellow student in public?!" Zhang Sansan questioned loudly, his eyes flashing with defiance.
Su Cheng raised an eyebrow but didn't speak. Instead, he moved closer, "So what if I hit you?"
This time, Su Cheng didn't use the technique of disrupting meridians. Still, his speed far surpassed Zhang Sansan's.
Zhang Sansan could only dodge slightly but found it difficult to evade the blow entirely. He watched helpless as Su Cheng's fist approached his face, closing his eyes in resignation.
Suddenly, a fair hand reached out and intercepted Su Cheng's fist.
Su Cheng turned calmly to look at the newcomer, unsurprised by the intervention.
"Oh, look who it is. No wonder you dare to challenge me. You've found yourself a backer. So, are you going to serve the Zhu family now?" Su Cheng's words made Zhang Sansan's face flush with embarrassment and anger. He glared at Su Cheng.
Zhu Zhuqing, noticing the tension, furrowed her brows slightly.
Speaking out like this in public didn't align with Su Cheng's usual demeanor. Was he becoming too arrogant? Although it seemed like he was trying to sow discord between her and Zhang Sansan, in reality, it was more detrimental to himself.
Zhang Sansan serving her family? Then what about Su Cheng's own followers? Were they serving the Su family?
A glance around confirmed that some of the onlookers looked uneasy.
The atmosphere grew awkward.
"Su Cheng, there's no need for such harsh words," Zhu Zhuqing said calmly, breaking the tense silence in the cafeteria.
"As friends, helping each other is a responsibility we should fulfill."
"Helping each other?" Su Cheng looked Zhu Zhuqing up and down, feigning curiosity. "Why? Do you have the ability to help him?"
"Debating verbally is meaningless. Let's see who has the ability when it comes to action," Zhu Zhuqing replied calmly.
"Fascinating, truly fascinating." Su Cheng suddenly chuckled. "It's been a few days, and you've impressed me. I remember you used to struggle to speak coherently."
He crossed his arms, leaning against the table behind him, and taunted, "Miss Zhu, how do you want to settle this with me?"
"In three months, let's have a showdown between soul masters. Do you dare?"
"Three months?" Su Cheng was slightly taken aback. He still had about half a year left for the plan he made with Zhu Zhuqing. Why was she speeding things up?
Moreover, she chose a direct and effective but risky method—a duel.
Did she not consider the possibility of losing?
Ultimately, conflicts between soul masters were best resolved through strength. Duels among students were quite common, especially in public, fair contests where strength determined the outcome.
However, Su Cheng couldn't outright refuse, though he wasn't obliged to accept either. Because this duel wasn't fair.
For Zhu Zhuqing, losing wouldn't be a significant loss. She had always been overshadowed by Su Cheng at the academy, and even though she showed signs of improvement, she still lagged far behind him.
But for Su Cheng, losing to Zhu Zhuqing would damage his prestige.
The best option for Su Cheng would be to find a random excuse to decline. Although it might seem cowardly, he could easily defuse the situation without any repercussions. After all, they had already been estranged publicly, with no significant conflicts except for their initial encounter at the beginning of the school year.
Su Cheng was somewhat surprised at this moment. He hadn't instructed Zhu Zhuqing on what to do; he had left it for her to figure out. Yet, she chose this seemingly straightforward yet highly effective approach.
Of course, the premise was that she could win.
Indeed, she had grown...
Su Cheng smiled and looked at Zhu Zhuqing, silent.
Zhu Zhuqing also felt a bit nervous at this moment. She didn't know if Su Cheng would agree to her challenge. If he refused, it would be difficult to fulfill her father's requirements this year.
After a long silence, Su Cheng nodded slowly.
A meaningful smile appeared on his face. "Alright, I accept your challenge."
As the dust settled on this matter, the crowd gradually dispersed, and Su Cheng left the cafeteria on his own.
However, Zhu Zhuqing caught up with him alone.
Su Cheng turned to look at her.
Standing in front of him, Zhu Zhuqing's expression was gentle, her eyes like autumn water.
"Su Cheng, I don't want to trouble you. But Sansan is my friend, and I can't let him be embarrassed."
"What do you mean?" Su Cheng raised an eyebrow, mocking, "You declared war on me just now, and now you're here explaining yourself?"
"That's not what I meant." Zhu Zhuqing shook her head earnestly. "I know you're not truly from the Su family. You have the White Tiger martial soul and royal blood flowing through your veins."
Su Cheng's face darkened. "Are you here to mock me?"
"What right do I have to mock you?" Zhu Zhuqing's cold face showed a hint of a bitter smile. "You know the bloody traditions between the Zhu family and the royal family. If I fail in the competition for the heir, the outcome will be miserable. I just feel that you must be as unwilling as I am, right?"
"What, now that the Fourth Miss's strength is impressive and she's gaining popularity, you've started lecturing me?" Su Cheng replied casually.
"No," Zhu Zhuqing denied solemnly, "I was too naive in the past, thinking too simply. When we first met, I was too heavy-handed and accidentally injured you. I should apologize to you."
"...," Su Cheng silently scrutinized Zhu Zhuqing for a long time.
This little girl had finally learned to wear a mask.
She first declared war on him in front of everyone, establishing her leadership and fulfilling her responsibilities as a leader.
Then, privately, she came to explain and reconcile with him, using words to bridge the gap between them.
In this way, she didn't lose her authority, nor did she let him feel resentful, paving the way for future cooperation between the two parties.
She even reversed the impression of her being weak and easily bullied in the minds of many.
She really grasped these small tactics well.
But the premise was that she had to win against him in three months.
Su Cheng didn't mind giving her this opportunity. But when the time came, he wouldn't go easy on her.
Whether she could seize this opportunity depended on her own abilities.
"...Alright, I understand what you mean."
Su Cheng stretched lazily, his tone reverting to his previous indifferent demeanor.
"I'm not playing mind games with you. You're right, I'm just an unwanted illegitimate child. If you can defeat me in three months, I'll accompany you in a gamble. I hope you won't disappoint me."
With that said, he ignored Zhu Zhuqing and turned to leave.
"...Su Cheng, did you intentionally give me this opportunity today?"
After walking a few steps, a voice suddenly came from behind him.
"You're not satisfied with the status quo, are you?"
Su Cheng's steps paused for a moment, then he left without looking back.
...
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