In Wuhun City, two urgent intelligence reports were simultaneously sent to the Pope's Hall and the Worship Hall.
Five minutes later, receiving the message, Pope Bibi Dong, accompanied by Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo reluctantly stepped into the Worship Hall she despised.
She wasn't there for the so-called innate full soul power or the peculiar Martial Soul. After all, no one had better talent than her except for that "daughter." Moreover, that genius was a boy, whom she didn't like. Even if he grew up, he would be just a stronger Xie Yue.
She came to seek accountability. For her, this was a rare opportunity to further weaken the Qian family's influence in the Martial Soul Hall.
...
Inside the Worship Hall of Wuhun City
The Worship Hall, which seldom received outside news, was unusually lively.
"Hey, Fifth Brother, did you see the last note? It says that you held this child and claimed he was destined for you," the Third Worship, Azure Luan Douluo, teased Guang Ling.
"Hahaha, Fifth Brother holding a child might not even be able to tell which face is his own," Jiang Jun added from the side. They had been in seclusion for a long time and hadn't heard anything interesting for ages. They hadn't expected to receive such news today.
"Jiang Jun, are you itching for a fight? I already said I don't remember this at all," Guang Ling gritted his teeth and looked at the laughing Qianjun, clearly ready to start a fight.
"We brothers always fight together. Third Brother, let's team up against Fifth Brother. It's about time the ranking of the Worship changed," Jiang Jun's face was full of provocation as he called his brother to get ready to join the fight.
"Enough, Jiang Jun, settle down. If you want a fight, I'll oblige you. Fifth Brother, you've seen the information. Are you interested in taking him as a disciple? His Martial Soul is very interesting, and you haven't made any progress for a long time. Maybe taking a disciple would be a good thing. You might even advance while teaching," Golden Crocodile Douluo, who was sitting at the head, glanced at the silent Qian Daoliu and spoke up.
"Hmm, let me think about it," Guang Ling calmed down after hearing Golden Crocodile Douluo's words and began to contemplate. He hadn't considered this before.
At this moment, Qian Daoliu, who had been ignoring their antics, opened his eyes and looked towards the hall's entrance. The other Worship noticed his gaze and also looked over.
"Clack, clack, clack."
The rhythmic sound of high heels echoed at the entrance, seemingly announcing the arrival of their owner. The others recognized who it was and showed a hint of displeasure in their eyes.
It was undoubtedly intentional—what kind of skill level couldn't control the noise of their footsteps?
As a silver high heel stepped over the threshold, the arrival's voice followed.
"Qian Daoliu, Grand Worship, does the Worship Hall need to give me an explanation for this matter?"
Bibi Dong spoke, her face frosty, looking at the figure in the center of the Worship Hall.
"Explanation? What kind of explanation do you want?" Qian Daoliu remained seated, slowly looking at the aggressive Bibi Dong.
"Don't play dumb. Awakening Martial Souls and recruiting personnel is the responsibility of the Pope's Hall. Why did the Worship Hall receive the information simultaneously this time? And Fifth Worship, since when can you interfere with the affairs of the subsidiary Martial Soul Halls?" Bibi Dong coldly looked at Guang Ling, who frowned.
"Bibi Dong, don't make a fuss over nothing. When did the Worship Hall's people lose the right to decide on matters of the subsidiary Martial Soul Halls, especially positive actions? Since when do we need your Pope's Hall's permission to receive relevant information? Don't forget, the Martial Soul Hall bears the Qian name. Don't think that becoming the Pope makes you the master of the Martial Soul Hall. You are not worthy."
Guang Ling was a die-hard loyalist of the Angel lineage. Upon hearing Bibi Dong's words, he immediately stood up and summoned his martial soul, clearly indicating he was ready to fight at the slightest provocation.
(Note: Only Qian Daoliu knows about Bibi Dong's hidden strength.)
Facing Guang Ling's mockery, Bibi Dong gripped her scepter tighter but did not respond to him. Instead, she looked at Qian Daoliu. "Is this what you promised me? That after I became the Pope, you wouldn't interfere with the actions of the Pope's Hall? From what the Fifth Worship says, should I just abdicate?"
"You…"
Guang Ling wanted to say more, but Qian Daoliu raised his hand to stop him.
Qian Daoliu looked at Bibi Dong for a long moment before slowly speaking. "I understand your point. You should know very well that this incident happened because the sub-hall members saw the news and didn't dare to act on their own. As for Guang Ling calming the lower ranks, it should be a good thing for you."
"What I promised you will not change. The Worship Hall will remain as it has been, not interfering with your actions. Just do your job, and I promise that nothing similar will happen in the future."
"I hope you don't forget what you said today."
Seeing Qian Daoliu yield, a fleeting smile appeared on Bibi Dong's lips before she turned and walked out. She had achieved her objective; with this assurance, she could act more freely.
Just as Bibi Dong was about to leave the Worship Hall, Qian Daoliu's voice rang out behind her.
"Since this child has a connection with Guang Ling, he will belong to the Worship Hall. And also, take care of yourself."
Bibi Dong's steps paused for a second. She didn't say anything, but the sound of her high heels was louder than before.
(Inner monologue: Bibi Dong: I am the Pope. smirks)
"Elder Brother, Bibi Dong is becoming more and more outrageous."
Seeing Guang Ling sit down angrily, a cold glint flashed in Golden Crocodile Douluo's eyes as he looked at Qian Daoliu and spoke.
After a moment of silence in the Worship Hall, Qian Daoliu spoke again. "After all, she is Xue'er's mother."
There was another moment of quiet before Qian Daoliu looked at the still-angry Guang Ling.
"Guang Ling, Second Worship's words also have some merit. You should take this child. Even if he joins the Martial Soul Hall after this incident, Bibi Dong likely won't nurture him. Also, don't take your anger out on him because of this matter. You should know the situation of the soul masters at the lower levels. He has good talent, and Xue'er will need help in the future. He is a good choice."
After speaking, Qian Daoliu closed his eyes again, and the other Worship exchanged glances.
After a long while, Guang Ling calmed down and, after thinking about Qian Daoliu's words, left the hall with a remark about going for a walk.
"Do you think he'll go personally?" the Lion Douluo asked Golden Crocodile Douluo, struggling to find the words.
"If he goes, it's fine. He can never sit still anyway. Consider it a break for him," Golden Crocodile Douluo replied uncertainly.
At this time, in Heaven Dou City, Salas was still in the intelligence room, waiting for news from Wuhun City.
Three days passed in a blur, and the Martial Soul Hall in Nuoding City had received no news. Ma Xiu Nuo had fallen into deep self-doubt. Had his information not been reported? It shouldn't be.
Or was it that Xiao Li's martial soul was not valued by the higher-ups? Despite being innately full of soul power, it wasn't like the previous waste martial soul, Blue Silver Grass.
Meanwhile, Han Li, who had been waiting at home for news, was growing restless. The situation was far from what he had expected. Even if his gamble hadn't succeeded, it shouldn't be like this. Had innate full soul power become so worthless?
To calm himself, he forced himself into a state of meditation and cultivation while solidifying a new plan in his mind. He would wait at most four more days. If a week passed without any news, regardless of the reason, he would head directly to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. This was the best option after weighing all the pros and cons.
Suddenly, in his meditation, Han Li felt a chill. He decisively exited his cultivation state. When he opened his eyes, an unfamiliar face was just inches from his own.
Instinctively, he pushed himself back, rolling into a half-kneeling position while facing the spot where he had been. At the same time, two scimitars appeared in his hands.
"Not bad, just a bit lacking in vigilance. Kid, I heard that the annotation was something you specifically requested?"
A playful voice rang out in the room, and it was then that Han Li had a chance to take a look at the intruder.