Qian Renxue continued, "I called you here today to get your opinion—how many Title Douluos should we send out?"
Su Ming raised an eyebrow. "Oh? So how many Title Douluos is Spirit Hall planning to send, and aren't you worried that sharing this with me could risk your plan?"
Qian Renxue smiled, "Originally, Spirit Hall intended to send Elder Chrysanthemum and Elder Ghost, both at level 95, along with a few Soul Douluo and Soul Saints. But that was before Tang Hao's involvement came to light. Now that he's openly in the picture, two Title Douluos are insufficient."
She continued with a warm smile, "And as for why I'm telling you this, well, Su Ming, we've known each other for a while. I trust you, and I know you're clever enough to offer valuable insight, especially since you're also at odds with Tang San."
In truth, Qian Renxue had carefully considered sharing this with Su Ming. In the original story, the ambush on Tang San involved only Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo because Tang Hao's presence wasn't anticipated. However, with Tang Hao now a known factor, more than just two Title Douluos would be necessary.
After all, Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo still harbored psychological trauma from their previous encounters with Tang Hao. Their combined martial soul fusion skill was powerful but took time to set up, and if they lacked additional support to capitalize on its effect, Tang Hao could likely escape unscathed.
Su Ming, seeing Qian Renxue's trust, was slightly surprised but stayed cautious, as he knew she wouldn't usually trust others so easily. However, since her question didn't pose any risk to him, he decided to offer a suggestion.
"Qian Renxue, don't you also have two Title Douluos by your side? Why not send them along with Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo? Four Title Douluos should be enough to handle Tang Hao."
But then Su Ming paused—four might not be enough. His assumption relied on Tang Hao's injuries preventing him from using his explosive ring technique at full power. However, now that Tang Hao seemed to have formed an alliance with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, it was highly possible his injuries were being treated.
The chances were high, Su Ming thought. After all, if a healer could help Tang San and his teammates recover from severe injuries overnight, they might be capable of treating Tang Hao's injuries, too. In that case, even four Title Douluos might struggle.
Qian Renxue raised an eyebrow. "Su Ming, what's on your mind? Do you think four might not be enough?"
Su Ming replied, "It's possible. If Tang Hao has regained his full strength, four might not cut it. His record of defeating Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo and seriously injuring Qian Xunji speaks volumes. I'd suggest using Snake Spear and Porcupinefish Douluo as bait to lure Tang Hao out, while Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo can hide and prepare their fusion skill to ambush him."
Qian Renxue nodded, intrigued. "That strategy sounds effective. I agree; it increases the chances of success."
Su Ming continued, "Of course, adding a few more Title Douluos would only improve the odds, though it could tip off the other sects. Spirit Hall should be careful not to reveal too many of its assets at once."
This strategy seemed sound, but Su Ming knew that sending even more Title Douluos could still raise suspicions among the three great sects and both empires. They still underestimated Spirit Hall's full strength, not knowing about the hidden reserves within the Elder Hall, let alone the seven great elders of the Worship Hall, each at level 96 and above.
As Qian Renxue pondered this, a cold voice interrupted. "How do you know about our martial soul fusion skill?"
Su Ming turned to see a figure emerging from the shadows. The man's face bore black markings—Ghost Douluo himself. Ghost Douluo was a master of concealment, and even with Su Ming's advanced spiritual perception, he hadn't noticed his presence.
Su Ming kept his composure, nodding politely as he faced Ghost Douluo. His awareness of Spirit Hall's tactics hadn't gone unnoticed, and he suspected his answers would be held to high scrutiny.