Chapter 594: Chapter 594: The Misfortune of Zhao Wuji
Strangely, although Su Ming had completed the absorption of his seventh spirit ring, none of the people present mentioned the other six spirit rings on his body. They were all perceptive individuals, and seeing Su Ming's extraordinary abilities, they knew he carried certain secrets. As long as Su Ming remained loyal to the Spirit Hall, none of them would pry further.
Moments later, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo appeared before them. After glancing at Su Ming, they respectfully addressed Bibi Dong, "Your Holiness, we've pacified the residents of the city, but we discovered quite a few individuals from the Heaven Dou Empire and Star Luo Empire among them. How should we proceed?"
Bibi Dong replied calmly, "It doesn't matter. The evolution of Su Ming's spirit cannot remain hidden for long, nor is there any need. Our current strength makes secrecy unnecessary. In fact, let them spread this news; it will only further establish our Holy Son's strength—if they're fast enough to report it."
With that, Bibi Dong produced two invitations and handed them to Su Ming. "Take these with you. See if you can persuade them to join us directly."
Opening the invitations, Su Ming saw the names of Tianshui Academy and Blazing Fire Academy. He nodded. "No problem, Teacher. But I'll bring Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo along so that when I notify one academy, Ghost Douluo can bring their representatives here for the ceremony in a few days."
Bibi Dong nodded her approval. Nearby, Golden Crocodile Douluo noticed Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo's newfound confidence and remarked, "You two seem different… has your strength improved?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo exchanged glances, bowing in respect to Golden Crocodile Douluo. "Thanks to Su Ming's guidance, we witnessed Tang Hao's death, freeing ourselves from the inner demon, and advancing to level ninety-six."
Golden Crocodile Douluo looked at Su Ming, impressed. This young man was something else. He began to regret his bet with Qian Daoliu; after all, Su Ming seemed more likely to win Xiaoxue's heart than he initially thought.
Nearby, Xiao Wu said to Su Ming, "Brother, I want to go with you too."
Zhu Zhuqing, looking at Su Ming with hopeful eyes, clearly wished the same. To their surprise, Su Ming shook his head and gently refused. "This time, you both should stay behind."
"Why?" they asked in unison.
Su Ming explained, "Uncle Ning and Rongrong will likely arrive soon, and with them, Grandfather Jack and the villagers from Holy Spirit Village. I may not be here when they arrive, so I'd like you to stay to welcome them."
Both girls reluctantly agreed, understanding his reasoning.
Su Ming then turned to Lou Gao. "Senior Lou Gao, could I trouble you and the Forging Hall to build a large ship for me? We'll be heading to Sea God Island before long."
Lou Gao patted his chest in reassurance. "Don't worry; with the support of the Power Clan and the Defense Clan, we'll have it ready in no time!"
Niu Gao chimed in, "Su Ming, I'll make sure it's the sturdiest ship ever!"
Su Ming nodded, grateful but also aware of the importance of its durability. The journey to Sea God Island could bring them across the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, a soul beast with nearly a million years of cultivation.
After giving instructions, Su Ming left with Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo, leaving Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and the others exchanging glances. They turned to Zhu Zhuqing, causing her to blush. "Why are you all looking at me like that?" she stammered.
Xiao Wu smiled and linked arms with her. "Nothing, just… congratulations! Come on, Zhuqing, we shouldn't waste any time. We need to train harder now that Brother's level has jumped to seventy-seven and a half."
Meanwhile, in the Hall of the Pope, Bibi Dong instructed Hu Liena, "When Su Ming leaves for Sea God Island, you'll go with him. The sooner you can improve, the better."
Hu Liena nodded. "Yes, Teacher."
In the Slaughter City
Over several days, Tang San had been winning battles one after another. Although he couldn't use his spirit power here, the Haotian Sect's secret techniques supported him well. Each fight made him stronger, particularly since he had been using Blue Silver Grass to absorb the life forces of the fallen opponents—defeated dark soul masters destined to die anyway.
Unbeknownst to him, this prolonged violence had heightened his bloodlust, and his eyes had taken on a permanent red hue. His Blue Silver Grass had darkened to an ominous black, faint black energy now continuously radiating from him.
Today, in the grand arena, Tang San's eyes unexpectedly fell upon Zhao Wuji among his opponents. Startled back to his senses, he called out, "Teacher Zhao, why are you here?"
Zhao Wuji, recognizing him, was initially overjoyed but quickly grew somber, realizing the arena's rules. He sighed, "Tang San, Little Gang is dead, and after the God of Shura took you away, I was captured and sent here. This is my first required match. I never expected to face you."
As he spoke, a bitter smile crossed his face.