"What did you say?!" Her voice showed a hint of change, though she tried to suppress it, it was clear she was no longer as composed as before.
"What's wrong with what I said?" Su Cheng pretended to be clueless. "Are you alright, Your Holiness?"
Bibi Dong took a deep breath, shaking her head with disappointment. "You're not like him. You don't understand."
Su Cheng's eyes flickered, deciding not to provoke her further. He continued, "I don't need to prove anything to anyone. As for the Seven Treasure Glazed Glass Sect, they don't owe me anything either. Your Holiness, if you're thinking of using this as leverage, you're barking up the wrong tree."
At this point, Bibi Dong hadn't been influenced by the Rakshasa God's spiritual influence, and her hatred hadn't fermented for over twenty years. She was still somewhat rational, and there was no tendency towards self-destruction.
Naturally, he had to maintain a high posture, not only to gain some advantages but also to prevent Bibi Dong from achieving her goals too easily. Otherwise, it wouldn't be easy to gain her trust.
"What do you want then? The former Pope, Qian Xunjie, is dead, and there's no deep-seated hatred between you and the Martial Soul Hall."
"Indeed," Su Cheng nodded. "I am currently alone, and joining the Martial Soul Hall might not be a bad idea. However, I have two conditions."
"What conditions?"
"First, I want the authority to access the Martial Soul Hall's library and to freely peruse all the information."
He had coveted access to the Martial Soul Hall's library for a long time. This matter was unrelated to his future plans, or whether he could enter the library would not affect his plans.
But having spent so much time in this simulated life, he had long realized that the rules of this world were completely consistent with reality, and knowledge was not faked.
At least now, with his 0.5 level innate soul power, it was no longer a hindrance to him.
Learning some secrets here, even if the mission failed, he could bring back these memories, which would not be considered a waste.
"No problem."
Bibi Dong didn't hesitate much to agree to this request. In fact, it was something she had prepared for a long time. When Yu Xiaogang came to the Martial Soul Hall, he would spend all his time in the library.
Su Cheng nodded and continued, "Secondly, give me a disciple as a successor, someone with top-notch talent. I'm well aware of my own limitations and that I won't have the chance to become a peak powerhouse, so this person's talent must be outstanding enough."
Upon hearing this, Bibi Dong's first reaction was astonishment, followed by a sense of amusement.
She acknowledged Su Cheng's ability and intelligence, but she found his request absurd.
A mere Soul Grandmaster at Level twenty-something, claiming that she, the illustrious Pope of the Martial Soul Hall, should find him a disciple, and demanding top-notch talent at that—where did he get such confidence from?
She was about to refuse and ask him to make a different request. But then she had a sudden thought.
Since learning of Qian Xunjie's death, that woman had been demanding to return to the Martial Soul City to find out the truth. She hadn't agreed before.
She glanced at Su Cheng, then after a moment of silence, said, "There is someone who fits your criteria. If you can convince her, there's no harm in you becoming her teacher."
"Aren't you going to intervene, Your Holiness?" Su Cheng pretended to be puzzled.
At Bibi Dong's words, a fleeting mix of disgust, pain, and cold indifference flashed in her eyes.
In a cold tone, she said, "It's not up to me to be her teacher. You can discuss it with her yourself. If you're not willing, then change your request."
Although she said this, she actually didn't have much confidence in Su Cheng.
Although Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue had an extremely cold relationship, she still understood her character somewhat: domineering, arrogant, cold, and extremely determined.
Moreover, with Qian Renxue backed by the Hall of Worship, it would be difficult for outsiders to intervene in her decisions.
Back then, in order to prevent her from competing for power in the future, she had forced her to leave by using psychological tactics.
With Su Cheng's strength, coupled with his complete lack of understanding of her personality, success seemed unlikely.
Thinking of this, Bibi Dong was prepared to give a few hints.
If Su Cheng did succeed, it would undoubtedly slow down Qian Renxue's progress, which was something she would be happy to see.
"This person has extremely high talent, not inferior to mine in the slightest, perfectly meeting your requirements," Bibi Dong said indifferently. "But she is arrogant and aloof. I suggest you first establish a good relationship with her, gradually impress her with your profound knowledge, and then proceed slowly."
Su Cheng couldn't help but sneer inwardly at her words.
This mother's approach was quite interesting, not only obsessively scheming against her daughter but also, after so many years of being together, not knowing her daughter well.
He could understand Bibi Dong's resentment and disgust towards her daughter, but he didn't approve of such behavior; innocent blood relatives shouldn't be dragged into such schemes.
If he followed Bibi Dong's plan, it would be hopeless.
Doing so would only make Qian Renxue see him as a pawn she could manipulate at will, dreaming of turning her into a blade in her own hands was pure fantasy.
And to say to gradually influence her with profound knowledge, as if Qian Renxue were just like her?
She was almost twenty years old, having been the Holy Lady for so many years and still lacking experience, overly protected. As a result, anyone could easily manipulate her.
On the other hand, Qian Renxue had already spent nearly a year in the Heavenly Soul City, disguised as a maid accompanying Xue Qinghe without being discovered. In terms of scheming and cunning, Bibi Dong couldn't compare at all.
Though he didn't agree with Bibi Dong's approach, Su Cheng remained composed on the surface, simply nodding to indicate his understanding.
"Someone will deliver the pass to the library for you tomorrow, and you can browse freely. However, regarding the research on absorbing soul rings, I hope you will continue. The Martial Soul City doesn't accommodate idlers, and I don't want to be criticized for it," Bibi Dong said.
"Of course," Su Cheng nodded in agreement. "Then, Your Holiness, I'll take my leave."
Seeing Bibi Dong nod slightly, he turned to leave.
Just as he approached the main gate, about to push it open, he heard Bibi Dong's voice again from behind.
She couldn't resist speaking one last sentence.
"You remind me of someone."
Su Cheng, with his back to her, didn't notice the slight anticipation and unease hidden in her eyes.
At this moment, she wasn't the cold and proud female pope from earlier. Looking at the familiar figure before her, it felt like she had returned to the days when she first met Yu Xiaogang ten years ago.
"His name is Yu Xiaogang, have you heard of him?"
Su Cheng squinted slightly, not turning around, his thoughts spinning rapidly. He couldn't understand why Bibi Dong suddenly went off the rails at this moment.
Creating such a similar experience indeed seemed to have the intention of lowering Bibi Dong's guard.
But a little subconscious goodwill and the resulting full trust were enough; he couldn't truly become a substitute for Yu Xiaogang.
Otherwise, if the fake and the real stood together one day, it could lead to big trouble.
Su Cheng turned to look at Bibi Dong. "Sorry, Your Holiness, what did you just say?"