"Yes, Qing'er," Bibi Dong said, her voice carrying a faint echo of the past. Her beautiful pink eyes, usually so sharp and commanding, held a distant, almost melancholic quality. "Yu Xiaogang… he was someone I knew a long time ago." A sigh escaped her lips, a whisper of forgotten emotions. "But as I said, it is an old matter. Let it rest, my dear disciple. It is not worth your concern."
Song Qing nodded, his innocent gaze fixed on his teacher's face. He appeared to accept her words, but in his young mind, a plan was already taking shape. He knew, with a certainty that stemmed from the fragmented memories of another world, that Yu Xiaogang was a pivotal figure in Bibi Dong's past, a source of both great love and immense pain. He also knew that this connection, if left unaddressed, could potentially lead to future complications.
'She still cares about him,' he thought, observing the subtle sadness in her eyes. 'I need to change that. Slowly, carefully… I need to show her what kind of man he truly is.'
With Bibi Dong's confirmation that she knew Yu Xiaogang, Song Qing now had the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into the man's history without arousing suspicion. He could frame it as mere curiosity, a childish desire to understand the person who had caused his beloved teacher a moment of sadness. He had no intention of keeping his research a secret from her; in fact, he wanted her to know, to see the truth for herself.
In the days that followed, Song Qing subtly issued a few discreet orders to some of the Spirit Hall's lower-ranking members, individuals who were efficient and loyal but not privy to the inner workings of the higher echelons. He requested them to locate one Yu Xiaogang and gather any and all publicly available information about him. He also specifically asked for details regarding his past romantic involvements. He framed his request as a simple academic inquiry, wanting to understand the background of the author of the "Ten Core Competitiveness Theories."
It took only a few days for the Spirit Hall's efficient network to yield results. Yu Xiaogang was currently residing in Nuoding City, a relatively small city within the Heaven Dou Empire, where he held a teaching position at the local academy. This information, while already known to Song Qing through his fragmented memories, served as confirmation and, more importantly, would soon reach Bibi Dong's ears through her own channels.
'She needs to know where he is,' Song Qing thought, a hint of cunning in his young eyes. 'She needs to see what he's doing now.' He knew that erasing years of deeply ingrained emotions wouldn't be easy. It would require patience, subtlety, and a carefully orchestrated series of revelations. His goal wasn't to make her forget her past love overnight, but to slowly erode the pedestal she had placed Yu Xiaogang on, replacing it with a sense of disillusionment and perhaps even resentment.
The reports that came back about Yu Xiaogang painted a picture that aligned with Song Qing's fragmented memories. He was indeed a teacher at the Nuoding Academy, and more significantly, he had taken on a disciple named Tang San. This detail, in particular, sent a ripple of unease through Song Qing. He knew the significance of Tang San in the original timeline, the pivotal role he would play in the future.
As Song Qing reviewed the information, he made sure that a copy of the report, detailing Yu Xiaogang's current whereabouts and his mentorship of Tang San, found its way to Bibi Dong's desk. He didn't hand it to her directly; he simply left it amongst some other documents he knew she would review.
Bibi Dong, as was her habit, meticulously went through all the reports and documents. When she came across the information regarding Yu Xiaogang, a flicker of surprise crossed her face. She read the details carefully, noting his current occupation and the name of his disciple. A strange mix of emotions – curiosity, sadness, and perhaps a touch of bitterness – swirled within her.
Soon after, she summoned Song Qing to her presence, her expression a blend of curiosity and mild concern. "Qing'er," she began, her voice gentle but with an underlying note of inquiry, "I noticed you had some of our people conduct an investigation into a man named Yu Xiaogang. Why would you do that?"
Song Qing looked up at her, his innocent eyes wide. "Teacher, after you mentioned that you knew him, I just wanted to know what kind of person he was. Especially after I found out he copied that ancient book from our Spirit Hall. I wanted to see if he was… always like that." He paused, then added with a touch of childish indignation, "And Teacher, he's even worse than I thought!"
He then revealed the information that hadn't yet been formally relayed to Bibi Dong through the Spirit Hall's official channels – details about Yu Xiaogang's personal history. "Teacher, I also found out that he actually married someone a long time ago! A Soul Saint named Liu Erlong! But then… he just left her suddenly, before their wedding ceremony could even finish! Can you believe that? How could someone do such a cruel thing to someone they supposedly loved?" Song Qing's voice was filled with genuine outrage, carefully calculated to resonate with Bibi Dong's own past heartaches.
He watched as Bibi Dong's expression shifted, a look of shock and then a deep sadness washing over her features. The revelation about Liu Erlong seemed to strike a particularly raw nerve.
Song Qing pressed on, his tone a masterful blend of childish innocence and subtle manipulation. "And Teacher, it gets even worse! I also found out that Yu Xiaogang used to be a member of the Spirit Hall, a very long time ago! That must be when you met him, right? He was already stealing our ancestors' work back then! Teacher, please don't be sad about such a selfish and dishonest man. He doesn't deserve your thoughts, not even for a moment."
He walked over to Bibi Dong, his small form radiating concern. He gently wrapped his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly. "Teacher, I want you to be happy. You're the best teacher in the whole world, and you deserve all the happiness. I promise I'll do everything I can to make you smile every day." He looked up at her, his eyes filled with a childlike devotion that was both genuine and strategically deployed. He reached up and gently wiped away a tear that had escaped her eye, his small hand soft against her cheek.
Bibi Dong's heart ached as she absorbed the information Song Qing had revealed. The confirmation of Yu Xiaogang's character, his past actions, and the pain he had inflicted on another woman resonated deeply with her own experiences. Yet, amidst the turmoil of her resurfacing emotions, a profound sense of gratitude washed over her for the caring little disciple who stood before her, his small body offering comfort and unwavering affection.
She lowered her head and kissed his forehead, her voice a soft whisper filled with emotion. "Thank you, Qing'er. You are a good child. I… I will try not to think about that man anymore. I will listen to you." She held him close, her grip tightening slightly. "Just promise me, Qing'er, that you will grow up strong. That will make me the happiest."
~~
True to his exceptional talent, barely a month had passed before Song Qing felt the familiar surge within his core, the unmistakable sign of another breakthrough. His soul power had reached the coveted Level 40. A wave of exhilaration washed over him, quickly followed by a sense of caution.
'Level 40 already?' he thought, a hint of disbelief in his own rapid progress. 'Even Teacher would find this… unusual.' He knew that reporting such a swift advancement would raise too many questions, especially regarding the timing of his third soul ring acquisition for his Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor. Bibi Dong might start to suspect the existence of his Second Spirit and realize he was attaching soul rings to it, causing his overall soul power to skyrocket.
Song Qing understood the potential long-term benefits of focusing solely on his Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor first, reaching the Titled Douluo stage before truly unleashing the power of his Primordial Life Tree Spirit with high-age soul rings. Absorbing 100,000-year-old soul rings for his Second Spirit after reaching Title Douluo with his First Spirit would have been the most optimal path to maximize its potential.
'But I need power, and I need it fast,' he reasoned with himself. The fragmented memories of the future weighed heavily on his mind. The threats were immense, and he couldn't afford to take the most conservative route. His priority was to increase his overall strength as quickly as possible, to reach the Titled Douluo stage with both spirits contributing to his power.
As for the age of his soul rings, he knew he had a long-term solution. The Immortal Herbs he was diligently cultivating held the key. His innate knowledge of plants, amplified by his Primordial Life Tree Spirit, told him that certain Immortal Herbs possessed the miraculous ability to increase the age of soul rings. It would take time, perhaps even a couple of years, but it was a viable path for the future.
So, despite reaching the peak of Level 40, Song Qing kept his breakthrough a secret from Bibi Dong. He knew that delaying his fourth soul ring for his Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor wouldn't significantly hinder his progress in the short term. He planned to request a soul beast of over ten thousand years for his fourth ring, a substantial power boost in itself.
Moreover, the Spirit Hall's treasury held powerful soul bones, and absorbing those would also accelerate his cultivation. For now, keeping his Second Spirit hidden remained paramount.
He subtly manipulated his Veiled Aura ability, gradually increasing his perceived soul power as the months passed. Soul Power 35… then 36… then 37. He allowed his apparent growth to seem rapid but still within the realm of extraordinary talent, not unbelievable speed.
With his soul power steadily climbing in the eyes of others, Song Qing dedicated a significant amount of his time to nurturing his growing collection of herbs. Using the Verdant Embrace, he focused his energy on specific pots each day, feeling the subtle acceleration of time within their leafy confines, pushing them towards their immortal potential.
But Song Qing wasn't a recluse. He made sure to regularly interact with Hu Liena. Their playful teasing continued, with Hu Liena still finding amusement in his occasional flustered reactions, though they were becoming less frequent. They sparred often, their battles becoming increasingly intense, though Song Qing still carefully held back his true strength.
He also ventured into the Spirit Hall Academy's training grounds, eager to test his skills against other young talents. He sought out Soul Elders in the Soul Power range of 34 to 39, challenging them to duels. Initially, he faced a series of humbling defeats. These older disciples possessed a wider array of spirit skills and combat experience, their techniques often catching the still-inexperienced Song Qing off guard.
'I need to adapt,' he thought after one particularly frustrating loss against a nimble Agility-type Soul Elder whose movements were like lightning. 'Soul power alone isn't enough. I need to truly integrate the abilities of my Dragon Emperor and my wings.'
He began to analyze his opponents' fighting styles, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. He started to consciously combine his Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor's raw power with the agility and offensive capabilities of his Silver-Winged Dragonbone Wings. He practiced his Abyssal Shadow Dash, learning to use it not just for evasion but for sudden, unpredictable attacks. His Abyssal Draconic Claw became more precise, more devastating.
Slowly but surely, the tide began to turn. He started to anticipate his opponents' moves, his senses sharpened by countless battles. He learned to exploit openings, to use his agility to his advantage, and to unleash the full force of his draconic spirit in conjunction with the aerial dominance granted by his wings.
His fights became a spectacle. Against Attack-type Soul Elders, he used his speed and agility to evade their powerful blows, countering with swift, precise strikes. Against Control-type Spirit Masters, he utilized his Shadow Dominion to disrupt their control skills and his wings to gain aerial superiority. Against Agility-types, he learned to predict their movements, his draconic senses allowing him to react in the blink of an eye.
The reactions of his opponents were a mixture of shock, frustration, and grudging admiration.
"What in the world… how did he get so strong so fast?" one defeated Soul Elder muttered, nursing a bruised arm after a lightning-fast exchange with Song Qing.
"His control over his spirit and that external bone… it's terrifying!" another exclaimed, still reeling from the disorienting effects of Song Qing's Shadow Dominion.
"He's only seven years old! How is this even possible?" a third whispered in disbelief, watching as Song Qing effortlessly dodged a flurry of attacks before delivering a decisive blow with his Abyssal Draconic Claw.
Word of the prodigious young Holy Son's sparring matches spread quickly through the Spirit Hall Academy. Many came to watch, drawn by the rumors of his incredible talent. They witnessed firsthand his rapid improvement, his adaptability, and the sheer power he wielded despite his young age. Despair began to creep into the hearts of some of the older disciples, who had trained for years but were now being outshone by a mere child.
~~
Current Skills Of Song Qing.
[
Name: Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor
First Soul Ring: Abyssal Shadow Dash - Grants the user incredible bursts of speed, leaving behind shadowy afterimages. Second Ability (Unlocked): Abyssal Dragon Wings - Allows for temporary flight using condensed shadow energy.
Second Soul Ring: Shadow Dominion - Creates a field of darkness that enhances the user's senses and abilities while weakening opponents within it. Second Ability: Shadow Concealment: A wave of shadow energy briefly enveloping him, making him virtually undetectable to both sight and spiritual senses.
Third Soul Ring: Abyssal Draconic Claw: He could now manifest a massive claw of pure abyssal energy, capable of tearing through even the toughest defenses. Second Ability (Unlocked): Dragon's Might: It allows him to unleash a focused burst of draconic pressure, capable of stunning or even incapacitating weaker opponents.
]
[
Name: Primordial Life Tree Spirit
Passive Abilities: Nature's Embrace: Possesses an innate connection to all forms of plant life, allowing him to use their senses to greatly enhance his Sensory Range. Ancient Wisdom: Seems to possess an inherent understanding of the natural world and its cycles, granting the user a natural intuition regarding plants, beasts, healing, and life energy.
First Soul Ring: Active Ability: Verdant Embrace - Emits a soothing green aura that rapidly heals injuries and restores stamina to all living beings within its radius. Passive - Continuously adapts Song Qing or anyone's physique in the range of this ability to perfectly harmonize with his spirit, gradually healing any inherent weaknesses or imperfections in his body. Second Passive Ability - Allows Song Qing to manipulate the flow of time for plant life within the area of Verdant Embrace, enabling him to rapidly increase their age.
Second Soul Ring: Venomous Entanglement: He could now summon and manipulate thorny vines, imbued with a potent poison that could rapidly drain an opponent's soul energy upon contact. Passive Ability: As long as Song Qing can absorb different types of poisons, his Primordial Life Tree Spirit would be able to produce those poisons. This didn't just affect poisons but also to essence energies of any herbs that his Primordial Life Tree Spirit has absorbed.
Third Soul Ring: Phantom Bind - Active Ability: Creates incredibly strong and illusionary vines that can ensnare and constrict opponents, making them believe they are trapped even if they aren't entirely. Veiled Aura - Allows the user to partially conceal their soul power level, making it appear lower than it actually is. Consumes Soul Power upon activating but will not consume Soul Power thereafter.
]
[
Name: Silver-Winged Dragonbone Wings (External Spirit Bone)
Primary Ability: Aerial Supremacy - Grants the user the power of flight, significantly enhances agility and maneuverability in the air, and provides bursts of incredible speed.
Defensive Skill: Dragonbone Shield - By focusing soul power, the wings can be angled and solidified to create a sturdy shield capable of deflecting significant force.
Offensive Skill 1: Silver Wing Barrage - Allows the user to launch a volley of sharp, feather-like projectiles made of condensed bone and silver light from the wings.
Offensive Skill 2: Draconic Descent - A powerful dive attack where the user channels draconic energy into the wings, allowing them to plummet towards a target with devastating force and speed.
]