Bibi Dong Loses Her Composure

But on further thought, Bibi Dong realized that Li Mubai was right.

Spirit Hall seemed to have heroes from all walks of life gathered within it.

Yet many of them did not genuinely have Spirit Hall's development at heart.

Especially when she thought of Li Mubai's final words just now.

She could not help feeling shaken...

"I interfered"-what did he mean by that?

Bibi Dong suddenly thought of the plan she had been laying in her heart for so long.

Was that really what he meant just now?

Could he already know about my plan?

Impossible!

He isn't a roundworm in my belly. How could he know what I'm thinking?

I've never mentioned this to anyone.

I haven't even told Spirit Hall's Holy Maiden, my disciple Hu Liena.

So Li Mubai couldn't have meant that.

Then what did he mean?

Why can he barely get two or three sentences out without mentioning Spirit Hall's collapse?

Questions swirled around Bibi Dong's mind.

But... since I can hear his inner thoughts, couldn't I get my answers just by asking a few questions?

At that thought,

A smile appeared on Bibi Dong's face.

"Fuck, why is she smiling at me? Isn't she supposed to be aloof and radiate a bone-chilling cold?"

"Could he be interested in me?"

"Impossible. Absolutely impossible!"

"Sure, I have sword-shaped brows and starry eyes, and I'm devastatingly handsome. I'm a great handsome man loved by all who see me, with flowers blooming at the sight of me, and I've captured countless young maidens' hearts. But surely my charm hasn't reached that level?"

Li Mubai was lost in his own fantasies.

On the throne, Bibi Dong frowned slightly, a trace of disdain flashing in her eyes.

Just what is going through this brat's head?

Calling himself a great handsome man loved by all, with flowers blooming at the sight of him, and even thinking I'd take a fancy to him?

How conceited!

The toad wants to eat swan meat. What a lovely dream he's having.

Just as Li Mubai continued letting his imagination run wild, Bibi Dong parted her pearly teeth.

"Li Mubai, this seems to be your first time attending a high-level meeting, doesn't it?"

Li Mubai nodded in response.

A question also crossed his mind... Why is she asking that?

"Then what do you think of Spirit Hall as it stands?"

Bibi Dong asked again.

What do I think... Li Mubai pondered.

This Martial Soul Shop seems powerful, but it's strong on the outside and hollow within.

Though it ranks among the Douluo Continent's foremost powers, it's actually nothing of the sort. It falls far short of the two great empires.

One is an empire that focuses on the people's livelihoods and development, while the other is a power that focuses only on developing Soul Masters with strong individual combat strength.

The ruler is a boat, and the people are water. Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it.

The power of the masses is immense.

How could a mere woman understand such a simple truth?

That is the fundamental reason it can't compare to the two great empires!

Though that was what he thought, Li Mubai had no intention of saying it aloud.

If he did, the elders might well berate him, and he would anger Bibi Dong too.

He raised his head slightly and met Bibi Dong's gaze without a trace of fear in his eyes, his expression perfectly serious.

"Spirit Hall lies south of the Heaven Dou Empire and north of the Star Luo Empire, giving it a favorable geographical position. Spirit City, moreover, has become the central link in economic exchanges between the two great empires."

"Economically, it undoubtedly enjoys an absolute advantage."

As they listened to Li Mubai's analysis, the elders could not help nodding in agreement.

Even Bibi Dong nodded slightly in approval.

"Furthermore."

"Spirit Hall has seven worship elders and ten elders. With one elder having defected from Spirit Hall, nine remain."

"That makes sixteen Titled Douluo in all. Their strength can hardly be called anything but formidable."

"Add to that our mid-level backbone."

"No other sect or power can compare."

"It could be said that we are fully capable of standing alongside the two great empires!"

The moment Li Mubai finished speaking, applause rang out.

Clap, clap, clap...

Demon Bear Douluo, his face open and honest, was beaming as he clapped his broad, thick hands together without stopping.

Everyone looked at him, for he was the only one there applauding like thunder.

"Why are you all looking at me? Wasn't little brother Mubai right?"

Demon Bear Douluo was utterly puzzled by the reactions of the people around him.

No one paid his honest words any mind.

They all looked toward Bibi Dong on the throne, wanting to see the boss's reaction.

Only after seeing Spirit Hall's boss nod did they turn appreciative gazes on Li Mubai.

None of them had expected it.

The young tenth elder, who had only recently arrived, was young, but his analysis was clear and logical.

Even longtime elders like them found it entirely reasonable.

Like hell I believe you... Though Bibi Dong was nodding on the surface, she was inwardly cursing Li Mubai.

If she had not been able to hear his inner thoughts, she would have almost believed Li Mubai's solemn-faced nonsense.

He clearly thought something else entirely, yet he put on a perfectly serious act.

Hmph-

Sure enough, all the stinking men in the world are the same!

Bibi Dong sneered inwardly in disdain.

But a moment later, she suppressed those thoughts.

Li Mubai's inner thoughts had also reminded her that Spirit Hall still had shortcomings compared with the two great empires.

If she rashly set in motion the great plan in her heart, Spirit Hall really might vanish into the long river of history.

Although she knew where it fell short, Bibi Dong had no way to change the situation.

Troubled, she could not help fixing her gaze on Li Mubai once more.

Since he knows these problems exist, does that also mean he knows how to solve them?

Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it.

He even understands such a simple yet profound truth.

Then he must have a way to solve the problems Spirit Hall faces!

At that thought,

Bibi Dong could not help abandoning the idea of punishing Li Mubai.

"You answered very well."

"In that case, tell me, where do Spirit Hall's prospects for development lie?"

Looking at Bibi Dong's serious expression, Li Mubai could not help feeling bitter inside.

What's going on with this morning's meeting?

Didn't Demon Bear Douluo tell me it would be over quickly?

Why has it dragged on so long today?

Most importantly, why does this woman keep singling me out with questions?

Haven't I already answered a question? Why is there another one?

I want to go home and chow down!

If you keep asking me, I'll just ignore you outright.

"Your Holiness, forgive my dullness. I think you must already have an answer to that question, so there is no need for me to say more."

Li Mubai spoke indifferently.

Bibi Dong suppressed the anger in her heart, her face twitching.

"Naturally."

Damn brat!

He has a solution but refuses to say it. He's infuriating me!!

And on top of that, he threw the question back at me in the end. What answer do I have? If I had one, would I need to ask you?!

Bibi Dong wanted to ask something else, but Li Mubai's attitude made her give up on the idea.