Chapter 528.
At that moment, Tang San and the others, who were recovering on the steps below Sea God Mountain, suddenly saw Wang Feng falling from the peak.
"Brothers! That Wang Wu couldn't make it! Let's go!"
Ma Hongjun jumped up and shouted excitedly, "He barely tortured us today. I knew he was trying to reach the highest level! Now he's failed!"
It was nighttime. Although they had been exhausted during the day, Wang Wu hadn't pushed them to the brink like usual—he had gone easy on them, likely because he was planning to challenge the highest level himself. Because of this, they had recovered considerably.
All nine of them had been quietly waiting for this moment. It was obvious—after two months of build-up, Wang Wu had finally attempted to reach the peak. His leniency today had been a sign.
They had been anticipating Wang Wu's breakthrough attempt. Whether he succeeded or failed, it would be their best opportunity!
When Sea God Mountain trembled earlier, they had taken it as an omen. And now, the time had come.
The emotions that had been pent up for two months exploded!
A powerful surge of energy erupted from all nine of them. It felt like they were flying!
For two long months, they had endured torture and suffering on the steps. Now they burst forward with incredible momentum!
Their minds were clear and focused, and every cell in their bodies seemed to be dancing with excitement.
Tang San led the charge. His eyes gleamed, and without even using his soul bone and domain, he soared past the 110th step in one go—as if it was nothing. He kept going!
It was too easy.
Compared to Wang Wu's Domain of Original Sin and his crushing spiritual pressure, the Sea God's Light on these steps felt like nothing at all!
Tang San's heart shouted with joy—two months of pain had been worth it!
With one breath, Tang San reached the 300th step!
Only after that did he activate his soul bone, gaining the 100,000-year Blue Silver True Body. He released his domain and broke through to the 340th step!
Though the final ten steps still applied tremendous pressure, it was nothing compared to Wang Wu's torturous training, where they had constantly teetered on the edge of life and death.
Tang San finally arrived at the 350th step—the goal of the assessment. A clear voice echoed in his mind:
"First Assessment Passed!"
Yet, Tang San felt a strange sense of absurdity—as if he could still keep climbing...
Looking down, he saw Zhu Zhuqing had already reached the 160th step and completed her assessment!
But she didn't stop—she pushed forward and reached the 300th step! Far beyond the 160th steps originally required of her.
She wasn't far behind Tang San.
Ning Rongrong, though an auxiliary-type soul master, also had a top-level assessment requiring her to reach the 160th step. She barely made it, relying on sheer willpower. Physically, she was far weaker than Zhu Zhuqing.
Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun each reached the 140th step.
Oscar, as a food-type soul master, was physically the weakest, but even he slowly made it to the 140th step!
Behind him, Shen Lingqi surpassed 100 steps and even climbed ten more. Her soul power had reached Level 67—a huge leap.
In terms of progress, Bai Chenxiang had improved the most. Her original spirit power level had been the lowest, but she advanced all the way to the 80th step, reaching Level 61 in soul power durinh this time period!
Her fifth soul ring came from a flying sea soul beast, while her sixth soul ring—bestowed by the gods—amplified her power to the maximum!
Her massive improvement stemmed from how low –her soul power had been initially.
In less than half an hour, all nine of them reached their designated assessment goals and passed the first test!
The situation left everyone stunned.
It was the feeling of "ten minutes on stage, ten years off stage."
After two months of constant devastation, their efforts erupted in this moment—and they passed the test in under an hour.
The group stared up at the moon, a strange feeling settling in their hearts.
The assessment gave them a year, but they finished it in just seven months—and with overwhelming results!
Tang San had risen from Level 68 to Level 78. Dai Mubai reached Level 75, Zhu Zhuqing to 77, Ma Hongjun and Oscar both hit 73, and Ning Rongrong also reached Level 73!
Each of them had improved nearly ten levels!
Around eight of those levels had been gained just in the last two months.
"This is insane... Is this really our progress from just two months?"
Ma Hongjun muttered in disbelief, still dazed, as if he hadn't yet shaken off the torment they had endured.
"If I had the choice again... I would still never choose to be tortured by that White Pontiff like that..."
Oscar shook his head with lingering fear. "Not even for a day! That domain is horrifying..."
The Domain of Original Sin contained seven distinct emotional torments that attacked the mind and spirit. The mental suffering it caused was an unimaginable test of one's will.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
If they could choose again, they would rather not face those seven tormenting domains or endure such crushing spiritual devastation.
"Where's Wang Wu? Did he fall into the sea?"
Ma Hongjun stood proudly with his hands on his hips, full of energy. "Seems like he didn't reach the top after all, huh? Hahahaha… Well, to be honest, I kind of want to thank him. Hahahahaha…"
The other eight smiled too.
Based on what they'd just witnessed, it truly looked like Wang Feng had fallen into the sea from the top of the mountain.
Just then, Zhu Zhuqing suddenly dashed up several more steps—racing all the way to nearly the 333rd step.
Bang!
A burst of force from the Sea God's Light repelled her violently, sending her flying backward.
The others were stunned.
"Zhuqing's trying again..." Tang San smiled and shook his head. "I think she could've climbed another dozen steps... 330 steps is already incredible."
Although Zhu Zhuqing had been thrown from the 333rd step into the sea, no one was worried.
Except Ning Rongrong. She frowned slightly, a flicker of emotion crossing her eyes. She pursed her lips but said nothing.
Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing, after falling into the sea, immediately began swimming—searching for a certain figure.
Moments later, she found him.
Wang Feng was already on the shore, using his soul power to dry off the seawater from his body. When he fell earlier, he had very little soul power left.
"Looks –like it's time to absorb the god-bestowed soul ring… Without it, I won't be able to step onto the final level," Wang Feng thought as he dried himself. "Tang San and the others should have completed their assessments by now..."
Suddenly, Wang Feng's eyes widened.
A beautiful figure was rushing toward him with great speed...
"Why is she coming down?"
He hadn't expected Zhu Zhuqing to come down at all.
Her speed was astonishing. Even though she couldn't endure the intense pressure of the Sea God's Light past the 330th floor, the physical strength she had gained from five months of training and climbing had pushed her speed to its peak!
Like a shadow in the night, she sprinted straight toward Wang Feng, leapt forward, and threw herself into his arms.
Wang Feng was momentarily stunned by her embrace—feeling both her strength and the fullness of her figure.
Cough...
His chest tightened slightly as he instinctively took a step back. Before he could react further, Zhu Zhuqing reached up and removed the mask from his face.
Suddenly, a cool, soft sensation spread from his face to his mind as Zhuqing kissed him softly on the lips.
"Huh?"
Startled, Wang Feng eyes widened in surprise and his heart even skipped a beat but he quickly grabbed her shoulders, unsure of what she was doing. He hadn't even confirmed his identity yet! Why now?
"They can't see us…"
Zhu Zhuqing whispered softly into his ear, her breath tickling his skin. "Wang Feng, there's no need to hide anymore. I already know who you are. My heart wouldn't lie to me. If it were someone else, you would've pushed me away by now."
Wang Feng remained silent.
A faint glow shimmered in his chest—the effect of the Meteoric Tear.
Indeed, Wang Feng felt the connection triggered by the Meteoric Tear. It was as if their souls were resonating, perfectly in sync.
"Why did you come down?"
Wang Feng gently moved Zhu Zhuqing back a little, but she clung to him tightly. He stopped resisting and let her hold him.
Pressed so closely together, their bodies fit perfectly. She was... quite soft, and somewhat flattened against him.
"I missed you."
Zhu Zhuqing raised her head, cheeks flushed and eyes slightly red. "Over these past two months, every time you walked by, I felt like you were about to speak... But I was afraid. If I said anything, you might be recognized."
Wang Feng sighed inwardly. He hadn't anticipated the Meteoric Tear would cause such a deep emotional connection. So much for pretending.
"How long are you planning to keep pretending?"
Zhu Zhuqing stared into the face she had longed for night and day. Her blush deepened. "You must be tired pretending like this. Did you fail to reach the last level on purpose today?"
Wang Feng shook his head.
He hadn't failed to reach the top layer—he'd actually failed at the 1,000th step.
"Did you do it on purpose?"
Zhu Zhuqing leaned into him, her head resting against his chest, under his chin. She listened to his heartbeat—synchronized with hers. That sense of harmony... of unity... made her tremble.
"They all misunderstand you now. They're all ready to slap you in the face... Are you angry?"
Her voice was soft, almost fragile.
"Angry? Not really..." Wang Feng thought aloud.
"I wanted you all to think that. Otherwise, I wouldn't have made it through these past two months."
Zhu Zhuqing was silent for a moment.
"So… when will you stop pretending?"
She looked up again. "And... that saintess from Soul Hall—every time she looks at you…"
Her arms tightened around him.
"Every time I see her stare at you like that, I want to beat her up."
She said it sourly.
"Wang Feng, now that you're the White Pontiff of Soul Hall… are you really going to leave us?"
But after asking, she seemed to regret it and murmured,
"You can't do that…"
Wang Feng smiled, watching the way her cheeks puffed slightly in frustration.
He wanted to say something like, Even if I weren't in Soul Hall, I would leave eventually. But that felt too sad to say out loud.
So he let it go.
Zhu Zhuqing continued in a small voice, "And there's also the young mistress Qian Renxue. Third Brother said she's a great beauty too…"
"You helped her retreat from the palace in Heaven Dou City. Third Brother and Senior Dugu Bo even fought you... Was that for her too?"
Wang Feng: "…"
He coughed awkwardly. How did the topic get here?
That whole situation was far too complicated to explain clearly.
"You pretended to be the White Pontiff in Soul Hall… Was it because of those two girls?" Zhu Zhuqing asked, a little bitterly.
"I know it's petty, but I can't help thinking that way…"
"Absolutely not," Wang Feng said firmly.
"Then why did you join the Soul Hall, became the White Pontiff, and stay close to those two girls…"
Zhu Zhuqing had so many questions, but halfway through, she just collapsed into his embrace again.
"….forget it. I won't ask anymore. I know you won't tell me now."
It wasn't that Wang Feng didn't want to tell her. It was just… pointless at the moment.
In three years, Bibi Dong would become a god and come to Sea God Island. That would be the true turning point.
"In two years, I'll tell you everything."
Wang Feng's eyes shimmered as he looked into the distance.
At that moment, he didn't even know what was happening on the mainland anymore.
Had the Soul Hall Alliance already been established?
What had become of the two empires and the three great sects?
He had no answers.
He needed to grow stronger in the next two years to prevent any unforeseen events.
"You said..."
Zhu Zhuqing raised her head, looking intently at Wang Feng. "After those two years, can you make a choice? Rongrong and I..." She hesitated, "...or, will you choose the Saintess of the Soul Hall or Qian Renxue?"
Wang Feng was silent.
Why does she keep asking this question? And... why add two more options?
"Wang Feng, my mind is in turmoil, because everything you do is feels disturbing and painful," Zhu Zhuqing murmured. "I don't understand your motives, but one thing is certain: my feelings for you will not change. I will always love you…"
"…even if yu don't choose me."
Her statement was true. Even though she couldn't definitively confirm his identity, Zhu Zhuqing found the reports of his ascent to White Pontiff in the past year unsettling, along with everything she heard about the machinations attributed to him.
What had Wang Feng done within the Soul Hall to achieve such a high position? How had he gained their trust and been given so much power?
"Even if one day, you become an evil soul master..." Zhu Zhuqing fixed her gaze on Wang Feng. "I will still love you."
More than like, she admitted to herself.
"Well," Wang Feng replied after a moment's reflection, "I love you too."
"Really?" Zhu Zhuqing's was stunned in silence as her eyes widened in surprise, but the next moment her face flushed with surprise and joy. Affection welled in her eyes, it was the first time she had heard such an affirmative response from him.
But then, doubt clouded her happiness.
"What about Rongrong?" she asked.
"I like her too," Wang Feng admitted.
"..." Zhu Zhuqing stared at him, stunned and confused.
After a long pause, she stammered, "You...you, you...how can you do this?"
"Then I don't like either of you," Wang Feng offered.
"No!" Zhu Zhuqing murmured while leaning on his chest. "Wang Feng, you can't play around with this! You have to choose one of us!"
She didn't want to share her love with anyone else.
"But I'm a free spirit," Wang Feng said thoughtfully. "I can't give up either of you. If I were to choose, one of you would be heartbroken. So I won't make a decision, meaning everyone is sad, and you can also have a companion."
Besides, Wang Feng wasn't even sure if he would remain in this world.
Five years ago, Wang Feng had already realized the depth of Zhu Zhuqing's feelings for him. She had always been relatively quiet, but her inability to contain herself and throwing herself in front of him in the Supreme Pontiff's Palace had been a revelation.
Her feelings were so deep, despite him not teasing her too much? Maybe it was because he was too handsome?
Then, when they had met again, Zhu Zhuqing had recognized him because of the Meteoric Tears. Though he had tried to deceive her, Wang Feng found it impossible. He wasn't someone who often fell in love, but when it came to her...
Wang Feng felt that he had always been true to his –own heart.
"You...you..." Zhu Zhuqing stared at him, momentarily lost. Then, a thought seemed to occur to her. "But you said you would choose whoever was...bigger. And I'm obviously bigger than Rongrong..." A blush crept up her neck, spreading across her entire body.
"No," Wang Feng corrected her. "You're the same age."
"Rongrong is not small..." Wang Feng paused.
Zhu Zhuqing fixed Wang Feng with an abrupt gaze.
"How do you know? Did you...did you and she...? Did you touch her? When you and Rongrong returned to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Sect that day, did you already...?" Her voice grew softer and softer, and tears began to well in her eyes.
Wang Feng was silent.
Of course he hadn't touched her!
Wang Feng shook his head and coughed while turning his face to side as he muttered. "You're overthinking things. She hugged me, and I could feel it. She hides them in her clothes but... forget it, they're here."
He made to push Zhu Zhuqing away.
"Zhuqing, I'm a very heartless person..." Wang Feng said, thinking quickly. "You insist I make a choice, and I can't. So..."
"Don't say it!" Zhu Zhuqing turned away stubbornly. "I will be bigger than Rongrong..."
Wang Feng was speechless.
Why was she focusing on that?
That wasn't the point! Even if she was bigger than Rongrong... he still couldn't choose between them but he had to admit that he has always been slightly more inclined towards Zhuqing! Wang Feng didn't want to choose. Only children make choices, Wang Feng would never do that!
At that moment, Tang San and his companions, looking like generals returning from victory, approached from the foot of the mountain.
They quickly noticed Wang Feng standing on the coast.
Just then, Zhu Zhuqing turned around and said, "What a pity, Wang Wu. Your plan has completely failed. Are you angry?" She blinked.
A little dramatics.
Wang Feng glared at her, secretly recalling the kiss they had shared, before turning around and adopting his persona. These girls had a natural talent for acting. Perhaps it was his own remarks that had unlocked her performance.
Soon, Tang San and the others were within earshot.
"Senior, your actions were high-minded and honorable. Despite being our enemy, you have assisted us in completing the assessment ahead of schedule..." Tang San spoke with genuine sincerity. "On behalf of us all, I thank you for your help."
Tang San truly meant it. Even considering their opposing positions, he was grateful. He didn't consider himself petty, and from the White Pontiff's perspective, it was appropriate to try and stop them.
"Little San, he tried to kill us. What are you thanking him for?" Dai Mubai scoffed.
"Just..."
Ning Rongrong walked over to Zhu Zhuqing and said, "Wang Wu, are you angry? We weren't destroyed, but have grown stronger! If the Supreme Pontiff finds out, she might suspect you of deliberately helping us. Aren't you afraid of getting punished?" Ning Rongrong chuckled.
Wang Feng was taken aback. This silly girl had inadvertently hit the nail on the head.
Wang Feng paused for a moment, then said, "Your success is a testament to your own ability. Why would I be angry? It is my task to stop you, but whether I succeed is out of my control. Do you really believe you can make me angry? You are so naive! You should focus on practicing hard, so you don't get buried at sea when you reach Sea God Island!"
The nine snorted at once and took a few steps back, their faces pale.
Wang Feng shook his head, ceasing to speak and walking forward.
The nine looked at each other, unable to respond. The joy of passing the assessment had instantly vanished.
What was their strength? What was his?
For White Pontiff Wang Wu, crushing them with his domain and soul power was an everyday event. Perhaps he hadn't even revealed his true strength.
What gave them the right to challenge him?
Thinking of this, except for Tang San and Zhu Zhuqing, the others hung their heads in shame.
Tang San smiled. He had merely used the comment as a means to inspire his friends, and it was indeed a bit naive. After two months of struggle, many negative emotions had built up, clouding their judgment and causing them to underestimate White Pontiff Wang Wu. Passing the assessment and obtaining greater power had released a lot of it.
Sobered them up a lot.
"I think we were being foolish before..." Ma Hongjun admitted with a bitter smile. "The third brother has done a great job, remaining calm and sincerely thanking him. Think about who this Wang Wu is? How could he be angry at us? It was just a bit of pressure. Even when he defeated Senior Sword Douluo, subtly increasing his strength, he left without a fuss."
"What were we doing making a small trouble?"
Everyone nodded in agreement. After this, everyone seemed to be more cheerful.
......….
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