Chapter 160: The Harder You Work, the Greater the Gap!
Chapter 160: The Harder You Work, the Greater the Gap!
Weren't they told that cultivation becomes harder in the later stages?
How did Kong manage to jump from level 62 to level 73 in just a few short months?
Forget Soul Emperor level—no soul master should be able to progress that quickly!
Could this be what's called a "cheat"?
At this moment, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing found themselves deeply intrigued by the concept of a "cheat." Just what kind of cheat would allow Kong to level up so fast?
"The harder you work, the greater the gap becomes."
Both girls were stunned; they had only advanced by three or four levels, yet Kong's increase was more than double that.
The key point was, he hadn't started as a "low" level soul master but had advanced from Soul Emperor level!
A flash of realization appeared in Ning Rongrong's eyes as she finally understood why Kong had been reluctant to mention his soul power level before.
It was to avoid discouraging them!
And, well, Ning Rongrong was definitely discouraged; she was completely dumbfounded.
She'd always known Kong was a rare prodigy, but she hadn't expected him to be this extraordinary!
Wait, has he actually been putting in effort to cultivate lately?
Ning Rongrong glanced at Kong, puzzled; he always seemed so carefree, wandering around as if he had nothing to do.
Could this just be a front, and in reality, he trains secretly at night?
A sly glint appeared in Ning Rongrong's eyes as she thought of this, like a little fox who had just uncovered a secret.
She looked at Kong and quietly asked, "Kong, do you secretly train at night and that's why you seem so idle during the day?"
No matter how softly she spoke, everyone in the room could hear her clearly.
"Training should be left to chance; I don't particularly care about high cultivation or fast progression," Kong said, with not a hint of emotion.
Being idle? Kong could admit to that!
But sneaking off to train at night?
Unacceptable! Training was out of the question—he'd leave it all to his soul core to handle things on its own!
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing: "…"
That's because you're a prodigy! You're already so powerful, so it's easy for you to say things like that.
Anyone else would never say such audacious words!
Suddenly, Zhu Zhuqing seemed to think of something and, biting her lip, asked, "Kong, may I ask you for some guidance in real combat?"
Blindly cultivating without any combat experience wouldn't get her far.
Soul skills were limited, and improving one's strength required not just cultivation but also real battle experience.
Her voice was calm and cool, yet there was an alluring appeal that inspired a desire to conquer.
Ning Rongrong gave Zhu Zhuqing a thumbs-up in her heart. Why hadn't she thought of that?
In a duel, she'd have more opportunities to interact with Kong!
But she quickly realized the flaw in her thinking; she was an auxiliary-type soul master. Fighting a battle soul master like him would be absurd.
Actually, Ning Rongrong misunderstood; Zhu Zhuqing was simply hoping to improve her strength to keep up with Kong and close the gap between them.
As for the process, Zhu Zhuqing hadn't given it much thought.
After considering her request briefly, Kong shook his head.
He remembered his last duel with Shui Yue'er—it was an absolute struggle!
Defeating a weak opponent without injuring them was truly a hassle.
Now Zhu Zhuqing wanted guidance, but her strength was undoubtedly lower than Shui Yue'er's. Kong had absolutely no interest in such a battle.
Declining directly seemed like the best option.
Seeing Kong shake his head, Zhu Zhuqing felt a pang of disappointment, but she didn't press further. It was indeed a bit presumptuous to ask.
"Our strength difference is too vast. For you, it wouldn't be much of a training experience and would only end up shaking your confidence."
Kong spoke the truth. With his strength, he could certainly guide Zhu Zhuqing, but sparring would not benefit her in a meaningful way.
Her strength is truly too low.
Kong couldn't even remember a time when he had been that weak.
Had he ever been at such a stage?
It seemed… probably not?
The situation was quite different from when he sparred with the Shogun. The gap in strength between him and the Shogun was immense, but the Shogun's "insight" and mastery of power were far beyond what Kong could currently achieve.
Hearing his words, the disappointment in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes turned into a gleam of realization. It turned out that Kong didn't refuse to guide her because he disliked her; rather, he was considering what was best for her!
Ah, the logic of romance is indeed unconventional, and the way people think on this continent is equally novel.
After finishing their meal, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing bid their farewells. They had lost all desire to continue their day out, feeling that it would be better to return and focus on their cultivation.
The blow they received from the difference in strength was hard to accept.
It was great that the person they admired was so strong, but when the gap became too large, it was difficult to stay optimistic!
No wonder Dugu Yan suddenly went into seclusion, vowing not to leave the sect until she reached the Soul Emperor level!
Perhaps by the time she breaks through to Soul Emperor, she'll find that Kong is nearly a Soul Douluo, and she'll head right back into seclusion?
"Zhuqing, do you think we really have a chance to close the gap with him?"
On their way back to Blue Tyrant Academy, Ning Rongrong asked, feeling a sense of melancholy.
She felt that her chances were slim, after all, the limit of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda was level 79.
Kong was already at level 73. By the time she reached level 70 and became a Soul Sage, Kong might have already broken through to Title Douluo.
"I still have a chance. As for you…"
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Ning Rongrong from the corner of her eye.
She didn't finish her sentence, but Ning Rongrong was sharp enough to catch her meaning.
Oh wow, when did the cool and aloof Zhu Zhuqing learn to tease others?
And she had a point.
Zhu Zhuqing's martial spirit had no inherent flaws; with enough effort, reaching Soul Douluo wouldn't be an issue. If fortune favored her, she might even become a Title Douluo.
But Ning Rongrong was different!
Or rather, any soul master with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda had this limitation!
Ning Fengzhi's limit was level 79—not because of his lack of talent, but because his martial spirit limited him to level 79!
"You cheeky Zhuqing, how dare you tease me!"
Ning Rongrong's eye twitched as she lunged playfully at Zhu Zhuqing…
"A mere support-type? I'll crush you with one hand!"
Zhu Zhuqing smirked, tilting her head.
Ning Rongrong: "…"
Scene shift, at Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
"Blue Silver Bind!"
"Blue Silver Bind!"
Tang San's first and third soul skills were both Blue Silver Bind, though the third skill should actually be called an enhanced version of Blue Silver Bind!
"This Tang San is really something. After losing to the captain, he's been using Dai Mubai as his sparring partner."
"It's strange, though. I'm no match for Dai Mubai, but when I face Tang San, he doesn't seem that strong. Yet, when Dai Mubai faces Tang San, he can't even fight back."
"Is it possible that…"
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