Tang Yuan sighed as he reached the final step slightly out of breath. There really were quite a few of them. Certainly not his worst experience climbing a hill. As he steps onto the plateau the others are a step behind.
As the rest of the group steps onto the wide area they keep moving, straight to the large doors across from the staircase. The massive Palace loomed over and around them. More guards are posted at the large doors, and others watch them atop the walls. All of them were adorned in armor of high quality.
As they approached the guards at the door crossed their spears. "Halt." they both speak with authority. Unflinching in their words or stance. "If you seek to enter the Pope's Palace speak your intentions."
The blond-haired Qian Zhao stepped forward. "Let us pass men we have urgent matters to inform the Pope about directly." as he says he tosses something at them.
One guard catches it out of the air and examines it closely. Then tosses it back to its sender. At the same time, the guard moves His spear the other guard moves in tandem. As they both step to the side. "You may pass Legion Commander as may your associates." Then the two become about as still as statues.
The gates begin to move inward as they slowly open. As they do their group starts moving once again. They pass through the threshold of the door. As they do the doors close behind them. Two more guards one behind each side of the door.
Qian Zhao continued to lead the way through the halls. Parts of the halls are gilded like gold in patterns. The rest is a mix of white and black carved stone. They follow Zhao to another room of the palace.
Guards stand at attention along the walls with four at the door. All are armored similarly to their companions. With some extra golden ornaments with more ceremonial parts. All of them seem to be a form of honor guard.
The room itself is more ornate with its decorations. Painted portraits were placed upon the walls of many of the Spirit Halls' figures. These figures face a great many foes and their triumph over said goes. Most being of members of the angel clan are in battle.
Eventually the doors open to admit them as a guard speaks. "His holiness will see you now. Please enter the papal throne room."
They begin to enter the room, and Tang Yuan does so with a good deal of trepidation. Not completely sure what to expect from this. After all, considering who the current pope is. As well as all that is told about him in the original story. Practically none in any way good, and the vast majority very bad. Would he be amicable on the surface, and a monster inside?
As they enter the room Tang Yuan follows behind the leaders. His eyes moved across the inside of the large room. Despite the size of the room there were no guards. At least none that were visible, but likely a few in the shadows. His gaze turns to the core feature of the room that draws the eye.
It was upon a raised dais of several steps. Not too tall, but enough that one had to crane their head slightly. It is identical to its appearance years later. An intricate throne of white material quartz or marble perhaps forming parts. Yet more of it is made of gold set in patterns? Or was it merely gilded? Parts of the throne were inlaid with Lapis Lazuli?
It was an ornate throne showcasing authority especially when paired with the room. Light seeped into the location from the windows falling on the throne. Making it seem as if the light extended out from the throne. Only adding to the impact of the sight of the throne.
The man who sat upon the throne was also eye-catching. Possessing Golden hair and eyes of gold as well. His face was exceedingly similar to his father's own. Yet this man's face had greater sternness, in his bearing. His head tilted slightly up with an aura of pride and confidence. His eyes looked down on them from his throne.
Tang Yuan after taking a few glances at the man lowered his gaze. Unsure of how he should hold himself in this situation. This man was someone who could be responsible for so much in the potential future. So much would be set in motion as a result of his actions. This man who was a king in all but title. Yet he had yet to do any of that, and might never do so.
Then the man spoke his voice carrying out to them. Yet they still stood at the entrance, and he had not raised his voice. "It would seem you bring me important news. Very well I would certainly hear it." the man says his voice strong filled with pride. Almost along the lines of him doing them a favor in granting them His time.
Qian Xunji rose from his throne taking the steps down the raised dais. At the same time, their group came closer to the throne. The members of the angel legion stopped halfway instead and moved to kneeling. Qian Zhao is the only exception as he continues. Quickly their group is only several meters from the dais.
"Greetings to you Senior, Lord Clear Sky. As always it is an honor to have within our halls. However, given that members of the legion are present. I must assume that something has occurred." The man speaks with respect and formality to Tang Chen. Yet even still he held his head high though not tilted up.
Tang Chen smiles slightly at Qian Xunji. "It's fine no need to be so formal. Your father is my best friend whom my sons call uncle." his words are leading in their manner.
Qian Xunji does not change his expression. "It would be improper as the Supreme Pontiff to do so. At least acting in my manner as the Pope of Spirit Hall." his voice his kept level showing neither displeasure nor joy in that statement. Just simply stating that was how it was.
Tang Yuan wondered what that statement implied. That as the Pope he could not allow himself that causality. Perhaps only when acting in an official capacity. Was it in front of others besides his father, or in front of clan members? Perhaps he held himself to it completely to his station.
"Now tell me what has brought you before. I can infer it to be a most serious subject." As he says this he returns to the throne. His face became a mask of focused seriousness. Though he was hard to read accurately.
Then the Soul Sage of the angel clan who had bowed began their accounts. As the one with the largest amount of intel. The account started with Tao's background. Then they hunt for an evil soul master in the area.
The briefing was something he had already heard. At least most of it was at the village a while ago. So there was little he hadn't already heard in this briefing. Tang Yuan tried not to fidget quite too much. Standing still was hard in this situation, he disliked having to stand still for any amount of time.
Finally, he heard the man's testimony finish. Looking at Qian Xunji his gaze was focused into space. Perhaps making conclusions from the information already given. Though it only lasted for a few moments of time. Then he speaks "I see it would seem this Cheng Tao should have been a moderate threat. Yet apparently he escaped you.?"
At his clansmen's nod, the man's face grew sterner almost severe. Then it eased as if it was never there in the first place. "I would ask what carelessness caused such an escape. Then I would severely reprimand you for such stupidity. And yet considering the present company." the man at this looks at Tang Chen considering.
The man's face turns far more serious at the matter. "Considering Tang Chen's presence something particular must have happened. Though I suppose with potential Fallen that is a high chance." he lets that statement hang in the air for a minute. Perhaps as he tries to imagine the possibilities of what happened?
His musings however are cut off as Tang Chen himself chimes in. "Actually I asked them to hold their attack on him." his statement was blunt in its form. With not even a shred of awkwardness about a mistake made. Nor was it an apology for causing a problem even inadvertently. It was simply a statement of fact.
Qian Xunji focused on Tang Chen at this. His face showed his question without needing to ask it verbally. "Why did you feel the need to do so?"
Tang Chen spoke further "I hoped to use it as a learning experience. If it got out of hand I intended to step in myself." he said in an even tone. As he gestures to Tang Xiao to step forward.
"I see, and yet it seems something unexpected did happen." Qian Xunji says considering. He turns his gaze to Tang Xiao and nods his head.
Tang Xiao begins his own testament of events. Starting from when Father separated from them for some reason. Glossing into the events of dealing with the bandits. Than placing a lot more detail on the work of Cheng Tao. Not holding back on how they found themselves powerless before him.
At that point, the conversation shifted to Tang Yuan. As the only one conscious by that point. So with some nervousness, he steps forward to begin his own assessment. "Um, your holiness sir, I suppose it's my turn to begin." he felt very nervous in this situation.
It was like standing before the Pope of his original world. If less pressuring to have to endure. After all, he wasn't really a follower of the Angel God. He admired her legend and the good she accomplished for the world. However, worshiping her as his god was not something he did.
These thoughts ran in the back of his mind. Tang Yuan spoke of his early feelings of wrongness at the banquet. Then what happened with Tao using his skill? How it allowed him to infiltrate his Spiritual Sea. There battle in that mental realm, also how he suspected his memories were taken.
From there he described his assessments of Cheng Tao. Especially the spirit skills he saw his foe use in battle. Especially the fifth skill which he saw as the most dangerous. Finishing the story with Tao suddenly crushing something underfoot. Then how suddenly a Titled Douluo showed up out of nowhere. When he finished his own part of the story he let out a sigh of relief.
Qian Xunji leaned back slightly as he examined what he heard. It was startling in its implications for more than one reason. A Titled Douluo helping a potential Fallen was a grave. A Titled Douluo with spatial abilities was an even greater threat. Very few things could be graver than this.
Though his mind was already running down this rabbit hole. He remembered the young child who gave him the said information. The most critical of the three reports he had received. Now they knew quite a lot about this Soul King named Cheng Tao. Even as it rankled to consider a mere Soul King to be a major threat.
His gaze turned to Tang Yuan directly. "As the Pope of Soul Hall, I thank you for this information. For one of your age, you possess remarkable insight." his voice was calm and measured. His words held a measure of praise, but his tone reduced it.
With that Tang Yuan stepped back glad to no longer be the center of attention. A hand landed on his shoulder a silent good job. Definitely from his father if he is to judge.
Seeing that Qian Xunji made conclusions on the child. Studious as shown by his well-read knowledge. A great deal of insight into matters he encounters. Twin Martial souls, both rather impressive. Once more diligent in nature, and not seemingly complacent. It would seem the Clear Sky Clan would be having another great talent.
If only she would have the same diligence in her studies. It would save him so many recent headaches. That and a reduction in the mischief she got up to. Speaking of his student he supposes that was their original purpose here.
Qian Xunji had heard most of the necessary information. Decides to reduce the listeners to this. "Members of the Angel Legion you are dismissed," he commands them. Then he turns his head to Tang Chen giving him a look.
Tang Chen understands the silent question. Looking at the three with him. "Little Hao you and Little Yuan should head to the library. Perhaps you will run into your mother," he says the second part to Tang Yuan. Well aware that she was in the Palace somewhere. Though which library was the main question.
While he was well aware that it was mainly to get him out of the room. Tang Yuan was perfectly willing to go along with that. Especially if it meant seeing his mother, and reading new books. Tang Hao was probably meant to be his chaperone.
Tang Hao offered no complaints about the assigned task. Perhaps he had been bored by the talk as well. Perhaps he realizes that this was removing them from the conversation. Either way, both of them bow slightly to the pope. The two of them step back through the doors.
"So what do we do now. Do we try to find a library? Or just wander around the place." Tang Yuan asks Tang Hao about what they should do. After all, he has no idea where to go in this place.
Before Tang Hao can answer that question another voice chimes in. "Perhaps we can be of help in that." This voice is calm and steady. It is also a very familiar voice to Tang Yuan. "It's been a long while since I've seen you, Little Yuan."
Turning his head Tang Yuan finds two very familiar people. "Grandpa, and Uncle Daoliu it's good to see you both." Tang Yuan feels His face turn into a smile at seeing them. Then he unconsciously tilts his head. "How did you know we were here?" It might be a presumption, but it felt they had come here intentionally.
Qian Daoliu's lips quirked slightly for a moment. Curious if it was an observation, feeling, or guess that led to that conclusion. "I'm curious how you came to that conclusion. But yes we were aware you were in the city. So we came to see what the trouble was." though not revealing how they knew of their presence.
Tang Yuan slightly quirked his lips at that non-answer. Still, he responded "You both are here at the same time though that could be coincidental. Yet you seemed to expect to find us here." Tang Yuan said slightly uncertain. Though he felt his assumption was accurate in his deduction.
Qian Daoliu crossed his hands behind his back. "A bit of an assumption then, but correct nevertheless." Even if it was merely an idle curiosity. It once more showed Tang Yuan's surprising ability for his age. Though he notices that Tang Yuan had not asked how they discovered their presence.
Tang Yuan had in fact concluded it was because of his father. Either he singled them somehow, or they merely sensed him. At least that was his best guess. "So should I tell you what happened, or do you want a briefing in there?" Tang Yuan asks the two of them. Well aware that a first-hand account might be best. Even if it means having to tell the tale once again.
Then his grandfather stepped forward. "That's fine we can hear it from them. Besides you seem tired of having to repeat it." Golden Crocodile says as he places his hands on his grandson's shoulders. Then he takes a long deep look scanning his face." Besides it seems it was a difficult experience."
Tang Yuan sighs at that. "It started with an assassination attempt on us. Then we ended up in a battle. I ended up killing twice the first in battle, the second in cold blood." He paused at the last part. He had already processed it to a degree. Though the trip here had been plagued with nightmares.
Golden Crocodile sighs at that admittance. It also gives new light on why Tang Chen sent them out. Rather he was sending Tang Yuan to find his mother. She would be the best to help him through the pressure. Though he also noticed he was dealing with it rather well. Though that was what he had come to expect almost.
Golden Crocodile squeezed his grandson's shoulders tighter. "Your mother should be in one of the libraries." He closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them his eyes were looking elsewhere. "She should be in the inner library in the hall." Then he realized these two likely wouldn't know how to get there.
"Big Brother Daoliu, Big Brother Crocodile I can show them to the library." A third voice rang out from a third person with them. Looking at him one might confuse them for a boy. He was fairly short, in height between Tang Yuan's height and an average person. Dressed in white silken cloth with blue highlights, and golden armor.
Crocodile Douluo turned to the boy with some annoyance. "Honestly Fifth Brother you asked to come with us. Now you are trying to avoid the meeting. On top of constant complaints about boredom." He continues to lecture the boy in exasperation. His face showed a great deal of annoyance.
The individual who is like a boy looks away. He tries to make himself as small as possible. His dead facing down as he looks chagrined from being told off. Before he tries to speak "but it's so boring in the Worship Hall. I can't even get you guys to spar all that often." His face changed to that of a teenager complaining almost.
"Now now Second Brother calm down. You know Fifth Brother's temperament. He might fool around most of the time. Yet he knows when to get serious." Qian Daoliu spoke with a calming tone. With a visible effect on the listener.
Then he turns his gaze to the now slightly smug boy. The corners of his lips curled in a smug smile. His arms crossed together as his eyes gleamed. Only for that smile and gleam to fade at Qian Daoliu's gaze. "Yes, First Brother" he says slightly subdued.
Qian Daoliu continues his talk "Our duties are important Fifth brother as you know. Please have more patience." His voice is slightly stern even as his face his serene.
This Fifth Worship sighs as he composes himself. "Apologies Second Brother, apologies First Brother. I was being immature." He says in apology to the two of them. His words and tone showed his chastisement properly.
Tang Yuan watched this interaction with interest. He had already identified the boy as another worship elder. The Fifth Worship Glowing Feather Douluo as he was called. He was at least 50 years old by this time despite his appearance.
Noticing his gaze the Fifth Worship looks at him. Then gives a large smile and waves at Tang Yuan. The smile just seemed so large for almost no reason. Tang Tuan felt that this Titled Douluo really was childlike. In more than simply his appearance of course.
Golden Crocodile sighed to himself. Though he was aware that his Fifth Brother would likely cause trouble. That or simply ignore most of what is said. Perhaps he would do both. "If Fifth Brother wants to go with them I have no complaints. At least if you don't First Brother."
"Very well Fifth Brother you can show our guests around." Qian Daoliu says with a steady voice. His face was serene not showing a single hint of worry. Yet his eyes are focused on Glowing Feather who stands straighter.
"Count on me First Brother." The Fifth Worship says aware of the unspoken message.
All the while Tang Hao stays silent. Well aware of the ability of the three before him. Especially the fact that it was their own home turf. Though did they really need to discuss this like they weren't there?
"Alright then we will leave the three of you. Until we meet again Nephew, and you Little Hao." Qian Daoliu says as he walks towards the door. His stride was far from hurried as if it were just a common day.
"I'll come see you later Little Yuan. Take care of them Fifth Brother." Goldan Crocodile said as he followed. well aware that the most dangerous thing might be his Fifth Brother's mischief. Who knows what trouble he might get them into?
As the two of them enter the door of the throne room, Tang Yuan turns to their guide. Already there is a smile on the person's face as he turns to them. Tang Yuan sees a hint of mischief in the man's face.
"So now that we are alone. As you heard I am the Fifth Worship of the Worship Hall. The newest one amongst my fellow worshippers. Guan Ling Douluo or Glowing Feather Douluo has been my title for quite some time. You would Little Yuan I heard about from Nuan." He says his smile does not change as he talks. He moves closer staring at Tang Yuan.
"Greetings senior Guan Ling as you said I am Tang Yuan…." He says his tone is filled with respect. Before he can continue Tang Yuan is interrupted.
Guan Ling holds a hand up as an interruption. "Just call me Guan Ling Worship. Don't worry about any other formalities." He says with a tone that brooked no arguments.
"As you wish Guan Ling Worship." Tang Yuan says without trying to fight it. When big shots give you permission best to follow it.
"Good." The Fifth Worship nods his head at that. "Now then let's go and try to find Big Sister. She's somewhere in this place. Either one of the library's, her quarters, or she's entertaining that little." Then he turns and begins to walk fully expecting them to follow him.
So Tang Yuan begins to follow him as Tang Hao does a moment later. As they walk Tang Yuan once again pays attention to the architecture. They move down a flight of stairs to a lower floor. They had actually gone up a few on the way to the throne room.
As they moved through the halls they approached an archway. The archway seems to be an entrance, one without a door. The threshold is bright with light that cascades from it. This light fills the doorway and parts of the hall. Yet the light is not seemingly that of torches or lamps.
As they pass through the archway they come to a beautiful sight. A large open area where the sun itself shines upon them. The building quickly gives way to a verdant showing of green. It seemed to be a garden of not too small a size. In the center stood a small building slightly enclosed.
This building was such that one might see in a garden for one to sit down in. Covered by a roof and yet the enclosure was up to an adult's waist. Allowing one to see the garden as one sat. It was quite a view at that.
Tang Yuan looked around at all the many plants that stood out. Everyone was obviously well tended by someone or several someones. He could recognize a few of them, but others not so much. Some were herbs and others were flowers of different colors. Tang Yuan walked around the place lightly admiring the many plants.
Guan Ling watched him as he explored the garden. He had said he would act as their guide. But why not take a few stops on the way? He thought this mischievously, and it seemed it would be effective.
"Where are you little Dongdong? Time to return to your studies." A voice came from another entrance of the garden. The voice was female in tone and sound. There was a bit of childishness to the tone. "Little Dongdong come on out."
Then the person in question walked out into the garden. Yet it seemed said woman is actually a man. Thought one might not realize that at first. The man had feminine clothing though not really indecent. Long blond hair and seemingly pointed feminine nails.
The man with an effeminate bearing spots them. "Greetings Guan Ling Worshiper it's rare to see you out and about. Finally, let out to play a little bit." The man's tone was said with a feminine type of voice. There was also a measure of childishness in his tone.
It was quite obvious who this was by looks. The Fifth Worship spoke to the man "Hello Yue Guan how are you it's been a while. How's that Old Ghost been recently?" His tone was brimming with familiarity.
"He's as fine as ever, and just as much of a stick in the mud." Though he said that there was no real heat to it. More like a teasing nature to someone not present.
Tang Yuan listened to the conversation with some idleness. Most of his attention focused on the surroundings. Tang Yuan stepped onto the stone gazebo planning to take a seat. At least until the adults finish their talk. Only for Tang Yuan to realize he was not alone on the structure.
She was a girl of similar age to him not more than a year difference maybe. Her hair was a unique color of rose pink as he read once. Her eyes were also pink in color staring up at him in surprise. Her face was delicate with not a blemish to be seen.
Tang Yuan recognizes her almost immediately thanks in part to her hair. Bibi Dong the future Pope of the Spirit Hall. As well as being the future villainess of the Soul Land Story. Currently a little girl, and a student of the current Pope.
Yet a question comes from his mouth instead of anything else. "Why are you hiding here? This is a horrible hiding spot to choose." He could guess she was hiding from studies. But why choose this spot to hide in instead of a room?
Everyone turns to look at Tang Yuan at that. Tang Hao is the most confused not putting it together. The future Chrysanthemum Douluo merely hides a smile behind a hand. The Fifth Worship starts laughing for some reason. The little girl rather Bibi Dong has the most eye-catching reaction. She gains a very adorable expression between a pout and a glare.
Cheng Tao lets out a sigh as they stop before the doors. The scent of blood fills the air with a metallic tinge. Though some of it was the metal composing the building. They had dragged their feet for a while. Yet they had no choice but to come here eventually.
Slowly the doors open before them. No guards in sight to open them. Nor did the two of them say anything. To Cheng Tao, it was certainly a mystery in nature. To the Clam Elder, it was bizarre, as he could not sense any Soul Power being used. Yet with a final bout of hesitation, the two entered the room.
The room was dark and shrouded in a deep haze of shadow. Yet torches lined the walls burning with abnormal light. The light allowed portions of the room to be seen clearly. Yet other parts close to the torches were covered by darkness. As if the darkness itself decided what would be seen.
As they entered the room they found others within the chamber. Many were almost hiding in the darkness and shadows. Some held themselves as noticeable perhaps out of courage or perhaps arrogance.
Clam Elder recognized a number of his fellow elders. Yet he dared not take the time to pay them much attention. Instead quickly found his place in the assembly. Amongst those here, he chose to get closest to the center of the room. Best get this out of the way as fast as possible.
That center held a throne of nightmarish quality. It was hewn from metal roughly with a great many points at the top. Parts of it were chalk white instead with a collection of skulls as decoration. Sometimes he swore he saw glowing lights from the skulls.
Then suddenly there was a slight movement from atop the throne. A new presence radiated from the throne. Mysterious and otherworldly as a feeling of helplessness crept in. Everyone slightly tilted their heads in fear either intentional or subconscious.
The room became better illuminated suddenly. Everyone kept their attention on the one on the throne. While some question when they took their seat. Clad in black regalia of a matching nature to the throne. Yet the darkness acted like curtains shrouding their sight.
The sight of this terrifying figure brings a sense of fear to them. As said figure gently rasps the thrones arm with a nock. "You may begin." Three simple words from a voice like that of haze. Yet everyone was immediately prepared to begin. Only hoping that they might not displease their dark ruler. Lest they suffer for losing their grace and trust.