Su Cheng, however, continued speaking on his own: "First of all, what people want in this world is up to them to strive for; it has nothing to do with me. I just do what I want to do. Whether it's spreading the cultivation method or helping you achieve unification, it's all because I want to. So, there's no need to place me on such a high pedestal.
"Moreover, promoting the cultivation method isn't without benefits for me. I recently discovered this myself. I won't hide it from you; the reason I hope you succeed is also to use your power to help me cultivate."
As he said this, Su Cheng's expression was calm.
Indeed, even before receiving the world's reward, he had the intention to promote the innate skill, but it was just a thought without much planning, and it didn't matter whether it succeeded or not.
It wasn't until Qian Renxue cultivated the innate power and he gained more original power that he began to take this matter seriously.
He spoke frankly now to ensure that Bibi Dong wouldn't genuinely regard him as a saint who saves the world, for he was never a saint, nor could he become one.
"Secondly, you underestimate the power of the gods. Gods are also ranked by strength. At least for now, I don't know if I can surpass them.
"But I can't help but be wary of them. The soul beast clan has been suppressed by the divine realm for countless years without rising. How do you know that if we pursue another cultivation path, we won't touch upon the interests of those gods?
"Even if it doesn't affect their interests, it might still trigger their sensitive nerves. Entrusting the ultimate decision to the mercy of others is a very foolish idea.
"As the Pope of the Spirit Hall, you should understand that for those with vested interests, maintaining the status quo is always the simplest and most secure way to handle things."
"You mean soul beasts..." Bibi Dong seemed puzzled.
"I don't know all the details either, and it's too early to think about those things now," Su Cheng said casually.
After a long silence, Bibi Dong's face once again showed a smile as she nodded, "Alright, then I'll 'again' accompany you on this gamble, but the premise is you stop thinking about taking unnecessary risks."
She emphasized the word "again."
"Don't worry, I'm not as fearless as you think."
With that, Su Cheng put down his tea cup and stood up, "I'll take my leave now."
"Go ahead."
After leaving the council chamber, Su Cheng originally planned to check on Zhu Zhuqing, only to find that she was not in the Pope's Palace.
With many experts in Spirit City, it was inconvenient for him to openly spread his senses to find her, especially with Qian Daoliu around. He needed to show some respect.
After some thought, he decided to go directly to the Elder Hall instead.
He had to inform Qian Renxue in advance about his upcoming trip to avoid unexpected situations later on. Moreover, it was getting late, and other matters could wait until tomorrow.
After Su Cheng left the Pope's Palace, Bibi Dong stared at the still-warm tea cup in front of her, lost in thought.
Then she stood up, smiled, and murmured to herself, "Su Cheng, you finally understand that only I can truly help you."
Bibi Dong didn't care whether Su Cheng's ultimate goal was for the benefit of the people or for himself because she herself was not a selfless person.
Leaving the council chamber, Bibi Dong did not stay in the Pope's Palace but instead walked slowly toward the back mountain of Spirit City.
Before long, she arrived outside a sizable flower garden.
At this time, Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, and Ah Yin were busy in the garden.
A soft blue-gold field emitted vigorous vitality, enveloping the entire garden.
In the center stood a graceful woman in a palace dress. With every move, she released soul power, making the surrounding flowers and plants sway gently.
In comparison, the actions of the two titled Douluo looked somewhat clumsy, as they could only use their hands to handle the delicate leaves, occasionally arguing due to differing opinions.
Even as a woman, Bibi Dong couldn't help but secretly admire Ah Yin's elegance at this moment.
Su Cheng was right; she was born to live among the forests and plants. Only in such a place could her temperament be perfectly displayed.
Like now, forming a beautiful picture of perfect harmony between humans and nature.
Of course, it would be better if the two men were not in this picture.
"Ah Yin, come with me."
"..." Upon hearing the voice, Ah Yin paused slightly in her soul power release.
Then she silently withdrew her field and walked out of the garden.
The other two were obviously surprised that Bibi Dong suddenly appeared without a sound, hurriedly saluting, "Greetings, Your Holiness."
"No need for formalities," Bibi Dong nodded and left with Ah Yin.
Following her, Ah Yin felt puzzled.
Since arranging for her to stay in the Elder Hall, Bibi Dong had not sought her out proactively.
She had worried for some time, unsure of Bibi Dong's intentions.
"Are you comfortable living here?"
"It's alright."
This was obviously a lie.
She was not happy living here.
"You know that Su Cheng and I left Spirit City, right?" After walking to a secluded spot, Bibi Dong finally spoke.
Ah Yin nodded, puzzled by Bibi Dong's sudden mention of this.
"Do you know who we encountered on the way?"
"Who?" For some reason, she suddenly felt a bad premonition.
"Tang Hao."
"..."
"Su Cheng killed him."
"..."
Ah Yin's eyes widened instantly, her pupils trembling slightly.
For a moment, she didn't know what she was thinking, only feeling dizzy and her mind in chaos.
Past scenes flashed before her eyes but were blurred.
Finally, inexplicably, the scene fixed on the moment she stood before Su Cheng in front of the Pope's Palace square.
Bibi Dong quietly observed her expression changes.
Then she suddenly asked, "Do you want to avenge him?"
"What?"
Only then did she come to her senses, looking at Bibi Dong with a pale face.
"I asked if you want to avenge Tang Hao."
"..." Ah Yin mumbled, unable to speak for a while.
Bibi Dong remained silent, waiting.
After a long time, Ah Yin whispered, "I can't..."
"Why can't you? Because you're not strong enough? It doesn't matter; I'm only asking if you want to, not if you can."
Bibi Dong's tone was still calm.
But to Ah Yin, it felt like a giant poisonous spider was spinning webs, enveloping her bit by bit, then devouring her...
She lowered her head, not daring to look at Bibi Dong's probing eyes.
That once unforgettable figure had already faded from her memory.
It was like a blurry silhouette in the depths of her mind.
But when she heard the bad news and tried to recall, only vague marks appeared.
What terrified her more than his death was her indifference to it.
Indeed, she had moved on from her past and experienced a richer life.
But she should never forget her past.
She instinctively felt this was shameful and wrong...
"I'm joking." After a long silence, Bibi Dong suddenly said, "He's not dead. Su Cheng spared him."
"You—"
Ah Yin looked up suddenly, glaring at Bibi Dong, her lips trembling.
She wanted to rebuke but didn't know how.
"Ah Yin, with what mindset do you stay in this city you once saw as an enemy?"
Ah Yin remained silent.
She knew what she wanted but didn't want to tell Bibi Dong.
"Do you know why Su Cheng has always ignored you?" Bibi Dong asked softly.
But before Ah Yin could answer, she provided the answer, "Because of betrayal."
"I did not!" Ah Yin loudly refuted.
"Whether you did or didn't is irrelevant. The key is what Su Cheng thinks." Bibi Dong looked at her, "But there is a way to remedy it."
"What?"
"Are you willing to die for him once?" Bibi Dong's voice was as calm as before.
Ah Yin was stunned.
She looked at the powerful and beautiful Pope of the Spirit Hall before her.
Though this beautiful woman exuded an unparalleled elegance, it made her feel a chill from the bottom of her heart.
It was like a dormant viper beside her suddenly showing its sharp fangs.
That night, in a luxurious room at the July Star Sky Couple Hotel in a kingdom's main city near Spirit City.
The two, who had just finished exercising, lay naked on the bed.
Qian Renxue's face was flushed.
Behind her, two pairs of white wings were spread out, damp.
As before, at the peak of her excitement, she couldn't help but instinctively extend her angel wings.
Even now, her snow-white body trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly.
"In a few days, I need to leave Spirit City."
Su Cheng's arm reached around the wings and shoulders, down to play with the now difficult-to-fully-grasp fullness, gently kneading the peaks.
The feathers on the wings were white and delicate, feeling great to touch.
Underneath, the texture was like normal human skin, with tight muscle fibers and a light, hollow bone structure.
The construction of the angel race was quite unique, resembling an external spirit bone, but inheritable and increasing in number with cultivation.
"Where are you going?"
Qian Renxue's voice was lazy and slightly hoarse.
Apparently, the shouting had strained her vocal cords.
Fortunately, Su Cheng hadn't made her call out strange names this time.
Otherwise, she might have hidden away in her mind and not dared to show herself.
"I'm going to tour the academies of the Heaven Dou Empire, to see if I can bring them into the Spirit Hall's camp."
"Oh, then go ahead. I can accompany you."
Qian Renxue, still feeling tingly, her body blushing from time to time, seemed immersed in the afterglow, not fully back to her senses.
"Cough, no need. I'm not going alone."
Su Cheng hesitated, then gritted his teeth and continued, "Bibi Dong's new disciple is also coming to train."
Taking advantage of Qian Renxue's good mood, he planned to gloss over this matter.