Bibi Dong's Heart Was in Turmoil as They Entered Spirit Hall

The two stayed together for a long time, until the sun was about to set. Only then did Ban Shu reluctantly leave Bibi Dong's embrace.

"By the way, Sister Dong'er, I'm going to Spirit Hall tomorrow to study with my teacher. I might not have much time to spend with you from now on."

Ban Shu stood up, straightened his clothes, and spoke to Bibi Dong.

At that, Bibi Dong's eyes dimmed for a moment. Then she curled her lips into a forced smile.

"Of course. Xiao Ban, now that you've become His Holiness the Pope's personal disciple, you'll definitely be busy. It makes sense that you won't have time for someone as unimportant as me..."

Seeing how openly disappointed Bibi Dong looked, Ban Shu suddenly laughed. "I was just teasing you, Sister Dong'er."

"I already asked my teacher, and he agreed to let you come with me to Spirit Hall. We can study together and improve together."

As he spoke, Ban Shu raised his hand and gently stroked her cheek. Bibi Dong looked at him in confusion. "How could I ever leave you behind?"

"..."

Caught off guard by Ban Shu's flirtatious gesture, Bibi Dong's cheeks instantly turned red. But she quickly realized that the little rascal had tricked her.

"Oh, so you dare trick your big sister!"

Bibi Dong immediately reached out with both wicked hands, grabbed Ban Shu's cheeks without mercy, and started stretching them from side to side. "I'll teach you to make fun of me!"

"Ah! That hurts! I was wrong, Sister, I was wrong!"

Ban Shu struggled to get up and escape, but he was only a child who had just awakened his Martial Soul. There was no way he could match Bibi Dong, an official Soul Master who had already obtained her First Soul Ring.

Before long, Bibi Dong had pinned him across her lap, leaving him unable to move.

They played around for a while, only stopping when they were both panting with exhaustion.

At that moment, Ban Shu seized his chance and darted away, escaping Bibi Dong's clutches.

"Sister Dong'er, I'll head back and pack my things. See you tomorrow at Spirit Academy!"

Watching Ban Shu flee with all his might, Bibi Dong suddenly smiled. "That little rascal."

She took a deep breath, patted her flushed cheeks, and began muttering to herself. "I actually got flirted with by a six-year-old brat? Honestly..."

The next day, Ban Shu was packing his belongings in his room.

He didn't have much, just a few everyday clothes. He packed them up in a few minutes, then turned and left the room.

Ban Shu picked up his bundle and walked out of the orphanage.

A carriage was already waiting outside. The person driving it was yesterday's Cardinal, Li Yan.

"Your Eminence."

Ban Shu walked up and greeted him with a polite nod.

Li Yan smiled kindly. "No need to be so formal, little Ban Shu. My name is Li Yan. Just call me Uncle Li."

"All right, Uncle Li."

Ban Shu nodded. "You can call me Xiao Ban. No matter what, I'm still a junior. It's only right."

"All right, Xiao Ban."

Li Yan smiled and nodded. His good impression of the Pope's disciple grew even stronger.

Approachable, humble, and composed—this boy had the makings of a Titled Douluo!

"All right, it's getting late. Hurry up and get in. Don't keep His Holiness waiting too long." Li Yan lifted the carriage curtain and let Ban Shu climb inside.

"Okay."

Ban Shu nodded and stepped into the carriage. Then he turned to take one last look at the orphanage that had taken him in for six years.

From now on, I'll become the strongest person in this world. I swear!

After silently making his vow, Ban Shu climbed into the carriage.

"Hold on tight!"

With that, Li Yan urged the horses on, galloping toward Spirit Hall.

"By the way, Uncle Li."

Ban Shu lifted the curtain. "Could we stop by Spirit Academy? My big sister, Bibi Dong, is coming to Spirit Hall with me. My teacher already agreed."

"No problem!"

Li Yan immediately changed course and headed toward Spirit Academy.

The carriage belonged exclusively to Qian Xunji. It was not only extremely fast but also equipped with a Soul Tool that kept it steady, making for a very comfortable ride.

The fact that they had sent this carriage to fetch him showed just how highly they valued him. If Qian Xunji hadn't been tied up with official business, he would have come himself.

With Li Yan, a Cardinal, there to help, everything went smoothly once they arrived at Spirit Academy.

As soon as the academy's director saw that their visitor was a Cardinal, he became exceedingly respectful. He personally attended to Li Yan's requests and didn't dare neglect a thing.

Normally, students of Spirit Hall weren't allowed to come and go as they pleased. But in this case, Li Yan and Ban Shu had good reason.

Ban Shu even had a token from the Pope. The director naturally didn't dare slight him and prepared to welcome him with the highest honors.

Ban Shu simply declined. He was there to wait for someone, not to be entertained.

"Xiao Ban, everything's taken care of. Just wait here."

Li Yan came out of the academy and spoke to Ban Shu beside the carriage.

"All right, Uncle Li."

Ban Shu nodded and waited quietly beside the carriage.

Before long, a graceful figure slowly emerged from the school gates. Ban Shu couldn't help smiling and waving.

"Sister Dong'er, I'm over here!"

Bibi Dong immediately hurried over to Ban Shu with a light, skipping step and opened her arms. "Xiao Ban, I'm ready!"

"Sister Dong'er, where's your luggage?"

Ban Shu looked around and saw nothing beside Bibi Dong. He couldn't help finding it strange.

"Oh, I live in the academy dormitory. I don't have anything valuable. I can buy toiletries later."

"All right."

Ban Shu nodded, then pointed at Li Yan. "This is Cardinal Li Yan. Just call him Uncle Li."

"Okay!"

Bibi Dong eagerly pulled Ban Shu into the carriage, then leaned out and smiled at Li Yan. "Uncle Li, we're ready!"

"Mm."

Seeing how lively the children were, Li Yan smiled without even realizing it. He nodded and climbed into the carriage.

"Hyah!"

The carriage moved quickly, and before long they had arrived in Spirit City.

Bibi Dong was curious about everything around her. She kept peering out at the sights, her eyes full of wonder.

Ban Shu, on the other hand, felt no particular emotion. He sat quietly, thinking about the path ahead.

Since he had awakened Divine Steed Ban, he would certainly follow the powerful attack route. Most likely, the Soul Skills he acquired would be those kinds of abilities.

"Peerless Under Heaven..."

Ban Shu raised his head, a smile curling his lips. Just thinking of that skill made him a little excited.

When the time came, he'd show the Douluo natives what it meant to be invincible!

"We're here."

While Ban Shu was lost in thought, Li Yan had already entered Spirit Hall. With the Pope's verbal order, they had passed through without a hitch.

"This place is magnificent."

Looking at the towering, splendid Spirit Hall from the carriage, Bibi Dong couldn't help exclaiming in admiration.

"It is."

Even Ban Shu couldn't help marveling. Spirit Hall was truly rolling in money. The decorations, the palace—tsk, they were rich.

"I can't accompany you any farther. His Holiness the Pope wants to meet with you privately. Follow this road straight ahead, and you'll reach the Pope Palace."

As he spoke, Li Yan lifted the curtain and motioned for the two of them to get down. "As for your luggage, don't worry. I'll wait here for you."

"Thank you, Uncle Li."

Ban Shu helped Bibi Dong out of the carriage and gave Li Yan a grateful nod. Then he exchanged a glance with Bibi Dong, and the two headed forward.