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If not for Chen Xin's silent transmission, Ning Fengzhi would have definitely agreed to the proposal.
Having a meal with Zhongli—anything to build a closer relationship was a good thing.
But after hearing Chen Xin's message, Ning Fengzhi didn't hesitate to reject the offer.
"A 100,000-year soul beast!"
He didn't doubt whether Chen Xin had misjudged—how could a Title Douluo of the 96th level be mistaken?
At this moment, Ning Fengzhi's emotions were complicated. While he felt joy, there was also worry.
What if Zhongli discovered Xiao Wu? If that happened, would the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School retreat or stand their ground?
If a fight broke out, Zhongli wouldn't be the one at a disadvantage. His soul power was at the "97th" level. Even if the combined forces of the Sword, Bone, and Ning Fengzhi managed to defeat him, killing him would be impossible.
If Zhongli escaped and returned later, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School would face utter destruction!
Let's not forget—Zhongli possessed twin martial souls. If pushed to the brink, he could simply add soul rings to his second martial soul…
With at least nine soul rings of 50,000 years or more, his soul power would undoubtedly reach the 99th level!
How could the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School withstand such a peerless powerhouse?
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School had too much to lose, unlike Zhongli, who had no attachments.
Such a powerhouse was best left unprovoked.
"No, no need. There are still matters in the sect that require my attention."
Ning Fengzhi quickly waved his hand in refusal.
He wanted to act as if nothing was wrong, but his voice betrayed a slight tremor.
"Xue Qinghe" glanced at Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin before finally settling her gaze on Xiao Wu.
Now she understood what was going on with Ning Fengzhi.
"Hmph, I hope they turn on each other because of this soul beast!"
"The three upper sects stand united?"
"When interests are at stake, even trees get cut down—what unity is there to speak of?"
"Let them fight like dogs, biting each other till they're covered in fur!"
The corners of "Xue Qinghe's" lips curled slightly as she thought to herself.
She knew exactly what the relationship between Xiao Wu, Tang San, and Tang Hao was.
Though she didn't know how Tang San had revived Xiao Wu, their relationship was that of lovers.
Tang San had twin martial souls, and Tang Hao had likely kept Xiao Wu around to serve as a soul ring for Tang San. Somehow, though, the two had ended up as lovers.
If Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin made a move on Xiao Wu, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School and the Clear Sky Sect would become mortal enemies!
For Spirit Hall, this was excellent news.
"What a shame."
Paimon shrugged, feigning disappointment.
At this moment, only Chiyu, Paimon, and Tang San were unaware of the situation. Everyone else knew exactly what was happening.
"Third Brother, let's go. Quickly."
Xiao Wu tugged at Tang San's sleeve, whispering urgently.
Danger, danger…
That man named Zhongli might not have ill intentions toward her, but the other Title Douluo was a different story.
The urgency in Xiao Wu's voice left Tang San puzzled, but he nodded anyway.
They weren't close to these people, and he had nothing to contribute to the conversation. Why stay?
Tang San and Xiao Wu quietly slipped away, Xiao Wu's hurried steps forcing Tang San to quicken his pace as well.
"What's gotten into Xiao Wu?"
"She was in such a rush to come out, and now she's even more desperate to leave."
Tang San was utterly confused.
Seeing Xiao Wu and Tang San depart, Chen Xin immediately shot Ning Fengzhi a meaningful look.
They couldn't afford to linger any longer.
Understanding the signal, Ning Fengzhi hastily bid farewell before leaving with Chen Xin in a hurry.
Zhongli watched their retreating figures before glancing subtly at a hidden spot.
"How will Tang Hao handle this situation, I wonder?"
"Huh? This is the first time I've seen Sect Master Ning in such a rush."
If Ning Fengzhi were still here, he would've broken into a cold sweat—even Paimon had noticed the flaws in his "acting"!
"They had killing intent. They're definitely not good people."
Chiyu muttered under her breath.
Aside from Paimon, who wouldn't have heard her?
Zhongli and "Xue Qinghe" both looked at Chiyu in surprise.
"Chiyu, can you sense the killing intent they were emitting?"
In formal settings, addressing someone by their courtesy name indicated closeness, while using their given name suggested distance—or even potential conflict.
For example, Xiao Feilian, courtesy name Chiyu. A stranger would call her Xiao Feilian without issue, while someone closer would refer to her as Chiyu.
If a stranger or someone not well-acquainted wanted to show respect, they might call her Xiao Chiyu rather than Xiao Feilian.
During the Three Kingdoms period, the hero who charged through Changban Slope seven times to protect his lord was referred to by his courtesy name, Zilong, by those close to him—not by his given name, Zhao Yun.
Hearing this, Chiyu looked at Zhongli before nodding.
"Master—"
"Stop."
Zhongli raised a hand to cut her off.
"Chiyu, our relationship is one of employment. I hired you as a maid, but that doesn't make me your master."
"You can just call me Zhongli."
Seeing Zhongli's serious expression, Chiyu felt deeply moved and quickly said,
"Understood, Master."
Zhongli: "..."
"Xue Qinghe": "..."
Paimon: "..."
Even the usually airheaded Paimon couldn't help but twitch at this. This girl was really something else!
"Ever since my martial soul awakened, I've been able to sense the emotions of those around me… I can roughly tell whether they harbor good or ill will."
Chiyu explained openly, not hiding her ability.
"Xue Qinghe" broke into a cold sweat upon hearing this.
No matter how flawless one's outward disguise, controlling one's inner thoughts was impossible.
If Chiyu's ability had been exposed earlier and discovered by Xue Ye…
"Xue Qinghe" swallowed hard, a chill running down her spine.
Luckily, luckily the cat girl hadn't revealed this before. Otherwise, the consequences would've been unimaginable.
"Hmm?"
Chiyu seemed to sense something and turned to look at "Xue Qinghe."
"Xue Qinghe" fell silent, her eye twitching slightly.
It seemed the girl wasn't lying—she truly could perceive emotions.
Chiyu's situation was unique. Having fused with her martial soul, she could be considered both a beast soul master and a body soul master!
Before her mutation, her martial soul was a type of cat. And how sensitive was a cat's perception?
After fusing with her martial soul, Chiyu essentially became a humanoid "cat"—one with enhanced abilities.
Of course, this perception was very faint. She could only detect emotions when they were intense and the target wasn't guarding against it.
"You must have innate soul power, right?"
Zhongli, of course, knew exactly what was going on with "Xue Qinghe," so he changed the subject.
He could sense a faint energy within Chiyu—one almost identical to a soul master's soul power.
No, not almost. It was soul power.
"Yes, I have innate eighth-level soul power..."
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 100 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 20 power stones I will publish the next chapter.