Replacing Her

The one who had unleashed the Beast Tide was naturally Ah Rou. Though she could not command many Spirit Beasts now, it was more than enough to create a small-scale Beast Tide.

Only after the Titan Giant Ape and Sky Azure Bull Python returned safely did Xiao Chenlong finally breathe a sigh of relief.

"Da Ming, Er Ming, we need to find another place."

At that moment, a little girl in pink with braided hair threw herself into Ah Rou's arms. It was Xiao Wu.

Now that Ah Rou's fate had been rewritten, whether Xiao Wu would still meet Tang San was anyone's guess.

After withdrawing from the core region of the Star Dou Great Forest, Bibi Dong began settling scores.

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

"Your Excellency the Pope, the situation was critical at the time. We withdrew the Martial Soul Fusion Skill in our desperation to evade the attack."

"Hmph, is that an excuse? Because of you, the operation failed. Once we return, I certainly will not let you off lightly."

The surviving Soul Douluos did not even dare breathe too loudly, afraid that Bibi Dong would notice them and reprimand them as well.

A scolding would have been one thing. They feared Bibi Dong might go mad and kill them.

Pope Bibi Dong's mercurial temperament was no secret within Spirit Hall.

Meanwhile, Xiao Chenlong and the others had arrived in Spirit City. Upon seeing Qian Daoliu, Qian Renxue could not help but throw herself into his arms.

Qian Renxue truly had not seen Qian Daoliu for a very long time.

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

"Grandfather missed Xue'er too."

"Hmph, you don't miss me at all. Otherwise, why didn't you come see me even once?"

Qian Daoliu was left unable to answer. He truly had never gone to see Qian Renxue. As the Great Enshrined of Spirit Hall, he could not casually leave the Worship Hall.

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

Xiao Chenlong watched from the side, idly petting Little Monkey without saying a word.

After comforting Qian Renxue for a while, Qian Daoliu finally turned his gaze toward Xiao Chenlong.

"Xiao Long, as your teacher, I have wronged you too."

"Teacher, there is no need to say that. Let us discuss the important matter instead. Bibi Dong absolutely cannot remain Pope any longer. She will only lead Spirit Hall into the Abyss."

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

With Qian Daoliu's support, everything became much easier. They had someone bring Qian Renxue a set of papal robes to change into, then she used a Spirit Bone to disguise herself. A lifelike "Bibi Dong" appeared before them.

However, Qian Renxue was still rather inexperienced, and her temperament differed greatly from Bibi Dong's.

"You need to imitate Bibi Dong's bearing. You do not need to be too convincing; being half as convincing will be enough. Two days should be sufficient for you."

The two days passed in a flash. The Elders and Bishops serving in Spirit Hall within Spirit City all received notice to gather at the Pope's Palace.

Everyone discussed the matter among themselves, unable to understand what had happened.

Those who knew Bibi Dong had already left Spirit City were even more puzzled. They had not received any news that Bibi Dong had returned.

At that moment, "Bibi Dong" entered and took her seat upon the Pope's throne.

"Greetings, Your Excellency the Pope!"

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

Recently, I heard people saying that this Pope does not get along with the Holy Son, and that the Holy Son's activities outside the city are meant to restrain me.

Today, I shall tell you all that this is nothing but a rumor. This Pope has an excellent relationship with the Holy Son. Whoever dares wag their tongue again, I will not spare him."

"We would not dare."

Everyone answered in unison, while cursing inwardly. Whoever had been so careless? Saying such things in private was one thing, but how could they have let the Pope hear it?

As for Bibi Dong's claim that she had a harmonious relationship with the Holy Son, not a single person believed it.

At this point, Xiao Chenlong had already achieved his objective.

He wanted Spirit Hall's Elders and Bishops to believe that Pope Bibi Dong was in Spirit City. In that case, the one outside the city had to be an impostor.

After everyone had left, Qian Renxue muttered to herself, "Sitting in the Pope's seat really is comfortable. No wonder she is so willing to sit here."

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

Xiao Chenlong emerged from the shadows. He had been observing everyone's reactions the entire time.

Qian Renxue's performance had not been bad. Several Elders had clearly become suspicious, but none of them spoke up. They were obviously waiting to see how things unfolded.

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

Bearing the fate of all Spirit Hall was a rather weighty statement. She had truly never considered it.

"It is fine if you have not figured it out yet. You can think about it slowly. You still have plenty of time. Sooner or later, Spirit Hall will be entirely entrusted to you."

After saying that, Xiao Chenlong left. Together with Little Monkey, he transformed into common little animals and secretly investigated the circumstances of Spirit Hall's various Elders.

Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. For any force, intelligence was an extremely important thing.

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 could not help thinking of the somewhat strange Pope Bibi Dong he had seen at the Pope's Palace a few days ago.

"I returned to Spirit City some time ago. What does Ghost Leopard Douluo think of Pope Bibi Dong?"

"This... I cannot say. Your Highness the Saint Son, please do not put me in a difficult position."

"I am not putting you in a difficult position. I am 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 chronic ailment. I can help you."

"What!"

Before Ghost Leopard Douluo could react, Xiao Chenlong had already activated the Horse Talisman's power on him.

"You may try it now."

Ghost Leopard Douluo used his Martial Soul Avatar. Sure enough, the discomfort he had felt before had completely vanished. He could confirm that it was not an illusion—his hidden ailment had truly disappeared.

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

"There is no need for you to state your position. You only need to support the current Pope."

"This subordinate understands. Thank you for your assistance, Your Highness the Saint Son. I am immensely grateful."

Xiao Chenlong nodded in satisfaction. Afterward, he visited Magic Bear Douluo and Spirit Kite Douluo as well. Through the intelligence he had gathered, he successfully made them take sides again.

As for the real Bibi Dong, Xiao Chenlong had thoroughly dismantled the legitimacy of her position as Pope.

Yet she still knew nothing about it and was currently hurrying from the Star Dou Great Forest toward Spirit City.

When she was about to return to Spirit City, the people arranged in advance immediately sent word back.

Qian Renxue ordered the city gates shut. Then Xiao Chenlong, Qian Renxue, Golden Crocodile Douluo, Qianjun Douluo, and Jiangmo Douluo all stood atop the city walls, waiting for Bibi Dong.