Spirit City, the holy land of spirit masters across the continent, was divided into various structural levels, each with different purposes.
The Pope's Palace was the exclusive residence of Spirit Hall's Pope.
The Elders' Hall was the center of power in Spirit Hall and could even decide the Pope's deposition.
The Douluo Hall held a higher status than both the Pope's Palace and the Elders' Hall within Spirit Hall. It was the resting place of Titled Douluo, and even the Pope had no right to enter.
The Worship Hall looked quite ordinary, but that was only in comparison. Only spirit masters who had reached level 90 could enter the hall and qualify to receive a title.
Titles were no longer granted as easily as in later generations.
Instead, one first had to be formally recognized by Spirit Hall, then announced to the world through the Spirit Sage Hall, the main hall, and branch halls.
Only then could one be bestowed the title "Douluo" and be respectfully addressed as "Your Majesty" by the world.
Alternatively, they might inherit titles passed down through generations and become widely known by names such as Clear Sky, Thunder, or Angel.
Some might wonder why such a simple matter as granting a title caused such a huge fuss.
This was because the appearance of a title could, to a certain extent, unite the faith of the masses.
With faith, one could even become a god.
However, the legend of becoming a god at level 100 had long since disappeared.
Today, titles had gradually become a symbol of honor.
Spirit City, Worship Hall.
The main hall was filled with a solemn and majestic atmosphere.
The towering dome was inlaid with countless magnificent gemstones, and reliefs and murals bordered by various precious metals harmonized with one another.
Golden sunlight streamed in through the massive stained-glass windows, falling onto the smooth white jade floor and filling the air with a faint sacredness.
Qian Daoliu stood atop the main hall in magnificent robes, his expression calm and solemn.
At that moment, a red formal robe lay on the tray in his hands.
This was the formal attire that only those with the title of Douluo were permitted to wear.
Before him stood Ye Xuanyin in a black robe embroidered with golden patterns. Behind him, the phantom of his Overlord Crimson Flame Lotus martial soul slowly appeared.
An overwhelming heat wave radiated from the deep crimson lotus petals, as if scorching and distorting the surrounding air.
Qian Daoliu looked at Ye Xuanyin and slowly nodded. A faint angel-like phantom appeared behind him.
His voice, etched with the marks of many years, echoed throughout the hall.
"Ye Xuanyin, whose martial soul is the Overlord Crimson Flame Lotus, has today broken through level 90 and is hereby granted the title 'Crimson Flame'!"
He spoke in a serious yet gentle tone as he handed the vivid red robe to Ye Xuanyin.
"The glory of a Titled Douluo lies not in power, but in protection. May your Crimson Flame Lotus burn eternally with the flames of justice and illuminate every corner of the Douluo Continent."
"Thank you, great teacher!"
Ye Xuanyin received the robe with both hands, his expression solemn.
In an instant, majestic ceremonial music played, and the deep tolling of jade bells resounded throughout Spirit City.
Everyone instinctively looked toward the Pope's Palace and silently counted the bell tolls in their hearts.
One, two… eight, nine!
Nine tolls — nine rings!
A commotion began to spread among the crowd.
The bells of Spirit City had rung nine times, symbolizing that a Douluo-level powerhouse was receiving a title at the Worship Hall.
Today, they had witnessed the birth of a newly promoted "Douluo."
Who was it?
Who could it be?
The identity of this "Douluo" instantly became the center of everyone's discussion.
Frankly speaking, the appearance of any title would inevitably bring about changes in the power structure.
Just as Ye Xuanyin emerged from the Worship Hall, Dugu Bo suddenly appeared with a smile on his face.
"Old Ye, how are you feeling?"
Ye Xuanyin stroked his beard, looked down at his magnificent red robe, and couldn't help but laugh. His voice was filled with irrepressible joy.
"Excellent!"
Of course it was excellent!
Before meeting Lin Yang, he had thought he would remain a Soul Douluo until death.
Yet in just a few years, he had not only broken through level 90 but had also condensed a soul core, reaching level 93.
All of this was thanks to that grandson-in-law.
This grandson-in-law was outstanding in every way… except for being a bit of a womanizer.
Just as the two were about to leave the Worship Hall, a figure enveloped in black mist suddenly appeared before them.
Its ghostly gaze first landed on Dugu Bo, then shifted to Ye Xuanyin. Its voice was dry and hoarse.
"Crimson Flame Your Majesty, old poison master… the Pope requests your presence!"
Dugu Bo sneered.
"Old ghost, where's your old lover? Have you been reduced to running errands now?"
The black mist swirling around the ghostly figure clearly indicated that the person was in a bad mood.
"Old poison master, the debt for injuring Yue Guan will be settled later."
"Please come in, gentlemen!"
Ye Xuanyin and Dugu Bo exchanged glances and chuckled.
"Very well. It's about time this old man paid a visit to the Pope."
Let's go together.
Inside the Pope's Palace, Bibi Dong maintained her usual elegant and unapproachable aura.
She first offered standard congratulations to Ye Xuanyin on receiving his title. Ye Xuanyin, of course, gave the customary response.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Bibi Dong began to reveal her true purpose — to win them over.
She targeted not only Ye Xuanyin but also Dugu Bo.
In the battle between Dugu Bo and Yue Guan, Yue Guan had suffered a crushing defeat and was seriously injured. He was currently in seclusion recovering.
Having lost Chrysanthemum Douluo, Bibi Dong was left with only Ghost Douluo as a reliable subordinate.
Although Spirit Hall had many Titled Douluo, few were loyal to the title.
Dugu Bo, who had defeated Yue Guan, was clearly an ideal target for recruitment.
On one hand, Dugu Bo had close ties with the Heaven Dou royal family. Winning him over would greatly damage the royal family's morale.
On the other hand, it was naturally because of Dugu Bo's strength.
Although Yue Guan's power wasn't the strongest, his level-95 soul power could not be underestimated.
Yet he had been utterly defeated by Dugu Bo.
This alone was sufficient proof that Dugu Bo's poison could threaten most Douluo-level powerhouses.
That was what made him so terrifying.
Defeating even one Dugu Bo was equivalent to defeating multiple Douluo-level experts.
This deal was a bargain no matter how one looked at it.
Therefore, even though she knew Dugu Bo harbored resentment toward Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong still decided to try.
She desperately needed someone as powerful as Dugu Bo.
There was also Ye Xuanyin. Although he was only the acting head of the Ye family, that didn't prevent her from bringing them under her protection.
Bibi Dong promised to support the Ye family in rising to become one of the "Upper Three Sects."
She was more shrewd than anyone.
Unfortunately, neither Dugu Bo nor Ye Xuanyin showed much interest in the generous conditions she offered.
Status, wealth, cultivation resources — which of these did they lack?
If they wished, it wouldn't be difficult for them to directly join the Heaven Dou royal family and become honorary emperors.
In that case, why would they voluntarily put a noose around their own necks?
While Bibi Dong was trying to win over Dugu Bo and Ye Xuanyin, a chill ran down the spine of the ghostly figure standing in the corner…
...