Golden Crocodile Douluo's Investigation

Xiao Chen's breakthrough to the twenty-fourth rank stirred a faint sense of urgency in Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan. They still remembered Bibidong's earlier warning: if their Spirit Power levels were caught up to by Xiao Chen, they would be sent for hellish training.

Yan and Xie Yue were both spurred into action. Just as the two were about to sign up for a battle of their own, Chrysanthemum Douluo suddenly spoke: "Yan, Xie Yue, you two go apply for new battle tokens as well."

"Once you and Xiao Chen have thoroughly meshed and grown familiar with each other's combat styles, the four of you will form a team and enter group battles—four against seven!"

Yan and Xie Yue's eyes lit up at this. Spirit Hall had allowed them to participate in solo and duo battles, but they had never been permitted to join group battles.

Their teamwork and practical experience had mostly come from internal training within Spirit Hall.

Whether it was sparring against each other, drills with instructors, or small-scale life-or-death assessments, the intensity had always surpassed that of the arena's group battles.

But a four-versus-seven match would ramp up the difficulty.

After all, the arena had no age restrictions like the Continental Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament.

As long as all participants' Spirit Power fell within the same tier range, they could register to fight, with no further limitations.

Under normal circumstances, group battles were seven-on-seven. If one side had an extra person, the opponent would certainly object, but if they were three short, no one would refuse.

"Xiao Chen, when you join the group battles, your code name will remain 'Absolute String,' and you may only use your bow spirit during combat!" Chrysanthemum Douluo said, turning to Xiao Chen.

"Understood!" Xiao Chen nodded.

Chrysanthemum Douluo continued: "Keep using your 'Mystic Spear' identity as well. Don't neglect solo matches, duo matches, or group battles."

"Mm!" Xiao Chen replied. Close-quarters combat was one of the system's training tasks, so he naturally wouldn't give it up.

"You have these three days to do as you please; three days from now, we'll go together to see the Pope. Your subsequent training tasks and goals will be personally arranged by Her Holiness," Chrysanthemum Douluo added.

With that, Chrysanthemum Douluo left the Great Spirit Arena.

After Yan and Xie Yue received their new battle tokens, they participated in a duo match together, and then the four of them left the arena to continue exploring Spirit City.

It wasn't until evening that the four returned to Spirit Hall.

Yan and Xie Yue usually stayed in the Spirit Hall Academy dormitories.

Watching Xiao Chen and Hu Liena walk side by side into the Pope's rear hall, Yan's heart was filled with envy.

"Ah, Xie Yue, brother, do you think I still have a chance?" Yan sighed.

"You idiot, you've got time to think about that now? I can't be bothered with you." Xie Yue shot Yan a glare. "It's still early; I'm going to do extra training!" He dashed off toward the academy's training grounds.

Yan hurried after him, shouting, "Wait for me! I'm coming for extra training too!"

On the other side, under Hu Liena's guidance, Xiao Chen had already returned to his residence.

It was an independent pavilion, separated from the Saintess Hall where Hu Liena lived by only a single wall.

"Little junior brother, if you lack anything or need anything, just instruct the maids. I live right next door, so if anything comes up, you can come find me directly," Hu Liena said softly.

"I appreciate Senior Sister's concern." Xiao Chen cupped his hands calmly, his tone courteous.

A gentle smile curved at the corner of Hu Liena's lips, her gaze tender: "Why be so formal with your senior sister? You're the little junior brother; it's only right that I look after you. No need for such politeness."

As she spoke, Hu Liena stepped closer, a faint, elegant fragrance wafting over.

The girl's features were already stunning—brows like paintings, skin like polished jade, her eyes carrying a moving warmth.

So close now, Xiao Chen's heart faltered for a moment, struck by her breathtaking beauty.

He quickly steadied himself, silently thinking: Steady, steady. This is the Douluo Continent, not a romance continent. I can't be as spineless as the system.

System: "..."

"Host, you're trying to use me as a scapegoat again!"

Xiao Chen ignored the system. He took half a step back, then spoke warmly to Hu Liena before him: "Senior Sister, it's getting late. You should rest early too."

Hu Liena smiled sweetly. She first called over the two maids waiting outside the door, gave them a few instructions, then waved at Xiao Chen and walked out of the room.

After Hu Liena left, the two maids inside stepped forward, their expressions respectful and gentle. One of them asked softly, "Young master, it's late. Would you like to retire for the night?"

Xiao Chen nodded in acknowledgment.

The two immediately moved to remove his outer robe, then began tidying the bed.

Xiao Chen, who had always handled everything himself, had never received such treatment.

He admitted that both maids were quite beautiful, but Xiao Chen was a man of principle. He gently signaled for them to withdraw, telling them to return to their own rooms and rest, with no need to continue serving him here.

Outside the pavilion, Hu Liena hadn't gone far. Seeing the two maids leave the room, a faint smile immediately appeared on her face.

She stood quietly for a moment, and only after the light in Xiao Chen's room went out did she turn gracefully and return to the Saintess Hall.

Inside the room, Xiao Chen did not immediately go to sleep.

First, he sat in meditation, calming his mind for an hour to stabilize his Spirit Power.

Then, he ran through the process of developing his spirit abilities, slowly completing three full cycles, fully harmonizing and gathering his aura, before finally resting.

Over the next two days, Xiao Chen won two consecutive solo matches under the identity of 'Mystic Spear,' securing a three-match winning streak.

With his clean, sharp, and decisive combat style, along with the uniquely eye-catching double white Spirit Rings, the identity of 'Mystic Spear' had already gained a reputation in the Great Spirit Arena, accumulating considerable popularity.

Of course, the 'Absolute String' identity was no slouch either.

His duo combination with Hu Liena performed even more brilliantly, finishing both matches within tens of seconds.

Even though their opponents knew Xiao Chen and Hu Liena's fighting style, they still couldn't defend against it.

Hu Liena's mental control was too strong; below level forty-five, even with advance preparation, it was nearly impossible to resist.

Even if they weren't controlled immediately, they suffered severe interference and couldn't handle Xiao Chen's arrows at all.

The Great Spirit Arena had already concluded that any Soul Ancestor duo below level forty-five was no match for the 'String Fox Duo.'

Yan and Xie Yue hadn't been idle either; their duo had also achieved a three-match winning streak.

Inside the main hall of the Hall of Elders, a tall, imposing elder draped in a gold robe with silver patterns stood silently before a figure in black robes.

"Golden Crocodile, sir, the investigation is complete. The Pope's newly accepted disciple is named Xiao Chen, from a small village near Suotuo City. He has been alone since childhood and has never been in contact with any faction!" the black-robed man reported.

Golden Crocodile Douluo nodded, signaling the Black-robed Steward to continue.

"Xiao Chen's first spirit is a Wooden Bow. He once made a move in a small town outside the Star Dou Forest. Both of his spirit rings are white, and his strength far exceeds his level. With distance between them, even a level-thirty Soul Venerable might not be his match!" the black-robed man continued.

"Oh?" Golden Crocodile Douluo immediately showed interest.