Third floor of Moon Pavilion.
Under Yu Tianheng's guidance, the three of them walked in together.
Compared to downstairs, this floor had far fewer people, and the layout was more exquisite.
A tall, semi-transparent screen stood deep in the hall, with several shadows moving behind it, adding to the mystery.
Meanwhile, the melodious sound of a musical ensemble emanated from behind the screen, and several tables and chairs were placed in front of it.
These tables and chairs were also made of high-quality wood, with a faint fragrance wafting in the air. Each seating area had three to five people gathered, talking quietly or leisurely enjoying tea.
Yu Tianheng glanced at the exquisite staircase not far away and said to Su Cheng, "Elder Su, the private rooms are upstairs, with an environment similar to this floor. Do you still want to go up?"
His formality and demeanor at that moment made Su Cheng pause before waving his hand and smiling, "No need to be so polite, senior. Just call me by my name."
As he spoke, he discreetly released his perception to scan Moon Pavilion, frowning slightly.
Yu Tianheng's cautious nature wasn't surprising, especially since he knew Su Cheng's identity. But Su Cheng hadn't expected to become a celebrity of sorts.
Elders of the Spirit Hall naturally held esteemed positions, but most of them stayed in the Elder Hall and were not well-known. Only those like Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, who frequently carried out tasks, were famous.
If Su Cheng had known he was now so noticeable, he wouldn't have come to Moon Pavilion. Given the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's clear support for the Heaven Dou Empire, his sensitive identity—being from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and holding a significant position in the Spirit Hall—could attract unwanted attention from the Empire's royal family.
However, this thought quickly passed.
His confidence came from his strength. The prevailing trend didn't require much concern. Only when one's strength was insufficient did they need to maneuver carefully.
"What do you think, Zhuqing?" Su Cheng looked at Zhu Zhuqing beside him, asking for her opinion after observing the surroundings.
"Let's stay here."
"Alright, let's sit here for a while. Thank you for leading the way, senior. It's a pleasure meeting you today; let me buy you a few drinks."
Yu Tianheng smiled and declined politely, relieved inside. He had his own concerns. Given their differing affiliations, going to a private room might spark rumors. While such things wouldn't affect Su Cheng much, they could cause him trouble within his family's factions.
"Seeing you earlier, it seemed like you were about to leave. Are we not interrupting you?" Su Cheng asked casually after they sat down.
"No, I don't have much to do," Yu Tianheng chuckled self-deprecatingly. "I'm just passing the time in Heaven Dou City."
Su Cheng didn't know how to respond to that and instead glanced at the bamboo plaques hanging on the west wall, listing the prices. Immediately, a staff member approached and waited quietly.
With just a glance, Su Cheng couldn't help but inwardly sigh at the extravagance. Though he was familiar with the nobility, having spent time in the upper echelons of the Star Luo Empire, the prices here were outrageous.
The cheapest pot of tea cost several gold soul coins, and the most expensive over a hundred. A noble's half-day expenditure here could equal several years' total expenses for an ordinary family of three.
"Bring three pots of the most expensive tea," Su Cheng said grandly.
The server looked troubled.
Yu Tianheng awkwardly explained, "Uh, the prices listed are for set menus per table, not individual pots."
"Heh, bumpkin."
Hearing the mocking tone beside him, Su Cheng raised an eyebrow and turned to Zhu Zhuqing, "You know?"
Zhu Zhuqing didn't answer. She didn't know the pricing rules here but found Su Cheng's behavior amusing.
"Alright, then bring the most expensive set menu."
"Very well, please wait a moment."
Soon, someone brought a tray with a teapot and three cups of tea, emitting a delicate fragrance.
Zhu Zhuqing's nostrils twitched slightly, showing a hint of surprise. She picked up a cup and tasted it without waiting for the others.
"The tea here is really good."
As the hot water touched her tongue, the bitterness gave way to fragrance, flowing between her lips and teeth. Her eyes brightened, and she softly praised it.
Though Zhu Zhuqing wasn't knowledgeable about such things, she had enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle since childhood and tasted many fine teas. The tea here was unique and worth its price.
Su Cheng raised an eyebrow, took a sip, and said, "It's just alright."
With Zhu Zhuqing around, he didn't hold back, speaking his mind.
"You haven't tasted many good teas, yet you pretend to know," Zhu Zhuqing rolled her eyes, looking a bit disdainful.
Though she didn't know much either, it didn't stop her from mocking Su Cheng's lack of experience.
"Haha, a frog in a well," Su Cheng said, playing with his cup and flashing a smug look. "Once you've tasted the best, everything else pales in comparison."
"Big talk."
"Believe what you will. I'll take you to taste some real tea someday, and we'll see if you still act tough."
Moon Pavilion, catering to nobles, didn't charge for its performances. Its main revenue came from training noble children in etiquette, providing venues for high-level interactions, and its dining services. Thus, its tea was among the finest in the world.
However, compared to what he had tasted in the Spirit Hall, such as the Dragon's Fragrance cultivated by Ah Yin and Chrysanthemum Douluo, this tea was far inferior. Though Su Cheng wasn't an expert, the taste difference was evident.
"You two seem really close."
Yu Tianheng couldn't help but comment, watching the pair's casual banter.
In his impression, Zhu Zhuqing wasn't this sociable. Though extremely beautiful, she was too aloof, leaving little impression beyond her strength in the last competition.
However, Zhu Zhuqing blushed and fell silent upon hearing his words.
Su Cheng smiled, unbothered, and quietly listened to the music from behind the screen.
"Tap, tap, tap..."
A woman in her late twenties, followed by two beautiful girls, descended the stairs from the back, her footsteps rhythmic.
She walked straight towards Su Cheng's table and warmly greeted them, "Elder Su, welcome to Moon Pavilion. I apologize for not welcoming you sooner."
Yu Tianheng wasn't surprised to see Tang Yuehua herself, quickly introducing her, "This is Tang Yuehua, the owner of Yue Pavilion."
Su Cheng turned and nodded lightly, "Hello."
Noticing his barely touched tea, Tang Yuehua softly asked, "Is the tea not to your liking, Elder Su?"
Her demeanor was elegant, her eyes gentle, and her movements exuded nobility. Her soft inquiry was like a refreshing breeze.
"It's fine. I'm just not thirsty."
Tang Yuehua's expression stiffened slightly.
It seemed he regarded their finest tea as mere water.
Su Cheng observed her, then smiled and asked, "I've heard that Mistress Tang possesses a unique talent. Could we see it? Mainly for my friend's benefit."
His tone remained gentle, but Tang Yuehua saw a flicker of a sword in his eyes, bringing a chilling sense of peril.
The terrifying shadow quickly faded, but the momentary feeling of standing on a cliff's edge, facing an abyss, left her shaken.
She immediately understood.
A threat.
It was a blatant threat.
Today, she had no choice but to comply with this request.
Her heart was heavy. For years, she had navigated through various powers with ease, never encountering such coercion.
But she had heard of Su Cheng.
Not only heard, but she had also gathered detailed information.
The Spirit Hall was a great enemy of the Tang family.
The Clear Sky Sect had secluded itself from the world, forced into isolation by the pressure from the Spirit Hall.
Her most beloved second brother had to constantly remain in hiding due to the presence of the Spirit Hall, unable to reveal himself for many years.
Today's appearance was partly a test from Tang Yuehua, for the young man in front of her, Su Cheng, was considered the most brilliant rising star of the current Spirit Hall.
Never had she imagined that this encounter would trap her instead.
Though her soul power had stagnated at the ninth rank, preventing her from ever becoming a Soul Master and absorbing a soul ring, her perception remained extraordinarily keen due to her unique innate domain.
The young man before her felt immensely powerful, comparable even to her once formidable elder brothers.
Crucially, this person seemed entirely unrestrained and reckless.
Never before had anyone dared to threaten her upon their first meeting; it was as if he was seeking enmity.
Even if her origins were largely unknown, her status as a guest of the royal family should have instilled some caution.
Did Su Cheng not realize that his current status somewhat represented the Spirit Hall?!
"What's wrong, Mistress Tang? Are you feeling troubled?" Su Cheng asked again, seeing her hesitate for a long time.
"Of course not, please follow me upstairs." Tang Yuehua regained her composure, quickly nodding with a smile.
As she turned around, her face immediately darkened.
Climbing the stairs, Zhu Zhuqing shot Su Cheng a strange look.
Unlike Yu Tianheng, who was oblivious, Zhu Zhuqing was well-acquainted with Su Cheng and highly perceptive.
She detected the coercion in Su Cheng's words and sensed the subtle hostility emanating from Tang Yuehua.
"What are you looking at?" Su Cheng noticed her gaze and scolded, "Focus on the experience later, don't waste Tang Yuehua's goodwill."
"Tch." Zhu Zhuqing pouted, too lazy to argue.
The top floor of Yuexuan was a large, elegantly decorated hall, furnished with fragrant wood emitting a faint scent, creating an air of luxury and comfort.
"Please, take a seat."
As Su Cheng and Zhu Zhuqing sat down, Yu Tianheng, who had followed them, hid his amazement and silently admired the surroundings.
Having spent considerable time in Heaven Dou City, often frequenting in the Moon Pavilion, he had never heard of anyone being invited to the top floor.
This was said to be Tang Yuehua's personal space, and it surprised him that Su Cheng could bring them here with just a word.
Tang Yuehua glanced at them, suppressing her anger, and activated her innate domain, the Noble Circle.
A gentle wave emanated from her, seemingly capable of soothing all negative emotions.
This wave contained no soul power, making it pure and natural.
Its absence of soul power allowed it to deeply alleviate the emotions of those within the domain without inciting any resistance.
Even Su Cheng felt a moment of comfort.
But only for a moment.
His sword intent was too strong, making emotional and mental techniques like this difficult to affect him.
The one who felt it most was Zhu Zhuqing.
Her turbulent and impure killing intent, which had been cleansed upon advancing to Soul Emperor and progressing in her innate domain, began to subside.
However, after becoming a Soul Emperor, the intense sharpness she exuded was hard to conceal.
Su Cheng believed this sharpness should be restrained usually.
Maintaining such an exposed edge without combat could lead to gradual erosion.
Additionally, balancing tension and relaxation is key to proper cultivation; constant strain is not beneficial.
Time flowed on.
The domain continued to exert its effect.
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes gradually lost their cold gleam, as if sheathing a sword, concealing its sharpness.
The pronounced sharpness that had previously enveloped her was now slowly retracting.
By the time Su Cheng and Zhu Zhuqing left Moon Pavilion, the sky had already darkened.
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at him, puzzled, "Who exactly was that Tang Yuehua?"
"She hails from the Clear Sky Sect, the younger sister of Tang Xiao and Tang Hao."
"No wonder." Zhu Zhuqing finally understood, then glanced at Su Cheng, "You have quite the peculiar sense of humor."
"You're overthinking it. I wasn't targeting her, it was just a coincidence. Her domain is beneficial to you, didn't you feel it?" Su Cheng said calmly.
"It is indeed a mystical domain." Zhu Zhuqing nodded lightly, "Who would have thought a non-Soul Master could possess such a domain, and from the Clear Sky Sect, no less."
"It's just a coincidence. Don't dwell on her too much." Su Cheng waved his hand, "Let's find a place to stay for the night, you should get some rest."
"Mm..." Zhu Zhuqing responded softly.
Heaven Dou City's commerce flourished, with high-end hotels everywhere.
The two randomly picked one and walked in.
At the front desk, Su Cheng tapped the counter lightly, "Two rooms, please."
The attendant looked up at them, his eyes lingering on Zhu Zhuqing for a few extra seconds, a touch of admiration in his gaze.
Then he gave Su Cheng a knowing look and coughed lightly, "I'm sorry, we only have one room left."
Su Cheng felt a bit exasperated.
Not wanting to argue, he placed twenty gold soul coins on the counter.
"Any more rooms? If not, we'll find another hotel; there are plenty in Tiandou City."
"We do!" The attendant's eyes lit up, quickly correcting himself, and handed over two keys, "Rooms 312 and 313, the highest standard rooms we have."
Su Cheng nodded, taking the keys and heading upstairs.
Zhu Zhuqing followed silently, her head lowered.
At the end of the third floor, Su Cheng opened the inner room with his key and said seriously to Zhu Zhuqing, "This advancement has taken a toll on your mental state. Although there seems to be no immediate danger, ignoring it would be detrimental in the long run. Rest early tonight. After a good sleep, all fatigue will vanish."
"Okay."
...
Back in his room, Su Cheng lay on the bed, not intending to sleep.
The hotel stay was mainly for Zhu Zhuqing's rest. He didn't need sleep to restore energy; meditation was far more effective.
His thoughts were turbulent.
Regarding visiting various factions, Su Cheng was not overly concerned; he could adapt as necessary.
He was pondering Zhu Zhuqing's future cultivation path.
After advancing to Soul Emperor, Zhu Zhuqing's new insights and the further awakening of her Hell White Tiger combat talent were extraordinary.
This talent of continuously growing stronger through battle was exceptional.
However, this path also entailed great risks.
Without battle, her talent would remain dormant. And not just any battle—intense or even life-threatening battles were required.
Additionally, cultivating innate power presented challenges.
Innate power varied greatly in strength.
For instance, after mastering the third volume of his innate technique, Su Cheng had formed initial innate power, which under the Spirit Avatar's enhancement, unified his entire strength.
This level of innate power matched ordinary divine power.
This power, now mastered by Qian Renxue, could also be within reach for Bibi Dong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ah Yin, given their strong foundations.
However, advancing further to the highly concentrated innate power in the second stage of the Eternal Avatar was truly perfect energy, surpassing even first-level divine power, almost touching the realm of a God-King.
Achieving this was extremely difficult for others.
Bibi Dong, with her unique soul and deep Lotus Water Soul foundation, might have a chance. Ah Yin's pure foundation would likely make it easier as she advanced.
Qian Renxue, despite the impurities from consuming the Lovesick Heartbroken Red, could enhance her power level significantly through the fusion and mutual reinforcement of her twin souls, potentially matching pure innate power.
Only Zhu Zhuqing, whose body held the remnants of immense medicinal power from two immortal herbs, might find this a future hindrance.
This concerned Su Cheng.
"Immortal herbs... Maybe I should distribute them all. Keeping them serves little purpose; they could be research subjects. Elder Chrysanthemum would be a good candidate; it's mutually beneficial..."
"Click—"
Amidst his thoughts, a faint door sound reached his ears.
Then, nearly silent footsteps approached, like a hunting cat, light and quiet, even the breathing barely audible.
"?"
"Zhuqing, you—"
"I can't wait any longer."
"But—"
"I love you."
With that statement, reason vanished into thin air.