Qin Ming's Provocation

After Hu Liena left, Qian Yun sat on the swing. Come to think of it, he had tied this swing for her with his own hands.

In the past, when Hu Liena was still in Beast King Village, she was quite lonely and lacked playmates of her own age. That was why the village chief had tied a swing in that small courtyard, to make her feel less alone.

It was a pity that with that sudden accident, all the memories of the past seemed to have vanished along with the flames. Fortunately, however, Qian Yun had tied a swing for her here as well.

When it was first finished, although Hu Liena had complained about it with her words, she still liked to come and sit here whenever she had some free time.

It could be said that this seemingly ordinary swing held a special significance for Hu Liena.

However, with Hu Liena about to head off to live at the academy, this swing would likely be left in solitude for a long time once again.

Moreover, the place Hu Liena was going to—according to what Bibi Dong had said—did not seem all that friendly. Qian Yun was indeed a bit worried about whether Hu Liena might be bullied, but deep down, he still had confidence in her.

Until the sunlight faded and tiny stars hung from the branches, Qian Yun finally finished his idle sitting. He jumped off the swing and sat on the grass by the large tree, which was dampened by mist, closing his eyes as he let the bleak evening breeze blow over him.

He summoned his Spirit, and the Crown flickered in sync with the twinkling stars in the sky. With the appearance of the Crown, the spirit power around Qian Yun began to gather rapidly, surging into his body as if competing to be the first.

This was Qian Yun's method of cultivation: the cultivation of his Spirit. If one had a matching mimetic environment, the state of cultivation would undoubtedly be even better.

However, for ordinary Spirits, finding a suitable mimetic environment was truly too difficult.

But Qian Yun was different, because this starry sky was the best mimetic environment. It could be said that any place under the canopy of the stars was an excellent location for Qian Yun to cultivate.

In this state, the speed of Qian Yun's spirit power growth was several times faster than usual. However, it wasn't as if there were clear starry skies every night; if he happened to encounter overcast or rainy weather, the cultivation effect would be worse than just going to sleep.

The next day.

Qian Yun finally ended his night of cultivation. He casually shook out his hair, which had been dampened by dew, stood up to stretch his limbs, and walked toward his residence by the morning light.

Qian Yun's residence was not far from this large tree; he arrived after only a few steps, and he could even find ginkgo leaves that had drifted in with the wind by the window of his room.

After changing into clean clothes, Qian Yun asked the servant beside him while munching on bread spread with jam and drinking milk, "Did the Pope mention wanting to see me today?"

A servant with a towel draped over his forearm replied respectfully, "Yes, the Pope hopes to see you before lunch."

Hearing this, Qian Yun's eating motion paused. He glanced in the direction of where Hu Liena lived and shook his head, saying, "Alright, I will go."

He had originally thought about whether he should go and say goodbye to Hu Liena, but considering her personality, she had likely already left last night and certainly wouldn't have given him the chance to bid her farewell.

Qian Yun tilted his head back and finished the milk in his cup in one gulp; he really had no appetite left for the remaining bread.

"It's getting late. Help me prepare the carriage; I'm going to the Pope Hall now," Qian Yun stood up and instructed the servant.

"Yes."

Qian Yun arrived at the Pope Hall. At this moment, the weather was still slightly cool, and the sun had not yet parted the morning mist, but Bibi Dong was already there handling official business.

Looking at Bibi Dong on the throne, dressed appropriately yet still stunningly beautiful, one couldn't help but marvel at her diligence.

Qian Yun naturally would not speak up to disturb her, and Bibi Dong acted as if she hadn't seen him, continuing to grade that pile of reports on her own. Time ticked away second by second, and finally, Bibi Dong's brows furrowed slightly.

"Heaven Dou Royal Academy wants to engage in a friendly exchange with my Martial Soul Hall...?"

She looked at the Minister of Administration below the dais and asked as if to herself, "The Imperial Fighting Academy has always kept to itself and never interfered with the Martial Soul Hall. Why would they suddenly request a friendly exchange?"

Not far from Qian Yun, the minister, whose hair was already gray and whose figure was somewhat stout, hurriedly explained upon hearing this, "Uh, this proposal was put forward by a teacher at the Imperial Fighting Academy named Qin Ming."

Bibi Dong rubbed the rough paper with her fingertips and spoke indifferently, as if she had developed a shred of interest, "Continue."

"Yes." The minister reached out to wipe the cold sweat from his forehead and said:

"Qin Ming's argument is that the cultivation of Spirits should involve mutual exchange, with each side learning from the other's strengths to offset their own weaknesses. No party should hide their secrets, but rather engage in honest communication, so as to further promote the development of Spirit Masters across the continent."

"He also said..." At this point, the minister cautiously gauged Bibi Dong's still-calm expression before daring to continue, "He also said that since our Martial Soul Hall holds a leading position in the world of Spirit Masters, we should set an example and actively adapt to the development of the era, rather than remaining stagnant, lest we eventually... uh, sit and eat away our reserves..."

By the end, his aged voice was so faint that even Qian Yun, who was closest to him, could barely hear it clearly.

As his voice fell, the hall fell into a silence so profound one could hear a pin drop.

"Hmph."

With a soft snort, no emotion could be seen on Bibi Dong's calm face, and the minister immediately lowered his body even further.

Bibi Dong took one last look at the report in her hand, then flicked her finger, and it landed lightly onto the pile of reports that had already been reviewed. Her red lips parted slightly:

"Although this Qin Ming has a decent idea, he doesn't go and scold those aristocratic academies that hold onto their status, nor does he scold those sects with their doors bolted shut; instead, he comes to scold my Martial Soul Hall! Heh, if the current Martial Soul Hall can be considered 'sitting and eating away its reserves,' then are those sects and academies outside just guarding their coffins waiting to die!"

"Yes, yes!" Bibi Dong's calm words were like a great mountain pressing down on him, making it hard to breathe, and hearing this, he could only nod repeatedly.

After this small interlude, Bibi Dong threw herself back into the pile of reports she hadn't yet read.

The gray-haired minister still didn't dare to breathe loudly, and time passed second by second.

Bibi Dong put down the last report in her hand. The minister stepped forward to receive it with both hands, and finally, clutching the high stack of reports, he slowly backed out of the hall.

At this moment, she finally lifted her eyes and turned her gaze toward Qian Yun, who had been waiting for a long time below the dais. A smile gradually appeared at the corners of her mouth, "Xiao Yun, you've waited a long time. I've let you see your teacher make a fool of herself."

Qian Yun looked at her, "No, it was I who hindered Teacher from handling official business. I just didn't expect Teacher to start working so early; it truly makes me ashamed."

Bibi Dong leaned her upper body forward, revealing a glimpse of snow-white skin at her chest, reached out to smooth the hem of her skirt, and smiled, "You, you only know how to say sweet things. I don't know when you'll be able to share my burdens."

"Heh." Qian Yun scratched his head and smiled, "I will as soon as I can."

As they spoke, Bibi Dong had already walked down the high platform and arrived in front of Qian Yun, "Xiao Na left last night. Did you manage to say a proper goodbye to her?"

Qian Yun nodded gently, "I suppose so."

Seeing his expression, Bibi Dong knew what had happened. She raised her hand and patted his head, "Xiao Na has a strong personality, and you are also considerate of others' hearts. I don't need to comfort either of you any further."

"Mhm." Qian Yun tucked his slight disappointment deep into his heart. "What instructions does Teacher have for me?"

Bibi Dong leaned on her scepter, looking at Qian Yun's face as she walked at a measured, unhurried pace. "Originally, I had arranged for you to report to the Enforcement Team, but now you have a new matter to attend to."

"Oh? What is it?"

A glint of brilliance shone in Bibi Dong's eyes as she countered, "How is your current strength?"

Suddenly asked this, Qian Yun thought for a moment and replied candidly, "My current spirit power is level 23, but I am confident that I have no rivals at the same rank. Even against three-ring or four-ring opponents, I have the strength to put up a fight!"

Hearing Qian Yun's slightly arrogant words, Bibi Dong nodded in satisfaction. "Mhm, not bad. Since you have the confidence to remain undefeated, I can rest assured in entrusting you with the task of friendly exchange with the Imperial Fighting Team."

"Ah?" Qian Yun was stunned for a moment, then realized something. "Is Teacher angry?"

Bibi Dong shook her head. "No, such a trivial matter is not worth my anger; it is merely a pity."

Qian Yun was confused. "A pity for what?"

"It is a pity for a talent like Qin Ming!" As she spoke, the two had already boarded a carriage. Bibi Dong said to Qian Yun, who sat opposite her, "Do you remember when I said that the atmosphere in outside spirit master academies is corrupt?"

"Mhm, I remember."

Bibi Dong continued, "The atmosphere in outside spirit master academies is indeed corrupt; that is no lie. From the teachers to the students, most have no heart for cultivation and are distracted by other things.

"But this Qin Ming is an exception. Since he began teaching at the Heaven Dou Imperial Advanced Spirit Master Academy, he has proposed many insightful ideas. What is even more commendable is his willingness to put them into practice. To date, the Imperial Fighting Team has already undergone significant changes. He even assembled a formidable Imperial Fighting Team, all to display their brilliance in the future Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament!"

"Oh, it sounds like this Qin Ming is indeed a rare talent." Qian Yun had been listening back at the Pope Hall. Although he thought Qin Ming's ideas were somewhat naive, he had to admit that being able to bring about so many changes to the Imperial Fighting Team meant Qin Ming was indeed a talent.

"Qin Ming is indeed a standout of the Imperial Fighting Team, but that is as far as it goes! His ideas are too naive; he has not considered the difficulties of the current reality at all. If these were proposed during a time of peace, they might be feasible, but unfortunately..." Bibi Dong shook her head, giving her assessment of Qin Ming.

"Then what does Teacher want me to do?"

Bibi Dong smiled, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Qin Ming prides himself on his progressive philosophy and wants to engage in an exchange with my Martial Soul Hall. We shall grant his wish and let you have a real, head-on clash with his students. Once you win, he will naturally shut his mouth obediently."

Qian Yun finally understood Bibi Dong's intention. Knowing the weight of his responsibility, he nodded firmly. "Since Qin Ming dares to provoke us and even spoke disrespectfully to Teacher, I will definitely make him realize who is the one truly wasting their potential!"

Watching his adorable, motivated expression, Bibi Dong couldn't help but pinch his cheek. "Well said. That is how my disciple should be."

At this moment, the carriage finally came to a stop. Qian Yun followed Bibi Dong off the carriage and arrived at the dining room, where a simple yet nutritious breakfast was already laid out on the table.

"Won't you eat something?" Bibi Dong, sitting at the head of the table, gestured to Qian Yun.

"Uh..." Looking at the bread on the plate—the same kind he had for breakfast—Qian Yun, already familiar with its dry taste, glanced at the beautiful and alluring Bibi Dong. Suddenly, he felt his appetite return and sat down immediately. "Alright, as it happens, I haven't eaten breakfast yet."