Chapter 63: Secret Disciple of the Douluo Hall – Zhu Zhuqing
Qian Daoliu had believed that after living for over a hundred years, there was nothing left in this world that could truly shock him.
But what he witnessed today was something he had never seen before.
A twelve-year-old girl at rank 48.
Not only had she absorbed a fifty-thousand-year soul ring, but she had also successfully endured the pressure of his rank 89 aura.
That alone was something even he, Tang Chen, and Bo Saixi combined could never have achieved at the age of twelve.
Yet it still was not the end of it.
The girl had actually revealed a second martial soul.
What did that mean?
It meant the girl absolutely possessed the potential to become a Douluo Hall Worship!
Given enough time, she might even reach the same ultimate realm as him.
In fact, if he had sensed even the slightest trace of divine power from her body, he might have suspected that Zhu Zhuqing had already received the favor of some god.
'Hoo…'
Qian Daoliu quietly exhaled and spoke.
"Since you still wish to continue the test, then as you wish!"
The moment his words fell, the aura of a rank 90 Titled Douluo was released.
Though the difference was only one level, the nature of the pressure had undergone a qualitative change.
The immense weight felt as if the entire hill on which Pope Hall stood had been pressed down upon her.
"Ugh!"
In an instant, Zhu Zhuqing's straight body was forced to bend. She dropped to one knee on the ground, unable to raise her head.
"Crack… crack…"
Her bones trembled with sharp creaking sounds, as if they might shatter at any moment.
Even the Diamond-hard Eight Spider Lances had begun to visibly bend and distort, looking as if they might snap at any second.
A dark-golden light burst brightly from her left hand, while the soul bone in her right leg was pushed to its absolute limit, barely maintaining the fragile balance that could collapse at any moment.
"Come on, Little Kitty, believe in yourself!"
Bai Lu stood up from the throne and shouted encouragement.
"My path… has only just begun… I will absolutely not fall here!"
Thinking of the hardships along her journey and of the helplessness she once felt when facing her fate, Zhu Zhuqing felt an endless fury rise within her heart.
Her unwillingness transformed into blazing anger.
Within the Slaughter Space, the eyes of countless wandering souls shone red. Boundless killing intent erupted forth and manifested together with the White Tiger Killing God Transformation.
"Hah!"
The girl clenched her silver teeth and glared fiercely at Qian Daoliu.
Countless streams of killing intent condensed into form, forcefully resisting the Titled Douluo-level pressure.
The powers of ice and fire surged upward, intertwining like mist above her head as the remaining medicinal energy within her body continued to refine.
Her "frail" body gradually became stronger under the intense pressure.
Finally, beneath the pressure of a Titled Douluo, she straightened her body once more.
"You did it."
Bai Lu said with satisfaction.
"To actually reach this point…"
Qian Daoliu stood with his hands behind his back, observing everything clearly.
Shock, scrutiny, admiration, and an indescribable hint of complexity flickered within his gaze.
'Hell Spirit Cat… White Tiger… Twin Martial Soul…'
'The Zhu and Dai families have intermarried for generations. That is reasonable.'
'Since her… How many years has it been since a twin martial soul genius appeared?'
'What a pity… times have changed.'
He turned toward the Porcupinefish Douluo and asked,
"Why did you not mention that she also possesses the White Tiger martial soul?"
"Replying to Grand Worship, I truly did not know."
The Porcupinefish Douluo shook his head repeatedly, looking utterly confused.
"Miss Zhu Zhuqing had never displayed it before. Otherwise, the Young Miss would certainly have mentioned it in the letter."
Even if someone beat him to death, he would never have imagined that when Zhu Zhuqing previously said she had not even used half of her strength…
She had not merely been referring to strength, but also her martial soul!
Damn it, she had actually been hiding a White Tiger martial soul all this time!
Qian Daoliu nodded and looked again at the girl who had just withstood the pressure and could now stand upright.
"You have passed."
The moment he spoke, the oppressive aura vanished instantly.
"Many thanks, Grand Worship."
Zhu Zhuqing stretched her stiff body, a hint of excitement in her tone.
Compared to passing the test itself, she was happier that her strength had improved again.
Not only had the fusion level of her external soul bone deepened, but the medicinal power of the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and the Infernal Delicate Apricot within her body had also been greatly consumed.
At this rate, within two months, she would be able to take another immortal herb.
"Why did you not tell Xiao Xue about your twin martial souls?"
Zhu Zhuqing wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth and replied with an innocent tone.
"She never asked."
"…Haha…"
Qian Daoliu froze for a moment before bursting into loud laughter.
The sound echoed throughout the vast hall, filled with undisguised delight.
"What a fine 'she never asked'!"
His laughter gradually faded, but admiration filled his eyes.
"You little girl are quite interesting."
Such talent, such temperament, such potential…
"Do you know what kind of storm it would cause if outsiders learned that you possess twin martial souls?"
"I know."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded calmly.
"That is why I have never revealed my second martial soul in public before."
"Then why did you dare to come to Spirit Hall? And why did you dare reveal it in front of me?"
"Because she invited me."
Zhu Zhuqing met his gaze directly, her tone sincere.
"I trust Spirit Hall, and I trust that the Grand Worship would not harm a homeless twin martial soul genius without reason."
"You… have good judgment."
Qian Daoliu was silent for a moment before speaking slowly.
"If you were in another organization, merely possessing so many soul bones would already invite jealousy and greed."
"But Spirit Hall is different!"
"Spirit Hall is protected by the glory of the Angel God. It is the most fair, most just, and most inclusive organization."
"We are not lacking in soul bones. What we lack are geniuses like you."
"As long as you have the ability, Spirit Hall can provide you with the stage most suitable for you."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded slightly without speaking.
Yet inwardly, she could not help comparing the Star Luo Empire and Heaven Dou Empire with Spirit Hall.
The Star Luo Empire appeared iron-blooded, but in truth, it was cruel.
The Heaven Dou Empire appeared civilized, but in truth, it was hypocritical.
More importantly, both nations were already rotting from within.
Setting aside all positions and identities, if one simply wished to grow stronger, then joining Spirit Hall was indeed the best choice.
"Little Kitty, you have grown."
Bai Lu felt a strange sense of accomplishment rise in his heart.
Perhaps his appearance had prevented Zhu Zhuqing from being assimilated by the rules of this Love Continent.
As long as she did not eat whale rubber, Zhu Zhuqing's mind remained extremely clear.
Bai Lu: Who says raising someone is not good? This kind of nurturing is absolutely wonderful!
"Ci Xue."
Qian Daoliu suddenly spoke.
"What identity do you think would be suitable for Xiao Qing?"
"In terms of talent and aptitude alone, promising her Elder-level treatment would not be excessive, but her rank does not meet the requirements.
If we consider strength, we could grant her treatment equivalent to a Red-Robed Archbishop. However, since she has just joined Spirit Hall, according to the rules, she cannot be directly promoted, nor would such a promotion be appropriate."
The Porcupinefish Douluo thought for a moment before replying cautiously.
"Grand Worship should decide personally."
"Rules?"
Qian Daoliu smiled faintly.
"She just withstood my Douluo-level pressure. Is that still not enough to break the rules?"
"Grand Worship speaks wisely."
The Porcupinefish Douluo suddenly understood and lowered his head decisively.
He was merely an Elder who handled external operations, the kind who did not even have time to attend Elder Palace voting meetings.
Whether something followed the rules or not was a headache better left to the other Elders. In any case, whatever the Grand Worship said must be correct.
"In that case, the position of Elder indeed requires the strength of a Titled Douluo."
"The rules are difficult to break, but…"
Qian Daoliu pondered for a moment before making his decision.
"The Douluo Hall can establish a title specifically for Xiao Qing… a 'Secret Disciple.'"
"Secret Disciple?"
Both the Porcupinefish Douluo and Zhu Zhuqing were stunned.
It seemed that such a thing had never been heard of before.
—
End of Chapter