Chapter 21: Bibi Dong's Schemes and Guang Ling's Precision in Striking a Nerve
In no time, they arrived at Guang Ling's seclusion site, where an immense soul power surged through the area, carrying a slight chill. Both Han Li and Xiu'er felt an overwhelming pressure, instinctively opening their mouths wide to gasp for more air.
Qing Luan noticed their struggle and immediately formed a protective soul power barrier around them, allowing them to breathe normally again.
Suppressing the shock in his heart, Han Li despite officially becoming a soul master couldn't help but reevaluate his perception of Titled Douluo. In his past understanding, they were often mocked as being overhyped, but experiencing their power firsthand made him abandon any trace of underestimation.
"Master Uncle, does Teacher always make this much of a commotion when breaking through?"
Looking at the dissipating clouds above, the objects nearby gradually crumbling under the pressure of the soul power, and recalling that suffocating sensation moments ago, Han Li licked his dry lips and asked.
"Not always. Strictly speaking, only after reaching Rank 95 does each breakthrough create such a phenomenon. When your Second Master Uncle broke through, the disturbance wasn't as large. It's likely that your teacher's comprehension of elements has played a role. As for your Grand Master Uncle… I'm not sure."
Qing Luan gazed at the swirling ice and light elements in the air, responding thoughtfully.
"I see…"
Han Li memorized his words and remained silent, patiently waiting.
The three of them were the first to arrive. Fortunately, Guang Ling had already ordered the estate to be evacuated before entering seclusion, and now, with the sheer intensity of his soul power, no one dared to approach.
As the energy waves intensified, more figures began appearing several of the other Worship Elders had arrived, though Qian Daoliu was absent.
"Why are they here?"
Lion Douluo tilted his head toward three new arrivals who had just reached the mountaintop, his tone laced with confusion.
The other Worship Elders exchanged glances but refrained from answering. None of them showed any intention of greeting the newcomers.
Following their gazes, Han Li's pupils contracted slightly. Even without an introduction, he immediately recognized the arrivals.
The woman in the lead was breathtakingly beautiful, draped in a golden ceremonial gown that shimmered with divine radiance. Adorned with over a hundred gemstones in red, blue, and gold, her regal attire complemented the dazzling glow of the countless jewels encrusted in her two meter long scepter.
With her snow white skin seeming to exude a faint luminescence, she carried an air of divinity that rivaled even the Holy Angel Statue itself. Her presence naturally inspired reverence.
If this wasn't the current Pope, Bibi Dong, then who else could it be?
However, Han Li wasn't swayed by such superficial appearances. Instead, his wariness skyrocketed, and he consciously avoided looking at her for too long, shifting his gaze to the two figures behind her.
The first was Yue Guan Chrysanthemum Douluo his flamboyant red robe embroidered with gold and silver threads, a massive gemstone hanging from his chest. His androgynous appearance, paired with his peculiar fashion sense, made him particularly striking. Noticing Han Li's gaze, he even winked playfully.
Damn… Han Li's mind recoiled, and he hastily redirected his focus to the last individual.
Yet, no matter how hard he tried, all he could perceive was a vague, blurry shadow draped in darkness, completely concealing any discernible details.
Ghost Douluo…? Han Li mused, intrigued yet unsettled, before decisively withdrawing his gaze to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
However, as soon as he looked away, the trio across from him began scrutinizing him and Xiu'er.
This was their first time seeing the rumored "lucky boy" who had miraculously climbed to the top with a single step, becoming Guang Ling's disciple. Moreover, they were well aware of Guang Ling's recent mobilization of his followers, a clear sign of how much he valued this student.
Bibi Dong's sharp eyes briefly swept over Han Li's figure. Just recently broke through… Is he Rank 13 or 14?
For a moment, she pondered, but quickly lost interest. A newly awakened soul master wasn't worth her attention.
Just then, a surge of energy erupted from Guang Ling's seclusion chamber, causing the entire estate to tremble. The structure collapsed outright as an ethereal, crystalline bow slowly rose into the sky, radiating intense ice and light elements that illuminated the entire Spirit City.
"Hahahaha! I've finally broken through to Rank 97!"
In an instant, the radiant bow vanished, transforming into a streak of blue white light before descending back to the ground. Guang Ling's figure emerged, his face plastered with an exuberant grin.
"Congratulations, Fifth Brother!"
"Alright, enough showing off retract your aura already."
"You lucky bastard, I wonder when it'll be my turn to break through."
The other Worship Elders showered him with congratulatory remarks, completely unfazed by his smug expression they were long accustomed to his antics.
Meanwhile, the three figures in the distance slowly approached, seemingly here to offer their own congratulations.
"It seems the strength of Fifth Worship has grown considerably. Congratulations."
Bibi Dong's voice rang out, yet it carried no genuine warmth.
The Worship Elders exchanged looks before collectively clasping their hands in greeting. "Greetings, Your Holiness."
Han Li frowned slightly and subtly pulled Xiu'er behind him, taking a step back to blend into the Worship Elders' ranks before bowing as well.
Bibi Dong paid no heed to their formalities, her gaze locked onto Guang Ling.
"Fifth Worship, as a fellow member of the Spirit Hall, would you be willing to share your insights on breaking through? Elder Chrysanthemum and Elder Ghost have been stuck at Rank 95 for quite some time. If you could offer them some guidance, it would strengthen the Spirit Hall as a whole."
That was Bibi Dong's true purpose in coming here. She knew her chances were slim, but she wasn't the type to let opportunities slip away. That was why she phrased it as a request for the benefit of the Spirit Hall rather than issuing a direct order as Pope after all, Guang Ling cared little for her authority.
Hearing this, Guang Ling's expression darkened. Why the hell should I help them? He had no obligation to guide them, and using the Spirit Hall's interests as leverage? Tsk, how shameless.
However, recalling his past confrontations with Bibi Dong, where he had been forced to retreat each time, he resisted the urge to curse outright. Instead, he sneered coldly and retorted:
"Your Holiness, didn't you yourself surpass Rank 95? Why not personally guide the two Elders? Or… is it that you're unwilling to share? Or perhaps, you fear that once they break through, they'll defect to the Worship Hall?"
Bibi Dong's expression remained composed, but her grip on her scepter tightened slightly.
She wasn't worried about the two Elders joining the Worship Hall. However, Guang Ling had struck a nerve she couldn't guide them even if she wanted to.
Her path to becoming a Peerless Douluo had been entirely unique. Unlike others who broke through via deep comprehension, she had forcefully ascended by absorbing spirit rings for her second martial soul. Furthermore, the Rakshasa God's trial had granted her leniency in this regard, allowing her to advance without fully understanding the process.
In truth, her second martial soul Soul Devouring Spider Emperor had unknowingly met all the necessary conditions after she absorbed Qian Xunji's essence. Yet, she had been too preoccupied with eradicating the Qian lineage and navigating the divine trials to reflect on the details.
Guang Ling's casual remark had unexpectedly exposed her Achilles' heel, rendering her speechless.
For a moment, the atmosphere turned eerily tense.
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