I, a Platinum Bishop

Tuoba Yan's eyes were like burning torches, fixed intently on Tuoba Xi, his face etched with displeasure, his expression almost screaming his annoyance.

Tuoba Xi, however, seemed not to notice, having long since committed himself to the grand vision of the Tuoba Clan. He spoke in a solemn voice, "I've investigated extensively. The Pontiff intends to take on apprentices recently, and according to Chrysanthemum Crown, the selection will be made from the Seed Candidates in a year. Hu Li Na is highly likely to stand out."

The Continent-Wide Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, held every five years, is considered the pinnacle event in the Soul Master world.

At this time, Bibi Dong would always select exceptionally talented students from the Junior Soul Master Academy in advance, nurturing them with focused attention, all to secure glory for the Martial Soul Hall in the Continent-Wide Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament.

Each year, when the Junior Soul Master Academy graduates, the Four Academy Districts would host a Soul Duel Carnival, where elite students from each school would compete.

The victors would not only receive generous rewards but also be included on the Martial Soul Hall's list of prioritized candidates, potentially becoming high-ranking officials within the Hall, and especially catching the eye of Pontiff Bibi Dong.

Being noticed by the Martial Soul Hall's upper echelons was a path to boundless potential and numerous benefits.

"Hu Li Na is in her sixth year and will participate in the Four Academy Soul Duel Carnival in a year. She has an Innate Soul Power of level nine and possesses exceptional talent. Chrysanthemum Crown said that among all the candidates, the Pontiff pays particular attention to Hu Li Na."

A flicker of excitement shone in Tuoba Xi's eyes. "It seems Hu Li Na can already be considered the Pontiff's likely disciple."

"Yan'er, our opportunity has arrived!"

"The Pontiff's disciple will undoubtedly become a Saint Son or Saintess in the future."

"If you can win Hu Li Na's heart, it would be of paramount importance to our clan, enough to elevate the clan to new heights!"

"Yan'er, do you understand?"

Feeling the sharp gaze of Tuoba Yan, Tuoba Xi deliberately turned away, facing away from his grandson, fearing he might soften and compromise on the Hu Li Na matter again. "If you don't understand, I can explain it to you again."

Tuoba Yan scoffed, coldly saying, "Understand? How could you not understand. After saying all this, you're just trying to ingratiate yourself with Bibi Dong, to cling to her coattails!"

Despite the harshness of those words, Tuoba Xi didn't get angry, still facing away from Tuoba Yan, advising him earnestly, "Yan'er, you are my grandson. You enjoy privileges beyond the reach of ordinary people, and you must also bear the corresponding responsibilities of the clan. It's an obligation you cannot shirk."

"I've already said, no one will influence my decisions!"

"Yan'er…"

Tuoba Xi turned around, his tall figure looking down at Tuoba Yan, continuing to advise him, "I know you don't want to be forced. If you marry Hu Li Na, I promise to allow you to take concubines."

"This isn't about taking concubines or not!"

"Are you resisting because you think Hu Li Na is unattractive?"

"She… looks just average."

"If you say 'just average,' then she's quite presentable."

A hint of a smile appeared on Tuoba Xi's face, as if he saw a glimmer of hope. He extended his broad hand and gently rested it on Tuoba Yan's shoulder.

"I've already investigated. Hu Li Na has been cultivating Charm Arts since she was young; she's bound to be a charming and understanding woman. Marrying her will certainly not leave you wanting." More importantly, "we can also learn the Martial Soul Hall's incredibly powerful Self-Created Soul Skills through this opportunity."

Upon hearing this, Tuoba Yan secretly sneered, "So, you're arranging this just to learn their Self-Created Soul Skills?"

"Yan'er, you haven't realized how important Self-Created Soul Skills are to the prosperity of the clan."

"For the sake of Self-Created Soul Skills, you're treating your own grandson as a pawn?"

"Yan'er…"

Tuoba Xi's eyes suddenly sharpened like an eagle's, his demeanor that of a Platinum Bishop of the Soul Hunting Squad, battle-hardened and seasoned. A chilling aura of authority emanated from him unconsciously.

This fleeting moment of seriousness stunned Tuoba Yan, who had never seen his grandfather look so imposing.

Tuoba Xi said sternly, "You are the apple of my eye. How could I harm you? As the clan's Vice Clan Leader, you should contribute your strength to the clan."

Tuoba Yan tucked his hands into his pockets, his expression calm and unhurried, "If you just want Self-Created Soul Skills, you don't need to do this. You can come flatter me, cling to my leg instead!"

Tuoba Xi raised an eyebrow, a look of doubt on his face, "Besides the Dragon Step I taught you, what Self-Created Soul Skills do you even know?"

A confident arc formed on Tuoba Yan's lips, his eyes flashing with pride, "Don't look down on me. By coincidence, I've been diligently studying and comprehending a Self-Created Soul Skill recently. Dare you spar with me?"

"Alright! Let's see what progress you've made."

Upon hearing this, Tuoba Yan turned and walked ten meters away from Tuoba Xi, stopping before turning back to face his grandfather. He said solemnly, "Release your Martial Soul and Soul Skill, so as not to injure me."

Tuoba Xi laughed confidently, his tone full of arrogance, "What a joke. I, a Platinum Bishop, accompanying my grandson for a friendly spar, don't need to unleash my Martial Soul or Soul Skill. Playing around with a grandson would be fatal!"

"Are you sure?"

Tuoba Yan slowly raised his right hand, an invisible force gathering rapidly in his palm, quickly condensing into a rapidly rotating Rasengan in an instant. The airflow surged, emitting a buzzing sound.

The White Armored Earth Dragon Martial Soul is known for its defensive capabilities.

Tuoba Xi, as an eight-ring Soul Douluo, was confident that even without unleashing his Martial Soul, he could rely on his physical strength to block any Soul Skill from a lower-ring Soul Master.

"Come on! Let my grandson show me what he's got!"

Tuoba Yan's body darted forward towards Tuoba Xi.

Tuoba Xi crossed his arms, bracing himself. His expression was outwardly dismissive, but inwardly he was prepared, intending to belittle the Rasengan as a mere trick, vastly different from the Self-Created Soul Skills of the Martial Soul Hall, and then continue to pressure Tuoba Yan to pursue Hu Li Na.

"I'm not holding back!"

"Come at me!"

"Rasengan!"

Tuoba Yan's figure shot forward towards Tuoba Xi.

Tuoba Xi braced himself, arms crossed, ready to meet the seemingly powerful Soul Skill.

The instant the Rasengan made contact with his arms, a tremendous explosion ripped through the air!

"Boom!"

Tuoba Yan spun backward like a top at high speed, crashing heavily into the courtyard wall and sinking deep into the structure.

Tuoba Yan was startled and quickly called out with concern, "Grandfather, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, I'm fine!" Tuoba Xi struggled to free himself from the wall, his right hand involuntarily giving his grandson a thumbs-up, his eyes filled with admiration. "Good, that was great!"