Chapter 452: Laying Cards on the Table

Ghost Douluo saw this as an excellent opportunity to assess Zhu Zhuqing. Su Ming had suggested waiting until after the Soul Master Tournament to discuss an apprenticeship, but Zhuqing's need for her fifth spirit ring presented a chance to observe her skills firsthand. If her agility and stealth met his expectations, her talent alone would make her an ideal disciple.

"Thank you, Ghost Douluo, for joining me on this trip. Chrysanthemum Douluo, would you mind staying behind to assist Old Freak in watching over the team?" Su Ming asked.

Chrysanthemum Douluo had intended to accompany Ghost Douluo, but seeing Su Ming's request, he agreed. Besides, it was a good chance to interact with Xiao Wu and perhaps discuss his need for a particular herb with Old Freak.

Shortly after, Su Ming brought Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo to his room, where the others were already waiting. Everyone was curious about Su Ming's unusual visitors.

"Chrysanthemum Douluo, here to spar with me again?" Dugu Bo teased. Since realizing his advantage over Chrysanthemum Douluo, he couldn't resist a jab whenever they met.

Chrysanthemum Douluo scoffed, "When my strength surpasses yours, let's see who's laughing then."

"Oh? Why do I detect a bit of sourness there?" Dugu Bo chuckled, causing Chrysanthemum Douluo's face to turn pale with annoyance.

Su Ming cut in with a shake of his head. "Dugu Bo, it's just as well you're here. Saves me the trouble of finding you. There's something I need to explain."

Su Ming turned his gaze to Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu, noting it was time to reveal his intentions. "I'll clarify my plans with you both after this."

Then, Su Ming looked at Zhuqing. "Ghost Douluo will accompany us to the Valley of Death to help you acquire your fifth spirit ring. We'll be back as soon as possible."

Dugu Bo raised a concern. "Su Ming, I'm fine with your hunting trip, but what if we encounter a strong team in your absence? We won't be able to contact you."

Su Ming replied confidently, "Don't worry. With both Dugu Yan and Xiao Wu in the team, our strength won't suffer much. And as for communication…"

Su Ming paused, then summoned a wooden clone. The clone took on Su Ming's exact appearance—an uncanny likeness created using wood-style ninjutsu.

Dugu Bo, visibly shocked, reached out and tapped the clone's shoulder, confirming its wooden nature beneath the surface. "A wooden clone! How much of your strength does it retain?"

Su Ming explained, "This clone is about as powerful as a Spirit King, so it should suffice for emergencies. But it has a limit; once its spirit power and mental energy run out, it can't regenerate. Just treat it as a communication tool."

With that, Su Ming delegated the team's care to Dugu Bo and Chrysanthemum Douluo, then took the girls to his Kamui dimension for a private conversation.

Facing the three, Su Ming apologized, "I planned to tell you earlier, but I decided some time ago that I'll be joining Spirit Hall after the tournament."

The three girls pretended to be caught off guard, though they had suspected this for a while. Ning Rongrong put on a show, frowning as she said, "Su Ming, you could have given me some warning. You know the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect doesn't exactly have the best relationship with Spirit Hall."

Su Ming anticipated her concern. "Rongrong, I've thought this over carefully. I initially considered joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, but it would feel like…a dependency I'd rather avoid. The primary reason for joining Spirit Hall is their unparalleled strength and resources compared to other factions."

He continued, "However, it's not just resources I'm after. Spirit Hall's support for commoners is what truly appeals to me. Remember, I come from a civilian background. Spirit Hall not only provides free spirit awakenings for the people, but it also grants stipends to Spirit Masters below rank forty. While most of that funding is negotiated from the two empires, Spirit Hall's efforts have undeniably made life easier for ordinary folks."

Su Ming's values had always resonated with Ning Rongrong, as she had come to understand his perspective through reading his diary entries over the years. Though her initial reaction was one of anger, she had come to see that Su Ming's stance was reasonable. With memories of his former life in a world where even commoners could live comfortably, he saw Spirit Hall's influence as crucial in uplifting the masses, a sentiment she respected.

She asked thoughtfully, "How will you explain this to my father and grandfathers? They'll certainly be outraged when they hear of your choice."

Though she understood his position, Ning Rongrong found herself in a dilemma. She felt torn between her love for Su Ming and her loyalty to her family.