Song Qing felt a pang of discomfort in his chest as he listened to Zhu Zhuqing's hesitant words and saw the clear inferiority complex that clouded her beautiful brown eyes. 'She really thinks so little of herself,' he thought, his brow furrowing slightly. 'And she seems to think I would look down on her now?'
"Zhuqing," Song Qing said, his voice gentle but firm, "did you honestly believe that I am such a cruel person? Did you think that I wouldn't consider you my friend anymore just because… just because of some perceived difference in status?" He stepped closer to her bed, his gaze earnest. "And why are you calling me 'Holy Son'? You used to call me 'Qing' back then." He lowered his voice to a near whisper as he said the last part, a hint of sadness in his tone.
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes widened again, this time with a mixture of surprise and a fresh wave of emotion. His words struck a chord deep within her. 'He… he still considers me his friend?' she thought, her heart pounding in her chest. The fact that he had even noticed she hadn't called him by his name anymore touched her deeply.
Tears welled up in her eyes once more, and this time, they spilled over, tracing glistening paths down her cheeks. She sniffled softly, trying to find her voice. "I… I didn't mean to be disrespectful, Holy Son… Qing," she corrected herself quickly, the familiar name feeling strange yet comforting on her tongue. "It's just… so much has changed. You've become so powerful, so important… and I'm still just… me." Her voice trembled slightly, revealing the depth of her insecurity. "I didn't want to impose… I didn't think you would even remember me."
Song Qing's heart ached at her words. He could see the genuine pain and vulnerability in her eyes. He moved closer and sat down gently on the edge of her bed, his gaze filled with concern. "Of course I remember you, Zhuqing. You were my friend. And nothing has changed that. Not my power, not my status… none of that matters between us. What matters is that we were friends, and I still consider you one." He reached out and gently took her small hand in his. "Now, I want you to tell me everything. Everything that has been happening. Don't hold back, and please… be truthful."
Zhu Zhuqing looked down at their joined hands, her tears still falling silently. His touch was warm and reassuring, and his words were like a balm to her wounded spirit. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. 'He really wants to help,' she thought, a flicker of hope igniting within her. 'Maybe… maybe I can trust him.'
She looked up at him, her brown eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and a newfound resolve. She nodded slowly. "Okay, Qing… I'll tell you everything."
And so, Zhu Zhuqing began to recount the horrors of the past two years. Her voice, initially soft and hesitant, grew stronger as she spoke of the constant bullying she had endured. She told him about her elder sister, Zhu Zhuyun, whose jealousy and ambition knew no bounds. Her Elder Sister Zhuyun would constantly belittle her, mocking her perceived weakness and reminding her that she would never be a match for her in the future succession battle. The insults were relentless, chipping away at Zhu Zhuqing's confidence day by day.
But it wasn't just verbal abuse. Zhu Zhuqing recounted how her brother-in-law, Dai Weisi, had taken the bullying a step further. Under the guise of 'sparring' or 'training,' he would often physically abuse her. She described the times he would deliberately use excessive force during their practice sessions, leaving her bruised and battered. He would often smirk and tell her that if she couldn't even handle his 'gentle' training, she had no hope of surviving the real competition.
She recounted one particularly painful incident where Dai Weisi had used his full soul power in a sparring match, sending her flying across the training room, leaving her with cracked ribs. Her own family members had simply dismissed it as part of her 'toughening up.'
Zhu Zhuqing also spoke of the constant pressure and the lack of support from her own family. With Dai Mubai gone, they had completely written her off, focusing all their resources and attention on Zhu Zhuyun. She felt like an unwanted burden, a shadow in her own home.
As Song Qing listened to her heartbreaking tale, his initial concern morphed into a burning fury. His hands clenched into fists, and his dark eyes flashed with a dangerous light. 'How dare they treat her like this?' he thought, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. 'Bullying her, physically abusing her… just because she's perceived as weaker?'
He could only imagine the loneliness and helplessness Zhu Zhuqing must have felt, enduring such cruelty with no one to turn to. The fact that she hadn't even felt worthy of asking for his help only fueled his anger further.
However, Song Qing knew that now wasn't the time for his rage. Zhu Zhuqing was still visibly upset, her small body trembling slightly as she recounted her experiences. What she needed now was comfort and reassurance.
Gently, Song Qing reached out and cupped her tear-stained face in his hands, his touch surprisingly warm and comforting. He used his thumbs to softly wipe away the remaining tears from her eyes. "It's okay, Zhuqing," he said softly, his voice filled with genuine sympathy. "It's all right now. I'm here."
He pulled her gently into a hug, holding her close. Zhu Zhuqing, who had been bottling up her emotions for so long, finally broke down, sobbing quietly into his shoulder. Song Qing held her tightly, letting her cry, offering silent comfort and support. He stroked her long black hair gently, whispering words of reassurance.
"You don't have to be afraid anymore, Zhuqing," he murmured. "I won't let them hurt you. I promise." He could feel her small body trembling against his, and he held her even tighter, wanting to shield her from all the pain and cruelty she had endured.
Slowly, Zhu Zhuqing's sobs began to subside. The warmth and security of Song Qing's embrace were a stark contrast to the cold indifference she had become accustomed to. She clung to him, drawing strength from his presence, feeling a sense of safety she hadn't felt in a very long time.
As her breathing finally evened out, Song Qing gently pulled back, looking into her red-rimmed eyes with a soft smile. "Are you feeling a little better now?" he asked, his voice gentle.
Zhu Zhuqing nodded, a small, watery smile gracing her lips. "Yes… thank you, Qing." The use of his name felt natural again, a small sign that the wall she had built between them was beginning to crumble.
Song Qing smiled back, his heart feeling lighter now that she seemed a little calmer. "Good. Now, tell me everything you want to do. What do you want to happen?" His eyes held a firm resolve. "I'm here to help you, Zhuqing. Just tell me what you need." He meant every word. He wouldn't let his friend suffer any longer. He would make sure that those who had hurt her would face the consequences of their actions.
Zhu Zhuqing trembled slightly, her voice barely above a whisper as she spoke, her gaze fixed on her lap. "I… I want to be strong like you, Qing. But I know it's impossible." She looked up at him, her brown eyes filled with a deep sense of resignation. "My talent… it's not the same. When I awakened my Martial Spirit, my innate soul power was only seven. I heard… I heard that yours was a full twenty."
Song Qing stared at his dear friend, his heart aching at her lack of self-belief. 'Seven isn't bad at all!' he thought, his brow furrowing. 'Who told her it was impossible? Talent is just a starting point. Hard work and the right guidance can overcome almost anything.' He reached out and gently cupped her chin, lifting her gaze to meet his.
"Zhuqing," Song Qing said, his voice firm and filled with unwavering conviction, "don't ever say that. I promise you, I will make you stronger. As for talent…" He scoffed softly. "Hmph. That little thing won't be able to stop me. I will make you as strong as I am, maybe even stronger." He squeezed her hand reassuringly. "But for that to happen, you need to come with me. Leave the Zhu Family behind."
He watched her intently, waiting for her reaction. Would she be willing to abandon her family, her home, for him?
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes widened in surprise at his bold declaration. Leave the Zhu Family? It was a daunting thought, one she had never dared to entertain seriously. But as she looked into Song Qing's confident dark eyes, a flicker of hope ignited within her. She thought of the constant bullying, the lack of support, the despair that had become her daily companion. The only person she would truly miss was her mother, who had shown her kindness amidst the cruelty.
After a few moments of silent contemplation, Zhu Zhuqing slowly nodded her little head, her gaze firming with newfound resolve.
A bright smile bloomed on Song Qing's face. "That's wonderful, Zhuqing!" He squeezed her hand again, his heart filled with a sense of purpose. "I'll inform your parents of our decision. In the meantime, you should prepare whatever you want to bring with you. From now on, you'll be living with me." He paused, considering their timeline. "We'll leave in three days. I have a few other things I need to take care of here in the Imperial City before we go."
Zhu Zhuqing blinked, her eyes widening slightly at the realization that this was really happening. A wave of happiness washed over her, chasing away some of the darkness that had been clinging to her for so long. She nodded her little head eagerly.
Song Qing smiled warmly at her, then stood up. "I'll go speak with your parents now. You start packing." With that, he left her chamber, his expression softening into a gentle smile as he thought of Zhu Zhuqing's hopeful face.
But the moment the door closed behind him, Song Qing's innocent, childlike features vanished, replaced by a chilling mask of cold fury. His dark eyes narrowed, radiating a palpable anger that could freeze the very air.
Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo, who had been waiting patiently outside, immediately sensed the shift in his demeanor. They exchanged worried glances.
"Holy Son," Chrysanthemum Douluo asked tentatively, "is everything alright? Did that girl… did she do something disrespectful?"
Before he could even finish his sentence, Song Qing shook his head sharply, his eyes still blazing with suppressed rage. "No, Elder Yue. It's not her." His voice was low and dangerous. "I'll explain later."
Without another word, Song Qing turned and strode purposefully towards the main hall where Duke Zhu was likely still waiting. He found the Duke looking somewhat anxious, wondering about the nature of the Holy Son's private conversation with his second daughter.
"Duke Zhu," Song Qing said, his voice polite but carrying an undeniable edge, "I have spoken with Zhu Zhuqing, and I will be taking her with me back to the Spirit Hall."
Duke Zhu's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed in confusion. "Taking her with you, Your Holiness? May I inquire as to the reason?"
Song Qing offered a seemingly innocent smile, though it didn't quite reach his cold eyes. "I simply wish to have a friend of my age at the Spirit Hall. Someone to play with."
Duke Zhu considered this for a moment, a flicker of calculation in his eyes. The Holy Son taking his seemingly useless second daughter? It was… unexpected. But perhaps it could even be beneficial. If Zhu Zhuqing could somehow gain favor with the Holy Son, it might bring unforeseen advantages to the Zhu Family.
"I understand, Your Holiness," Duke Zhu said, a carefully neutral expression on his face. "However, I would request one thing. When Zhu Zhuqing reaches the age of twelve, she must join the Spirit Hall Academy."
Song Qing nodded readily. "That is perfectly acceptable, Duke Zhu. I will return in three days to finalize the arrangements and take Zhu Zhuqing with me."
With that, Song Qing, followed closely by the two silent Super Douluo, left the Zhu Family Estate. As soon as they were a safe distance away, Song Qing finally addressed the two Titled Douluo, his voice still laced with anger.
"Elders," he said, his dark eyes blazing, "would it be alright if I… perhaps… beat up the First Prince of this Star Luo Empire, Dai Weisi?"
Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo stared at each other, a look of bewilderment on their faces. 'The First Prince? What could he have possibly done to offend the Holy Son?' they wondered. But they had witnessed the barely suppressed rage in his eyes and knew better than to dismiss his request lightly.
After a brief silent exchange, Ghost Douluo spoke, his raspy voice cautious. "Holy Son, as long as you do not permanently cripple or… eliminate the First Prince, we can handle any repercussions. However, we must advise against causing too much… disruption."
A relieved smile flickered across Song Qing's face. "I understand, Elders. I was merely curious about the power of the Spirit Fusion Skill, the Hell White Tiger. I was wondering if I could… perhaps… test my strength against it."
In reality, Song Qing's curiosity about the Hell White Tiger was secondary. His primary motivation was to inflict some well-deserved pain on both Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun for the way they had treated his friend. He just needed a plausible excuse for his actions, and the powerful Spirit Fusion Skill seemed like a good enough reason for a young, ambitious Soul Ancestor to seek a confrontation.