Divine Radiance Subdued, All Artificiality Washed AwayPapal Palace.
Beneath the Pope's throne, Ghost Douluo and Spirit Kite Douluo stood quietly, while Azure Phoenix Douluo, somewhat impatient, crossed his arms and said:
"Bibi Dong, what brings you here today?"
As the third-ranking elder, Qingluan Douluo possesses immense strength, which gives him the confidence not to show too much respect to Bibi Dong.
Bibi Dong frowned slightly, but she suppressed her anger, glanced at Ghost Douluo and Spirit Kite Douluo, and said calmly:
"I have summoned you here today because of your disciples."
"Our disciples?"
The previously composed Title Douluos immediately changed their expressions, with Spirit Kite Douluo anxiously saying:
"Your Holiness, please tell me quickly, what's wrong with Wutong?"
Bibi Dong shook her head and said:
"It's nothing. Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong have both reached the Soul King realm, but a long period of comfort cannot cultivate true powerhouses."
"Therefore, I plan to send them to Death Valley for a year of training."
Upon hearing this, the three breathed a sigh of relief and began to consider the feasibility of Bibi Dong's suggestion. Indeed, as Bibi Dong said, the two women's strength had greatly improved, and they needed a trial to test their training over the past few years.
Ghost Douluo stroked his chin and said in a deep voice:
"I agree with His Holiness the Pope's proposal."
I agree.
Lingyuan Douluo echoed.
Therefore, everyone's attention turned to Qingluan Douluo. Qingluan Douluo pondered for a moment, gazing at the aloof Bibi Dong, wondering what mischief she was plotting.
But he clearly couldn't find any disadvantages, which was also good for Feng Wutong. His eyes flickered, and he finally made up his mind:
"Since that's the case, then I agree."
"However, let me make this clear beforehand: if anything goes wrong with Feng Wutong, don't blame me for turning the Papal Palace upside down."
"It's Qingluan Douluo," he said calmly.
But everyone could hear the determination in his tone. If something really happened to Feng Wutong, even if he was wary of Bibi Dong, the Papal Palace would not be able to have any peace.
Bibi Dong's expression immediately darkened.
Noticing this, Lingyuan Douluo's gaze darted back and forth between Bibi Dong and Qingluan Douluo, and he quickly smoothed things over, saying:
"Qingluan Douluo and Feng Wutong are from our Spirit Hall, so they will definitely be safe. Moreover, although it is a training exercise, they will surely have a Title Douluo watching over them and protecting their safety."
"That would be best. If there's nothing else, then please excuse me for taking my leave."
"Iron Phoenix Douluo said without any politeness. This action shows that the struggle between the Papal Palace and the Hall of Offerings has become increasingly fierce."
Bibi Dong gently shook her head, indicating that there was nothing else. Qingluan Douluo activated her soul power, leaping out of the Papal Palace and flying towards the Hall of Offerings.
Gazing in the direction where Azure Phoenix Douluo had departed, Ghost Douluo spoke in a hoarse voice:
"The Azure Phoenix Douluo is too arrogant! How dare he be so domineering in front of His Holiness the Pope!"
Before anyone could interrupt, an aura suddenly emanated from Bibi Dong. Sensing the majesty within this aura, both Lingyuan Douluo and Gui Douluo's pupils shrank, and they hurriedly knelt on one knee, no longer daring to look directly at Bibi Dong.
This aura was in no way weaker than that of the Azure Phoenix Douluo, and even seemed to have a slight edge over him.
Just now, Bibi Dong wasn't afraid of Qingluan Douluo, but rather she was showing weakness.
"I have my own plans regarding Qingluan, so you don't need to say anything more. As for Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong, you two should make proper arrangements."
Bibi Dong said calmly.
"yes."
Ghost Douluo and Spirit Kite Douluo clasped their hands and slowly retreated.
Feeling herself return to the silent Papal Palace, Bibi Dong sighed softly. A month had passed, and she still hadn't recovered from her experience in the zombie world.
For His Holiness the Pope, who is high above and whom no one dares to look directly in the eye, it is a novel experience to have someone treat her as an ordinary person and not care about her identity.
Especially after emerging from her past hell and being unable to trust anyone again, the six months of mutual trust she shared with Dai Yao made it all the more unforgettable for her.
"Dai Yao, you've been having a good time with Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong lately, haven't you? In that case, I'll make them leave you, and let's see what you do then!"
Thinking of this, Bibi Dong couldn't help but smile slightly.
It turned out that when she learned that Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong had been spending time with Dai Yao day and night, especially after she returned from the zombie world, their relationship had become even closer, she couldn't help but feel a sense of irritation.
Even though Dai Yao had nothing to do with her—she was the Pope, and Dai Yao was just a genius whose talents had not yet been realized—she just didn't want to see Dai Yao, Zhu Zhuqing, and Feng Wutong being so sweet together.
So, he found an excuse to deliberately get Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong away from Dai Yao.
Dai Yao never dreamed that Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong would leave him in this way for a period of time. He had spent every night taking turns sleeping with the two women, and now he had to return to a life of solitude. What was he supposed to think?
······
The next morning, filled with resentment, Dai Yao bid farewell to Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong.
Seeing Dai Yao's expression, Zhu Zhuqing chuckled and gently kissed him, saying:
"Alright, it's not like you're not coming back, why are you making that face?"
Dai Yao sighed and said, "Zhu Qing, Wu Tong, may you have a safe journey."
"Um."
The two women nodded and then headed to the residences of Ghost Douluo and Spirit Kite Douluo.
After the two women left, Dai Yao's life became incredibly dull, and he spent all his time immersed in books.
When encountering something he didn't understand, he would ask the scholars around him for advice.
At first, many scholars were dismissive of Dai Yao's challenge because his questions were too basic.
However, their experience of scaring away Young Master Li without incurring retaliation made them look at Dai Yao in a different light. No matter how simple the question was, they would answer it without reservation.
As knowledge accumulates in the mind, various knowledge points are connected and linked together, gradually forming a systematic theory.
His daily life was managed by four maids.
One year later.
Dai Yao closed the three-hundred-page book, rubbed his dry eyes, and sighed:
"As expected of the leading figure who proposed the theory of adaptability between various martial souls and soul beasts, through tracking and observing the lives of tens of thousands of soul masters, recording the type of each soul ring, and obtaining various data such as the age of the soul rings."
"After further calculations of the power of the soul skills, this monumental work was finally completed. After reading it, I have truly benefited greatly."
In a year, the murderous aura within him was completely concealed, and from his appearance, one could not tell that he was once the ruthless Asura Emperor. He exuded a scholarly air, and anyone who met him would think he was a scholar diligently studying knowledge, rather than a powerful Soul Master.
Outwardly, he was no different from the scholars who did their research in the library; the only difference was that he was too handsome.
His killing intent was completely concealed; today was the day he would leave the library.
After putting the large book back in its place, Dai Yao looked around at the magnificent building filled with books, a hint of nostalgia flashing in his eyes.
Just as he was about to leave, several sharp-eyed scholars who were resting noticed Dai Yao leaving and said in surprise:
"Mr. Jin, are you leaving?"
Dai Yao never revealed his name, and some people called him Mr. Jin because of his full head of blond hair.
They were so surprised because, throughout the year, Dai Yao had consistently been the most hardworking guy.
As dawn broke, Dai Yao was already in the library when they arrived; but when they prepared to leave that night, Dai Yao was always the last one there.
Like a sculpture, he spends all day at the table by the window.
Aside from eating and accessing books, there was nothing else he did.
That's why they were so surprised by Dai Yao's sudden departure.
"Yes, it's time to leave."
Dai Yao replied with a hint of reluctance.
Wishing you a bright future!
The congratulations from several scholars immediately attracted the attention of others, who also offered their congratulations after learning that Dai Yao was about to leave.
At first, they simply respected Dai Yao's diligent attitude, but as time went by, the questions Dai Yao asked became more and more tricky and complicated.
At first, they could answer Dai Yao's questions without hesitation, but gradually they began to need a little time to think, until finally, they could no longer answer them.
It was only then that they realized that Dai Yao's mastery of Soul Master theory had surpassed that of the guys who had studied it for decades.
If they hadn't witnessed Dai Yao's growth, they wouldn't have believed that someone could catch up with their pace in such a short time.
Clearly, Dai Yao is no ordinary person with such abilities. Considering his experience of shooing away Young Master Li, Mr. Jin must be a genius who has honed his skills in the library.
"I also wish you all success in coming up with theories that will shock the mainland! May we meet again someday!"
Dai Yao cupped his hands in greeting to each of them.
He had consulted these people throughout the year, so he had to thank them.
After bidding farewell to the scholars, Dai Yao found the librarian who was dusting the books and bowed to him, saying:
"I've troubled the curator this year."
The curator laughed and said, "You didn't bother this old man at all. I should thank you for adding some liveliness to my boring life."
As he spoke, he took out a black storage ring and, under Dai Yao's questioning gaze, placed it in Dai Yao's hand as if handing over a child.
"My child, I have seen your growth this year, but if you want to find the truth, you must not work behind closed doors."
"The author of the book you just finished reading recorded the growth process of tens of thousands of Soul Masters, which led to the discovery of a theory that shocked the world."
"Now that you have a solid foundation, it's time to go out and see the world."
"Although you have read many books in the past year, it is still just a drop in the ocean compared to this library. This storage ring contains the works of the most outstanding scholars of all dynasties, which will surely be of great benefit to you."
"Thanks."
Dai Yao gripped the ring tightly and said solemnly.
The contents of the ring were very helpful to him, so he accepted it without hesitation. He then took out a purple fungus from the Ruyi Baibao pouch at his waist.
"This is?"
The old curator stared at the purple fungus, wondering what it was, and asked in confusion.
Dai Yao handed the purple mushroom to the old curator and introduced it:
"Director, this is called Grade Nine Purple Ganoderma. It has the effects of strengthening the body's foundation, nourishing vital energy, and enhancing skills. It can improve your health and prolong your life. This can be considered as a reward for your care over the past year."
"This is too precious, I cannot accept it, but I appreciate your kind gesture."
Looking at the purple fungus in his hand, the old curator exclaimed in shock.
"Although this item is precious, it is of no use to me. It is nothing but an inanimate object to me. Please accept it."
Dai Yao offered some words of advice.
Left with no other choice, the old curator could only agree: "Then thank you very much, child."
"Okay, I'll be going now."
Dai Yao waved his hand and walked out of the library.
Watching Dai Yao's departing figure, the old curator seemed to see one groundbreaking theory after another being proposed and then continuously proven. Because of this person's influence, the entire Soul Master world developed rapidly and reached its peak.
"Maybe this little guy can really figure out the secrets of martial souls!"
The old man turned around, tidying the bookshelf, and suddenly pondered.
·······
Back in the cabin, Dai Yao reflected on the year's achievements.
First of all, not long ago, his soul power reached level 60. He only needs to absorb one more soul ring to become the youngest Soul Emperor in history.
Even the golden generation is only around level 59 now.
However, Dai Yao did not rush to absorb the spirit beast spirit rings that the Spirit Hall offered him to choose from. On the one hand, he was still dissipating the killing intent in his body at that time, so it was better not to absorb spirit rings to avoid being distracted.
On the other hand, he had a deeper scheme for his sixth spirit ring, which was Xiao Wu's 100,000-year spirit ring.
Currently, with Dai Yao's physique, he can absorb spirit rings of 50,000 to 60,000 years at most, which is worlds apart from Xiao Wu's 100,000-year spirit ring.
Even if Xiao Wu's spirit ring wasn't entirely suitable for him, the boost from a 100,000-year spirit ring far exceeded that of a 10,000-year spirit beast. Moreover, Xiao Wu was the key to unlocking the spirit rings of the Titan Giant Ape and the Azure Bull Python, two spirit beasts that were extremely suitable for Dai Yao, and he couldn't possibly give them up.
"In that case, I'll hold off on absorbing the sixth spirit ring for now. I'll wait until Chrysanthemum Ghost Douluo goes to the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt spirit beasts before I go in with him."
"Whether I absorb a spirit ring or not, it won't affect my cultivation. Once I absorb the sixth spirit ring, all my current accumulation will become apparent."
Dai Yao looked at the waterfall outside the window and pondered.
"The foreshadowing we laid back then is finally ready to be culminated in the moment of reckoning."
Secondly, there's the effect of the God of Slaughter Domain. A year of reading has made him refined and introspective, stripping away all pretense, so that from his appearance, one would never guess he's a genius who dominates the world.
However, Bibi Dong strictly forbade the use of the Killing God Domain to avoid being discovered by Hu Liena. It could only be used as a last resort.
Finally, and this was his biggest achievement of the year.
Through continuous study of the theory, he came up with a bold idea: to combine his fourth soul skill, White Tiger Thunder God Strike, with Eight Extremes Collapse to create a brand new move.
Firstly, both the fourth soul skill and the Eight Extremes Collapse require constant charging to unleash the strongest attack.
Secondly, when White Tiger Thunder God Strike is charging up, it is powerless to fight back and must withstand the opponent's damage. If it is combined with Eight Extremes Collapse, it can not only avoid this drawback, but also deliver an unimaginable blow.
When the White Tiger Thunder God once struck, under favorable conditions, it could unleash power comparable to a Soul Douluo's attack. If the Eight Extremes Collapse were added, it would be enough to touch the bottleneck of a Title Douluo.
Thinking of this, Dai Yao couldn't help but feel excited and wanted to go out immediately to start studying this new move.
However, the door to the wooden house was suddenly opened, and Du Juan looked at Dai Yao, hesitatingly saying:
"Master, His Holiness the Pope requests your presence." (End of Chapter)