Douluo Continent Villain Simulator: Persecuting Qian Renxue at the Start

Chapter 195 Poseidon's Changes (Part 2)

"By the way, teacher, after I went to the mainland, I went to a certain place."

"Where did you go?"

Poseidon walked slowly to Su Cheng's side, her expression also showing some curiosity.

Actually, she had wanted to ask this for a while, but since the topic of the Ming Cult had been brought up earlier, and Su Cheng had changed the subject, she hadn't had a chance to ask in detail.

"I went to the Spirit Hall," Su Cheng said, turning to look at Poseidon with a smile.

"In the Douluo Continent, the Spirit Hall's position is somewhat like that of Seagod Island in the ocean. However, besides the Spirit Hall, there are also the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires that rule over a large number of commoners. These three forces are relatively balanced with each other, which is quite different from our situation."

"You went to the Spirit Hall?" Poseidon's expression shifted upon hearing this.

"Yes, Qian Daoliu, the Grand Elder of the Spirit Hall, is very strong. He is also a level 99 Peerless Douluo. Does the teacher know anything about him?"

Faced with Su Cheng's questioning gaze, Poseidon hesitated for a moment before slowly beginning to speak.

"Cheng'er, I once told you that the cultivation path of ordinary Soul Masters after level 95 is as difficult as ascending to heaven. The reason I was able to reach level 99 is because of the top-level eight-trial blessing bestowed by the Sea God."

"But in this world, besides me, there are two other people who have also reached level ninety-nine. They are Qian Daoliu from the Spirit Hall and Tang Chen from the Clear Sky Sect on the Douluo Continent."

"I met these two people once, and we had some time to exchange ideas and learn from each other."

Poseidon's eyes were vacant, as if she were lost in memories.

"Among the three of us, Qian Daoliu and I owe our current strength to the legacy of our ancestors. As for Tang Chen, like the Sea God back then, he cultivated to level ninety-nine entirely through his own efforts."

"I don't know how he and the Sea God did it, but he may be the only person in the world who has the hope of becoming a god through his own power."

She paused abruptly, glancing at Su Cheng.

Looking at it now, perhaps my apprentice has the same opportunity.

Lorelei lacked the strength to see Su Cheng's power; she only knew he was stronger than her, but she had no idea how much stronger he was.

But at Poseidon's level, one can vaguely sense a thing or two.

However, thinking about their conversation and discussion just now, a strange sense of unease arose in her heart, which even overshadowed her relief and joy at the reunion.

After calming herself down, she continued, "Qian Daoliu's situation is similar to mine, but he received a blessing from the Angel God. Although the three of us are roughly equal in strength, if we're being fair, Tang Chen is the strongest. Unlike us, his strength comes entirely from his own cultivation."

"It seems you two have a good relationship," Su Cheng said casually. "Tang Chen is indeed very strong, a genius that is rare in the world, but teacher, you don't need to underestimate yourself."

He reached out and summoned his martial spirit.

Soul rings appeared beneath her feet, three of which were 100,000-year soul rings that were particularly dazzling, causing Poseidon's heart to tremble slightly.

"The Sea God's Trial has both shaped you and shackled you. I'm not saying that your status as a guardian of the gods prevents you from breaking through level 100, but rather that it has clouded your mind."

"Teacher, you once said that when a Soul Master's cultivation reaches level 95 or above, the speed of absorbing Soul Power will become extremely slow, making it very difficult to level up, often taking decades or even centuries."

"But all of this is predicated on the premise that you haven't gained any insight during this period. In all these years, since you came down the mountain, haven't you had any insights or been moved in the slightest?"

Poseidon listened to Su Cheng's advice with a blank expression, feeling a strange and helpless feeling welling up inside her.

The child has started again.

Every time this kind of conversation occurs, she feels like she's not a teacher at all.

Unaware of anything amiss, Su Cheng continued, "Teacher, whether it's you or Senior Qian Daoliu, you were born into high positions with missions to fulfill, naturally possessing resources that ordinary people don't have. But at the same time, you also have few opportunities to experience the trials of the world."

He examined the longsword in his hand.

"You know my talent, teacher. Even with my aptitude when I left Seagod Island, it was impossible for me to have cultivated to my current level in just over ten years."

"With your and Senior Qian Daoliu's innate conditions, so what if you don't have these top-level eight trials? It just means you need more insights and your improvement speed will be a little slower, but in return, you will have a higher ceiling and infinite possibilities."

"Even without the sacrifice, you've already paid a price for rapid advancement."

"...Just say what you have to say." Poseidon glanced at Su Cheng, knowing that the other party must have other ideas.

He had said something similar when he persuaded himself to descend from Poseidon Mountain many years ago.

"Teacher, take a look around some more. Not just on Poseidon Island, and not just on the fleets that come and go to the market there. Let's travel around the sea more. Come with me and see the ocean beyond Poseidon Island, and see how ordinary people live."

Seeing that Poseidon hesitated and remained silent, Su Cheng was not in a hurry. He knew that the other party would definitely need to think about this matter more.

After all, the rules of Poseidon Island are there.

Although, as Poseidon, these things didn't really matter to her.

But it's unrealistic to expect the other party to be completely uninhibited.

But it doesn't matter, rules are always broken little by little, he still has several years.

"How have you been these past few years, teacher?"

"Me?" Poseidon's eyes flickered, and many images flashed through her mind.

"Unlike you, I didn't go to the vast continent; my activities were limited to the small island of Poseidon. But there are many interesting people there, which I hadn't discovered before. Some games may seem childish, but they are actually quite fun to play."

"I don't know if you've ever heard of 'Azure Dragon Swimming in the Sea.' It involves sealing your own soul power, then selecting a seashell of a suitable size, and using only the power of your wrists and fingers to launch it. While using a few floating platforms on the sea for leverage, you also have to avoid various obstacles and see whose seashell travels the farthest."

"Don't underestimate this game. It not only tests your skills but also your eyesight and prediction, making it very difficult for the average person. Of course, it's nothing to me. And..."

As she spoke, a smile appeared on her face, and she talked more and more.

Whether it was the trading in the market, the process of exchanging goods with merchants from the fleet, or the entertainment activities of the sea dwellers, everything was described in great detail.

In the past, she had indeed taken a cursory look at some of the sights on the mountain.

But now I realize that many things are far more interesting to experience firsthand than they seem.

While Poseidon was speaking, Su Cheng remained silent, listening quietly with a faint smile on his face.

The other person's expression at that moment gave him more confidence in his previous suggestion.

Time passed second by second, and as she spoke, Poseidon's eyes shone brightly, as if she were completely absorbed in the moment.

Unlike on the mainland, there is very little infighting among the people of the sea.

Because resources are plentiful here, there is no need for conflict over them.

People's social status is also relatively fixed. Sea God Warriors are stronger than Sea Soul Masters, and Sea Soul Masters are superior to ordinary people.

On ordinary days, people face sudden natural disasters and invasions by sea spirit beasts, but the way people get along with each other is very simple and honest.

"..."

Gradually, Poseidon's voice lowered.

She noticed the expression on Su Cheng's face as he looked at her, and a hint of embarrassment appeared on his fair cheeks.

Seeing this, Su Cheng's smile became even more pronounced.

Most women are very emotional.

Even a peerless powerhouse like Poseidon has a mindset that is somewhat different from that of men.

Therefore, they pay more attention to emotional feedback, whether it is joy, excitement, or even negative emotions such as anger and sadness, it is better to have them than not.

Mood is not the most important factor; the key lies in the fluctuations of emotions themselves.

This can bring them a sense of novelty.

Looking at Poseidon's profile as she gazed nonchalantly at the distant sea, Su Cheng couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion.

Her sculpted face and features, along with the lingering liveliness and purity in her eyes, blended perfectly with the vast and profound aura of a powerful woman, showcasing a unique style and temperament.

At this moment, she seemed more like a living goddess than the rigid statue on Poseidon Mountain.

But being watched like that for so long, Poseidon gradually found it difficult to remain calm.

Finally, she couldn't help but turn around and glare at him. "What are you laughing at?"

"Of course I'm happy," Su Cheng said with a smile. "Teacher, you've had a very happy time these past few years, haven't you?"

Poseidon's eyes flickered, and she gave a soft "hmm".

At this moment, Su Cheng suddenly seemed to remember something and said, "By the way, it seems that Senior Qian Daoliu has always been thinking about you."

"..." Upon hearing him mention this, Poseidon's face showed a hint of embarrassment, and she subconsciously turned her cheek to the side, looking into the distance.

After a long silence, he explained, "After we parted ways back then, I never saw him again. However, when the three of us were together before, Qian Daoliu and Tang Chen both pursued me."

"You refused?"

"...Why are you asking about so many old stories?"

"You're my teacher, of course I'm curious. If it's inconvenient to say, then forget it."

"Never mind, it's no big deal to tell you anyway, it's not really a secret." Poseidon sighed and said in a low voice, "I did reject them. I told them that I would accept the feelings of whoever could break through level 100."

"Breaking through level 100..." Su Cheng repeated the words softly, then asked, "Does that mean becoming a god? So you look down on both of them, or you didn't even fancy Qian Daoliu?"

Her condition was undoubtedly extremely difficult, but Tang Chen still had a glimmer of hope. As the guardian of the angel god, Qian Daoliu certainly had no chance.

"..." Poseidon paused for a moment before speaking again, but did not answer the question. Instead, she said, "When Tang Chen left, he told me that if one day he could break through level 100 and become a true god, he would come back to find me."

Upon hearing this, Su Cheng clicked his tongue and chuckled, "Does becoming a god even matter?"

Poseidon turned around and met his gaze, somewhat stunned.

This seems important, yet it also seems not so important.

In the past, when she lived high on Mount Poseidon, serving the sea god was her task. Although the sea god himself was far away in the divine realm, he did not actually need her service.

However, at that time, becoming a god seemed to be the greatest wish and ideal in life. As a level 99 peerless Douluo, what else was worth pursuing?

Tang Chen's resolute departure back then was probably due to the same thought.

No, his will might be even stronger than his own.

After all, he was destined to have no hope of becoming a god; the so-called "becoming a god" was just a thought. Tang Chen, on the other hand, really had that opportunity.

But looking back now, being able to protect countless sea dwellers doesn't seem so bad. At least over the years, she has truly gained unprecedented satisfaction and emotion.

But given Su Cheng's aptitude and his progress in cultivation, does he really not care?

Poseidon shook her head and laughed. "It doesn't matter."

"So, teacher, you have a long life ahead of you, you really should travel and see more of the world. Poseidon Island is such a small place, you can only see so little of the scenery there."

"You child, you're lecturing me now?" Poseidon chided lightly. "Stop talking about me, what are you planning to do next? Haven't you met any girls you liked on the mainland?"

Upon hearing this, Su Cheng was stunned for a moment, and Bibi Dong's face suddenly flashed through his mind.

Poseidon, observing the expression on Poseidon's face, was immediately surprised.

She had only asked casually, but it seemed there was actually something going on.

"Did I hit the nail on the head?"

"I did meet a very special person, but I wouldn't say I was smitten."

"Isn't she a very pretty girl?"

Poseidon did not believe Su Cheng's words; she could tell that his expression had been strange just now.

"Not as pretty as the teacher." Su Cheng's emotions were only revealed for a moment before he returned to calm.

"You don't need to keep bringing me up." Poseidon scrutinized him. "The fact that you chose me means you must have more than just good looks; you must have other exceptional qualities."

Having spent many years with Su Cheng, she knew her apprentice's temperament.

They are far too opinionated, even to the point of being overly self-conscious.

When he awakened his martial soul at the age of six, despite his extremely poor innate talent, he resolutely gave up the opportunity to rise to the top in one step and refused his own suggestion to take him as a disciple without the slightest hesitation. This was simply unimaginable.

She is not arrogant, but she is also very confident in her strength and status. No other person her age would ever do something like that.

As they spent more time together, this personality trait became increasingly apparent in the other person, leading to their current special relationship as both teacher and friend. In fact, she, as the teacher, benefited more from this process.

"She is indeed extraordinary," Su Cheng said frankly. "Or rather, her growth has exceeded my expectations."

Su Cheng has never used strength or talent as criteria to evaluate others.

When he first met Bibi Dong, he did indeed view her with prejudice for a long time.

The ultimate goal of getting to know her, getting to know her, and nurturing her was simply to mold her into a useful tool.

After all, in Su Cheng's past view, Bibi Dong was far too easy to manipulate.

Exceptionally gifted, simple-minded, extreme in temperament, and unable to distinguish right from wrong.

But in fact, Bibi Dong was much better than imagined.

She has never been arrogant or complacent because of her own talent. She can see the strengths of others, recognize her own shortcomings, and is willing to learn and work hard.

She was naive and innocent in the past simply because no one had ever taught her these things.

"Why didn't you bring it back to Poseidon Island?" Poseidon gently smoothed her long blue hair, which was being blown by the sea breeze.

"It's impossible between us," Su Cheng said with a smile.

There was no hint of regret in his words; on the contrary, he appeared unusually calm.

Poseidon frowned upon seeing this.

Logically speaking, at Su Cheng's age, he should be interested in these kinds of things, so why is he so nonchalant?

I was about to say a few words, and in the meantime, establish my authority as a teacher.

But Su Cheng interrupted him first, "Teacher, now is not the time for me to consider romantic relationships. Besides, even you don't have a partner yet, how can I, as your disciple, take the lead?"

Poseidon immediately closed his lips and fell silent.

She had a premonition that if she continued to discuss this topic in depth, she would probably be verbally attacked by Su Cheng again.

I felt a little depressed, but also inexplicably happy.

There are very few people in the world who can communicate with her on an equal footing.

You could even say there isn't one at all.

Even the Saint Pillar Douluos treated her with utmost respect and awe.

Having walked the world for so many years, I can only conceal my appearance and cannot show my true face to others; there is still a layer between us in terms of perception.

Only in front of this apprentice can one have the opportunity to show their true self.

Not to mention that Su Cheng's style of doing things has always been like this, now the two are on the same level in terms of strength.

She even felt that all the emotional turmoil she had experienced over the years combined was not as great as the emotional ups and downs brought about by her conversation with Su Cheng in just half a day after their reunion.

Time flies, and five years have passed in the blink of an eye.

In the past few years, Su Cheng has also completed all the arrangements, including Poseidon Island.

Despite previous persuasion, Poseidon finally went into the sea.

In fact, she had occasionally left the area of ​​Poseidon Island in the past, and did not strictly abide by the so-called rule that members of Poseidon Island are not allowed to leave the island for life.

She wasn't that rigid; she personally dealt with many powerful sea monsters that caused trouble at sea.

But this time was different from the past. This time, she left the island largely because of her own selfish reasons, and the time she spent away from the island also exceeded the limits.

At this time, Su Cheng would always accompany her.

Sometimes, the two would even observe the development of the Ming Cult together.

Su Cheng never shied away from the topic.

This matter cannot be forcibly concealed; attempting to conceal it will only backfire.

The core spirit of the Ming Cult is actually hidden in its doctrines, right under everyone's noses.

The so-called "sea god" mentioned repeatedly in it is just a illusory shell.

If someone were to peel back this outer shell and remove the words "sea god," they would find that it has no impact whatsoever on the entire doctrine.

But Poseidon was clearly unaware of this.

Or rather, it's difficult for anyone to realize this.

That's why Su Cheng was able to reveal everything without any reservations.

Perhaps if it were someone from the mainland who spends all their time fighting for power, they might be able to notice something.

But given the mindset of the sea dwellers, they obviously couldn't have imagined it that deeply.

This has nothing to do with wisdom, but rather with what is known as "the obstacle of perception."

Just like someone who has lived in darkness since birth, even if there are ten lights in the room, because they have never seen light, they will not think of actively looking for the switches of those ten lights.

If someone points out the problems in the Ming Cult's doctrines, many people would likely be able to easily discover the hidden dangers. However, without prompting, it would be extremely difficult for them to realize these problems on their own.

However, although he didn't shy away from it, Su Cheng didn't show up at the core group of the Ming Cult very often in front of Poseidon.

He would not go to the trouble of disseminating techniques at such a time, lest he provoke the other party's sensitive nerves.

When the two were together, they mainly traveled around the sea.

They would even often conceal their cultivation level and blend in with ordinary sea dwellers, going out to sea with them, engaging in trade, and fishing together.

When facing ordinary people, there is no need to use masks or similar items; mental power is sufficient to easily create illusions.

With their combined strength, their true identities would never be discovered.

Su Cheng was certainly not doing something in vain.

On the contrary, this matter is very important.

This not only deepened the emotional bond between Poseidon and the sea people, but also made it easier for him to observe their changes in mindset more closely.

Accompanying Poseidon to fully integrate into the community was a crucial part of the plan.

From initially persuading the other party to come down the mountain, to now setting sail, everything has been a gradual progression.

However, as the high priestess of Poseidon Island, Poseidon wouldn't spend all her time wandering around with Su Cheng; a few months out a year would be her limit.

The rest of the time was free for Su Cheng to do as he pleased.

At this time, he would teach the Innate Skill to a large number of Ming Cult members.

Whenever he is present, his abundant soul power, combined with a small amount of medicine that is barely visible to the naked eye, greatly accelerates the rate at which ordinary people can generate soul power.

As he personally traveled among his followers, the Ming Cult began to expand once again.

But that's not the most important thing. After all, in the more than ten years since he left, the Ming Cult's sphere of influence has already covered the entire sea.

The key lies in the level of mental fortitude of these individuals, which has seen a remarkable leap forward, and the number of core members has increased dramatically.

In the past, although the Ming Cult had many peripheral members, many of them came only to seek refuge.

Now, the number of core members who genuinely endorse the Ming Cult's doctrines has reached nearly one million.

For Su Cheng, that was enough.

These people have a firm will and pure beliefs, and they can play a key role in the future.

Besides that, he had also sneaked into Poseidon Island a few times when he had the chance.

This action could be concealed from others, but not from Poseidon, so he always went to the Aquamarine Pillar under the pretense of seeing Lorelei.

During these visits to the island, he conducted a more in-depth analysis of the Seven Sacred Pillars.

The Seven Sacred Pillars serve to protect the island and provide a place for the Sacred Pillar Douluos to rest and recuperate.

They can form a massive array together. Once connected, even if Su Cheng uses all his strength, he may not be able to destroy it. In fact, its defensive power is even greater than that of the Seagod Mountain in the center of Seagod Island.

In an emergency, one can likely use the accumulated faith power to communicate with the sea god, which is very dangerous.

However, the core of this thing lies in the power of faith. As for the other structures, it is not difficult to destroy them from the inside, but it will take some time.

Unfortunately, the simulated Su Cheng didn't have a powerful tool like the Eye of True Sight; otherwise, he wouldn't have had to go through so much trouble researching the Seven Sacred Pillars, and destroying them would have been much easier.

I will make up for the missed updates. I've been writing slowly these past two days because I'm simulating the transitional plot. I'll add more updates later.

(End of this chapter)