Inside Pope's Hall, Bibi Dong gazed at Xiao Chen, and an impulse stirred faintly within her. She could hardly wait to test their compatibility with him.
But as the Pope, she couldn't bring herself to ask.
Besides, Xiao Chen's level was too low. The vast difference in their Soul Power meant that attempting a Martial Soul Fusion could very well injure him.
So Bibi Dong put the idea aside.
From that day on, however, Xiao Chen's daily training gained a new, regular task.
Whenever he was in Spirit City, he had to sit quietly with Bibi Dong each day and meditate together for an hour.
"Xiao Chen, you can gradually build compatibility with Xie Yue and Yan. But remember: unless your life is in immediate danger, never reveal to outsiders that you can form a Martial Soul Fusion Skill with multiple people."
Bibi Dong's expression turned solemn as she gave him the stern warning.
"I understand, Teacher." Xiao Chen knew how important this was.
Bibi Dong then turned to Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo. "From now on, the two of you are to follow Xiao Chen and make sure nothing happens to him!"
"Yes, Your Holiness the Pope!" Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo answered in unison.
At first, Bibi Dong had only planned to have Chrysanthemum Douluo protect Xiao Chen in secret. But now, she felt that Xiao Chen didn't need to go out of his way to gain experience at all.
As long as he grew up safely and without a hitch, he would surely change the balance of the entire Douluo Continent—and might even influence the Divine Realm.
She was already beginning to regret sending Xiao Chen and Hu Liena's group to compete in Soul Fighting in the major cities of the two empires.
But if I force Xiao Chen to stay at Spirit Hall, I might constrain his nature and affect his state of mind. Besides, he's gotten along very well with Nana and the others these past few days. Letting him travel farther, witness the many sides of the world, and experience the warmth and coldness of human relationships might help him grow in that regard! Bibi Dong thought to herself.
With that in mind, Bibi Dong asked, "Xiao Chen, do you think it's better to stay at Spirit Hall and focus on your cultivation, or to travel and train outside?"
She still wanted to hear what Xiao Chen thought.
Hu Liena watched Bibi Dong and noticed that ever since Xiao Chen had arrived at Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong's cool detachment—the air that kept everyone at a distance—had faded considerably.
Teacher used to be so decisive. She would never have asked someone else's opinion over such a small matter.
But Teacher seems so much warmer and more approachable now. Perhaps she was always kind at heart; it's just that her position as Pope and the countless constraints she bears have forced her to maintain that cold, aloof manner that warns others to keep their distance. Hu Liena mused to herself.
Hu Liena especially liked this gentler, more approachable side of Bibi Dong.
She had been orphaned when she was very young, and she and Xie Yue had wandered from place to place with no one to rely on. She had never known the warmth of family.
After she entered Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong had carefully nurtured her, sheltered her beneath her wings, and given her protection and support.
Though Bibi Dong could be strict, everything she did was for Hu Liena's own good.
In Hu Liena's heart, Bibi Dong was no longer merely a teacher who imparted knowledge and skills. She was more like a beloved family member—a mother.
As Hu Liena was lost in thought, Xiao Chen replied, "Teacher, I don't think there's much difference between staying at Spirit Hall to focus on cultivation and traveling outside to train. But I do want to explore the world beyond and see more of it."
"Very well!" A faint smile touched Bibi Dong's lips as she nodded in agreement. "Elder Ju and Ghost Elder will be accompanying you. You don't mind, do you?"
"Of course not." Xiao Chen answered with an easy grin.
Three days later, Chrysanthemum Douluo changed into the refined, proper attire of a butler, bought a luxurious carriage, and quietly left Spirit City with Xiao Chen, Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan.
Ghost Douluo did not appear to accompany them. Hidden from sight, he silently followed behind the group.
After leaving Spirit City, Xiao Chen and the others headed south. Their first destination was Heaven Dou City.
Chrysanthemum Douluo had let Xiao Chen choose their route. As soon as Xiao Chen got his hands on the map, he immediately spotted Sunset Forest.
The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was in Sunset Forest. It was a must-visit spot for any transmigrator, so of course Xiao Chen wanted to see it.
So their first stop would be Xilu City, south of Spirit City. From there, they would cross the Hagen Dazs Kingdom and the Silves Kingdom before entering Sunset Forest.
After leaving Sunset Forest, Xiao Chen also wanted to visit Jialing Pass. It was the main battlefield of the final battle later on, and since it was along their route, he naturally wanted to take a look.
In the carriage, Xiao Chen pretended to meditate, but his consciousness had already entered the System Space.
"System, I should be able to use heavenly treasures directly, right? They don't have age restrictions like Spirit Rings, do they?" Xiao Chen asked.
"Host, you seem to be getting smarter!" the System Spirit teased cheekily.
Xiao Chen was speechless. He had been thinking of getting a few heavenly treasures to speed up his Martial Soul Evolution, but apparently he'd just been getting his hopes up for nothing!
"Host, don't always look so glum. There aren't any heavenly treasures in this world. The things you're thinking of are, at best, weeds containing a little spiritual energy," the System Spirit continued.
Xiao Chen's eyes lit up. "So you have something better?"
"Of course!" the System Spirit replied proudly, then showed Xiao Chen what it had.
With a wave of its little hand, a treasure catalog appeared before Xiao Chen.
It had even noted which treasures suited each person.
For Hu Liena—Celestial Fox Immortal Lotus, Moon Illusion Heart-Calming Grass...
For Xie Yue—Immortal-Slaying Jade Flower, Starfall Blade Heart Fruit...
For Yan—Blaze Fire Crimson Lotus, Holy Fire Ganoderma...
It had even listed the heavenly treasures suited to Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo.
"Wait, why are they all suited to other people? What about me?" Xiao Chen asked in confusion.
System: "They're just external aids. You don't need them at all, Host!"
Xiao Chen: "..."
"System, I suspect you're picking on me!"
System: "Host, don't slander this system!"
Xiao Chen gave up. There really was nothing he could do about this lousy system.
"So how do I get these treasures?" Xiao Chen asked.
He couldn't refine these Immortal-grade Spiritual Materials himself, but they would make excellent gifts for Hu Liena and the others.
Xiao Chen knew very well that using a treasure produced by the system was like obtaining a ticket to break through the constraints of this world's rules.
The System Spirit smiled. "It's simple. As long as you can perform a Martial Soul Fusion Skill with them, you'll get the corresponding treasure. The higher your compatibility, the better the quality of the treasure!"
"So I can choose a treasure for Hu Liena now?" Xiao Chen asked.
"You can!" The System Spirit nodded. "But have you figured out how you're going to give it to her?"
Xiao Chen pondered for a moment, then smiled. "Looks like I absolutely have to visit the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well!"
The weeds there were useless to him, but they would make the perfect excuse.
If he ever brought out rare fruits and treasures in the future, he could simply say he'd found them there. It would sound completely reasonable, and no one would suspect a thing.
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