Regarding Ning Rongrong's situation, Zhu Zhuqing had heard about it long ago.
Back when they were in the Shrek Academy team, Yu Xiaogang had brought out various data on other team members for research.
Among all the teams, the Heaven Dou Royal Academy team, where Su Cheng was, had always been the biggest hypothetical enemy in Tang San and Yu Xiaogang's minds.
Their research on them was naturally of utmost importance.
Ning Rongrong's special situation was also noticed.
According to Yu Xiaogang at the time, her condition was a special case of martial soul mutation. Combined with Ning Rongrong's exceptional talent of ninth-level innate soul power, this explanation seemed reasonable, so Zhu Zhuqing didn't dwell on it further.
Now, it seemed there were many issues; Yu Xiaogang was clearly pretending to understand what he didn't.
Innate soul power levels represent the quality of a soul master's martial soul.
No matter how weak the martial soul, as long as the bloodline is pure enough, it is possible to have full innate soul power, including even the Blue Silver Grass, which is recognized as a waste martial soul.
However, the probability of this happening is extremely low, almost zero. Even with the aid of cultivation methods, unless one has a custom-made exclusive cultivation method, a lifetime of hard work may not purify the bloodline to that extent.
According to Su Cheng's previous theory, bloodline purification can be compared to soul beasts transforming.
Any soul beast that achieves a hundred-thousand-year transformation will have full innate soul power after becoming a soul master, even weak soul beasts like the Soft Bone Rabbit, because their bloodline is pure enough.
However, there are still differences in potential among different martial souls. For example, even among hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, the Titan Giant Ape and the Azure Bull Python are much stronger than ordinary soul beasts.
From this perspective, the appearance of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda is definitely related to Su Cheng.
Besides this guy, she couldn't think of anyone else who could achieve such a feat.
Thinking of this, Zhu Zhuqing frowned and glanced at Su Cheng, feeling quite displeased.
What exactly is wrong with this bastard? Is this "sister" he mentioned really as simple as he said?
Su Cheng seemed to sense something, and he looked back at her with some confusion, not understanding why she suddenly seemed very unhappy.
Was it because she felt neglected?
Apologetically smiling at her, Su Cheng took the initiative to say, "By the way, Sect Master, in the next few days, let Rongrong spend more time learning from Zhuqing. Their situations are somewhat similar. Both of their current martial souls are unique and without predecessors to guide them; they need to continuously explore their potential."
He then looked at the other two titled Douluo present. "In terms of understanding the true essence of martial souls, Zhuqing has actually surpassed ordinary peak Douluo."
"Oh?"
Everyone was surprised by this statement.
This evaluation seemed a bit exaggerated.
Chen Xin, being perceptive, had already roughly estimated Zhu Zhuqing's cultivation.
Judging by her aura, although profound, it seemed ambiguous. Considering her age, she probably hadn't reached the level of a Soul Sage.
Since her cultivation hadn't reached the level of a Soul Saint, it meant she couldn't use her martial soul avatar yet. Without possessing a martial soul avatar, how could she comprehend the true essence of martial souls?
Even though these words came from Su Cheng, they found it hard to believe.
"Zhuqing."
Su Cheng nodded at her.
Zhu Zhuqing silently rolled her eyes and withdrew her gaze.
Although she didn't want to bother with Su Cheng at this moment, she didn't want to leave a bad impression on Chen Xin.
Suddenly, her eyes, as dark as the night sky, flashed with two points of scarlet cold light, and her long hair floated silently.
In an instant, a phantom of a fierce tiger seemed to linger behind her, silently licking its sharp claws, its expression lazy and indolent, with all its fighting and killing intent hidden deep within.
"Such pure will!"
Chen Xin's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Fengzhi unconsciously straightened up.
Even the previously silent Gu Rong silently looked up, raising his eyebrows.
Throughout this process, Ning Rongrong, sitting aside, seemed completely unaware, looking confusedly at the solemn expressions of the elders around her.
And this was the most terrifying part.
The more extreme the emotion, the harder it is to control.
Zhu Zhuqing's fighting and killing intent were almost tangible, yet she could conceal it completely, controlling it with ease.
This level of control surpassed many titled Douluo.
"No wonder she is a disciple of the Pope, truly extraordinary," Ning Fengzhi sighed. "Uncle Jian, Uncle Gu, what do you think?"
"Before level ninety-five, there will be no bottlenecks," Chen Xin said, taking a sip of tea to calm his astonishment. "This generation of young people is truly remarkable."
Su Cheng merely smiled without speaking.
More than just level ninety-five, Zhu Zhuqing's martial soul alone could push her to level ninety-nine.
As they chatted and laughed, time slowly passed.
Su Cheng did not mention anything related to the Spirit Hall, as those matters were not urgent for now.
"Sect Master, Crown Prince Xue Beng is here to visit," a sect disciple suddenly reported.
"Xue Beng? What is he here for?" Ning Fengzhi frowned.
He did not like this current Heaven Dou Crown Prince and had not taken him as an honorary disciple like the previous prince, Xue Qinghe.
Comparisons are inevitable.
Compared to the various performances of Qian Renxue disguised as Xue Qinghe, Xue Beng was too mediocre.
Furthermore, Qian Renxue never attacked the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect during that time, and Su Cheng's involvement also played a role. Despite parting ways later, the overall impression was still mostly positive.
Xue Beng had committed many disgraceful acts over the past few years, which could not be easily washed away by the excuse of "concealing one's abilities."
Thus, there had been little interaction between them in the past year.
Su Cheng's expression changed slightly, smiling as he said, "It seems my movements have caught the attention of the royal family. In that case, Zhuqing and I should avoid meeting him to avoid any awkwardness."
Ning Fengzhi pondered for a moment and nodded, "That's a good idea."
Chen Xin stood up voluntarily. "In that case, I won't stay here either. Fengzhi, you can talk to Xue Beng alone. Cheng'er, we haven't seen each other for a long time. Let's take a walk."
He then looked at Ning Rongrong, "Rongrong, take Miss Zhu for a tour."
The two girls glanced at each other, not particularly wanting to be alone together.
However, since the elders had spoken, and given that it was natural for the master and disciple to catch up after a long time, they couldn't refuse and had to follow along.
In the back mountain of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, an old and a young figure walked through the bamboo forest, chatting casually.
However, Chen Xin did not ask about anything related to the Spirit Hall or Su Cheng's personal development.
He had no intention of interfering in those matters, leaving them for Ning Fengzhi to handle.
Chen Xin wanted to ask about something else. "Cheng'er, you and Zhu Zhuqing, have a close relationship, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Does Qian Renxue know?"
"She probably doesn't," Su Cheng replied, looking somewhat embarrassed.
"..." The old man was speechless, half-amused, half-exasperated. "You are quite honest."
"There's nothing to hide from my teacher."
Chen Xin smacked his lips, hesitated for a while, and then dryly said, "Cheng'er, this isn't right."
"..."
"In terms of cultivation, you have surpassed me; there's nothing I can teach you." Chen Xin sighed, looking at the silent Su Cheng. "But in matters like this, you need to think clearly, or you'll hurt others and yourself."
He gently patted Su Cheng's shoulder.
"For the sake of the sect's legacy, Fengzhi has taken many wives and concubines, but his situation is different from yours.
"He hasn't invested much genuine emotion in those relationships. Those family members are also of limited talent, and their relationships are more about family interests.
"Can you easily let go like he does?
"Moreover, Qian Renxue and Zhu Zhuqing are both exceptionally talented and don't seem like the type to tolerate such indulgence from you."
Su Cheng glanced at Chen Xin, who looked sincerely concerned, but didn't know how to respond.
He understood that Chen Xin was worried about him, but matters like these were exactly what he was worst at handling. Even now, he hadn't figured out how to deal with it.
The only thing he could do was hide and delay.
He knew it was wrong, that it would eventually become a ticking time bomb.
And the longer he delayed, the deeper the hurt would be.
A year ago, Qian Renxue's sword strike was the truest example.
But as Chen Xin said, he couldn't let go or abandon.
Because of fear, he hesitated, always wanting to indulge in temporary happiness.
"Teacher, what do you think I should do?"
Su Cheng looked confused.
Chen Xin didn't answer his question but instead asked, "Cheng'er, have you ever thought about why you cultivate?"
"For what?" Su Cheng was stunned.
He knew why he wanted to cultivate and become stronger.
To gain strength is to have freedom, to fully control one's own destiny.
But the question wasn't that simple.
What comes after freedom? Freedom is just a vague term, a state, but what he ultimately wanted was something else.
Coming to such a mystical world where individuals possess extraordinary power, capable of taking on hundreds by themselves.
With great power, many dreams that were impossible in the previous life could be realized.
To kill with a glance, leave no trace for a thousand miles, last night in the green mountains, this morning by the Luo River, leaving eastward without return, drinking and singing, how free and easy!
Or to climb higher step by step, achieve Eternity, overlook the changing world, embrace the mountains, invite the moon into dreams, how grand!
These were all things he wanted.
But not just these.