The girl continued to look at him with that almost angry pout. It would be more effective if it weren't so adorable. The girl huffs and sighs as she stands up. As she does so she straightens her dress out slightly. Brushing it afterwards as if to brush the dirt off.
Then she turns back to Tang Yuan still with a slight pout. As she catches his eye her pout turns to a glare. Out of frustration at him revealing her hiding place. "I'd like to see you do better, you meanie," she says as she walks over to Chrysantheum Douluo.
Tang Yuan scratches his head slightly at that. He honestly felt awkward about that action now. It was similar to stealing candy from a child almost in a way. Especially her reaction to his revealing her. Though he supposes she is a child.
To think that this adorable girl would become Bibi Dong. The female pontiff who reigned as one of the strongest in the story. A ruthless and intelligent woman who would lead Spirit Hall into an empire. Ascending as the god of evil thoughts and walking through Slaughter City.
Tang Yuan's eyes were partially on her in curiosity. Yet whenever he met her eyes she would glare at him. Like a kitten who was in a bad mood. For some reason, he could help his mouth curl into a slight smile.
It seemed that he was not the only one either. Everyone else had slight smiles at her manner. At the very least Chrysanthemum Douluo and the Fifth Worship. Both have slight smiles as they look at her.
Suddenly she stops her foot slightly on the ground in frustration. "Stop smiling Senior Chrysanthemum Douluo it's not funny. You stop smiling as well you big mouth." she points her hand dramatically at Tang Yuan threateningly.
Tang Yuan holds his hands up in surrender. Well aware it might be bad to make her madder. Lest he find himself on the receiving end of her revenge.
The girl huffs as she crosses her arms together. Not completely sure if she should trust his surrender. She noticed he was still struggling not to smile. Her frown felt more serious before suddenly changing into a smile. She just had an awesome idea to get back at him and entertain herself.
"You play with me," she demands out of seemingly nowhere. Her smile was brimming with a particular kind of joy. Paired with a sense of mischief in her eyes.
Tang Yuan had the feeling that she intended to drag him into trouble. That or make him play with her until she was satisfied. All while enacting as many embarrassing situations as possible. Both as a way of payback, but even more so for entertainment.
Tang Yuan looks at the adults around him. Hoping that they would have some way of helping him. Chrysanthemum Douluo simply had an amused smile on his face. As if this were just another common occurrence. Guan Ling Worshipper was not any better seemingly. Tang Hao seemed to be his only option for help.
"Um, Tang Hao and I need to go." Tang Yuan tried to convince Tang Hao for help. Hoping that he would help him escape.
"So you don't want to play with me." The voice was quiet a whisper on the wind. Yet that whisper was enough to immediately catch everyone's attention. Bibi Dong was looking at Tang Yuan unflinchingly. With a disappointed and saddened look on her face.
Tang Yuan wondered how a single sentence could be so effective. Tang Yuan struggled for an answer about what to do. "It's not exactly that I don't want to play with you. It's just um." he was flailing around trying to give a good reason.
"I see that's okay then. I guess I'll just play by myself then," she said one thing but it was obvious she meant another. Her face had turned slightly pitiful in nature. It almost looked like she was going to cry.
Tang Yuan felt as if panic was about to set in. Perhaps a part of him realized that he was being manipulated. Yet he was never good with girls or women crying. What's worse is that she was the student of the Pope. Though part of him doubts she would turn this into such an incident.
Bibi Dong turned around slightly as if in rejection. "It's a shame I don't have any friends. I thought we could be friends."
Tang Yuan felt an invisible arrow hit him at that. At least that was what that statement felt like. He struggled to come up with something to say.
Bibi Dong continued with "I'll just go back to looking at flowers all day." The sheer amount of meaning in that statement. It was laced with sadness and helplessness.
Tang Yuan could only let out a sigh of defeat. "I suppose it would be okay for a little while." his words served as an admittance of defeat.
Suddenly Bibi Dong turned around to face him again. Her face had changed to a sad nearly crying look. Now she was smiling brightly. It was the look of a victory. One that turned even wider as Tang Yuan noticed.
Tang Yuan could only show a helpless expression at the sight. Completely aware that he had been played like a fiddle. This adorable little girl is more like a little devil. He could only imagine how she learned these tricks. He wondered how he fell for it honestly.
Chrysanthemum Douluo watched the entire thing with an amused gaze. Another had fallen to the Holy Maidens' little schemes. He wondered if she would be able to wrap him around her little finger. Either way, it will be fun to watch.
Bibi Dong moves closer to Tang Yuan with a smiling face. "Excellent so what should we do. Perhaps we should play hide and seek," she said with complete seriousness. Totally planning on winning the game.
Tang Yuan is now more aware of the mischief of this little imp. Considers things much more carefully now. Lest he find himself drawn into her rhythm again. With the possibility of petty vengeance through her chosen game. So "what are the rules and regulations of this game exactly?"
He needs to hear what the rule would be before even considering agreeing. Lest she decide the entire place is the zone. Then hide somewhere obscure. Actually, she was more than likely to do that. After all, she had hidden here from her watcher. Who knows where they were originally?
Considering that perhaps he should request a change in the game they played. That way he didn't have to fall, victim to such a trick. He seriously considered trying to convince her to change the game.
Elsewhere the meeting between the adults continued. However, the meeting had not come to ideal results. Even as an air of tension filled the air. It was simply that they were on the back foot regarding their unseen enemy.
"We just don't know enough right now." Qian Daoliu himself admitted this openly. His face did not show even an ounce of frustration. "Somehow a faction of potential Fallen ran completely under are radar."
Qian Xunji, sitting upon the throne seemed much more pensive now. His attention seemed far away from the present. "It's not impossible if it were only a couple. That's if they were acting separately and were weak."
No one denied that fact it was true. Most fallen ones could rapidly gain strength. Especially in the early stages of their journey. Yet their cultivation methods often involved blood or death. As their numbers so did the amount needed. Especially as they each increased to higher levels.
Though more often than not each one had a different strange cultivation method. Not all of them required killing for one reason or another. Yet those were by far the most common. Drinking someone's blood, consuming their flesh, taking their bones, and so many others.
Because of those bloody methods the Angel clan could always find evidence. Especially as those methods damaged the minds of the users. Becoming more and more reckless or simply arrogant. Once the bodies started to pile up it became impossible for them not to notice.
Yet now "a Soul King-level individual would have quite a few corpses behind him. Yet we only now learn of his location." Qian Xunji says his tone shows confusion.
Tang Xiao chimes in here as the least experienced. "Is it that radically impossible that they could hide. I mean the continent is a big place."
Tang Chen responds to that. "Spirit Hall carries out the vast majority of Awakening Ceremonies. Making reports of everyone with soul power. Certain individuals are watched especially closely." his tone carries a certain quality to it.
Qian Daoliu looks at him with a slight curve to his mouth. Well aware that his friend was mocking them. "Denying it would do no real good," he says to his son as he begins to open his mouth. Either to deny it or in offense to the mocking.
Qian Daoliu continued "Our Spirit Hall makes a point of keeping track of powerful martial souls. Sometimes to recruit them when we can." he admits freely to their guests. After all, it was an open secret to everyone. "Other times because of their marital souls' evil traits."
Qian Xunji continues from there "those with evil traits aren't themselves naturally evil. However, the temptation will always exist for them. Some can't even cultivate without that evil method. Those individuals are watched most closely."
Tang Chen at this point chimes in. "Yet this one has a Titled Douluo on his side. One willing to act as a final defense."
"Don't forget that he had spatial ability. Once more an object was used to summon him. Which implies something very troubling." Golden Crocodile said his face slightly troubled at the thought.
"What exactly is that?" Tang Xiao asked not quite sure.
"It means that every time they are cornered they could summon a Titled Douluo." Qian Xunji said with a grave tone it was a dangerous possibility. The only counter would be having a Titled Douluo of their own. Saying that acknowledged the improbability of that.
"We can't just assign a Titled Douluo to every team. There aren't enough on the continent for that. Even if we could it would leave the city vulnerable to the forest." Golden Crocodile said what everyone had considered for a moment.
"Yet if they continue to use this method. We will never be able to catch them." Tang Chen reminded them all of that fact.
"Escape is only one problem. Imagine if they used this method in ambushes instead. As unlikely as that may be." Qian Daoliu spoke of the worst possibility. I imagine the number of people they might lose in that case.
"We don't know enough." Tang Chen admitted a fact that they all knew. They had only encountered two individuals.
"We have no idea their numbers. We know that they are a faction that's certain. One strong enough to have a Titled Douluo at that. We also don't have an idea of how long they are active." Qian Daoliu admitted to a great many uncertainties they had. The unknown was more dangerous than the known.
Qian Xunji took up his father's words. "Despite that, we can't afford to hesitate. Even if they can't be compared to the threat of the ancient Fallen yet. Lord Tang Chen will you stand with us in dealing with this threat?" his voice was strong and confident. He was not truly lowering himself for this request.
Tang Chen did not need time to think. "We will stand with you against this threat. The ancient Fallen Soul Masters were threats to the entirety of the continent. To ensure that never comes to pass again we will support you." his words were that of a firm promise.
Qian Xunji felt relieved at the support of a Limit Douluo. He was of the firm belief that his father was the strongest human in the world. Yet his father could not afford to leave the city. At least not often or for long periods of time. Not without the city's vulnerability becoming known. Now Tang Chen's promise meant they would have his support.
"What should we do exactly for now? Spread word of their activities." Tang Xiao asked not completely sure of what to do now.
Qian Xunji brought a hand to his chin. "For now we can't truly do anything. We don't have enough information on them to do anything," he said with a measure of resignation in his statement. Then his face changed to show almost mockery. "As for informing others it won't come to much."
Seeing Tang Xiao's confused expression Qian Xunji continued his explanation. "The Two Empires won't truly be much help in this situation. The Heaven Dou Empire, is even normally in a chaotic state. Now the current Emperor's hold is weakening. Star Luo Empire should be a better choice, but unfortunately."
Here Golden Crocodile takes the conversation his face fierce. "Star Luo is far more stabilized under its royal family. The Dai family is much stronger than the Bengs. This includes being far more militarized and constantly seeking military power. No matter what that may cost to become the strongest. Only power matters is an old maxim of their family. In other words, they are willing to even speak with Fallen."
Tang Chen himself spoke up here. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lighting Tyrant Dragon Sect would be of help."
"True they might be of some help. However, that assumes they actually choose to help us. The former will seek benefits or profits, and the latter might just sit back." Qian Xunji says his face reveals his doubt about the possibility of help. Left unsaid was a belief that they did not need help from those two.
"Perhaps but it will give us numbers if they do help. That and so they can't use it against us later. If only so they can't complain later." Golden Crocodile was the one who spoke now. Well aware that the last point would be of major interest.
"That would be nice, and I suppose if they did help." Qian Xunji had to admit it would be tempting. If only to not have to offer some reason for their silence.
A clapping of hands drew attention to Qian Daoliu. "We will inform the two primary sects. Then we will have investigations into both empires. Our primary action will be to focus on preparation for the future. Battle is inevitable we must assume the worst." No one from Spirit Hall speaks up against this. Then he looks to Tang Chen with a silent question.
Tang Chen seeing no problems with these preparations nods his head. That being said he had his own insight to add to preparations. "Speaking of strengthening are forces in preparation. There is something I wanted to discuss with you. It's about the secret my son discovered. How do you feel about a trip Brother Daoliu?" his face breaking into a smile at the idea.
Qian Xunji sighed as he walked through the corridors. The meeting had finished after Tang Chen's proposal. Who knew what could be called a fishing trip could be so serious? Though considering it involved two Limit Douluo. Still, the possible benefits to both sides were considerable.
His Father and Tang Chen would both be going on the trip. With them both present safety was all but guaranteed. Even when considering their destination being the Boundless Ocean.
Qian Xunji exited through the archway into the garden. Only to pause at the sight of who else was present. Chrysanthemum Douluo was expected at this time. Both Tang Hao and Guan Ling Worshiper's presence though was a surprise. Once more no sign of the two young charges of either.
He approached the small seating area with suspicions already. Of the three Tang Hao seemed slightly off. No doubt from exposure to the other two and their mischief. He was also the first to show acknowledgement of his presence. Even as the other two felt his presence long before no doubt.
As he takes a seat Qian Xunji looks at the two troublemakers. Both of whom don't look him in the eye. "I assume that my disciple escaped her studies again. Then the two of you ran into the others'," he said already heading off any explanation from Chrysantheum.
At that Chrysantheum looks at the Pope and nods his head. Then he begins clapping a bit like how a child would in amazement. "Exactly right your holiness. Unfortunately, Tang Yuan offended Dongdong in regards to her skills in hiding. Then she drafted him into playing with her."
Qian Xunji couldn't help the wryly smile at his disciple's actions. He could imagine the methods she used. She had used them on him as well. "So how far did he resist?"
"She got to the point of nearly crying." The Fifth Worship chimed in helpfully. Not mentioning that she was only going to act like she was crying. Looking away as a glare was sent his way. He totally ignored the accusation in said look.
Qian Xunji could sympathize with that having fallen victim to it as well. He would need to have another talk with his student. The man could not help rubbing his brow in exasperation. His student just loved getting herself into trouble. Often at the expense of her studies and classes.
Then he heard the patter of feet running on the ground, and he saw his student run out. A large smile on her face as she runs likely to hide. Only to pause as she sees another person sitting down.
"Hello, Teacher." Her voice is slightly strained. Her smile changes from a large grin to an awkward one. It was the look of a child caught doing something naughty. Well aware that she might be in trouble for ditching her studies.
Qian Xunji's face changes at the sight of her rapid shift in expression. "Hello, Dong'er are you and Tang Yuan having fun?" his face was gentle. He could reprimand her another time for ditching her studies. He was well aware she didn't really have other children to play with.
Bibi Dong saw that her teacher wasn't being strict with her. Her smile returns with full force. She puts her hands on her hips puffing herself up slightly. "Of course, I'm a winning teacher. Though that meanie is pretty good he still has much to learn," she says with confidence her face practically beaming with it.
Suddenly a voice sounded out behind Bibi Dong. "Is that so I I'm doing okay." The voice was sudden and practically out of nowhere.
Bibi Dong is shocked, a sound of surprise from her mouth. She brings a hand to her heart as shock runs through her. Her breathing was slightly labored from her yelp. She turns around to look at the person who appeared behind her. A finger touches the middle of her forehead softly.
Tang Yuan stands there with a smile on his face. As the words "I win this round" leave his mouth. His smile was ever so slightly smug at his victory. He had expected it to be almost a chore. Instead, he found playing the game to be an exhilarating activity.
Bibi Dong's expression shifts from shock to indignation. Just after she had told her teacher of her awesomeness too. She glowered at Tang Yuan in annoyance. "You, I'm going to get you darn you," she says as she aims to give him a piece of her mind.
Elsewhere in the large building Tang Chen walks the halls. His steps are measured as he works his way through the building. Using his senses to locate the person he sought. He moved through the halls with some familiarity. Yet with some learning as well as mapping his way to his destination.
He found that the meeting had ended on a high note. Qian Daoliu had agreed to his fishing trip. Having returned to the Worship Hall to give marching orders. They would leave suddenly and take a day perhaps two. Then return just as suddenly as they left.
Tang Chen had some idea of the reasons for that. Yet only the legends of the Angel God, though Qian Daoliu was certainly a cautious man. Given the nature of Spirit Hall, some of it must be true. Though how much is up for debate in the end.
He puts those myths and legends in the back of his mind. As he arrives at the door of his destination. The ancient wooden doors are adorned with ornamentation. Pushing them open the smell of books rushes into his nose. He beholds a massive ancient library one of the crowning jewels.
The place was as large and wide as the throne room. Yet it was much more filled with the shelves lined with books. Going up a total of three levels in a single room. This was Spirit Hall's restricted library that was heavily guarded. Guards were watching those who moved around.
Tang Chen knew it to be one of the five levels of libraries in the city border. This is the third level of the five. Though the first level was multiple libraries, the second was the largest in the city. He had entered this Library a number of times before. Looking around for the target of his search he does not see her.
He walks to the stairs as he begins the climb. The first level of the library was mainly for Spirit Hall personnel. Though Soul Sages also had the ability to request entrance. As Soul Douluos could request the second level, and a Titled Douluo could enter the third. Unless the individual had a bad relationship with Spirit Hall.
Stepping into the third level he walks along the balcony. Looking down to the first floor he watches as people move about. That was the floor with by far the most books. As well as being by far the easiest to access.
Finally, as he moves to one of the separated sections. Multiple seating areas and desks in the center with bookshelves around them. His eyes however are drawn to the one sitting at a desk. She was focused on the book before her as he drew closer, not a single clue that she noticed him.
He gently places his hands on her shoulders and she jumps slightly at the contact. "Did I scare you, my love?" he could feel her calm down at his voice. She turns her head to look at him with a surprised look.
Tang Nuan was very surprised at the sudden touch. "You did that on purpose didn't you. That was mean of you my love," she said as she looked up at him.
Tang Chen smiles as he leans down pressing his lips to hers. She unconsciously leans into the innocent kiss. As their lips kept in contact the kiss became less innocent. She pulled away from the kiss as a slight blush grew on her face. She realized that they spent nearly half a minute in a kiss.
Tang Chen smiled as he watched his wife blush slightly. He always enjoyed seeing her like this a rare side of his strong wife. She was always embarrassed by public affection. "It has been a bit since I saw you, my love. So I wanted to give you a proper greeting."
"A proper greeting is that what you call that. Perhaps you should greet me like that more often." Tang Nuan spoke as her slight blush remained. Yet a gentle smile was also present on her face. Then she realized her words were just asking for him to do this in public. She bit her lip in thought.
Tang Chen smiles at her response yet does not call her out on it. He was well aware of the limits of her comfort zone. Instead, he returned to the topic of her research. "I assume you are continuing your research into martial souls. Hoping to better understand twin martial souls."
Tang Nuan sighs at that her expression quickly becoming serious at the thought. "Yes, I am there is a lot of information about martial souls. Spirit Hall has the oldest and most far-reaching knowledge of them. Yet even still new martial souls are discovered every century almost every decade."
"With twin martial souls being practically like a Phoenix feather in a pile of feathers." Tang Chen says knowingly. Ever since the awakening of their sons' twin martial Souls she had been increasing her reading. Now his wife could portray herself as a scholar on the matter.
Tang Nuan quircked her lips at the accurate expression. Twin martial souls were just so rare and unknown. Along with the fact that no one had managed to reach a high level with them. Anyone who has them usually met a horrible end. Often fates are worse than death if not immediate death.
She was well aware of her husband's ability. Yet even in a past case the intervention of a former Grand Worship only spared death. They had no choice but to cripple one of the martial souls. Even than the result led to hidden damage and constant pain. The individual was also never able to advance to Soul Douluo.
Tang Chen squeezed her shoulders slightly in comfort. Well aware that she is thinking of possibilities their son might face. Though he himself felt that his son might have some thoughts. "Have you asked Tang Yuan if that legacy he discovered held anything?"
Tang Nuan tilts her head at the thought. She had never actually thought about doing so. She wasn't quite sure how much he learned from that legacy. Her son had allowed slips of information to slip from said legacy. While she was very curious about more of the contents. She had no real intention of badgering him for it, plus he would likely drag it out a bit.
Besides, by her sons a count it was a single tome of knowledge. So how much it had was in question. More to the point those legacies usually focused on a topic. The major study of the legacy creator or the legacy they found. Still, perhaps she should ask him to see if it has anything.
Tang Nuan sighs "I'll ask him tomorrow if he has any knowledge." she says her lips twitching at asking her son. The one she had been hoping to help in the first place. "Otherwise I'll need to ask to enter the Pope's library. They should have something on this matter."
"I'm sure you would easily be able to enter said library. At most, the only thing you might be asked is data on cultivation twin martial souls." Tang Chen said knowingly on the matter. Likely to ensure future exploits in the future. His hands had remained on her shoulders to comfort her.