Today's encounter with Qian Renxue was purely accidental.
But everything that happened afterward was all part of Su Cheng's calculations.
In his view, Qian Renxue was much harder to deal with than Bibi Dong.
Both of them were prodigies, but they were completely different kinds of people.
Bibi Dong's arrogance was the kind that all geniuses had, the attitude of "I am unmatched among heroes."
So when Yu Xiaogang was able to attract Bibi Dong, the top talent of the younger generation, with his unique talents in another field, it was understandable.
But those things were completely inadequate when it came to Qian Renxue.
Qian Renxue's arrogance was like that of a monarch, expecting loyalty and obedience from all.
If you couldn't suppress her in her most proud domain, at best you could only be a pawn, which Su Cheng obviously couldn't accept.
So in the library, he first provoked her with arrogant attitude, infuriating the self-confident Qian Renxue, then proceeded to engage in a battle between soul masters, and won despite being a major realm lower.
This was the first step, using strength and knowledge to suppress her most prized talent.
Then, he bluntly criticized and mocked her, shaking her convictions with dominance and denial, which was the second step.
Now was the third step, completely overpowering Qian Renxue in momentum and causing her to doubt herself, then appealing to her emotions and melting her coldness with empathy.
Earlier, when Su Cheng claimed he could sense her loneliness, it was pure nonsense.
Qian Renxue, who was able to infiltrate the Heavenly Dou Imperial Family at a young age, thoroughly understand the personality and habits of the Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, and then replace him, and conspire in the Imperial Family for twenty years without revealing any signs, had an unparalleled level of cunning and scheming. How could anyone perceive the fluctuations in her heart?
But Su Cheng had a script in his hands.
With parents who were like sworn enemies, despised by her mother since childhood, and with a vast difference in status from her peers, how could a child who grew up like this not be lonely? If it weren't for her strong and mature mind, she would have collapsed long ago.
But Su Cheng did genuinely pity Qian Renxue.
If we're talking about the main female characters in Douluo Continent, the only one who can somewhat maintain her character's dignity is Qian Rinyue. If it weren't for that darn divine test and having to deal with Bibi Dong as a mom, her fate wouldn't have been so tragic.
In Su Cheng's mind, everything was calculated.
But Qian Renxue clearly didn't see it that way.
To have a complete stranger who knows nothing about her able to sense her suppressed emotions, and who excels in all aspects, except for innate talent, which he surpasses her in every aspect.
Facing such a "kindred spirit," her defenses instantly crumbled.
"Mr. Su, I'm willing to be your disciple. Please guide me in my cultivation," Qian Renxue said with bright eyes, shining like stars.
[Side Quest Completed. Reward: Martial Soul Talent Domain.]
"Not just cultivation," Su Cheng's smile was warm, "I will also teach you about cultivating the heart."
"Cultivate... the heart?" Qian Renxue looked puzzled. She didn't understand Su Cheng's meaning.
"Yes, cultivate the heart," Su Cheng nodded and extended his right hand, summoning his unremarkable second-rank martial soul.
"You see, my martial soul, it's a malignant mutation, with an innate soul power of only 0.5 levels. But do you believe me when I say it will eventually attach to nine soul rings?"
"I believe!" Qian Renxue nodded without hesitation.
"Yes, you believe now, but what about before? In other words, if anyone else with an innate soul power of only 0.5 levels told you this, would you believe them? Why do you think I can do it?"
"Because... you've already achieved so much that others couldn't."
Su Cheng nodded gently, examining the martial soul in his hand.
"You see, when it comes to talent, I'm far behind you. Calling me mediocre would be too generous. I am the adopted son of Sword Douluo Chen Xin, but I only know three basic sword techniques because my talent in swordsmanship is so poor that I can't even understand my foster father's Seven Kill Sword Technique."
The girl widened her eyes slightly.
She had speculated many reasons why Su Cheng hadn't learned the Seven Kill Sword Technique before, but she had never thought it would be because of this.
"From childhood to adulthood, I've swung my sword countless times, maybe hundreds of thousands or even millions of times, but I've only practiced these three sword techniques. Yet, you see, it's these simplest sword techniques that have defeated you, who are a realm higher than me.
"To become a true strong person, relying solely on talent isn't enough. If you never encounter worthy opponents, it only shows that people in this world are too mediocre."
Sitting across from him, Qian Renxue couldn't help but feel a slight tremor in her heart upon hearing his words.
She found it hard to imagine what mindset Su Cheng had when he said such things.
Su Cheng didn't know the impact his words had on the girl opposite him.
But he truly intended to nurture Qian Renxue, and his words were heartfelt.
By now, Bibi Dong should have already started the Asura God Examination, and with her possessing twin martial souls, catching up to her wouldn't be easy for Qian Renxue. Su Cheng didn't intend to hold back.
"From now on, you just need to focus on three things.
"First, starting today, come here every day to get medicine and take it."
As he spoke, he took out a bottle of pale green potion from a soul device and placed it on the table.
"This is a mixed herbal medicine I developed. Long-term consumption by soul masters below Level 60 can significantly enhance mental power, laying the foundation for you to absorb a ten-thousand-year soul ring when you reach Level 40."
Although Qian Renxue's soul ring age would also increase when the divine test began, it wasn't useless to improve her foundation now. It could help her start the divine test earlier.
Of course, if she had high-age top-tier soul bones, she could advance all at once, but Su Cheng knew she would absorb the Angelic Set in the future, so this method couldn't be used.
"Second, read more books." He gestured towards the almost overflowing room of books. "I'll choose books suitable for you. Reading can enrich your knowledge and wisdom, and it's one of the best ways to cultivate the mind."
Before Qian Renxue could interject, Su Cheng waved his hand to stop her.
"I haven't finished yet. Third, focus on cultivation, and improve your soul power level. I roughly know how much time you'll need to advance each level, and I'll arrange the selection of soul rings for you."
With that, he signaled that she could ask questions now.
At this moment, Qian Renxue's expression became somewhat conflicted, and after hesitating for a while, she finally spoke in a low voice, "I'm afraid I don't have enough time..."
Su Cheng furrowed his brow, remaining silent as he stared into her eyes, waiting for an explanation.
"I currently have a mission on hand, and most of the time, I'm not in Wuhun City."
"What mission could be more important than your own cultivation?" Su Cheng chuckled. "If I remember correctly, you're the former Pope's daughter, right? And the Great Elder of the Wuhun Hall is your grandfather?"
"..."
"Then I don't understand. You're in the prime of your training years, what kind of talent can afford such extravagance and waste? Are you clueless? Doesn't your grandfather understand either?"
Su Cheng lightly tapped the table with his finger, questioning, "With your status, only the current Pope can assign you tasks, right? Do you have some sort of vendetta between you?"