Chapter 267: Do You Want to Come In?

The sun gradually moved westward, and in the blink of an eye, several hours had passed.

"Mm—"

A soft, murmuring sound came from behind Su Cheng.

He turned around to see Bibi Dong opening her slightly drowsy eyes, stretching her arms high with a yawn.

The loose sleeves of her dress slipped down, revealing half of her delicate, snow-like forearms. Her slightly curly long hair cascaded down as she leaned her head back.

Despite her age, her movements made her upper body look like a tender willow, showcasing an astonishingly graceful waistline.

Su Cheng clicked his tongue and silently looked away.

"I didn't expect to fall asleep accidentally. Did I delay your plans?"

A slight blush appeared on her pale face, as if she was somewhat embarrassed.

"It's fine. It doesn't make much difference to me where I cultivate."

"Weren't you planning to find Chrysanthemum Douluo to discuss the celestial herbs?"

"One or two days won't make a difference," Su Cheng replied casually.

Then, looking at the now-standing Bibi Dong, he said seriously, "You should also start taking action on your plans. Integrate the forces of the surrounding kingdoms and duchies as soon as possible. Also, gather intelligence on the major sects on the continent to facilitate future recruitment or elimination.

"Additionally, don't neglect your cultivation. Even if you can't merge innate power, persistently improving your soul power quality and practicing innate skills is essential.

"If that doesn't work, consider adding spirit rings to your second martial soul. It might provide some help. The Soul Devouring Spider Emperor's characteristics are powerful, and its devouring ability might bring unexpected benefits.

"Given your current soul foundation, it shouldn't be influenced by the martial soul's instincts anymore."

Hearing this, Bibi Dong hesitated, biting her lip. "Will it go out of control?"

Su Cheng looked at her in surprise. "How could it? Your soul strength is higher than mine now. No matter how powerful the Soul Devouring Spider Emperor is, it's essentially just a martial soul with innate full soul power. It won't cause any problems."

"What if the suppressed Rakshasa God power revives?"

"Have you sensed anything?"

"No, but the Rakshasa power is deeply connected to the Soul Devouring Spider Emperor. It might cause issues, right? Moreover, that power is only suppressed in the depths of my soul; it hasn't completely disappeared."

Bibi Dong looked at him, her eyes hiding a barely discernible anticipation. "Do you want to come in and take a look?"

"This..."

Su Cheng didn't answer immediately.

In fact, he had considered entering the lotus pond deep in Bibi Dong's soul many times for cultivation.

If he could do that, it would significantly benefit his soul strength.

When he left the Hell Road that day, even staying in there for a short time noticeably enhanced his strength.

Spending more time cultivating there would undoubtedly bring great benefits.

Moreover, this would not only benefit him but also help alleviate the imbalance of the various energies within Bibi Dong.

After a while, he still shook his head. "Forget it."

That place was too private, and Su Cheng hadn't yet thought of a convincing and justified reason to persuade himself.

"Then you should join me in hunting spirit beasts in the future."

Seeing Su Cheng's refusal, Bibi Dong didn't mind and made another request.

"...Alright."

Su Cheng felt a bit helpless.

What she said made sense; the Rakshasa God power was extremely troublesome, and who knew what unexpected issues might arise.

Her specific condition could only be understood by entering that part of her soul for observation, or only she knew it herself.

But without going into the depths of her soul, Su Cheng had no way to deal with the Rakshasa power. Otherwise, he wouldn't have had to seek the Rakshasa God's inheritance site in the Hell Road; he would have dealt with it earlier.

In the following period, Spirit City entered a relatively stable development phase.

Qian Renxue, accompanied by Qian Daoliu, went into seclusion in the Douluo Hall.

The talented soul masters from various academies were gradually settled into Spirit City Academy, where they would soon begin learning innate skills.

At the same time, Bibi Dong started infiltrating the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.

It seemed she intended to attempt internal division.

Although the soul masters of this clan all came from the same lineage, internal conflicts were rampant, and disagreements between the main and branch lines were no secret.

Among the clan elders, some truly insisted on the clan's independence, refusing to bow to any force. But not everyone might want to walk that dark path.

The reason no one had voiced opposition yet was primarily due to the clan leader suppressing them with his profound cultivation, making them hesitant.

If other powerful voices emerged, it might succeed.

Moreover, siding with Spirit Hall was not a bad choice.

Additionally, Bibi Dong was arranging for relevant elders to take over establishing branch schools of Spirit City Academy, managing some of the power of the several major elemental academies of the Heaven Dou Empire.

While most people remained oblivious, the situation across the continent had already undergone significant changes...

A week later, Su Cheng went to the flower garden in the back mountain of Spirit City, seeking out Chrysanthemum Douluo and Poison Douluo.

Ah Yin, who was busy in the flower garden, immediately sensed his presence and looked over.

Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan prepared to step aside, knowing that Su Cheng had a good personal relationship with Dugu Bo. The fact that this Poison Douluo had joined Spirit Hall was largely due to Su Cheng.

Even if Su Cheng wasn't there for Dugu Bo, it was probably for Ah Yin, the former hundred-thousand-year soul beast, with whom Su Cheng had a somewhat delicate relationship.

"Elder Yue, please wait," Su Cheng quickly called out to him.

Yue Guan was surprised. "Elder Su, you came to see me?"

Although they both served under Spirit Hall, their relationship was distant, and they seldom interacted.

However, Yue Guan had a favorable opinion of Su Cheng due to his expertise in herbal research. Moreover, thanks to the innate skill, nearly all high-ranking elders of Wuhun Hall were grateful to him.

"Yes." Su Cheng nodded, then looked at Dugu Bo. "Senior, may I use the Hundred Treasures Pouch?"

Most of the rare herbs from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Spring were stored in Dugu Bo's Hundred Treasures Pouch, which could hold living things, including celestial herbs.

After arriving in Spirit City, Dugu Bo had transplanted those precious herbs into a suitable environment in the back mountain.

However, the celestial herbs had not been transplanted; their vitality was robust, and they were not suitable for public display, so they had remained untouched in the Hundred Treasures Pouch.

Hearing Su Cheng's request, Dugu Bo immediately understood he was there for the celestial herbs. He glanced at Yue Guan with a peculiar look before handing over the pouch.

Dugu Bo had no particular attachment to these celestial herbs. He had already benefited from the potion Su Cheng made with the Snow Swan Kiss, reaching the peak Douluo level. He was merely curious why Su Cheng would give the herbs to Yue Guan.

"Elder Yue, I'm here to present you with an opportunity."

Su Cheng took out the celestial herb, the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, from his treasure pouch. "Elder Chrysanthemum, with your extensive research on herbs, you should be able to recognize what this is, right?"

"This… this is?!"

Seeing the large chrysanthemum with golden stamens and purple petals in Su Cheng's hand, Yue Guan's emotions immediately became agitated, and his body began to tremble uncontrollably. A strange flush appeared on his pale, delicate face.

His eyes filled with obsession, Yue Guan subconsciously opened his right palm. With a flash of light, a Martial Spirit identical to the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum appeared in his hand.

As the Martial Spirit appeared, the celestial herb and the spirit resonated with each other, their lights flickering as if they were in sync.

Seeing this, Su Cheng narrowed his eyes slightly and then said calmly, "This celestial herb is for Elder Chrysanthemum to consume."

"For me?!"

Yue Guan looked astonished.

Although he had some guesses earlier and was extremely eager deep down, he was still extremely surprised when he actually heard Su Cheng say this.

Yue Guan knew that with Su Cheng's knowledge and research on herbs, he should understand the preciousness of this celestial herb.

This is something that can truly defy fate, helping a soul master undergo a complete transformation.

He also finally understood why Dugu Bo, who originally had less talent than himself, could surpass him in cultivation.

It was evident that Dugu Bo had also consumed a celestial herb.

"It's not for free."

"Elder Su, please state your requirements."

Seeing Yue Guan's solemn expression, Su Cheng smiled.

"Elder Chrysanthemum, no need to be tense. I hope you can adjust your condition for the next two days. When you consume the herb, I will observe the process.

"Moreover, with your deep research on herbs, after you consume the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, it would be best if you could provide detailed feedback on your experience and a deeper understanding of the herb.

"At that time, just share all the relevant details with me."

Hearing this, Yue Guan was momentarily stunned, "Just that?"

"Just that."

"…"

Yue Guan fell silent.

Although he didn't understand Su Cheng's purpose, there was no doubt that he had gained a lot.

After a moment of hesitation, he extended his slightly trembling hand and took the celestial herb, "I won't say more words of thanks. If Elder Su needs my help in the future, just let me know."

"No need for that. It's just a fair trade." Su Cheng waved his hand. "Moreover, obtaining this herb was not entirely my effort. The one who initially discovered these celestial herbs was Senior Dugu."

"No need to flatter me." Dugu Bo, who was standing aside, said casually.

"I was just guarding a treasure mountain. If not for you, I wouldn't dare to use these magical herbs at will."

"Old Poison, thank you." Yue Guan said earnestly.

Their relationship hadn't been very good before.

However, since Dugu Bo joined the Spirit Hall and became colleagues, and due to their unique insights into herbs and flowers, their relationship had become much closer.

Now, obtaining the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum was undoubtedly a favor owed to Dugu Bo, something Yue Guan clearly understood.

Su Cheng smiled. That was precisely his intention.

Yue Guan's gratitude and favor meant nothing to him, better to pass it on to Dugu Bo.

Seeing his goal achieved, Su Cheng had no intention of staying longer. He would observe Yue Guan in a few days when he consumed the herb.

After greeting the two, he prepared to leave.

"Su Cheng."

At this moment, a gentle voice came from not far away.

Hearing the voice, Dugu Bo and Yue Guan exchanged strange looks.

Dugu Bo opened his mouth as if to say something but then fell silent, just patting Su Cheng's shoulder before leaving with Yue Guan.

Su Cheng turned around.

A woman in a blue and gold palace dress was walking towards him.

Ah Yin's face was calm, her light dress fluttering in the wind, and she tightly held a manuscript in her hand.

It was the third volume of the Innate Skill that Su Cheng had previously given her.

"Is there something you need?"

Ah Yin nodded slightly and said softly, "There seems to be something wrong with the method you gave me earlier."

"Something wrong?"

Su Cheng raised his eyebrows, feeling amused.

If she said she didn't understand, that would be normal.

But to say the method was wrong, was it blaming the path for one's inability?

"Why don't you tell me what's wrong."

Su Cheng's voice carried a hint of impatience.

Anyone would be annoyed when their painstakingly researched creation, made with years of effort and dedication, was dismissed by a layman.

These three volumes of Innate Skill were of great significance to Su Cheng.

They were his pioneering efforts, a path different from traditional soul masters.

If he could further advance, it might even revolutionize the cultivation system of this world.

How long had she been practicing this method, to dare say it was wrong?

"Sorry, I didn't mean it that way."

Ah Yin's face turned pale, sensing the displeasure in his tone, and she quickly apologized.

Seeing her looking like he had bullied her, Su Cheng frowned subconsciously, feeling a bit speechless.

"Go ahead and tell me what you think is wrong."

"This part, stimulating the bloodline with soul power, further stimulating the body, then harmonizing with soul power, and finally seeking the opportunity to merge with foreign energy…"

Ah Yin opened the manuscript and approached him.

She pointed at several passages with her slender finger, her face serious as she spoke softly.

Hearing this, Su Cheng casually glanced at it but was surprised to find that the manuscript he had given her was filled with dense notes.

Delicate, small characters written in red ink showed that she had put a lot of thought into it.

"Hmm?"

Su Cheng was initially stunned, then he seriously reviewed some annotations on the page, his brows gradually knitting together.

"Did you think of all this on your own?"

Without lifting his head, he casually asked, completely engrossed in the contents of the annotations.

"Yes." Ah Yin blushed and nodded gently.

Then she looked at Su Cheng with some apprehension, "Do you not want me to do this?"

Evidently, Su Cheng's earlier annoyed attitude had left her worried.

"…"

Su Cheng didn't speak.

In fact, his earlier displeasure had long since vanished.

Until now, he had taught the Innate Skill method to many people.

But everyone just followed the instructions for cultivation.

Even Qian Renxue, when cultivating the specially tailored Heavenly Dark Transformation (Cang Ming Transformation), relied on talent and instincts for further integration, rather than improving the method itself.

Yet, this person was delving into the principles of the method.

Reaching this stage, regardless of whether her claims of "wrong" were true or reasonable, was enough to touch Su Cheng.