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It had been more than twenty years since Yu Xiaogang last left Spirit City.
The city's layout hadn't changed; only the merchants doing business there had come and gone in waves.
Yu Xiaogang tied his horse outside a hotel after finding one, leaving the animal behind.
He wasn't in a hurry to head to the Pope's Palace, instead choosing to wander the streets of the city.
Walking into a street, Yu Xiaogang noticed a restaurant he had visited before. He stopped at the entrance, glancing at the sign on the doorframe.
"It hasn't changed."
With a faint smile, Yu Xiaogang seemed to recall the times he had dined here over twenty years ago.
Back then, when he had first arrived in Spirit City, his funds were nearly depleted.
In his destitute days, this restaurant had often helped him out. Later, after gaining favor with Bibi Dong, his living conditions improved significantly, but he still came here to show support.
At that time, the owner of this shop was in his prime, youthful and energetic. Now, after so many years, the owner's temples had turned white, and his once agile figure had aged.
After standing there for a long while, Yu Xiaogang didn't choose to enter and dine. The person who used to eat here with him had already risen to a high position. Alone now, it seemed unnecessary to go inside.
After he left, the restaurant owner's grandson pointed at his retreating figure and said, "Grandpa, that man looks exactly like the person in the portrait."
The owner glanced into the distance, his eyes widening. "Young Master Yu Xiaogang has returned to Spirit City. Judging by the date, the teams from the two empires shouldn't have arrived yet."
He was a scout planted by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family to gather intelligence in Spirit City.
Back then, his decision to help Yu Xiaogang was also influenced by Yu Yuanzhen's orders. Moreover, he had secretly assisted Yu Xiaogang in pursuing Bibi Dong without Yu Xiaogang knowing his true identity.
Now, with Yu Xiaogang returning to Spirit City and not traveling with the main group, it was highly likely that he was here to find Bibi Dong.
Bibi Dong was no longer the naive young woman she once was. Yu Xiaogang coming to see her this time could lead to significant trouble.
Thinking about this, he quickly wrote a letter, sending news of Yu Xiaogang back to his family for Yu Yuanzhen to decide.
---
Inside the Worship Hall.
After receiving an urgent secret message from Qian Renxue, Qian Daoliu acted swiftly, flipping through its contents without delay.
After pondering for a moment, he waved a hand forward.
The second worship , Jin E Douluo, stepped up and asked, "Big Brother, what are your orders?"
Qian Daoliu said, "Second Brother, do you remember Yu Xiaogang?"
Jin E Douluo thought for a moment and replied, "You mean Bibi Dong's lover? Did he die?"
Qian Daoliu shook his head and handed the letter to him. "He's come to the Spirit Hall. Snow has detailed everything in this letter."
"I never expected Tang Hao's son to also possess twin martial souls. The Hao Tian Sect is truly blessed."
Regarding Ning Tianchen's matter, Qian Renxue had already reported it. With another genius possessing twin martial souls appearing on the continent, Qian Daoliu couldn't help but sigh.
Jin E Douluo immediately understood Yu Xiaogang's purpose and angrily said, "Bibi Dong has already made great progress in cultivating twin martial souls. If Yu Xiaogang obtains the cultivation method, Tang San will surely become a major threat to the Spirit Hall."
"Big Brother, give the order. Let me kill both Tang Hao and his son to eliminate future troubles."
Qian Daoliu shook his head. "My agreement with Tang Chen still holds. Although Tang San's talent is remarkable, he's merely a sharpening stone for Xiao Xue. There's no need to worry. Second Brother, keep an eye on the Pope's Palace these few days. If Yu Xiaogang comes, teach him a lesson and give Bibi Dong a warning."
Jin E Douluo sighed.
Killing Tang Hao and his son wouldn't cause much trouble for the Hao Tian Sect. Once the potential of twin martial souls was fully cultivated, who on the continent could stand against them?
But he couldn't disobey Qian Daoliu's orders and could only comply.
---
After wandering around the city for a day, early the next morning, Yu Xiaogang set off for the Pope's Palace.
With his strength and status, entering the Spirit Hall's forbidden grounds was almost impossible.
As expected, he was stopped by guards at the entrance of the Pope's Mountain.
Remembering Tang Hao's words, Yu Xiaogang didn't take out the Pope's Token but instead bowed to the guards and said, "Please inform His Holiness the Pope that an old acquaintance has come to visit."
The guards dared not disturb the Pope lightly, especially since this man was just a Soul Grandmaster.
"The Pope's Palace is restricted territory. Leave immediately! If you disturb His Holiness, you'll bear the consequences!"
Yu Xiaogang had no choice but to argue with the guard.
Inside the Pope's Palace, Bibi Dong sat on her high seat, calmly gazing at the person before her.
"Nana, you've already reviewed the information on the contestants from the two empires. Tell me, what are your thoughts?"
The person called "Nana" was Hu Liena, the Holy Maiden appointed by Bibi Dong, with Xie Yue and Yan standing on either side of her.
The three were known as the Golden Generation of the Spirit Hall, the most talented indivitwins in the Spirit Hall over the past decade.
Hu Liena placed her right hand over her chest and knelt on one knee. "Teacher, among the participating teams from the two empires, only the Seven Treasures Academy team and the Shrek Academy team are worth paying attention to."
"Oh? Explain your reasoning," Bibi Dong said indifferently.
Hu Liena replied, "The Seven Treasures Academy team is the only team besides us that has Soul Kings, and they have two Soul Kings. According to Bishop Salas's reports, Ning Tianchen, the captain of the Seven Treasures Academy team, had several impressive performances during the preliminaries and promotion rounds. Their strength should not be underestimated. Moreover, their team possesses fusion techniques, which can be lethal."
"But this disciple believes that the Spirit Hall Academy team still has the ability to defeat them."
"As for fusion techniques, the fusion technique between this disciple and my older brother is enough to defeat them. Ning Tianchen and Feng Xiaotian are both low-level Soul Kings. With Yan's strength, he can easily hold them off."
"At that point, using this disciple's fusion technique, we can sweep the Seven Treasures Academy with overwhelming force."
Bibi Dong asked again, "What about Shrek Academy?"
The soul bones awarded to the champion of this tournament were all high-quality ones treasured by the Spirit Hall for many years.
Anyone with eyes could see that these three soul bones were prepared by Bibi Dong for the Golden Generation of the Spirit Hall, and they must not be lost.
Hu Liena continued, "Tang San from Shrek Academy possesses the Hao Tian Hammer martial soul, which has created countless miracles on the continent. However, this disciple believes that they are no match for the Spirit Hall Academy team. The person who truly needs to pay attention to them is you, Teacher."
Bibi Dong understood her meaning and sneered, "Tang Hao's son dares to openly appear on the continent. How amusing. I wonder how long that rat Tang Hao intends to hide."
As she spoke, a guard approached to report, "Your Holiness, there is a man named Yu Xiaogang requesting an audience at the foot of the mountain. This subordinate wanted to drive him away, but he insists that he is your old acquaintance. Unable to decide, I've come to report."
After finishing, he lowered his head, awaiting the Pope's rebuke.
Earlier, he simply couldn't argue with Yu Xiaogang and had no choice but to report. If Yu Xiaogang wasn't the Pope's acquaintance, he would have committed a grave offense.
Bibi Dong didn't get angry and waved her hand, signaling Hu Liena and the others to leave first. "Let him in. It's been a long time since I've seen him."
Yu Xiaogang's performance in the preliminaries and promotion rounds had been truthfully reported by Salas.
Bibi Dong wanted to see why, after reconciling with Liu Erlong, he still came to see her.
On the other hand, news of Yu Xiaogang's visit was also delivered to Jin E Douluo's desk.
---
With the Pope's permission, the guards escorted Yu Xiaogang up the Pope's Mountain.
As he climbed, Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but remark, "This place hasn't changed. Is Dong'er still the same as before?"
"Mr. Yu Xiaogang, even if you are an old acquaintance of the Pope, please mind your words to avoid unnecessary trouble!" the guard sternly reminded him.
Yu Xiaogang didn't care and continued following behind.
As they ascended, the outline of the Pope's Palace came into view. Behind the palace, there was originally a large square, now transformed into an arena.
Yu Xiaogang knew this was where the finals would be held.
Not long after, under the escort of the guards, he entered the Pope's Palace.
"Dong'er, you're still the same as before," Yu Xiaogang was the first to speak.
His eyes were filled with sincerity, as if he had come here to confess his feelings.
Bibi Dong waved her hand, and all the guards in the hall withdrew.
She sat on her high seat, resting her right cheek on her hand, adopting a lazy posture, and said indifferently, "You've changed quite a bit. In my memory, you were still that young man. Suddenly looking so different, I'm somewhat unaccustomed to it."
"What's this? Did you think your long hair was troublesome and shave it all off?"
Yu Xiaogang forced a bitter smile. "Dong'er, why act so distant? I'm still the same person, just older on the outside. But rest assured, in my heart, you still have a place."
On the Douluo Continent, ordinary soul masters and common people age rapidly after forty.
As a Title Douluo, although Bibi Dong was over fifty, her appearance remained frozen in her youth.
If the two were to walk down the street together, many would believe she was Yu Xiaogang's daughter.
Bibi Dong's gaze hardened, and she sneered, "I heard you reconciled with Liu Erlong. Seems like your relationship with her is going well. I, as the third party, dare not interfere in your feelings!"
"If there's nothing else, leave. Don't ever come to see me again."
Seeing that emotional appeals weren't working, Yu Xiaogang quickly said, "Dong'er, I really have something to ask of you."
Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
If Yu Xiaogang had come solely for emotional matters, Bibi Dong might have given him a chance. But now, it seemed completely unnecessary.
"I'll correct you on one point—there's no 'Dong'er' here, only the Pope. Mind your words. Tell me what you want, and if I'm in a good mood, I might grant it."
A wise man knows when to bend. Especially when he has something to ask for.
Yu Xiaogang said, "Your Holiness, in recent years, I've taken on a disciple. You know, no one believed my soul master theories. But on this disciple, my theories have been put into practice. In less than twenty years, I'll prove to the entire continent that my theories are correct."
"This disciple of mine is also a twin martial soul master. Your Holiness, I hope to obtain the cultivation method for twin martial souls to properly guide this disciple."
Bibi Dong's expression darkened, and she retorted, "Are you planning to use my teachings to train your disciple and then come back to seek revenge on the Spirit Hall? Hmph, don't think I don't know that Tang San is Tang Hao's son."
"Using my own resources to fight against me? Is this your plan?"
Yu Xiaogang felt a surge of anxiety.
Before he could respond, Bibi Dong continued, "Tang Hao is a wanted criminal of the Spirit Hall. Capturing Tang San will surely draw Tang Hao out. At that point, I can effortlessly take him down!"
If his arrival caused Bibi Dong to solidify her resolve to kill Tang San, it would spell big trouble.
Yu Xiaogang hurriedly swore, "Your Holiness, I guarantee that Tang San will never oppose the Spirit Hall or harm you in the future!"
Bibi Dong leaned back in her chair and slowly closed her eyes. "I'm tired. Yu Xiaogang, if you have nothing else, leave. And don't come to the Pope's Palace again."
"As for your disciple, it seems there's no reason for him to stay either."
Yu Xiaogang was shocked and wanted to persuade Bibi Dong but didn't know how to begin.
After a moment of silence, his expression suddenly changed. His eyes turned bloodshot, and his chest heaved rapidly. "Bibi Dong, if you dare lay a hand on Tang San, I, Yu Xiaogang, will destroy the Spirit Hall even if it costs me my life! Mark my words."
At the same time, a commotion arose outside the hall.
"Second Worship, the Pope is meeting a guest. You cannot enter."
"Out of my way."
Jin E Douluo bellowed and pushed open the doors of the Spirit Hall with a palm strike.
Bibi Dong didn't open her eyes, seemingly aware of the purpose of his visit, and casually waved her hand, ordering the guards to stand down.
Yu Xiaogang was well aware of Jin E Douluo's strength. As their eyes met, he felt an unprecedented pressure.
It seemed that with just a thought, the other could easily erase him from existence.
Jin E Douluo sneered, "Just now, as I entered, I heard you say you'd destroy the Spirit Hall?"
"Heh, what gives you the confidence? With your measly twenty-nine levels, you dare challenge the Spirit Hall?"
"Even if your soul power level were reversed, I wouldn't fear you. A mere Soul Grandmaster dares to talk big—do you not fear that I'll kill you?"
Under the piercing gaze of the other, Yu Xiaogang involuntarily lowered his head.
He dared to say such things to Bibi Dong because he was counting on her lingering feelings for him, believing she wouldn't harm him.
Just empty words, meant to bluff Bibi Dong if possible. Even if it didn't work, he had nothing to lose.
But facing Jin E Douluo, if he showed the slightest disrespect, he would surely meet his end.
A wise man knows when to yield.
He suddenly bent over, lowering his head and acting subservient. "Elder, forgive me. Even if you gave me ten lives, I wouldn't dare touch the Spirit Hall."
Bibi Dong opened her eyes in astonishment, unable to believe that those words came from the once-resolute Yu Xiaogang.
For a moment, she didn't know whether to mock him or be angry.
Jin E Douluo chuckled first. "Oh, is that so?"
Suddenly, he extended his large hand, grabbing Yu Xiaogang by the neck and effortlessly lifting him up.
"Those who dare spout nonsense in the Spirit Hall never meet a good end. Your Holiness, as the supreme leader of the Spirit Hall, how should we deal with this guy?"
Bibi Dong turned away, refusing to look at Yu Xiaogang.
Jin E Douluo tightened his grip, and Yu Xiaogang's face turned red as he struggled to breathe.
Facing the terror of death, this master, renowned for his knowledge, was so frightened that he lost control of his bladder.
The stench filled the air, and Jin E Douluo felt disgusted, tossing Yu Xiaogang out of the hall.
"Throw this guy off the mountain. Also, the Pope's Palace is dirty—someone clean it up quickly."
After speaking, he warned Bibi Dong, "As the Pope of the Spirit Hall, you can't meet just anyone. Be careful!"
Bibi Dong let out a cold hum and walked toward the back of the Pope's Palace, refusing to see anyone else.
---
The stench emanating from Yu Xiaogang was overwhelming, and the guards carrying him looked at him with disdain.
"This guy angered the second worship . I wonder what kind of luck he has to still be alive."
"Damn, he stinks so badly. I'd rather collect his corpse than carry him."
Though Yu Xiaogang was pitiful, he was the only leverage against Bibi Dong, so Jin E Douluo wouldn't kill him.
Having narrowly escaped death, Yu Xiaogang's gaze was vacant, and he couldn't snap out of it for a long time.
Only after being thrown onto the street did he regain some clarity.
His gaze turned toward the Pope's Mountain, his fists clenched tightly as he silently vowed, "Bibi Dong, if you dare harm Xiao San, I will destroy the Spirit Hall and scatter your ashes to the wind!"
Walking down the street, passersby caught a whiff of the stench and looked at Yu Xiaogang with disdain.
"A grown man wetting himself—how embarrassing!"
"Exactly! When did Spirit City start having such filthy people?"
Surrounded by gossip, Yu Xiaogang quickly covered his face with his collar, fearing others would remember his appearance.
But the foul smell emanating from his clothes made him feel nauseous.
Enduring the odor and the strange looks from those around him, Yu Xiaogang rushed back to his hotel room.
Only after washing his body did he finally feel relieved.
Sitting on the bed, he reflected on what he had done today.
Not only had he failed to obtain the cultivation method for twin martial souls, but he had also provoked Bibi Dong's intent to harm Tang San. What a disaster.
Before setting out, he had confidently guaranteed success to Tang Hao and his son. If he failed, how would Tang San view him? How would his idol, Tang Hao, see him?
Yu Xiaogang lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind racing for solutions.
After a long while, he suddenly sat up.
Carefully recalling today's events, he realized that Jin E Douluo had likely been waiting outside the hall.
Only when he made that statement did the other burst into the Pope's Palace.
Clever as Yu Xiaogang was, he immediately suspected that Bibi Dong might be under surveillance.
In that case, her refusal to grant his request was understandable.
Moreover, Bibi Dong had referred to herself as "this seat" from the beginning, likely as a way to subtly warn him.
Yu Xiaogang slapped his forehead. "How could I not realize this? Dong'er must have had her reasons. She must have been under Jin E Douluo's watchful eye and couldn't agree to my request."
When he had arrived at the Pope's Palace, he had made too much noise, making it impossible not to be noticed.
In that case, he should have directly used the Pope's Token to enter the Pope's Palace and obtain the cultivation method for twin martial souls from Bibi Dong before Jin E Douluo could react.
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