"Yes," Empress Zhu Hongxiu's smile deepened as her gaze lingered on Zhu Zhuqing for a moment. "Although Zhuqing is an outstanding member of the younger generation in our clan, she has always stayed within Star Luo City, lacking true life-and-death combat experience and battles against top-tier opponents."
"Since she has come to Spirit City and you are her fiancé…"
"The responsibility of guiding her through practical training falls to you, my son."
She paused, her tone becoming more serious. "Moreover, if you two want to quickly master the most powerful Spirit Fusion Technique of our family, the 'Netherworld White Tiger,' fighting side by side and honing your cooperation under pressure and in battle is the fastest way."
"Practicing in the dueling arena is undoubtedly the best method."
"The Netherworld White Tiger Spirit Fusion Technique, you say?"
After hearing this, Dai Chengfeng's mind stirred.
"Mother's words have reminded me!"
"Taking Zhu Zhuqing to the dueling arena to practice and comprehend the Netherworld White Tiger is a great idea. More importantly…"
Dai Chengfeng instinctively recalled his earlier agreement with Hu Liena—to attempt fusing their spirits!
"Since that's the case…"
A tantalizing thought instantly formed in Dai Chengfeng's mind: he was currently learning the Triple Spirit Fusion Technique and needed two others to practice with him…
Why couldn't it be three people today?!
After all, even a trio like Liu Erlong, Flender, and Yu Xiaogang—a group that included a "useless" member—could unleash a Spirit Fusion Technique powerful enough to rival a Titled Douluo: the Golden Holy Dragon!
If it were him, Zhu Zhuqing, and Hu Liena…
What terrifying potential could their Triple Spirit Fusion Technique hold?
Dai Chengfeng was certain that Zhu Zhuqing and he already had nearly 100% fusion compatibility, given that the 'Netherworld White Tiger' was waiting for them.
And Hu Liena's Nine-Tailed Fox spirit was also a top-tier beast martial soul, with unparalleled charm and control abilities…
"Perhaps the three of us really can succeed?!"
Dai Chengfeng couldn't help but imagine what the power of their Spirit Fusion Technique would be like once they all reached the level of Titled Douluo—or even just Soul Douluo.
He could hardly dare to imagine it!
Killing gods?!
As for the issue in the original story where Hu Liena's soul power growth was slow, Dai Chengfeng wasn't concerned at all.
After all, if the three of them successfully created a Triple Spirit Fusion Technique, he would naturally provide Great Rejuvenation Pills and rare medicinal herbs.
With those resources, combined with Hu Liena's extraordinary innate talent, her soul power growth would far surpass what was depicted in the original story.
Thinking about the god-defying power that awaited them, an uncontrollable surge of ambition and excitement ignited deep within Dai Chengfeng's eyes, spreading like wildfire.
He no longer hesitated, his gaze burning with determination as he decisively replied: "Mother speaks wisely!"
"Practical training is indeed the best catalyst. Zhuqing's combat awareness needs sharpening, and mastering the Netherworld White Tiger should not be delayed."
With that, Dai Chengfeng stood up and turned to Zhu Zhuqing: "Zhuqing, let's go. I'll show you the grandeur of Spirit City's Great Dueling Arena!"
"Alright."
Zhu Zhuqing responded with her usual single-word reply, but her tone carried a hint of excitement.
After all, her obsession with growing stronger was no less than Dai Chengfeng's!
With an opportunity to grow stronger before her, how could she possibly refuse?
Empress Zhu Hongxiu nodded in satisfaction: "Go ahead, but make sure to protect Zhuqing well."
"Mother, rest assured. I'll keep her safe."
Soon, Zhu Zhuqing bowed to Empress Zhu Hongxiu and High Priestess Zhu Hongye before following Dai Chengfeng out of the dining hall.
---
Leaving the dining room, Dai Chengfeng strode directly through the intricate, ornate corridors of the Spirit Hall.
However, Zhu Zhuqing soon noticed that instead of heading toward the Pope's Square or the exit leading outside the Pope's Hall, Dai Chengfeng turned down a side passage deeper into the inner chambers near the core area.
"Hmm?"
Zhu Zhuqing frowned slightly, her cool gaze falling on Dai Chengfeng's upright figure, tinged with curiosity. "Dai Chengfeng, where are we going?"
"Though I'm not familiar with the routes inside the Spirit Hall, if we're heading to the dueling arena outside, shouldn't we have turned left at that fork earlier?"
Hearing this, Dai Chengfeng didn't stop walking, but a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"You'll see in a moment."
"Alright."
Zhu Zhuqing stopped asking and continued following Dai Chengfeng, her curiosity growing.
Soon, Dai Chengfeng led Zhu Zhuqing through layers of halls to a specific location in the Spirit Hall's core area—the place where Hu Liena, the Pope's personal disciple and the Spirit Hall's prospective Holy Maiden, usually trained and rested.
Knock, knock, knock…
Dai Chengfeng raised his hand and rapped lightly on the door three times.
"Nana, it's me, Dai Chengfeng."
A few breaths later, the door opened from the inside.
Standing at the entrance was a woman clad in a simple yet curve-hugging dress, her chestnut hair cascading down, accentuating her breathtaking beauty.
Her enchanting eyes lit up the instant she saw Dai Chengfeng, brimming with warmth and joy.
That fleeting charm alone was enough to leave any man spellbound.
"Dai Chengfeng, you've come so early. Are you here to…"
However, her smile faltered ever so slightly when she noticed the cold, quiet figure beside Dai Chengfeng.
A flicker of unnatural discomfort flashed across her face, but in the next instant, Hu Liena's expression returned to normal, still wearing the perfect, affable smile of a Holy Maiden.
"Miss Zhu Zhuqing, we meet again."
Zhu Zhuqing gave a slight nod. "Good morning, Miss Hu Liena."
Hu Liena returned the greeting gracefully and then turned her curious gaze to Dai Chengfeng. "Dai Chengfeng, why have you come to see me?"
Hu Liena had assumed that Dai Chengfeng hadn't forgotten their agreement and had come today to take her to the Great Dueling Arena to experiment and see if their spirits could fuse.
But upon seeing Zhu Zhuqing, she felt that this might not be the case.
After all, Spirit Fusion Techniques were meant for two people. What was Zhu Zhuqing doing here?
Could it be…
That Dai Chengfeng and Zhu Zhuqing were practicing the Netherworld White Tiger and had simply invited her along to watch and learn?
At this thought, Hu Liena felt an inexplicable pang of unease, though she didn't know why…
But in an instant, she composed herself and waited for Dai Chengfeng's explanation.
Seeing Hu Liena's expression, Dai Chengfeng guessed her thoughts and smiled at her. "I've come to test a Spirit Fusion Technique today."
"Really?"
Hu Liena's eyes brightened.
Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing's brows furrowed instantly. After all, Dai Chengfeng had just promised to practice the Netherworld White Tiger with her, but now he was saying he wanted to experiment with a Spirit Fusion Technique with Hu Liena?
What about her?
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