Chapter 453: Ghost Douluo’s Eagerness and Taking Zhu Zhuqing as a Disciple

Su Ming, aware of Ning Fengzhi, Gu Rong, and Chen Xin's likely reactions, raised his hands in a gesture of helplessness. "Rongrong, I'll talk to them when the time comes, but please, don't mention it for now."

Though she appeared to "reluctantly" agree, Ning Rongrong had no intention of informing her father or grandfathers prematurely. She trusted that Su Ming could handle it delicately, preventing any strife between her family and him.

Seeing Rongrong's tentative agreement, Su Ming felt a weight lift. He hadn't yet found the best way to approach the three men; he would need a carefully measured approach to avoid straining relationships with her family.

Next, he turned to Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing. "Xiao Wu, Zhuqing, will you join me at Spirit Hall, or do you intend to remain with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?"

The trio had previously discussed it. Unlike Rongrong's unique situation, both Xiao Wu and Zhuqing planned to join Spirit Hall with Su Ming. Zhu Zhuqing responded without hesitation, "Wherever you go, I'll go."

Xiao Wu nodded, saying, "Me too! Joining Spirit Hall might even let me see my mother again."

Xiao Wu's mother had sacrificed herself, and her spirit remained within Xiao Wu's spirit ring. If they met Bibi Dong, perhaps there might be a chance for Xiao Wu to see her mother, even if only briefly.

Seeing how resolute they both were, Su Ming was pleasantly surprised. Zhuqing joining Spirit Hall would offer her protection from Star Luo's royal family, and Xiao Wu's reunion with her mother could be arranged later.

With plans set, Ghost Douluo took Su Ming and Zhu Zhuqing to the Valley of Death. Within half a day, they reached the valley's outskirts, moving at an impressive speed—a testament to Ghost Douluo's agility and stealth, even if he lacked raw offensive power.

"Su Ming, here we are at the Valley of Death," Ghost Douluo announced. "We should go deeper in, where we're more likely to find ten-thousand-year spirit beasts. Have you decided what type of fifth spirit ring Zhuqing should acquire?"

Zhu Zhuqing responded, "For my fifth spirit ring, I'd like a skill focused on offense. My previous rings, aside from my third skill, Nether Slash, primarily boost speed, which I have enough of now. But my attack power could use some improvement."

Although her system-boosted piercing ability made her attacks more effective, she wanted a strong offensive ability to avoid her attacks feeling too weak. Pairing that with her speed, stealth, and piercing power would increase her chances of delivering a fatal blow.

Ghost Douluo nodded in agreement. "Then a tiger or bear-type spirit beast would be ideal. Let's aim for a tiger first, then consider bears."

Su Ming agreed, thinking tiger or bear-type spirit beasts would provide both power and durability. However, he ruled out the Shadow Tiger from the original series. While it granted a shadow-clone skill, it didn't provide enough offensive power for her needs. Zhuqing's path required stealth, not swarming tactics.

Together, they ventured deeper into the valley, encountering spirit beasts that were far more aggressive than those in the Star Dou Forest. For the most part, Su Ming and Ghost Douluo observed from the sidelines, letting Zhuqing deal with thousand-year spirit beasts on her own, though she would need more effort for ten-thousand-year creatures.

Watching Zhuqing in action, Ghost Douluo commented, puzzled, "Something's strange about her attacks, but I can't quite place it."

Su Ming chuckled, "Oh? What do you find strange, Senior Ghost?"

"Even defensive beasts seem to struggle against her attacks. Take that Earth Armor Lizard, for instance—it's built for defense, yet Zhuqing's third skill is forcing it back repeatedly," Ghost Douluo observed, baffled.

Su Ming explained, "That's because Zhuqing's attacks bypass half of her opponent's defenses, which might make them seem odd."

Ghost Douluo was stunned, marveling at this revelation. A piercing ability like that was unheard of for an agility-type spirit master. This only intensified his desire to accept Zhuqing as a disciple. Such an ability, combined with her stealth, could make her one of the deadliest assassins in the world!

After Zhu Zhuqing defeated the Earth Armor Lizard, she returned, only for Ghost Douluo to immediately declare, "Zhu Zhuqing, would you be willing to take me as your master?"

Zhu Zhuqing blinked in surprise. This was sudden.

After a glance at Su Ming, who gave her a supportive nod, she replied, "I would be honored, Senior Ghost."

Su Ming added with a smile, "Ghost Douluo has recognized your potential. As his disciple, you'll gain the guidance of a Title Douluo, as well as his mastery in stealth and assassination techniques."

Seeing Su Ming's approval, Zhuqing happily accepted. Ghost Douluo, a Title Douluo with expertise in concealment, was the perfect mentor for her.

Zhu Zhuqing respectfully bowed three times, formally taking Ghost Douluo as her master.