Qian Xunji had never expected Bibi Dong to suddenly unleash such terrifying power.
Under that absolute suppression of power, he could not muster even the slightest resistance.
Eight sharp spider spears danced wildly through the air, viciously piercing his body.
The brutal torture continued without pause until Qian Xunji's life force was completely extinguished.
Lu Yan had no desire to watch this bloody revenge.
The instant Bibi Dong regained consciousness and took control of the dream, his connection to it loosened.
Without hesitation, Lu Yan immediately focused his mind and withdrew his consciousness from that chaotic place.
"Phew—!"
His consciousness returned to his body. Lu Yan abruptly opened his eyes, gasping for breath as cold sweat seeped from his brow.
He had never imagined that what he thought would be an ordinary Dream Entry service would bring such immense danger.
Looking up at Bibi Dong, who was still asleep, he saw that the dark purple evil aura surrounding her had already dissipated.
"This woman is a massive source of trouble herself..."
Lu Yan's heart turned cold, and he did not wish to remain another moment.
He quickly got up and left the Guest Courtyard at once.
At this moment, only by Qian Daoliu's side could he feel even a trace of safety.
Night fell.
After enduring that bout of Spiritual Interference, Lu Yan lay exhausted on his bed.
He was just about to enter a dream and absorb emotional power from Others' dreams.
When he suddenly sensed something different.
Lu Yan turned his awareness inward to inspect his Sea of Consciousness, and his heart jolted.
"My Spiritual Power... has actually become a little more condensed?"
After a moment, he understood.
Hardship was also an opportunity.
Under the impact and pressure of the Rakshasa God's Mind, his Spiritual Power had become like steel tempered by a hammer—purer and more solid.
Even the lingering medicinal power of the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew within his body had been absorbed at an accelerated rate during the process.
This danger had not been entirely without gain.
The Next Day.
Lu Yan continued cultivating alongside Qian Daoliu, comprehending the mysteries of Spiritual Power and Soul Power.
However, not long afterward, Yue Guan paid another visit, once again bringing Bibi Dong's order:
Lu Yan was to return to the Guest Courtyard that evening.
After delivering the instruction, Yue Guan turned and left.
"Why does the Pope summon you time and again?"
Qian Daoliu had not paid much attention to it before, but two consecutive summons had stirred his curiosity.
Lu Yan wore a bitter expression.
"Your Eminence the Pope... probably wishes for this subordinate to perform Dream Entry for her again."
He truly did not wish to experience yesterday's dream crisis a second time.
Since awakening his Dream Butterfly Martial Soul, that had been the first time he had completely lost control over a dream.
That feeling of helplessness and nearing destruction had been utterly terrible.
Of course, if his safety could be guaranteed, he would not mind using the opportunity to temper his Spiritual Power.
Increasing Spiritual Power might not be difficult, but refining it until it became incomparably solid was extremely difficult.
Normally, one only had such an opportunity when absorbing Spirit Rings or breaking through a major realm.
"You don't want to go?" Qian Daoliu asked upon seeing his bitter, resistant expression.
Lu Yan immediately nodded.
"Your Eminence the Pope's cultivation is unfathomable. Compared to hers, my Spiritual Power is like a mayfly trying to shake a tree.
Not only would it be difficult to have any effect, I could also easily suffer a Spiritual Power backlash.
Yesterday... this subordinate nearly sank into the dream and was unable to wake."
Qian Daoliu frowned slightly at those words.
He had not expected the matter to be so dangerous.
After so many years, he had finally encountered a genius worthy of his notice—and one Xue'er valued. He absolutely could not let him be ruined because of this.
"You do not need to go today."
Qian Daoliu's tone was calm, yet brooked no doubt.
"This old man will refuse the Pope on your behalf."
"Thank you, Great Enshrined Master." Lu Yan was overjoyed.
With Qian Daoliu stepping in, the pressure instantly lessened greatly.
In the present age, the only one who could firmly suppress Bibi Dong was likely this Angel Douluo.
Holy light had always possessed immense suppressive and restraining power against evil entities and wicked thoughts.
"Continue. Let this old man see your limits."
Qian Daoliu said no more and returned his attention to teaching.
Cultivating this boy would also provide solid support for Xue'er's future foundation.
By evening, within the Guest Courtyard.
Bibi Dong sat upright on a stone stool, a trace of impatience already gathering in her Purple Eyes.
"Yue Guan, where is he?"
Yue Guan bowed and replied respectfully.
"This subordinate informed Lu Yan early this morning. Perhaps... he is still on his way."
"On his way?" Bibi Dong snorted coldly. "He is probably afraid and dares not come before This Emperor."
Yue Guan's curiosity deepened further. What exactly had happened in this Guest Courtyard yesterday to make that Youth so wary?
"Withdraw."
Bibi Dong dismissed Yue Guan. Gazing at the darkening sky, her lips curved into an ice-cold smile.
"After seeing Such an unbearable past of This Emperor, you want to hide?"
"Hmph. Naive."
The next day, unexpectedly, Bibi Dong personally came to the Elder Hall.
A trace of surprise flashed through Qian Daoliu's eyes when he saw her.
Over the years, Bibi Dong had almost never set foot here.
"It seems my orders as Pope have become little more than empty words within Spirit Hall."
Bibi Dong's indifferent gaze swept over the two of them before settling on Lu Yan behind Qian Daoliu.
Qian Daoliu's expression remained unchanged as he spoke in a deep voice.
"Pope, Lu Yan possesses outstanding talent and will be a pillar of Spirit Hall's future.
Do not ruin his prospects over some trivial matter.
He cannot be delayed."
His tone grew noticeably heavier by the end.
A chill flashed through Bibi Dong's eyes, and the aura around her subtly condensed.
If not for the Rakshasa Divine Power affecting her state at this moment, she likely would have been unable to restrain herself long ago.
"Lu Yan, come with me."
Bibi Dong no longer looked at Qian Daoliu and gave the order directly. Then, as if adding an afterthought, she coldly said:
"Rest assured. This Emperor promises in the Pope's name that I will never force him to do anything."
Only then did Qian Daoliu turn his gaze to Lu Yan and nod slightly.
The two great figures had already reached an understanding, leaving Lu Yan no choice but to answer:
"Yes, Your Eminence the Pope."
"Xue'er values him greatly," Qian Daoliu said.
Lu Yan Sharply Perceived that Bibi Dong's footsteps paused almost imperceptibly.
Yet she said nothing more and turned to leave in large strides.
It was still that tranquil Guest Courtyard.
Bibi Dong sat elegantly on a stone stool, her legs naturally crossed. Her posture was composed, yet she carried an invisible pressure of her own.
"Everything you saw in the Dream the day before yesterday..."
Bibi Dong began slowly.
Before she could finish, Lu Yan immediately and tactfully took over.
"In reply to Your Eminence, this subordinate has never remembered what happened in dreams since childhood... Did something happen within it?"
Seeing Lu Yan lie so brazenly without changing expression, Bibi Dong actually gave a low laugh.
"This Emperor does not enjoy hearing lies.
I permit you to say that again."
"This subordinate... truly does not remember."
Lu Yan refused to relent, insisting on his answer.
Bibi Dong did not press him further and changed the subject.
"I have you to thank for allowing This Emperor to enjoy a rare good night's sleep the day before yesterday.
Tell me, what reward do you want?"
When she awoke yesterday, it was already late morning.
Since accepting the Rakshasa God Trial, she had never once slept so peacefully.
And... perhaps because of that release in the dream, she seemed to have gained a little more control over the Rakshasa Divine Power as well.
"It is this subordinate's duty to ease Your Eminence's burdens. I dare not ask for a reward."
Lu Yan lowered his posture as much as possible.
At that, an inscrutable smile curled across Bibi Dong's lips.
"Is that so?
Yet This Emperor feels that those angry shouts of yours in the dream revealed your true nature even more clearly."
Lu Yan's expression did not change as he hurriedly said:
"Your Eminence the Pope, please forgive the innocent for their ignorance."
No matter what, he had resolved never to admit it.
"Enough idle chatter. This Emperor needs your help cultivating."
Bibi Dong's smile vanished. Her expression turned solemn as she fixed Lu Yan with a sharp gaze.
"As long as you agree, This Emperor can even grant you a Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone."
For years, she had been unable to fully control the Rakshasa Divine Power within her that affected her mind.
Lu Yan's appearance, along with that unusual dream experience the day before yesterday, had allowed her to glimpse an entirely new possibility.
Perhaps the key to completing the subsequent god trials lay with this boy.
"And This Emperor promises you," Bibi Dong stressed:
"Throughout the entire process, I will certainly protect you and ensure you come to no harm."
A Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone.
That was quite a lavish offer.
It was a true Treasure of the Blood River, a supreme treasure coveted in the dreams of Soul Masters across the world.
If safety could truly be guaranteed, then it was not impossible to give it a try.
Lu Yan also wanted to refine his own Spiritual Power. Opportunities like this did not come often.
Moreover, he was nearing the threshold between Soul King and Soul Emperor.
Without a special opportunity, relying on Slow and Steady Work alone, who knew how long it would take?
Tempering the mind with wicked thoughts was a dangerous path, but it was also a shortcut.
But... could Bibi Dong truly fulfill what she promised?
Lu Yan still harbored doubts.
Had he not reacted swiftly the day before yesterday, the consequences would have been unthinkable.
Making plans with a tiger was no easy matter.
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