Sword Light Piercing the Pope's Palace

After leaving the Elder Hall, Su Cheng glanced at Bibi Dong, whose expression was complicated, but didn't pay any attention to it and continued walking towards the Pope's Palace.

Now that we've come to Spirit City, we should at least go and see Qian Xunji.

After all, that guy is the current Pope, so he should be treated with the respect due to him.

Otherwise, if it makes the other party wary and hostile, it would be bad.

The Pope's Palace Council Hall.

Su Cheng, wearing a silver mask, and Pope Qian Xunji stood facing each other.

Unlike Qian Daoliu, Qian Xunji has long golden hair like Qian Renxue, and is extremely handsome, inheriting the excellent genes of the Angel Clan.

Unfortunately, all that was inherited was his appearance.

In terms of his conduct, magnanimity, and talent for cultivation, he is simply not worthy of the title of successor of angels.

"Since you are someone the High Priest has chosen, you shall live in the Elder Hall from now on."

Qian Xunji looked very serious, and spoke with an air of authority.

"Then thank you, Pope Holiness," Su Cheng replied casually, unconcerned by the other party's attitude.

Seeing his calm expression, Qian Xunji's brows twitched almost imperceptibly.

He didn't say anything more, only saying, "Then you may leave now."

Su Cheng nodded and turned to walk out the door.

"By the way, Cheng Xue," Qian Xunji suddenly spoke again, his voice coming from behind him, "I don't know your background, but you are someone the High Priest treats with special regard. But Bibi Dong is my disciple, so you shouldn't have too much contact with her."

Upon hearing this, Su Cheng paused slightly. Then, with a wry smile, he didn't turn around, simply replied "Okay" and walked out of the Council Hall.

After he left, Qian Xunji's expression darkened.

The reason he reminded Su Cheng in that way was naturally because of Su Cheng's identity. In his view, Su Cheng was just an outsider, and no matter how much Qian Daoliu valued him, it couldn't change the fact that Su Cheng came from Sea God Island.

If this person were an outstanding disciple under the Spirit Hall, then so be it.

But he would never allow an outsider to steal away his prized disciple.

For Qian Xunji, Bibi Dong is a treasure of the Spirit Hall, and she will surely become an unparalleled powerhouse in the future.

Six months passed quickly.

During this period, Su Cheng remained well-behaved and at most occasionally consulted Qian Daoliu about his experience and insights in cultivation.

He knew that Qian Xunji was watching him.

This Pope was of average strength, only having just entered the realm of Titled Douluo, and no amount of small actions could escape his perception.

Of course, although he Young Master to seek out Bibi Dong because of Qian Xunji's presence, the two of them were both within the Spirit Hall and were among the best young Soul Master, so they naturally had occasional exchanges.

Moreover, although the two didn't have much contact on the surface, Su Cheng was also secretly keeping an eye on Bibi Dong's situation, as she was an important future fighting force.

On this day, Su Cheng was casually flipping through documents in the library.

However, his main purpose was not to see these things.

He had already digested most of the books in the Spirit Hall's collection during the first Simulation. The knowledge about the soul was also extremely scarce there. At most, reading them now would only serve as a review and refresher.

Suddenly, Su Cheng's expression changed.

Inside the enormous Library Pavilion, another young man hurriedly put down the book in his hand, got up, and walked towards the door.

With a Spiritual Power probe, he immediately sensed the aura of a Soul Emperor in the forest outside the Library Pavilion.

Sure enough, it was Bibi Dong who arrived.

Qian Xunji was not in Spirit City these past two days, he guessed that the two of them would definitely take this opportunity to meet in private.

Of course, the reason why Bibi Dong is still hiding Qian Xunji's thoughts may not be because she knows what her teacher is thinking.

It's probably just a young girl's shyness; she's too embarrassed to mention it to her elders.

Su Cheng turned to look out the window.

From this angle, you can just see the two figures in the woods.

With his eyesight, he could see the scene clearly even from a great distance.

However, the way this couple gets along is quite interesting.

They were more than half a meter apart as they walked slowly along the edge of the woods.

If it weren't for the fact that one of them looked nervous and the other was taciturn, one would never have guessed that there was any close relationship between them.

But thinking about it, it makes sense.

No matter how nicely Yu Xiaogang spoke or how confident he appeared on the surface, deep down he was still insecure. Standing next to a woman of Bibi Dong's status and talent, he couldn't help but feel intimidated.

As for Bibi Dong, she might not think that much. However, she has lived in Spirit City for most of the year and rarely comes into contact with outsiders. In addition, she is pure and conservative in her thinking, so even if she develops feelings for someone, she would not be too proactive.

Based on observations over this period of time, Bibi Dong is still quite immature.

After parting ways with Yu Xiaogang, Bibi Dong walked alone towards the Pope's Palace, reflecting on her conversation with that person and feeling that her understanding of Martial Soul had deepened.

As the Spirit Hall Saintess and a disciple of the current Pope, she is entitled to freely enter and leave the Pope's Palace.

Just then, a very familiar voice came from not far ahead, startling her from her thoughts.

"You two are not a good match. I advise you to think it over."

Su Cheng crossed his arms and leaned against a large tree in the forest, his silver mask casting dappled shadows in the sunlight filtering through the trees.

Bibi Dong stopped and frowned, looking at Su Cheng. "What are you talking about?"

"That Yu Xiaogang isn't right for you. You'd better give up those useless thoughts," Su Cheng said calmly.

After much deliberation, he decided to try and subtly Bibi Dong.

He was too lazy to interfere in other people's relationships, but since the other person had already been included in the plan, he naturally had to consider the follow-up situation.

However, since this matter cannot be delegated to others, I can only take the initiative to show up and say a few words.

Waiting like this is too passive.

He didn't know what was going on in the relationship between the other party and Yu Xiaogang, whether his appearance would have any other impact, or whether Qian Xunji's thoughts would change.

Bibi Dong is now too naive, and is a potential romantic with little talent. She has almost no other strengths besides fighting and cultivation, and has been completely spoiled by Qian Xunji.

Letting it develop on its own might not be a good idea.

But after hearing Su Cheng's words, Bibi Dong frowned even more.

She then realized the meaning behind Su Cheng's words; he was implying that there was an affair between the two of them.

A surge of anger welled up inside him, and he said coldly, "You're about my age, what gives you the right to tell me how to do things?"

"I'm not teaching you, I'm just advising you." Su Cheng turned to look at Bibi Dong. "The two of you are not a good match. I know a little about that Yu Xiaogang; he doesn't have any real talent. Being with him will only waste your talent, and now is not the time for you to be thinking about love."

"What a joke." Bibi Dong sneered. "Let's not even talk about the fact that you and I are not related and have no right to interfere in my cultivation. Take Yu Xiaogang for example. He may lack innate talent, but he is hardworking, independent, and possesses knowledge and wisdom far beyond that of ordinary people. How come you say he has no real talent?"

Upon hearing this, Su Cheng frowned, feeling that Bibi Dong was somewhat unreasonable.

She's clearly not insane yet, so how did she turn out like this?

No matter what, I had done her a great favor, even saved her life, so why was she so short-tempered?

"Insight and wisdom far surpassing that of ordinary people?" Su Cheng scoffed. "There are countless heroes in the world. You've only met a few, yet you dare to claim his wisdom is extraordinary? Not to mention his innate deficiencies that he doesn't try to compensate for, and his limited abilities that make him arrogant. Even his so-called research achievements are nothing special."

He took two steps forward and walked to Bibi Dong's side.

"Even if he has actually made some progress, does that give him the right to call himself a scholar? How much of his work is based on the work of others?" Su Cheng glanced at the other man. "It's strange of you, though. You have access to a vast amount of information from the Spirit Hall, yet you still ask others for advice. Why don't you read the books yourself? It's not too late to make a judgment after you've read them."

"..." Upon hearing this, Bibi Dong remained silent for a moment before softly saying, "Yes, who could possibly catch your eye?"

Her voice was low, her beautiful eyes slightly lowered, and her long eyelashes cast long shadows across her delicate eyes. "Who do you think you can respect? Aren't I just as insignificant to you?"

"Huh?" Su Cheng was taken aback. "What do you mean?"

Bibi Dong raised her head and looked directly at him, her face flushed red. "I have asked you questions a few times, but every time you just gave me a perfunctory answer. When have you ever sincerely given me any guidance?"

"..." Su Cheng's expression froze.

That's not entirely wrong.

In their previous encounters, it was mostly Bibi Dong who took the initiative to come to him for advice.

However, because Qian Xunji was secretly observing, he couldn't say too much.

Besides, Bibi Dong's questions were too basic and couldn't interest him at all, so he dismissed them with just a few words.

But while he said that, he absolutely did not mean to be perfunctory. Everything he said was truly effective.

Putting aside other aspects, Bibi Dong is absolutely a genius in cultivation. He doesn't believe that with his guidance, the other party still can't learn it.

"When have I ever been perfunctory with you?" Su Cheng's brows furrowed beneath his mask. "Haven't I explained all your questions very clearly?"

"Never mind." Bibi Dong took a deep breath and shook her head. "Anyway, you don't need to worry about my affairs, and it's none of your business. I'm not a child anymore. I will repay your kindness in the future."

After saying that, he ignored Su Cheng and immediately left to return to the Pope's Palace.

"..."

Just after she took a few steps forward, Su Cheng spoke again, "Wait."

Bibi Dong paused, saying nothing, but also not continuing forward.

"It's no use if I don't interfere; your teacher won't give up so easily."

"What do you mean?" Upon hearing Su Cheng mention Qian Xunji, Bibi Dong turned around and looked over.

In her heart, Qian Xunji held an extremely high position; he was the person she respected and trusted most. He had brought her into the Spirit Hall, mentored her, and imparted all his knowledge of cultivation to her.

At least in Bibi Dong's heart now, Qian Xunji's importance is greater than that of anyone else.

"That Pope is very selfish. He sees you as his possession, and he won't let you be with anyone else," Su Cheng said bluntly.

Since option one won't work, let's use the backup plan: accelerate the process so she can face reality as soon as possible.

He couldn't wait any longer.

"How dare you... how dare you say that?!" Bibi Dong's voice trembled, her face filled with shock and anger.

"I'm stating the facts," Su Cheng said calmly. "He won't agree to you being with Yu Xiaogang."

"..." Bibi Dong stared at him for a long time before her emotions gradually calmed down.

At this moment, her wavering resolve of the past six months finally solidified, and she said coldly, "Teacher is not the kind of person you describe. On the contrary, you, Cheng Xue, are utterly disappointing."

Watching Bibi Dong's departing figure, Su Cheng's eyes were filled with uncertainty.

Half a month later, Qian Xunji returned to the Spirit Hall.

The first thing he did upon returning was to summon Bibi Dong to the Council Hall to discuss the progress of his cultivation.

Long before he left, he had already set various training goals for his exceptionally talented disciple, and now it was time to check his work.

As expected, Bibi Dong perfectly met all his requirements.

Qian Xunji looked at her with satisfaction, "Dong'er, you've worked hard during this period of cultivation. What would you like as a reward? How about Soul Bone? The Spirit Hall still has several Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone treasured. Whatever you want, your teacher can grant it to you."

"I don't want Soul Bone." Bibi Dong shook her head, her expression hesitant.

"What's wrong?" Qian Xunji asked, Qian Xunji her expression.

Looking at the teacher standing in front of her, Bibi Dong recalled the scene of her conversation with Su Cheng.

Thinking of the other person's confident tone and arrogant attitude.

There was no longer a trace of hesitation in my heart.

Looking at Qian Xunji seriously, he said, "Teacher, I've fallen in love with someone."

"What?!" Qian Xunji was shocked and furious upon hearing this. Despite all the precautions, something still went wrong. "Was it that Cheng Xue?!"

Bibi Dong heard him suddenly mention Cheng Xue, her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly calmed down and shook her head in denial, saying, "It's not him."

"Not him?" Qian Xunji was stunned. "Then who is it?"

"It's Yu Xiaogang. I... I like Yu Xiaogang, and I want to be with him forever."

"Yu Xiaogang?" Qian Xunji thought for a while before remembering that there was such a person in Spirit City, and his face immediately turned extremely ugly.

He originally thought that Bibi Dong was arrogant and that only Cheng Xue, who came from the so-called Sea God Island, posed a threat, so he was very wary of her.

But to everyone's surprise, it turned out to be that good-for-nothing Yu Xiaogang from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.

This is absolutely outrageous.

But while feeling angry, he also secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

If it were because of Cheng Xue, he would still be somewhat wary, but if that person were Yu Xiaogang, then there would be no need to worry at all.

He knew his disciple's weakness all too well.

Qian Xunji composed himself, staring intently at Bibi Dong with a serious expression, and said sternly, "Dong'er, your teacher cannot grant you this request. You are an unparalleled genius of the Spirit Hall, possessing Twin Martial Souls. I will absolutely not allow you to develop feelings for any outside man, and you must not have any relationship with that Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan!"

"..." Bibi Dong was stunned for a moment. She did not expect her teacher's attitude to be so firm.

"Teacher, why not? It's my freedom to like whomever I want, so why can't I be with him?"

"You are a member of the Spirit Hall, and it's not up to you to decide who you're with!" Qian Xunji shouted sharply.

Upon hearing Bibi Dong's face turned pale. She stared blankly at Qian Xunji's face, which had become slightly ferocious, and suddenly felt that this person was somewhat unfamiliar.

Then, recalling what Su Cheng had said, a rebellious feeling welled up inside him, and he shouted, "I can leave the Spirit Hall! I love Yu Xiaogang, and for him, I am willing to leave the Spirit Hall!"

Seeing Bibi Dong's behavior, Qian Xunji's anger surged immediately, and he moved his hand slightly to make a move.

He paused, thinking of his father, Qian Daoliu, who was currently in the Elder Hall.

After a moment of contemplation, his expression calmed down, and he looked at Bibi Dong and said in a deep voice, "Dong'er, come with me."

After saying that, he turned and walked towards the back of the palace.

Bibi Dong was surprised by his sudden change, and couldn't help but secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

He thought to himself that Cheng Xue was indeed arrogant and made judgments arbitrarily without understanding his teacher's character.

Soon, the two entered the secret passage leading from the Pope's Palace to the underground chamber.

In the dimly lit passageway illuminated only by torches, Bibi Dong suddenly felt a little uneasy. "Teacher, where are we going?"

You'll see when you get here.

"..."

As the two fell silent, only the echoing sound of their footsteps remained in the tunnel.

Not long after, a large door appeared in front of the two at the end of the road. Qian Xunji opened the door and went in first.

Bibi Dong hesitated upon seeing this.

Her unease grew stronger.

However, trusting his teacher, he followed suit and joined in.

The next moment, before they could even take in the suddenly open and expansive space before them, immense pressure instantly descended upon them.

Under the pressure of Titled Douluo's domain, she, a mere Soul Emperor, was completely unable to move.

Directly in front of her, Qian Xunji had already turned around, his whole body shimmering with golden light, and six wings spread out on his back.

At this moment, he had even used the Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul True Body.

An intense pressure enveloped all directions.

Bibi Dong instinctively used all her Soul Power to fight back, but her mind was blank as she stared blankly at the figure in front of her.

She didn't understand what Qian Xunji was doing or what he was planning to do.

"Dong'er, I will never let you leave the Spirit Hall! Even if it means using the most despicable methods, I will keep you in the Spirit Hall!" Qian Xunji said coldly, his voice carrying the unique majesty of the Angel Martial Soul, but the meaning in his words chilled people to the bone.

"What does 'the most despicable method' mean..." Bibi Dong squeezed out the words with a trembling voice. In the Angel Domain, her Soul Power was rapidly draining away, gradually becoming weak and powerless.

Qian Xunji said indifferently, his face expressionless, "After today, your body will belong entirely to me. From now on, will you still have the face to be with other men? If you insist on being with that Yu Xiaogang, I will kill him again! Don't blame me, blame that piece of trash from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."

"My body..."

At this moment, Bibi Dong's face drained of color, her whole body trembled uncontrollably, and her heart was instantly filled with despair.

"It's no use if I don't interfere; your teacher won't give up so easily."

"That Pope is very selfish. He sees you as his possession and won't let you be with anyone else."

"..."

The words Su Cheng had said before resurfaced in her mind once again.

And then there were those words of encouragement that seemed to be etched deep in her heart when she broke through to the Soul Emperor realm—words that resonated deep within her soul.

Tears welled up in Bibi Dong's eyes, "Who can save me... Cheng Xue... save me..."

Qian Xunji, with an indifferent expression, slowly moved closer to her.

"Boom--"

Just then, a deafening roar echoed throughout the room.

Accompanied by a dazzling and ferocious sword light, the entire secret chamber collapsed.

Bright sunlight streamed down through the huge opening above, instantly illuminating the dim room.

This secret room was forcibly breached.

No, to be precise, half of the Pope's Palace was pierced through by this one sword.

ps1, 10,000 per day.

PS2: Qian Xunji's methods are Qian Xunji, but I tend to believe his possessiveness towards Bibi Dong wasn't lust. The original novel states they only had sex once, resulting in the birth of Qian Renxue. If he truly had lust, there should have been further actions afterward. However, nothing else happened for many years after Qian Renxue's birth. Of course, it's possible Qian Daoliu was watching, but that's a minor detail, since Qian Xunji is just a background character.