Qianjun Douluo and Xiangmo Douluo walked through the long corridor of the Elder Hall, the walls on both sides carved with reliefs of past powerhouses, each telling the glorious history of the Spirit Hall. Their steps were steady, their expressions reverent as they arrived before the deepest meditation chamber. The atmosphere here was exceptionally solemn and dignified, as if even the air had solidified.
"Great Elder," Qianjun Douluo gently knocked on the door, his voice filled with awe.
"Enter," a calm yet authoritative voice came from within, seeming to reach directly into the depths of one's soul.
Pushing the door open, they saw Qiandao Liu standing with his back to them before a massive statue of a six-winged angel. The statue, carved entirely from white jade, emitted a soft and holy golden light, illuminating the entire chamber like a celestial realm. Wispy blue smoke rose from the incense burner, filling the air with a faint scent of sandalwood.
"What matter requires both of you to come together?" Qiandao Liu slowly turned around, his gaze calm as water yet seemingly capable of piercing through one's heart.
Qianjun Douluo stepped forward and respectfully presented a sealed letter: "Great Elder, Marco, son of Li Zhaoyan, has come to visit bearing the Qianjun Token. This child is only twelve years old, yet his Soul Power has already reached level 47. What's even more astonishing is that his Fourth Soul Ring is of ten-thousand-year quality, and he possesses an External Spirit Bone."
Qiandao Liu took the letter, his eyebrows slightly raising as his eyes scanned the contents. When he saw the words "twelve years old, level 47, ten-thousand-year fourth ring," a strange light flashed in his eyes. He carefully read every detail in the letter, particularly about the various abilities Marco displayed during the test.
Xiangmo Douluo added: "We personally conducted the test. Not only is this child's foundation solid and his Soul Power condensed, but more importantly, his combat awareness is outstanding. His self-created Spirit Ability 'Azure Meteor' has astonishing power, and his External Spirit Bone has fused with his eyes, giving him spiritual strength far beyond his level."
Qiandao Liu listened quietly. When he heard "External Spirit Bone," his gaze deepened. He walked to the window, looking out at the distant sea of clouds as if recalling something.
"Marco... this name, I seem to have heard it somewhere," Qiandao Liu murmured thoughtfully.
Qianjun Douluo reminded him: "Great Elder, do you remember the letter the young mistress sent from Heaven Dou City some days ago? She mentioned a youth named Marco at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, exceptionally talented, with whom she had once crossed paths."
A flash of realization appeared in Qiandao Liu's eyes: "Indeed, Xiaoxue wrote in her letter that although this Marco is young, he carries himself with extraordinary grace and possesses outstanding strength. I didn't expect him to be even more remarkable than Xiaoxue described."
He paced slowly in the meditation chamber, his tall figure reflected on the white jade floor. After a moment, he stopped, his gaze firm: "Qianjun, personally take some people to the sea area, hunt several Deep Sea Demon Whales over fifty thousand years old, and bring back the finest Whale Blubber for Xiaoxue."
"Yes, I will carry out your order immediately," Qianjun Douluo acknowledged the command.
Qiandao Liu then said to Xiangmo Douluo: "Go and summon that child, I wish to meet him personally. Remember, treat him with courtesy."
Not long after, Marco was once again led by Xiangmo Douluo to the meditation chamber. As soon as he entered, he was awestruck by the scene before him. The spacious and bright chamber was dominated by a towering statue of the Six-Winged Angel, emanating an awe-inspiring sacred aura that seemed almost alive. Qiandao Liu stood with his back to Marco before the statue, his posture as straight as a pine tree, creating a peculiar harmony with the divine effigy.
"Junior Marco pays his respects to the Great Elder." Marco bowed respectfully, his heart filled with both nervousness and anticipation.
Qiandao Liu slowly turned around, his gaze gentle yet profound, as if capable of seeing through one's very soul. Marco felt an intangible pressure, but more than that, a warmth like the caress of a spring breeze. Was this the bearing of a ninety-ninth rank Peerless Douluo?
"Come closer, child." Qiandao Liu's voice was calm yet carried undeniable authority.
Marco stepped forward, inwardly marveling at the presence of the Sky Douluo. He worried that Qiandao Liu might extend an invitation to join the Spirit Hall - a difficult decision under current circumstances.
To his surprise, however, Qiandao Liu merely examined him carefully, paying particular attention to his Double Pupils before nodding in satisfaction: "Truly, heroes emerge from among the youth. Your talent is exceptional, your foundation solid, your Soul Power refined, and most commendably, your temperament remains steady. Cultivate diligently and do not waste this innate gift."
Marco secretly breathed a sigh of relief and responded respectfully: "This junior will remember the Great Elder's teachings."
Qiandao Liu then inquired in detail about his cultivation progress, from the application of Spirit Abilities to the accumulation of foundational strength, but never mentioned joining the Spirit Hall. Finally, he said gently: "Qianjun and Xiangmo will guide your cultivation. Learn from them with an open mind. You may go."
After leaving the meditation chamber, Marco was settled in an exquisite courtyard near the Elder Hall. The tranquil environment, rich with Soul Power, proved ideal for cultivation.
Starting the next day, he began formal training under the two elders' guidance. Qianjun Douluo emphasized foundational cultivation, requiring Marco to repeatedly hone his Soul Power control until every bit of energy was utilized perfectly. He personally demonstrated how to compress and refine Soul Power, and how to maximize the effectiveness of Spirit Abilities.
Xiangmo Douluo focused on practical combat, frequently sparring with Marco himself. Not only did he guide Marco in perfecting his Self-Created Spirit Ability "Azure Meteor," but he also imparted numerous combat techniques and experiences. Under the careful guidance of both Titled Douluos, Marco's progress advanced by leaps and bounds.
While Marco devoted himself to cultivation, detailed intelligence reached the Papal Hall.
As Bibi Dong listened to her subordinate's report about Marco, a flicker of interest appeared in her eyes when she heard about Hu Liena's defeat at his hands. "Ten-thousand-year fourth spirit ring... External Spirit Bone... Whale Blubber..." she murmured these key terms softly. "Interesting. Dispatch an elite team to hunt Deep Sea Demon Whales over ten-thousand years in the sea regions. Ensure they retrieve the highest quality Whale Blubber for Nana and the Golden Generation."
She glanced toward the Elder Hall, a meaningful smile curling her lips: "It seems the Elder Hall has found a promising seedling. However... such talent doesn't necessarily have to remain with the Elder Hall."
Several days later, while Marco was practicing Soul Power control in the training ground, a familiar figure appeared.
"Hey! So you're hiding here!" Hu Liena stomped over angrily, followed closely by Xie Yue and Yan. "Last time at the Soul Arena I was careless. Dare to have a rematch?"
Marco looked helplessly at this persistent young lady. "Miss Hu, I'm currently cultivating..."
"Enough nonsense!" Hu Liena directly summoned her Martial Soul. "Take this!"
And so, Marco's training life at Spirit Hall continued under the strict guidance of two elders and the frequent "harassment" from Hu Liena.