Bibi Dong gazed at Qian Yu, who stood before her full of vigor, her beautiful eyes sparkling.
"Four continents... uniting the faith of the entire world."
Bibi Dong murmured softly, her voice full of shock and admiration:
"Brother Yu, even Grand Pontiff probably couldn't imagine the scope of your plans.
If that day really comes, Spirit Hall will reach heights of glory it has never known."
Qian Yu turned around, cupped Bibi Dong's breathtaking face in both hands, and said earnestly:
"It won't be Spirit Hall's glory. It'll be ours.
Dong'er, once I ascend to godhood, I'll find you a Godhood Inheritance,
and take you with me to the Divine Realm, where we'll become a true pair of immortal lovers."
Qian Yu certainly wasn't going to let that madwoman, the Rakshasa God, come after Bibi Dong.
With Bibi Dong's aptitude,
even without Qian Yu's help, she would have a good chance of becoming a god in the future.
Bibi Dong's eyes reddened, and she nodded firmly, her gaze turning resolute:
"All right!
For your sake, I'm determined to claim the position of Pope!
I'll clear every obstacle in Douluo Continent for you and gather faith energy!"
Qian Yu chuckled and drew Bibi Dong into his arms:
"There's no rush. We have to take things one bite at a time.
Let's return to Spirit City first and report on Heaven Dou City to our teacher.
Besides, I should head to the Elder Hall and carefully choose a group of trusted subordinates to handle the search for new continents overseas."
Bibi Dong rested against Qian Yu's chest and replied softly:
"Mm. I'll do whatever you say."
The next morning, outside Heaven Dou City.
Dugu Bo led Dugu Xin briskly over to Qian Yu.
"Lord Qian Yu, Your Highness."
Dugu Bo bowed respectfully:
"I've brought my son. I've also dismissed the staff at our residence in Heaven Dou City. We're ready to set out at any time."
Qian Yu nodded slightly and glanced at Dugu Xin.
Earlier, Qian Yu had used petals from the Fragrant Silk Tulip to suppress the poison in Dugu Xin.
Afterward, Dugu Bo had found him a Soul Bone to store the poison.
Dugu Xin was doing much better now.
"Since everything's been arranged, let's get in the carriage.
The journey back to Spirit City is long. We can slowly treat the residual poison in your bodies on the way."
Dugu Bo looked grateful and bowed deeply:
"Thank you for giving us a new lease on life!
From now on, my life belongs to you!"
Qian Yu waved a hand, then led Bibi Dong into the carriage at the front.
"Let's go. Back to Spirit City."
Spirit City.
In front of Spirit Hall's plaza.
Qian Yu was the first to step down from the carriage. He turned and helped Bibi Dong down.
"Dong'er, take Dugu Bo and his son to Pope Palace first.
Hand over the details about Heaven Dou City and arrange somewhere for them to stay."
Qian Yu gave her the instructions softly.
Bibi Dong nodded obediently and asked gently:
"All right. What about you?"
"I'm going to the Worship Hall to see my teacher."
"Mm. Go ahead."
They parted in front of the plaza.
Bibi Dong took Dugu Bo and his son straight to Pope Palace.
Qian Yu turned and headed for the Worship Hall alone.
A solemn, sacred aura filled the Worship Hall.
Beneath the enormous Angel God Statue, a tall, elderly figure stood quietly with his hands behind his back.
"Teacher, I'm back."
Qian Yu stepped forward and bowed slightly.
Qian Daoliu slowly turned around. A rare, pleased smile appeared on his stern face:
"Yu'er, I've heard all about what happened in Heaven Dou City.
You defeated Yu Yuanzhen and Tang Tian in succession.
You've made Spirit Hall's might resound far and wide. You did well."
Qian Yu remained composed and answered without fawning or false modesty:
"You flatter me, teacher. I merely seized the opportunity to establish our authority.
Besides, I also brought Dugu Bo into Spirit Hall."
A flicker of surprise crossed Qian Daoliu's eyes:
"Dugu Bo?
That Old Poison has always been unruly. Neither empire could recruit him, yet you managed to make him submit?"
"I cured the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Poison in him and his son. I also helped him break through to Titled Douluo, so naturally he was willing to serve."
Qian Yu smiled faintly.
"Dugu Bo is peerless in group combat. If war breaks out in the future, he'll make an excellent blade."
Qian Daoliu nodded approvingly, then frowned slightly:
"Yu'er, it's good to be farsighted.
But you've revealed too much of your edge this time. The two empires and the Upper Three Sects will surely be on their guard against you."
Qian Yu chuckled, his gaze sharpening:
"And what if they are?
In the face of absolute strength, every precaution is futile.
Teacher, I came to see you this time to discuss Spirit Hall's plans for what comes next."
"Oh?"
Qian Daoliu raised an eyebrow.
"Go on."
Qian Yu looked straight into Qian Daoliu's eyes and said gravely:
"Teacher, I'd like access to all the classified records in the Worship Hall concerning ancient ruins and Soul Tool technology.
I also need your approval to draw on some of the Worship Hall's resources."
Qian Daoliu was taken aback, puzzled:
"Soul Tool technology was lost long ago, and most of those ancient ruins are useless rubble.
Why go to the trouble of looking for them?"
"To go to sea."
Qian Yu answered without hesitation.
"To sea?"
"That's right."
Qian Yu's eyes shone as he spoke with certainty.
"Douluo Continent is too small.
I'm going to recover the lost Soul Tool technology, build giant ships that can cross the deep sea, and search for other continents across the ocean!"
Qian Daoliu's pupils contracted sharply. He stared in shock at the disciple he had watched grow up:
"Other continents?
Yu'er, your ambition... just how great is it?"
A haughty smile curved Qian Yu's lips. His words rang out with conviction:
"Teacher, my goal is to plant Spirit Hall's flag in every corner of this world!"
A long silence fell over the Worship Hall.
Qian Daoliu gazed at his bold disciple, a complicated light flickering in his eyes.
He knew full well that Qian Yu wasn't content to follow the same path he had.
He wasn't content to spend his whole life trapped beneath the Angel God Statue, becoming a Grand Pontiff who could only pave the way for others and look up at the gods.
What Qian Yu wanted was to become a god himself!
After a long while, Qian Daoliu let out a breath, and a genuine smile spread across his stern face.
As a teacher, he didn't blame Qian Yu. On the contrary, he fully supported his decision.
After all, there was no reason Qian Yu had to inherit the position of Grand Pontiff.
Once his son, Qian Xunji, eventually stepped down as Pope, he could take over as Grand Pontiff instead.
But if Qian Yu really found another path, successfully kindled divine fire, and ascended to godhood...
Wouldn't that mean Spirit Hall—and even the Qian Family—could have two gods at once in the future?!
At the thought, Qian Daoliu couldn't help feeling a surge of excitement.
"Good!
What a fine ambition—to plant your flag in every corner of the world!"
Qian Daoliu burst into laughter. His voice boomed through the vast hall like a bell.
"Yu'er, I'm deeply gratified that you have such ambition!"
Qian Yu smiled faintly:
"So, teacher, you agree?"
Before you continue