Take His Place

It was A Rou who initiated the Beast Tide. Although she couldn't control many soul beasts now, it was enough to create a small-scale Beast Tide.

Xiao Chenlong breathed a sigh of relief only after the Titan Giant Ape and the Azure Ox Python returned safely.

"Daming, Erming, we need to find a new place."

At this moment, a little girl with pink clothes and braided pigtails, Xiao Wu, rushed into A Rou's arms.

Now that A Rou's fate had been rewritten, it was unknown if Xiao Wu would still meet Tang San.

After retreating from the core area of the Star Dou Great Forest, Bibi Dong began to settle accounts.

"Don't the two of you owe me an explanation? Why did you suddenly withdraw the Two Forms Static Domain? It's because of you that the Shapeshifted Soul Beast escaped."

"Your Excellency the Pope, the situation was critical at the time. We withdrew our Spirit Fusion Skill and dodged the attack in a moment of desperation."

"Hmph, is that an excuse? Because of you, the operation failed. When we get back, I will definitely not let you off lightly."

The surviving Soul Douluo didn't dare to breathe, for fear that Bibi Dong would notice them and scold them as well.

It was one thing to be lectured, but they were afraid that Bibi Dong would go mad and kill them.

It was no secret in Spirit Hall that Pope Bibi Dong was moody.

On Xiao Chenlong's side, they had arrived at Spirit City. Upon seeing Qian Daoliu, Qian Renxue couldn't help but throw herself into his arms.

Qian Renxue had indeed not seen Qian Daoliu for a long time.

"Grandfather... Xue'er misses you so much."

"Grandfather misses Xue'er too."

"Hmph, you don't miss me, or else why wouldn't you have come to see me even once."

This left Qian Daoliu speechless for a moment. He really hadn't gone to see Qian Renxue. As the Great Enshrined of Spirit Hall, he couldn't leave the Hall of Worship as he pleased.

"It's my fault. I made Xue'er suffer."

Xiao Chenlong watched from the side, casually petting the little monkey, and didn't say a word.

After coaxing Qian Renxue for a while, Qian Daoliu finally turned his gaze to Xiao Chenlong.

"Xiao Long, as your teacher, I also feel I've let you down."

"Teacher, you don't need to say that. Let's talk about important matters. Bibi Dong absolutely cannot continue to be the Pope. She will only lead Spirit Hall to the abyss."

"Sigh, I understand what you mean. Do as you wish, and I will support you."

With Qian Daoliu's support, everything became much easier. Someone was found to fetch a set of Pope's attire for Qian Renxue to change into. Qian Renxue then used her spirit bones to disguise herself, and a living "Bibi Dong" appeared before them.

However, Qian Renxue was still very immature at the moment, and her temperament was vastly different from Bibi Dong's.

"You need to imitate Bibi Dong's temperament. It doesn't have to be exactly like hers; about fifty percent is enough. I'll give you two days, which should be sufficient."

Two days passed in the blink of an eye. All the elders and bishops of Spirit Hall in Spirit City received notifications to gather at the Pope's Palace.

Everyone was discussing amongst themselves, not understanding what had happened.

Those who knew Bibi Dong had left Spirit City were even more puzzled. They hadn't received any news of Bibi Dong's return either.

Just then, "Bibi Dong" walked in and sat on the Pope's throne.

"Greetings, Your Excellency the Pope!"

"No need for formalities. I believe everyone is wondering why I have summoned you all here today.

Recently, I heard some people saying that this Pope and the Holy Son are at odds, and that the Holy Son is outside to restrain me.

Today, I will tell you that these words are pure rumor. This Pope and the Holy Son have a harmonious relationship. Anyone who dares to spread gossip again will not be forgiven by me."

"Your subordinate dares not."

Everyone responded in unison, but in their hearts, they were cursing whoever was so careless. It was one thing to say such things behind closed doors, but how could the Pope have overheard them?

As for Bibi Dong's claim that she and the Holy Son had a harmonious relationship, no one believed it.

At this point, Xiao Chenlong had achieved his objective.

By making the elders and bishops of Spirit Hall believe that Pope Bibi Dong was within Spirit City, any appearance outside the city would undoubtedly be an impostor.

After everyone had left, Qian Renxue muttered to herself, "Sitting on this Pope's throne is truly comfortable. No wonder she was so willing to sit here."

"Power also means responsibility. Are you prepared to bear the fate of the entire Spirit Hall?"

Xiao Chenlong emerged from the shadows. He had been observing everyone's reactions just now.

Qian Renxue's performance wasn't bad. Several elders were clearly suspicious, but they didn't voice their doubts, obviously waiting to see what would happen.

Hearing Xiao Chenlong's question, Qian Renxue was slightly stunned.

Bearing the fate of the entire Spirit Hall was a heavy burden, something she hadn't truly considered.

"It's okay if you haven't figured it out yet. You can take your time. You have plenty of time, and Spirit Hall will eventually be handed over to you completely."

After saying that, Xiao Chenlong left. He, along with Little Monkey, transformed into common small animals and secretly investigated the situation of the various elders of Spirit Hall.

"Know yourself and your enemy, and you will win a hundred battles." For any force, intelligence is extremely important.

A few days later, Xiao Chenlong visited Ghost Leopard Douluo's home.

"Your Highness the Saint Son, when did you return?"

Ghost Leopard Douluo was quite surprised to see Xiao Chenlong. He couldn't help but think of Pope Bibi Dong, who seemed a bit off when he saw her in the Pope's Palace a few days ago.

"I've been back in Spirit City for some time now. Ghost Leopard Douluo, what do you think of Pope Bibi Dong?"

"This... I can't say. Your Highness the Saint Son, please don't make things difficult for me."

"I'm not making things difficult for you, but giving you a choice. I believe you understand what I mean."

"Could it be..."

"Some things are better left unsaid. I heard you have a hidden ailment, and I can help you."

"What!"

Before Ghost Leopard Douluo could react, Xiao Chenlong had already unleashed the power of the Horse Talisman on him.

"You can try now."

Ghost Leopard Douluo activated his Spirit Avatar. As expected, the discomfort he felt before was completely gone. He could confirm it wasn't an illusion; his hidden ailment had indeed disappeared.

"Your Highness the Saint Son, I..."

"You don't need to declare your allegiance. You just need to support the current Pope."

"Your subordinate understands. Thank you for your help, Your Highness the Saint Son. I am deeply grateful."

Xiao Chenlong nodded with satisfaction. Afterward, he visited Magic Bear Douluo and Spirit Kite Douluo. Through the intelligence he gathered, he successfully got them to switch their allegiance.

The legitimate claim of the real Bibi Dong as Pope had been completely dismantled by Xiao Chenlong.

She was currently unaware of this and was rushing back to Spirit City from the Star Dou Great Forest.

When she was close to Spirit City, the people he had arranged in advance immediately sent back the message.

Qian Renxue ordered the city gates to be closed. Then, Xiao Chenlong, Qian Renxue, Golden Crocodile Douluo, Qianjun Douluo, and Jiangmo Douluo all stood on the city wall to await Bibi Dong.