The members of the Martial Soul Hall are mainly divided into three parts.
The most core group resides in the Martial Soul City, consisting of the elders who mainly operate within the Elder Hall and the Pope Hall, wielding considerable power, sometimes even able to veto the Pope's proposals.
These individuals not only hold significant power but also possess formidable strength. Typically, one must attain the level of a Title Douluo before assuming the position of an elder in the Martial Soul Hall.
The second part consists of core members allocated to various Martial Soul Main Halls and Martial Soul Sub-Halls.
For example, the Martial Soul Sacred Halls in the capitals of the two major empires are typical representatives.
The likes of Salas, the hall master of the Martial Soul Sacred Hall in Tian Dou City, although only a Soul Douluo in cultivation, hold high status within the Martial Soul Hall system. Even in Martial Soul City, he has influence and practical power that may not necessarily be lower than that of ordinary elders.
As for members at the level of Martial Soul Sub-Halls, they rarely come into contact with Martial Soul City and recruit members locally. Some sub-hall or branch hall masters may never have the chance to visit Martial Soul City in their lifetime.
The third part of Martial Soul City consists of the core members of the younger generation.
These individuals also reside in Martial Soul City, mainly operating in the Martial Soul Hall Academy located at the back of Martial Soul City, somewhat similar in significance to the Royal Academy of Tian Dou Empire.
Although these individuals may not wield much practical power yet, they are the core force of the new generation, potentially rising to become hall masters of Martial Soul Sub-Halls at the very least.
After joining the Martial Soul Hall, Su Cheng belongs to this part of the members.
However, compared to others like Hu Liena, his status is somewhat different and relatively complex.
Firstly, his background is different; after all, he was not groomed by the Martial Soul Hall, creating a slight barrier in intimacy.
But his innate talent is exceptional, evident to everyone from his performance in the Soul Master Competition. No one dares to underestimate him due to his background.
Most importantly, the secret method he contributed is incredibly precious.
From Soul Master to Soul Saint, being able to continuously assist Soul Masters of corresponding levels in surpassing their year limits in absorbing soul rings, it's not an overstatement to call him a cornerstone of the Martial Soul Hall's system for nurturing young soul masters.
During his first few days in the Martial Soul Hall, apart from transactions with Bibi Dong, Su Cheng mainly met with the elders and numerous Title Douluos to exchange the secret method of acupuncture with silver needles, which he then compiled into a book.
Regarding this secret method, the current attitude of the Martial Soul Hall is to keep it confidential for the time being, using it first in their own soul master cultivation without rushing to make it public.
Of course, all the credit belongs solely to Su Cheng.
If it were to be made public in the future, it would be gradually published, and Su Cheng's name would be prominently featured.
Everyone understands that this will be a powerful tool for recruiting talents for the Martial Soul Hall and must be utilized well, not disclosed all at once.
For the Martial Soul Hall, the value of this secret method even surpasses Su Cheng's current talent and strength.
As for Qian Renxue, Su Cheng hasn't had a private meeting with her yet.
He hasn't figured out how to face her.
Qian Renxue's emotions seem somewhat abnormal now, which is not a good sign.
Whether it was when he first met Ning Rongrong several years ago or when facing Zhu Zhuqing the other day, her murderous intent was too heavy. Even without knowing the full story, her first choice was to resort to violence.
Especially in the recent battle, it was evidently premeditated, showing deep scheming and ruthless methods.
Moreover, he actually had no real connection to Zhu Zhuqing or anyone else.
In fact, not just Zhu Zhuqing.
Regardless of Ning Rongrong, Ah Yin, or even Feng Qingyu who had appeared by his side, if any member of the opposite sex caught her attention, she would show astonishing murderous intent.
Starting to scheme directly based on some intuition, this possessiveness was somewhat terrifying.
Of course, Su Cheng can still justify himself to others, but regarding Zhu Zhuqing's matter, he has no intention of defending himself, as the root of the mistake lies with him.
From Qian Renxue's perspective, her actions are quite normal, given her status; she doesn't need to accommodate anyone.
It's not about strength; her personality is just like that, as is her attitude towards relationships.
Su Cheng also believes that regardless of what happens, Qian Renxue will never betray him.
This is the trust accumulated over decades of virtual and real-world interactions, through countless tests.
Especially after knowing that she remembers everything that happened in the simulation, he can be even more certain of this.
But jusIn the simulated world, decades of companionship made her Su Cheng's only friend, the sole reliance for each other.
Even after returning to reality, those memories settled deeply, leaving a significant impact on Su Cheng's heart.
Qian Daoliu's sudden summons surprised Su Cheng.
As the Grand Elder of the Martial Soul Hall, although Qian Daoliu possessed immense strength and high status, he usually kept a low profile.
Even with his status in the first simulation and as Qian Renxue's teacher, the number of times Su Cheng had truly met Qian Daoliu could be counted on one hand.
He didn't expect that, only a few days after joining the Martial Soul Hall, he would be considered important enough for a meeting with Qian Daoliu.
Although he was somewhat puzzled, he wasn't worried.
Qian Daoliu's moral integrity was surprisingly high, a unique figure on the Douluo Continent, and there was no need to worry about any accidents during the meeting.
"Younger Su Cheng, I've met the Grand Elder."
Looking at the tall middle-aged man in simple attire with black hair cascading over his shoulders, Su Cheng respectfully bowed.
"Su Cheng, you're quite remarkable."
Qian Daoliu calmly appraised Su Cheng with gentle eyes.
Though his gaze carried a hint of scrutiny, it wasn't off-putting, perhaps due to his serene and calm demeanor.
"You and Renxue's battle, I've been observing. Your talent is exceptional, far surpassing Renxue, and with time, becoming a Title Douluo is only a matter of time. Reaching my level is also not impossible."
"The Grand Elder overpraises."
"Not at all," Qian Daoliu gently shook his head. "I never exaggerate. In you, I see the potential for even higher levels."
During that decisive battle, while others marveled at Su Cheng's astonishing combat power, his five soul rings beyond normal limits, and his innate talent with dual martial souls, only he and Chen Xin felt a sense of awe due to the sword intent containing the aura of annihilation.
Su Cheng was at a loss for words for a moment, inwardly puzzled. Was he summoned because of this? It couldn't be; it wasn't Qian Daoliu's style.
No matter how strong he was, he was at most a Soul King. It was far-fetched to think Qian Daoliu would take a keen interest in him.
"But I want to see you because of another matter," Qian Daoliu spoke again. "I've seen your theory on absorbing soul rings and your self-created soul skills, and I find you to be a very thoughtful child."
Su Cheng silently looked at him, waiting for him to continue.
"I know you and Renxue have a good relationship. I don't delve much into the affairs of young people like you. But have you noticed Renxue's current state? Do you have any thoughts on it?"
Su Cheng suddenly realized.
That's right, only matters concerning Qian Renxue could stir Qian Daoliu's emotions.
"I do have some thoughts," he pondered.
"Renxue probably didn't have a good childhood. But her character is resilient, and her talent is high, leading to some special circumstances."
Hearing him refer to Qian Renxue by name, Qian Daoliu's expression momentarily turned strange, but it quickly returned to normal, silently listening to his explanation.
"If her talent wasn't as high, her inner darkness might have consumed her during her childhood, leading to a direct change in her character. But because her talent is so high and she's overly strong-willed, it allowed her inner darkness to gradually accumulate, resulting in the current situation of soul fragmentation."
Qian Daoliu fell silent for a while after hearing this.
With a somewhat strained voice, he spoke, "I see..."
There was a hint of guilt in his tone.
Qian Daoliu naturally knew why Qian Renxue had accumulated so much darkness in her heart during her childhood.
"And these two souls..." Qian Daoliu's tone was slightly hesitant.
That dark Qian Renxue clearly went against the will of the Angel Clan's inheritance.
Su Cheng glanced at him, instantly sensing some of his thoughts.
Furrowing his brows, he said coldly, "Grand Elder, forgive my bluntness, but both of these individuals are your granddaughters, fundamentally no different. You shouldn't blame her for the appearance of the second soul; you should blame yourself as an elder."
Upon hearing this, Qian Daoliu was stunned for a moment, then smiled bitterly, "You're right, I was wrong."
Su Cheng's expression softened, and the scene became a little tense, yet quiet.
If it were any other peerless strong man, he would definitely not ask such a question directly, but for Qian Daoliu, there was no need to beat around the bush.
"Is there any solution? I think her current state may not be beneficial in the long run."
"It may not be good, and it may not be bad," Su Cheng pondered slowly. "This state indeed carries some hidden dangers. The key lies in whether she can stabilize it. Her future potential could surpass that of all soul masters in the world."
Qian Daoliu looked surprised upon hearing this.
He didn't disdain or ridicule Su Cheng for making such grand claims with his modest Soul King cultivation level. Instead, he patiently inquired, "How can it be stabilized?"
"I don't have a clue yet. It will take some time to deeply understand."
Qian Daoliu nodded lightly, "Understood."
He didn't express much trust in Su Cheng or think he was vastly smarter than others. It's just that currently, besides Su Cheng, no one else had a clue. On the other hand, Su Cheng could at least provide a rough idea, which was already extremely rare.
"Su Cheng, Xiaoxue indeed had an unhappy childhood. I hope you can help her untie her knots." Qian Daoliu began to speak, as if he wanted to add more, but ended up falling silent.
Su Cheng nodded solemnly, "I understand."
The next day, Su Cheng was about to head to the conference room of the Elder Hall, but was intercepted by a figure.
Recently, due to frequent discussions with the elders, he hadn't been staying in Spirit City but temporarily lodged in a room in the Elder Hall.
He was treated with great courtesy and attention.
"Teacher, why haven't you visited me since arriving at Wuhun Hall?"
"Xiaoxue?" Su Cheng froze at the sight of the approaching person. Surprised, he asked, "Why are you here?"
"I'm asking why you're avoiding me," Qian Renxue waved her hand and closed the door. Holding her head high, she raised her delicate eyebrows and stared at him intently with her phoenix eyes.
"I've been busy lately, and the elders of Spirit Palace have been pressing me, so I haven't come to see you."
"You're lying," Qian Renxue's voice softened, her lips biting down, "You're just avoiding me."
Seeing Su Cheng's silence, Qian Renxue took two steps forward.
"Is it because of that girl from the Star Luo Empire? Are you protecting her because you can't bear to see me kill her? You helped her improve her martial spirit. What is her relationship with you? Are you willing to give her a hundred thousand-year soul bone? What use is she to you? She's just a Soul King. She can't even land a hit on me. I have talent and strength. I can be a sharp sword in your hand. You don't need hers at all."
"Xiaoxue, this isn't just about strength," Su Cheng frowned, feeling a headache coming on.
He increasingly felt that there was something amiss with Qian Renxue's current mindset.
"Y—" Before he could finish his words, a tall figure suddenly rushed over, colliding with his chest and wrapping arms around his waist.
Qian Renxue's speed was remarkable, catching Su Cheng off guard. He couldn't dodge, taking two steps back to steady himself.
Her soft and delicate body pressed tightly against his, a faint fragrance wafting into his nostrils.
In her twenties, Qian Renxue had fully developed her figure.
Feeling her close and intimate contact, Su Cheng couldn't help his heart racing.
She held him tightly, raising her head to look at him, pleading in her eyes.
"From now on, let's stay in Spirit Hall and not go anywhere, okay?"
Her soft voice trembled Su Cheng's heart.
The look in her eyes made it difficult for him to resist.
He struggled to find words to say.
Her fair face moved closer, whispering softly, "Teacher, you really don't need to pay attention to them."
Her bright red lips parted slightly, a hint of moist fragrance lingering.
"I'm willing to die for you. Can they do that? Whatever you want, I'm willing to do."
As she spoke, her lips slowly traced his cheek.
Su Cheng tilted his head slightly, unable to meet her eyes.
If this continued, he would never be able to say what he wanted to.
However, the next moment, another figure appeared behind him, also reaching out to hug his lower back.
"Su Cheng, aren't we enough for you? Why are you so greedy?"
The whisper echoed in his ears, strands of hair brushing against his neck.
{End of The Volume}