"The Light Feather greets you."
When the man looked over, Gu Han respectfully placed his hand over his chest.
"Mm, no need to be so formal."
"Thank you, Elder Guangling."
In front of such a powerful figure, Gu Han remained cautious. He knew exactly where he stood. He wasn't someone highly valued. Qian Xun Ji had only taken him in to motivate Bibi Dong.
Bibi Dong was the true genius. Gu Han had to tread carefully. Until he became truly powerful, he needed to maintain the proper respect for people like this.
"You don't need to be nervous," Guangling Douluo said with a smile. "Since the Pope has taken you as his student, the Martial Soul Hall won't treat you unfairly."
He waved his hand and continued, "I heard your martial soul is also ice-attributed? Summon it. Let me take a look."
"Yes, of course."
Gu Han nodded and summoned the Xuanshuang Sword into his hand.
The sword's blade glimmered blue, emitting a layer of frosty mist.
"Hmm, not bad. While the martial soul isn't top-tier, it's still of decent quality — mid-high grade at best. The only pity is that your innate soul power is a bit low."
Guangling Douluo could tell at a glance. Gu Han's martial soul was decent, comparable to the sword-type spirits of the Sword Sect, but nothing exceptional.
"But don't be discouraged," Guangling Douluo encouraged. "The Martial Soul Hall has thousands of years of heritage. We've recorded methods to improve a martial soul's quality. As long as you hunt soul beasts with matching attributes, especially rare ones, your martial soul has room to evolve."
"Thank you, Elder Guangling. That's also what I've been planning."
Gu Han already knew about this. Few people on the continent did — only the core members of great clans or empires. But he'd learned of it in his previous life from reader discussions.
"Speaking of which," Guangling Douluo said with a curious smile, "You're also the one who discovered the alternative effect of whale glue. I'm curious—how did your attention land on something like whale glue?"
Gu Han's records showed he'd always been a quiet, studious boy who only frequented libraries and academies. How did he stumble upon an adult tonic like whale glue?
"Yeah! Did you do something naughty, little brother?" Bibi Dong teased, crossing her arms and staring at him with her big, bright eyes. "If you've been sneaking around, I'll have to straighten you out. Teacher says places like that are bad for your health!"
Gu Han smiled awkwardly. After thinking it through, he replied with the lines he had carefully prepared.
"I saw references to whale glue in the Martial Soul Hall's library in Shuofeng City."
"And I've studied various herbs and tonics. So I got curious — what exactly in whale glue helps replenish qi and blood?"
"If it can do that, maybe it can help strengthen the body, right?"
"So I bought a small piece, less than a hundred years old, and tested it. As long as I focused and used soul power to absorb it — without letting my thoughts wander — it really did improve my physique and even raised my talent slightly."
"Not a huge improvement, but better than nothing."
Guangling Douluo nodded approvingly.
"Excellent. Not only are you diligent, but you think outside the box and apply your insights in the right way."
He then sighed.
"Ah, such a pity."
"What's the pity?" Bibi Dong asked curiously. "My little brother is so smart!"
"It's a shame," Guangling Douluo smiled, "that a soul master can only take one teacher in their lifetime. If the Pope hadn't already accepted you, I would've taken you in myself."
"Thank you for your kindness, Elder Guangling."
Gu Han was a bit surprised. Just a bit of knowledge had earned him the admiration of an elder?
Still, the continent held strong to its traditions. Taking on another master would ruin his reputation and standing — even Bibi Dong wouldn't be able to protect him.
Bibi Dong's eyes sparkled mischievously. She grabbed Guangling Douluo's arm and beamed.
"Don't worry, Elder Guangling, my little brother won't become your disciple. But that doesn't mean you can't mentor him, right? Hehe\~"
"You little imp," Guangling Douluo chuckled, flicking her forehead.
"Ow! That hurt!"
Bibi Dong crouched, clutching her forehead in mock pain.
Guangling Douluo looked at his fingers in confusion — he hadn't used any strength.
Then he saw her peeking up with a sly smile.
He understood instantly and just shook his head with a smile.
Instead of reacting, he turned to Gu Han, pulled out a unique token, and tossed it to him.
"That girl's right. I can't take you as my apprentice, but that doesn't stop me from supporting you. If you ever need help or guidance, take this token and come find me at the temple."
Gu Han caught the token. It was different from regular elder or papal orders. It bore the image of six-winged angels and sacred swords, with the word "Five" carved on the back — a token exclusive to the Fifth Offering.
"Thank you, Elder Guangling."
He bowed deeply.
"No need to call me Elder anymore. Just call me Senior Guangling."
"Yes, Senior Guangling."
Gu Han accepted the title without hesitation.
Guangling Douluo nodded, then glanced at Bibi Dong still squatting pitifully on the ground.
"Enough, little girl. Get up. Stop pretending."
"Hehe~ Busted."
Of course, Bibi Dong had known he'd seen through her act, but she was quick-witted and knew how to play her cards.
"You're smarter than your teacher ever was," Guangling Douluo laughed. "From now on, you and Gu Han can both just call me senior. A formal apprenticeship is unnecessary."
Guangling Douluo was far more easygoing than the other elders. He had a genuine fondness for Gu Han and Bibi Dong.
Especially Bibi Dong — they'd interacted several times. Compared to Chihiro Ji's awkward younger self, Guangling Douluo found Bibi Dong to be far more likable and interesting.
Even though he wasn't much older than Chihiro Ji, that didn't stop him from judging him.
"Alright, Senior Guangling!"
Bibi Dong grinned brightly and agreed without hesitation.
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