"More or less," Su Yu casually replied, "Old Ji is a talented person, worthy of some cultivation."

The Iron Heavy Sword, although not bad, was still a bit too crude.

Now that Ji Juechen had comprehended his sword path, the Iron Heavy Sword had somewhat fallen behind his progress.

In the original story, Ji Juechen obtained the Sword of Judgment.

However, Su Yu felt the Sword of Judgment wasn't a perfect fit for Ji Juechen.

That was a soul tool imbued with the power of light and darkness, which didn't align with Ji Juechen's nature.

On the other hand, the Blade of Ruin that Su Yu had created was much more suitable for him.

Ji Juechen had talent and was also one of the founding elders of the Holy Slayer Palace.

Naturally, Su Yu didn't mind spending some effort on him.

"He is quite lucky," Meng Hongchen sighed.

For Su Yu to design an eighth-tier soul tool tailored specifically for him—if that wasn't luck, what was?

After all, even she had never been able to use a soul tool personally designed by Su Yu.

And yet, Ji Juechen, an outsider and a man no less, was the first to enjoy such a privilege.

Meng Hongchen wasn't exactly jealous, but she couldn't help feeling a little envious of Ji Juechen's good fortune.

"It's mainly because Old Ji is capable," Su Yu shook his head.

He wasn't stingy with resources, but unfortunately, others simply lacked the talent.

Take Jing Ziyan, for example. Since she came with Ji Juechen, Su Yu didn't mind nurturing her as well.

But her talent was mediocre, and her potential was limited.

No matter how much effort was spent, her ultimate achievements wouldn't be significant.

For such cases, even if Su Yu wanted to help, there wasn't much he could do.

"You're right; Ji Juechen is indeed special," Meng Hongchen nodded in agreement.

Ji Juechen's talent in swordsmanship was undeniable.

At least among their peers, apart from Su Yu, the only one she knew who had created their domain was Ji Juechen.

That was no ordinary feat.

"Alright, Meng, come with me and deliver this sword to Old Ji," Su Yu said with a smile, ruffling Meng Hongchen's hair.

Meng Hongchen obediently nodded her head.

The two of them left the laboratory.

...

At the Training Grounds.

Chen Xin was guiding Ji Juechen in swordsmanship.

As the most skilled swordmaster on the continent, Chen Xin's guidance was more than enough for the current Ji Juechen.

Ji Juechen's determination and talent in swordsmanship had also impressed Chen Xin.

This older and younger swordsman got along quite harmoniously.

In Su Yu's opinion, Chen Xin might already be considering taking Ji Juechen as his disciple.

When Su Yu and Meng Hongchen arrived at the training grounds, they were joined by another person—Wang Dong'er.

Although Wang Dong'er wasn't fond of soul tools, she was very attached to Su Yu.

The moment she saw Su Yu, she immediately followed him.

On the other side of the training grounds, Jing Ziyan was quietly observing.

If Wang Dong'er clung to Su Yu, then Jing Ziyan was practically inseparable from Ji Juechen.

The relationship between those two was hard to define—not quite lovers, not quite comrades. Odd, to say the least.

Su Yu's group stopped at the edge of the training grounds. With his hands behind his back, Su Yu watched the scene with interest.

Ji Juechen was currently using his domain, Silence.

It was clear that in just half a month, he had made significant progress.

His control over the domain had improved, and his sword intent was becoming more refined and mature.

Yet, against Chen Xin's Seven Killing Sword Domain, he was still at a disadvantage.

Though Ji Juechen was a genius, he was still young. After all, experience comes with age.

After another quarter of an hour, Ji Juechen's domain shattered with a bang, and he dropped to one knee, panting heavily.

Unsurprisingly, he had lost again.

But his eyes shone brightly, as he had gained much from sparring with Chen Xin.

"Old Ji, how does it feel?"

A clear voice rang out as Su Yu walked into the training grounds with a faint smile.

Chen Xin quickly bowed, "Greetings, Young Master."

Su Yu waved his hand dismissively, his gaze falling on Ji Juechen, who was kneeling and gasping for breath. He teased, "Well, Old Ji, joining the Holy Slayer Palace hasn't disappointed you, has it?"

Ji Juechen shook his head vigorously, his expression filled with excitement.

To him, joining the Holy Slayer Palace was the wisest decision he had ever made.

If not for joining, he would never have met a swordmaster like Chen Xin.

In just half a month, Chen Xin had completely won him over.

Chen Xin's unparalleled swordsmanship commanded both his respect and admiration.

While Su Yu was undoubtedly powerful, he wasn't a pure swordsman, unlike Chen Xin, who had earned Ji Juechen's utmost reverence.

Chen Xin's presence not only gave him a clear direction but also set a powerful example.

It showed him just how strong a swordsman could become.

Seeing Ji Juechen's expression, Su Yu smiled faintly.

He had anticipated this reaction.

When a sword enthusiast like Ji Juechen met a master like Chen Xin, their excitement was inevitable.

There was no one more suitable than Chen Xin to teach Ji Juechen.

With that in mind, Su Yu glanced at Chen Xin and asked with a smile, "Senior Chen Xin, would you be interested in taking Old Ji as your disciple?"

Chen Xin paused briefly, studying Ji Juechen for a moment before replying, "If the young master requests it, how could I refuse?"

Ji Juechen was still in a daze when Su Yu gave him a swift kick. "Idiot, what are you waiting for?"

Realizing what was happening, Ji Juechen's eyes lit up, and he immediately knelt, knocking his head to the ground three times.

Chen Xin smiled kindly and said, "Stand up, boy."

"Yes, Master," Ji Juechen replied, standing as straight as a sword, exuding an aura of sharpness that mirrored Chen Xin's.

In some ways, this master and disciple pair were remarkably alike.

Su Yu smiled faintly, summoning a silver-gray longsword into his hand.

"Today is a day worth celebrating. I don't have much to give, so take this sword as a gift."

He tossed the longsword to Ji Juechen, who caught it eagerly.

The moment the sword touched his hands, Ji Juechen's eyes burned with passion. He could sense the sword's extraordinary nature.

"The Blade of Ruin, an eighth-tier melee soul tool. It possesses the power of deathly silence, along with the ability to devour life force and attack the soul. Use it well."

Ji Juechen nodded repeatedly, unable to take his eyes off the sword.

For a swordsman, seeing a great sword was like encountering a stunning beauty—it was utterly captivating.

"Alright, study it carefully. I'll leave now."

Seeing that it was nearing noon, Su Yu decided not to linger. It was time for lunch.

After leaving some parting words, Su Yu departed with Wang Dong'er and Meng Hongchen.

...

In Radiant City.

A group of five walked together.

Su Yu and Lan Lan led the way, with Meng Hongchen, Wang Dong'er, and Shui Lingguang following behind.

"What do you want to eat for lunch?" Su Yu asked casually.

Wang Dong'er's eyes lit up and said, "Why don't we go for a barbecue? It's been a while since we've had it."

"Barbecue?"

"Sure. I wonder if there's a barbecue place nearby."

Su Yu looked around.

After a while, Su Yu and the others found a barbecue restaurant.

The restaurant looked like it had been around for years. The enticing aroma wafting out from inside was enough to make anyone's mouth water.

"Let's go with this one," Su Yu said to the group before heading inside. Wang Dong'er and the other women quickly followed him.

"What would you like to eat?"

A waiter immediately approached them as soon as Su Yu and the others entered.

"Bring out your signature dishes, whatever you recommend. Add some fruit and drinks as well," Su Yu casually replied.

"Alright, this way to a private room upstairs," the waiter said with a smile, leading the way. Su Yu nodded and glanced around indifferently.

The first floor was quite lively, with many diners enjoying their meals.

It seemed this barbecue restaurant was doing pretty well.

Suddenly, Su Yu's gaze froze. A figure dressed in black caught his attention, halting his steps.

The black-clad figure seemed to sense something and looked towards Su Yu, a hint of surprise flickering in their eyes.

"Su Yu, what's wrong?" Wang Dong'er tugged at Su Yu's sleeve, puzzled.

"Nothing. You all go upstairs first. I'll join you shortly," Su Yu said, waving a hand to signal the women to go ahead.

Wang Dong'er was still confused and wanted to say more, but Meng Hongchen stopped her.

"Yu, be careful and come back soon," Meng Hongchen said.

"Don't worry. Go on ahead," Su Yu replied with a smile.

Meng Hongchen nodded slightly, then pulled Wang Dong'er and Lan Lan upstairs.

Shui Lingguang discreetly glanced towards the corner but, noticing Su Yu's signal also followed the others upstairs.

Su Yu's eyes flickered as he walked toward the corner.

In the corner sat a table filled with barbecue dishes and a pot of wine. An elderly man dressed in black was drinking alone.

"Senior, drinking alone—don't you feel lonely?" Su Yu asked with a slight smile, sitting across from the black-clad man uninvited.

The old man paused, finishing his drink in one gulp. His sharp, eagle-like eyes locked onto Su Yu, and for a moment, an invisible aura of pressure seemed to emanate from him.

Su Yu merely smiled faintly. The overwhelming, wave-like pressure didn't affect him in the slightest.

It was as if some mysterious force dissipated the pressure entirely. Like a gentle spring breeze, it caused him no trouble at all.

A trace of surprise flashed in the old man's eyes as he stared at Su Yu, his expression showing a hint of admiration.

"In just a few short years, you've undergone such a complete transformation. Truly impressive."

"Care to join this old man for a drink?"

Su Yu chuckled. "It would be my honor."

The old man gestured for the waiter to bring a new cup.

Pouring a full glass of wine, the old man pushed it towards Su Yu.

"In nearly a hundred years, aside from my dear friend Mu En, I haven't shared a drink with anyone. I never thought I'd meet a young friend today—it must be fate."

"I've encountered you three times at two different barbecue restaurants. It certainly feels like fate," Su Yu responded with a smile.

"Cheers!" The old man raised his glass, clinking it against Su Yu's before downing it in one gulp.

"Refreshing!" The old man let out a satisfied sigh, his deep gaze falling on Su Yu. "Young man, you must have recognized who I am by now, haven't you?"

Su Yu smiled faintly. "In the presence of the Dragon Emperor Douluo, if I didn't recognize you, I'd be blind."

Yes.

The black-clad elder before him was none other than one of the world's top-tier powerhouses, Dragon Emperor Douluo—Long Xiaoyao.

Even Su Yu hadn't expected that just coming out for some barbecue would lead to another encounter with Long Xiaoyao.

Three times he had met Long Xiaoyao, and it was always in a barbecue restaurant.

Su Yu couldn't help but wonder if this Dragon Emperor Douluo had a particular fondness for barbecue. How else could it be such a coincidence?

The first time Su Yu met Long Xiaoyao, he had been filled with nothing but fear.

At that time, he was still weak and had no means to resist someone as powerful as Long Xiaoyao, an Ultimate Douluo.

But now, he had grown. His overall strength could now firmly place him among the ranks of the strong.

The power he wielded was enough to shake the very balance of the entire continent.

Even when faced with Long Xiaoyao, Su Yu could maintain his composure and treat him with a calm demeanor.

"Dragon Emperor Douluo?"

"Heh." Long Xiaoyao let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "Just an outdated failure. This continent is no longer our era."

"Mu En has passed, and Xishui and I were both defeated by the Ice Emperor of your Ice God Palace."

"The ship of the new era has no place for relics like us."

His tone was filled with melancholy as if he had lost all vitality.

Su Yu looked at him in surprise.

The mighty Dragon Emperor Douluo—how had he ended up like this?

Could it be that he had lost all confidence after being defeated by Haibodong? That powerful?

Yes, Haibodong was indeed formidable.

His technique was enough to leave Long Xiaoyao utterly disoriented.

But to be reduced to this state? It was a bit beyond Su Yu's expectations.

The Long Xiaoyao in Su Yu's memory had a certain air of a strongman.

Unlike now, where he seemed more like an old man questioning his entire existence.

After a moment of thought, Su Yu carefully chose his words. "Regardless of everything, Senior, you're still one of the few Ultimate Douluo of this era. Why be so self-pitying?"

Long Xiaoyao glanced at Su Yu and poured him another drink. With a sigh, he said, "Young man, you wouldn't understand."

"You're still young, full of ambition and vigor. But I'm old now."

"I've lived over two hundred years, and my heart is weary."

"If it weren't for my concern for Xishui, my inability to let her go, I would have already found a secluded place to live out my remaining days."

Hearing this, Su Yu fell silent.

Come to think of it, Long Xiaoyao wasn't a bad person.

The true culprit was still Ye Xishui.

Long Xiaoyao had spent his entire life being manipulated by Ye Xishui.

If Mu En had seen through Ye Xishui's schemes and outsmarted her, Long Xiaoyao would have been nothing but a clown, toyed with by her from beginning to end.

He had even willingly protected her, staying by her side for over a hundred years.

Such deep affection—undoubtedly the greatest simp in Soul Land 2.