After giving it careful thought.
Guangling nodded slightly. "Going out to gain some experience would be good, but Grandpa has a few things to tell you. Make sure you remember them."
"Training out in the world is different from being in the Worship Hall. Always stay alert, think before you act, and keep something in reserve. You can never go wrong with that."
"And if someone bullies you during your travels, settle matters between the younger generation yourselves. Whatever the consequences, Grandpa can handle them for you. But if someone from the older generation has no shame and insists on interfering, send Grandpa a message. I'll go demand justice and talk some sense into them."
"Last, and most importantly, Wanwan, if you meet anyone on your travels who has neither ability nor talent, who only knows how to sweet-talk and tries to get close to you, don't hesitate. Beat him half to death, or just kill him."
Guangling's expression was utterly serious. As he finished speaking, he cast a discreet glance toward the Papal Hall.
There was already a cautionary example in the Papal Hall.
That was why he felt this warning was necessary. Better safe than sorry; a few extra words of caution could hardly hurt.
"Grandpa, I understand. Don't worry."
Bai Wanwan agreed readily and took Guangling's words to heart.
Guangling smiled and gently stroked Bai Wanwan's ice-blue hair.
"Wanwan, when are you and the Young Master planning to leave?"
Golden Crocodile placed a piece on the board as he asked.
At his question, Bai Wanwan thought for a moment, then looked at Qian Renxue beside her.
The instant their eyes met, they both reached a decision and answered in unison, "Within the next few days."
"The next few days?"
"That gives us just enough time to prepare a few things for you."
Golden Crocodile placed another piece on the board, a thoughtful look entering his eyes as he considered what to prepare.
"Xue'er, Wanwan, when you leave, I'll arrange for two elders to accompany you. What do you think of Guibao and Moxiong from the Elder Hall?"
Qian Daoliu also picked up a piece and placed it on the board, though his gaze was on Qian Renxue and Bai Wanwan.
There were more than a dozen elders in the Elder Hall, and of them all, Guibao and Moxiong were the ones Qian Daoliu valued most.
Guibao was a level ninety-five agility-type Titled Douluo. Steady and cautious, he excelled in speed and attack power.
Moxiong was a level ninety-five Assault System Titled Douluo. Hot-tempered but utterly loyal, he excelled in attack power and defense.
"Elders Guibao and Moxiong have been partners for decades and work seamlessly together. They haven't left Spirit City in over twenty years, so few people outside still know them. Having those two elders accompany us would naturally be ideal."
Qian Renxue smiled and sat down beside Qian Daoliu.
"Grand Elder, there's one more person I'd like to have accompany us."
After a moment's thought, Bai Wanwan looked toward Qian Daoliu as he played.
"Oh?"
"Who do you have in mind, Wanwan?"
Qian Daoliu looked at Bai Wanwan curiously.
He had no intention of refusing her request to bring another person along.
If Guibao and Moxiong were the elders he valued most in the Elder Hall, then Qian Renxue and Bai Wanwan were naturally the young people he valued most in all of Spirit City.
Qian Renxue was his granddaughter, so that went without saying.
As for Bai Wanwan, he had watched her grow up, and she would also be part of Qian Renxue's future inner circle. Wanting to bring one more person was a perfectly reasonable request.
"Yang Wushuang."
Bai Wanwan spoke the name with complete seriousness.
Yang Wushuang came from the Breaking Clan and was the younger brother of its chief, Yang Wudi. Ten years earlier, when Qian Daoliu had led the offerings out to suppress the Clear Sky Sect, he had brought Yang Wushuang back as a captive. After spending some time imprisoned, Yang Wushuang had chosen to join Spirit Hall and now served under Pope Bibi Dong.
Yang Wushuang's current soul power level was eighty-one, making him an Assault System Soul Douluo.
Bai Wanwan's reason for wanting Yang Wushuang along was simple: she could take him with her to harvest immortal herbs when the time came.
After all, the Breaking Clan's members were skilled not only in attacking but also in refining medicine. Bai Wanwan had also made some discreet inquiries before and learned that Yang Wushuang not only knew about immortal herbs, but also knew the special methods required to harvest them.
"Yang Wushuang?"
"All right. Just go and let Her Holiness the Pope know. That plan is with Her Holiness the Pope as well. Bring it back and look it over with Xue'er."
Qian Daoliu nodded lightly, then continued his game with Golden Crocodile.
Bai Wanwan looked toward Qian Renxue, intending to ask whether she wanted to come along. But when Qian Renxue gave a slight shake of her head, Bai Wanwan left the question unspoken and turned to head toward the Papal Hall alone.
Over the past few years, Qian Renxue's relationship with Bibi Dong had remained as poor as ever. As a result, Qian Renxue had always been unwilling to visit the Papal Hall, and even when she did, she never lingered there.
She left the Worship Hall.
Walking along the bluestone path and feeling the slightly cool breeze, Bai Wanwan checked the time, then headed toward Bibi Dong's study.
At this hour, Bibi Dong would usually be handling administrative affairs in her study, so there was no need to go to the Papal Hall's main hall.
Soon, Bai Wanwan reached the study. Seeing that the door was closed, she raised her hand and knocked lightly three times.
Knock, knock, knock.
The knocking had barely faded when Bibi Dong's voice sounded from inside the study.
"Come in."
Hearing Bibi Dong's voice, Bai Wanwan immediately pushed open the door and entered.
"Your Holiness."
Once inside the study, Bai Wanwan gave a slight bow to Bibi Dong, who sat in the seat of honor.
"Yes? What is it?"
Bibi Dong put down her pen and looked at Bai Wanwan.
"Your Holiness, my sister and I are preparing to go out and gain some experience. The Grand Elder sent me to collect the plan you refined together with the Third Offering. He also agreed to have Yang Wushuang accompany us."
Bai Wanwan briefly explained the matter to Bibi Dong.
"Understood."
"I'll inform Yang Wushuang later. The plan is on the third shelf of the bookcase to the left. You can take it."
After pointing toward the bookcase, Bibi Dong picked up her pen again and resumed reviewing official documents.
Following Bibi Dong's directions, Bai Wanwan found the plan, then left the study and headed straight back the way she had come.
On her way back to the Worship Hall, Bai Wanwan opened the plan and quickly leafed through it. By the time she reached the entrance, she had already read through it once to get a general understanding.
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