It's no wonder Bibi Dong felt uncomfortable.
After Su Cheng's rise to fame, too many people compared him to Yu Xiaogang, even though their achievements were incomparable.
But undoubtedly, Yu Xiaogang ended up being Su Cheng's stepping stone.
Now, Su Cheng was sipping tea at Yan Mo's bookstore, casually checking out the release of new books, when he overheard some discussions outside.
"I heard Master Su, just like Yu Xiaogang, only has a natural soul power of 0.5, yet he managed to break through in soul ring theory."
"Yu Xiaogang is nothing but trash. How dare they compare him to Master Su? He always says, 'There are no wasted souls, only wasted soul masters.' If he's so great, why doesn't he go get a thousand-year second soul ring like Master Su, instead of relying on having a good dad?"
"True. That opening line in 'The Rise of Mortals,' 'Would nobles and generals be content?' is so majestic. With that kind of attitude, it's no surprise he achieves anything."
"Do the nobles of the two empires have any objections?"
"What's the use of their objections? Do they dare to mess with Master Su? With his current prestige, do they really think the Sword Douluo title is just for show?"
"But, Master Su has already left the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and the Sword Douluo is the Sword Douluo. Who knows what they're thinking."
"But really, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect must be blind..."
"Couldn't agree more."
"..."
Yan Mo smiled at Su Cheng across from him. "Master Su, your reputation is truly widespread now."
It's easy to imagine that in the future, as the new generation of soul masters grows up and is no longer restricted by the absorption limit of past soul rings, Su Cheng will definitely be their guide.
Yan Mo sighed, "Ah, I really don't know what the sect leaders are thinking. Are you really not going back?"
It's not just Yu Xiaogang who's been mocked because of Su Cheng's rise; the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is the real antagonist.
Considered by the world as clueless jesters, many even go as far as saying they're unworthy of the title of the Three Supreme Sects.
Although these comments have limited actual impact on the sect, it still gives Ning Fengzhi a headache.
As a member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Yan Mo naturally doesn't want the public opinion to continue fermenting.
"Not going back; I'm waiting for someone," Su Cheng glanced out the window, then stood up. "By the way, find a way to spread the word and give me a new title. Stop calling me 'Master,' it sounds ominous."
With that, he left the room, leaving Yan Mo bewildered.
Indeed, Su Cheng saw the people from the Soul Hall.
And the visitor's status was extremely high.
Clad in pristine white, untainted by dust, with skin as delicate as a baby's, and a dazzling appearance, if not for the clearly visible Adam's apple, one might mistake him for a stunning beauty.
With a barely noticeable presence nearby, yet exuding an unfathomable aura, Su Cheng speculated that these two might be the famous Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan and Ghost Douluo Gui Mei.
Calculating the time, it was about time for the Soul Hall's people to arrive.
Of course, with his vision, he couldn't discern their levels. He only noticed the white-clad person because they intentionally made themselves visible.
Surprised inwardly, he hadn't expected these two to come in person.
"Master Su," seeing Su Cheng emerge from the bookstore, the person in white approached, while the person in black remained in the distance, maintaining an air of 'stay away from strangers.'
"I'm not a master," Su Cheng assessed the figure in white calmly. "But I didn't expect the renowned Chrysanthemum Douluo to recognize me, a mere Level 25 Soul Grandmaster."
"Master Su jests; I've read your books several times. I also have some knowledge of herbal medicine, but after reading them, I realized how limited my understanding was. Apart from cultivation, there's not much worthy of praise in me."
"I'm serious; don't call me 'Master,' just use my name," Su Cheng frowned, emphasizing once again.
Agreeing that he truly didn't want to be called 'Master,' the more he heard it, the more he felt disgusted.
However, Yue Guan's attitude surprised him. It didn't seem polite or part of fulfilling the Pope's task.
"Well then, Mr. Su, I wonder if you have time recently. His Holiness hopes to invite you for a chat at the Martial Soul City," Yue Guan said, adjusting his address upon noticing Su Cheng's dislike for the 'Master' title.
Su Cheng glanced at Yue Guan with slight surprise. He believed that with Bibi Dong's temperament, there was no way they would be this polite. Not forcefully dragging him would already be considered good, yet here Yue Guan was, asking if he had time.
Actually, Su Cheng's initial feeling was correct; Yue Guan indeed held him in high regard. This time, coming here, it was originally planned for Bibi Dong to just send a couple of people to fetch him. Unexpectedly, Yue Guan took the initiative to undertake the task.
Being a lover of flowers and a knowledgeable herbalist, Yue Guan had always been interested in medical skills. However, before encountering Su Cheng's theories, he had never imagined that flowers and herbs with only a small amount of medicinal properties, like Solitary Bamboo, Blue Phantom Flower, and Golden Thread Silver Chrysanthemum, could produce remarkable effects when specially combined in proportions, termed as chemical reactions in the book.
"Well, since you've come personally, it seems I can't refuse this favor," Su Cheng chuckled. Since the other party was so polite, he had no reason to refuse.
After all, dealing with that crazy woman Bibi Dong, attempts like "visiting three times" wouldn't work anyway.
Ghost Douluo remained silent as ever, quietly following alongside.
"You're just joking, sir."
Yue Guan wore a warm smile.
Over the next few days on the road, whenever Yue Guan had free time, he would come to discuss and exchange ideas with Su Cheng on the properties of herbs and the meridians of medical skills.
Although termed as exchanges, it was mainly Su Cheng imparting knowledge, while Yue Guan did his best to digest it.
Su Cheng was happy with this arrangement.
As real power elders and staunch supporters of Bibi Dong, both Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were essential allies for his future plans.
Although the time was short, Yue Guan felt that he had benefited greatly. He even gained some new insights into the development of martial souls.
At his current level, further progress required a deep understanding of his own martial soul.
Until they reached their destination, Yue Guan still seemed somewhat reluctant to leave.
...
In the conference hall of the Martial Soul City's Pope's Palace, Su Cheng was arranged by Chrysanthemum Douluo to wait here while they went to report to the Pope.
In the spacious conference hall spanning over a thousand square meters, there was only him.
Su Cheng sat silently in his seat, sipping tea, waiting patiently while mentally rehearsing the final details of his plan.
Today's meeting was undoubtedly crucial for him.
Choosing "Veteran Actor" as one of his initial talents was precisely for this moment.
Acting can be categorized into three main styles: expressive, experiential, and methodical. Su Cheng was about to employ techniques from the expressive style.
He had already meticulously studied Yu Xiaogang's experiences, mindset, personality, and aspirations.
He had also sketched out a new character profile in his mind, similar to Yu Xiaogang but with essential differences.
Now, he was going to immerse himself in this "second self."
To accompany Bibi Dong in this performance.