Hu Liena's Breakthrough

Ling Xiao spent a night reviewing the list of spirit beasts.

He finally narrowed down several suitable spirit beasts.

The next morning, Ling Xiao finished a round of basic spear techniques.

Hu Liena's shout came from outside.

"Junior Brother! Junior Brother! Big news! I've broken through! I've broken through to level thirty Soul Grand Master!"

Before her voice even faded, Hu Liena rushed in.

Her face was filled with excitement and pride.

She had been stuck at level twenty-nine for some time.

Finally, in the early hours of this morning, she broke through the threshold of level thirty, officially entering the Soul Grand Master realm!

"Congratulations, Senior Sister, on successfully breaking through to Soul Grand Master."

Ling Xiao looked at her overjoyed expression and congratulated her sincerely.

"Heh heh, amazing, right!"

Hu Liena proudly lifted her chin.

Then, as if remembering something, she asked nervously:

"Right, what about you? Have you broken through?"

"Don't tell me you haven't broken through yet!"

She said this, but her eyes were full of anticipation.

Ling Xiao raised an eyebrow and said calmly:

"Unfortunately, yesterday afternoon, I just broke through to level twenty."

"What?!"

Hu Liena's eyes widened, and she let out a wail of despair.

"No way! You monster!! You broke through before me!"

"I thought I could be ahead of you just once!"

Despite her wailing, there was no jealousy in her eyes.

"Alright, Senior Sister, stop howling."

Ling Xiao said with a smile.

"We agreed before that we would go hunt for spirit rings together, and now that we've both broken through."

"Let's go to the Pope Palace together to ask Master for instructions on this matter."

"Right! Exactly!"

Hu Liena snapped back to reality, grabbed Ling Xiao's arm, and excitedly walked out.

"Let's go, let's go! We're going to see Master now! Master will definitely be very happy when she knows we've both broken through!"

Ling Xiao was pulled along by her, shaking his head helplessly.

He didn't break free either, letting her pull him towards the Pope's Main Hall.

Inside the Pope's Main Hall, Bibi Dong sat on her throne.

When she heard the announcement of two disciples seeking an audience outside the hall, a hint of a smile flashed in her eyes.

She said calmly, "Let them in."

Ling Xiao and Hu Liena walked into the hall side by side and bowed in unison:

"Disciples Ling Xiao/Hu Liena pay respects to Master."

"Rise."

Bibi Dong looked at the two of them, her gaze sweeping over them, and she captured the change in their aura after their breakthroughs.

The corners of her mouth curved into a smile. "Judging by your appearances, you've both broken through?"

"Reporting to Master, your disciple has not disappointed you and has already broken through to level twenty."

Ling Xiao responded first, his tone respectful.

"Master! Your disciple has also broken through to level thirty Soul Grand Master!"

Hu Liena chimed in eagerly.

"Good, very good!"

Bibi Dong nodded with a smile.

"Your cultivation progress has surpassed most geniuses. I am very pleased."

She hadn't expected them to spur each other on and grow to this point.

Especially Ling Xiao, at the age of seven, reaching level twenty Great Soul Master, this talent was inferior even to her own in her youth.

"Thank you for your praise, Master."

Hu Liena was the first to look up and speak to Bibi Dong:

"Master, we've come today because we have something to ask for your instruction."

"Both Junior Disciple and I have broken through and need to hunt for new spirit rings."

"We wish to go to the Star Dou Forest together to hunt for spirit rings and gain some experience. We ask for your permission, Master."

Bibi Dong nodded slightly upon hearing this:

"This matter is naturally permissible. Approved."

Joy lit up in their eyes, and they heard Bibi Dong continue, her tone carrying a hint of apology:

"However, the Martial Soul Hall is currently establishing branch halls across various regions and clearing out evil spirit masters. I am tied up with numerous affairs."

"I cannot accompany you on this trip."

The joy on Ling Xiao and Hu Liena's faces faltered, disappointment flashing in their eyes.

They had both hoped Bibi Dong would personally lead them.

Not only would their safety be more assured, but their Master could also personally vet their spirit ring choices.

As the Pope of the Martial Soul Hall, holding the largest power on the continent, Bibi Dong was indeed too busy with state affairs to accompany them every time.

"Disciple understands. Master is busy with important matters; we were inconsiderate."

Ling Xiao regained his composure and expressed his understanding.

Hu Liena also quickly nodded: "Yes, Master, you focus on your work. We can go by ourselves!"

"I am already a Soul Elder now, and I can definitely protect Junior Disciple!"

Bibi Dong looked at her two sensible disciples and smiled:

"You two little ones, even if I don't go, I won't let you venture out alone."

"I will arrange for Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan to accompany you to the Star Dou Forest."

"This will ensure your trip is foolproof."

Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan, a level ninety-five attack-type Titled Douluo, was one of Bibi Dong's most trusted confidants.

With him accompanying them, let alone the outer regions of the Star Dou Forest, even venturing deep within would be enough to guarantee their safety.

With a Titled Douluo personally leading the expedition, there were indeed no safety concerns for this trip.

"Thank you, Master!"

They both responded in unison.

"Alright, you may both leave."

Bibi Dong waved her hand, her tone gentle.

"Go back and pack. You will depart in three days. I will personally make arrangements with Yue Guan."

"Do not rush the selection of spirit rings. It is better to have none than to settle for less. Do you understand?"

"Disciple understands!"

The two then turned and exited the Pope's Main Hall.

The hall doors slowly closed, the lively atmosphere dissipated, and quiet returned.

The gentle smile on Bibi Dong's face slowly receded, replaced by the majesty and coldness of the Pope.

She pressed a mechanism beside the throne and spoke indifferently: "Summon Yue Guan to see me immediately."

Not long after, Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan strode into the hall.

He bowed respectfully to Bibi Dong, his tone deferential:

"Greetings, Your Excellency the Pope. May I know why you have summoned this subordinate? What are your orders?"

"What is the progress on establishing branch halls across the regions?"

Bibi Dong's voice was clear and cold, devoid of any emotion.

Yue Guan quickly replied:

"Replying to Your Excellency, currently, thirteen new branch halls have been established within the Heaven Dou Empire, and eight more within the Star Luo Empire."

"They have all been successfully set up and have begun recruiting spirit masters from the surrounding areas."

"However, the Upper Three Sects have been obstructing us in secret, slowing down the progress of establishing many branch halls."

At this point, Yue Guan's tone carried a hint of caution.

Bibi Dong merely let out a cold snort, not showing anger:

"They have always been adept at these petty, underhanded tactics. Ignore them."

"Continue to push forward with the establishment of branch halls. Anyone who dares to obstruct them, eliminate them directly. Show no mercy."

"Yes! This subordinate understands!"

Yue Guan immediately responded, his heart relaxing with a sigh of relief.

"I have summoned you today because there is an even more important matter to entrust to you."

Bibi Dong's tone turned serious.

"Three days from now, Hu Liena and Ling Xiao are to head to the Star Dou Forest to hunt for their third and second spirit rings, respectively."

"You are to follow them personally and protect them both, ensuring that this trip is foolproof and that not a single mistake occurs."

Yue Guan bowed to accept the order:

"This subordinate obeys! Please rest assured, Your Eminence!"

If this mission were completed successfully, it would naturally be a great merit.

But if even the slightest error occurred, he would undoubtedly be unable to bear the consequences.

Bibi Dong continued.

"You must personally oversee the selection of their spirit rings; do not let them go down the wrong path."

"Especially for Ling Xiao—his cultivation talent is one that is rarely seen in a century. Do you understand?"

She specifically emphasized Ling Xiao, her care for him overflowing in her words.

"This subordinate understands!"

Yue Guan solemnly accepted the command.

"Very well, you may go."

"Make your preparations in advance. Depart in three days, and do not let any slip-ups occur."

Bibi Dong added one final instruction.

"Yes! This subordinate takes his leave!"

Yue Guan carefully backed out of the Pope Palace.

The hall returned to silence once more.