Grandpa Jack stood there in a daze. Initially, he thought Su Ming must have paid a hefty price to hire a powerful Titled Douluo for protection, but to learn they were actually friends? Su Ming had really come a long way!
Grandpa Jack chuckled, "Well, if that's how it is, then there's no choice. We'll leave."
After saying this, he stared at the familiar scenery of the village, filled with reluctance. Over the years, thanks to Su Ming's yearly contributions, the village had improved steadily. But now, they had no choice but to leave.
Su Ming understood Grandpa Jack's attachment to the village. He walked over and gently consoled him, "Grandpa Jack, this is just temporary. We'll come back one day when it's safe."
Grandpa Jack shook his head. He doubted they would ever return. As mere commoners, how could they ever hope to contend with someone as powerful as Tang Hao? Su Ming had protection from a Titled Douluo, but they did not. Staying here would only worry Su Ming further, so Grandpa Jack didn't hold onto any illusions of coming back.
Suddenly, a thought crossed Grandpa Jack's mind: while the village wasn't large, there were still quite a few people. "Su Ming, how are we going to move the entire village?"
Su Ming explained, "Grandpa Jack, I have a way, but it might be a bit uncomfortable for you all."
He went on to describe his plan, explaining that Dugu Bo had given him a large soul tool capable of storing living beings. He framed it this way to keep Grandpa Jack from overthinking.
Grandpa Jack was astonished. He never imagined such things existed—truly, soul masters lived in a different world!
"No need to feel uncomfortable. You've even placed wooden houses and furniture inside for us. That's more than enough."
"Well then, since we still have some daylight, I'll go gather the villagers, and we'll pack up. We'll leave first thing tomorrow morning."
Su Ming nodded, indicating he had no issue with the plan.
Initially, he wanted to tell Grandpa Jack there was no need to pack, as they could easily acquire new items once they reached their destination. But waiting an extra day or two wouldn't hurt, and taking everything would prevent raising suspicions.
Everything went smoothly. Unlike Tang San, Su Ming not only returned every year, but he also brought gifts to improve the villagers' lives. Over time, his influence had far surpassed Grandpa Jack's.
When he and Grandpa Jack announced the plan to leave for a better life near Heaven Dou City, no one objected.
Early the next morning, after Su Ming had stored everyone inside the soul tool, he gave Dugu Bo a nod. "Old Monster, you can start. Just be mindful."
Dugu Bo smirked. "Little Monster, I'm not the same as before. Controlling this little bit of poison is child's play for me!"
Summoning his martial spirit, Dugu Bo released a subtle corrosive toxin, spreading it throughout the village. The toxin withered plants and weakened structures, creating an appearance of desolation. Some of the houses couldn't withstand the corrosion and began collapsing.
When everything looked sufficiently ruined, Dugu Bo withdrew the poison. "How's that? Looks abandoned enough, doesn't it?"
Su Ming nodded in satisfaction. "Perfect. It looks like no one has lived here for years."
Indeed, Dugu Bo had grown much stronger. Now, even when using his ninth soul skill, he could retrieve his toxins without the issues he faced in the original story.
After some time, Su Ming and Dugu Bo returned to Heaven Dou City, realizing they'd been gone for nearly two months.
In the royal palace of Heaven Dou, Qian Renxue had already stationed people to watch for their return. Once she received word that Su Ming and Dugu Bo had re-entered the city, she began making preparations to approach Su Ming within the next few days. After all, if he disappeared again, she wouldn't even have time to cry about it.
Upon returning, Su Ming and Dugu Bo parted ways. Su Ming handed Dugu Bo the immortal herb meant for Dugu Yan, advising him that if she hadn't yet obtained her fourth soul ring, she should wait. Absorbing both the herb and the Eight Spider Lances soul bone beforehand would allow her to surpass the theoretical limits of the fourth ring.
Afterward, Su Ming used his spiritual sense to locate Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing, who were currently attending a class in one of the academy's classrooms.
Seeing Xiao Wu's bored expression, Su Ming couldn't help but chuckle.
At that moment, Xiao Wu noticed Su Ming standing outside the door. Excited, she jumped up from her seat. "Brother! You're back!"
Forgetting that they were in class, Xiao Wu instantly teleported to Su Ming, wrapping her arms around him and burying her head in his chest, savoring the familiar scent she had missed for so long.
Su Ming smiled helplessly and approached the teacher, who was frowning with displeasure. Bowing slightly, he apologized, "I'm sorry, teacher. I've been away for a while, so my sister got a little excited."
The teacher recognized Su Ming immediately. "So, you're the Su Ming who disappeared for two months after enrolling?"
Su Ming felt a little awkward. Disappearing right after enrolling didn't exactly give a great impression. "I apologize, teacher. I was away training with Senior Dugu Bo, and only just returned."
"And as I recall, when we enrolled, the academy granted us certain privileges, allowing us to prioritize training over attending regular classes."
At the mention of Dugu Bo, the teacher's irritation vanished, replaced by a polite smile. "Of course, of course. I was only concerned about your sudden disappearance. Since you were training with Senior Dugu Bo, there's no problem."
"As for classes, feel free to attend or skip them as you see fit."
Seeing the teacher was so accommodating, Su Ming didn't press the matter further. When they had enrolled, the students had displayed their immense strength, so it was natural they would be granted special privileges. The academy was counting on them to shine in the upcoming soul master tournament, after all.
Su Ming waved over Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing. Once they joined him and Xiao Wu, the group left together.
Meanwhile, the male students in the class looked on in jealousy, gnashing their teeth as they watched Su Ming leave with the academy's three goddesses. Why him? Just because he was handsome and strong?
The female students, on the other hand, gazed at Su Ming with admiration, wishing they were the ones by his side.
Notes-Read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X, i will be finished uploading the whole series in patreon in a month or less, thanks for supporting me