Chapter 339: Su Ming Confides in Dugu Bo

Meanwhile, elsewhere...

Ding! Today's characters most frequently mentioned are Xiao Wu (nine times), Zhu Zhuqing (two times), Ning Rongrong (seven times), Ye Lingling (thirteen times), Dugu Yan (twenty times), Liu Erlong (five times), Bibi Dong (ten times), and Qian Renxue (three times).

Since Dugu Yan was mentioned the most today, her spirit ring's age has been increased to 10,000 years!

Dugu Yan was thrilled—this reward was incredible! With her spirit skills now reaching the 10,000-year threshold, a qualitative transformation was underway. Focusing on the changes, she noticed the toxicity of her attacks was significantly intensified.

Her second skill, Green Phosphorus Poison Fang, could now summon more green snakes, and the blindness effect increased from three to seven seconds. Without assistance, anyone caught would likely face death. Additionally, her fourth skill, Green Phosphorus Mirage, now increased speed by 300% and allowed her to create up to five illusions. She could show only two illusions around Su Ming until she hit level fifty, at which point she could reveal all five.

The following morning, Su Ming arrived at the forest clearing by the mountains as promised, only to find that Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan were already there. Without delay, they commenced their fusion practice, hand in hand, experiencing significant improvements in Ye Lingling's healing ability and a moderate 20% enhancement in Su Ming's own healing effects.

Afterward, Su Ming proposed a morning training schedule with Ye Lingling, which she accepted with excitement. While her thoughts leaned toward wanting Su Ming around more, she couldn't bring herself to say it directly, so his suggestion delighted her.

For the next few days, Su Ming trained with Ye Lingling in the mornings, often joined by Dugu Yan. In the afternoons, he practiced with Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing in a mimicry training environment.

During lunch in the dining hall one day, Su Ming turned to Dugu Yan and asked, "Dugu Yan, our team has been without a leader since Qin Ming left. Has the academy done anything to fill that spot?"

After spending so much time together, Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan had fully integrated into the friend circle of Xiao Wu and the others. Dugu Yan shook her head and suggested they consult the school administrators about formally appointing Su Ming as team leader for the Imperial Fighting Team.

Su Ming smiled but expressed concern, "The tournament is still nine months away, so they might hold another selection round. Appointing me directly could stir some resentment."

Xiao Wu interjected, "Su Ming, with your strength, who would dare object? If anyone tries, I'll personally teach them a lesson!"

The girls all laughed at this, agreeing with Xiao Wu's sentiment.

Dugu Yan added, "No one would dare to object, and we're already the strongest team in the academy. However, if someone truly believes they're capable, they can challenge us, but only members from the same role can issue such challenges."

Su Ming understood that their team, representing the Heaven Dou Empire, was the main team. If others had grievances, they could challenge them, which was fair. Meanwhile, the secondary team had little chance of even passing the preliminary rounds.

After lunch, everyone returned to their dorms to rest before more training. When Su Ming arrived at his door, he noticed a familiar figure waiting—it was Dugu Bo.

"Old Monster, you're back?" Su Ming said, smiling as he unlocked the door.

Dugu Bo chuckled, "Just got back and thought I'd share some good news with you."

Once they were settled inside with tea, Su Ming asked, "I heard from Dugu Yan that after the Star Dou Forest trip, you went off to duel that Titled Douluo you mentioned?"

Dugu Bo nodded, "Exactly! You wouldn't believe it—his flower-based spirit skills were no match for me. My poison dissolved his attacks before they even got close. He was shocked!"

Su Ming laughed, knowing that, with his new mastery over poison, Dugu Bo would no longer be disadvantaged. "So, was he curious about your sudden strength improvement?"

Dugu Bo chuckled. "Of course! He even suspected I was practicing some dark technique and warned me to give it up. Ridiculous, as if I'd choose something so reckless!"

Su Ming grinned, "Seems this Titled Douluo isn't a bad guy. After all, the Spirit Hall hunts dark spirit masters. If he thought you were one, he'd likely attack without question. Or, at his current strength, he might even lose in the attempt."

Dugu Bo agreed. "While we've clashed before, it's nothing personal—it's just the enmity between Spirit Hall and the Heaven Dou Empire."

Curious, he added, "By the way, I finally asked about his martial spirit. It's the same as the Chrysanthemum Douluo flower that grows by the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well: the Chrysanthemum Transcending Heaven Herb. I noticed during our fight that he's been developing his powers all wrong!"

Su Ming nodded, "You're right; following an offensive route is misaligned for him, but he can't change now. The misaligned focus depleted his potential, likely preventing him from reaching level ninety-six."

Dugu Bo sighed. "Do you think if he took the Chrysanthemum Transcending Heaven Herb, he'd be able to break through?"

Su Ming replied, "Possibly, but you're enemies, so why even consider it?"

Dugu Bo laughed, "True enough."

After a thoughtful pause, Su Ming voiced a question, "You've repaid your debt to the Heaven Dou Empire. Have you ever thought of moving to a different faction?"

Dugu Bo looked at him, intrigued yet cautious. "Su Ming, where did this come from?"

Su Ming explained, "Yes, that's my plan after the tournament. The Spirit Hall's support for the commoners resonates with me as one myself. Unlike the Empire, where nobles with no real strength hoard resources, Spirit Hall supports talented individuals, regardless of status."

He continued, "I have greater aspirations, and Spirit Hall's resources and influence are ideal for my growth. If I aimed to establish my own power, it would take years—perhaps decades. And honestly, the Empire's aristocracy treats commoners with disdain. It's unjust."

"Also, Old Monster, I thought I sensed compassion when you spoke of Chrysanthemum Douluo. You both share an interest in exotic plants and could have been good friends if not for the political division."

Dugu Bo fell silent, contemplating Su Ming's words. The Spirit Hall, after all, had programs benefiting commoners and even dedicated resources to hunting dark spirit masters. The Empire, by contrast, upheld a rigid hierarchy that stifled talent.

Finally, after a moment's hesitation, Dugu Bo nodded, "Alright, Su Ming. I'll stand by you. But let's be clear: I can't take orders from the Spirit Hall's higher-ups. My loyalty is with you."