Time flew by, and there was only one day left before the Soul Master Competition's advancement round. Today, Heaven Dou City also welcomed a significant event.
The Pope of the Spirit Hall, upon learning of Emperor Xue Ye's critical illness, personally came to offer her condolences. Upon hearing this news, the people of Heaven Dou's capital felt immense pride and excitement, voluntarily taking to the streets to welcome the Spirit Hall's procession.
Of course, this was largely due to the contributions the Spirit Hall had made to the continent over the years.
Free awakenings, Soul Master subsidies, and now even the recycling of Soul Beast remains—each of these initiatives benefited the lower-tier Soul Masters and the common people.
It was said that since the Crown Prince took over the administration, he had also relaxed the supervision of the Spirit Hall, allowing it to establish more branch halls within the Heaven Dou Empire.
Moreover, rumors had spread that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was also considering joining the Spirit Hall. The public didn't know if this was true, but if the rumors were accurate, the Spirit Hall's influence on the continent would rise to an even higher level.
As this was an official visit, the Spirit Hall's procession was grand, with umbrella spears, drums, and fans, knights leading the way, surrounding the luxurious carriage of the current Pope, Bibi Dong.
Qian Renxue led the welcoming party at the palace gates, squinting slightly as she watched the approaching Spirit Hall procession. Standing beside her, Ning Fengzhi also had his eyes half-closed, lost in thought.
Only Li Xun, standing in the crowd behind them, observed everything with curiosity. He was particularly intrigued by the famous Bibi Dong, who was renowned throughout the Douluo Continent.
"Halt!"
At the command of the protocol officer, the procession came to a gradual stop a thousand meters from the palace gates. Bibi Dong slowly stepped down from her carriage and immediately noticed Qian Renxue standing at the entrance of the imperial city.
Bibi Dong's eyes flickered, but her expression remained unchanged.
The two parties met.
"Welcome, Your Excellency the Pope, to our Heaven Dou Empire. My father would surely be delighted to know of your arrival," Qian Renxue, as the Crown Prince of Heaven Dou, gave a slight bow to welcome Bibi Dong.
However, her tone noticeably hardened when she spoke the last two sentences.
Hearing the shift in Qian Renxue's tone, a sharp glint flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes. She swallowed the polite words she was about to say and instead nodded at Qian Renxue. "You are too kind, Crown Prince. Then, lead me to see your... father!"
"Please," Qian Renxue's lips curved into a faint smile as she gestured with a slight bow.
Bibi Dong glanced at Qian Renxue but said nothing, only letting out a soft hum as she passed by her daughter.
Hearing this, Qian Renxue's smile deepened.
The meeting between Bibi Dong and Emperor Xue Ye did not last long, as the emperor had by then become completely vegetative, relying on a thick wooden tube for liquid sustenance to maintain his vital signs.
In the imperial study, everyone had now dropped their pretenses, no longer concerned about the eyes of outsiders.
It was only then that Li Xun had the chance to take a closer look at Qian Renxue's mother.
Majestic, solemn, and with an icy demeanor—this was Li Xun's first impression of Bibi Dong. Only afterward did he notice her graceful figure and elegant features.
Li Xun nodded to himself. No wonder Qian Renxue was so beautiful; Bibi Dong's genes were indeed strong. If only she weren't a lunatic.
"Sect Master Ning, since you joined the Spirit Hall, this is our first meeting, isn't it?" Bibi Dong offered a faint smile.
Ning Fengzhi gave a slight bow and explained with a smile, "Indeed! I had originally planned to visit Your Excellency in Spirit City, but considering Your Excellency's busy schedule, I decided not to disturb you."
"Sect Master Ning is quite thoughtful," Bibidong's smile faded slightly as she nodded. "However, since it hasn't been officially announced to the public, perhaps we can take advantage of my visit to Heaven Dou for you to make the announcement."
"Your Excellency is very considerate. I have no objections," Ning Fengzhi's eyes gleamed with a sharp light as he nodded with a smile.
Bibidong was somewhat surprised that Ning Fengzhi agreed so readily, which lifted her spirits.
"Traditionally, only those who have attained the Title Douluo are qualified to enter the Elders Hall. However, given Sect Master Ning's status and the uniqueness of his Martial Soul, such formalities need not apply. As for Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, their cultivation speaks for itself."
"As for Poison Douluo," Bibidong sat upright in her chair, her fingers lightly tapping the armrest as she quickly pondered.
After a moment, Bibidong seemed to have made a decision and looked at Ning Fengzhi with a serious expression. "I need him to let go of his grudge with Chrysanthemum Douluo."
"Your Excellency can rest assured. I have already discussed this matter with Senior Poison Douluo, and he has long since put it behind him," Ning Fengzhi nodded.
"Good. Since Sect Master Ning has no issues, Spirit Hall naturally welcomes the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School to join us."
Bibidong's eyes flickered. She remembered the conditions Xiaoxue had mentioned upon her return to Spirit City. She hadn't expected Ning Fengzhi to change his stance so quickly in such a short time.
Ning Fengzhi was known throughout the continent for his cunning and deep scheming. It was unclear what he was thinking this time, agreeing so readily to join Spirit Hall, even faster than the lower four sects.
Bibidong's thoughts drifted for a moment before she smiled faintly. No matter what Ning Fengzhi did, he couldn't stir up any trouble in the face of absolute power.
Now that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was joining Spirit Hall, the benefits for Spirit Hall would only be greater.
Next, Ning Fengzhi and Bibidong discussed some details regarding treatment and other trivial matters. Li Xun, given his current strength, couldn't interject and could only listen idly.
"This must be Elder Ning's disciple. Indeed, a fine young man," Bibidong glanced at Li Xun, who stood behind Ning Fengzhi, as they finished discussing some specifics.
"Your Excellency flatters him. Xiao Xun is still young and needs more tempering," Ning Fengzhi smiled as he turned his head slightly to look at Li Xun.
"Greetings, Your Excellency."
Following Ning Fengzhi's cue, Li Xun bowed to Bibidong, feeling a sense of relief in his heart.
After years of effort, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School had finally entered the next stage. The vision he had painted was now partially realized.
With nothing else to discuss, and considering that the upcoming conversation between mother and daughter would likely be private, Ning Fengzhi took Li Xun and left the room.
Silence.
Since Li Xun and Ning Fengzhi left, Qian Renxue and Bibidong had been at a standstill, neither willing to speak first.
"The situation in the Heaven Dou Empire is now clear. You should ascend to the throne as soon as possible to prepare for Spirit Hall's next steps."
After a long while, Bibidong sighed inwardly, though her expression remained unchanged.
"Is that why you came to Heaven Dou?" Qian Renxue said expressionlessly.
Bibidong's eyes narrowed, and the momentary sentiment she had just felt vanished without a trace. "What? Can't I come to see you?"
"Heh, if you really came to see me, that would be one thing. But I'm afraid you're here to meet someone else, aren't you?"
If she hadn't known certain things, she might have been moved right now. Qian Renxue let out a cold laugh.
"What do you mean by that?!" Bibidong frowned, her tone sharpening as she asked.
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