Beautiful scenery, Your Excellency the Pope, do you want to have a good time?

On the carriage, Jiang Mian, cleansed of blood and grime, sat cross-legged. He was dressed in a crimson robe, a replacement set of clothes given to him by Crimson King.

Jiang Mian, already a young hero, looked even more like a dashing young man in this attire, with his vibrant robes and spirited horse.

Ever since he heard that Xie Yue's Soul Power had reached level fifty-three that morning, a sense of urgency had taken root in his heart. That guy was truly putting in the effort, meditating and cultivating his Soul Power for nearly a full day without eating or drinking.

"Sister," Hu Liena said, leaning closer to Zhu Zhuqing, "why don't you try to persuade Jiang Mian? He hasn't eaten anything all day. Can he handle it?"

"Sister Nana, concern makes you lose your head," Zhu Zhuqing replied with a smile. "Disturbing Jiang Mian now would only be counterproductive."

"Alright," Hu Liena mused, resting her chin on her hand. "Why is my brother taking so long to absorb his Soul Ring? It's been almost a day, and he's still not back."

"With Nether Empress accompanying him, nothing will go wrong," Bear Lord chimed in. "Don't worry. Just pack up your things, and we'll leave as soon as Xie Yue is out."

"I'm back." Before Bear Lord could finish speaking, Xie Yue appeared, full of vigor, returning to the group with Nether Empress.

"How did it go?" Bear Lord asked concernedly.

"The process was a bit perilous, but the outcome was as expected," Xie Yue said, grinning from ear to ear. "Now that I've absorbed the Soul Ring, my level has taken a step towards fifty-four."

"Let me see," Bear Lord said, examining Xie Yue's body closely. "Not bad. My disciple is truly a distinguished young man. I am pleased."

Xie Yue scratched his head. He saw Jiang Mian meditating and cultivating, and exclaimed in surprise, "This is my first time seeing Jiang Mian actively cultivating. What's gotten into him?"

"He's got a sense of urgency thanks to you," Bear Lord chuckled heartily. "He's afraid you'll surpass him."

Xie Yue pouted slightly and smiled. "Jiang Mian is really worrying about nothing."

Bear Lord retorted with a laugh, "What are you saying? Jiang Mian is human too. How can you be sure you won't surpass him?"

"Master, do you believe what you're saying?" Xie Yue laughed heartily. "I'll keep trying."

"That's my good disciple," Bear Lord said, patting Xie Yue's head. "Then let's get ready to head back to Spirit Hall."

"Okay, Master," Xie Yue agreed. They didn't have much to pack; they just needed to extinguish the bonfire.

"You guys go back first. I need to take Yan somewhere," Crimson King said, hoisting Yan up. "It'll probably take a month or two."

"Don't be too rough," Bear Lord cautioned.

"I know," Crimson King said, flying into the sky with Yan as if he were carrying a chick. He quickly disappeared from everyone's sight.

"Yan's in for some suffering," Bear Lord remarked with a sigh. "When will Crimson King ever change his competitive nature?"

"You have the nerve to say that?" Nether Empress laughed heartily and walked up to Bear Lord. "Who doesn't know that Bear Lord back in the day was the most competitive one?"

"I'm old now," Bear Lord said self-deprecatingly. "My disciple is so promising, so as a master, I can only rest."

"Master, we can depart now." Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena had already gotten into the carriage. Jiang Mian sat beside the carriage, still meditating calmly, completely unfazed by his surroundings. Xie Yue thoughtfully placed a protective barrier around Jiang Mian to prevent him from falling before calling for Bear Lord to set off.

As for the other carriage, it was left for Crimson King and Yan to use when they returned for their journey.

Bear Lord and Nether Empress exchanged a smile. "Farewell."

Jiang Mian was truly remarkable. He seemed to have entered a state akin to deep meditation. For three to four days of bumpy travel, he didn't wake up at all.

If not for the fact that the world's Soul Power was constantly entering Jiang Mian's body like fledglings returning to their nest, everyone would have thought Jiang Mian had fallen unconscious.

At the gates of Spirit City, Xie Yue had just finished handling the entry permit. After all, Spirit City was not just any place; it wasn't somewhere you could enter or leave as you pleased.

Bear Lord sat on the carriage, looking at Jiang Mian's unmoving state, and marveled, "This is truly the highest realm of cultivation."

"Is Jiang Mian alright?" After four days without food or drink, even Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but worry. "If Jiang Mian continues like this, his body won't be able to take it."

"Don't worry," Bear Lord said, seeing through it. Jiang Mian would be fine even without food or drink for a month now, as the absorption of his own Soul Power was already supplying the circulation of energy throughout his body.

Otherwise, Bear Lord would envy Jiang Mian's state of cultivation. He had lived for over four hundred thousand years, and had only entered such a state of emptiness a handful of times.

To cast aside all distracting thoughts, to guard one's original heart. Books say that the divine nature loves stillness, and the human heart loves clarity. From extreme stillness arises a lively spark of movement, and this is the realm.

When everyone returned to Spirit Hall, Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing carried Jiang Mian into his room and dared not disturb him further.

This situation continued for over a month. During this time, Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing wanted to wake Jiang Mian more than once, but Bear Lord stopped them.

Bibi Dong also came to see Jiang Mian, of course without disturbing him. She also instructed others not to disturb him.

Time flew by like a white steed galloping past a crack.

That night, Jiang Mian slowly opened his eyes. He tried to stand up but, as expected, fell flat on his back. His limbs had not been used for over a month, and their functions had become numb.

Hearing the commotion, Xie Yue rushed over immediately. He lived next door to Jiang Mian, an arrangement made by Bibi Dong for convenience in taking care of him.

"You're awake?" Xie Yue looked at Jiang Mian, who was struggling to get up from the floor, and asked in surprise, "Is this another method of cultivation?"

"Cultivating... Cultivating my foot," Jiang Mian could barely speak. He stammered, "Stop watching the show and help me up."

Xie Yue laughed heartily and quickly helped Jiang Mian onto the bed. He felt Jiang Mian's aura and was astonished. "Have you reached level sixty yet?"

"Close," Jiang Mian said, stabilizing himself. He moved his tongue, and only then could he speak somewhat normally. "How much time has passed?"

"Forty-two days," Xie Yue replied. "You almost scared Nana and Zhuqing to death. If it weren't for Teacher and His Majesty the Pope being so knowledgeable and aware of your condition, Zhuqing and Nana would have really insisted on waking you up."

"I'm fine," Jiang Mian said with a slight smile. He leaned on Xie Yue's shoulder to stand up. His limbs felt as rusty as if they had been unused, giving him an indescribable sense of unfamiliarity.

"Take it slow," Xie Yue supported Jiang Mian. It was then that Jiang Mian noticed that Xie Yue had actually followed his suggestion and was wearing an eye mask.

"This actually feels pretty good," Jiang Mian stared at Xie Yue's cheek and laughed. "You look quite alluring."

"Don't make fun of me," Xie Yue's cheeks flushed, and he turned his head away shyly. "It's all because of your idea!"

Jiang Mian asked, "Have Crimson King and Yan returned?"

"Not yet," Xie Yue shook his head and said, "Mr. Crimson King seems quite angry. A message came back two days ago, saying he'd return after promoting Yan to Soul King."

"It's been almost two months, and Yan still hasn't broken through?" Jiang Mian chuckled, "It looks like Crimson King is getting serious."

"Hahaha, let him suffer," Xie Yue steadied Jiang Mian and said, "You just woke up and need to recuperate. Shall I get you some soup?"

Indeed, Xie Yue was a complete warm man, even taking care of others so gently and considerately. Knowing Jiang Mian had just woken up and had nothing substantial in his stomach, he prepared soup for him.

"Don't trouble everyone, it's late," Jiang Mian waved his hand. He tiptoed to the bedside and asked with a smile, "How have you been these past two months?"

"My Soul Power has been steadily improving, and Nana and Zhuqing have also made rapid progress," Xie Yue said. "Her Majesty the Pope is very pleased, and even her mood towards us has improved considerably."

Jiang Mian lowered his voice and chuckled, "It seems the Pope also understands the principle of 'the student surpasses the master'."

"Don't say that. Her Majesty the Pope is still an insurmountable mountain in my heart," Xie Yue's expression was full of admiration and respect when he mentioned Bibi Dong.

"She is indeed very powerful, but you will definitely surpass her in the future," Jiang Mian patted Xie Yue's shoulder, his tone firm. "Perhaps the few of us are not inferior to her?"

"Such a young age, and such a big talk?" Bibi Dong's voice suddenly came from outside the door. Jiang Mian's heart skipped a beat, and he shivered all over. "Your Holiness, why are you here?"

"Her Majesty the Pope," Xie Yue quickly knelt on the ground to pay respects to Bibi Dong.

Bibi Dong, dressed in her Pope's ceremonial robes, exuded grace and nobility with every movement. She walked into the room and looked down at Jiang Mian, who was sitting on the bed, "You don't even greet the Pope when you see her?"

"Hello," Jiang Mian was casual, completely lacking Xie Yue's deference towards the Pope. "Your Holiness, you visit my room so late at night, is there something you need?"

"Xie Yue, you go out first," Bibi Dong said coldly.

"Yes." Xie Yue dared not linger any longer and quickly ran out of the room.

"You assisted Ghost Douluo and Ju Douluo in destroying the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, didn't you?" Bibi Dong suddenly asked.

"That's right," Jiang Mian nodded. "Do you still need to question such a thing?"

"It's not a question, it's an affirmation," Bibi Dong walked to Jiang Mian's side. They were very close, and Jiang Mian could even smell Bibi Dong's fragrance.

"Your Holiness the Pope looks very beautiful today," Jiang Mian, without warning, took Bibi Dong's jade hand and smiled, "Your Holiness, with such fine weather and a beautiful night, shall we have some fun?"

"Little Jiang Mian, although you've satisfied me quite a bit, that's no excuse for you to defy me," Bibi Dong reached out and pressed down on Jiang Mian's chest, pinning him firmly beneath her. "Do you want to become my master?"

"Is that not possible?" Jiang Mian wanted to flip over and pin Bibi Dong beneath him, but he found he couldn't move at all. This was a bit awkward.

How did he become a lamb to the slaughter?

"We'll talk about it when your strength surpasses mine," Bibi Dong suddenly stood up and smiled. "Right now, you can only obey my orders obediently."

Jiang Mian's lips curved upwards slightly. Ever since their first intimate encounter the other time, Bibi Dong seemed to have fallen for him, or perhaps his "skills" were so impressive that she became addicted to that feeling.

Interesting.

"It's almost dawn outside," Bibi Dong stroked Jiang Mian's body and sighed. "What a pity. I had someone boil soup for you. Remember to drink it to replenish your strength."

"Okay," Jiang Mian responded with a smile. He took advantage of Bibi Dong's lack of vigilance, sprang up, hugged her, and kissed her.

Bibi Dong didn't resist. She hugged Jiang Mian tightly as well, and they kissed passionately.

Her lips are so sweet~

"You little rascal."

Perhaps in front of Jiang Mian, Bibi Dong could show some of her girlish side. After all, despite being a stunning beauty with an 'older sister' aura, she still possessed the emotions of a young girl deep down.

This made Bibi Dong an extremely alluring young woman, capable of being both cool and sweet.

"Alright, I still have matters regarding Spirit Hall to attend to, so I won't stay with you any longer." Just as Bibi Dong let go of Jiang Mian and was about to leave, a clear, youthful voice suddenly came from outside: "Is Jiang Mian here?"

"This voice?" Bibi Dong frowned. Hearing this voice, she felt a sense of foreboding because the owner of the voice was the fifth Venerable of the Elder Hall, Radiant Plume Douluo.

"What is he doing here?" Bibi Dong asked in surprise.

Jiang Mian didn't ask further and chose to observe the situation.

"What business does Radiant Plume Douluo have here?" Bibi Dong questioned coldly, her tone authoritative.

"Her Majesty the Pope is here too?" Radiant Plume Douluo's voice was playfully disrespectful. He walked into the room uninvited and said, "Greetings, Your Holiness the Pope."

"What does the Fifth Venerable want with Jiang Mian?" Bibi Dong asked, blocking Jiang Mian behind her. "Why don't we just speak plainly?"

"Matters decided by the Elder Hall can be handled directly, bypassing the Pope," Radiant Plume Douluo clearly didn't take Bibi Dong seriously. Or rather, the Venerables of the entire Elder Hall didn't show much respect to the Pope, Bibi Dong.

After all, the Venerables knew how she had obtained her position as Pope.

"I don't care about the Elder Hall's decisions," Bibi Dong slowly walked to Radiant Plume Douluo, looking at the handsome Radiant Plume Douluo, who looked like a porcelain doll. "But Jiang Mian is a guest I invited. If you want him to go with you, you need my consent first."

"That's a bit too much," Radiant Plume Douluo walked past Bibi Dong directly. He went in front of Jiang Mian and said, "You come with me to see the Great Elder, immediately."

"Do you think you're very strong?" Jiang Mian said dismissively, his voice cold. "Who gave you the courage to speak to the Pope like that? Qian Daoliu?"

"Presumptuous!" Radiant Plume Douluo was instantly enraged, his face filled with anger. "Who gave you the authority to speak to a Venerable like this and address the Great Elder by name?"

"I have great respect for the Great Elder," Jiang Mian said calmly. "But I am very displeased with your attitude."

"Then we'll talk when you can beat me," Radiant Plume Douluo sneered. "Empty boasts don't amount to much right now."

Jiang Mian ignored Radiant Plume Douluo. He got up and walked to Bibi Dong, saying respectfully, "Your Holiness the Pope, I'll listen to you."

Stepping outside, how could he not stand with his wife? Jiang Mian's action was a clear declaration to Radiant Plume Douluo: I, Jiang Mian, belong to Bibi Dong. Without Bibi Dong's command, I will listen to no one else.

Bibi Dong felt a surge of comfort, looking at Jiang Mian with satisfaction. "Since the Great Venerable wishes to see you, you shall accompany the Fifth Venerable."

"Let's go." Radiant Plume Douluo, having been snubbed, didn't seem to mind, maintaining his nonchalant demeanor.

Just as Radiant Plume Douluo and Jiang Mian were about to leave the room, Bibi Dong suddenly spoke, "Jiang Mian must return the way he left. If anything happens to him, I cannot guarantee I won't take extreme measures."

"Understood." Radiant Plume Douluo replied indifferently before leading Jiang Mian to the Elder Hall.