Training Sternly Rejected by Bibi Dong

Inside the tent.

Filled with excitement, Ji Wushuang tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

He spread his hands, and a dark crimson sheen flowed across their surfaces, where irregular, magma-like patterns emerged.

"This feeling... it's like putting on a pair of gloves that can enhance the strength of my hands."

"Perhaps I can put more effort into the Sword Drawing Technique."

Ji Wushuang examined them closely and murmured.

The Heavenly Slash Sword and its scabbard had been prepared specifically for this purpose.

Only after daylight had fully broken did Ji Wushuang wake up. He stepped out of the tent and found Bibi Dong's tent still standing peacefully there, its entrance tightly shut.

Ji Wushuang was just about to release his Spiritual Power to inspect the situation inside the tent.

At that moment, Bibi Dong walked out and said, "Pack up. We're heading back."

"Alright." Ji Wushuang immediately began packing.

A moment later.

Once he had finished, Ji Wushuang quickly followed Bibi Dong as they flew toward Spirit City.

Along the way.

Ji Wushuang said, "Teacher, I am now a Soul Ancestor and possess Flight Ability. I already have sufficient means to protect myself, so I wish to leave Spirit City and train outside for a while. I ask that Teacher permit it."

Bibi Dong's delicate brows furrowed slightly. "You are only twelve years old. You are still very young and know far too little about the world. The outside world is nothing like Spirit City—it is filled with schemes and deception. If you go out there, you might be eaten alive within days, without even your bones left behind."

"You should grow a little more first."

"As for your training, I have my own plans. When I believe you are capable of venturing across the continent alone, I will naturally allow you to leave Spirit City and train outside."

Ji Wushuang said, "Teacher, twelve isn't that young anymore, and I..."

"Enough! If I say no, then no!" Bibi Dong coldly cut him off. Her figure stopped in midair as she turned to stare at Ji Wushuang. "Do you think you're very impressive now? Do you think a Soul Ancestor can look down on the entire world?"

"This world is far more dangerous than you imagine. You are still far too green!"

"Without my permission, you are not allowed to leave Spirit City. Do you understand?"

Ji Wushuang pressed his lips together and nodded repeatedly.

Why had she suddenly blown up?

Bibi Dong's image as a teacher had vanished completely, replaced by the majesty she possessed as the Pope.

Seeing Ji Wushuang nod, Bibi Dong pondered for a long time before saying, "We'll discuss training again after you come of age..."

"If you merely want to leave Spirit City and take a look outside, then I can satisfy that."

"Elder Ghostly Charm is the elder in charge of punishments and oversees all external military operations. I will have him arrange a mission for you, so you can understand the true brutality of battle in the Spirit Master World."

"It is not something that can be handled just by throwing around soul skills."

"After seeing it with your own eyes, don't wet your pants in front of others. Otherwise, don't call yourself my disciple anymore. I cannot afford that embarrassment."

Ji Wushuang nodded solemnly.

Seeing this, Bibi Dong let out a soft sigh before continuing on her way.

Ji Wushuang also breathed a sigh of relief.

Bibi Dong's rare outburst had been rather frightening, though it had a unique charm of its own.

Spirit City.

Pope's Palace.

Bibi Dong sat upright on the Pope's throne, while Ji Wushuang stood at her side.

Below them.

Ghostly Charm bowed and said, "This subordinate greets Your Excellency the Pope."

Bibi Dong looked down at Ghostly Charm and said calmly, "Ghostly Charm, have there been any recent operations?"

Ghostly Charm considered for a moment before replying, "Reporting to Your Excellency the Pope, Wolf Bandits have been appearing frequently along the border between the Two Great Empires. It is said to be a band of around three hundred Wolf Bandits. This subordinate was preparing to dispatch an enforcement team to eliminate them."

Bibi Dong glanced back at Ji Wushuang and said, "Wushuang, didn't you wish to leave Spirit City and train outside? This will be the first test I give you. Go and witness a real battle."

"Wolf Bandits are not ordinary Spirit Beasts. They are more brutal and bloodthirsty, and wherever they pass, blood flows like rivers and corpses litter the ground."

"Ghostly Charm, when are you planning to depart?"

Ghostly Charm glanced at Ji Wushuang. "Reporting to Your Excellency the Pope, in two days. This subordinate will dispatch a ten-man Soul Emperor squad, led by a Soul Saint, for a total of eleven people."

Bibi Dong said, "There are twelve now."

Ghostly Charm could not help saying, "Your Majesty, Wushuang is only twelve years old. Isn't it too early to expose him to such things...?"

Bibi Dong fixed her beautiful eyes on Ji Wushuang. "Those blessed with exceptional talent usually have the flaw of thinking too highly of themselves."

"..." Ji Wushuang smiled awkwardly.

"It's settled, then. Take Wushuang with you when you set out!" Bibi Dong gave the order.

Ghostly Charm said, "Your subordinate obeys!"

Bibi Dong said, "Wushuang, go back and make your preparations now. Don't cultivate these next two days. Rest well, gather your strength, and face the first trial your teacher has given you in your best condition."

"Then this disciple will take his leave first." Ji Wushuang turned and departed.

Only Bibi Dong and Ghostly Charm remained in the vast Pope's Palace, surrounded by utter silence.

After a long silence.

Bibi Dong said coldly, "Ghostly Charm, don't let anything happen to Wushuang!"

Her voice seemed to come from Netherworld Hell itself, making even Ghostly Charm, a Titled Douluo, shudder in fear.

"The men your subordinate has dispatched are all skilled. Nothing will happen to Wushuang!"

Bibi Dong said, "Call Ye Lingyuan along as well. With a Soul Douluo who can fly, it'll be safer."

Ghostly Charm's mouth twitched slightly as he nodded again and again. "Your subordinate will notify her at once."

What he really wanted to say was—

There were only two or three hundred Wolf Bandits. There was no need to make such a huge fuss.

But seeing Bibi Dong's icy expression, he only dared keep those words to himself.

"Leave." Bibi Dong waved her hand.

Ghostly Charm hurriedly took his leave. His instincts told him that something was very wrong with Bibi Dong's mental state.

After Ghostly Charm left.

Bibi Dong raised a jade-like hand to her forehead as waves of stabbing pain assailed her mind.

The night before their departure.

Ji Wushuang, who was sparring with Yan, Xie Yue, and Hu Liena in the Bamboo Forest, suddenly paused and looked at Bibi Dong as she slowly descended. He was slightly startled.

"Teacher, why are you here?"

Yan, Xie Yue, and Hu Liena all looked up, surprise written across their faces.

This was the first time the three of them had seen Bibi Dong in person.

Within Spirit Hall.

Those without great status and authority had almost no chance of seeing Bibi Dong, the Pope, with their own eyes.

Ji Wushuang was only able to do so because he was Bibi Dong's disciple.

Without that connection, talent alone would not have been enough to earn an audience with her.

With the full moon at her back, Bibi Dong's graceful silhouette beneath her gown was outlined by the cold moonlight. Silver radiance scattered through her hair, making her seem like an aloof, breathtaking immortal untouched by the mortal world.

She exuded an air that kept others at a thousand paces, her gaze chilly and her expression indifferent. Only when she looked at Ji Wushuang did a hint of warmth appear.

"Greetings, Your Excellency the Pope!"

The three dropped to one knee in unison and spoke respectfully.

Though it was their first time seeing Bibi Dong's true appearance, they were not deaf.

Ji Wushuang's form of address for Bibi Dong still echoed in their minds.

Bibi Dong glanced at the three of them. "You must be the Xie Yue, Yan, and... Hu Liena that Wushuang often mentions."

Bibi Dong's gaze lingered particularly on Hu Liena.

Hu Liena sensed Bibi Dong's attention and lowered her head even further.

Bibi Dong said, "Raise your head!"

The three raised their heads together, taking the chance to feast their eyes on her.

Being able to glimpse Bibi Dong's beauty was something worth boasting about.

Ninety-nine percent of Spirit Hall's people would never have the chance to see Bibi Dong even once in their lives.

Yet the three of them had happened to encounter her this time. It was truly a stroke of fortune.

Bibi Dong studied Hu Liena carefully and said flatly, "You've grown into quite a graceful young woman, with bright, lovely eyes. What rank are you at now?"

Ji Wushuang smiled. "Teacher, Xie Yue and Yan are the same age as me, and they've both already become Soul Elders. Na'er is a year younger, but she isn't far from becoming a Soul Elder either."

"Did I ask you?" Bibi Dong glanced at Ji Wushuang indifferently.

"..." Ji Wushuang awkwardly closed his mouth.

Bibi Dong said flatly, "It's getting late. Young people shouldn't stay up too late. Go back."

Hearing this, the three rose to their feet. "Thank you for your concern, Your Excellency the Pope!"

"Brother Wushuang, have a safe journey. Come back soon!" Hu Liena waved farewell.

Ji Wushuang smiled and nodded.

After the three of them left, only the sound of the wind remained in the silent Bamboo Forest. Ji Wushuang and Bibi Dong stood facing each other, neither speaking first.

After a long while.

Bibi Dong said, "Even without releasing her martial soul or using soul skills, this Hu Liena still gives off an alluring power. She is rather special. In the future, she could become a fine Control System Spirit Master."

Ji Wushuang asked, "Teacher, do you have any intention of taking her as your disciple as well?"

Bibi Dong said, "No!"

"..."

Did she have to be that decisive?

Ji Wushuang pondered inwardly.

He only remembered that Hu Liena became Bibi Dong's disciple after receiving the Purple Record Medal and returning from training in the Misty Trail Grand Canyon.

Before that, Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan had only met Bibi Dong once, during the Purple Record Medal award ceremony.

Unaware of what Ji Wushuang was thinking, Bibi Dong slowly walked up to him and asked, "You leave tomorrow. Are you nervous? If you regret it now, there is still time."

Ji Wushuang smiled. "Teacher, hearing of something is not as good as seeing it, and seeing it is not as good as experiencing it firsthand."

"Besides, I am your disciple. Every word and action of mine represents not only myself, but also the dignity of you, the Pope of Spirit Hall."

"If I run away whenever trouble arises, then if the world learns that I am your disciple in the future, would that not disgrace your name?"

"Also, this time I'll be traveling with ten Soul Emperors and one Soul Saint. With such a lineup, could we not handle a gang of Wolf Bandits?"

At his words, Bibi Dong's gentleness receded, replaced by icy frost.

"Since that is the case, then I shall test how much you have improved since breaking through to Soul Ancestor!"

"Draw your sword!"

A flash of cold light appeared. Bibi Dong pointed her sword at Ji Wushuang, an unyielding chill gathering between her brows. She was breathtakingly beautiful.

"Then this disciple will make his move! Boom—"

The Peerless Sword Casket and four Spirit Rings appeared at once. Ten flying swords shot from their sheaths simultaneously, trailing sword light of different colors as they stabbed toward Bibi Dong.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

The Peerless Sword Array formed in the blink of an eye. It contained as many as 3,628,800 transformations, ever-changing and impossible to guard against.

"He can already control ten flying swords!"

Bibi Dong's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, and she was deeply satisfied with Ji Wushuang's performance.

This endlessly shifting sword array would likely tear a weaker opponent apart in an instant!