As Liu Erlong stepped out of the guest chamber, the intense heat that had permeated her being had subsided, replaced by a feeling of profound power. Standing just outside the door, as promised, was Song Qing. His expression was calm, his verdant eyes observing her with an almost knowing gaze.
A complicated mix of emotions swirled within Liu Erlong – gratitude, awe, and a lingering hint of her previous resentment. She looked at the young Holy Son, and for the first time, she truly saw him not just as a powerful prodigy, but as someone… more.
"Dean Liu," Song Qing said, his voice gentle but carrying an underlying authority, "are you satisfied with the benefits you have managed to gain from enduring the flame energy?"
Liu Erlong met his gaze, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. There was an aura surrounding this young man, a subtle yet palpable sense of danger that she had not noticed before. Perhaps it was the evolution of her spirit, granting her a heightened sense of perception, but she felt an almost instinctive fear emanating from him.
Now that her Sacred Fire Dragon King spirit had awakened, it had not only granted her immense power and the Ultimate Fire attribute, but it had also bestowed upon her an almost primal instinct for danger. She could sense the subtle energies around others, the potential for threat that they possessed.
And from this young man, this Soul King, she felt a power that made her evolved spirit, a spirit now far surpassing her previous Fire Dragon, tremble with a primal fear. It was a shocking realization – her powerful new spirit instinctively recoiled from this child, despite the significant difference in their soul power levels.
'This… this is unbelievable,' Liu Erlong thought, her mind reeling. 'How can a Soul King emanate such a terrifying aura? What is he truly?'
Song Qing's next question cut through her thoughts. "Do you believe your spirit can now contend against the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, Dean Liu?"
The answer came to Liu Erlong almost instinctively, a certainty that resonated deep within her very being. She nodded firmly. "Yes," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "Without a doubt."
She knew, with an unwavering certainty, that her Sacred Fire Dragon King was now easily stronger than the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. She had witnessed the power of that spirit firsthand on numerous occasions, and the intense aura of her own spirit now felt capable of exerting absolute dominance over it.
'Even the purest blue lightning would be extinguished before these flames,' she thought, feeling a surge of confidence in her evolved spirit.
And then there was her soul power. That was perhaps the most astonishing revelation of all. As a Soul Douluo at level 81, every advancement had been a grueling, painstaking process. She had resigned herself to the possibility that she might never reach the coveted Titled Douluo level.
But now… her soul power had surged, leaping directly to level 86! The feeling was incredible, a sense of boundless energy flowing through her. She could feel how the removal of impurities from her body had cleared the pathways for her soul power, making her cultivation potential exponentially greater.
'Level 86!' she thought, her eyes widening in disbelief. 'I… I might actually reach level 90! I might become a Titled Douluo!' The prospect filled her with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement.
"Holy Son," Liu Erlong said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude, "thank you. Thank you for your assistance." She looked at Song Qing with a newfound respect, a sense that she had underestimated him greatly.
'If he could bestow such a powerful transformation upon me, someone with whom he had no real connection, then he must have given similar boons to countless others within the Spirit Hall,' she reasoned. 'The number of Titled Douluo and powerful Soul Douluo under Bibi Dong must be staggering.'
The realization sent a shiver down her spine. To become an enemy of this young man, or by extension, the Spirit Hall, would be the height of foolishness. The power they wielded was far greater than she had ever imagined.
Seeing the somewhat tense atmosphere, Song Qing offered a small, almost teasing smile. "Now, Dean Liu," he said, his tone lighter, "perhaps you can focus more on your cultivation and less on… getting lost in your memories of a certain worthless individual."
He paused for a moment, his gaze direct. "After all, I have merely paved the road to Titled Douluo for you. Walking down that road is something you must do yourself."
Liu Erlong slowly nodded, acknowledging the truth in his words. The path ahead was clear, and she had the potential to achieve heights she had previously thought impossible.
"My relationship with my… Brother Xiaogang," she said, her voice firm, "is something that I will deal with in my own way, Holy Son."
Song Qing simply nodded at Liu Erlong's somewhat curt reply. He wasn't particularly offended. He understood that her feelings for Yu Xiaogang, however misguided he believed them to be, were deeply ingrained.
"Well, Dean Liu," Song Qing said, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, "with your… enhanced appearance after this experience, you've become even more gorgeous, if that was even possible. Perhaps that Yu Xiaogang will finally realize what he threw away all those years ago and come crawling back."
Liu Erlong's eyes narrowed slightly at his teasing words, but a faint blush still bloomed on her cheeks. The thought, however fleeting, of Yu Xiaogang regretting his past actions and seeking her out again, did stir something within her.
'Maybe… maybe he will,' she thought, a flicker of hope momentarily softening her gaze.
"Even if that were to happen, Dean Liu," Song Qing continued, his tone turning slightly more serious, "I would still advise you to observe him carefully. Truly consider whether he is worthy of the deep affection you hold for him."
He then shifted the conversation back to the matter at hand. "Now, Dean Liu, before you depart, I believe it is time for you to make the oath we discussed. Your solemn vow to never betray the Spirit Hall or aid those who harbor ill intentions towards it."
Liu Erlong remained rooted to the spot for a few moments, her gaze fixed on Song Qing. She considered his words, the weight of the oath he requested. Finally, she took a deep breath and spoke, her voice clear and resolute.
"I, Liu Erlong, swear upon my spirit and my honor, that I will never betray or attempt to betray or harm the Spirit Hall, nor will I knowingly aid those who seek to do so. May my spirit be forever shattered should I break this oath."
Song Qing listened intently, his expression satisfied. "Very well, Dean Liu. I trust in your sincerity." He turned to leave, eager to return to the familiar comfort of his herbal garden and the company of Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing. "Farewell."
Liu Erlong watched his retreating back for a few more seconds, a thoughtful expression on her face. She then let out a slow sigh, the weight of her past burdens seeming a little lighter now. She turned and began to make her way out of the Spirit Hall, her thoughts already turning towards her responsibilities as the Dean of the Blue Tyrant Academy. The prospect of facing those duties with her newfound power and the very real possibility of reaching the Titled Douluo level filled her with a sense of renewed purpose.
Meanwhile, Song Qing hurried back towards his herbal garden, a smile playing on his lips. He wondered how Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing had been occupying themselves for the past few hours. He hoped they hadn't gotten into too much mischief without him.
But as he approached the familiar entrance, the sounds of raised voices reached his ears. He paused, a slight frown creasing his brow. It sounded like… an argument?
He stepped into the garden, and the sight that greeted him confirmed his suspicions. Ning Rongrong stood with her hands on her hips, her usually cheerful cyan eyes flashing with annoyance as she glared at Zhu Zhuqing, who stood opposite her with an equally stubborn expression.
"Zhu Zhuqing!" Ning Rongrong exclaimed, her voice sharp. "It's not fair! While I was busy absorbing my spirit bone, you took advantage of the opportunity and spent all that intimate time alone with Qing without even telling me!"
Zhu Zhuqing's dark eyes narrowed defensively. "I didn't take advantage of anything, Rongrong! It wasn't like I planned it. Qing wanted to spend time with me. It just… happened."
"'It just happened'?" Ning Rongrong scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "We had an agreement! We were supposed to share his time, not sneak around behind each other's backs!"
'An agreement?' Song Qing thought, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple. He had absolutely no idea what they were talking about. He had simply wanted to comfort Zhu Zhuqing, thinking she might be feeling left out. He had no inkling of any secret pact between the two girls regarding his attention.
"Well, now it's my turn!" Ning Rongrong declared, pointing a finger at Zhu Zhuqing. "I want some private time with Qing, without you hovering around! You had your chance!"
"It doesn't count!" Zhu Zhuqing retorted, her voice rising. "It wasn't like I was trying to steal him away. He was the one who wanted to spend time with me!"
Before their argument could escalate further, both girls suddenly noticed Song Qing standing at the entrance of the garden.
Their expressions instantly shifted. The annoyance vanished, replaced by bright, welcoming smiles. They even took a step towards each other, their shoulders almost touching, acting as if they had been the best of friends just moments before.
"Qing!" Ning Rongrong chirped, her voice sweet. "You're back! How did it go with Dean Liu?"
"Welcome back, Qing," Zhu Zhuqing added, her tone equally pleasant. "We were just… discussing the best way to prune these Moonpetal blossoms."
Song Qing couldn't help but sweatdrop. He had a sinking feeling that the "discussion" he had just witnessed was far from a friendly exchange about horticulture.
'So, that's how it is,' he thought, a wry smile on his face. 'The catfight only stops when I'm around. Behind my back, it's a whole different story.' He decided not to press the issue. For now, at least, peace had been restored in his little corner of paradise.
"Yes," Song Qing replied to Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, a satisfied nod on his face. "My promise to Dean Liu Erlong has been fulfilled. She and the Blue Tyrant Academy are now allies of the Spirit Hall."
Both girls nodded slowly, their initial curiosity seemingly sated. They weren't particularly surprised. In their eyes, Song Qing was capable of achieving almost anything he set his mind to. Securing an alliance with a powerful Soul Douluo like Liu Erlong was just another testament to his exceptional abilities.
"Well, let's not dwell on that now," Song Qing said, clapping his hands together. "What say we have some fun?"
He then suggested a game they often played in the herbal garden, a game known as 'Soul Orb Weaving'. It was a favorite pastime of theirs, a seemingly simple game that actually helped enhance their control over their soul power.
The game involved each person manifesting several small orbs of their respective soul power. Song Qing's were a deep, swirling abyss black, Ning Rongrong's shimmered with a rainbow luminescence, and Zhu Zhuqing's were a sleek, shadowy purple. The objective was to weave these orbs around and through the various plants in the garden, following intricate patterns and even attempting to gently nudge specific leaves or petals without letting the orbs dissipate or collide with each other.
It required precise control, focus, and a delicate touch with their soul power. They would often set challenges for each other, like weaving a specific number of orbs through a particularly thorny vine or making them dance around a delicate flower without disturbing it. It was competitive, with each striving for greater accuracy and more complex patterns, but it was also filled with laughter and playful banter.
For the first few rounds, Song Qing's superior soul power and control allowed him to win easily, his abyssal orbs flowing through the garden with effortless grace. But Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing were adapting quickly today, their skills improving rapidly with each game.
Soon, they were giving him a run for his money, their orbs darting and weaving with increasing precision.
Still, Song Qing managed to maintain a slight edge, his mastery over his soul power remaining unmatched. And whenever he emerged victorious, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing would playfully pout before showering him with hugs and kisses, declaring it their "reward" for his skill.
Hours passed in this joyful manner, the trio lost in their game amidst the fragrant blooms and lush foliage. As dusk began to settle, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, Song Qing announced that he was feeling tired and wanted to return to his room to rest. He suggested that the two girls do the same.
Satisfied with their hours of fun and interaction with Song Qing, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing readily agreed and bid him goodnight, heading towards their respective chambers within the Spirit Hall.
Once they were gone, Song Qing walked slowly through the now dimly lit herbal garden. His steps were deliberate as he made his way towards the large, intertwining tendrils of the Blue Silver Empress, Ah Yin.
He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing his mental energy. He reached out with his consciousness, gently probing the area around the massive plant. He sought out the nascent consciousness he knew resided within.
'Ah Yin… can you hear me?' he projected his thoughts, initiating the mental connection.
A moment of silence hung in the air before he felt a faint mental presence respond, a hesitant curiosity tinged with a hint of fear.
'Who… who is there?' a soft, ethereal voice echoed in his mind.
Song Qing smiled inwardly. He had made contact. 'Greetings,' he projected back, his mental voice calm and reassuring. 'My name is Song Qing. I am the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall.'
The response was immediate and filled with shock. 'The Spirit Hall…?' Ah Yin's mental voice trembled, a wave of fear and confusion washing over Song Qing's consciousness. 'You… you belong to the Spirit Hall?'
'This youth… the one who possesses the sacred Primordial Life Tree spirit… he is a member of the very force that led to my demise?' Her thoughts raced, a torrent of painful memories flooding her mind – the pursuit, the desperation, the sacrifice.
'Why is he helping me then?' she wondered, suspicion clouding her thoughts. 'Is he healing me, restoring my cultivation, just to kill me when I reach the hundred-thousand-year level? To steal my soul ring and my spirit bone? If so… his preparations have been meticulous indeed.'
Song Qing sensed her fear and suspicion. He projected his thoughts back, his mental voice even and calm. 'Yes, I am the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall. And you, I believe, are the Blue Silver Empress.'
He paused, allowing his words to sink in. 'Since I have introduced myself, the polite thing to do would be for you to do the same. Even though I already know who you are, I would like to hear it from you.'
Ah Yin hesitated for a moment, her mental presence wavering. She knew she had to be cautious. 'My… my name is Ah Yin,' she finally projected, her mental voice still laced with apprehension. 'And… considering you are using your abilities to heal me, you must already know my identity as the Blue Silver Empress.'
'Indeed,' Song Qing mentally replied, a slight nod of his head in the physical world. 'I am also aware that you are the wife of Tang Hao.'
'Yes,' Ah Yin confirmed, her mental voice flat. There was no point in denying what he already knew.
A brief silence stretched between their minds, a silent acknowledgment of the complex history that lay between them and the organization Song Qing represented.
But Ah Yin's curiosity, and her lingering fear, soon overcame her caution. 'Why?' she mentally asked, her voice laced with a desperate plea for understanding. 'Why are you healing me? Do you intend to kill me? Is it for my hundred-thousand-year soul ring? Or for my spirit bone?'
Song Qing chuckled softly, the sound echoing gently in his mind. 'That is a tempting thought, I won't deny it,' he projected back, his mental voice laced with amusement. 'But no, Ah Yin. I have far greater use for you than simply acquiring your soul ring or your spirit bone.'
A wave of confusion washed over Ah Yin's mental presence. 'Greater use?' she mentally echoed, utterly puzzled by his words. 'What could you possibly want with me?'