On the carriage, Jiang Mian, having washed away the bloodstains covering his body, sat cross-legged. He wore a bright red robe, a change of clothes Scarlet King had given him.
Jiang Mian was already a heroic young man. Dressed like this, he looked even more like a dashing youth in fine clothes atop a spirited horse.
Ever since hearing that Xie Yue's Soul Power had reached level fifty-three that morning, Jiang Mian had felt a sense of urgency. This guy had truly put in the work, spending nearly an entire day meditating to improve his Soul Power without eating or drinking.
"Little sister, why don't you try talking to Jiang Mian?" Hu Liena moved close to Zhu Zhuqing and said, "Jiang Mian hasn't eaten anything all day. Can he handle that?"
"Nana, you're too worried." Zhu Zhuqing smiled. "Disturbing Jiang Mian now would only backfire."
"Fine." Hu Liena rested her chin in her hand and said listlessly, "Why is my brother taking so long to absorb his soul ring? It's almost been a whole day. Why isn't he back yet?"
"With Nether Empress accompanying him, nothing can go wrong." Bear Lord chimed in. "Don't worry. Pack up our things, and we'll leave as soon as Xie Yue comes out."
"I'm back." Before Bear Lord had finished speaking, Xie Yue returned to the group with Nether Empress, looking full of energy.
"How did it go?" Bear Lord asked with concern.
"The process was a little dangerous, but the result was as expected." Xie Yue grinned from ear to ear. "Now that I've absorbed the soul ring, my level has taken a step toward level fifty-four."
"Let me see." Bear Lord carefully examined Xie Yue's body and laughed. "Not bad. My disciple is truly a fine, talented young man. Your master is pleased."
Xie Yue scratched his head. Seeing Jiang Mian meditating, he asked in surprise, "This is the first time I've seen Jiang Mian cultivate voluntarily. What's wrong with him?"
"You gave him a sense of crisis." Bear Lord burst into laughter. "He's afraid you'll surpass him."
Xie Yue curled his lip and laughed. "Jiang Mian is really worrying over nothing."
Bear Lord was both annoyed and amused. "Listen to yourself. Jiang Mian is human too. Why can't you surpass him?"
"Master, do you believe that yourself?" Xie Yue laughed. "But I'll work hard."
"That's my good disciple." Bear Lord rubbed Xie Yue's head. "Then let's prepare to return to Spirit Hall."
"Yes, Master." Xie Yue agreed. In truth, there was not much to pack. They only needed to put out the campfire.
"You all go back first. I'm taking Yan somewhere." Scarlet King dangled Yan in one hand and said, "It'll probably take one or two months."
"Don't be too harsh," Bear Lord reminded him.
"I know." Carrying Yan as though he were a chick, Scarlet King shot into the sky and quickly vanished from everyone's sight.
"Yan is in for some suffering." Bear Lord clicked his tongue. "When will Scarlet King ever get rid of that competitive streak?"
"You've got the nerve to say that about him?" Nether Empress laughed as she walked up to Bear Lord. "Who doesn't know that Bear Lord was the most competitive one back then?"
"I'm old." Bear Lord laughed at himself. "My disciple is so promising that this master can only take it easy."
"Master, we can set off now." Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena had already entered the carriage. Jiang Mian sat beside it, still calmly meditating and completely unaffected by the outside world. Xie Yue thoughtfully set up a circle of rails around Jiang Mian to keep him from falling off before calling for Bear Lord to depart.
As for the other carriage, it was left for Scarlet King and Yan to use when they returned.
Bear Lord and Nether Empress exchanged smiles. "Farewell."
Jiang Mian was truly outrageous. He seemed to have entered a state similar to deep meditation. Despite traveling over bumpy roads for three or four days, he did not wake up.
If not for the Soul Power of heaven and earth constantly flowing into his body like swallows returning to their nest, everyone would have thought Jiang Mian had passed out.
Outside Spirit City's gates, Xie Yue had just finished obtaining their passes. Spirit City was no ordinary place; one could not simply enter and leave whenever one wished.
Sitting in the carriage and watching Jiang Mian remain as unmoving as a mountain, Bear Lord marveled, "This is truly the highest realm of cultivation."
"Is Jiang Mian all right?" Even Zhu Zhuqing could not help worrying after he had gone four straight days without food or water. "If this continues, his body won't be able to take it."
"Don't worry." Bear Lord understood the situation clearly. Jiang Mian would be fine even if he went a month without food or water, because the Soul Power he absorbed was already supplying the energy needed to sustain his body.
That was why Bear Lord envied Jiang Mian's cultivation state. In over four hundred thousand years of life, he had only entered such a lucid state a handful of times.
Cast aside all distracting thoughts and hold fast to one's true heart. The books said that the human spirit favored stillness and the human heart favored clarity; at the height of stillness, a lively spark would arise. That was the realm.
After returning to Spirit Hall, Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing carried Jiang Mian into his room and did not dare disturb him further.
This situation continued for more than a month. During that time, Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing wanted to wake Jiang Mian more than once, but Bear Lord stopped them every time.
Bibi Dong also came to see Jiang Mian. Naturally, she did not disturb him, and she ordered everyone else not to disturb him either.
Time passed like a white colt flashing by, gone in the blink of an eye.
That night, Jiang Mian slowly opened his eyes. He wanted to stand, but unsurprisingly fell flat on his back. Having gone more than a month without moving, his limbs had long gone numb.
Hearing the noise, Xie Yue rushed over immediately. He lived next door to Jiang Mian, an arrangement Bibi Dong had made so he could care for him easily.
"You're awake?" Seeing Jiang Mian sprawled on the floor and struggling to rise, Xie Yue asked in surprise, "Is this another cultivation method?"
"Cultivation... my ass." Jiang Mian could barely speak. Stammering, he said, "Quit watching and help me up."
Xie Yue laughed and hurriedly carried Jiang Mian onto the bed. Sensing Jiang Mian's aura, he asked in astonishment, "Have you reached level sixty?"
"More or less." After steadying himself, Jiang Mian moved his tongue a little before he could barely speak normally. "How long has it been?"
"Forty-two days," Xie Yue said. "You scared Nana and Zhuqing half to death. If Teacher and Pope hadn't been knowledgeable enough to understand your condition, Zhuqing and Nana would have woken you up."
"I'm fine." Jiang Mian smiled slightly and stood while holding Xie Yue's shoulder. His limbs and bones felt as though they had rusted, leaving him with an indescribable sense of unfamiliarity.
"Slow down." Xie Yue supported Jiang Mian. Only then did Jiang Mian notice that Xie Yue had truly followed his advice and put on an eye veil.
"It really does have a certain feeling." Jiang Mian stared at Xie Yue's cheeks and laughed. "You look pretty enchanting."
"Stop making fun of me." Xie Yue's cheeks reddened, and he turned away shyly. "Wasn't this your idea?"
Jiang Mian asked, "Have Scarlet King and Yan returned?"
"Not yet." Xie Yue shook his head. "Scarlet King seems quite angry. A message came two days ago saying he won't return until Yan reaches Soul King."
"Nearly two months have passed, and Yan still hasn't broken through?" Jiang Mian laughed. "Looks like Scarlet King is getting serious."
"Hahaha, let him suffer." After helping Jiang Mian steady himself, Xie Yue said, "You just woke up, so you need to recover properly. Should I get you some soup?"
Xie Yue truly was a warmhearted man through and through. Even when caring for someone, he was so gentle and considerate. Knowing Jiang Mian had just awakened and had nothing in his stomach, he wanted to prepare soup for him.
"Don't trouble everyone. It's already late at night." Jiang Mian waved his hand. Taking tiny steps, he shuffled over to the bedside and asked with a smile, "How have the last two months been?"
"My Soul Power has improved steadily, and Nana and Zhuqing have progressed rapidly as well." Xie Yue said, "His Holiness the Pope has been very pleased. Even her temper toward us has improved considerably."
Jiang Mian lowered his voice and laughed. "Looks like the Pope understands that the new generation surpasses the old."
"Don't say that. His Holiness the Pope is still an insurmountable mountain in my heart." When Xie Yue mentioned Bibi Dong, his expression was filled with reverence and admiration.
"She really is impressive, but you'll definitely surpass her someday." Jiang Mian patted Xie Yue's shoulder and said firmly, "Maybe the few of us won't lose to her either?"
"You're young, but your words are quite bold." Bibi Dong's voice suddenly came from outside the door. Jiang Mian's whole body jolted. "Pope, why are you here?"
"Your Holiness the Pope." Xie Yue hurriedly dropped to his knees and paid respects to Bibi Dong.
Dressed in magnificent papal robes, Bibi Dong exuded noble elegance with every movement. She entered the room and looked down at Jiang Mian, who sat on the bed. "You see the Pope and do not even offer greetings?"
"Hello." Jiang Mian was completely carefree, lacking Xie Yue's restraint before the Pope. "Pope, what brings you to my room so late at night?"
"Xie Yue, leave first," Bibi Dong said coldly.
"Yes." Xie Yue did not dare linger and hurriedly ran outside.
"You assisted Chrysanthemum Ghost Douluo in destroying the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, correct?" Bibi Dong suddenly asked.
"That's right." Jiang Mian nodded. "Is something like that even worth questioning?"
"It isn't a question. It's recognition." Bibi Dong walked to Jiang Mian's side, standing so close that he could smell the fragrance radiating from her body.
"Pope is dressed beautifully today as well." Without warning, Jiang Mian took Bibi Dong's soft hand and smiled. "Pope, on such a fine night with such beautiful scenery, would you like to enjoy yourself?"
"Little Jiang Mian, I may be satisfied with you, but that doesn't give you a reason to turn the world upside down." Bibi Dong pressed a hand against Jiang Mian's chest and pinned him firmly beneath her. "Do you want to become my master?"
"Why not?" Jiang Mian wanted to flip over and pin Bibi Dong beneath him, only to discover that he could not move at all. This was rather awkward.
How had he become a lamb awaiting slaughter?
"Wait until your strength surpasses mine before saying that." Bibi Dong suddenly stood up and smiled. "For now, you can only obediently follow my orders."
Jiang Mian's lips curled upward slightly. Ever since he and Bibi Dong had first tasted forbidden fruit, she seemed to have fallen for him—or perhaps his skills were simply so exceptional that Bibi Dong had become addicted to that feeling.
Interesting.
"It'll be dawn soon." Bibi Dong caressed Jiang Mian's body and sighed. "Unfortunately, I had someone make soup for you. Remember to drink it and nourish yourself."
"All right." Jiang Mian answered with a smile. Catching Bibi Dong off guard, he sprang up, hugged her, and kissed her.
Bibi Dong did not resist. She hugged Jiang Mian tightly as well, and the two kissed passionately.
Her lips are so sweet~
"You little rascal."
Perhaps only before Jiang Mian did Bibi Dong reveal some of a young girl's mannerisms. Though she was a mature and stunning beauty, she still carried the emotions of a youthful maiden in her heart.
This made Bibi Dong a woman who could be both cool and sweet, an irresistibly alluring mature beauty.
"All right, I still have Spirit Hall matters to deal with, so I can't stay with you any longer." Bibi Dong had just released Jiang Mian and was about to leave when a crisp, youthful voice suddenly sounded outside. "Is Jiang Mian here?"
"That voice?" Bibi Dong frowned slightly. The moment she heard it, she felt something was wrong, because its owner was the Fifth Worship of the Elder Hall, Radiant Plume Douluo.
"Why is he here?" Bibi Dong asked in surprise.
Jiang Mian did not ask further and quietly watched what would happen.
"Radiant Plume Douluo, why have you come here?" Bibi Dong asked in a cold, authoritative voice.
"His Holiness the Pope is here too?" Radiant Plume Douluo's voice carried a frivolous, carefree air. He strolled into the room and smiled. "Greetings, Pope."
"What business does Fifth Worship have with Jiang Mian?" Bibi Dong stepped in front of Jiang Mian and asked, "Why not speak plainly?"
"Matters decided by the Elder Hall may be handled directly without going through the Pope." Radiant Plume Douluo clearly did not take Bibi Dong seriously—or rather, none of the Elder Hall's worships had much respect for her as Pope.
After all, they all knew perfectly well how she had obtained the position of Pope.
"I do not concern myself with the Elder Hall's decisions." Bibi Dong slowly walked up to Radiant Plume Douluo, looking at the handsome man before her, who resembled a porcelain doll. "But Jiang Mian is a guest I invited. If you want him to go with you, you need my consent first."
"You're making too much of it." Radiant Plume Douluo walked straight past Bibi Dong and stopped before Jiang Mian. "Come with me to see the Grand Venerable. Immediately."
"Do you think you're that strong?" Jiang Mian looked at him with disdain and said coldly, "How dare you speak to the Pope like that? Who gave you the courage? Qian Daoliu?"
"Impudent!" Radiant Plume Douluo flew into a rage. "Who gave you the right to speak to a worship like that and call the Grand Venerable by name?"
"I hold the Grand Venerable in great respect." Jiang Mian said calmly, "But I'm very dissatisfied with your attitude."
"Then wait until you can defeat me before saying that." Radiant Plume Douluo sneered. "Empty boasts are of little use right now."
Jiang Mian ignored Radiant Plume Douluo entirely. He rose and walked to Bibi Dong, respectfully saying, "Your Holiness the Pope, I'll listen to you."
When one was away from home, how could one not stand with one's own wife? Jiang Mian's action plainly told Radiant Plume Douluo that he belonged to Bibi Dong. Without Bibi Dong's orders, he would listen to no one else.
Bibi Dong immediately felt pleased. Looking at Jiang Mian with satisfaction, she said, "Since the Grand Venerable wishes to see you, go with Fifth Worship."
"Let's go." Radiant Plume Douluo had been thoroughly rebuffed, but he did not care and still wore that carefree expression.
As Radiant Plume Douluo and Jiang Mian were about to leave the room, Bibi Dong suddenly said, "Jiang Mian must return the same way he leaves. If anything happens to him, I cannot guarantee I won't do something excessive."
"Understood." Radiant Plume Douluo replied indifferently before taking Jiang Mian toward the Elder Hall.
Before you continue